Comments on: NHRV Editor’s Choice Awards – April 2009

By: Flash Sword Irene

Flash Sword Irene — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 03:52:14 +0000

Casshern Sins is easily the best show stemming from last year with its rather unique formula. Honestly, I never expected a show like that to ever produce as much substance as it has. Especially, when it comes to the visuals since they express quite a lot with a great accompanying musical score. In fact, Sins’ OST is one of the better albums out there and even the vocals are not overly disappointing.

Speaking of side characters, when even a shallow one such as Sophita is memorable enough you know you have got something special on your hands. Braiking Boss himself was a special enough character for myself since he really does not overstep his bounds into a linear path. Boss may have been a clear cut villian in his previous incarnations, but this one is a definite winner in my book. (Especially in part of his seiyuu’s performance since voice acting is a strong part of Sins as well.)

Zoku Natsume Yuujinchou was like a step up from its previous season for me due to the familiarity with the material. The formula does not change for the show, yet it still executes beautifully enough to create a harmonic balance.

By: AC

AC — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 12:17:24 +0000

Strangely enough, I feel that episode 4 is something that belongs more to the first season, since it’s about parting ways with that adorable baby bird (boy, I sure would want one myself ^^). Plus, it’s the most affecting episode in the series IMHO.

By: zzeroparticle

zzeroparticle — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 07:30:42 +0000

@AC
While I can’t say that sad stories are more affecting in the visual medium, I’d have to agree if you were talking about music. I will say that since Natsume’s encountered his undue share of the ugly side of humanity for most of his life, it’s kinda nice seeing him catch a break. Deservedly so, especially when you factor in his good-hearted nature.

By: AC

AC — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 01:31:46 +0000

I haven’t watched Marimite yet, and not sure whether I should since I’ve never followed the prequels either. Casshern SINS turns out to be a revelation, especially since it’s a series that kinda rubbed me the wrong way initially. The amount of visual symbolism and storytelling through colors and simply amazing. Clannad ~After Story~ is the most poignant series among the four, and compared to the sequel, the series is a lot more focused on Nagisa and Tomoya. I don’t like how the supporting characters are pushed aside for the sake of Tomoya and his new-found family, but the story is a lot better by becoming more linear. Finally, as for Zoku Natsume Yuujinchou, I admit that I find it a little underwhelming than the prequel, perhaps because it’s more upbeat and light-hearted. It’s just me when I say that sad stories are more affecting than light-hearted ones. However, that’s not to say that it’s not as impressive as the first season, because Nyanko-sensei has more airtime to showcase his silly side a lot more.

By: A.H.

A.H. — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 22:43:06 +0000

Casshern Sins is beautifully depressing.

That sums it up quite neatly, doesn’t it?

Great if you’re in the right mindset for it, not so much otherwise, which is why I’ll have to re-watch it at some point.

By: gaguri

gaguri — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 21:19:36 +0000

Well at least someone picked Casshern Sins…it’s just amazing. Anyway, the question of ‘what’ never really played big part in making or breaking of anime, it’s always the question of ‘how’. Absolutely loving it.

And although I have to Casshern himself is quite beautiful, it’s the side characters that really stand out. They are like delicate flowers, boasting their most beautiful and fragrant moment, before they wither admist the ruins.

By: ETERNAL

ETERNAL — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 21:02:51 +0000

I’ve been thinking of watching Casshern SINS for a while, and hearing it described as being closer to drama than action is increasing my will to do so. It’s not the kind of thing I’d usually watch, and that’s exactly why I’m looking forward to it.

By: » NHRV Editor's Choice Awards - April 2009 » Behind The Nihon Review

» NHRV Editor's Choice Awards - April 2009 » Behind The Nihon Review — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 17:26:46 +0000

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By: The Nihon Review » Blog Archive » NHRV Editor’s Choice Awards - April 2009

Sat, 25 Apr 2009 12:41:52 +0000

[...] The inaugural NHRV Editor’s Choice Awards have just been announced for April 2009. You can find out which recently reviewed anime titles our editors thought deserved extra recognition here. [...]