Spring 2012 – Week 10 Anime Review

This week: significant and immediate improvements in Lupin the Third: Mine Fujiko to Iu Onna, contradictions in Houtarou’s lifestyle in Hyouka, understanding the mechanics of alien communication in Tsuritama, and philosophical questions arisen from the finale of Upotte!!.

Jormungand – 3

Captivating and dazzling, august and imposing, Koko commands Jormungand through its tumultuous adventures, electrifying action, and charming comedy.  But that alone does not complete the persona that is Koko.  Beyond the recognizable, there are quelled characteristics of our heroine that sprout in opportune moments that showcase a magnanimous and compassionate side to Koko that otherwise remains obscured.  Koko is truly a kind soul despite what her mischievous appearance and exceptional behavior would suggest.  While her entire team of elite bodyguards looks toward Koko in order to protect her in her critical business, she looks back at them and makes certain her team is taken care of, too.

Sakamichi no Apollon – 2

Fear exists in every anime and it manifests itself in varying forms depending on the genre and the characters. In Sakamichi no Apollon, fear is not a foremost aspect; Sentarou is fearless, Ritsuko shows no distress, and Kaoru does surprisingly well given his personality.  But fear exists in Apollon and it is primarily shown in Kaoru’s character as an obstacle to his goals.  Rather than take the popular approach and show Kaoru nervous and timid around the girl of his dreams, conversely it’s quite the opposite with our protagonist, Kaoru’s fear was presented in relation to music, specifically playing jazz in front of others.  Despite his love for the piano, his newfound familiarity in jazz, and the opportunity to join in a spontaneous and groovy jam session, Kaoru declined as best he could.  And as it turns out, it would’ve been a mistake if he didn’t join in.  Though seemingly an inconsequential detail in Sakamichi no Apollon, fear is producing a considerable influence in the anime.

Nisemonogatari – 7

What is justice?  During the seventh episode of Nisemonogatari, Karen and Koyomi both explained their ideals of justice and what it meant to the situation at hand.  The way the story progressed, though, Koyomi’s version of justice disproved Karen’s more simplistic and romantic view of justice and the two came to understand each other in a wonderful scene of forgiveness and familial love.  But is Koyomi’s definition of justice really acceptable or was his definition only suitable for the present story?

Last Exile: Ginyoku no Fam – 13

Continuing along with my senseless nomenclature for this anime, this week’s episode is hereby dubbed ‘Lost Exile’ which appropriately describes how Millia, Fam, and Giselle were marooned in the barren tundra of Glacies.  The whole episode revolves around our trio of heroes interacting with Rocket Fighter pilot and native to Glacies, Dian, and repairing their wrecked vanship before departing to the home base, the Silvus.  But before going from point A to point B, the episode exposed a vast schism in cultures, customs, and philosophies between Glacies and the rest of nations neighboring the Grand Lake.  Thought the episode did minimal to advance the plot, its exposition on world building was exceptional and it enriched the setting in a way I admire: thought character action rather than narration or guesstimation.

[C] The Money of Soul and Possibility Control – 6

If the black Midas money represents people’s futures, then does Q consume a tiny bit of someone’s future whenever she eats?  That certainly turns a cute routine into something slightly unnerving.  At least when Msyu eats, she’s just cute and not hurting anyone, directly or indirectly.

[C] The Money of Soul and Possibility Control – 3

What do we expect from the middle of C?  With the third episode over, we can safely say we are facing the heart of the series now.  But what will it show us?  Will there be a constant torrent of Deals from veteran Entrepreneurs (calling them Entres sounds both dumb and delicious) attempting to bankrupt our protagonist?  Will a beautiful or fateful relationship develop between Kimimaro and Msyu?  Can we expect Masakaki to harass everyone with his puzzling behavior?  And what about how cute Q is?

Actually, it might be easier to ask a significant question that can be answered at this time.  And that is: what path while this anime take?