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Messages - Hanover Fist

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31
Enticing to watch... / Re: Rules, guidelines and tips
« on: July 23, 2013, 11:36:47 pm »
In case it's helpful, here is a quick template you can use for posting about shows:

When I'm getting ready to post about a show, I use this template, fill in all the details in a text file in notepad until it's mostly done, then start a reply here in the forum, preview it and do any last-minute tweaks before posting.

Code: [Select]
[center][size=24pt]Show Title[/size]

Genre1, Genre2, Genre3
[url=http://myanimelist.net/anime/...rest of the link to your show]MyAnimeList overview[/url]
[url=link to torrent]Batch torrent for show[/url] or just link to the Doki batch post if applicable.

[url=splash image link.jpg][img]splash image link l.jpg[/img][/url]
[/center]

[hr]

Quick show description/teaser.

What you like about the show; what it really does well; what makes it special; enticement for why we should watch it.

[hr]

[center][b]Pictures[/b]
http://RandomC.net is an excellent place to find screenshots. Focus on the first 3 eps or so to avoid too
many spoilers. Upload pics to imgur.com. Paste the direct image link in between img tags and also in the
url= tag. Then put a lowercase L just before the .jpg or .png in the img tag for the 600 pixel size
clickable image link to the big picture.
[spoiler]
[url=][img][/img][/url]
[url=][img][/img][/url]
[url=][img][/img][/url]
[url=][img][/img][/url]
[url=][img][/img][/url]
[url=][img][/img][/url]
[url=][img][/img][/url]
[url=][img][/img][/url]
[url=][img][/img][/url]
[url=][img][/img][/url]
[/spoiler][/center]

32
Enticing to watch... / Re: Romance
« on: July 23, 2013, 05:27:21 pm »
Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun
<My Little Monster>

Comedy, Romance, Slice of Life - MyAnimeList overview
Torrents: [FFF] 720p, [Commie] 720p, [HorribleSubs] 480p
XDCC: [FFF] 720p on the Ginpachi-Sensei packlist, search for tonari.





I think this is an excellent and hilarious show and I’m hoping for a second season. While Tonari starts off using all of the usual rom-com elements, it takes a much different path than the average show. I condensed and paraphrased the following from Zanibas’ final impressions on Random Curiosity:

Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun has many ups and downs. It challenges how we view the characters with a rare perspective on relationship growth. Each character has flaws and potentially unlikable aspects. Their relationships follow a rough road that adolescence often goes through, while also providing the character growth needed to follow that road to its end. There is no quick resolution, no problems neatly split into convenient arcs. It doesn’t build up to some pre-destined climax. Instead, a different side of the relationship story is shown, the long error-prone part of the social dynamic. It brings out frustrations, stupid mistakes, and sometimes downright irrationality. All the while it softens the tension (for the audience) with comedic humor.
 
A defining factor of this show is how blunt everyone can be to each other: Haru has no social restrictions at all. Shizuku tells it as she sees it. Natsume speaks out for her friends, and Sasayan speaks up when the time comes. The characters usually speak plainly to one another without any hesitant mumbo jumbo. Ideally, this would lead to flawless communication, but that doesn’t happen here. Each character, in their own way, gives out only partial truths with important information conveniently left out. This creates many of the conflicts within the show. People can sense conflict within each other, but are fooled by the plain speech, unable to read behind those seemingly clear words.

One fault in many romances is when a female character starts off strong and then becomes weak in situations when the male protagonist saves them. The female becomes lovey-dovey and never recovers, creating a “damsel in distress” scenario. Mitty mostly avoids this, finding a balance between her feelings for Haru without becoming powerless. Haru may be a genius without effort, but Mitty constantly works to improve her grades. While Haru may steal Mitty’s heart, she doesn’t give up easily, calling bullshit when needed. She may not make the best decisions, but she does things that make sense to her, maintaining her individuality. One does not need to give up their individuality to give themselves up to another person.

All of this gives us a show that stands out among the rest, that doesn’t make things easy. We get angry and annoyed at a character’s inability to do SOMETHING, but perhaps that is the point it’s trying to hit home. Life isn’t easy and real relationships take work.



Pictures
Screencaps courtesy of RandomC as usual.
(click to show/hide)

33
Enticing to watch... / Re: Comedy
« on: July 23, 2013, 05:27:18 pm »
Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai!
<Love, Chuunibyou & Other Delusions>

Comedy, Drama, Romance, Slice of Life
MyAnimeList overview - Torrent: [URW] 720p
XDCC: Search for "chuunibyou" on the Ginpachi-Sensei packlist.





Chuunibyou (8th grade syndrome) is a perilous disease where imagination bleeds into reality. Yuuta wants to put his chuunibyou episode into the past and live an entirely normal, fantasy-free life. Rikka, however is still strongly afflicted, and she knows his dark secret - he is the Dark Flame Master (he stupidly played it one last time, unaware she was watching).

The comedy in this show is top notch. The pacing moves along quickly and sets up the well defined characters immediately. The goofy interactions between everyone had me in stitches and the character designs were terminally cute. Overall it's great fun and shouldn't be missed.

Outside of the 12 episodes aired on TV, there are many extras: First are the six "Lite" five-minute shorts. These should be watched in sequence with the full eps (1, 1-lite, 2, 2-lite ...). Next is the OVA/Ep.13 and finally the seven three-minute Depth of Field BD specials (I-V,last,extra) to watch in one swell foop.



Pictures
Screencaps courtesy of RandomC as usual.
(click to show/hide)

34
Enticing to watch... / Re: Adventure
« on: July 22, 2013, 06:38:02 pm »
Seirei no Moribito
<Guardian of the Sacred Spirit>

Adventure, Fantasy
MyAnimeList overview
Torrents: [BluDragon] 720p BD (dual audio), [A-Kraze] 480p DVD, [Arigatou] 480p DVD (dual audio)
XDCC: 480p DVDs on A-Kraze|Konata in #NEWS: @find moribito dvd





Balsa is a female bodyguard-for-hire from neighboring Kanbal. She returns to the empire to get work done on her spear. On the way, she coincidentally saves the life of prince Chagum of the imperial family when he falls off a bridge in an accident. The second empress hires Balsa to keep the prince alive against the emperor's secret assassins: Chagum is accused of possession by an evil spirit that threatens the empire with a crippling drought.

This is another shiny show from Production I.G. of 2007 vintage. The action is great and the plot is intricate and imaginative. The story eventually reveals the hidden depths in Balsa’s past and she's an excellently strong female character. Chagum also learns a lot about the real world outside the imperial court from her. The show is a great fantasy and a fun ride as they quest to learn what power is inside Chagum and how it might save the empire.



Pictures
Screencaps from all over google, many from here.
(click to show/hide)

35
Enticing to watch... / Re: Romance
« on: July 22, 2013, 03:46:38 pm »
Sukitte Ii na yo
<Say "I Love You">

Drama, Romance - MyAnimeList overview
Torrents: [Commie] 720p BD, [IB] 720p TV, [HorribleSubs] 480p TV
XDCC: Search for "sukkitte" on Ginpachi-sensei for [IB] 720p packs.





The basics of this show have certainly been done before: Popular and cute boy falls for the shy, socially awkward girl. Jealousy arises among the fangirls, bullying starts. Kimi no Todoke comes to mind. However, in Sukitte Ii na yo the story actually moves and it does so a lot faster: A relationship is sparked in the first episode and they’re going out soon after. There’s no waiting two seasons for things to progress here.

There is depth and real feeling in this show. The relationships build and change at a believable pace, whether they are romances or friendships. A lot of this comes from the main character Mei. She starts isolated and alone, but she is no shrinking violet. There is a core of strength within her and she really can take care of herself and others. You see it when she’s helps and defends her new friends. She steps out of her shy comfort zone for the first time in years. She does it because it's the right thing to do, even if it's scary and painful.

The cast explore ordinary but strong experiences: Overcoming years of isolation; overcoming one’s fears and moving onward; trying to be accepted by the others - even to the point of harming oneself; the meaning of real friendship and dealing with fake friends; handling the envy of others and dealing with fake friendships. These themes and more are explored and overcome with real growth and change in everyone. I was drawn along impatiently week to week because I wanted to see what would happen next. At least you’ll be able to marathon it. ;)

On the romance side of things, the characters show each other what love really means in how their relationships develop. They learn how to dedicate themselves to each other and still have their own lives. Overall it is a cute and sweet show that moves at a believable pace, with characters you care about. It’s not excessively sappy and worth a try, even if romance shows aren’t your standard fare.



Pictures
Screencaps courtesy of RandomC as usual.
(click to show/hide)

36
Enticing to watch... / Re: Action
« on: July 21, 2013, 10:15:14 pm »
Psycho-Pass

Action, Sci-Fi
MyAnimeList overview - Torrents: 720p BD, 1080p BD
XDCC: Search for "psycho" on Ginpachi-Sensei for packlist.





In a dark and gritty future, the Sybyl supercomputer system watches over all of Japan. Scanners on every street corner and Dominator handguns measure one's latent capacity for crime. These quantify the crime coefficient, or psycho-pass. Above one threshold, the offender is captured by the Criminal Investigation Division and taken in for therapy. Above another threshold, the Dominators reconfigure themselves to lethal weapons and the cancer of society is excised. The CID inspectors use enforcers - latent criminals themselves - as hunting dogs for individuals with high psycho-passes. Inspector Tsunemori Akane is fresh out of school and dropped into a case on her first day on the job ...

The dystopian setting is fascinating and Psycho-Pass has a very well-built world. The plot is paced smoothly and the story delves into many thorny issues, including: What is justice and how far do you go to enforce it? The cast is well balanced, all with depths of their own. I like how they change over time, suffering the consequences of their actions. The action, animation and background are beautiful and Production I.G. lived up to their name once again. Overall, it's not a perfect show, but it is excellent and well worth the time to watch it. Say a 9/10.



Pictures
Screencaps courtesy of RandomC as usual.
(click to show/hide)

37
Enticing to watch... / Re: Ecchi/Harem
« on: July 21, 2013, 08:45:16 pm »
To Love-Ru: Trouble

Comedy, Ecchi, Harem, Sci-Fi

To LOVE-Ru: Trouble -
MAL
To LOVE-Ru: Trouble OVA -
MAL
Motto To LOVE-Ru: Trouble -
MAL
To LOVE-Ru Darkness -
MAL
To LOVE-Ru Darkness OVA -
MAL

To LOVE-Ru

OVA
(click to show/hide)
Motto
(click to show/hide)
Darkness
(click to show/hide)
Darkness OVA
(click to show/hide)



Lala, a voluptuous alien princess with a devilish tail refuses to get married and flees to Earth. She teleports naked into Rito's bathtub. Reaching out in the steamy tub, he gropes Lala's breasts, which just happens to be the traditional way to propose marriage on Deviluke. Lala decides she'll stay on Earth and marry him. Rito also has a longtime crush named Haruna that he's never had the guts to ask out. Of course Rito is an unlucky klutz and lands in many compromising positions in front of Haruna and an ever-widening circle of females. By the time of the Darkness series, Lala's little sisters are also living on Earth with Rito. One of them - Momo - decides she'll create a harem for Rito since that's allowed on Deviluke.

The franchise has three fanservice-laden series and two sets of OVAs that ride on the edge between ecchi and hentai. Doki started subbing this in 2010 and it's been a staple here ever since. If you're looking for an ecchi harem show, here you go.



Pictures
Screencaps mostly courtesy of RandomC.

To LOVE-Ru
(click to show/hide)

To LOVE-Ru Darkness
(click to show/hide)

38
Enticing to watch... / Re: Comedy
« on: July 21, 2013, 04:03:42 pm »
Danshi Koukousei no Nichijou
<Daily Lives of High School Boys> or <Nichibros>

Comedy, Slice of Life
MyAnimeList overview - Torrents: 1080p BD, 720p BD





I think Divine said it best in his first impressions post on RandomC:

At its core, this is a slice-of-life comedy where boys will be boys. Not only that, but where boys will be stupid  ... stupidly awesome that is. We follow a trio of high school boys idiots from Sanada North. Cast-wise, Sugita Tomokazu and Suzumura Kenichi - two of the funniest seiyuu in person - bring all the idiotic goodness, while Irino Miyu tries to play the straight guy, only to epically fail every time for our personal amusement.

What makes the comedy work so well isn’t just the fact that the three of them do really stupid things, but the fact that they do those stupid things even when they know exactly how stupid they are. They ignore common sense and just go wherever their trollish inner desires take them. What’s more, they’re completely shameless, which makes their hijinks an absolute riot.

Even when things weren’t overly funny, all it ever took was one scene to change all that. The humor comes in all forms too, such as Hidenori’s sarcastic inner dialogue (hilariously reminiscent of Kyon in Suzumiya Haruhi thanks to Tomokazu), Tadakuni’s faceless sister and the Literature Girl, who don’t even have proper names.

Anyway, I’ll just leave you with one final recommendation: Go watch it. Go watch it NOW!



Pictures
Screencaps courtesy of RandomC as usual.
(click to show/hide)

39
Enticing to watch... / Re: Other: Horror, Mystery, Supernatural, ...
« on: July 21, 2013, 02:46:49 pm »
Hyouka

Mystery, Slice of Life
MyAnimeList overview - Torrents: [Coalgirls] 720p BD, [Mazui] 480p
XDCC: Search for "hyouka" here for Ginpachi-Sensei packs ([Mazui] 720p).





Review shamelessly swiped from Krozam's What Did You Just Finish post and condensed slightly:

This is an excellent anime. At first I was somewhat underwhelmed by the slice of life element's domination and the 'insignificant' nature of the mysteries. On the other hand, I was quite impressed they made those 'insignificant' mysteries so interesting. I also liked the characters and the calm atmosphere, and the fact that they didn't rush the story, adapting it into 22 episodes, instead of the too common 12-13.

Regarding characters, I find the protagonist Houtarou quite easy to identify with: I'm also lazy and somewhat unsocial, lol. I also like the smart type over all useless idiots and most action heroes. I don't find Eru quite as adorable as everyone else seems to, but she's cute enough and amusing. I actually prefer Mayaka. Her personality is darker and more complex, but still not a downer and I like her character design more. Satoshi is an unusually good 'sidekick' character with a deep and complex personality. It was a delight to see the story peel off layer after layer of his carefree exterior.

Later on there are some really intriguing mysteries, though they never stray far from the minor everyday problems concept. Throughout the series there is a pleasant, calm but powerful atmosphere that kept me hooked. The dialogue is good, enough to carry this action-less show through with flying colours. There's a calculated amount of humour to lighten up the mood. As a spice, there is some romantic tension between the two pairs, though the romances don't really develop in any significant way. The romantic pairs are another thing I like - no annoying triangles - and the pairings are clear from the start.

Overall, a pleasant slice of life mystery show with deep and multidimensional characters. 4/5 stars.



Pictures
Screencaps courtesy of RandomC as usual.
(click to show/hide)

40
Enticing to watch... / Re: Slice of Life
« on: July 20, 2013, 03:14:33 pm »
Acchi Kocchi

Comedy, Romance, Slice of Life
MyAnimeList overview - Torrents: XviD, 720p, 1080p,





Acchi Kocchi is a cute and silly little slice of life show that doesn't really go anywhere. Yet the show remains fun each episode and keeps your interest. The comedy often focuses on Tsumiki's tsundere crush on oblivious Io and the other characters' joy interfering with the not-quite-romance. Repeated elements (like Tsumiki's cat ears, nasal blood sprays) bring continuity to the jokes. However, the humor constantly evolves, remaining fresh as Mayoi and Sakaki tag-team their gags. The cuteness of Tsumiki - especially in nekomimi mode - is another strength of the show. All in all, it's a very fun and light-hearted experience.



Pictures
Screencaps courtesy of RandomC as usual.
(click to show/hide)

41
Enticing to watch... / Re: Drama
« on: July 20, 2013, 12:34:51 pm »
Kokoro Connect

Comedy, Drama, Other, Romance
MyAnimeList overview
Downloads: Rori, 720p batch torrent (1-13TV, 14-17BD), Doki release posts 1-5BD (480p/720p/1080p), 6-13TV (480p/720p)





Five high school students are in the meting pot of the Cultural Research Club. Out of the blue their personalities suddenly begin to swap between themselves at random (for short periods). They suffer many strange phenomena at the whims of an mysterious being called Heartseed/Balloon Vine. The five struggle to keep their sanity and friendship.

While there are may be many tropes used in this show, the strong characters, great plot and stellar voice acting all take it to another level of excellence. It's a favorite I've watched multiple times and inflicted upon many friends. :D



Pictures
Screencaps courtesy of RandomC as usual.
(click to show/hide)

42
Anime / Re: Your favorite Anime Music Videos
« on: July 18, 2013, 07:11:27 pm »
Well, yeah, it's pretty as well... But what's with all the gloomy AMV's about such a light-hearted anime as Hyouka?! Stop spoiling my happy memories! >_<

I think it's the contrast that makes it a strong story. In an inverse way it's like that video where The Shining is recut into a trailer for a happy romantic comedy (instead of suspense/horror).

And as long as I'm here, Kristyrat did an excellent action AMV all from the fight scenes in B.R.S. It's shiny!
Black Rock Beatdown (Black Rock Shooter) = Noisia - Tommy's Theme
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iSn0hespvs" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iSn0hespvs</a>

43
Anime / Re: Your favorite Anime Music Videos
« on: July 18, 2013, 01:07:39 pm »
Heh, I figured the mention of Erio would spark your interest. :D Apparently Petal also satisfied the editor's long time goal to make a sparkly blue AMV.

If you have time for one more, I suggest Sincerity, which takes Hyouka in a completely different direction.

44
Games / Re: what are you thinking right now
« on: July 17, 2013, 07:45:22 pm »
Wow. That this "new" Doki forum has been up for over two years now.

45
Anime / Favorite AMVs
« on: July 15, 2013, 10:43:06 pm »
I've accumulated a number of AMVs over the last year or so. Here are my favorites:

Ileia returns with another wonderfully synched action video of the new Evangelion movies. The outro is hilarious!
RadioAkshun (Evangelion rebuilds) = Imagine Dragons - Radioactive
(click to show/hide)

A very cute recap of the Usagi Drop anime with great editing.
Ivy Bridge (Usagi Drop) = Rob Thomas - Little Wonders
(click to show/hide)

This one focuses on the Hiro, Miyako and Kei triangle in Ef. I always laugh to the lyric synch at 0:25.
Slave (Ef-A Tale of Memories) = Elize - Automatic
(click to show/hide)

Using video from The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, Genius Party Beyond and original animation, this is an amazing wordless tale.
Paper Heart (Various) = James Newton Howard - Baby Monitor, Hand of Fate
(click to show/hide)

An original bittersweet story crossing Houtarou and Mio. It beautifully blends clips from dozens of shows, edited so smoothly that it could all be from one show.
Our Tapes (Hyouka x K-ON!) = Hurts - Devotion
(click to show/hide)

A shiny and explosive action video with lots of video sources.
Demigods (Various) = Blue Stahli - ULTRAnumb
(click to show/hide)

Finally, a sweet little Ano Hana AMV.
Hallucination (Ano Hana) = Trading Yesterday - Love Song Requiem
(click to show/hide)

Ooh! That reminds me, the AkrossCon2012 videos should all be available now. :D ... *starts downloading*
*edits* Two more for you now.

First place with six total awards went to the editor Umika, one of the co-creators of Our Tapes (Hyouka x K-ON!) above. Here's her award-winning AMV where she takes Houtarou and Chitanda in a very different direction.
Sincerity (Hyouka and others) = Halou - Today
(click to show/hide)

The AMV that got the AKROSS award was inspired by Our Tapes, but this one is Houtarou x Erio.
Petal (Hyouka x Denpa Onna) = Ludovico Einaudi - Primavera
(click to show/hide)

Both of these have amazing bittersweet original stories.
OK, I'll stop now. :D

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