I now live on southside with a couple roommates, and I'm also down the hall from several other friends. It's pretty cool having it that way; over summer we had plenty of free time to play mahjong on Thursday nights or Smash. Hopefully this can continue over the semester, due to our not having much class on Fridays. I can finally play mahjong on a more regular basis for the first time since senior year. If you're reading this, you're also invited (you can fly in if you're not around the area).
Uhhhhh so what have I been doing. Okay so this summer, I finished the following: FMA Brotherhood, FMP Fumoffu, Great Teacher Onizuka, Kino's Journey, Mushishi, and The Twelve Kingdoms. Oh yeah, and I also managed to watch all the Pokemon movies that I haven't watched yet (there are currently 12 plus a special). So in that respect I consider this very productive.
FMA Brotherhood was definitely one of the best; the finish of the manga and anime has been anticipated for quite a while, and its story and ending were spectacular. After some more reflection, I definitely think that it's better than the original, not because it actually follows the manga, but more because its storyline is more concrete and character development played out better. There was some funky stuff in the first series, though of course it's hard for any series to be perfect. I'd still recommend watching both though.
In terms of comedy, both Fullmetal Panic? Fumoffu and Great Teacher Onizuka were worth watching in their own aspects. GTO had a good background story, and it also had some interesting characters. The artwork wasn't the best, so I was a tad bored toward the end with the same stuff over and over again. The humor did keep it going though, even though the substories got a bit repetitive and sometimes forced. Overall still good to watch if you have some time. A lot of slapstick and ecchi actually, if you're into that stuff. I might watch the live-action when I get around to it.
I haven't watched the actual FMP series yet, since Fumoffu was sorta like a sidetrack, so I'll talk about it after I do. Now the remaining series are all seinen. Kino's Journey was interesting, though I don't think it's as great as its ratings say it is. It seems like it's actually more ideal for younger audiences, though some of its ideas are thought-provoking. Despite being a bit boring at times, its artwork and soundtrack were worth it, and you might want to watch it if you're into dystopic fantasies. I do plan to watch the movie sometime.
Mushishi was pretty awesome. It's also somewhat fantasy and alternative history, telling the stories of humans who are affected by the "mushi," kind of like bugs or bacteria in our world. Except that they have very peculiar effects on people who get "infected"; the protagonist travels the land to help these people, and the endings aren't always particularly happy. Nevertheless, it's very touching at times, and the music and artwork by themselves are already worth watching for.
Okay, last one (or well, almost). The Twelve Kingdoms, despite its more modest ratings and smaller viewership, definitely made it to one of my top favorites. Well I guess that's because I enjoy the genre, but yeah. In an alternate world there exist 12 kingdoms coexisting on an imaginary land; each is ruled by a king/queen chosen by mythological forces. Fantasy plays a strong role here, and much of that, as well as the politics, is inspired by imperial China. The series tells several stories about the affairs in some of the kingdoms, focusing on some specific characters and their development. Not only is the background (both fantasy and reality) elegantly built by the creator of the series, the music is also one of the best I've ever heard. I realize I enjoy it so much because of its Chinese influence, but you should watch it anyway. I hope they come out with a sequel or something like that soon.
Alright, just a bit more on the Pokemon movies. Hmmm, my favorite has always been and still is Pokemon 2000: The Power of One. I just think that it's the most epic of the series, and none of the ones afterward have been able to match up to it. Some of the storylines are pretty pathetic, like the 3rd movie (Spell of the Unown, come on wtf is this crystal palace and that stupid girl?), while others seem to be much more geared toward kids (which Pokemon should be, but it's bad if it's excessive). My second favorite is probably Lucario and the Mystery of Mew, maybe because there was actually a story to it and a death occurs in the end (yes in Pokemon, gasp!). The Diamond/Pearl trilogy wasn't too bad either. I'm just glad I finished them all.
Right now I'm watching Durarara!! I should finish that soon. In the meantime I am still not looking forward to school and such. Life goes on..
It was only a little bit hot.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you agree, finally. :D