I wish to fly into Gisey’s arms…

Last Exile -Fam, The Silver Wing- First Impression Grade: A-

I saw this first episode at AX: it was awesome. Watching it again without the heads of people sitting in front of me obscuring the subtitles: still awesome. Gonzo, returning from disaster, knew it was critical to make a good first impression so it should be no surprise that this was a quality first episode. They probably banked on the impressive action scenes drawing in a general audience and that restoring the feel of the Last Exile world would cash in on returning fans. Also, making the main cast mostly female (with a service-y opening scene) was probably an attempt to make their way into—dare I say it—otaku wallets. Appreciating all those points, the first episode was bound to be a hit for me. However, you can’t make a successful two cour anime with just that. Developing Fam and Giselle beyond being cute girls should be an immediate priority, but just repeating Last Exile’s interesting characters, politics and action scenes should be enough for success. The first episode surely hinted at that; let’s hope they can take it the entire way.

Mirai Nikki First Impression Grade: B

I didn’t have high expectations for this show—which is probably why I pushed off watching it for so long—but it turned out much better than I thought it would. My very first impression was “Yukiteru’s voice sure makes him sound like a pussy”, but then I remembered he pretty much is a pussy so it’s actually quite fitting. One of the biggest attractions of the show is one of the most easy identifiable yandere in Yuno, but I think what actually makes the whole production worthwhile is Yukiteru’s ascent from worthlessness fueled by the extreme circumstances of the diary game. Even though I’ve already read the manga, I’d like to think the anime kept most of the excitement that made the original so fun to read. For that reason, I’ll be watching more of this show.

UN-GO First Impression Grade: C-

Not too impressed with this premier as there wasn’t any mystery; at least it wasn’t presented in a way to engage the audience. The incident was used more to set up the somewhat antagonistic relationship between Shinjuro (and by transition, Inga?) and Rinroku. Hopefully this first episode was just used as a platform to get character introductions out of the way and is not a premonition of what is to come; if it is I won’t be following this one. On a side note, I know Kouga Yun is known mainly for her shounen-ai work, but I really do love her female character designs.

Guilty Crown First Impression Grade: B-

Seems to be following the tried formula of helpless teen stumbles upon plot device giving him power, but he’ll struggle to come to terms with the responsibility that comes along with it. Basically Gundam with bishoujo and a more stylized, Shinkai-ish palette. Certainly, this is oversimplifying things and Guilty Crown had enough good points—particularly the art and animation—that I’ll at least give it a try. Long term prospects really depend on Shuu’s development as a character (typical) and if they manage to make his relationship with Inori (whatever it is) come off as anything but cheesy. I guess just having some well animated and choreographed action scenes would suffice too.

Hunter × Hunter First Impression Grade: C

It’s a little disturbing how the new voices are similar to the old ones…but they’re just different. They really blazed through content in one episode that took the original anime a few episodes to get through. I’m not opposed to this, I just hope they take care to focus on the important parts of the show, especially my personal favorite Genei Ryodan arc—if they get there. I may be a HUGE HxH fan, but I don’t know if I can sit through the same story a third time.

>mfw i read the synopsis for this show

Chihayafuru First Impression Grade: B+

I had no reason to watch this show outside the fact that it was jousei. I’m quite pleased with what transpired. I’ve always liked typical jousei character designs (although the lips and fingers take some getting used to) and this is no exception as Chihaya is quite beautiful. However, what gives the show staying power is the character interactions. They managed to setup a (potential?) love triangle and give a brief synopsis of the major characters’ backgrounds all in the first episode. I’m a little wary of this show since it’s based on some memory game that I’ll never understand, but if it continues to focus on the characters I have a feeling this will turn out to be one of the better shows of the season.

This is not Gunbuster.

Tamayura ~hitotose~ First Impression Grade: B-

The first episode helped fill in some of the blanks from the OVA and managed to exude that same aura. For those that liked the OVA, it looks like you will enjoy this show. For those that haven’t, if you’re in the market for a healing show this is worth a shot. I struggle to compare anything to Aria, even if Satou Junichi is involved, but this is probably as we’re gonna get anytime soon. I feel like my affinity for the show is inversely proportional to how often Maon whistles.

And… tsun-mode: on!

Mashiro Iro Symphony First Impression Grade: C-

The retard imouto aside, everything was going along fine until Airi decided to bitch up the end of the episode which left me with an unfavorable aftertaste. In spite of that, I do have to credit the majority of the show for creating a soothing ambiance and it appears most of the girls are at least somewhat likable. It’s so easy to tell this was adapted from a VN just from the crazy hair styles and ribbons and frills everywhere, but I don’t hate that. Amazingly enough, they managed to keep that level of detail as the characters were stunning—but for how long? However, I do hate that mascot/blob/animal thing. God I hope there isn’t an episode centered around that thing (to get closer to that girl, of course). Also, is it just me or are the color outlines—especially the red/purple shades—that appear on the pupils sometimes just plain creepy? Aside from my gripes, I was pleased with this show and will continue to watch.

Kyoukai Senjou no Horizon First Impression Grade: C-

I won’t pretend to know anything about the original light novels: what the fuck just happened? I’m so confused. Maybe the translation was bad or the whole thing went over my head, but hopefully they will expand upon the circumstances of the world and the major characters a bit more in coming episodes. Aside from my confusion, the combat seemed pretty exciting (more in the PVs than this episode) so I’m willing to watch some more.

Update: Watched ep. 2, still don’t know what is going on.