No, I don’t want to join a cl—well shit if you put it that way…

Hyouka First Impression Grade: A-

Yes, that first episode left a strong impression. Both art and animation were top notch; like something you’d see out of a movie or OVA. While it may be impossible for a TV anime to keep this level of quality, considering this is a KyoAni production I think it is safe to assume it won’t suddenly go into the shitter. As for the story and characters, it’s difficult to pass judgment. According to a few synopses I’ve read there is an overarching mystery, but I couldn’t tell that from the first episode’s slice of life feel. It’s hard to tell if the show will continue at this rate or if it will transition along with whatever plot they have in store for us. Since it’s based off an existing light novel series I may have to treat this like I did Another to avoid spoilers (except this time I expect a true mystery).

In other news, I’m wondering if it’s really alright to pair up Clannadman and his goofy sidekick in another KyoAni show… I kept having Clannad flashbacks whenever they talked.

Space Brothers First Impression Grade: A-

Totally forgot to write a review for this after the first episode. I feel like I’ve been writing a lot of these first impression posts this season. I think this should wrap it up as far as what I’m watching, though.

Well, now that three episodes are out I have a pretty good idea where this show is headed. Space travel is just an interesting subject and the perfect one when you’re trying to push dreams and inspirations. It’s especially touching for old dudes like me that have given up on so many aspirations. Whether this actually (re)ignites anyone’s dreams or not I’m not sure, but at the very least I envision this show aiming to be as inspiring as possible. What I’ve seen so far, it’s doing a pretty good job of that.

Sengoku Collection First Impression Grade: D

I didn’t really know what to make of the show after only the first episode, so I delayed this review until I watched the second. I usually would not make such an exception, but considering they focus on a different character each episode I didn’t know where the show intended to take things. After Nobunaga’s episode, I was thinking that it would be a slice of life show starring a quirky, genderbent Sengoku era figure. I can’t say I appreciated the direction the show decided to take with Ieyasu’s episode. The subject was anything but slice of life and as much as I love her, HanaKana’s performance was annoying at best. I really don’t see this show offering much and it is one of the few shows I’m watching this season that is already on the cutting block. The third episode better blow me away or it really will get dropped.

Naru’s forehead is a miracle of the universe.

EUREKA SEVEN AO First Impression Grade: C+

This is yet another show from this season that I’m unsure how to react to after seeing only the first episode. All I remember from the first season was being confused as to what was happening and AO’s first episode doesn’t give me much hope that will change. At this point I know mysterious crazy shit is happening and I realize it will take the show some time to explain things, but why would you end the episode before Ao (or any other character for that matter) gets a chance to do anything substantial? When the episode ended, I asked myself: why should I be bothered to watch anymore? While I have plenty of complaints, I must say — as it is with most BONES shows — that the art is beautiful and Ao already seems much more likeable than Renton ever was. Outside of Fullmetal Alchemist, there hasn’t been a BONES anime that has left me fulfilled once it ended, but I’m hoping the trend is bucked with AO.

Natsuiro no Kiseki First Impression Grade: C-

Ah, I totally forgot I watched the first episode of this; presumably because it was a preair, but mostly because it was rather dull. I just finished the second episode and I can’t say I’m enjoying the direction the show is taking. I hope the incessant bickering is over with this. I also hope this show doesn’t degenerate into a weekly rehash of: wish gone slightly awry but results in a fabricated, hollow heartwarming moment. I’m not sure if even the ever-powerful element of vapidly cute girls can save this one.

Zetman First Impression Grade: B-

Yet another show I have not read the source for, perhaps to my benefit. Ignorant of the manga, I enjoyed what I watched. It is refreshing to watch a show with a darker tone. The first episode set the stage nicely, but I have no clue where the plot intends to go, especially if they intend to timeskip to an older Jin. In the end, I really expect some nice action scenes which alone would be enough to keep me hooked to the series.

Haiyore! Nyaruko-san First Impression Grade: B-

I couldn’t suffer through any of this show’s Flash-based predecessors, but I found this incarnation to be strangely addictive. The best way to describe Nyaruko-san is high tension, a trait only amplified by Asumi Kana’s performance. Nyaruko is quite cute and while I’ve never really been interested in the Cthulhu mythos, I found the whole presumably superficial tie in to be intriguing. This show doesn’t put up any pretenses; they have a known target audience and aren’t afraid of gunning for them. That being said, if cute girls doing nonsensical-but-strangely-moe things isn’t your cup of tea, there’s no reason for you to suffer through this. I, on the otherhand, think I will enjoy this quite a bit.

Jormungand First Impression Grade: B-

While I did enjoy it for the most part, I found the first episode’s story to be somewhat nonsensical. I realize it must be a tough task to try and introduce the show’s concept and the relatively large cast while trying to pack in as much action as possible all in one episode. However, I would have appreciated it if they stayed a little more focused and let us be immersed in the world more naturally over the span of the series (like Gunslinger Girl, or even Black Lagoon). That being said, if the show can manage to pump out interesting action sequences, I’ll be in for the long haul. Having Itou Shizuka as a main character doesn’t hurt either (I’m now hopelessly addicted to her voice after finishing Chris’s route in Majikoi).

Weirdest boner, etc.

Upotte!! First Impression Grade: C+

Of the turned-into-cute-girl shows this season, guns are probably more strange than Sengoku-era figures, but fall short of Cthulhu deities. Strangely good first episode, but I worry for the show’s future prospects. It can’t go to the Funko-shooting-teacher well much more often and retain my interests, but it appears there is a large enough cast that they shouldn’t fall victim to repetitive gags.