Questions for the anime fans

[The Prince of Darkness]

I know that many of you are big fans, so here it goes. I have been really bored with TV in general(other than the HBO shows of course). So I decided to pick up a couple anime DVD's just to see if I would like it. I know that a lot of people are really hooked on it right now. Anyway I got volume 1 of Fullmetal Alchemist and volume 1 of Samurai X. I got Fullmetal Alchemist just because I thought that the concept seemed really cool, and I got Samurai X because I dig watching swordplay. I really liked both DVD's a lot, and I am wondering what else to pick up next. I don't want anything that is kid stuff. It must be at least mature and thought provoking. Also, I don't think that I would like anything too "sci-fi" like Robotech. I don't think that would be my bag. Also, Iknow that there is enough other kind of stuff out there to keep me busy.

Two questions for everyone. First, I would like some recommendations on what to get next and where to buy it least expensively. The ones that I bought were like $30 each at Suncoast for 4 episodes on a DVD. That seems a little crazy to me. Secondly, besides the Cartoon Network, is theer anywhere else on DirectV to check it out. I was looking at the Cartoon Network and I saw Fullmetal Alchemist and Dragonball. I don't know if if I would like Dragonball or not, but I will check it out.

[Mochan]

Good choice of DVDs to pick up, PoD. FMA and Rurouni Kenshin (aka Samurai X) are top-notch series. Did you pick up Samurai X Trust and Betrayal? That is the OAV series. There's another Kenshin series out on DVD (the TV series) which is longer and superior IMO but it's really long.

I'd like to point out though that FMA and RK are "kiddy" shows. ;)

Judging from your initial picks, I'd say you'll be more into shounen action series. For what's available in R1, I would recommend:

Basilisk (this was newly licensed though, not sure if it's out on R1 DVD already) - it's about two clans of ninjas who hate each other. They went into an uneasy peace but now the daimyo is ordering them to send forth ten champions to kill each other, last one standing wins

Airmaster - a streetfighting series about a girl who is a gymnast.

Flame of Recca - fighting series about a highschool boy who wants to be a ninja.

Gantz - heavy weird ****. Basically a reality anime show. Sometimes when people die they are saved from death by a black ball in an apartment room. These people then become the plaything of Gantz and need to do some weird.....

Getbackers - what do you do when you lose something precious? You hire the Getbackers whose specialty is to "get back" things! =_= Sounds dumb but really it's a good series.

Hikaru no Go - this is a little different from the stuff I recommended above but it's really good. It's about... a kid who wants to play Go (a Asian board game). Yes that sounds even dumber but give it a shot, I can't recommend it enough. :)

Kurau Phantom Memory - it's about a new power source called Rynax that is being experimented upon, it changes the life of a young girl forever. This series feels quite a bit like Les Miserables. Check it out.

Planetes - in the near future space is littered with debris. In a frictionless environment a small spec of debris could cause untold catastrophe if it impacts with a shuttle or space station. So this is the story of the brave men and women who keep space safe... space garbage collectors!!!

Scrapped Princess - fantasy story. A prophecy says that the crown princess will bring ruin to the world. The king and queen thus throw away the newly born princess, but who is then rescued and raised by commonfolk. But she is forever hounded by the church that wants to kill her in order to safeguard the world. Reminds me a lot of Breath of Fire 2.


Right now I'll refraing from recommending any mecha series since you don't seem to be partial to sci-fi like Robotech. For now I also won't recommend any shoujo stuff since you seem more into the shounen side of things. (Shoujo refers to animation targetted at young girls, shounen is towards young boys).

There's a lot more stuff to recommend but I'll stick to what's available on R1. Unforutnately I am no expert on R1 DVDs so I can't recommend where to buy. Those should keep you busy but if you find you like the hobby and your tastes evolve I'll recommend you some of the finer stuff in other genres like Princess Tutu and Fruits Basket.

And do tell if you end up liking Dragon Ball, there's lots more where *that* came from.

[The Prince of Darkness]

Good choice of DVDs to pick up, PoD. FMA and Rurouni Kenshin (aka Samurai X) are top-notch series. Did you pick up Samurai X Trust and Betrayal? That is the OAV series. There's another Kenshin series out on DVD (the TV series) which is longer and superior IMO but it's really long.

I'd like to point out though that FMA and RK are "kiddy" shows. ;)

Judging from your initial picks, I'd say you'll be more into shounen action series. For what's available in R1, I would recommend:

Basilisk (this was newly licensed though, not sure if it's out on R1 DVD already) - it's about two clans of ninjas who hate each other. They went into an uneasy peace but now the daimyo is ordering them to send forth ten champions to kill each other, last one standing wins

Airmaster - a streetfighting series about a girl who is a gymnast.

Flame of Recca - fighting series about a highschool boy who wants to be a ninja.

Gantz - heavy weird ****. Basically a reality anime show. Sometimes when people die they are saved from death by a black ball in an apartment room. These people then become the plaything of Gantz and need to do some weird.....

Getbackers - what do you do when you lose something precious? You hire the Getbackers whose specialty is to "get back" things! =_= Sounds dumb but really it's a good series.

Hikaru no Go - this is a little different from the stuff I recommended above but it's really good. It's about... a kid who wants to play Go (a Asian board game). Yes that sounds even dumber but give it a shot, I can't recommend it enough. :)

Kurau Phantom Memory - it's about a new power source called Rynax that is being experimented upon, it changes the life of a young girl forever. This series feels quite a bit like Les Miserables. Check it out.

Planetes - in the near future space is littered with debris. In a frictionless environment a small spec of debris could cause untold catastrophe if it impacts with a shuttle or space station. So this is the story of the brave men and women who keep space safe... space garbage collectors!!!

Scrapped Princess - fantasy story. A prophecy says that the crown princess will bring ruin to the world. The king and queen thus throw away the newly born princess, but who is then rescued and raised by commonfolk. But she is forever hounded by the church that wants to kill her in order to safeguard the world. Reminds me a lot of Breath of Fire 2.


Right now I'll refraing from recommending any mecha series since you don't seem to be partial to sci-fi like Robotech. For now I also won't recommend any shoujo stuff since you seem more into the shounen side of things. (Shoujo refers to animation targetted at young girls, shounen is towards young boys).

There's a lot more stuff to recommend but I'll stick to what's available on R1. Unforutnately I am no expert on R1 DVDs so I can't recommend where to buy. Those should keep you busy but if you find you like the hobby and your tastes evolve I'll recommend you some of the finer stuff in other genres like Princess Tutu and Fruits Basket.

And do tell if you end up liking Dragon Ball, there's lots more where *that* came from.

Thanks so much for the recommendations Mochan. A few of them in sound really interesting---especially The Getbackers, Gantz, and Basilisk. I printed the whole list out, though, so I will have them next time I go looking for stuff.

Also, this weekend I am making a point of checking out some Dragonball since the stuff that I like so far is kiddy anyway;) That is too funny. Btw---I effed up in my first post. I got Samurai Champloo not Samurai X.

[trebor]

Oh dude. You have GOT to check out Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo.

The entire Cowboy Bebop series is 36 episodes that spans 6 dvds. I bought the complete set on Amazon for $100 - which is a hell of a deal. You HAVE to either rent or buy this show, because it's by far the finest tv anime series ever released. It's smart, sexy, and has a shockingly beautiful and deep storyline.

Plus there is a movie out for it that is very well done, although you need to watch the series first to fully appreciate it.

Samurai Champloo is the current tv series from the makers of Cowboy Bebop, and it is exquisite in it's own right. Beautiful, smooth animation and a intriguing storyline. So far, only 12 episodes have been released in the states, but they are working on more right now.

Incidentally, both Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo were done by the same crew that did the extended anime sequence in Kill Bill 1.

[trebor]

Btw---I effed up in my first post. I got Samurai Champloo not Samurai X.

Hehe I didn't see you posted this until after I just posted. Well, if you like Samurai Champloo then you MUST get Cowboy Bebop. You'll absolutely love it.

[The Prince of Darkness]

Hehe I didn't see you posted this until after I just posted. Well, if you like Samurai Champloo then you MUST get Cowboy Bebop. You'll absolutely love it.

Yup that is why I picked up Samurai Champloo too. I really liked the stuff in Kill Bill so...

Well cool. I will check out Cowboy Bebop too. I think that one is also running on the Cartoon Network right??? I think I saw it on the lineup.

Btw---for you or if Mochan reads this---should I check out Astroboy too? Maybe get a feel for some real early stuff?

[trebor]

Well cool. I will check out Cowboy Bebop too. I think that one is also running on the Cartoon Network right??? I think I saw it on the lineup.

Btw---for you or if Mochan reads this---should I check out Astroboy too? Maybe get a feel for some real early stuff?

I'm fairly sure that Cowboy Bebop is on Adult Swim, but I'm not sure when. Never seen Astroboy myself.

[Gadfly2317]

Oh dude. You have GOT to check out Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo.

The entire Cowboy Bebop series is 36 episodes that spans 6 dvds. I bought the complete set on Amazon for $100 - which is a hell of a deal. You HAVE to either rent or buy this show, because it's by far the finest tv anime series ever released. It's smart, sexy, and has a shockingly beautiful and deep storyline.

Plus there is a movie out for it that is very well done, although you need to watch the series first to fully appreciate it.

Samurai Champloo is the current tv series from the makers of Cowboy Bebop, and it is exquisite in it's own right. Beautiful, smooth animation and a intriguing storyline. So far, only 12 episodes have been released in the states, but they are working on more right now.

Incidentally, both Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo were done by the same crew that did the extended anime sequence in Kill Bill 1.

Samurai Champloo is up to 16 episodes now. . . Volume 4 was released in July. Also, Volume 5 I believe is scheduled for December. I freaking love this show so much. But like PoD is saying, buyin anime gets pricey, which is why I haven't moved onto Cowboy Bebop. I don't consider myself an anime fan, per se, don't know much abou MANY of the series out there. Someone just turned me on to Samurai Champloo by giving me Vol 1, and I was hooked.

Some other cool stuff, it's not a series but a single work on one disk, is Dead Leaves. This is super cool; I think it'd be especially cool to videogamers because of the way its structured for the fast eye. Dead Leaves may be expensive for one hour of viewing (though I've watched it many times) but it is a singular experience, not to be missed by anyone who loves bizarre, funny, twisted violent perverted all stuffed together into one overheated crack pipe.

[trebor]

Samurai Champloo is up to 16 episodes now. . . Volume 4 was released in July. Also, Volume 5 I believe is scheduled for December. I freaking love this show so much. But like PoD is saying, buyin anime gets pricey, which is why I haven't moved onto Cowboy Bebop. I don't consider myself an anime fan, per se, don't know much abou MANY of the series out there. Someone just turned me on to Samurai Champloo by giving me Vol 1, and I was hooked.


Man, you are really doing a disservice to yourself by not buying/renting/watching Cowboy Bebop. For as good Samurai Champloo is, which is very, Cowboy Bebop is just...better.

[slade]

I recommend:

RahXephon (unlike Evangelion, the story actually goes somewhere. One of the deepest stories in anime)
Berserk (a dark fantasy series with a great plot. The ending is a cliffhanger though)
Full Metal Panic (1st season, not Fumoffu. Doesn't explain everything but there is some closure)
Heat Guy J (the better alternative to Cowboy Bebop)
Revolutionary Girl Utena (a pretty good story although some scenes are repetitive)
Project Arms (the first 26 episodes set up the story pretty well. The last two discs of the second half should be released by november.)

[slade]

Good choice of DVDs to pick up, PoD. FMA and Rurouni Kenshin (aka Samurai X) are top-notch series. Did you pick up Samurai X Trust and Betrayal? That is the OAV series. There's another Kenshin series out on DVD (the TV series) which is longer and superior IMO but it's really long.

The only thing superior about the t.v. series is the Kyoto arc. Before and after that, nothing the t.v series does approaches the OVA's. The Kyoto Arc is the only arc in the whole series that manages to capture a little bit of the sad atmosphere that shrouded the OVA's. But it is only 30 episodes out of the 95 that make up the Kenshin t.v series.

[Mochan]

Yes, but the Kyoto Arc is godly and the OAV doesn't compare to it IMO. So I would say the TV series is better.

[Mochan]

Lots of anime fans don't like Dead Leaves, haven't seen it myself but if you're into that sort of thing try Soul Taker and FLCL.

Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo are definitely good series, if you liked Champloo then you can't go wrong with Bebop. In my opinion, Bebop is the better of the two.


I was reluctant to recommend RahXephon because it seemed PoD wasn't interested in mecha sci fi stuff. If I had to recommend one of the Eva clones, though, I'd recommend Soukyuu no Fafner.

Berserk is a great series, I recommend it too. But you really need to get into the manga because the anime just ends at a bad point.

I actually prefer Fumoffu to Full Metal Panic, I love the comedy.

Heat Guy J is also good.

Utena is a magical girl show so of course it's repetitive, lol

Didn't really like Project Arms that much.

[slade]

RahXephon isn't too sci-fi. It has the trappings but it isn't too futuristic, aside from the Xephon and the Dolems of course. And even the mecha battles are really only a formality in order to further the story.

I gotta disagree about Cowboy Bebop and Trebor knows my stance on the show already. Of the two most overhyped anime in existance, I don't know which is worse, Cowboy Bebop or Evangelion. Neither one of those appeals to me very much.

I haven't watched Fumoffu yet but from most of what I've read, it leaves the plot from Full Metal Panic completely. Just based on that alone, I decided to pass on it. Thank god there's a third season that picks up from where FMP left off.

[Mochan]

I think Cowboy Bebop is overhyped, but personally I liked the show and I won't hesitate to call it a good series. But it's definitely overhyped and you can see why... people like Trebor. ;) BTW Bebop is 26 eps. not 36.

Rah Xephon isn't really sci-fi, but neither is Macross/Robotech and PoD said none of that.

Fumoffu is definitely a huge departure from FMP. Frankly though I find Fumoffu to be the best of the three FMPs. TSR is cool and I like it but overall I like Fumoffu best, it was just brilliant. I also loved the change in character designs in fumoffu from FMP, thank goodness Gonzo left the reigns and it's all Kyoto Animation now.

[trebor]

I gotta disagree about Cowboy Bebop and Trebor knows my stance on the show already. Of the two most overhyped anime in existance, I don't know which is worse, Cowboy Bebop or Evangelion. Neither one of those appeals to me very much.

It's true, I do know his stance. I don't particularly agree with it, but I know that it exists. ;)


I think Cowboy Bebop is overhyped, but personally I liked the show and I won't hesitate to call it a good series. But it's definitely overhyped and you can see why... people like Trebor. BTW Bebop is 26 eps. not 36.

I am a fanboy, I can admit it. I hear you on the 26 episode trip, I mistyped 36.

In terms of what PoD has stated he has seen and liked, Samurai Champloo and the anime sequence in Kill Bill 1, then I'm afraid that Cowboy Bebop is indeed the best recommendation he can receive at this juncture.

Although, for kicks, I do really like Inu-Yasha, Full Metal Panic, Getbackers, Full Metal Alchemist, and Mezzo.

Next to Samurai Champloo and Bebop, Inu-Yasha happens to be my favorite anime ever.

[Glockstar]

I gotta disagree about Cowboy Bebop and Trebor knows my stance on the show already. Of the two most overhyped anime in existance, I don't know which is worse, Cowboy Bebop or Evangelion. Neither one of those appeals to me very much.


It's true, I do know his stance. I don't particularly agree with it, but I know that it exists. I am a fanboy, I can admit it. ... In terms of what PoD has stated he has seen and liked, Samurai Champloo and the anime sequence in Kill Bill 1, then I'm afraid that Cowboy Bebop is indeed the best recommendation he can receive at this juncture.


Boys boys boys... can't we all just get along?

slade, how can you not like Cowboy Bebop?!
TPoD, trebor speaks the truth: Cowboy Bebop is the best.

But Rahxephon is a close second. A close second. It. Is. Amazing. That show is gonna stick with me forever.

To be honest there's not a whole lot of anime I like. But what I do I like, I love. I don't consider myself a fan tho', because I hate probably 95% of what's out there.

Now, before I show you my list and make my reccomendations, I have to ask you a question: are you watching little bits of a series at a time? How can you do that?! I have to watch them in their entirety and without interruption. These aren't your Saturday morning cartoons you know!

Now then, you know what #1 and #2 are, here's the rest... although I have to say that there is a serious drop-off between #2 and #3...

3) Noir - Watch the first episode (of course) then skip episodes 2 thru 7 - they're boring as all get out and they're good for nothing - then start up again with episode 8 - that's when the series begins in earnest.

Actually, the space is wide between #3 and #4 too... 4 and 5 are real close tho', hard to pick one over the other.

4) people are going to laugh, but oh well... Najica Blitz Tactics - Similar to Noir, but with a 100% more humor. The first disk is awesome, but the other two are mostly meh... and I'm still scratching my head about that ending.

5) Devil Lady - The monster battles pretty much suck (this must be, like, old anime or something - they're almost like stills) but the rest of the show is good stuff. The subplots are most entertaining.

And that's it.

I was watching Ghost In The Shell: Stand Alone Complex - watched the first three disks - but I've just let that series fall by the wayside. It's pretty boring.

Everything else that I've seen I didn't like. And like I said, most I refuse to watch. I don't like: Inuyasha, Wild Arms, Trigun, Saiyuki, Lupin, Gundam, Robotech, Full Metal Panic, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Reign, dot Hack... there's a whole bunch more but I can't remember them off the top of my head.

Hey, mind if I borrow your thread here, TPod? :p
I was thinking about making Witch Hunter Robin my next one... anybody got any opinions or comments on that - one way or the other? Or, now that you know what I like and don't like, do you have any suggestions? Bubble Gum Crisis? Yu-Yu-Hakusho? Big O? DNA2? NeoRanga?

[trebor]

Boys boys boys... can't we all just get along?

slade, how can you not like Cowboy Bebop?!
TPoD, trebor speaks the truth: Cowboy Bebop is the best.

Word up - I thought everyone had gone insane for a moment. CB is pretty deserving of the accolades thrown at it.


But Rahxephon is a close second. A close second. It. Is. Amazing. That show is gonna stick with me forever.

To be honest there's not a whole lot of anime I like. But what I do I like, I love. I don't consider myself a fan tho', because I hate probably 95% of what's out there.

I've heard good things about Rahxephon, but I haven't partaken myself. Otherwise, in general, I kinda agree with your assessment of anime as a whole - a lot of it is pretty obnoxious.


Hey, mind if I borrow your thread here, TPod? :p
I was thinking about making Witch Hunter Robin my next one... anybody got any opinions or comments on that - one way or the other? Or, now that you know what I like and don't like, do you have any suggestions? Bubble Gum Crisis? Yu-Yu-Hakusho? Big O? DNA2? NeoRanga?

Don't bother with Witch Hunter Robin - it's a giant snooze-fest. Probably the most boring anime series I've come across, actually. Comparitively, it makes Stand Alone Complex look like the most action-packed anime series ever released, which it ain't.

Yu-Yu-Hakusho is fun, but it borders on utterly stupid. Big O is terrible.

I have to say, that since you're a Bebop fan, Samurai Champloo would probably be down your alley.

[The Prince of Darkness]

You guys have given me more options that I could probably check out in a lifetime. The ones that seem to have gotten the most mention are Cowboy Bebop, Rahxephon, Getbackers, and Fullmetal Panic. I will check those out first. Btw---I was on Ebay last night and plugged in Cowboy Bebop, and you can actually get the entire series so far on 3 DVD's for like $20. I guess, as usual, Ebay is the way to go.

[trebor]

Btw---I was on Ebay last night and plugged in Cowboy Bebop, and you can actually get the entire series so far on 3 DVD's for like $20. I guess, as usual, Ebay is the way to go.

Woah woah woah, major RED FLAG there. I can 99% guarantee that the 3 disc set is a pirated version, complete with lower video and audio quality. The official release is on 6 dvds.

Do NOT buy it, unless you want to support piracy and get yourself a weak version of the series.

[The Prince of Darkness]

Woah woah woah, major RED FLAG there. I can 99% guarantee that the 3 disc set is a pirated version, complete with lower video and audio quality. The official release is on 6 dvds.

Do NOT buy it, unless you want to support piracy and get yourself a weak version of the series.


Gotcha and I would not dream of it. I am glad that I mentioned it.

[Glockstar]

Whoa whoa whoa yourself there, my friend. If TPoD is talking about "The Perfect Sessions" (and I'm sure he is) then the compilation is legit. I'll vouch for it 100%. Because that's the one I got. ('Cept, I paid, like, 35 bucks for mine... tho' that was, like, a year-and-a-half ago... and back then it was only Japanese sellers selling them.) It is a nice set. It's even got "extras" (like character intros, interviews, music videos, and trailers).

$20?! Get it! (You best do your homework first tho'... )

[trebor]

Whoa whoa whoa yourself there, my friend. If TPoD is talking about "The Perfect Sessions" (and I'm sure he is) then the compilation is legit. I'll vouch for it 100%. Because that's the one I got. ('Cept, I paid, like, 35 bucks for mine... tho' that was, like, a year-and-a-half ago... and back then it was only Japanese sellers selling them.) It is a nice set. It's even got "extras" (like character intros, interviews, music videos, and trailers).

$20?! Get it! (You best do your homework first tho'... )

Er...well...let's put it this way, if there isn't a Bandai logo on your 3 disc set, then you have a bootleg copy, my friend.

Here's a handy link that can help

http://www.digital.anime.org.uk/piratefaq.html#spot

[Brendon]

Personally, I can recomend Last Exile, which I'm surprised has managed to not get a mention in yet. As well as FLCL, Lain and as Gladfly said, Dead Leaves.

Incidently, when in the hell is Naruto going to get licenced?

[slade]

You guys have given me more options that I could probably check out in a lifetime. The ones that seem to have gotten the most mention are Cowboy Bebop, Rahxephon, Getbackers, and Fullmetal Panic. I will check those out first. Btw---I was on Ebay last night and plugged in Cowboy Bebop, and you can actually get the entire series so far on 3 DVD's for like $20. I guess, as usual, Ebay is the way to go.

That is most likely the bootleg version. The companies making these are MAC, FX, MI, AV, AS, ACMAC or EZDVD. Watch out that you don't buy a set that only supports english subtitles as these are usually really bad and full of mistranslations and grammar errors. Buy an R1 rip if you do want the series for a relatively cheap price and don't care how you get it.

[trebor]

I've been doing some more research on the "Perfect Sessions" compilation and have found this...


The main Cowboy Bebop bootleg that's selling on Ebay is a direct rip of the "Perfect Sessions" set that is being sold by Bandai in the USA, so it has Bandai's professional translation (here's a front view of this bootleg). However, this bootleg of the series, and this one as well have very bad translations, due to the fact that they are translated from Japanese to Chinese and then to English. As you can imagine, such a roundabout translation makes for some very low quality dialog.

http://www.jazzmess.com/merch/bootlegfaq.html

Here is the picture of the main CB bootleg he's refering to...

http://www.jazzmess.com/merch/img/dvdbootleg1.jpg

I believe that the official "Perfect Sessions" is the 6 disc set that you can find at pretty much any Bestbuy, Target, Circuit City, etc.

[Glockstar]

Well, when you're right, you're right. And you guys are right. This is a bootlegged version of "The Perfect Sessions". Same name, but not the "official" release. Who knew?

Thanks for the link, treb.

ebay, those sunzab!tches.

The thing is, is that this set is quality stuff. All of the content is there, the case looks great, feels great and is put together great - the plastic part that holds the disks, the cardboard stock, and all of the labeling/imprinting thereon is super nice (honestly, it all seems nicer than my other such tri-fold dvd's (like Fight Club, Day of the Dead, Jackie Brown, Punch Drunk Love...) - plus it's got one of those clear plastic sleeves - it looks like just like the "Best Sessions" - and the tops (or faces or fronts?) of the disks have full color labeling/imprinting that looks legit too. And most of all, I've never had a problem with any of the disks; they've played on every single player I put them in.

But you're right, it doesn't say Bandai anywhere on it. It's only 3 disks, when the "real" Perfect Sessions Limited Edition is 6. And it's encoded for "all regions". Has Chinese subtitles. And on each of the three disks, I see now, it says Video Animation. So many clues, eh? S'funny tho', I can read the serial numbers on the disks.

I don't know if I just didn't know - or if I was in denial. But this is the only bootlegged thing I own.

And I always felt bad about it too. Though I never even knew it was a pirated dvd until now. What's always bugged me about it is that while Cowboy Bebop is my favorite anime, it doesn't look like it's my favorite anime. You'd never be able to tell by looking at my collection of dvd's. Sitting next to my Devil Lady, Najica, Noir, and Rahxephon dvd's you can hardly see my Cowboy Bebop ones - all of the others are the original 6-7 disk collections (and all but the Devil Lady dvd's are in their respective cardboard dvd-collection-holders) - that's just not right.

[trebor]

Well, when you're right, you're right. And you guys are right. This is a bootlegged version of "The Perfect Sessions". Same name, but not the "official" release. Who knew?

Thanks for the link, treb.

ebay, those sunzab!tches.

The thing is, is that this set is quality stuff. All of the content is there, the case looks great, feels great and is put together great - the plastic part that holds the disks, the cardboard stock, and all of the labeling/imprinting thereon is super nice (honestly, it all seems nicer than my other such tri-fold dvd's (like Fight Club, Day of the Dead, Jackie Brown, Punch Drunk Love...) - plus it's got one of those clear plastic sleeves - it looks like just like the "Best Sessions" - and the tops (or faces or fronts?) of the disks have full color labeling/imprinting that looks legit too. And most of all, I've never had a problem with any of the disks; they've played on every single player I put them in.

But you're right, it doesn't say Bandai anywhere on it. It's only 3 disks, when the "real" Perfect Sessions Limited Edition is 6. And it's encoded for "all regions". Has Chinese subtitles. And on each of the three disks, I see now, it says Video Animation. So many clues, eh? S'funny tho', I can read the serial numbers on the disks.

I don't know if I just didn't know - or if I was in denial. But this is the only bootlegged thing I own.

And I always felt bad about it too. Though I never even knew it was a pirated dvd until now. What's always bugged me about it is that while Cowboy Bebop is my favorite anime, it doesn't look like it's my favorite anime. You'd never be able to tell by looking at my collection of dvd's. Sitting next to my Devil Lady, Najica, Noir, and Rahxephon dvd's you can hardly see my Cowboy Bebop ones - all of the others are the original 6-7 disk collections (and all but the Devil Lady dvd's are in their respective cardboard dvd-collection-holders) - that's just not right.

Sorry dude, I didn't want to make you feel bad or anything. Don't feel too bad though, because that particular bootleg is so well made that it has even fooled Amazon.com, and other online stores into selling it. From what your saying, you wouldn't have bought it knowing it was bootlegged - so I don't think you should feel bad about it.

It's a testament to how good the bootleggers are getting, because looking at the image I posted it looks like an official release. Since they ripped it direct from the 6 dvd set the audio and video are probably good enough quality that if you didn't know it was ripped, you wouldn't be able to guess.

It's a shame that it's come to the point that you can buy something with the best intentions and not even know what your getting anymore. Especially since a lot of people who would be buying the bootlegged version would have no idea that it is bootlegged, since they might be new to buying anime.

This does coincide with one of my fundamental principles in life, which is that eBay is evil.

For one thing, combining shopping with gambling is a recipe for some serious addiction and secondly, half the time you don't even know what you're getting until you actually have it in your hands.

[The Prince of Darkness]

Well I picked up some stuff at the Blockbuster yesterday, but have not watched them yet. I just had a chance to finish up FMA and Samurai Champloo this weekend. Btw---I think that I actually like FMA a little better than Samurai Champloo. I mean I really like the fighting sequences in Samurai, but FMA just cracks me up.

Anyway, the two that I picked up at Blockbuster were Cowboy Bebop-The Movie and Volume 1 of Fullmetal Panic. I could not find any Getbackers there and I checked out Rahxephon but I don't know if it is something I would like. I actually think Devil Lady looked pretty cool, so I will get some of that next and I will keep a lookout for The Getbackers.

Question-the guy at the Blockbuster checkout said that if I am just starting to check this stuff out I absolutely have to get Akira. Any thoughts on that one?

[The Prince of Darkness]

This does coincide with one of my fundamental principles in life, which is that eBay is evil.

For one thing, combining shopping with gambling is a recipe for some serious addiction and secondly, half the time you don't even know what you're getting until you actually have it in your hands.

40 transactions and counting dude. I have never had even a remote problem on Ebay. I just have a rule that I do not buy form anyone that is less than a 98% rating, or anyone with under 100 transactions. Just don't deal with sketchy people. Now that being said I would never buy anything real expensive on Ebay. My DS and my fiancee's Ipod Shuffle are the most expensive items that I have bought.

[Glockstar]

Anyway, the two that I picked up at Blockbuster were Cowboy Bebop-The Movie...

Hey wait man! You gotta watch the series first!

-
Question-the guy at the Blockbuster checkout said that if I am just starting to check this stuff out I absolutely have to get Akira. Any thoughts on that one?

That was, like, the first anime. Well, the first of the modern-day ones. (Speed Racer, Kimba, and Astro Boy - as much as I love them - don't really count.) I remember watching it when I was in the Army - that was over 15 years ago. A bunch of us got that and Heavy Metal one night. I've only watched it the one time. I thought it was just ok. (Same goes for HM.)

[The Prince of Darkness]

Hey wait man! You gotta watch the series first!


Well I would have done it that way, but the movie was all they had. Will I be lost or will it give me a good idea about the series?

[trebor]

Anyway, the two that I picked up at Blockbuster were Cowboy Bebop-The Movie and Volume 1 of Fullmetal Panic. I could not find any Getbackers there and I checked out Rahxephon but I don't know if it is something I would like. I actually think Devil Lady looked pretty cool, so I will get some of that next and I will keep a lookout for The Getbackers.

Question-the guy at the Blockbuster checkout said that if I am just starting to check this stuff out I absolutely have to get Akira. Any thoughts on that one?

Glock is right, you really should see the Cowboy Bebop series before the movie, simply because you'll appreciate the movie MUCH more that way.

Akira...good, but not great. At the time, it was truly amazing to behold, but it doesn't quite hold up as well compared to newer anime, and the story is kinda just a messy comblobulate of Japanese weirdness. It's definitely worth a rent, but probably not a purchase.

[trebor]

40 transactions and counting dude. I have never had even a remote problem on Ebay. I just have a rule that I do not buy form anyone that is less than a 98% rating, or anyone with under 100 transactions. Just don't deal with sketchy people. Now that being said I would never buy anything real expensive on Ebay. My DS and my fiancee's Ipod Shuffle are the most expensive items that I have bought.

Meh. I've done a number of transactions of eBay, and never have run into any serious problems, but I just count myself lucky in that respect.

Perhaps it's a personal thing, but I get a bit too competitive in some bids and end up paying more for something then I originally wanted to, simply because I want to "win" the bid. Gambling and shopping - goes badly together.

[Glockstar]

Well I would have done it that way, but the movie was all they had. Will I be lost or will it give me a good idea about the series?

Do you have a Media Play by you?

They are the shizz when it comes to anime. Tho' their prices do suck. However, they do have lots of used dvd's, including lots of used anime dvds. You can often find all - or almost all - of a whole series in their used bin.

[The Prince of Darkness]

Meh. I've done a number of transactions of eBay, and never have run into any serious problems, but I just count myself lucky in that respect.

Perhaps it's a personal thing, but I get a bit too competitive in some bids and end up paying more for something then I originally wanted to, simply because I want to "win" the bid. Gambling and shopping - goes badly together.

Yup it is a personal thing. I have never looked at Ebay as a competition because, chances are, even the buy it now price will be better than at the store. Most of the stuff that I buy on Ebay are collector's items. Things like Bobbleheads and Dunny's I will only buy if they are new in the box. I also went through a phase where I was putting together a killer vintage Izod polo collection. It was back before you started seeing the alligator again so I know that people were not faking them like they do now.

[The Prince of Darkness]

Do you have a Media Play by you?

They are the shizz when it comes to anime. Tho' their prices do suck. However, they do have lots of used dvd's, including lots of used anime dvds. You can often find all - or almost all - of a whole series in their used bin.

Never heard of it. I know what you are saying, though. Every place that I have checked that sells the stuff so far---very little in the used department. I guess it is just like any hobby---take it slow and buy it when you can, put it on the old Xmas list...whatever works.

[trebor]

Well, Cowboy Bebop can be had for free, if you have access to Cartoon Network. Just go to their site, find the schedule, and set up the old VCR, or preferably, DVR.

Plus, if you have cable tv and a "On Demand" feature, I know that Adult Swim (Cartoon Network's late night anime/comedy programming) has Cowboy Bebop episodes 1 and 2 free to download and watch.

[Mochan]

In terms of what PoD has stated he has seen and liked, Samurai Champloo and the anime sequence in Kill Bill 1, then I'm afraid that Cowboy Bebop is indeed the best recommendation he can receive at this juncture.

Agreed. Many of my favorites aren't even out in the US though. =_= No wait I think Princess Tutu is out in the US.


But Rahxephon is a close second. A close second. It. Is. Amazing. That show is gonna stick with me forever.

Rah Xephon was nice, better than Eva by far in my book, but Fafner beats both of them out. True though, many anime series are hard to put down, you need to watch the entire thing or at least the entire story arc. Bebop though was very put-downable.

Noir was really BAD in my book. So was Madlax. and Avenger. And Hack. I hate Bee Train.

Blitz Tactics... so did you like the panties that came with the box? LOL

Didn't like Devilman Lady much, Devilman was a lot better. Devilman Lady isn't an old series, I think it's late 90s at worst. It's just really low budget.

Every single GITS, just like all Mamoru Oshii works, are boring.

Witch Hunter Robin has a lot going for it but it really ends up flat on its face because of its flavor of the week style and the messed up anti-climactic ending. If you liked Bebop though it might be worth a shot.

[Mochan]

Personally, I can recomend Last Exile, which I'm surprised has managed to not get a mention in yet. As well as FLCL, Lain and as Gladfly said, Dead Leaves.

Incidently, when in the hell is Naruto going to get licenced?

If I were doing a general recommendations list I would probably have Last Exile in it somewhere but I'm tailoring my list more to what I think PoD can appreciate based on his stated preferences. Problem here is I have to stick to R1 releases and I really don't follow what's on R1 and what's not.

Naruto manga got licensed but the anime is still up for grabs I think.

Brendon, looks like you're one of the "psychological mind****" type of anime watchers.

[Mochan]

Well, when you're right, you're right. And you guys are right. This is a bootlegged version of "The Perfect Sessions". Same name, but not the "official" release. Who knew?

The thing is, is that this set is quality stuff. All of the content is there, the case looks great, feels great and is put together great - the plastic part that holds the disks, the cardboard stock, and all of the labeling/imprinting thereon is super nice (honestly, it all seems nicer than my other such tri-fold dvd's (like Fight Club, Day of the Dead, Jackie Brown, Punch Drunk Love...) - plus it's got one of those clear plastic sleeves -

You just described the typical anime bootleg packaging we get over here in spades.

Many bootlegs are packaged quite well. And when they rip the video from an R1 release (or rip the entire R1 disk) or use fansub scripts for the English subs, the quality is really, really good.

I got a box set of Ghibli movies and it came in a cool sky blue magnet box, it just kicks ass. It's just a bootleg I paid $20 for though (has 19 movies in it, talk about bang for your buck).

But there is definitely something to be said about getting a box with 6-7 DVD cases in it. I personally don't have any of those, though. Very hard for me to buy.

[Mochan]

Anyway, the two that I picked up at Blockbuster were Cowboy Bebop-The Movie and Volume 1 of Fullmetal Panic. I could not find any Getbackers there and I checked out Rahxephon but I don't know if it is something I would like. I actually think Devil Lady looked pretty cool, so I will get some of that next and I will keep a lookout for The Getbackers.

Like Glocky said, don't watch the Bebop movie just yet, watch the TV series first. Or at least watch the first 4 or so episodes for the character introduction. After that you can fit the movie in anywhere before the last 2 episodes.

I didn't recommend Rah Xephon because you were trying to avoid sci-fi stuff. While I can honestly recommend it I think you might not like it, and the show is definitely a love/hate affair. I wouldn't suggest you buying it without having sampled the first few episodes first.

That was, like, the first anime. Well, the first of the modern-day ones. (Speed Racer, Kimba, and Astro Boy - as much as I love them - don't really count.) I remember watching it when I was in the Army - that was over 15 years ago. A bunch of us got that and Heavy Metal one night. I've only watched it the one time. I thought it was just ok. (Same goes for HM.)

Not even close. Akira is just the culmination of the pscyhological gore fests that were extremely prevalent in the 80's. There were lots of anime before Akira that had that kind of style, like Baoh, Genocyber, Wicked City, Shutendoji, etc. Akira is the trump of all of them but I really didn't like it. (weird -- Japan considers the 80's to be the Golden Age of Anime but I consider it the Dark Ages). Well seriously I don't recommend it but I guess you can try it out.

[Glockstar]

Never heard of it. I know what you are saying, though. Every place that I have checked that sells the stuff so far---very little in the used department. I guess it is just like any hobby---take it slow and buy it when you can, put it on the old Xmas list...whatever works.

I think I'm all done with that taking it slow, buying them piece-meal, crap. With every one of the four series that I did that with (#'s 2 thru 4 on my favorite list - see above)... I had trouble finding one of the disks... you know, like with the next disk that I was supposed to watch. Dude, that sucks when you're ready to watch the next episode but you can't find it anywhere. Of course, you can find it on ebay - but fat lot of good that does you when you want to watch it now, you know?

Plus, it's so expensive that way. I was looking at the Gantz series of dvd's (oh, thanks a lot by the way - you all got me all obsessed with anime again - I was driving all over like an obsessed maniac this weekend looking for stuff :mad:), and had the first two in hand, but when I saw that there were only two episodes per disk(!) I said, '#@$% that'. There are over 26 episodes in that series! So I'll wait for the comprehensive box set to come out.

Like with what happened to the aforementioned series I own. All of them. It seemed like no sooner had I bought the final dvd of the respective collections that they then came out with a nifty little all-inclusive box-set. I suppose it ends up being not much of a savings ('cept on time and gas), but it sure is nice to have them all in one fell swoop - and it's a lot less stressful. If I could go back in time - knowing what I know now - I'd've waited for the complete box-set. Which is what I'm going to do with Gantz. And with all of my future series-sets.

-

Blitz Tactics... so did you like the panties that came with the box? LOL

Panties?! I thought that was a hat!

-

I didn't recommend Rah Xephon because you were trying to avoid sci-fi stuff. While I can honestly recommend it I think you might not like it, and the show is definitely a love/hate affair. I wouldn't suggest you buying it without having sampled the first few episodes first.

I didn't take TPoDs "question" that way. I don't think TPoD knows what he likes or doesn't like yet, I think he's just looking for our personal opinions.

Besides that, I've got a pretty good idea of what TPoD's tastes are... I know what kind of games he likes (our tastes are very similar), what kind of music he likes (though here I think our tastes are quite a bit different, I think), movies, etc...

...and TPoD, I can guarantee you that you will like Cowboy Bebop and Rahxephon. I would even offer you a money-back guarantee, if I could - that's how sure I am. ;)

[The Prince of Darkness]

I didn't recommend Rah Xephon because you were trying to avoid sci-fi stuff. While I can honestly recommend it I think you might not like it, and the show is definitely a love/hate affair. I wouldn't suggest you buying it without having sampled the first few episodes first.


Well it is not to say that I won't check it out someday...and maybe really like it. Just from browsing through the anime sections and reading the backs of the boxes it just seems like there would be some stuff that I should check out first. I mean it's crazy. I have all of this stuff that I need to check out, but then I also need to get volume 2 of both Samurai Champloo and FMA. I enjoyed both of them so much that I am now dying to know what happens next.

[The Prince of Darkness]

My fiancee now thinks that I am really strange. Everytime she walks into our living room have a DS in my hands, and I am watching this wacky stuff. I tried to get her to check out some Full Metal Alchemist just because I thought maybe she would get in touch with her sensitive side and feel sorry for the boys plight, but she was having NONE of it. She asked me politely to watch it when she was at work. Lol.

[trebor]

My fiancee now thinks that I am really strange. Everytime she walks into our living room have a DS in my hands, and I am watching this wacky stuff. I tried to get her to check out some Full Metal Alchemist just because I thought maybe she would get in touch with her sensitive side and feel sorry for the boys plight, but she was having NONE of it. She asked me politely to watch it when she was at work. Lol.

My wife doesn't care for FMA either - she thinks it's a bit too spazzy. Plus, I have to say, Edward is the biggest lapdog in any book, show, movie, videogame, or anime I've ever had the misfortune of being subjected to. Seriously, he is probably the single most annoying character in any kind of media that I watch semi-regularly.

Ok, now that that's out of my system, my wife DOES really like Samurai Champloo, Cowboy Bebop, and Inu-yasha. Her favorite is CB, I believe, but a close second is Inu-yasha. Yes, I have a woman who likes both videogames AND anime, guess I'm one of the lucky one's.

Try watching one of the Miyazaki movies (Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle, etc.) with your fiance, as they are usually easier to digest for non-anime fans.

[The Prince of Darkness]

My wife doesn't care for FMA either - she thinks it's a bit too spazzy. Plus, I have to say, Edward is the biggest lapdog in any book, show, movie, videogame, or anime I've ever had the misfortune of being subjected to. Seriously, he is probably the single most annoying character in any kind of media that I watch semi-regularly.

Ok, now that that's out of my system, my wife DOES really like Samurai Champloo, Cowboy Bebop, and Inu-yasha. Her favorite is CB, I believe, but a close second is Inu-yasha. Yes, I have a woman who likes both videogames AND anime, guess I'm one of the lucky one's.

Try watching one of the Miyazaki movies (Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle, etc.) with your fiance, as they are usually easier to digest for non-anime fans.

Agreed. I think that Al is definately the better character out of the two, but I don't find Edward too offensive.

Dude-it will never work. This is the same woman that enjoys Julia Roberts movies and Soapnet. Believe me when I say that she finds my tastes in visual stimuli just as silly as I find hers to be. It is a miracle that I even got her into the handheld puzzle games. Thank goodness there are other more important things involved in a relationship besides what keeps us glued to the TV.

[trebor]

Thank goodness there are other more important things involved in a relationship besides what keeps us glued to the TV.

What?! There is? ;)

[Mochan]

I don't like Edward much either. I'm not a big fan of FMA but it was still overall a good show. I've seen much better though.

If you want something to watch with your fiancee.... heh heh heh. Try stuff like Honey and Clover or even Princess Tutu.

This is the same woman that enjoys Julia Roberts movies and Soapnet.

There's an anime for everyone, I don't know what Soapnet is but try stuff like Marmalade Boy and the stuff I mentioned above for your fiancee. Well maybe not Princess Tutu that's a little wild but Julia Roberts-esque might be the more traditional shoujo/jousei series.

[The Prince of Darkness]

I think that I found a couple places to buy reasonable anime. I was in Best Buy today picking up Advance Wars DS, and i figured that I should check out their selection. I ended up picking up volume 2 of both Samurai Champloo and FMA for $20 each. Not too bad considering you know that they are real. I tried to get some Cowboy Bebop and Getbackers too, but they did not have volume 1 in either. The thing is that the Cowboy Bebop that they did have was only $12. Incidentily guys, the selection seemed pretty good at Best Buy too.

The other place is for the real budget shoppers. Until I rented Full Metal Panic at blockbuster I had not been there since they instituted the "no more late fee policy". I read the fine print and it said that, if you do not return your movie within one week of the return date, it will be treated as a sale. On my receipt it said that the sale price on 9/5 for Full Metal Panic would be $10.50, so with the rental fee that is $15. If this is really how it works, and you don't mind not having the box, that is a cheap way to go.

[Mochan]

LOL, you and your shopping genius, PoD!

BTW, I noticed quite a discussion on football. You guys might be interested in checking out Eyeshield 21 (http://store.viz.com/product/GNVVV0073/s.lftVqMxc). Right now only the manga is available in the US but the anime will come over sooner or later.

[The Prince of Darkness]

LOL, you and your shopping genius, PoD!

BTW, I noticed quite a discussion on football. You guys might be interested in checking out Eyeshield 21 (http://store.viz.com/product/GNVVV0073/s.lftVqMxc). Right now only the manga is available in the US but the anime will come over sooner or later.

What can I say---accountant by day and a dark prince by night;)

[Glockstar]

BTW, I noticed quite a discussion on football. You guys might be interested in checking out Eyeshield 21.

Thanks, but, uh, no thanks.

-

I have another question...

Does it have to be Japanese to be considered anime?

I mean, if so, then what are shows like Heavy Metal, G.I. Joe, Titan A.E., Spawn, Batman, and Chronicles of Riddick: Dark Fury... considered as?

[BeMore]

Well I finally got around to checking out the stuff that I rented last week plus one more on Adult Swim.

I watched the first episode of Full Metal Panic in the middle of the week, and if it were not for the fact that I went out Thursday and Friday night and was bored on Saturday night, I probably would have scrapped it. That first episode was really really corny. I ended up watching the other three last night, and I got interested a bit because of the action sequences, and because plot was starting to veer more towards terror fighting and less towards that high school crap. I would consider renting volume 2 down the road, but it will not be high priority. The characters are way too silly for me. I guess that I just don't get it.

I also ended up going against my better judgement, and watched the Cowboy Bebop movie(I spent the cash renting it so what the hell). First off, I ended up being really happy that I did because it was not too hard to figure out what was going on at all. In fact, it kicked serious ass. It was smart, funny, hip, and filled with serious action. Plus, it was twisted as hell---that is always a plus for me. Two things though. First, I guess that it takes place in a city on Mars that is modeled after NY. It sure looked like NY. Second, what is with the little kid? At first she was funny I guess, but then she just ended up being really hokie. I will definately be checking out some of the episodes. I can't seem to find any of them for rent anywhere, so I will probably end up buying some of them.

The last thing that I checked out was Inuyusha on Adult Swim. I only watched it for like 15 minutes, and not only did I not understand a thing that was going on, but I saw enough to realize that it probably is not my style.

So...to recap what I have learned so far. I absolutely love FMA, Samurai Champloo, and Cowboy Bebop. In fact, I will probably end up with the full collections they are so good. FMP I may check out again much later, and finally I still need to watch The Getbackers and Rahxephon and let you guys know what I think about those.

[Glockstar]

I also ended up going against my better judgement, and watched the Cowboy Bebop movie(I spent the cash renting it so what the hell).

...and finally I still need to watch The Getbackers and Rahxephon and let you guys know what I think about those.

Well you #@$%ed up with Cowboy Bebop... but DO NOT do that with Rahxephon!!! DO NOT watch the movie before you watch the show. And I mean ALL 26 episodes! You do, and I'll never speak to you again. :mad:

[slade]

Yeah, whatever you do, don't watch the RahXephon movie before the t.v. show. Eighty percent of the movie is just footage from the show and is a good way to spoil yourself. Although, the two do end up going different ways. Also, the movie massacres some of the better characters in the t.v show. And anyway, the movie is mostly for those who watched the t.v show and can connect the dots between the stuff that isn't explained.

EDIT: I don't like Inuyasha either and I usually love fantasy anime. The main character is too much of a dumbass and they don't focus on the real star of the show, Kikyo. Get Bastard if you can find it. There's only six episodes and they are on one disc. However, the story will leave you hanging.

[Mochan]

Inuyasha just goes in circles for over 150 episodes. Status quo is reset almost every episode, it's not really worth it. It worked with Ranma (due to the nature of that series) but Inuyasha demands more evolution in plot, unfortunately it never comes and even after all is said and done it's still not finished!

Bastard demands to be read as a manga.

Anime are cartoons produced primariliy for Japanese consumption, usually by Japanese producers. The stuff you mentioned are.... American cartoons. ;) Side note: Spawn did have a little involvement form Yoshiaki Kawajiri, probably best known in the US for his work on Ninja Scroll/Jubei Ninpucho.

[The Prince of Darkness]

Well you #@$%ed up with Cowboy Bebop... but DO NOT do that with Rahxephon!!! DO NOT watch the movie before you watch the show. And I mean ALL 26 episodes! You do, and I'll never speak to you again. :mad:

Well I wouldn't dare do that. I still say, though, watching the Cowboy Bebop Movie did not ruin it for me at all. I am very eager to check out the series now. Will I be disappointed with the series now?

[trebor]

I also ended up going against my better judgement, and watched the Cowboy Bebop movie(I spent the cash renting it so what the hell). First off, I ended up being really happy that I did because it was not too hard to figure out what was going on at all. In fact, it kicked serious ass. It was smart, funny, hip, and filled with serious action. Plus, it was twisted as hell---that is always a plus for me. Two things though. First, I guess that it takes place in a city on Mars that is modeled after NY. It sure looked like NY. Second, what is with the little kid? At first she was funny I guess, but then she just ended up being really hokie. I will definately be checking out some of the episodes. I can't seem to find any of them for rent anywhere, so I will probably end up buying some of them.

By mentioning "little kid" I'm assuming you're refering to Ed - who will be fully understood once you watch the series. Like we've been telling you, once you watch the full series, you'll be able to appreciate the movie and the character quirks much more.


The last thing that I checked out was Inuyusha on Adult Swim. I only watched it for like 15 minutes, and not only did I not understand a thing that was going on, but I saw enough to realize that it probably is not my style.

I realize that people are telling you otherwise, but Inuyasha is a fantastic show, but you would have to have watched the entire series in order to understand what's going on.

Catching episode 123 out of 160 or so won't exactly lend itself to being understood. Which is the unfortunate aspect to the show, since you really need to have seen every episode up until that point to really appreciate what was happening.

[trebor]

EDIT: I don't like Inuyasha either and I usually love fantasy anime. The main character is too much of a dumbass and they don't focus on the real star of the show, Kikyo.

We seriously have some different tastes with anime, but I don't think you're really giving Inuyasha much credit - the series or the character.


Inuyasha just goes in circles for over 150 episodes. Status quo is reset almost every episode, it's not really worth it. It worked with Ranma (due to the nature of that series) but Inuyasha demands more evolution in plot, unfortunately it never comes and even after all is said and done it's still not finished!

I have to respectfully disagree with you here. I will admit that Inuyasha does tend to get bogged down and does a bit of retreading (which I'd expect in any anime series that is as long running) but it still is overall an excellent show.

The things that set Inuyasha so high in my opinion are the characters and the humor. In fact, in terms of character development, it is second to only Cowboy Bebop in my book.

The characters grow and change over the course of the series, moreso then I've seen in any comparable show - live action or not. It has quite a bit of depth in this regard, as all the characters have matured and become more multi-layered in their personalities. It isn't quite as simple as "the plot goes in circles", which in some ways it does, but what does NOT go in circles is the character development.

[Mochan]

Well don't get me wrong, I did enjoy watching Inuyasha (all 160 eps of it) but it doesn't rank among the greats, and while it was fantastic for the first 40 or so episodes, after that there just wasn't enough development in the plot to go around and it basically stagnated into a "Naraku ran away again guddam!" show.

In the end I felt cheated by the show. It's not a bad show but it was very unsatisfying. In terms of character development I've seen LOADS better but it was no slouch, however it was really weak in terms of plot development.

Humor was okay but Ranma was better, and UY for that matter. Character development -- char development doesn't necessarily mean to change or grow, but in this case there was qutie a bit of change/growth with Inuyasha, Kikkyo, and Kagome. However Miroku apparently didn't get much for some reason (but he is still a well-developed character).

The character development DOES go in circles in some ways. Look at the Inuyasha Kagome Kikkyo triangle. After the point where Inuyasha chooses Kikkyo, what happens next? They just go back to normal with Kagome just wanting to stay with Inuyasha, and the same old antics occur all over again as if nothing changed.

Miroku and Sango, even after all the episodes that were devoted to their relationship (there were like 3 or 4 in the entire run) what do we end up with? Miroku still goes around asking women to bear his children, he still feels up Sango's butt, and Sango still slaps him silly everytime he does so.

Inuyasha definitely just goes in circles, there re small gradual improvments (like Inuyasha powering up Tessaiga, etc.) but all in all the status quo just resets and we still haven't gotten anywhere even after 160 eps. This is its biggest weakness and it just ends on a sour note. Better to continue with its manga.

[trebor]

Well don't get me wrong, I did enjoy watching Inuyasha (all 160 eps of it) but it doesn't rank among the greats, and while it was fantastic for the first 40 or so episodes, after that there just wasn't enough development in the plot to go around and it basically stagnated into a "Naraku ran away again guddam!" show.

You definitely have a point, no doubt. And I've even admitted to my wife during some stretch of episodes that there have been a lot of "fluff" episodes in the later ones, but I just love the characters so much that I'm pretty forgiving in that regard.


In the end I felt cheated by the show. It's not a bad show but it was very unsatisfying. In terms of character development I've seen LOADS better but it was no slouch, however it was really weak in terms of plot development.

Oh, I don't know. I think the story around the Band of Seven so far is pretty entertaining. I haven't seen the entire series, since I watch it on Adult Swim, but the last few new episodes that they've played has moved the story along rather nicely.

Character development -- char development doesn't necessarily mean to change or grow, but in this case there was qutie a bit of change/growth with Inuyasha, Kikkyo, and Kagome. However Miroku apparently didn't get much for some reason (but he is still a well-developed character).

The character development DOES go in circles in some ways. Look at the Inuyasha Kagome Kikkyo triangle. After the point where Inuyasha chooses Kikkyo, what happens next? They just go back to normal with Kagome just wanting to stay with Inuyasha, and the same old antics occur all over again as if nothing changed.

Miroku and Sango, even after all the episodes that were devoted to their relationship (there were like 3 or 4 in the entire run) what do we end up with? Miroku still goes around asking women to bear his children, he still feels up Sango's butt, and Sango still slaps him silly everytime he does so.

Oh, well, I think there is a lot more subtlety then you're giving it credit for.

The whole Inuyasha, Kagome, and Kikyo love triangle has a lot of depth to it, as it essentially is Inuyasha pining for the perfect, unattainable woman, while not seeing that he could have what he is looking for right in front of him with Kagome. That's a pretty primal conflict that is handled rather well.

And it's true that Miroku still cavorts around and gets his lecherous on, but merely admiting his affections towards Sango is a pretty big revelation. Plus, and this was a subtle thing that was later touched on, is that Sango is the only woman Miroku didn't ask to bear his children, which shows that he actually respects her - which is a fundamental aspect to being in love.

Personally, my favorite character in the show is Sesshomarou, who I think has under gone the most changes in terms of his character. He started as the main antagonist in the series and has become somewhat of a protagonist. Plus, and let's face it, this guy is as cool as a cucumber.


Inuyasha definitely just goes in circles, there re small gradual improvments (like Inuyasha powering up Tessaiga, etc.) but all in all the status quo just resets and we still haven't gotten anywhere even after 160 eps. This is its biggest weakness and it just ends on a sour note. Better to continue with its manga.

Well, obviously, this is all dependant on one's point of view. Although I definitely don't discredit your opinions in this matter.

[The Prince of Darkness]

By mentioning "little kid" I'm assuming you're refering to Ed - who will be fully understood once you watch the series. Like we've been telling you, once you watch the full series, you'll be able to appreciate the movie and the character quirks much more.


Gotcha. I guess that it would be like watching the South Park movie before ever having seen an episode. You will be able to watch and enjoy it, but you will not fully understand the character interactions. Still---will Ed be any less annoying after I watch the series or will I end up thinking that they got most everything right except for one hokie character that I just don't "get".

[trebor]

Gotcha. I guess that it would be like watching the South Park movie before ever having seen an episode. You will be able to watch and enjoy it, but you will not fully understand the character interactions. Still---will Ed be any less annoying after I watch the series or will I end up thinking that they got most everything right except for one hokie character that I just don't "get".

Well...Ed is pretty much Ed in the series, but Ed isn't necessarily there to be understood.

But, you will have more appreciation for all things Ed once you watch the full series, I believe.

[Mochan]

The Band of Seven arc was one of the highlights of the later episodes, and I enjoyed that part a lot. However afterwards it once again falls into the Shikon no Tama thing and Naraku doing his guerilla hide tactics over and over again.

BaconZun I mean that little kid is cool but again the story stagnates afterwards. By the time you get to the ending I think you'll get pissed at what essentially did not happen.

You are right though; this series is built on the characters (as are all of Rumiko Takahashi's major works); this is why Ialways stress that plot is overrated and the real meat of any story is the characters. The reason I like the show despite its flaws is because of the cahracters. I do agree with slade though.... this show needed more Kikkyo, oh and more Sesshoumaru.

As for Inuyasha pining for an unattainable woman, he attained Kikkyo. =_= Well I agree there was a lot of subtlety in it but even my friend who is a BIG Inuyasha fan agrees that it was rather silly how Inuyasha and Kagome's relationship essentially stayed the same afterwards. It was very disappointing.

And it's true that Miroku still cavorts around and gets his lecherous on, but merely admiting his affections towards Sango is a pretty big revelation.

Which, unfortunately, nets nothing in the scheme of things since Sango still acts shy and then slaps him a good one when he goes too far. They were making a *little* progress because at one point I recall Miroku was getting a little bold and Sango was actually liking it, but I think someone interrupted them (Inuyasha dropped in I think) and that was that.

Personally, my favorite character in the show is Sesshomarou, who I think has under gone the most changes in terms of his character. He started as the main antagonist in the series and has become somewhat of a protagonist. Plus, and let's face it, this guy is as cool as a cucumber.

Oh yeah, you said it. Sess's paternal instincts are really starting to come out, my only complaint is that we don't get enough Sesshoumaru!

BTW -- what is your take on Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha's relationship? Does he really want to kill Inuyasha? What's your theory?

Personally I think Sess has a little brother complex and that he never actually went all out against Inuyasha throughout the entire show.

[trebor]

Oh yeah, you said it. Sess's paternal instincts are really starting to come out, my only complaint is that we don't get enough Sesshoumaru!

Agreed. Although, I prefer savoring the few Sess episodes there are over getting tired of the character, I guess meaning there can be too much of a good thing.


BTW -- what is your take on Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha's relationship? Does he really want to kill Inuyasha? What's your theory?

Personally I think Sess has a little brother complex and that he never actually went all out against Inuyasha throughout the entire show.

That's a good question. Not having a brother myself, I can't completely relate to their relationship as brothers, but I definitely can attest to the concept of sibling rivalry.

Sesshomarou's hatred of humanity is what I believe to have caused his hatred towards Inuyasha - his very own brother being half-demon, or in his eyes half-human, and caring for humans, which was a sign of weakness. It's obvious in the earlier episodes that Sess truly detests humans, even questioning his own fathers love for them. I believe wholeheartedly that Sess was fully intending to kill Inuyasha in those early episodes, but as the story progressed he had several opportunities to kill him and didn't, so at this point I don't believe he wants to kill Inuyasha.

Later on Tensaiga (spelling?) influences Sess to save Rin, thereby encouraging his first compassionate act towards a human. As you know, Rin then starts travelling with Sesshomarou, which as you mentioned starts Sess having somewhat paternal instincts for this little girl. Rin obviously has a strong influence on Sess too, as he has even put himself in danger in order to protect her.

As time goes on in the story, there are actually fleeting moments when the two work together towards the same end - as their father would have intended.

It's actually a really deep element to the story - Inuyasha and Sesshomarou's father influencing their behavior from beyond death, insuring that they wouldn't kill each other and would carry on his compassionate/protective nature. A human was needed to first wield Tetsaiga, Tensaiga influenced a pure demon to save a human.

I could talk about this all day. :)

[Mochan]

I think Sess never really intended to kill Inuyasha, it was all "play fighting" or whatever. Do you *really* think Inuyasha could have withstood Sess at full throttle at the start of the series, without even Tessaiga as a weapon?

Also Tessaiga seems to really like his little brother. He freaking lost his arm to his brother and he didn't really seem to mind! But since he has his tough guy act he always has to put up a front with Jakken like, "I will kill that Inuyasha blah blah" so he doesn't look soft. He does the same thing with Rin "Do as you like" (I can't count the number of times he told Rin that) and all his "Go ahead and kill the girl it doesn't matter to me" then he goes on and demolishes whoever was threatening Rin. He's just too caught up in his badboy image that he can't say anything to make it crack although deep down inside he wants to cuddle Rin and Inuyasha mwahahhahaha!

By the way, were you able to see a website called "http://i.am.sesshoumaru.com"? The site is gone now but it had a really cool picture of Inuyasha and sesshoumaru. If you have that pic I would be much obliged if you could post it.

I liked the Tessaiga/Tenseiga mechanic as well. I think the intent was more of the dad wanting to give the weakling hanyou brat a powerful weapon to help him protect the humans he loves to cavort with... thus Inuyasha was given Tessaiga to compensate for his weaker bloodline. Tessaiga is clearly a lot more powerful then Tenseiga in terms of power.

The more ruthless Sesshoumaru on the other hand was given a sword that is useless for fighting but which encourages him to bring out his kinder and more benevolent side.

Also do you ever get the feeling that Sesshoumaru is raising his bride to be. =_=

[trebor]

I think Sess never really intended to kill Inuyasha, it was all "play fighting" or whatever. Do you *really* think Inuyasha could have withstood Sess at full throttle at the start of the series, without even Tessaiga as a weapon?

You have a point, but I believe Inuyasha was wily and tough enough to at least survive against Sess - he must have, since they probably fought before the series takes place. So, maybe in that respect, you're correct - Sess wasn't really trying to kill Inu.


Also Tessaiga seems to really like his little brother. He freaking lost his arm to his brother and he didn't really seem to mind! But since he has his tough guy act he always has to put up a front with Jakken like, "I will kill that Inuyasha blah blah" so he doesn't look soft. He does the same thing with Rin "Do as you like" (I can't count the number of times he told Rin that) and all his "Go ahead and kill the girl it doesn't matter to me" then he goes on and demolishes whoever was threatening Rin. He's just too caught up in his badboy image that he can't say anything to make it crack although deep down inside he wants to cuddle Rin and Inuyasha mwahahhahaha!

You paint an interesting picture there :p


By the way, were you able to see a website called "http://i.am.sesshoumaru.com"? The site is gone now but it had a really cool picture of Inuyasha and sesshoumaru. If you have that pic I would be much obliged if you could post it.

Nope, sounds cool though.


I liked the Tessaiga/Tenseiga mechanic as well. I think the intent was more of the dad wanting to give the weakling hanyou brat a powerful weapon to help him protect the humans he loves to cavort with... thus Inuyasha was given Tessaiga to compensate for his weaker bloodline. Tessaiga is clearly a lot more powerful then Tenseiga in terms of power.

The more ruthless Sesshoumaru on the other hand was given a sword that is useless for fighting but which encourages him to bring out his kinder and more benevolent side.

That's exactly whay I'm saying - their father must have been very wise and powerful in order to forsee which gifts would be the most appropriate to give his sons.


Also do you ever get the feeling that Sesshoumaru is raising his bride to be. =_=

Creepily enough, yes, but lately I've been thinking she would end up with Kohaku. Sess did spare his life at one point, so perhaps they could get along as father/son in laws. :D

[Glockstar]

Gotcha. I guess that it would be like watching the South Park movie before ever having seen an episode. You will be able to watch and enjoy it, but you will not fully understand the character interactions. Still---will Ed be any less annoying after I watch the series or will I end up thinking that they got most everything right except for one hokie character that I just don't "get".

Ed is just the kind of anime character I can't stand. I don't like that kind of artwork/character design and she's super corny. But Ed is an anomoly in CB; she is the only character that's like that. In a nutshell, she is the comic relief. And I'm glad she's there. I like Ed.

-

Yeah, whatever you do, don't watch the RahXephon movie before the t.v. show. Eighty percent of the movie is just footage from the show and is a good way to spoil yourself. Although, the two do end up going different ways. Also, the movie massacres some of the better characters in the t.v show. And anyway, the movie is mostly for those who watched the t.v show and can connect the dots between the stuff that isn't explained.

Actually, what do you think about not watching the movie at all, slade?

I wish I'd never seen it.

P.S.
I just started up RahXephon for a second go-round last nite (watched the first 5 episodes - which is all of disk 1). :D (Stupid movie.)

[slade]

Actually, what do you think about not watching the movie at all, slade?

I wish I'd never seen it.

P.S.
I just started up RahXephon for a second go-round last nite (watched the first 5 episodes - which is all of disk 1). :D (Stupid movie.)

THIS POST WILL CONTAIN SOME SPOILERS FOR XEPHON SO DON'T READ UNLESS YOU'VE SEEN BOTH THE MOVIE AND T.V. SERIES.

S P O I L E R S!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I don't know. I think watching it once is at least a must. Plus, that scene with Ayato and Haruka at the beginning is kinda cute. Overall though, yeah, it doesn't hold up to the t.v series at all. They should have just explored the Xephon Universe before the barrier over Tokyo went up. I wanted a good look into what motivated Maya into going over to the Mulians. I also wanted to know about her relationship with Watari. At the end of the t.v show, she didn't even visit him which led me to make a pretty whacked out theory. You know that instructor guy? The one that raised Itsuki, Ishki and Helena. The Ishki lookalike from the episode where he's remembering his past. Well, I think that instructor was Watari. There is just one scene in the whole anime that even alludes to this. At the end of the series when the world is being remade and Watari is standing over Itsuki, Ishki and Helena's dead bodies, we see them as children just as they were in that episode. It makes an odd sort of sense too. They needed to produce an Ollin and who better to propagate Quon then one of the D's. It would also explain Watari and Itsuki's close relationship as well as why Maya never visited him. If they were only married out of convenience to raise Ayato then yeah, I can understand why she didn't come see him before the end.

[Mochan]

You paint an interesting picture there

I've just seen this type of setup way too many times in anime, I expect it. =_=

Rin with Kohaku? NEVER! If you've seen the filler after the Shichinintai arc, you'll know that Rin only has eyes for Sesshoumaru. ;) And Kohaku has too big a sister complex to ever look at anyone else other than Sango. :)

The Sess/Inuyasha pic I was talking about was this pic with an SD Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru, Inuyasha looked like a baby and had something stuck in his mouth while Sess was looking all huffy behind him. It was hilarious!



As for Rah Xephon... bah why watch the movie when you can watch this!

http://xoomer.virgilio.it/japanrobot/raideen.jpg

[trebor]

I've just seen this type of setup way too many times in anime, I expect it. =_=

Rin with Kohaku? NEVER! If you've seen the filler after the Shichinintai arc, you'll know that Rin only has eyes for Sesshoumaru. ;) And Kohaku has too big a sister complex to ever look at anyone else other than Sango. :)

Well, Jinanji did say that Rin reminded him strongly of Kagome, so maybe the dog demon brothers have a thing for spunky brunettes. Still though, it's rather creepy, so for the time being I'll still hope that Rin and Kohaku hook up...when they're older. ;)



The Sess/Inuyasha pic I was talking about was this pic with an SD Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru, Inuyasha looked like a baby and had something stuck in his mouth while Sess was looking all huffy behind him. It was hilarious!

Hmmm...well, I bet with some internet searching that image probably could be found again.

[slade]

As for Rah Xephon... bah why watch the movie when you can watch this!

http://xoomer.virgilio.it/japanrobot/raideen.jpg

A red X?

[Mochan]

And I was hoping some people would get the reference. ;)
I wonder if Tashi will get it?

Well anyway, that picture is of a 70s super robot show called Yuusha Raideen. It's about a god robot built from Murian technology. It has a bow, an blade, and its final attack is called "God Voice" (yes it sings! sorta).

[Glockstar]

S P O I L E R S!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hard for me to respond to that. I think you and I have two completely different takes on the show. (Though we both love it.)

That's not surprising tho', you ask a hundred people and you'll get a hundred different explanations. And I've probably actually read that many. After I finished it, I was, like 'Huh?!', and so I hopped on the internet to see if someone had an explanation. Well, people had their takes, but nothing I read sat well with me - I drew a different conclusion. I think my explanation must be my own. Thing is, I am positive I am right.

For anybody who hasn't seen RahXephon, it has an ending that is up for intrepretation. Don't worry, I won't spoil anything (not without warning), but I will say that it gets kind of weird at the end. And then there's an epilogue that really confuses things. I won't say anymore.

But to slade, that epilogue is what it's all about to me.

The movie sucked. There. I said it. It was basically just a re-telling of the story. Heck, like slade said, 75% of it is re-used footage. But, there are some very major changes to the story. The majority of it is the same, but what changes they did make, were huge. The worst of these changes was that about half of the characters were skimped over. And two from the show (two rather important ones at that) didn't even make the movie at all!

There were two things that I liked and got out of the movie. One, was the Through the Looking Glass... stuff; the other was the Mishima-Haruka Shtow... development. Both of these angles further the solidification of my argument and explanation. Although... I realize that that's bad logic - if I denounce the movie. Uh, anyways... :rolleyes:

No, but that Alice In Wonderland stuff does fit. I'd always likened RahXephon to The Matrix. You know, not completely... but there are similarities and shades. "Take the blue pill, and I show you how deep the rabbit-hole goes." ... "Come with me and I'll explain it all. About the blue blood and... everything in this world." Hah? Hah? (Although one big difference is that RahXephon is completely drug-free - there are no references, no associations, whatsoever.)

[slade]

I thought the epilogue was pretty straightforward? They even allude to it right in the opening credits and they begin laying the foundation for it pretty early in the t.v series. Personally, I spotted it when Futagami and Rikdoh had their first conversation. Somewhere in either episode six or seven. The one where they fight that huge dolem with the long feet.

[Glockstar]

I thought the epilogue was pretty straightforward? They even allude to it right in the opening credits and they begin laying the foundation for it pretty early in the t.v series. Personally, I spotted it when Futagami and Rikdoh had their first conversation. Somewhere in either episode six or seven. The one where they fight that huge dolem with the long feet.

Hmph... I just watched those episodes the other nite (watched all of Disk 2, actually; and last nite, all of Disk 3 (although there's only 3 episodes on that disk. :mad: ))... I didn't think their conversation was all that important; I thought it was mostly trivial. I'll have to watch it again tonite, to see if I can see where your coming from.

And one of these days I'll tell you my "whacked-out theory".

Watching it thru this second time around I am absolutely positive I am right. Episodes 8 (the one with the snow... and the gloves (which I didn't catch the significance of the first time around :o ) and 9 (the one where Ayato and Quon get "spirited away") (...don't these episodes have names?!) are two of the most important episodes, just to let you know. ;)

[Mochan]

I don't remember exact episode details anymore since it's been what? 3 years since I saw Rah Xephon? But the most important thing about Rah Xephon is not that it's about Murian aliens invading the earth, at its heart it's a mushy lovey-dovey romance story between Ayato and Haruka.

[slade]

I don't remember exact episode details anymore since it's been what? 3 years since I saw Rah Xephon? But the most important thing about Rah Xephon is not that it's about Murian aliens invading the earth, at its heart it's a mushy lovey-dovey romance story between Ayato and Haruka.

Well yeah, it's from the same guys that did Escaflowne. Although IMO, Vaan and Hitomi's relationship wasn't done nearly as well.

[slade]

Well yeah, all of those episodes were important but the basis for Ayato having existed in the timeline before the Mulian invasion was established during that conversation I'm talking about. I think it was Episode Seven. It also explains just why Haruka acted so childish with him going as far back as the first episode.

Oh btw, Episode Nine is where I was convinced that my theory about Ayato and Haruka was right. It was when they were at the beach and Kim was talking about how Ayato would have been 29 years old, just like Haruka and Itsuki, if the barrier over Tokyo had never gone up.

This is one of the things I loved about RahXephon. You have to actually pay attention to the conversations because they are packed with clues. Quon pretty much gives away who Bahbem was at least three or four episodes before they finally tell us.

[Mochan]

What bothered me about Vahn and Hitomi's relationship wasn't the relationship itself... but how it ended. I mean, WTF was that?! Reminded me of Rayearth all over again!

[Glockstar]

I. Can't. Effin. Believe. It.

It happened again.

I had a big long post typed up regarding RahXephon and my particlular take on it and it got lost when I went to post it. I got some friggin error page! And, like a dummy, I didn't make a copy of it before trying to submit it. So now it's gone. All that work and thought... Gone forever. I am not going to retype it.

So I guess I'm out. :mad:

[Mochan]

LOL, that happens to me a lot on this board. This board has a very unfriendly message board. So make it a habit to type replies in Notepad.

[trebor]

Ok, so, I caught a couple episodes of RahXephon, and ah...

wtf?!

I think it was episodes 3 and 4, but seriously - wtf?! I didn't have a single clue what was going on. It seems like people really like this series, but I'm not about to start cold buying DVDs in order to watch the episodes I missed.

Also, I caught the Escaflowne movie on Adult Swim this past Saturday night and was wondering if anybody else had seen it.

[Mochan]

Rah is popular for being a mindrape. There's a strong market for these kinds of confusing mecha shows.

[slade]

There is nothing confusing about Xephon if you think about it a bit. Most of the history is jam packed in there. But, beginning from the first episode would help. Especially considering the cool little 180 the series does after that episode. You've got to literally pay attention to the details to tell who's who. Of course, there is a little recap at the beginning of Episode four. If you see that, then you've got the gist of the whole thing.

BTW, I've watched Escaflowne the Movie. I liked it a lot actually. It was fairly entertaining but the t.v series was better.

[Mochan]

I don't mean to say that Rah pulls stuff out of its arse like, say, Eva. It's true that pretty much everything is explained and as long as you pay attention properly it all makes sense. But like you said, you have to pay attention or you end up confused... the style is purposefully done that way. So I'd still classify it in the Confusing Mecha Genre (aka Eva clone nowadays).

The Escaflowne movie was nice, if only to see bad-ass indestructible Vahn do a sky dive with earth-shattering impact on landing. +_+ But other than that, the TV series was better.

[trebor]

From what I've seen of Escaflowne the series, I prefer the movie many times over. I just remember the female character, (err the Wing Goddess?), as being really annoying in the series. Plus, the animation quality was fantastic in the movie.

Incidentally, isn't it weird that so many anime series/movies focus on sibling relationships? Specifically brotherly relationships? Pretty much every single anime I really like has some sort of sibling rivalry involved, even if they aren't "technically" siblings, like in Cowboy Bebop.

I think I'd like to keep watching RahXephon, since it seems like people around here hold it in high regard...I just wish I would have seen it from the beginning. It's insanely confusing. :(

[Mochan]

Animation-wise, you can't really do much about it since the movie has a much higher budget per minute of footage. And I do admit, Hitomi was a bit annoying in the TV series, more than her movie counterpart. And the character designs! Ugh, I hate Nobuteru Yuki's noses!

That said, it was that annoyingness of Hitomi that puts the TV series above. Or more precisely, not the annoyingness per se but the fact that the character got developed enough to exhibit traits of annoyingness. The movie version simply didn't get enough time for proper development, she's more like a backseat prop fixture than a real character. This is generally the case with TV series vs. movies in anime. The TV series just get so much more development, and this is what is really important.

I find that most people starting out on anime find that they prefer OAVs or movies at first but as they get more and more involved in the hobby, they realize that TV series generally are superior to the OAVs and movies. Honestly, the real meat of the hobby is in the TV series and manga series (which many TV series are based off of). OAVs can be good or bad depending on what they were based on and how they fit in a series's continuity (and the type of series per se) and movies generally are always the short end of the stick. Especially for movies based on a long-standing TV series.


Rivalries and the sort have always been in anime. Especially rivalries. It's one of the most important themes of any shounen series. Familial relationships are also very, very common though there is definitely an increase in relationships these days; post 2000 anime has seen far more relationship series than action series. Even back in the 70s when we had Voltes V and the "sibling rivalry" between Kenichi and Hainel, sibling rivalry is a very very common theme.

Rah is definitely something you want to watch from the start, though. And this is the case with most anime; these are shows you can't jump into and out anytime you want. A few shows are like that, like Ranma and Urusei Yatsura (yet even those need you to see the start at least to see how the relationships/concepts came into place) but generally speaking the best titles need a long-standing commitment from start to finish.

[trebor]

I find that most people starting out on anime find that they prefer OAVs or movies at first but as they get more and more involved in the hobby, they realize that TV series generally are superior to the OAVs and movies. Honestly, the real meat of the hobby is in the TV series and manga series (which many TV series are based off of). OAVs can be good or bad depending on what they were based on and how they fit in a series's continuity (and the type of series per se) and movies generally are always the short end of the stick. Especially for movies based on a long-standing TV series.

Personally I prefer when the movies complement their TV series counterparts. Movies like CB: The Movie and InuYasha 3 : Swords from an Honorable Ruler, actually give new perspectives to their respective series. Although I've found that many movies based on series often have nothing to do with the established plot and characters from said series.

[slade]

Animation-wise, you can't really do much about it since the movie has a much higher budget per minute of footage. And I do admit, Hitomi was a bit annoying in the TV series, more than her movie counterpart. And the character designs! Ugh, I hate Nobuteru Yuki's noses!

That said, it was that annoyingness of Hitomi that puts the TV series above. Or more precisely, not the annoyingness per se but the fact that the character got developed enough to exhibit traits of annoyingness. The movie version simply didn't get enough time for proper development, she's more like a backseat prop fixture than a real character. This is generally the case with TV series vs. movies in anime. The TV series just get so much more development, and this is what is really important.

Agree completely with this. One other thing was that Yoko Kanno did an amazing job with the soundtrack for the Escaflowne movie. It was such a good experience and the music had a lot to do with it. But like you said, the t.v series trumps it in terms of actual development of characters. Many of the support characters just don't get their turn to shine in the movies.

[Mochan]

But like you said, the t.v series trumps it in terms of actual development of characters. Many of the support characters just don't get their turn to shine in the movies.

And good lord, WTF did they do to Dulando in the movie!?! Well he was funny and amusing but I liked the TV series version 1,000% more. The take on Folken was also somewhat interesting but overall a lot less impressive.

[Mochan]

Although I've found that many movies based on series often have nothing to do with the established plot and characters from said series.

This is one of the reason I say that movies based on series are inferior in general, and are generally the worst kind of anime to watch. I'm sure you're familiar with the term "filler" and that is exactly what these movies tend to be: giant pieces of filler.

Since these kinds of movies tend to be written by people who have nothing to do with the original creator, and often have nowhere near the same kind of style as the original creator, I find that the characterization is often off or otherwise lacking that "oomph" or "soul" that the original work has.

The latest Naruto movie is a prime example of a really bad series movie, with totally out of character work, a ridiculous plot and setting, inconsistencies in power levels and capabilities, and even timeline issues. The Rurouni Kenshin movie suffered the same (though not as badly).

The Bebop movie is a good one though, and no wonder since it's the original team working on it. Basically it was just a longer length TV series episode with higher budget (and the TV series episodes already look great!)

Generally series that started out as anime, have a better chance of doing good with their movie (especially if its the original team working on it). Mangas that have a movie made later on tend to be the worst and are really bad. The more episodic ones (and the Rumiko Takahashi ones in particular) tend to do fairly well (like Inuyasha for instance) though even the Inuyasha movies seemed to not have the same kind of combat flair and sense of urgency the manga had. And hey, some Takashi series movies were really bad (like the first Ranma movie).

[trebor]

The more episodic ones (and the Rumiko Takahashi ones in particular) tend to do fairly well (like Inuyasha for instance) though even the Inuyasha movies seemed to not have the same kind of combat flair and sense of urgency the manga had.

I've never actually partaken of Inuyasha manga, but you know that I love the series. The movies pretty much seem like really long episodes - aside from the different art style. They don't particularly add anything to the series story arch, except for Inuyasha movie 3, which gave some badly needed back info on Inu and Sess's dad.

[The Prince of Darkness]

Rah is popular for being a mindrape. There's a strong market for these kinds of confusing mecha shows.

Well I finally rented Orchestration 1 of Rah, but I will probably not check it out until the weekend. I will let everyone know what I think. I am now up to volume 3 on both FMA and Samurai Champloo, and I think they may be spoiling me. I definately forsee myself owning both in the entirety. Also, I have been looking to rent some Cowboy Bebop and The Getbackers, but I can't find the volume 1's anywhere yet. I will probably end up buying some Cowboy because I liked the movie. However, what about The Getbackers? Should I just buy the first volume---is it a sure thing?

[Mochan]

Personally I wouldn't stake on Getbackers. It's a good series but it's not amongst my favorites, there really isn't anything that special about it. It's pretty much just a standard shounen affair, and not exactly a very exceptional one at that.

[trebor]

Well I finally rented Orchestration 1 of Rah, but I will probably not check it out until the weekend. I will let everyone know what I think. I am now up to volume 3 on both FMA and Samurai Champloo, and I think they may be spoiling me. I definately forsee myself owning both in the entirety. Also, I have been looking to rent some Cowboy Bebop and The Getbackers, but I can't find the volume 1's anywhere yet. I will probably end up buying some Cowboy because I liked the movie. However, what about The Getbackers? Should I just buy the first volume---is it a sure thing?

Getbackers is pretty silly and fun, but personally I wouldn't spend money on it. Cowboy Bebop is a sound purchase, though - buy all 6 DVDs, it's worth it.

But to specifically on Getbackers, to me it's kinda a "fluff" show - it's what I will watch when there isn't any of the other shows I like on. It's basically one of those kinds of anime where the main characters are usually more powerful then their opponents, or if they aren't, they'll take a serious beating and then somehow get back up and kick the crap out of their opponents regardless. I like my main characters to take a beating every once in a while, ya know?

Anime Network has shows to watch "On Demand" through my cable tv service, in case your wondering where I catch a lot of this anime.

[The Prince of Darkness]

Personally I wouldn't stake on Getbackers. It's a good series but it's not amongst my favorites, there really isn't anything that special about it. It's pretty much just a standard shounen affair, and not exactly a very exceptional one at that.

wtf is a standard shounen affair?

[trebor]

Actually I was wondering that. I have Directv, so the only game in town for me is Adult Swim, and man you sure have to stay up late as hell to catch anything good. The thing is that, renting and buying some stuff every now and then and watching it when I get a chance, is kind of perfect for me right now. With the wedding planning, the running, the video games, the reading, the music listening, the partying, and trying to find a new job this newfound hobby that I can just pick up from time to time is just great.

Word up.

I've gotta say though, that On Demand is like having my birthday every day - I can watch whatever they have available and it doesn't cost me $4.00 a pop nor do I have to return them when I'm done.

I'll only buy DVDs that I really, really like. So I'll probably end up owning Samurai Champloo at some point.

[The Prince of Darkness]

Getbackers is pretty silly and fun, but personally I wouldn't spend money on it. Cowboy Bebop is a sound purchase, though - buy all 6 DVDs, it's worth it.

But to specifically on Getbackers, to me it's kinda a "fluff" show - it's what I will watch when there isn't any of the other shows I like on. It's basically one of those kinds of anime where the main characters are usually more powerful then their opponents, or if they aren't, they'll take a serious beating and then somehow get back up and kick the crap out of their opponents regardless. I like my main characters to take a beating every once in a while, ya know?

Anime Network has shows to watch "On Demand" through my cable tv service, in case your wondering where I catch a lot of this anime.

Actually I was wondering that. I have Directv, so the only game in town for me is Adult Swim, and man you sure have to stay up late as hell to catch anything good. The thing is that, renting and buying some stuff every now and then and watching it when I get a chance, is kind of perfect for me right now. With the wedding planning, the running, the video games, the reading, the music listening, the partying, and trying to find a new job this newfound hobby that I can just pick up from time to time is just great.

[trebor]

Jeez this forum is a glitchy pile a crap at times.

[The Prince of Darkness]

Word up.

I've gotta say though, that On Demand is like having my birthday every day - I can watch whatever they have available and it doesn't cost me $4.00 a pop nor do I have to return them when I'm done.

I'll only buy DVDs that I really, really like. So I'll probably end up owning Samurai Champloo at some point.

Oh yeah, Samurai Champloo kicks serious ass. I really go back and forth on which one of Samurai Champloo and FMA that I like better. I dig how cool and stylish Samurai Champloo is, and the fighting is just awesome. However, I really think that I like the story and concept better in FMA. Plus it just cracks me up.

[trebor]

I'll watch FMA on Adult Swim and I do like it, but it's not even in the running compared to my favorite series. Plus, Alphonse just bugs the crap out of me.

Samurai Champloo, on the other hand, has sneaked it's way into my top 3 series of all time - Cowboy Bebop, Inuyasha, and now Samurai Champloo. I'm dying to know how the series ends...I hope Jin and Mujan don't kill each other.

I wish you could see Inuyasha from the beginning...if you have any opportunity to rent those, you really should. Character wise, it beats out both CB and SC in my opinion, but plot wise those two beat Inuyasha.

[The Prince of Darkness]

I wish you could see Inuyasha from the beginning...if you have any opportunity to rent those, you really should. Character wise, it beats out both CB and SC in my opinion, but plot wise those two beat Inuyasha.

Damn--how many volumes are there? Is it the kind of thing where I will be hard pressed to find the early stuff? I have not looked closely, but I did notice that my local Blockbuster has a ton of Inuyasha.

[trebor]

Damn--how many volumes are there? Is it the kind of thing where I will be hard pressed to find the early stuff? I have not looked closely, but I did notice that my local Blockbuster has a ton of Inuyasha.

Well, in typical fashion, there are usually 3 episodes per disc, and Inuyasha has roughly 160 episodes total, so...yeah. Although, somewhere along the way they did wise up and have released a Season 1 boxset, which I'm strongly considering as purchase worthy.

If your local Blockbuster has a ton of Inuyasha, that's great! Just rent volume 1 and keep going till you can't go no more. Eventually you'll catch up to Adult Swim, so you'll be able to watch every night for free.

Anyhoo, if you like the humor in FMA, I'd think you'll absolutely love watching Inuyasha - funniest anime there is, IMHO.

[The Prince of Darkness]

Anyhoo, if you like the humor in FMA, I'd think you'll absolutely love watching Inuyasha - funniest anime there is, IMHO.

If it is the humor that draws you to Inuyasha then consider me on board. It seems to me that you and I have similar senses of humor...for better of worse of course(hehe). It will be next on the list.

[trebor]

If it is the humor that draws you to Inuyasha then consider me on board. It seems to me that you and I have similar senses of humor...for better of worse of course(hehe). It will be next on the list.

Well, it's not so much the humor that draws me to Inuyasha so much as the characters themselves, who happen to do really funny things on occasion.

For lack of a better explanation, I've got enough emotional stake in the characters that their particular mannerisms at times are insanely funny to me. Inuyasha really has a great overall balance of humor, drama, and action.

And I do think we have similar senses of humor and tastes, so I hope you really like the show. :)

[Mochan]

wtf is a standard shounen affair?

Ah sorry, I forget sometimes that I'm not talking to hardcore anime fans here, I'm subconsciously lapsing into my high-level anime-speech. O_o Shounen is the term for series that are targetted towards young boys. It's usually a lot about action with teenagers as the primary characters and is usually fairly light in tone. Inuyasha is also a shounen series.

Personally I don't think Inuyasha is as great as trebor does, but then who does? LOL

With the wedding planning, the running, the video games, the reading, the music listening, the partying, and trying to find a new job this newfound hobby that I can just pick up from time to time is just great.

There are even better and more convenient ways to do the hobby, you'd be surprised but I'm not sure if I should be discussing this here. It's.... "underground."

Damn--how many volumes are there? Is it the kind of thing where I will be hard pressed to find the early stuff?

Considering IY's popularity, it should be easy enough to find even early stuff on it. To give you an idea of how many... I don't know how R1 DVDs will be split out but Inuyasha has some 160 epidoes. My friend has a Hong Kong set and it's about 20 volumes.

[trebor]

Ah sorry, I forget sometimes that I'm not talking to hardcore anime fans here, I'm subconsciously lapsing into my high-level anime-speech. O_o Shounen is the term for series that are targetted towards young boys. It's usually a lot about action with teenagers as the primary characters and is usually fairly light in tone. Inuyasha is also a shounen series.

Personally I don't think Inuyasha is as great as trebor does, but then who does? LOL

I am biased, yes, but I don't think you're giving Inuyasha as much credit as it deserves.

I'd go as far as to say it's a deceptively sophisticated action/drama