Comic Update: Saturday Night Fiver 1⑨

Posted On May 6, 2009

Original Post

This is a terribly webcomicy twist, but I figure if I’m going to go over the top I may as well go all the way. Also, I really wanted to draw a tiger.

Higashi no Eden (or Eden of The East) seems to have the English-language side of things talking. I say “seems to be” since I don’t actually read anime blogs, but I have heard second hand reports of there being lots of talking about it, so I can only assume that this is the case. The show isn’t the greatest thing in the world, but it’s pretty cool. Production IG hasn’t really wowed me since GITS:SAC 2nd GIG, so this show is a little bit refreshing in that respect. When it comes right down to it, what it provides you with is a pretty good story that keeps you guessing, all the while dressed up in flowery Umino Chika designs. It’s pretty interesting.

Another show that I’m a little behind on, but I feel is worth some rant space (but not a devoted entry) is Asura Cryin’. The story is pretty by the numbers as far as 2D Visual Entertainment goes, but it manages to be entertaining, which is ultimately all that really matters. However, what stands out about this show is the energy behind its direction and storyboarding. I didn’t notice it in the first two episodes, however it really struck me in episode three. Its style almost reminds me of Shinbo when he’s doing action (and it’s been far too long since he’s done that.) I don’t know how long it’ll be able to keep my interest, but it seems fairly cool so far. My only complaint is that I don’t really like the character designs too much.

Hatsukoi Limited is almost a good show. After four episodes I’m still not sure if I want to drop it or not–at times it works as entertaining fluff, but at other times it’s just boring. There are times when it’s both of those things at once. I also don’t like the character designs that much. I can appreciate them on some level, but they’re not really the type of super cute designs I look for in light romance shows.

One show which I have dropped with a great amount of certainty after four episodes is Shangri-La. I was hoping Gonzo could pull of at least a pretty looking show with this, but it seems all their attention is devoted to Saki. And for good reason too–Saki rules. I may write about that later on, in its own entry.

And finally, while a little embarrassing, I am watching Dragon Ball Kai. Mostly for nostalgia value, but also because I really like aspects of Toriyama Akira’s work. Mostly the comedy bits, but the action is fairly good too, albeit a little cheap. The remaster doesn’t really help things, and the shots they’ve painted over stand out really badly. I’ll probably drop this soon, because it took only three episodes to remind me just homoerotic DBZ was…

You may have noticed that this is a Wednesday, and I usually update on the weekends. The reason for this is that this week I want to try and make two comics. With the way things are going, that’s probably impossible, but I can try, right? Later!