5 Fall series to catch – Stripey's pick
It looks like I wouldn't be reaching for that Spring/Summer stash soon given the promising Fall series I've previewed so far. Here's 5 series I'd be catching in ascending order of love.
5. Kannagi (Seen 1 ep) - Mahou ~miko~ shoujo FTW! While the premise is not all that compelling (yet), I'm intrigued mainly by the Nagi-Jin interactions and curious about the direction their relationship would take. Of course I can't wait to see the birth of Idol Nagi and will pay a kidney (Zyl's kidney - since he got me started on the series) to be at her concert (See also superbly animated OP.)
4. Toradora (Seen 2 eps) - Though initially cautious given that the premise is loaded with cliches, I dropped my guard by the end of ep 2. It would have been easy to go overboard with Taiga tsundere violence or a clumsy/shallow handling of adolescent love that plagues the harem scene. Instead, the audience is treated with well-placed character/relationship developments and a sensitive take on teenage love. The execution for the initial 2 eps has given me much hope for a sweet romance built on the solid foundation of strong characterisation and intuitive interactions. And oh, I absolutely understand why Ryuuji is in love with Kushieda. She's the kind of girl I have crushes on in high school too!
3. Clannad After Story (Seen 3 eps) - Frankly I wasn't impressed with Clannad and that's huge coming from a devoted AIR and Kanon fan. Don't get me wrong, I utterly adore the KyoAni execution. It's the KEY script, I feel, that's weighting down the show. I'm not sure how After Story would be better than its predecessor in this aspect but so far I'm loving every min of KyoAni's anointed touch. Just to add. No one, NO ONE does imouto-moe like KyoAni.
2. Ga rei ~ Zero (Seen 2 eps) - Most shocking opening ep since Soukou no Strain. My jaw had to undergo restorative surgery after it smashed onto the floor as the credits for ep 1 rolled up. To be honest, I wasn't very impressed with GR-Z initially. The conduct of 1st mobile division's assault was laughable. Given their haphazard battle formation and arcs of fire, I was surprised they weren't shooting each other in the backs or taken out in 1 explosion. The subsequent Natsuki bike-fu was nice but way over-the-top. (The tyre-track sutras were a good touch though.) However, all my criticisms on how the animators/writers have little/poor concepts on tactical ops were thrown out of the window in shocking final mins of the first ep. My reaction to ep 2 was similar given that I was groaning about how dumb and unwieldy suitcase-firearms are but those grouses were quickly forgotten with what quickly unfolded after. Gripping stuff. In mostly for the story and cliffhanger ends though.
1. To aru majutsu no Index (Seen 3 eps)
"Would you go as far to hell with me?" That was the most memorable line after 3 eps of ToAru (I'd have to admit I understood very little of ep 3 given that I've seen it raw). There are many things to love ToAru for - beautiful animation, intriguing premise, inspired direction etc but the one thing that stood out was endearing characters. I absolutely love Index and kudos to JC Staff for bringing such a beautiful soul to life. The observant would have noticed that my favourite line in the series (thusfar) was preceded by a very kind but resigned look by Index. It suddenly hit me then that this jolly, seemingly clueless girl was not at all oblivious to her circumstances. She bore a terrible destiny and wished no one to be part of it. It was a rhetorical question which she knew the answer and accepted with kindness. This was reinforced by the fact that she returned to recover her headgear so as not to further involve Touma. A Kotori-class loli!! And what great direction to grant such consistency and depth to a character within a short span of 2 eps. I have high hopes for ToAru and will be looking forward to more Index goodness weekly.
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October 19th, 2008 - 11:49
So, how did you collect yourself after Sunohara Mei’s Oniichan attack?
October 19th, 2008 - 12:36
He didn’t. His wife logged onto the computer to type this post up, since hubby Stripey is currently splattered all over the room after Mei-chan’s attack.
October 19th, 2008 - 13:45
hmm, that sort of explains why this post smelled a little different.
October 19th, 2008 - 14:56
I am watching so many different things this season it’s not even funny. I don’t disagree with anything on your list, but one other series that I’m really enjoying is Yozakura Quartet. Somewhat similar in concept to Rental Magica, but the characters are much more likable and enjoyable.
October 19th, 2008 - 16:09
Oo yummy list. All the shows you’ve listed are definitely up there for me too. I’d suggest checking out Kurozuka, Mouryo to Haku and Michiko to Hatchin as they are winners. Quality stuff here!
October 19th, 2008 - 20:13
Damn, Stripey, why haven’t you blogged about After Story episode 3? That episode broke me like no other anime episode ever had.
October 19th, 2008 - 22:02
I was skimming thru a few episodes of gai zero. Looks great but too bad for some reason the subs dont come out for my player.
October 20th, 2008 - 00:57
Pretty much the same as me, cept I also have Ef-a tale of melodies on my list and no Ga-rei…
Ga-rei zero is just too damn serious. I guess I really can’t survive 20 minutes of anime without a single punchline or gag =.=
October 20th, 2008 - 04:50
Echoing the request for After Story 3 as stated above. :O
Otherwise a wonderful list; I’ve seen all except Ga Rei, which I probably should pick up and start. Index is becoming quite intriguing, but so far I still have to rank it: Nagi > Taiga > Index.
But this is quite subject to change.
October 20th, 2008 - 08:10
ToAru is just great, and I’m currently suffering withdrawal syndrome coz there’s still no episode 4 (and I sort of infected my oniichan with it too lol)! XD Any time soon now, I’m gonna read the novels and satisfy my craving *___*
Index > ToraDora > Kannagi for me at this point… Ga-Rei is… something I still don’t know where to place atm. Every episode seems all gimmicky to me, and I don’t really think I’m following it for the “right” reasons =/
October 20th, 2008 - 17:19
Boo, Stripey, I’d have expected at LEAST a Planescape/D&D reference about Kannagi, especially pertaining about Gods and worship (or, rather, LACK of it — American Gods by Gaiman and Small Gods by Pratchett should be big enough clues. ;P).
October 20th, 2008 - 19:07
I’m up to date with 4 of these titles and I have yet to watch first episode of Ga rei ~ Zero but it’s on my plan to watch list so I will definitely catch up with it (I hope it wont turn out to be disappointment). I absolutely agree with these choices for this fall season. My problem is that I have more series I want to watch + I have university + so many good games releases this month + day has only 24 hours and I can’t go below 5h of sleep per day.
I wonder how far you are with Akane-iro ni Somaru Saka but I hope you didn’t give up on Yuuhi a “bishoujo-megami”
. So far the 3 episodes I saw provided me with a lot enjoyment despite somewhat a clich
October 20th, 2008 - 19:30
Kannagi (Seen 3 ep) -
The mixture of bits from Kamichu!, Spice & Wolf, and Wagaya coupled with the marvelous animation make this entertaining. Episode 3 turns this in a less romancey direction though … but it is still quite a nice way to spend 30 minutes.
Toradora (Seen 3 eps) – They’ve blasted through the tsundere cliches in two episodes and moved us immediately to the more rarely done center of a relationship. Also Taiga is really a different creature than the characters she keeps getting compared with. I love it (and the Taiga/Ryuuji saga) so far.
I just hope they don’t fall into an easy rut with Toradora. Ep 3 seemed to do that a bit (at least til the end sequence).
Clannad After Story (Seen 0 eps) – I didn’t *dislike* Clannad. I just never got enthralled. I am collecting this series… but it’ll wait for a rainy day.
To aru majutsu no Index (Seen 0 eps) – this looks like it might be interesting but no one is subbing it I think.
Still watching Hyakko… but it isn’t quite catching my “gotta have it” hook.
Otherwise, I’m dropping series left and right (Akane, Kemeko, etc).
Still watching Soul Eater though…
October 20th, 2008 - 20:19
I am getting an epic vibe from GaRei-Zero. I still have to wait and see couple more episodes, but this series has potential to be something special.
October 20th, 2008 - 21:08
Dear Stripey. Clannad AFTER STORY is going to excite your siscon nature.
October 20th, 2008 - 21:35
Stripey: ‘Ware of saying such in front of Haesslich, as he’s liable to blow a gasket at the handling of ToraDora so far. He’s already made his opinion QUITE clear on the matter. I guess rushing through 1 novel in two episodes plus cutting out important scenes THEN putting in filler in the 3rd and (upcoming) 4th episode, plus delaying the introduction of the final lead will do that…
October 21st, 2008 - 01:19
Oi, Zaku where got kidney for you to sell one?
And you didn’t even watch After Story until Kurogane blogged about Ep 3!
October 21st, 2008 - 09:46
maglor/Haesslich: Heh, I’m just busy lately. Siscon society (Loli-imouto branch) had HUUUGE influx of new members over the last 2 weeks. Plus we inaugurated a new patron deity – Sunohara Mei.. busy busy busy… XD
Icteridae: Heard a little abt Quartet. Will be giving it a shot. Thanks for the headsup!
Ivy: Woot! More anime goodness to explore! Will certainly check those out! Thanks!
Matthew: LOL! Me too. I thought I couldn’t be anymore siscon than I already man. I realised I was wrong XD
crimson: Hmmm that’s odd. I use media player classic and it shows up fine
Vin-nii: I’m keen on ef too since I enjoyed very much its predecessor, at least one of the arcs. XD
Crisu: Give Ga Rei a shot
It’s not for everyone but so far the execution has keep me going back for more…
usagijen: *Hi-fives* The more I rewatch ToAru, the more I’m certain it’s the best of the season. Everything about it is top notched. And yeah I know your concerns about Ga Rei, it’s mainly using cliffhangers to suck us in right now. Hope the plot lives up to its superb execution thusfar.
Myssa Rei: I hope to do a D&D post for Mei’s moe attack ala Shiori’s in Kanon.
Kain: A pat on your back too for great picks!
As for Akane.. I’m not very optimistic given what I seen 2 eps. The voice-acting is excellent but the character interaction isn’t tight and the animation quality seems subpar for a 2008 series 
I’ll probably give if another shot if I hear it improves down the road. 
Vexx: I heartily rec ToAru. You’d love Index. She’s not just the run-of-mill Feena-loli lookalike. She permeates innocence, kindness and longsuffering all at the same time. Boy I can’t remember when I was so excited about loli-bishoujo XD
The Sojourner: Ep 3 helped me attain siscon-nirvana XD
Myssa Rei: heh that’s probably why I tend to avoid source material and try to enjoy what the anime has to offer first
It’s looking good so far even if it’s rather predictable 
Zyl: Hmm I’m not sure your oil filter will fetch as a good price or not XD Yeah have Kurogane to thank for!
October 21st, 2008 - 14:27
For more Index goodness you should check out Rainbow Spectrum, the website of the Magical Index novel illustrator, Kiyotaka Haimura. There’s a clearly marked out area for Index-Librorum-Prohibitorum related works, with one section per light novel volume. You can see Haimura’s production sketches for the characters of each novel, and each section has a thumbnail at the top you can click to view the (often astounding) cover illustration. Get psyched up for the next episode by looking at some art!
(Haimura has also done a lot of loli hentai work so you may want to stay away from the non-Index sections of his site if you want to be safe for work.)
As for the Index show itself, it’s as awesome as you say. I’ve done a bit of reading ahead and forum lurking (although my lack of Japanese fluency does get in the way) and it seems that the story manages to trick perceptions and exceed expectations a lot – seen in the anime from the very first scene where Touma’s intervention in the punks-bothering-girl scene is intended to save the punks.
As you’ve said, Index is more than just a Potemayo-style clingy greedy moeblob. You’ll also find that Mikoto is more than just a Guchuko-style beamspamming tsundere moeblob. Stiyl and Kaori are nowhere as villainous as they first appear, and your initial perception of Index’s inability to use magic will be very different after a few chapters.
Even the Accelerator, the white-haired boy who “accelerates” the steel beams toward Touma in the opening, despite being Touma’s opposite in terms of powers and character design, turns out to be a lot like Touma himself – down to the fact that they both have a special girl to protect, and will both give up something important to protect that girl. Everyone and everything in Index is “more than you initially expect”.
I can’t say enough good about Index. Most of the awesomeness is due to the source material of course, but you have to give J.C.Staff credit for the adaptation too. It’s an Azumanga-perfect match between material and studio – it’s as if absolutely everything that was good about J.C.Staff was present in the show.
October 21st, 2008 - 15:56
I’m enjoying Index and Clannad so far, but my pick for the season is definitely ef. Then again, I’m completely biased towards it >_>
October 21st, 2008 - 19:01
Ah stripey, perhaps I can find out from you which subgroup are you gracing for ga rei zero?
Thanks!
October 21st, 2008 - 20:40
Stripey: And we know you all inducted Tomoya as your new head priest, yes. His reaction to Mei by twisting around himself and INSISTING she call him ‘oniichan’ in public did that.
And the worst part about the ToraDora show for me so far? It wasn’t supposed to be predictable… which was part of the fun; it was different. It wasn’t about overt violence, except in verbal attacks and intimidating glares of doom.
I’m rather surprised that J.C. Staff’s doing Index as well, though – since Sixten’s praised its faithful adaptation of the source material as Azumanga-level. Why oh why wasn’t the Index team on ToraDora?
October 22nd, 2008 - 04:44
Vexx: You’re hurting my feelings! *pl0nk*
Seriously now, Toaru Majutsu no Index is subbed by Eclipse and AoShen. Within 24 hours after airing.
And just for the record, while I do enjoy the Index-Touma relationship, the character I’m _really_ looking forward to seeing more of is the Railgun Misaka Mikoto. There is a sub-manga of the Index universe, “To Aru Kagaku no Choudenjibou”, concentrating on her. I hope that we’ll see alot of Kuroko-Mikoto-Touma antics in the anime aswell ^_^
Stripey: If you’re still on your sisterly wincest fetish, you should keep an eye on AkaneIro!
October 22nd, 2008 - 07:33
Haesslich: Magical Index, with its balance of action, comedy, heartful moments, and moeblob power, has “J.C.Staff please animate me” written all over it. If J.C.Staff gets one show right this year, I would rather it be Index than anything else. And the Azumanga quality, in the cuteness, heart, humor, and faithfulness, isn’t coincidental – it’s directed by Azumanga’s director, Hiroshi Nishikiori. Carl Kimlinger on Anime News Network has called Index “the first time since Azumanga that both his (Nishikiori’s) direction and his source material have consistently exceeded expectations.” And he’s right! It also helps that Index has the best budget of any J.C.Staff show in a long time.
J.C.Staff is inconsistent in quality, but they still do the best shows on earth. You know, it’s just like Summer 2007 when everyone was griping (with reason) about the failure of The Familiar of Zero 2 – but the best show of the year, Potemayo, was being aired at the same time by the same studio. So I’ll understand if you complain about Toradora or Nodame Paris (the curse of the J.C.Staff sequel?), but keep in mind that the J.C.Staff that brought us Azumanga, Honey and Clover, Mahoraba, and Little Snow Fairy Sugar is still alive and well – and Index, like Potemayo before it, is the proof.
And even given the numerous failures in their track record, when it comes time to animate a heartful moeblob comedy such as Hanamaru Kindergarten or Koi Cupid, I would want J.C.Staff in charge of the adaptation at all costs.
October 22nd, 2008 - 08:54
Stripey, nothing on Ef and yuuko’s “Oniichan” attack?
October 23rd, 2008 - 03:38
Watch Hyakko too.
October 24th, 2008 - 22:50
Mei is a force to be reckon with. Wars will end, peace will spring, famine will banish, and creme crepes will rain from the sky!!
October 26th, 2008 - 14:34
I am absolutely shocked there is not the slightest mention of AkaneIro with its heavy siscon implications, although I’m sure Stripey is about as tired of siscon comments as Rupert Holmes about Pina Coladas.
October 29th, 2008 - 07:30
Sixten: Ah now I’m looking fwd to Index more than ever! Indeed the cast is a major reason why I’m enjoying the show some much. Of course Index looking like Loli-Feena surely helps! XD
ETERNAL: Saw ep 1 of ef – Good stuff. May just oust toradora out of my top 5 list.
crimson: sMi
Haesslich: Ah the reasons why I don’t like Taiga articulated.
While I enjoy the rest of the cast tremendously, extreme Taiga tsuntsun is poor use of airtime. Generic tsundere acts is not character development as many studios would like to believe. 
Mentar: Am on ep 2 of AkaneIro actually. Haven’t seen much siscon tension yet but the relatively low production values is weighing on my enjoyment of the show a little XD As for Index, I’m actually looking fwd to more Kuroko goodness. I blame the twin tails
Xellos-_^: Ohhh I picked up ef based on your comment. Can’t. wait. for. Yuuko “onii-chan” attacks. Not blood related heightens the excitment XD
Kairu Ishimaru: Saw 15 min of it. Had Manabi Straight vibes. Not sure I’ll be catching it though
EvilDevil: Who said man can’t live on imouto-moe alone? XD Give that bro a crepe!
Rhine: Heh, I’m much happier when folks label me siscon as opposed to lolicon. The latter in my country can earn me stripes on my butt XD Anyhow I’m still ambivalent about AkaneIro since it felt kind of stale in the first 2 eps. I’ll give it another ep and hope Kotori-esque imouto can convince me to stay on
October 29th, 2008 - 11:23
Speaking of little sisters, Mikoto from Magical Index has
1) her younger twin (referred only as Misaka-Imouto as far as I’ve read),
2) the Last Order, her little sister who looks about 10 years old,
3) Kuroko, who isn’t her biological sister but calls her onee-sama nevertheless.
(Telling you the true nature of Mikoto’s sisters would be a spoiler.)
Now all we need is for Touma to have a little sister! (I guess Index does kind of fill that role, and also counts as a “sister” in the religious-order sense of the word…)