Natsuyuki Rendezvous - 03

I'm going on vacation in a couple of days and so I've been delaying watching certain episodes because I want something to do while on the plane.  Natsuyuki Rendezvous, however, was one that I probably shouldn't watch while in the company others; I've either cried or teared up at each episode, and this is only the third one!

While Shimao acts like a whiny child, throwing tantrums and refusing to move out the way for Hazuki, I can certainly empathize with him.  If I was in his place, watching my spouse in the arms of another in my old bedroom, I'd probably cause an earthquake as well.  But most of all, I feel for Rokka.  Even without Shimao around as a supernatural element, Rokka's conflicted feelings are so genuine and real that I completely understand her reluctance and confusion at the thought of being with anyone else.  To think, this was only the third episode.  I have a feeling it's going to be a tearjerker.

Accel World - 14

What a rage inducing episode! 

TARI TARI - 03

That was one of the most disjointed episodes I've seen in a while from any anime.

Natsuyuki Rendezvous - 02

I didn't write a first impressions introductory post, and chances are I won't be blogging this regularly, but I wanted to mention how impressed I have been by the first two episodes of this anime.  The love triangle with a ghost seems, at first, kind of ordinary even with the supernatural twist.  However, by this second episode, my emotions have gone through a roller coaster ride already.  It's wonderful and very refreshing to see an adult romance cut through all the bullshit and deal with some very real issues that comes with love, life, and death.

Hyouka - 12

I love the contrast between Houtarou's surliness and Chitanda's ditziness! And how adorable is Chitanda in that penguin costume??

Accel World - 13

And the new arc starts with Chiyu joining Accel World as Lime Bell!

Sword Art Online - First Impressions

I had always thought that the premise of Accel World was a little bit silly - sure, it sucks to lose the ability to play a certain type of game, but it's not the end of the world.  With Sword Art Online, losing does mean the end of the world!  Or, at the very least, your life.  Both light novels are written by Kawahara Reki, so I expected some similarities, but SAO takes it to another level, with the threat of death looming over everyone.  The first episode did a fantastic job setting up the premise and introducing the main character (unlike some other animes...*cough*AracanaFamiglia*cough*).  They controlled the atmosphere well, with the scene shifting from an idyllic plaza to an ominous place with blood seeping out of the sky.  With the set up done well and quickly, I'm looking forward to the next episode.

Arcana Famiglia - 02

Unfortunately, the second episode wasn't much better than the first, with more awkward introductions about the rest of the cast's Arcana powers.  The plot is non-existent as well, since they devoted the entire episode to rescuing a cat.  Please don't let the talents of this stellar cast go in vain! 

TARI TARI - 02

I really admired Sawa throughout this episode with her supportive, yet take charge attitude when it came to both Konatsu and Wakana.  Be it dragging Wakana to her house or giving Konatsu a good swat on the butt, she's a great friend!

Kore wa Zombie desu ka? Of the Dead - Final Impressions

After a long hiatus from the show, I finally marathoned the last few episodes last night and finished it.  While I enjoyed the second season, possibly more than the first, I have to admit I'm a bit confused at why they decided to end where they ended, with that particular episode.  The whole Chris thing was never resolved, and I loved the idea of alternative Ayumu fighting Eu, but it came out of nowhere and left us hanging.  I guess this means they're hoping for a third season, but I don't see why couldn't have extended the second season into twelve episodes instead of just ten.

Besides that, I really do enjoy this show.  I feel like they were able to really go all out with the humor this season since they had already established all the main characters.  And not only that, but they introduced a whole bunch of new characters that only added to the show, and that's not easy to do!  Well, I'll be hoping for a third season, if only to see Ayumu in a Masou Shoujo outfit again.  And if we do get a third season, I hope we see more Imaginary Eu's!

Accel World - 12

The battle this week was pretty intense, especially with Scarlet Rain's betrayal and the revelation that Cherry Rook, before becoming Chrome Disaster, was Scarlet Rain's guardian.

Arcana Famiglia - First Impressions

With a star studded cast and Noto Mamiko playing the leading lady, I would have said this was a must watch for me if it wasn't J.C. Staff heading up the project.  My fears were somewhat justified with the first episode, with expositions that accompanied the introductions of each of the characters and their Arcana powers.  It's not enough to make me stop watching, but I hope that it does justice to the cast.

A complete side note: what's up with Nakamura Yuuichi voicing totally goofball characters lately?  First, it was Soushi from Inu x Boku SS, and now Luca in this anime?  I'm constantly impressed by his voice acting abilities!

TARI TARI - First Impressions

The description of this new show is fairly vague, but I was pleasantly surprised to see it revolving around music.  I've always been a fan of music animes, such as K-ON! and The iDOLM@STER, so with the beautiful animation, promising storyline, and talented seiyuus, I hope Tari Tari lives up to my expectations.  C'mon, P.A. Works, don't disappoint me like you did with Hanasaku Iroha!

Acchi Kocchi - 12 (End)

I was going to say how I was sad that we don't have anything equivalent to a White Day here in the U.S. until I realized that most of the gifts given by teenage boys would have been like the pig feet marshmallow.  Ewww.