Comments on: 2008′s pleasant surprises

By: zzeroparticle

zzeroparticle — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 07:52:57 +0000

I’d put off commenting on this post mostly because when I saw that Origination had made your list, I made sure not to read it so that it wouldn’t influence my writing. Now that the writing project is behind me, I’ll say that the scene you spoilered was really moving. Speaking as someone who listened to the soundtrack before finishing up the series, I knew that scene was coming up and though I had formed a positive opinion of Ryou Hirohashi’s performance on the track in question, to see it happen on screen was truly wonderful. Anime is made up of moments of sheet beauty, and in my eyes (brimming with tears, naturally), that was one of most moving scenes that I’d ever seen.

It goes to show that this medium is capable of leaving behind unforgettable experiences. Monster gave us that in droves (I can still remember most of the scenes with a remarkable degree of clarity) and ARIA the Origination will forever leave the same imprint with that stunningly good delivery.

By: Sorrow-kun

Sorrow-kun — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 08:30:57 +0000

The reason I didn’t put Kaiba on the list is because I haven’t seen it.

@Akira: I agree, there were a lot of “dud” sequels, including Nodame Cantabile Pari-hen and Clannad After Story. I mean, both have been good, IMO, but neither has lived up to their originals (at least so far, that could change yet). I know you’re pretty cool of ef ~melodies~, and while I’d never suggest it’s as good as ~memories~, I don’t think it’s been a total trainwreck.

Interestingly, my next post will be along the lines of “2008′s biggest disappointments”. At this stage, if I let temptation get the better of me, it’ll be twice as long as this post.

By: Akira

Akira — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 06:28:58 +0000

Obligatory Strike Witches joke goes here.

To be honest, I don’t think Kure-nai being good was all that surprising. After watching Baccano!, I was fairly certain that Brains Base was destined for greatness. I think Kannagi is probably the strongest show out of the ones you listed here.

I do agree with your general grievance that 2008 hasn’t been as spectacular as 2007, especially during the summer. There were only a few good shows then, and lots of crap in between. A lot of highly anticipated sequels came out this season, yet a good many of them (Looking at you, SHAFT) turned out to be duds. Alas.

By: gaguri

gaguri — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 06:08:29 +0000

Kaiba was a godsend from Yuasa. Aria the Origination and Zoku Sensei were brilliant as well. Those three are this year’s top imo and everyone kind of expected them to live up to their names. So I guess the “surprises” for me were Natsume Yuujinchou and Spice and Wolf, which I honestly didn’t think I would enjoy them as much.

By: Shadowmage

Shadowmage — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 05:19:43 +0000

For me, there was no title this year that could hold a candle to NANA, Toward the Terra, Gurren Lagann, Baccano! or the first season of Code Geass. Sure, shows like Kaiba and Natsume have been strong, but I can’t recall any shows that really made me viscerally excited to see each new episode and – at the same time – make it to the finish line in one piece. I suppose Kure-nai tops my list for unexpectedly good shows since it’s the only show I seriously considered giving a 9/10 to. (I would have more of an opinion for Mouryou no Hako if there were subs)

By: AC

AC — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 15:12:52 +0000

I’m surprised why Kaiba isn’t discussed since it’s a very unconventional series but… never mind; just my own thought.

I think that it’s about time that people should comparing this year with the last. Each year have its own ups and downs and though this year didn’t offer any masterpieces, it still have some anime which I thought would be great enough to be remembered for a few years ahead. I haven’t watch the ARIA series and Kannagi so I’ll consider watching them soon after all the good things I hear about them.