Posted inMiscellaneous Poll

Poll: Winter 2011 Anime Season

Time is counting down to the new year and I still have the year-end Reader's Choice poll to put up soon, so here's the seasonal one first. I've decided to stick with the five-vote maximum used this past fall, since it allows for a more diverse range of results. While some people may not think so, I actually find this upcoming season rather interesting, offering twenty-two new titles with a fair bit of variety. At the moment, I'm not even sure what to make of some despite their potential, whereas others I'm eagerly looking forward to because I have a good idea what I'm in store for. What that translates to is a good season to start, with the possibility of turning out to even better if one or two hidden gems are discovered. Anyway, if you haven't already, please refer to the Winter 2011 Preview for detailed information on each of the shows listed. As always, comments are welcome if there's anything you want to add about a particular show or the winter season in general. Let the anticipation begin!

Note: The same poll will also be available on the sidebar. It will automatically close on January 3rd at 4:00 PM GMT to coincide with the start of the new season.

Posted inFirst Impressions Tegami Bachi

Tegami Bachi REVERSE – 13

All it took was one sloppy fight together for these two to work out all the kinks as partners.

(Benihi-iro no Senritsu)
"Deep Crimson Melody"

After all that talk about wanting to see Aria back in active service, my visions of a cool beauty taking out Gaichuu with ease were quickly shattered when she turned out to be a complete klutz. I would've never known given how strict and diligent she is back at the Bee Hive, so this other side of her was like a completely different character.

Note: The Tegami Bachi REVERSE broadcast is on break next week. Episode 14 airs on January 8th.

Posted inFirst Impressions To Aru Majutsu no Index

To Aru Majutsu no Index II – 12

(Tenmondai (Beruvedeeru))
"Astronomical Observatory (Belvedere)"

There was a fair bit of build-up in this episode towards about the Croce di Pietro, which Touma and Tsuchimikado had a fairly long talk about, so hopefully it won't be simply brushed aside with a new development as well. After the Stab Sword turned out to be a "plot feint", I'm starting to become a bit wary of these twists that don't really feel like one.

Note: The To Aru Majutsu no Index II broadcast is on break next week. Episode 13 airs on January 7th.

Posted inAngel Beats! First Impressions OVA/Movie

Angel Beats! – OVA

Stairway to Heaven

When Angel Beats finished airing six months ago, the December release of the last DVD/BD volume containing this bonus episode felt like an eternity. Well now the wait is finally over, we can have a final taste of the series that is undoubtedly one of best this year. As a completely comedic extra akin to the rocket chairs seen in episode five, the more relevant bonus actually came in the form of a short alternate epilogue.