I remember what you said in the last winter 2007/2008 preview…

With most of the anime in our winter preview list getting 3 episodes, it is a good time to evaluate what I have said about the series. I always wanted to do such an entry like this, since it is always fun to see the differences of how the preview goes about, and whether it is accurate after viewing three episodes. Let’s see if any of the series delivered a painful total smackdown. I already know one anime that gives me a huge kick on the rear.

I will stick to the anime that I have at least watched three episodes to be fair to them. On a side note, Sea Slugs ninja-ed my title idea. Sigh.

Ayakashi: This looks shounen. I do not like shounen. Nevertheless, the story looks somewhat interesting, and the character designs are ok. However, this is probably not in my list for viewing by any chance. This is a thumbs down.

My comment still holds for the series. I should really just point you to Igunis’s review of Ayakashi Episode 2 for the pain in your eyes. I even take back about my comment for the character design. It is terrible, horrendous and completely abominable. I do not understand why anyone will want to watch this, but I know I won’t.

Rosario + Vampire: From the image itself, it looks like this is fanservice galore. I am still not too sure whether I will follow this series, considering how I have not read the manga as yet. Nevertheless, this show has quite a few cute babes. Yes, I am superficial and I enjoy such mindless indulgence once in a while. Hence, this is undecided for now.

I admit. This is one of the two guilty indulgences that I am watching this season. Rosario + Vampire is just one of those series that you turn off your mind and turn on another part of your body (your eyes of course). I do not think that I veer too far away from the truth when I said that it is fanservice galore. I mean, there is enough boob groping in the first three episodes to make people think that boob grabbing is very normal in real life. No, it’s not supposed to be. If it’s normal where you stay, I will curse you.

H20 ~Footprints in the sand~: I do not know. For one, this looks like one of the token harem for the winter season. On the other hand, the girls just look so cute that I cannot resist and call them moe. I am still undecided for now.

Did I really say that the girls are cute? Well, this actually has some huge potential in the first episode. However, the series decide to have a deus ex machina plot transformation to make the guy see when it actually has some unique features. Yes, I am absolutely biased but it really annoys me big time when it turns itself into a standard harem. Even Hayami is not able to save the show for me. I guess I cannot even call the girls moe now since most of them turn me off quite a bit. No go.

Kimi ga Aruji de Shitsuji ga Ore de: I dare say with 100% guarantee that this is a series filled with all the fetishes and fanservice that you can ever find in a series. Moreover, when I tried to surf the site, I realized that this is in fact an eroge show. However, since the loli in this series looks so pretty and I think my girlfriend will like to watch something ridiculous stupid with me. So, despite all the bad comments I give it, this is a undecided series.

And I was right. Yes, it is so dumb that it makes Fuuko smart. Yes, it’s filled with all the fetishes and fanservices you can ever find in a series. Yes, you even have a character who orgasms in the streets. Yes, Yes, this is the second series for guilty indulgence.

I am still watching it. Why? WHY?

Hatenkō Yuugi: This looks so interesting, not only from the graphics itself but the actual plot. I am always easily drawn to shows about self actualization and this is no different. I am easily attracted to shoujo art and this is no different. I guess this is at least a thumbs up for now.

Hatenkou Yuugi becomes the first series that I have decided to blog for the winter season. It is little wonder, since the banter between the three protagonists are nothing short of brilliance. Despite the various limitations that the series possesses, what with bad action graphics and a pretty low budget, it still works out pretty fine. This is a hidden gem if you want some good decent humor and a very attractive female lead in Rahzel.

Shigofumi: JC Staff is working on this, and that makes the JC fanboy Impz happy. Despite the fact that it feels like another variation of Shinigami no Ballad (which is average on anime, but particularly beautiful in manga), it is still a possible and surprisingly decent series at the end of the winter season. However, due to the familiar plot, I am still undecided.

This is definitely one of the shocks of the season. JC Staff is really good at giving you shocks and the shock is generally a very pleasant one. Shigofumi is a surprisingly dark series, with Fumika a very interesting character. There are a few plots dropped in by the third episode, and this will be a very intriguing watch. Moreover, the controversy to cut the suicide scene (tastefully done) will probably bring it a bit of attention. Any attention is perhaps good for a series, and it probably will be somewhat worth looking at for the season.

True Tears: I will be crying for real if I watch this. No thanks, this is a thumbs down.

Yes, laugh at me. I am a total fan of Noe right now. This is really one of the better shows, despite the fact that it will be a harem. However, the characters are extremely likable and quirky enough, with Noe sticking out extremely brightly. This is worth watching and I will be crying now if I do not continue to watch it.

Persona: I absolutely love Persona 3. I like how it is presented, but this anime seems to be only on the world of Persona. Nevertheless, I like the concept of the Persona and this looks like something I will catch at the very least. A-1 pictures is not very aspiring for me though, but it is still a thumbs up.

This is one of the series that will be perplexing. On one hand, some of the music has been more than excellent. Yet, the show somehow bores me by the third episode. I know that it is really queer how I actually hope that the series is darn good at the preview, and I guess my over bearing expectations of the show means that I do not appreciate it as much as I should. The concept is still good though, but as I am cutting down my anime viewing by the third episode, this looks like it will be out of the window fast.

Minami Ke ~Okawari~: Even though it’s a different take on Minami-ke (and likely to be poor), I am still watching this if only to hope that it’s equally good with the first Minami ke. Go, KANA!

Kana is still awesome. I do have some complains with the increasing amounts of deliberate fanservice in Minami ke. I feel that the amount of fanservice might degrade Okawari compared to the rather innocent feel of the first series. I just feel that it cheapens it too much, though it is still a total romp. For once, we have a sequel that does not really suck.

Impz: Yes, I have left my favorite two at the last. Aria has been one of the best series to watch during a low day, or when you are feeling down and terrible. Its tranquil feel will touch you. It’s a must watch at all costs.

Word.

Gunslinger Girl ~Il Teatrino~: This is the show I am waiting for. I have been worshipping the first season since it ended. The creation of a sequel is just great. It’s heaven, and it’s a must watch for Impz!

Despite the bad press it is receiving from forum visitors and bloggers alike, I actually stand by my thoughts in the preview. The strong point in Gunslinger Girl is always its storytelling, and its storytelling is nothing but brilliant. It has done well enough for me to blog it, and I will continue on as long as I have time to squeeze for this series. It deserves much credit, with the third episode just absolutely good in storytelling (let’s ignore the bad action scenes).

Conclusion

Like the smirk reviewer that gets most of his thoughts rather on the spot with his analysis, I can proudly say that I am not too off with most of my series analysis. Whatever I expect to be, came out exactly like how it should. Of course, Shigofumi and True Tears in particular surprises me with their extremely good start, and I hope that they continue to churn out quality like they have been doing. So, were your own predictions in your personal preview accurate, or are you smashing your head in disbelief?