THAT Fall First Impressions: Akane Iro ni Somarusaka, Yozakura Quartet, Tales of the Abyss
The second wave of fall anime impressions is now on the way. Despite my huge dislike for harem shows (particularly stupid ones… wait ain’t all HAREM SHOWS STUPID?), I decided that I have not burned my fingers enough. Putting my hands into a hot stove of harem crap sounds like a good way to wake me up from my stupidity. Will Akane prove this skeptical blogger wrong with good impressions?
After watching Akane, I decided to deal with a series that I have been looking forward to. Yozakura Quartet seems like a quirky mix of action, monsters and comedy. Something with that premise will always attract me, but I have been woefully disappointed at many of such offerings that promised so much. How will Quartet fare against its contemporaries?
Lastly but definitely not least, Tales of the Abyss awaits me. With Tear Grants, the woman among women, it will really take a royal screw up for them to fail this series. Nonetheless, RPGs are traditionally crappy when they are adapted. Tell me one adaptation that actually reaches the echelon of Simoun, Gurren Lagaan and I will give you a virtual hazelnut infused chocolate cookie.
Let’s go!
Akane Iro ni Somarusaka
Summary
Yuuhi was bullied by two guys only for Jun’ichi Nagase to rescue her. Jun’ichi seemed to have a fearsome reputation that was actually exaggerated by rumors, which was the reason why the bullies run away. Before Jun’ichi has the chance to get her name, she was hustled off by her servant. Jun’ichi has a younger sister Minato who generally takes care of him. Minato complains that Jun’ichi did not do his work during the holidays, despite his assurance that he will do it. The next day, Jun’ichi woke up late, and Minato forced him to cycle up a steep slope. It’s the opening ceremony and Siina (a very popular president) greeted the student population.
Back in class, the form teacher made fun of Jun’ichi. The teacher also introduced Yuuhi as a transfer student. Yuuhi spotted Jun’ichi in the class and the teacher questioned if Jun’ichi assaulted another person AGAIN. The teacher and Jun’ichi then squabbled a little about this rumor. Yuuhi, after the introductory comments, asked Jun’ichi to bring her around. Yuuhi also asked why Jun’ichi had so scary rumors, and it seemed that Jun’ichi used to be a delinquent.
After school, a servant picked up Yuuhi. Jun’ichi and Minato noted that Yuuhi is very rich (due to a servant bringing her back home). Minato noted that Yuuhi looked a little sad to leave the group so hastily, and Jun’ichi said that the rich has their own problems. The next day,Tsukasa Kiryu, a girl who offered Yuuhi a tour, questioned why Yuuhi is hanging out with Jun’ichi so much. She asked if Yuuhi is in love with her, or that Jun’ichi is chasing her. When Jun’ichi appeared, she told him to do the right thing. He started thinking about ridiculous stuff in his head. Without thinking clearly, he kissed her and he received a complete beating. When he got home, Minato ridiculed him. The doorbell then rang, and it was Yuuhi. She said she was going to move in since they will be engaged soon.
The good
The graphics are all right? Nope, it is not that good anyway. If it proves me wrong, the main lead looks like someone with a bit of spine at the very least. It also does not take itself too seriously as yet, and should never take itself seriously. With an extremely strong cast of seiyuu, this will be a total bonanza as well for any big fans of Aya Hirano, Rie Tanaka, Rie Kugimiya, Emiri Katou and Marina Inoue. There’s a lot of great voices here.
The bad
Sometimes, a strong cast cannot save a medicore script. Because of the fact that the series does not really seem to take itself too seriously, I really cannot see this going beyond average. When you have a powerhouse like Kyoto Animation churning out harem shows such as Clannad and Kanon (with After this season), you really have to be unique to impress. This show does not, and will be in the shadow of the powerhouses.
Graphics is somewhat inconsistent at times, particularly on far shots where the animation company TNK clearly shows its lack of budget. In addition, the OP is very average harem stuff that is easily forgettable. The story tries hard but there is little direction. I also hate the “all the girls who are hot are interested in the main guy” type of plot. It bores me to no end. That is also why I like EF because it tries to keep it simple with 1-2 girls. That is more than enough rather than throwing half a dozen girls enamoring over one single guy. What for?
In addition, engaged during this modern time and age? WTF?
Verdict: If you are able to tolerate stuff like Gift: Eternal Rainbow, H20 and all the other random harem shows, this might be for you. All non-harem enthusiasts should keep well clear.
Yozakura Quartet
Summary
In the city of Sakurashin, where both humans and yokai exist, a girl named Hime meets her assistant Kyousuke. At night, a suspect threatens a young girl with a gun and left when she fainted from fear. In the Yokai defense headquarters, Ao and Kotoha met their president Akina. Akina then discussed work with Hime, and the work involves the suspect. The suspect escaped from jail by leaping across the 10 meter wall. After leaving the office, Kyousuke wondered about the competence of the group, but Hime said they need all the help they can get.
Hime coincidentally met Akina at a restaurant, but their short chat was cut short with the news of the suspect. Hime was able to contact the suspect, but he vanishes into thin air after a few rounds of fighting. Hime realizes that he is not a normal monster, and wondered if he’s related to a certain powerful enemy. Hime then reported to her superiors, and assured that she will protect the town.
The next night, the yokai taunted Hime by assaulting a report on air. Hime confronted him and he tried to escape only for Ao to find him with her psychic powers. He is then surrounded as Kotoha surrounded the area with ice and created machine gun to plummet him with gunfire. The young girl that was assaulted by the yokai then appeared, threatening to shoot them as the yokai promised to take revenge for her (she wants to revenge against the humans who caused a terrible wound on her). Akina’s power negates everything and destroyed the yokai. The girl questioned why Hime is helping the humans, and Hime mentioned that only Akina can help. Akina offered his help, but the girl rejected it as she really hated humans.
The good
The characters are by far the strongest weapon that this show has. In terms of story, it is the typical monster and human world with a twist: monsters and humans are working together to protect the humans. In a way, that feels somewhat like Hellboy. I do not even know why I suddenly thought of this analogy. It also feels more like a spunky version of Rental Magica, with a much better main male leader that has a compelling if unspectacular character.
The music in this series is good but not outstanding. I also like how they introduce the story but I really hope it will not be a “weekly monster” series. Give me some plot please, and the ending part of this episode gives a premonition of something more sinister. Good, I am glad that it is not likely to be a monster an episode gives Impz the bored pills.
The bad
There’s nothing problematic with this as yet. It’s surprising how I have difficulties pointing out the flaws of this series.
Verdict: Decently quirky with interesting plot ahead. There’s really nothing sparkling here, but nothing that will deter anyone from watching. One to keep in view.
Tales of the Abyss
Summary
Tales of the Abyss takes place on Auldrant, a planet composed of elementary particles called Fonons For much of Auldrant’s history, only six fonons were known to exist, representing the elements of Shadow, Earth, Wind, Water, Fire and Light; but eventually a seventh fonon, controlling Sound, is discovered. Its discovery brings great chaos: using this newest Seventh Fonon allows one to read the future. One such Seventh Fonist, Yulia Jue, puts in place a future for the world for thousands of years to come, with the promise of unlimited prosperity at its end. This prophecy of the future’s set path becomes known as the “Score” and is documented on “Fonstones” scattered throughout the world.
Luke is a rich boy that is never allowed of his house due to a kidnapping seven years ago. He has a childhood friend/servant by the name of Guy who is clearly scared of women. One faithful day, he decided to hide in his favorite tree, only for Natalia (a princess he is engaged with) and Guy to find him. Natalia talked about their engagement and asked if he remembers their promise. Luke said that he cannot remember anything since he lost all his memories during the kidnapping.
Luke is told by his servant that his parents are looking for him. As he entered the meeting room, his sword teacher Van is also there. Luke complains about not being able to get out of the house, but Van pacifies him by telling him that he will train with him all day. A woman named Tear then started singing the first Fonon to make everyone unconscious. She then tried to assault Van, but Luke stopped her blow. They then had a hyper resonance when the two came into contact. They appeared in a forest, and had to fight off hordes of monsters. Tear realized that Luke has never fought a real battle, but complimented him on his abilities. When they wiggled out of the forest, they found a guy who is willing to transport them back to their city.
The good
Animation is good here, with many of the battle scenes particularly fluid. If you watch the fight between Tears and Van, you will know what I am talking about. In terms of the seiyuu, there is really nothing to complain about with a pretty strong cast. You know that it will be just fine as it is. Yukana as Tear Grants (she also voiced her in the game) is just the absolute right cast for a character that is just so awesome.
Can you scream “I am woman with a vengeance” faster than Tear Grants? Tear is one of the most awesome female leads in any game I played, and she did not disappoint me in the anime adaptation too. She’s hot, she’s cute, she’s cool and most of all, she likes cute things. What’s there not to like about her at all? Guy is my second favorite character since he seems so carefree, but the story plot will thicken when they reveal more of him.
The bad
I still cannot stand Luke. He’s freaking immature, annoying and a total spoiled brat. You will get to see a different but equally annoying side in the mid-part of the series (if they did not change the story). Luke is a main character that is stereotypical of a shounen show: soppy, ignorant and generally like a total punk. It’s a good thing that the other characters in this series is bloody kick ass.
Verdict: The first episode sets the foundation of the story with some seemingly generic characters (seemingly being the key word). Nonetheless, this RPG series has very strong characters, and I am looking forward for more of this.
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Well, the whole game was about how Luke grew up, and it would have been bloody boring if Luke was mature from the very beginning. I know he’s annoying as hell, but seeing his transformation (particular that scene with Tear in the flower field in Tear’s home) was maybe worth sitting through his initial obnoxiousness.
As for Yozakura Quartet, I found it bloody boring. I don’t know what the problem is exactly, but it didn’t really get my attention. It does have a Round Table feat. Nino ED though, which is awesome.
wow, second impressions! ^.^ Thanks, Impz
I might go for Akane Iro ni Somarusaka if it’s manga, but somehow the anime doesn’t work with me.
I have been hesitating several times with Yozakura Quartet. The characters are attractive to me, but not sure with other stuffs… guess I’ll check it out later.
and Tales of the Abyss! A must-check for RPG fan like me. XD Reading from your review it seems like I’d have fun with this episode.
btw, why it’s so late with fansubs for these Fall anime? Are they still deciding, or it’s just me that miss them? I saw only Toradora so far. Oh! and Impz, you are missing one anime that already out for a while – Hakushaku to yousei. Aren’t you go for shoujo?
ToA definitely reached my expectations and then some, not to mention Bouken Suisei is a nice song~ Still, there were some minor problems. In addition, I could never stand Luke either. Luckily, my attention will be on the God Generals, Guy and Jade most of the time. XD;;
I wonder if Jade and Anise will show up next week? I’m still slightly worried about the timing, since Abyss is a pretty massive game and it’ll take at least 6-8 episodes for the intro arc up to Akzeriuth itself at this rate. I smell tons of cutting. ^-^”"
@Blist: The group I’m working with is subbing Abyss, it should be out sometime Sunday (Abyssal Chronicles). The translation is done, the karaoke is done (thank Lorelei for reusing the OP) and all that’s left is 1/2 of timing and encoding.
Was I the only one who found Luke to be funny and not annoying?
Anyway, lived up to my exceptions as well. Maybe a Tales game will finally get a good adaptation. It’s not stale, despite watching the same material.~
Yeah, definitely looking foward To Abyss. Of course, personally I find all the main characters awesome and that includes Luke after many events of course. In the beginning, I felt like pushing him off a cliff sooo many times but it’s great that he later becomes much better and even better after he becomes so freakin weak.
About Akaneiro, it sure seems interesting so I don’t think I will mind it at all. At least I find it more entertaining then those “master” and “maid” series like He is My Master or DearS which just bothers the hell out of me at times. I don’t get one thing that you said though. What do you mean by “engaged during this time and age?” Do you mean how young they are?
I do want to note that Sola isn’t exactly “just another random harem show”. It had a strong story that popped up along the way, something that probably isn’t going to be the case with Akane-iro.
I actually liked Luke and he kept things interesting. The person I actually disliked was Asch until the end and then I thought he was great. Of course my favorite is Jade. Can’t wait for him to appear.
Did anyone else think they were way too hard on Luke after Akzeriuth considering his background? It bothered me. It’s like blaming the puppet for a show going bad when you should be blaming the puppeteer.
@ Nellie
I understand what you meant but they were mad at him rather for not thinking for himself and what is going around him. Rather than just helping all he could, he mostly just stood around waiting for Van to come so that he could do his supposed “miracle.”
If you are able to tolerate stuff like Gift: Eternal Rainbow, Sola and all the other random harem shows, this might be for you. All non-harem enthusiasts should keep well clear.
1) Sola isn’t even a harem show…
2) Sola was a really great show with a decent enough story but some of the best art and music I’ve seen.
3) How can you even put Sola and Gift in the same league? I don’t want to rant here but come on…
4) Akane-iro actually looks interesting, if only we get to listen to Rie doing that type of voice for a full season…hot
I’ll definitely have to check out Yozakura Quartet. The other two I’ll stay clear of, as you suggest, sorta kinda (high fantasy isn’t my thing).
Well, Tales of the Abyss certainly looks okay. But the seiyuu voicing Luke…. aaaaaargh. Terrible voice, just terrible. I´ll probably watch the series, because otherwise it looks nice. But, gods, the voice of the main character sucks hard.
*in tears
Most of the stuffs not subbed! ;o;
To Harem enthusiasts watching Akane Iro ni Somarusaka:
Stay Strong, people. The angst awaits us (Cuz this rly looks like Da Capo)
“Did anyone else think they were way too hard on Luke after Akzeriuth considering his background? It bothered me. It’s like blaming the puppet for a show going bad when you should be blaming the puppeteer.”
I felt bad for Luke there but I can understand why the party acted that way. I mean, they just witnessed a tragedy, Van had run off, and while a bulk of it was his fault, part of it was Luke’s and he was refusing to acknowledge it. Coupled with his early douchebagness it just caused them to snap. I think it’s worse AFTER Luke changes, because damn, some of Anise and Natalia’s comments were out of line.
@Lupus: Ya luppie. In a way, his immature behavior makes it good for the other characters to pull through with their strong personality. You really need someone to hate to like the others to be honest. I found that flower field scene to be a really sweet part of the game, and I will not say anymore lest I spoil anyone too much.
Quartet just feels a bit … hard to comment. It wasn’t great, it wasn’t bad but it was …*i can’t think of the word*.
@Blist: Fansubs are always slow about it. Hakushaku to yousei is supposedly going to be blogged by my girlfriend. I will leave it to her and if she doesn’t write, you can blame it on her too. I am waiting to watch it with her actually on the raw.
Tales of the Abyss is a good game, Blist. If you have not played it on the ps2 platform, I strongly suggest that you do so now. The characters are quirky and funny. The story is also pretty good and engages you in the 10th hour of playing. It then builds up into several climaxes. Way worth the effort.
@Miken-chan: I think they are to be honest. The preview showed them to appear. Jade the Necromancer is my second favorite character after hot-cute Tear for his sarcastic and sharp tongue. I cannot wait for him to unleash the fury ^_^
@Shirachi: Really O_O Dai shocku!
@Silver: I still feel like killing him after those events. He got ….too typical shounen.You feel like pushing off a cliff? I tried to kill him most of the time to be honest because he is acting like a total son of a bitch. Yes, I really cannot understand certain types of personalities.
You do not want to hear my comments about fanservice series. It won’t be nice. I mean in terms of the modern age. Arranged marriages are like so fricking old school, for christ’s sake. Matchmaking? sure. Arranged marriage? NO WAY!
@Psgels: Oh, I know. It’s so good to insult good harem shows though. Therapetic.
@Nellie: Never. I think he deserves every single bit. Not knowing does not mean not thinking. Not thinking does not mean that not listening. Not listening is as sinful a sin you can get. His inability to do all three resulted in what we know as a spoiler.
@Calawain: Ya, you harem fanservice viewer. You will just lap it up ^^
@Lelangir: Yep, it will be good to take a look.
@Magnus: I think the seiyuu captures the feel of Luke. They got the same people from the game to voice the anime, I think.
@Vin-nii: If it’s like Da Crapo, god save us all.
Impz~ It looks like MBS dropped use Tales of the Abyss fans a present yesterday. They aired episode 2 in a back-to-back premier. No HQ raws out yet, though. It seems I didn’t pay attention to the preview at all — Jade and Anise are indeed there, and there’s that one attack we’ve all been waiting for. Seeing that you just said Jade’s your 2nd favorite, I’m sure you’ll be happy (especially since it also has moe!Tear)
Actually, I was surprised at Impz reaction, since, you know, one of THAT’s banners happens to BE from Akane Iro (the TRAP anime blog banner-header)…
@Myssa Rei: I actually allow any banners to appear … I don’t really care as long as any of the bloggers want to put one up. =3
@miken-chan: wow! Thanks a lot! I’m really looking forwards to it. ^_^
@Impz: Tales series always good for me (though I missed some of them) Anyway my all-time favorite is Leon, super hot bishie XD
Ok, I’ll wait for your girlfriend for Hakushaku to yousei. It’s maybe interesting since we seems to be the same type of fangirls. lol
@Blist: Hahaha, she is. We just watched it tonight (it’s too late for her, so she has to sleep after watching the first episode) and she was happily kyaaing whenever Edgar appears in the series. Ya, I have to tolerate it while filling in the gaps when she does not understand the Japanese in the raws.
She definitely likes it and so do I. I particularly like Lydia because she is so quirky but she shouldn’t blush so easily. That said, I think any girl faced with a blonde like Edgar is likely to blush, so i think it’s excusable. ^^
I’m still not sold. If he were what we originally thought he was then I’d understand and actually think they weren’t hard enough on him, but even Guy came to understand Luke’s limitations. He realized that everyone was responsible for treating him like a child, keeping secrets from him and ostracizing him. Considering what he found out I’m surprised he didn’t go mad. Van was his world, why should he listen to the others who didn’t trust…oops better stop there. I’m probably already in trouble.
Guess I’ll pick it up when we get to those episodes.
Why’s there so much hype about Tales of the Abyss? From what I’ve gathered, it’s a RPG turned into an anime, and isn’t that one of the biggest/most-likely formula to disaster in the anime industry?
I watched the first episode, and I’m seriously not impressed by it. Luke is irritating, his hair is irritating (cut it short already! And what’s with that orange tips?), his attitude is irritating, and he is such a boy. Argh. At the moment the whole premise seem like a fairly ordinary RPG quest-like thing, and unless there really is some hidden and awesome reason for all the hype, I’m not going to watch another episode.
My favourite this season is probably Yozakura Quartet. So far, anyway. It has all the elements that I like, and the relationship between the characters intrigue me. I can’t stand incompetent and/or immature protanganists, so the Hime and Akina interest me a lot. Ok, I utterly dislike Ao’s act-cute voice, but that’s the only fly in the ointment.
Hakushaku to Yousei was pretty funny, especially when the sparkles make an appearance.
Although I must be weird, because I like Edward in brown hair more than his really ditzy looking blond hair.
@Briar: Well the tales series is a great and VERY popular game series from namco (In and outside of japan), that every rpg fan should know about. I have’nt got my hands on tales of abyss yet (it’s so freakin rare), but i happen to like luke and his hair..he’s a very entertaining and refreshing lead (Army of annoying and generic winey main male characters anyone?). Also liking his cool expressions, i definitely have to say that cool character is cool (And think about it…this all will lead to huge character development right?). Rpg based anime series? Have i been missing something? The only ones i know about (Besides the various tales of series) are night wizard (Which i have’nt finished yet, pretty average stuff from what i’ve seen so far..), world destruction (which i lost my interests after peeking at the first ep), star ocean (something i have’nt watched), and utawarerumono (1 of my most favorite series ever which i still love), so i think there are too few (good ones at least). I’ve been hoping for something as good (or better) as utawarerumono since 2006, and it looks like this might be the one.
Took a peek at ep 1 of Yozakura Quartet (a series i was excited about), seems like average stuff so far..great animation (and style!) and music so far. Alright, next up is: “Akane Iro ni Somarusaka”. Lol is that the main lead turning into devilman? (A parody of it perhaps?), anyway it looks like a fun episode..guess i’ll have to check it out to see.
Ugh.. Abyss was horrid
The generic-ness. It feels like I’m watching Ragnarok online the animation all over again, cept this time is worse.
I played PC game “Akane Iro ni Somarusaka”
The voice actors of the PC game are different from those of the anime.
So the anime looks to me like another story in another world.
If the voice actors were the same, I could enjoy watching this anime.
Still I think the characters are very cute.
Quartet sucked. I’m sorry, it just really gargled the balls here. All the characters felt like fanservice (not ecchi fanservice, character fanservice), it was boring, uninspired looking and simple. Most of all, I was tricked in to thinking I’d be getting a Kyon-like male protagonist, but he got like three lines and was lame. We have to deal with this obnoxiously noble battle-girlfriend instead. Gross.