Winter 2013 – Week 6 Anime Review

This week: Robotics;Notes losing credibility, identifying with a character in Chihayafuru 2, the decentralization of the township in Shin Sekai Yori, the distinctive and original school uniforms in Tamako Market and why Zetsuen no Tempest is a fanservice anime.

Jormungand – 12

While the story of Jormugnand documents the adventures of Koko and her select crew of proficient bodyguards, there are considerable flaws in the storytelling that otherwise inhibit the anime from thriving and fulfilling its vast potential.  Though the characters and content have been stimulating and effective thus far, considerable faults exist in how these affairs progress and ultimately how the characters react and change under these intense conditions.  Though there have been challenges and obstacles for the characters to overcome in these various events, there are hardly any challenges or obstacles in their stories.  That is, there are virtually no complications or resistance in Jormungand in regards to how the stories unfold and resolve themselves.

Sakamichi no Apollon – 11

At the center of Sakamichi no Apollon is the essence of drama.  From here, the story has been able to structure itself on this basic foundation and incorporate the various elements of romance, jazz, and growth that have allowed this anime to flourish as it had.  However, when there are faults and cracks within the drama that is the establishment for this series, then the story, characters, and anime overall begin to suffer as a result.  And that’s exactly what happened with the poorly manufactured drama that occurred in the scenes following the traffic accident in the eleventh episode of Sakamichi no Apollon.

[C] The Money of Soul and Possibility Control – 7

Finally, an episode revolving around the characters and their development rather than watching some Deals that lack structure and consistency.  We were fortunate enough to witness some of Mikuni’s troubled past to learn what drives him as well as dive into the mind of our tempting heroine-Asset, Msyu.  Both characters allow the audience to ponder their perspectives, be it Mikuni’s drive to minimize effects in the world and Msyu’s relationship with her Entre, Kimimaro.

Puella Magi Madoka Magica – 3

Ah, magical girls.  So sweet, so innocent, so delicate.  Nothing bad could possibly happen to these girls… right?  Right?