Hyouka 5 ~ sometimes I feel restless when I see you

Intense contrast as the storm clouds part.

Episode 5 ends Hyouka‘s initial arc. I was extremely pleased with the way everything came together in the end. Nevertheless this is yet another post about how great this series looks.

AKB0048 2 ~ DES Attack!

The DES try to stop the music.

In episode 2 of the idol action adventure series of the season, AKB0048, the hopeful recruits meet some new friends, but their cruiser is attacked. Also tensions between potential rivals threaten to break the group apart.

Hyouka 3 ~ a conclusion beyond my imagination

That awkward moment when you realize you already drank the last sip of coffee.

Hyouka continues to impress visually. KyoAni truly defines the top tier of animation production quality. The great news is that episode 3 of Hyouka gives us some solid development on the over-arching mystery behind the episodic mysteries of the first two episodes. The characters also have grown on me.

Accel World 4 ~ I guess this is my punishment

Kuroyukihime watches over her own shoulder as tragedy strikes.

I was thinking about Accel World episode 4 today, while crossing the street (and trying to avoid being hit by a car). This episode is quite impressive in a way. It could almost pass for the perfect third-to-last episode.

AKB0048 1 (first impressions) ~ the fabulousness is truly unforgettable

Idols fighting the police with laser swords? This is only the beginning.

In a future where fabulousness is outlawed, who will fight for our right to entertainment? AKB0048, that’s who. AKB0048 are the spiritual successors to J-Pop sensation AKB48. AKB0048 is also the name of the last series to air of the Spring 2012 anime season. This is a Science Fiction series in which idol band AKB0048 fights against government prohibitions forbidding entertainment. Our perspective is that of some young fans, who are inspired by the groups fabulousness, and seek to join them. This adds a helping dose of tween rebellion that fits the basic theme of fighting for the Freedom of Expression quite well.

Hyouka 1 ~ I’m Curious!

What happens when KyoAni tries their hand at the Mystery genre? We're about to find out.

Hyouka is a new series for the Spring 2012 season. In a season that is already loaded with very promising works, it is almost difficult to believe a work that is this anticipated is just beginning. Hyouka is being produced by the [in]famous Kyoto Animation studio. KyoAni is famous for their abundant talent in creating gorgeous animation, but they have tended to focus on moe shows, and thus their brand is polarizing. Hyouka is supposed to have elements of Mystery, but do KyoAni have what it takes to deliver a real Mystery? Are they destined to turn Hyouka into a moe-infused school life show?

Moretsu Pirates 16 ~ did you forget that we’re pirates?

Captain Marika Katou prepares to have a difficult conversation in the gun room.

Episode 16 of Mouretsu Pirates (Bodacious Space Pirates) continues the pattern established in this series. The earlier episodes built up to this episode in which the Yacht club fills in for the hospitalized crew of the pirate ship Bentenmaru, but when the job is over, an emergency dealing with a possible traitor in their midst, and a kidnapping are exposed.

Sakamichi no Apollon 2 ~ monkey in the middle

Nothing beats a live Jazz performance. From left to right: Ri'ko's dad (bass), Sentarou (drums), "Brother" Jun (trumpet).

Episode 2 of Sakamichi no Apollon (Kids on the Slope) is finally here, bringing us more of that crazy action, but, as Kaoru learns, you don’t always get the kind of action you were expecting. This episode opened up several avenues that will be interesting to see explored.

Tasogare Otome x Amnesia 2 ~ I harbor no regrets or grudges

Another visually compelling episode.

I hadn’t intended to blog Tasogare Otome x Amnesia (Dusk Maiden of Amnesia), but last week’s episode was so interesting that I just had to do so. Still, I intended to let it be, but this episode was packed with interesting visual ideas, so I can’t help but comment.

Uchuu Kyoudai 3 ~ why do I feel so embarrassed now?

Cough, please.

In episode 3 of Uchuu Kyoudai (Space Brothers), Mutta Namba is subjected to a number of examinations that leave him feeling humiliated in more way than one. We also get a proper introduction to Serika Itou. The episode had a couple of genuinely amusing moments, and pushed through the majority of the week-long series of examinations that a candidate for JAXA’s space program needs to pass.