Board 8 > Anime & Manga Topic 177: Winter is coming... But can we skip to spring?

(+) Yeah! (+)

voltch posted...

Made in Abyss is ok so far.

Not sure I'd put in the same rankings as something like Magus Bride or Owarimonogatari S2.

It has a few more eps to rise up the rankings, not sure if Violent Evergarden counts as 2017 or 2018. Haven't seen it yet, but MAL lists it as 2017.

I didn't even realise Inuyashiki had an anime out.

Only read bits n pieces of the manga, but did they cover the part where what's his name kills all the online trolls? That was roughly when all the crazier shit started to happen.

Inuyashiki covered the whole manga

Violent Evergarden is Winter, but it's another Netflix fuck up so you're gonna have to pirate it.
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pyresword posted...

Land of the Lustrous

I agree that a coming of age story for Phos is probably the best way to view what we have as a complete story, but:

1. I only view this as chapter 1 of Phos' character arc anyways. I don't see this as being totally conclusive even for just her character, though it is I admit noticeably moreso than just randomly ending somewhere or something.

2. I think there's enough material here making it clear that the story as a whole is about a lot more than just Phos' character

Also just to comment on the memory loss, I don't view character development induced by memory loss as real character development at all. At that point it's just effectively a different character in my eyes. The only reason I was sort of okay with it by the end is that I was able to convince myself that the memory loss didn't actually have a significant impact on her personality shift. I don't know if that was the intent or not, but it is definitely the interpretation which maximises my enjoyment of the series.

No direct spoilers, but,

There are much more thorough and expanded up themes regarded the notion is "self" later in the series, and memory is a huge part of that.
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By later in the series do you mean in the anime or past the point where the anime ended?
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Later in the series for sure, but tons after the anime ends.

Sorry, the way you were talking I assumed you had finished.
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I feel like the memory loss aspect of LotL was pointless. You can get rid of that and the series will be almost exactly the same. It looked like they were going to do something with it when they had Phos forget about Cinnabar, but then she immediately remembered anyway. It felt like one of those things in long series where it's important in the early parts and the author probably has grand plans for it, but then later the author realizes it's a dumb idea and only mentions it briefly later on when it's absolutely necessary.

Anyway, finished the show. Not sure when it was supposed to get particularly great? I do definitely feel like the second half was better, since Phos went from being a lamer to being a cool dude, but it didn't really blow me away. The CGI was almost the neatest aspect of the show? It definitely wasn't perfect, and I've liked several CGI shows before (I enjoyed Sidonia and Arpeggio more than this), but while those shows had some animation moments where CGI was necessary and great (the ship battles in Sidonia), they're heavily flawed. LotL looked consistently good, and made me feel like this style might be the future of the anime medium for the first time. I think I agree with Roba about the Lunarians being the worst part of the show. I hated their designs and just didn't find much with them to be very interesting.
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LapisLazuli posted...

Later in the series for sure, but tons after the anime ends.

Sorry, the way you were talking I assumed you had finished.

No I had. I just wasn't sure if you were saying "it happens after the anime" or "you saw it in the anime and didn't notice it".

If it happens later then that's fine. There's a reason why my initial post was just "it doesn't feel finished" without saying anything more substantial.
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pls no CGI anime

lets just outsource everything to cheap Chinese contractors even if they look like shit
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plot twist chinese anime use tons of cg
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Or I can just watch it later.
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rip in peace anime

I can confirm Chinese anime is mostly CG when they aren't doing work for Japanese studios
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Mac Arrowny posted...

I feel like the memory loss aspect of LotL was pointless. You can get rid of that and the series will be almost exactly the same. It looked like they were going to do something with it when they had Phos forget about Cinnabar, but then she immediately remembered anyway. It felt like one of those things in long series where it's important in the early parts and the author probably has grand plans for it, but then later the author realizes it's a dumb idea and only mentions it briefly later on when it's absolutely necessary.

Well, again, the series continues past the anime. It's an absolutely cruscial part of the story.
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GranzonEx posted...

pls no CGI anime

lets just outsource everything to cheap Chinese contractors even if they look like shit

Land of the Lustrous makes all of Howliners garbage look like fucking horse shit.

I would have little issue with a massive influx of CG anime if it looked like LotL.
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Incidentally LtM: Orange is a 100% CG studio. LotL is the first anime they've produced themselves - they usually help with other anime. Work on the anime only started two years ago, if that (that was when the director was first scouted for the project).
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I never really liked the CG in LotL. It didn't look bad, but I always felt it was inferior to what it would have looked like with traditional animation or whatever it's called.
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I can accept CG anime Berserk if it meant it would force Miura to draw 4 chapters
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Land of the lustrous

For me its less of the memory loss and more of what the memory loss seems to represent within the confines of the show. I dont think it would come to a surprise to anyone that I prefer base pho. But I was okay with the changes because it happens as the show is moving and because they happen with key story moments.

Also the greatest aspect of sindonia as a whole was the sound . Possibly the best sound direction in anime overall.
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pyresword posted...

I never really liked the CG in LotL. It didn't look bad, but I always felt it was inferior to what it would have looked like with traditional animation or whatever it's called.

You know i thought this too but I started to watch it in like my headset and its like damn this looks really good its like a completely different experience
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pyresword posted...

I never really liked the CG in LotL. It didn't look bad, but I always felt it was inferior to what it would have looked like with traditional animation or whatever it's called.

Did you see the link I posted earlier?
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Mac Arrowny posted...

Incidentally LtM: Orange is a 100% CG studio. LotL is the first anime they've produced themselves - they usually help with other anime. Work on the anime only started two years ago, if that (that was when the director was first scouted for the project).

Yeah, that's all what I figured.
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KokoroAkechi posted...

For me its less of the memory loss and more of what the memory loss seems to represent within the confines of the show

I don't have anything to add, but I do agree with this interpretation for sure. To me it's less about actually forgetting about things and more about the general concept of "sacrificing a part of yourself". Which, again, is a distinction that makes me mostly okay with it even if memory loss on the face of it can be something I take issue with.
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LapisLazuli posted...

pyresword posted...

I never really liked the CG in LotL. It didn't look bad, but I always felt it was inferior to what it would have looked like with traditional animation or whatever it's called.

Did you see the link I posted earlier?

If it was the link to an initial preview of the series with normal animation then yes. And yes I thought that looked better than what the show actually looked like.
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Honestly I'm just happy we've got an anime that we can actually talk about the themes of like this in a meaningful way.
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LapisLazuli posted...

Mac Arrowny posted...

Incidentally LtM: Orange is a 100% CG studio. LotL is the first anime they've produced themselves - they usually help with other anime. Work on the anime only started two years ago, if that (that was when the director was first scouted for the project).

Yeah, that's all what I figured.

Well, you said something about it taking 4 years earlier and them doing 2D on previous shows, so I thought I'd let you know.
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pyresword posted...

LapisLazuli posted...

pyresword posted...

I never really liked the CG in LotL. It didn't look bad, but I always felt it was inferior to what it would have looked like with traditional animation or whatever it's called.

Did you see the link I posted earlier?

If it was the link to an initial preview of the series with normal animation then yes. And yes I thought that looked better than what the show actually looked like.

Hmm, well just a matter of preference I suppose.
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LapisLazuli posted...

Honestly I'm just happy we've got an anime that we can actually talk about the themes of like this in a meaningful way.

To be quite honest this is the reason I'm so bitter that it's not a complete adaptation. To me this would be equivalent to getting an incomplete anime for something like Haibane Renmei or Mawaru Penguindrum.

Edit: I know at least one of these is anime original. The point I'm trying to make is that if somehow the story ended up incomplete it would really suck
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Mac Arrowny posted...

LapisLazuli posted...

Mac Arrowny posted...

Incidentally LtM: Orange is a 100% CG studio. LotL is the first anime they've produced themselves - they usually help with other anime. Work on the anime only started two years ago, if that (that was when the director was first scouted for the project).

Yeah, that's all what I figured.

Well, you said something about it taking 4 years earlier and them doing 2D on previous shows, so I thought I'd let you know.

Huh, was almost certain I'd seen a couple of other things when I was looking a couple nights ago.
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pyresword posted...

LapisLazuli posted...

Honestly I'm just happy we've got an anime that we can actually talk about the themes of like this in a meaningful way.

To be quite honest this is the reason I'm so bitter that it's not a complete adaptation. To me this would be equivalent to getting an incomplete anime for something like Haibane Renmei or Mawaru Penguindrum.

Edit: I know at least one of these is anime original. The point I'm trying to make is that if somehow the story ended up incomplete it would really suck

Here's hoping it pulls a Made in Abyss and get another season.
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wow did TRE visit us or something
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Naw just back and forth confusion, lol.
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No I edited a post and someone responded to the unedited version, and then I responded to that before he deleted his post.
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My thoughts on the LotL matter

I see the memory loss as more of a thematic device rather than a plot device.
Phos wanted to grow stronger, but instead of working hard and earning her strength, she deliberately destroys her body in order to achieve strength. She lacked the fortitude to pursue her end goal organically, and in doing so, she gave up precious memories,
losing sight of why exactly she wanted strength in the first place. I think it's trying to show that when we seek the easy way to reach our goals, we tend to forget what inspired us in the first place.
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https://myanimelist.net/anime/36976/Cutie_Honey_Universe?_type=16&_user=152395

Man, so much of what made Re: Cutie Honey good was Gainax. I can't imagine the same magic without them.

Not like then being on this was realistic nowadays.
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do they still exist?

I thought they got split into Trigger and a bunch of other studios
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No, Trigger has a lot of their talent now, but Gainax still exists.

They have too much debt to go away, lol.

They make, like....anime for car companies now.
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it would be awesome if they made a Mazda or Mitsubishi commercial with Cruel Angel's Thesis in the background
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http://puu.sh/yOtcT/9a955357e6.jpg
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I finished Squid Girl and man, what a fun show. Anime comedies have been the biggest hits with me so far and this was one of the best I've seen. I haven't seen many yet, admittedly, but still!

I also randomly started Classroom of the Elite and it's interesting. The whole school feels like a psychological experiment and the characters have fit into that really well so far (just finished episode three).
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you are in for a treat when you get to Konosuba
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Nichibros, Nichijou
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Robazoid posted...

I finished Squid Girl and man, what a fun show. Anime comedies have been the biggest hits with me so far and this was one of the best I've seen. I haven't seen many yet, admittedly, but still!

Konosuba
Yuru Yuri
Nichijou
Other Nichojou
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KommunistKoala posted...

Nichibros

aka daily lives of high school boys

top tier stuff
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GranzonEx posted...

KommunistKoala posted...

Nichibros

aka daily lives of high school boys

top tier stuff

Crunchy just added it back on!
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of course the best high school comedy is prison school
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Phone to tv cable ordered.

I spent the equivalent of 3 months of Crunchyroll just to watch Violet Evergarden.

Better be good!
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spoilers it's going to be Tamako Market tier
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Finally was able to watch the finale of Girls' Last Tour.

I don't have the impression it was that popular here, but I honestly consider this to be a top tier anime. It's hard to point to individually great moments as with other really good shows, but this is just a show with a strong and unique premise that executes almost everything well. Even just taken at face value it's a pretty good slice of life. The characters are entertaining and have some pretty fun interactions. Ultimately though it's the setting that really sells the show. The unflinching optimism of Chito and Yuuri even in the face of the empty hopelessness of the world they are traveled is really heartwarming, even despite the narrative technique not being all that complex. Combine that with their Kino's Journey-esque dialogues that dig right into the nature of humans themselves, and it creates a combination of different feelings that I don't think is quite like any other anime out there. Also I have trouble putting it into words, but I love the way this show handles worldbuilding--it just feels...natural I guess. The show never outright comes and tells you anything, but it slowly reveals bits and pieces as the characters themselves come across the information , but it still does so in a way that builds up a reasonably complete picture by the end.

Also I want to call special attention to the sound in this anime. Not only the music, which was also outstanding, but the sound effects in this anime were really good, which is not something I thought I'd be praising ever. Things like the constant mechanical grinding of their vehicle or the sound of loose screws rattling on metal or the assortment of other metallic sounds I could mention really did wonders for immersing me in the industrial setting.

So anyways yeah, pretty great show. It's pretty much exactly what it portrays itself to be, so if you thought it looked stupid I don't really see it changing your mind. If you're at all interested in the premise though then I do recommend giving it a try.
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I enjoyed the show.

I don't think it was disliked here, Wickle was just very vocal, lol.
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Yeah, Girls' Last Tour is a top five anime for me (and as I slowly watch more anime, reaching the top five is starting to actually mean something!)

pyresword posted...

The unflinching optimism of Chito and Yuuri even in the face of the empty hopelessness of the world they are traveled is really heartwarming

This was what struck me about it too. So many other post-apocalyptic shows take the depressing route, and while GLT focuses on similar things (it certainly never shies away from what was lost, for example) Chi and Yuu never let anything get them down for long. Even in the final episode when they're watching actual videos of the world that is gone, they simply appreciate how it feels like they're spending time with other people and then they come out of it with a stronger bond.

I'm also having trouble putting this into words but yeah, GLT was something special.
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Man.

How did I not realize Phos was Kumiko??
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Robazoid posted...

Yeah, Girls' Last Tour is a top five anime for me (and as I slowly watch more anime, reaching the top five is starting to actually mean something!)

pyresword posted...

The unflinching optimism of Chito and Yuuri even in the face of the empty hopelessness of the world they are traveled is really heartwarming

This was what struck me about it too. So many other post-apocalyptic shows take the depressing route, and while GLT focuses on similar things (it certainly never shies away from what was lost, for example) Chi and Yuu never let anything get them down for long. Even in the final episode when they're watching actual videos of the world that is gone, they simply appreciate how it feels like they're spending time with other people and then they come out of it with a stronger bond.

I'm also having trouble putting this into words but yeah, GLT was something special.

Hmmm.

If you're still looking for recommendations by the way, I think you might like the show Aria. It's a completely different setting with basically nothing depressing or dark to speak of, but it does that same feeling of optimism really well. It is an extremely slow-paced episodic slice-of-life show which is definitely not for everyone, but it seems like you'd be fine with that based on other shows you've seen?

It's also a favorite of a few people in this topic I believe (including myself), though I'm not sure how often some of them still post in here.

Edit: To clarify, I am referring to the series with the 1st/2nd/3rd seasons titled as "Aria the Animation/Natural/Origination" respectively. Not that other show with Aria in the title.
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