+ | N o v a s t o r m | +

It’s time for the next poll - please VOTE NOW! Yes I know I kept the last poll up way to long but I didn’t find the time to change it. Now, next poll is the Most unexpectedly good show. From the nominations, shows that do not end in 2006 were not accepted, with the exception of Saiunkoku Monogatari as the majority of it is in 2006. Anyway, this award spiked a large variation in show nominees, totaling 14 shows. I nominate SHnY, though it’s already been nominated several times anyway. (–Original post–)

So, the nominees are as follows, with the number of times they were nominated:

Asatte no Houkou - 3
Black Blood Brothers - 1
Kemonozume - 2
Mushishi - 1
Muteki Kanban Musume - 1
Nana - 1
NHK ni Youkoso - 1
Ouran High School Host Club - 2
Saiunkoku Monogatari - 1
Simoun - 1
Sumomomo Momomo - 4
Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuuutsu - 6
Zegapain - 4
Zero no Tsukaima - 4

Popularity: 11% [?]

Rating: 9.2/10

Impressions:

Wahaha episode 12 is so goddamn hilarious! L’s reaction to the notion of Death Gods is comedy gold, really. He even stuck his hands up like an idiot. Oh and the common coincidental encounter that was the last scene, that’s brilliant as well, only they don’t actually meet up. I guess Misa wasn’t concentrating, as otherwise she would have noticed that she couldn’t see Light’s life span with her shinigami eyes and realised he was Kira. Oh well, I guess it’s just another minute divergence from the manga to entertain us, and for that I am glad as if an anime sticks too closely to its originator, it does become quite boring for those who are familiar with the original material. Speaking of divergences, I was surprised about the fact that Jealous’s original remaining lifespan goes to Misa, which means she must be like…practically immortal now? She’ll probably live on for thousands of years, if not more, so sacrificing half her life span isn’t much at all. Come to think about it, it’d still suffice if she were to sacrifice her life span again…and again…and…by the way, I’m not implying anything when I say that okay?

Read more

Popularity: 25% [?]

Rating: 9.2/10 & 9.6/10

Impressions:

Finally, things are getting really exciting, and it’s about time too. Several things are going on at once, and they will probably all tie together in the end. Karen still scares me though, as I have a feeling she still has some of the bacteria lying dormant in her, and the approaching meteors might trigger their awakening. Miharu wakes up too! I wonder what role she will play in the final episode, or perhaps she will just serve as a hindrance or mild enemy? And yay, the three new girls make their first successful mission! I was worried that they’d be neglected and forgotten as the show nears its end. I am still amazed at the CG though, as it is by far the best I’ve seen. I think the launch sequences and space shots are what really draw me in, as it gives the wonderful feeling of infinity. Ah, and come to think of it, I still haven’t seen the two Stratos 4 OAVs yet. It would be something if you were to watch all the Stratos 4 episodes consecutively, which would be 23 episodes altogether. That’s as long as a double-season series. And now for the final episode…

Read more

Popularity: 14% [?]

Rating: 8.3/10

Impressions:

Again, there are quite a few differences from the two manga chapters that this episode covers; some more important than others. The big difference is the premises where the fighting takes place, which is in a forest rather than in the town. This is, I assume, to set up for what seems to be a filler arc starting next episode. As it will probably only take up a few episodes, it shouldn’t be bad at the least. I’m actually looking forward to it since it will be a refreshing change. The changes from the manga that do matter are, once again, the small actions Allen makes which increase his character development. Allen is meant to visit Linali, though he doesn’t for some reason. Such a disappointment again, as all this time there has been no inkling of them being more than just colleagues. Speaking of character development, if Kanda does indeed show up next episode, it would justify the idea that the filler episodes are to give him more screen time than if the anime follows the manga. I guess the introduction of the next exorcist will have to wait.

Read more

Popularity: 13% [?]

So what originally started as an entry for Serenity’s Signature Contest has now become my fourth banner!

And these have been my past banners:

Popularity: 12% [?]

Rating: 8.3/10 & 8.7/10

Impressions:

Hmm so it’s been some consecutive per-character episodes, meaning that each main character gets the spotlight for an episode to further develop their character and perhaps a little more of their past. Yukari takes episode 8 while Mariya takes 9. As Mariya is by far my favourite character, episode 9 has been my favourite episode so far, and it is the least foolish as well. However, because of that, I am already sad at the notion of a Mizuho x Takako pairing. The happy-go-lucky, fiery childhood friend is so much more fun than the aggressive, tsundere student council president and classmate, and a more fitting companion of Mizuho as well, in my opinion. I was quite touched at her story though, as hers is the only one so far that has some intelligence in it. Mariya, seeing Mizuho step forward by herself without her, is worried that she is losing her. Soon, Mariya won’t be needed, and the dreadful feeling of loneliness will kick in. (And wow those childhood pictures are cute, though Mizuho is definitely a girl in all of them; no questions asked).

Read more

Popularity: 12% [?]

Rating: 9.5/10 & 9.3/10

Overall Series Rating: 8.5/10

Impressions:

Wow, this is the first double season series I’ve finished blogging…It’s been a long time since this show started, and even though I felt like dropping it a few times in the middle as it just isn’t really my thing, the more I blogged the more I refused to give up (since that, to me, is like wasting all that time blogging the show if I dropped it). Oh well, at least this ending leaves me on a positive note. The last two episodes are highly impressive, especially the 23rd, and the ending, in my opinion, couldn’t have been better. Satou may have escaped his hikikomori life, but life in reality dictates that you can’t overcome hardships so easily, and thus Satou is left still extremely poor and in a rather bad situation. However, of course as he now works and is not as afraid of society anymore, he should be fine, and this sort of happy ending is a big relief. Misaki too, goes back to studying (I didn’t know she dropped out of school) and is planning to get into university, so her life should not be a problem either. I guess everything works out.

Read more

Popularity: 16% [?]

VOTE! VOTE! VOTE! Oh and the original nominations post is here.

Well anyway, it’s pretty obvious who’s gonna win this. -_-
Out of around 36 nominations, 21 went to none other than Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuuutsu! But hey I think Magipoka is gonna win! xD

Ok, so here are the nominees, and I’ve included the number of times they were nominated. Btw, I nominated Mai Otome.

Higurashi no Naku Koro ni - 1
Honey & Clover - 1
Inukami! - 1
Magipoka - 1
Mai Otome - 1
Ouran High School Host Club - 4
Shakugan no Shana - 1
Simoun - 2
Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuuutsu - 21
Zero no Tsukaima - 1

Popularity: 10% [?]