Recommended Anime/Manga?

[KAI]

Is there even anything with good animation quality this season?

Zankyou no Terror. The intro scene is breathtaking and the plot looks decent.

[Formless God]

Even if the plot turns out to be shitty, noitaminA is an instant keeper. Thanks!

EDIT

Just finished marathoning Ping Pong.
It's a nice ride, but I kinda wish the animation quality didn't drop as hard as Kazama's dad after the first three episodes. You can see the exchanges look extremely choppy and there are stills and recycling everywhere. The BGMs are really good although I couldn't stand the OP.

Also randomly decided to watch Majokko Shimai no Yoyo to Nene, a 1.5hr movie by ufotable. I think those who enjoyed LWA might wanna look into this.

[Lord Satori]

Finished watching Gokukoku no Brynhildr. It's another one of those amazing anime that ultimately fails because the creators were like "hey, let's do it different than the manga and speed up the ending or just plain end it short!" The exact same thing happened to Deadman Wonderland and Beelzebub.

The strange thing is that it was by the same people as Elfen Lied, which had a great ending whose loose ends didn't detract from it but rather left the viewer wondering. With this one (not going to use any specific names due to spoilers) she regains her memories in a romantic and satisfying reunion but FUCKING LOSES THEM AGAIN! Also one of the other characters was split in half and supposedly died but was shown to be somehow still alive. Another character supposedly sacrificed herself to revive the protagonist but is still alive (though she has regen abilities so at least that can be written off). There's also a strange "meat-like alien" talked about in the anime and shown in the 2nd OP but never shows up in the actual anime, and the 5 (maybe it was 6?) mysterious figures who were frequently seen as shadows giving the antagonists orders. Who are they? WHO FUCKING KNOWS?! It's entirely possible that there's going to be a 2nd season but with what happened with Deadman Wonderland, and the fact that it's looking like Attack on Titan might not get another one, I wouldn't get my hopes up.

[BryanM]

WataMote appears to be Pathetic Geek Stories: The Anime. I am ok with it existing.

[Raytrace]

my PC died 10 days ago - I am on new PC now but I didn't get to watch any anime again untill tonight - started watching Aldnoah.Zero - quite good I think.

Space Dandy S02E01 was great too.

[Ruldra]

WataMote appears to be Pathetic Geek Stories: The Anime. I am ok with it existing.

From what I've seen of this show, Tomoko is a big selfish asshole and she totally deserves to be alone.

[PC Engine Fan X!]

Oh. It would've been better to quote the relevant post if that's the case.

Anyway, I just finished watching Monster. It's an amazing anime overall and is an amazing must watch. It really shows how monsters are not born, they are created.

After watching the very last episode of Monster, it's not the ending that I expected to occur. Will there be a proper Monster sequel or not?

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[Raytrace]

really good stuff that Ashita No Joe is finally finished -

[DaneSaga]

I was wondering why this thread was so quite. Turns out Raytrace just wasn't about

really good stuff that Ashita No Joe is finally finished -

speaking of Ashita no Joe. I have something related coming in the next couple of weeks. I was thinking of posting it up in the "Awesome stuff you've just bought" topic, but it will probably be more appreciated here.

[drauch]

Oooooooooh, what could it be!

[DaneSaga]

you'll just have to wait and see I guess

[Raytrace]

I was wondering why this thread was so quite. Turns out Raytrace just wasn't about

really good stuff that Ashita No Joe is finally finished -

speaking of Ashita no Joe. I have something related coming in the next couple of weeks. I was thinking of posting it up in the "Awesome stuff you've just bought" topic, but it will probably be more appreciated here.

woah cool stuff - btw I have to reiterate again that for anyone that has not watched the original Ashita No Joe TV how brilliant (well ok I've only watched 33 episodes so far but I can tell it is very good at this stage) it is. I highly recommend it, it's echoes can be felt so strongly in Hokuto No Ken, and of course in turn JJBA, also Gurren Lagann has a direct reference with the 'cross counter' bit (and it's art in general (especially when Kamina punches Simon)). The cross counter turns up all over the place, even in mecha fights, I can't remember what it was I was watching recently and the two robots 'cross countered', but it was definitely on purpose.
The majestic Blazing Transfer Student also has a 'cross counter' scene. Anyway in general Ashita No Joe TV is great IMO, and I am really happy Saizen finished subbing it, they had gone very quiet towards the end of last year and tbh I was getting a bit worried .

[DaneSaga]

woah cool stuff - btw I have to reiterate again that for anyone that has not watched the original Ashita No Joe TV how brilliant (well ok I've only watched 33 episodes so far but I can tell it is very good at this stage) it is. I highly recommend it, it's echoes can be felt so strongly in Hokuto No Ken, and of course in turn JJBA, also Gurren Lagann has a direct reference with the 'cross counter' bit (and it's art in general (especially when Kamina punches Simon)). The cross counter turns up all over the place, even in mecha fights, I can't remember what it was I was watching recently and the two robots 'cross countered', but it was definitely on purpose.
The majestic Blazing Transfer Student also has a 'cross counter' scene. Anyway in general Ashita No Joe TV is great IMO, and I am really happy Saizen finished subbing it, they had gone very quiet towards the end of last year and tbh I was getting a bit worried .

I’m not as far as you. The last episode I watched was when Danpei was released on bail, which I think was around the 25 or so Ep mark. My experiences prior to the series extended as far as the two movies, which essentially are abridged retelling of the manga/ anime. So even though I’m aware of the eventual outcome, I’m still really lovin the series as well.
I think it holds up considerably better than most of its fellow early 70’s contemporaries (Lupin, Maziner, Getter Robo). Its thick pencil line art style, extensive (by early manga/ anime standards) character development and nonconforming take on heels & faces. Plus the melodrama, which most already know intensifies to almost uncontainable levels the further the story unfolds.

Don't click here unless you are familiar with the movies/ manga!

Spoiler

I've already got the tissues ready for Rikiishi's big moment

It really makes Ashita no Joe something of a anomaly in comparison to works of the same era. Of which like the example you have given, have had considerable influence on subsequent mangakas and animators over the years.
Oh and I should not forget to mention how much I admire and hold in highest of regards, the direction of Dezaki Osamu. The man was truly a master of his craft, and I cry manly tears for him every day

[Raytrace]

woah cool stuff - btw I have to reiterate again that for anyone that has not watched the original Ashita No Joe TV how brilliant (well ok I've only watched 33 episodes so far but I can tell it is very good at this stage) it is. I highly recommend it, it's echoes can be felt so strongly in Hokuto No Ken, and of course in turn JJBA, also Gurren Lagann has a direct reference with the 'cross counter' bit (and it's art in general (especially when Kamina punches Simon)). The cross counter turns up all over the place, even in mecha fights, I can't remember what it was I was watching recently and the two robots 'cross countered', but it was definitely on purpose.
The majestic Blazing Transfer Student also has a 'cross counter' scene. Anyway in general Ashita No Joe TV is great IMO, and I am really happy Saizen finished subbing it, they had gone very quiet towards the end of last year and tbh I was getting a bit worried .

I’m not as far as you. The last episode I watched was when Danpei was released on bail, which I think was around the 25 or so Ep mark. My experiences prior to the series extended as far as the two movies, which essentially are abridged retelling of the manga/ anime. So even though I’m aware of the eventual outcome, I’m still really lovin the series as well.
I think it holds up considerably better than most of its fellow early 70’s contemporaries (Lupin, Maziner, Getter Robo). Its thick pencil line art style, extensive (by early manga/ anime standards) character development and nonconforming take on heels & faces. Plus the melodrama, which most already know intensifies to almost uncontainable levels the further the story unfolds.

Don't click here unless you are familiar with the movies/ manga!

Spoiler

I've already got the tissues ready for Rikiishi's big moment

It really makes Ashita no Joe something of a anomaly in comparison to works of the same era. Of which like the example you have given, have had considerable influence on subsequent mangakas and animators over the years.
Oh and I should not forget to mention how much I admire and hold in highest of regards, the direction of Dezaki Osamu. The man was truly a master of his craft, and I cry manly tears for him every day

I actually haven't seen the movies or read the manga so I do not know of the ending

Yeah I really like the art - the thick manga style brush work and some of it is just so fluidly done - I particulary remember the 'shadow boxing a piece of paper' scene in that respect. Also the sheer brutal physicality of the punches really hits home:



Yeah the direction and tension are really great too - Joe is very realistic in some ways, one of those frustrating tragic characters who essentially isn't really a bad sort but his pride keeps on getting in the way, reminds me of this wonderful Willie Nelson lyric:

'He ain't wrong, he's just different, but his pride won't let him
Do things to make you think he's right...

Yeah Ashita No Joe is definitely a lot more creative than Mazinger Z (though just like that cowboy my mecha pride ain't gonna let me slag Mazinger Z too much :p).

Have you watched any Sabu And Ichi ? The art in that is really interesting - sometimes pretty much literally 'moving manga'.

[DaneSaga]

Have you watched any Sabu And Ichi ? The art in that is really interesting - sometimes pretty much literally 'moving manga'.

I have not, though I recall someone here mentioning it previously (most probably yourself). Will give it a look.

[drauch]

Sabu and Ichi is good stuff, especially if you love the period samurai shows and movies from around that area. Lots of similar direction, camera blocking, music, etc! Like an animated Zatoichi!

[DaneSaga]

oh nice, it's some early Rinatarou work. Didn't know that.
Watched a bit of episode 1, looks right up my alley. Recognized Sabu's VA as Tomiyama (Yang Wenli, Kodai Susumu) straight away.
Yeah they've totally taken off the Zatoichi character, just minus the hair.
I see its a 50+ episode series, they're still subbing it right?

[Raytrace]

oh nice, it's some early Rinatarou work. Didn't know that.
Watched a bit of episode 1, looks right up my alley. Recognized Sabu's VA as Tomiyama (Yang Wenli, Kodai Susumu) straight away.
Yeah they've totally taken off the Zatoichi character, just minus the hair.
I see its a 50+ episode series, they're still subbing it right?

yeh I think it's at about episode 9 now - the good folks at Hokuto No Gun post updates on it (and lot's of other cool stuff like Blazing Transfer Student manga, Bebop High School etc.)

[Edmond Dantes]

Got a question, regarding the Gatchaman Complete Collection that came out recently:

Anyone know if there's any stand-out reason to prefer the DVD over the blu-ray?

I'm thinking of getting a blu-ray player next month (Ranma 1/2, the greatest anime of all time, has gotten a blu-ray release that I HAD to support) and I figure I might as well get this too, but I've heard with some anime, sometimes the DVD is better (Dragon Ball Z for example... apparently Funimation insists on fucking with the aspect ratio. Fortunately I own the Japanese Dragonboxes, which are pretty much the best we'll ever get).

About to watch the 2nd Lupin the Third/Detective Conan team-up. The first one was awesome, so I hope this one tops it.

[DaneSaga]

Got a question, regarding the Gatchaman Complete Collection that came out recently:

Anyone know if there's any stand-out reason to prefer the DVD over the blu-ray?

I'm thinking of getting a blu-ray player next month (Ranma 1/2, the greatest anime of all time, has gotten a blu-ray release that I HAD to support) and I figure I might as well get this too, but I've heard with some anime, sometimes the DVD is better (Dragon Ball Z for example... apparently Funimation insists on fucking with the aspect ratio. Fortunately I own the Japanese Dragonboxes, which are pretty much the best we'll ever get).

The Gatchaman BD set is a good set, though with a few caveats.

A few issues seem to have snuck past quality control. To begin, image quality is terrific. Sourced from the newest HD Telecine, Gatchaman has never looked this good. Looks really nice in HD and blows any previous release out of the water.
The problem though is, compared to the ADV DVDs, the Blu-ray set looks very muted. Colours are pale and blacks are almost non existent. This seems to an issue with incorrectly set RGB levels on the discs, and it sorta boggles the mind how they could release it like this without knowing. This can be fixed via your player, by selecting the correct RGB setting. On most players you have the choice between ‘normal’ & ‘low’ setting for RGB output. Selecting ‘low’ (or your players equivalent) should alleviate this issue.

Another concern; whilst all special features (minus the comic scans) from the ADV set are included, they are stretched into an incorrect 16:9 aspect ratio for some dumb reason. Fortunately this can be rectified manually by adjusting screen to 4:3 on your television. Not a biggie as its easily dealt with, but still an annoyance.

Despite those problems the Blu-ray set bests the DVDs in most areas. Picture (when set-up correctly) and audio far surpasses that of the DVD. It comes included with the OVA (though 1080i), which they even dubbed (if your into that sort of thing). And it is inexpensive and far less of a shelve hog in comparison to the DVDs.

The only reason I’d see someone preferring the ADV set to the Blu-ray, is if they have a massive hard on for Alex Ross artwork.

oh and good choice on the Ranma sets. Though not the greatest anime off all time , these VIZ blu-rays are some of the highest quality released by a US distributor.

[Raytrace]

Aldnoah.Zero is very good I think. Still watching City Hunter and rewatching SDF Macross - the Zentradi Minmay fanclub are hilarious.

[gbaplayer]

Boy, JoJos Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders is one fine anime. Reading the US manga at the moment and watched the first 2 episodes of the anime.
I really hope the Bluray releases will feature english subtitles like the first two Anime Arcs did. Why are BDs so expensive over there in Japan??? I really need the uncut series on BD...

BTW has anybody tried The Seven Deadly Sins and Terra Formars Mangas? The later one is especially recommended to any Gantz fans out there.

[Raytrace]

Boy, JoJos Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders is one fine anime.

'OHHHHH MY GOOOOOOOOODDDDD!!!!!'

yeah it is very good - 'The Lovers' was my favourite post hamon story.

[drauch]

Boy, JoJos Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders is one fine anime. Reading the US manga at the moment and watched the first 2 episodes of the anime.
I really hope the Bluray releases will feature english subtitles like the first two Anime Arcs did. Why are BDs so expensive over there in Japan??? I really need the uncut series on BD...

BTW has anybody tried The Seven Deadly Sins and Terra Formars Mangas? The later one is especially recommended to any Gantz fans out there.

I'd wait it out on JoJo for an American release. It almost seems inevitable at this point. Still importing, yeah, but BDs are never that outrageous here.

[Edmond Dantes]

The only reason I’d see someone preferring the ADV set to the Blu-ray, is if they have a massive hard on for Alex Ross artwork.

Actually, I wasn't talking about the ADV set--Sentai Filmworks (in perhaps the first time they lived up to their name) released the Gatchaman complete set on both DVD and blu-ray the same day, and I was wondering if there's any major differences (like features on the DVD version that aren't on the BD. Its happened a few times).

Altho hearing that the ADV sets had scans of the Gatchaman manga makes it tempting, unless the manga is practically the same as the anime.

oh and good choice on the Ranma sets. Though not the greatest anime off all time , these VIZ blu-rays are some of the highest quality released by a US distributor.

Ranma forever!

...

Random, but I just saw the first episode of Sailor Moon Crystal. I had such a bad reaction to it that I immediately started work on a video review.

[DaneSaga]

Actually, I wasn't talking about the ADV set--Sentai Filmworks (in perhaps the first time they lived up to their name) released the Gatchaman complete set on both DVD and blu-ray the same day, and I was wondering if there's any major differences (like features on the DVD version that aren't on the BD. Its happened a few times).

Ah, did not know they released the new set on DVD as well. I assumed you were referring to the ADV DVDs. Can't help you then sorry, though it would be a safe bet the DVDs are the same as the BDs, just spread over many more discs and in SD.

Aldnoah.Zero is very good I think. Still watching City Hunter and rewatching SDF Macross - the Zentradi Minmay fanclub are hilarious.

Which groups City Hunter are you watching? This may not apply to you but I grabbed Baka-Anime's torrent years ago because it had all four TV series within it, and after finally deciding to start it several months back, I could only manage to get through about half a dozen episodes due to the constant ghosting. It irritated me that much I sought out an alternative, finding Mokkori's encode which in comparison, is infinitely better.
This is just a heads up in case you're watching B-A's rip, and it's giving you eye cancer as it did me.

[gbaplayer]

Boy, JoJos Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders is one fine anime. Reading the US manga at the moment and watched the first 2 episodes of the anime.
I really hope the Bluray releases will feature english subtitles like the first two Anime Arcs did. Why are BDs so expensive over there in Japan??? I really need the uncut series on BD...

BTW has anybody tried The Seven Deadly Sins and Terra Formars Mangas? The later one is especially recommended to any Gantz fans out there.

I'd wait it out on JoJo for an American release. It almost seems inevitable at this point. Still importing, yeah, but BDs are never that outrageous here.

Yes maybe you are right, but i hope the US release will be uncut on BD. And hopefully the other story arcs will also get an official release.
Parts I and II are sheduled to be released february/march 2015.

[drauch]

I wouldn't worry too much. The only thing you really have to worry about being cut anymore is hentai or underage stuff.

[Raytrace]

Which groups City Hunter are you watching? This may not apply to you but I grabbed Baka-Anime's torrent years ago because it had all four TV series within it, and after finally deciding to start it several months back, I could only manage to get through about half a dozen episodes due to the constant ghosting. It irritated me that much I sought out an alternative, finding Mokkori's encode which in comparison, is infinitely better.
This is just a heads up in case you're watching B-A's rip, and it's giving you eye cancer as it did me.

I'm not actually sure which one I'm watching, I'll check when I get home - I haven't noticed too much ghosting, though I think the motion compensation thingy
I have on in MadVR might hide it a bit, but I certainly notice as much as say there is on the Blazing Transfer Student encode.

[DaneSaga]

There'e a 10-bit 1080p release with FLAC 2.0 audio of Blazing Transfer Student now. Looks and sounds gorgeous.