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Impressions:

Okay, okay, I get why everyone likes this show so much, mainly because I too have fallen in love with it. This is probably because not as much time was spent in the classroom, which I still think kinda sucks because of all the shortcuts taken. I want a bit more diversity when it comes to shot types and angles! Apart from that though, we got more movement in terms of plot with new twists and revelations. I am quite pleased with the series now and I can’t wait to see where it’s going. What’s all this about Negima finding a partner? I know in the original Negima!, Asuna becomes a big part of his life, so they probably will become ‘partners’, but with a kiss? Why does it always have to be a kiss?? Never mind though, as in terms of ecchi-ness and fanservice, Negima!? has been keeping in to almost practically non-existent so I’m happy about that. I’ve heard that was one of the reasons why the original can’t compare with this remake/retelling (I’m still not sure as to what it is, but it doesn’t matter to me as I never saw the original anyway).

Another reason why the first series isn’t as good as this one is the quality and style of animation. I’ve said before that I’ve seen the first episode of the original, and I didn’t like it that much. Even though Negima!? uses quite a bit of shortcuts, it makes it up by putting all the money to where it really counts – the awesome magic duels! The character styling is also magnificent and Asuna looks a lot better in this version. I don’t know about Evangeline as I never saw her in the first version, but from this episode I have grown a soft spot for her. Her dark past wasn’t really her fault, so I’m sure plenty others will sympathise her. I’m quite confident that Negima will feel the same way. I wonder when the two will confront each other and reveal they know who each other really is. And how will the arc end? Will it be with Eva’s death or saviour? I really hope her cursed is lifted and she’s allowed to live a normal life (as well as becoming a normal human again). Even if she remains a vampire, maybe she’ll realise her wrongs and stop wreaking havoc wherever she goes.

From some comments I’ve seen, it looks like Negima!? is becoming similar to Neon Genesis Evangelion when it comes to popularity. It seems that you either love the show or hate it. I definitely do not hate it, but I can’t say I love it just yet. I need a few more episodes, and by then I’m pretty sure I’ll be saying how good it is. The storyline is such a interesting one, and compounded with the unique animation style, what can go wrong? Hopefully not a big budget crash or some kind of alternate telling compared to the manga, which usually causes uproar amongst manga fans, and is usually not as good as the printed version anyway. As for now though, I just want to see some more action and more character development (especially Evangeline). The plot pace is going at an enjoyable speed, but I don’t know how fast it is compared to the manga. Some more Asuna and Negi would be cute too, but I still haven’t gotten over the fact Negima is so young. But then again, if he were older the show might just become an archive of fanservice again.

Plot Outline:

- Evangeline drops Nodoka after sucking her blood
- Negima catches her with his magic
- Eva fires her magic at Negima, but it gets deflected back at her
- Chachamaru flies up and blocks the attack
- Eva decides to retreat after seeing such an incredible performance by Negima
- The other students rush out and attend to Nodoka
- Nodoka’s bite wound is healed by the hidden Takamichi
- When everyone has left, Asuna confronts Negima about seeing him using magic
- Negi tries to erase her memory but it doesn’t work, and so he is forced to tell her about him being a mage
- Kamo tells Asuna that Negi has to find a ‘partner’ to progress his magic, and suggests she be his partner

- However, when she learns they have to kiss to become partners, she refuses
- In Eva’s small hut, she reforms back to her younger self
- During her conversation with Takamichi, the fact that she has to live an eternal life as a child is revealed
- Other topics are also discussed, such as how every full moon, Eva can become an adult, and how if she gets Negi’s blood, the curse is lifted and she can revert back to her old ways
- The next morning, Asuna wakes up to find Negima beside her sleeping
- She gets pissed, but then finds him cute when he mutters the word ‘onee-chan’
- When class starts, Negima walks in with a huge lump on his head as a result of Asuna hitting him
- Afterwards, Negi encounters Eva and a damaged Chachamaru (who is a robot)
- When they part, Negima asks Takamichi about Eva, and he reveal’s that she is indeed the vampire
- Negima starts getting ideas in his head (he’s feeling sorry for Eva)
- Later at night, Evangeline once again makes a trip to the dormitories

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