Bought a copy of this evil magazine after a long break mainly because I wanted to find out more about the new Nanoha movie. But, alas, it seems to be an alternative history rather than animating the A’s to StrikerS era. Expect disappointment, no doubt.
I’ll leave the review of this 100th issue and its posters to Shingo (though his latest Megami magazine review, at the time of this post, is for Megami 98, I’m sure the backlog will be vanquished in no time!). This post focuses on the Memorial Book; it’s a nice summary of the beautiful girl anime series that Megami magazine has been big on from 1999 (the birth of the genre?) to the present.
1999 was kind of a sabbatical year for me in terms of watching anime. It’s got some famous series but none of which I watched in 1999 itself or remember clearly enough to comment about.
What I can say is that, in 2000, I was really pumped up about anime in general again and the credit goes to Love Hina. And the Megami headline for this year agrees too. I think of this series a lot less kindly now because I really hated the manga which I read later. Since then I’ve not thought much of Ken Akamatsu. But now perhaps I really should praise the series for making the best out of the irritating two steps forward, one and half steps back pace of the manga.
No such ambiguity about Azumanga Daioh. Loved both the manga and the anime though I thought the anime added an interesting angle that wasn’t in the comics with an episode focusing on Nyamo and Yukari’s BGR blues which was a nice parallel and ‘adult world’ contrast to the Chiyo Six’s transition from high school to further studies.
2001 amused me with the fun but forgettable Galaxy Angels; I *still* haven’t seen any of its sequels. Except for an OP because of the Keep Out dance meme. You’re Under Arrest: Second Season was pretty disappointing; I didn’t like the rookie and it needed MOAR yuri. Much MOAR yuri. But then again it didn’t feel as preachy and sanctimonious as Full Throttle. The best part of which was the ED.
The series of 2001, for me, was Mahoromatic. A brilliant blend of action, meido and non-OTT ecchi humour. But the evil genius of this series was kicking the viewer in the nuts at the end of every episode with ‘Time left until Mahoro’s system shuts down. XYZ days’, giving every trivial slice-of-life detail a huge dose of significance and gravitas.
It sure brings back memories. I was exceptionally fond of Mahoromatic, and you are right to say that it had an appeal because of its episodic tale of ecchi humour and such ending with a haunting reminder of the days left for Mahoro.
It’s a bittersweet feeling seeing series you loved get old and dated. Although now that I think about it, I didn’t really like that many anime series before I started blogging anime.
The Sojourner, of course there was the WTF sequel that made Season 1 even more precious…
Kabitzin, then again there are also some series that you look back on and can say: ‘That still sucks ass big time, man!’ LOL
I loved Season Two’s Booby Attack.
Love Hina and Mahoromatic were instrumental in my anime revival. Looking back now, Love Hina isn’t that great but it’d always have a special place in my heart. Shinobu needs an OVA!! XD