Classic Shoujo Reload: Glass no Kamen 2005

[loner]

Well, I've not seen the original series before, but from all I've heard, it's one of the best shoujo titles produced. I like the concept behind it, so I decided to check this out before seeing the original.

After 1 episode, I'd say it's got me hooked. I've seen a lot of heroines who are passionate about their dreams/aspirations, like Sora in Kaleidostar and Asumi in Twin Spica, but Maya is just downright obsessed with anything that has to do with acting. Jumping into the sea just to recover a ticket is....I dunno what to say. The person who threw it into the sea is a biatch, but I kinda agreed with her when she said that Maya is crazy. I am impressed by this, and feel that she may become one of my favorite female character. There's plenty of very interesting characters here, and I am interested in how they will be developed.

The art is interesting. The character design is kinda reminiscent of the old school shoujo style. But the rest of the art and animation looks polished and very well, modern. Anyways, I feel it looks pretty good and fitting. And it appears that square-jawed bishounens are in again.

So the first impression is very good. But I am wondering how similar this remake and original versions are.

[Elric]

I'm in the same boat as you. I never saw the older series before, but what made me interested to watching it that it was shoujo. I like shoujo stuff so gave this one a chance.

Maya reminds me of quite a few people who has an obsession for movies and/or the theater which sometimes I hear rants about if people i know online or sometimes dragged if I know the person physically. The animation was nice though maybe it's just me and hard to explain but seems liek when u get close ups of when charcters are talking; the facial expressions most of the time seem simulaaaar nd a little stiff. Maybe i'm being delusional.

It did not make an impact quite on me so much, but ill stick with it for a while unless either lazy or lost interest. Also noticed the older version in 1984 is avalible online as well so I may just that out too. So much anime so little time ...... :(

[loner]

Yes, 4 whooping episodes of the original series are available online. I am afraid to watch them, since once I got hooked, it'll be hard for me to let go. Urgh.....

Interesting thing is that while the original series only had 23 episodes, this remake will have 52. I am wondering if the remake will be more detailed or something, or if the original series was actually cut short.

I guess the reason this had me hooked is that it kinda resembles Kaleidostar, which I enjoyed immensely. Maya is kinda like Sora, but only much more extreme, and I find that even more interesting. Plus, it's style and animation kinda resembles the old school shoujo titles. Nolstagia does play a big part in my anime enjoyment. I don't think you are delusional about the animation, since it does appear to have problems. But I don't mind it at all, since I seldom pay too much attention on animation.

[soundchazer]

Actually, I have the full original series, and yes, it is available for preview out there ;)

[Roark]

I always meant to watch my, erm, acquired eps of glass no kamen.... maybe I'll have to give it a shot over the summer.

[Dennis]

Quick question, was this released before the Sailor Moon revolution?

[Le Bread]

The original series premiered in 1984, so it predates the Sailor Moon craze by almost a decade.

[Ojisan]

Coincidently, I was watching the old one today when I discovered the remake. Good stuff.

[nixie1512]

Oops. I didn't notice this thread either xD

Episode 1 didn't acpture me or anything.. I find that part where Tsukikage glomps over Maya cranky O.o Nevermind, that scene was just.... weird... (Maya's scream was too high-pitched?) And yeah, I quite like the art.. It really feels like "those times" :D

I saw the ep 4 opening clip, and I think the show will go on well, especially if Maya is gonna look that intense, I'll be sure to fall head-over-heels for her :D She's giving me the same vibe as Kino did :x

Now.. I wonder if the series will conclude the manga their way ;)

[Elric]

Well I thought the first episode was alright and had some potential and episode 2 was around so I decided to go watch it having nothing better to do at the moment.

I may say that episode 2 really impressed me. Didnt even put attention at the time while watching and didnt pause the whole episode (like I seem to do lately stretching or whatever) Maya is an interesting female role and admire her acting skills. It's freaky how Maya able to memorize a 3 1/2 hour play with the lines and posing after one viewing, but than again; that can only happen in anime (I guess). As for some of the other characters. The old lady is creepy to some extent, but that spices up some interest. As for Mays family; I feel bitter towards them due to their actions though mom shows some care, but portrays it the wrong way.

My current anime preference these days are something simple to grasp or at least something that won't fry my brain so much. Though having some air of mystery; Glass Mask 2k5 version is simple and easy to get into, but also engaging with it being original in my opinion.

I wasen't expecting this to even show up let alone hearing about it, but an engagin anime like this I will stick around to watch. I'm gonna check the original anime version as well. I'm starting to get some of what Loner is feeling about this.

[Ojisan]

I may say that episode 2 really impressed me. Didnt even put attention at the time while watching and didnt pause the whole episode (like I seem to do lately stretching or whatever) Maya is an interesting female role and admire her acting skills. It's freaky how Maya able to memorize a 3 1/2 hour play with the lines and posing after one viewing, but than again; that can only happen in anime (I guess). As for some of the other characters. The old lady is creepy to some extent, but that spices up some interest. As for Mays family; I feel bitter towards them due to their actions though mom shows some care, but portrays it the wrong way.


Based on the original series, the extremely varying shades of gray in the characters is what I love. There are a few clearly polarized characters, but several, such as Miss Tsukikage and "The Purple Rose" (I forget his name) give very different emotions and I love it.

There are times of melodrama and hyberbolized situations. The Crimson Goddess role is made out to be only playable by some acting God, and Maya can pull off a few miracle things, but it has little effect on the engrossment.

[loner]

So, after 1 FREAKING MONTH, we have the next episode of Glass no Kamen. This anime is worth the wait, but if I have to wait that long again for an episode, I will be royally pissed.

So Ep. 3:
This episode picks up where last episode ended (if you can still remember last episode -_-), with Maya pwning the play. Then she meets her rival-to-be in the acting school, revealing that there's someone who's just as obsessed as her about acting. Meanwhile, Tsukikage-sensei's motive and plans are revealed. Lots of interesting characters abound, all with their own sets of secrets and ambitions.

I've seen episode 1 of the original series, and all this is pretty much covered in that episode, with of course some notable differences. I like the fact the new series is taking its time though. That original serie's episode 1 did seem rather rushed IMO.

There better be an episode 4 out soon enough.

[sonydjsnmix]

I watched up to episode 8. I'm ahead becuase I watch the raws. I LOVE GLASS NO KAMEN!!!!!!!!!!! I got hooked by the first episode. I never seen such a dramatic show like this. I wait for the next episode to come out every week.

I love the combo of old art and the new animation. It's really pretty.

[Ojisan]

Upon finishing the old series and doing a little research, those 52 episodes in the new series are not going to even be remotely close enough to encompassing all the massiveness that is Glass Mask. The first 22 episodes of the original were clearly packed to the brim and cut large, apparent arcs. Episode 22 summed up basically previewing the rest of Maya's life as such an epic that all I had watched felt like the tip of the tip of an iceburg. None of the major plot points were even near resolution, some seemingly just growing farther away, yet this all wrapped up decently enough to "mask" it's cold hard halt. As lovely, emotional, and gripping as it all was, many of the conflicts were growing a bit formulaic and solved predictably, so part of me thinks its conclusion was for the better, but I still can't get over how not a single major element nor relationship concluded! (Some were kinda implied) Though for that to happen naturally would have taken another 3000 episodes. For Pete's sake, the manga ran continuously from '76 to '93 with further installments in '98 and '04. I just don't know.

Episode 23, however, is a complete atrosity that is still pissing me off. A flipping RECAP episode as the final! What the hell?!

While I have yet to start Glass no Kamen 2005, I fear a visual remake that will either draw out what was presented in the first anime, prod a little further yet still not conclude, or cram like hell. None sound too good. I'll put it off til they all come out.

[soundchazer]

I hate to tell you Ojisan, but in this day and age, hoping for anime that goes beyond 52 episodes is pretty much a pipe dream unless they are so incredibly successful, people ask for more (DBZ, Pokemon, etc.)

I do think that 52 episodes is a nice number to present drama. Granted, you may need to skip arcs altogether, but the story can still focus on the MAIN ones and not hurt the flow of the story.

So far I'm liking the new series quite a bit, although I'm not sold on using such an old shoujo style in modern animation. I do like modernized old style (Fantastic Children, Now and Then, Here and There), but not old old style (see my Brother, Dear Brother review for more on this matter)

[RainyRainy]

I've seen a lot of heroines who are passionate about their dreams/aspirations,
Did someone say passionate? It's not passion,it's maniacal obsession with acting. I read all the manga that has been published, one of the best manga I think. Dramatic but thankfully, not as overly dramatic as Boys over Flowers.

[Ojisan]

Did someone say passionate? It's not passion,it's maniacal obsession with acting. I read all the manga that has been published, one of the best manga I think. Dramatic but thankfully, not as overly dramatic as Boys over Flowers.


Haha, many a times I wanted to slap them and tell them to calm the hell down and get a life. Craziness.

[loner]

I've seen a lot of heroines who are passionate about their dreams/aspirations,
Did someone say passionate? It's not passion,it's maniacal obsession with acting. I read all the manga that has been published, one of the best manga I think. Dramatic but thankfully, not as overly dramatic as Boys over Flowers.


I believe I only described Sora and Asumi as 'passionate'. I described Maya as obsessed, which I guess is not far away from what I'm trying to portray. That is the main draw of the show: how obsessed she really is abou acting. Nothing makes for better drama than characters downright obsessive about things they love.

[loner]

Episode 4:

What? New opening credits after only 4 episodes? OK then...

I really dislike Maya's mother now. She kinda had a reason for not seeing her daughter's play, not wantint to see her humiliated and such, though I strongly disagree with it. But what she did in this episode was unforgivable for a mother, even after her letter of apology. I mean I'd be a bit more understanding towards her if she just don't like acting, or want her to go to some other 'more worthwhile' profession or something. While these reasons are wrong, they are still things that a protective parent may do. But she basically said that her daughter is worthless, and moreover is trying to stop her daughter from changing that. And she is willing to go as far as attacking a famous retired actress who owns a vocational institution to make sure her daughter won't have any chance to be somebody in life? It makes me even angrier when she yelled at Tsukikage-sensei how she 'knows her daughter more than her'? When a total stranger can see your daughter's talent and you can't, you have failed as a mother. What she did was detestable, and her actions were borderline psychotic. I feel sorry for Maya for being born into such a family, and yet astonished how she can find the self-confidence and willpower to believe in herself.

It's sad how little attention this show is getting, with the fansubbers taking an eternity to release an episode and with very few people following it, because I really think this is a great show. Glass Mask is very underappreciated, and moreover this season is very underrated. Sure there's no show like MaiHime that just grab your attention. Instead, we have solid but more unorthodox shows that move at a slower pace, and just do something different, like Honey and Clover, Eureka 7, Emma, Futakoi Alternative, Zettai Shonen and this. Even when the faster shows like Futakoi Alternative slows down a bit and becomes more drama-oriented, people starts complaining and want the break-neck comedy back. Why can't people just settle down and enjoy slow-paced dramas?

[loner]

Episode 5

I totally saw that one coming. I mean, they have been harping about pantomime for the entire episode, so it's only logical that Maya gets out of that question by miming. Quite surprised the rest of the students didn't think of that, considering they've doing that for quite a while as well.

I like this series a lot, but I don't really think all the narrative is necessary. I mean, I don't need the guy to keep on repeating Maya's going to be Ayumi's competitor or telling me there's more trouble to come. I'd like to find all that out as the story moves on.

[soundchazer]

Episode 5

I totally saw that one coming. I mean, they have been harping about pantomime for the entire episode, so it's only logical that Maya gets out of that question by miming. Quite surprised the rest of the students didn't think of that, considering they've doing that for quite a while as well.

I like this series a lot, but I don't really think all the narrative is necessary. I mean, I don't need the guy to keep on repeating Maya's going to be Ayumi's competitor or telling me there's more trouble to come. I'd like to find all that out as the story moves on.

Ah, but it gives a nice old feel to the anime. A narrator was a staple of epics and shoujo anime in the '70s. Candy Candy and Ie Naki Ko (Remi) had one.

[loner]

Yes I know, but that's actually one area of old anime that I don't like particularly. I don't mind if he introduces the characters and say what is happening once in a while when we don't exactly knows what's going on, but I really don't need to hear him talk about how the story will go, what trouble lies in the future, etc. I'd like to let the story do the talking instead.

Anyways, this is not something that'll make me choke on my own spit and roll on the ground with my eyes rolling like crazy. Just a minor nitpick. Maybe I've seen to many modern anime to really appreciate him. :D

[loner]

* loner looks at date of last post

I hope this doesn't count as grave digging.

so uh...ep. 6...

* loner looks at last post to remember what ep. 5 was about...

Ahem ok...

So yeah, Maya is even more obsessed about acting than I thought she was. And that's saying a lot. I know this is something actresses do, but do not, and will not believe any of them does it to Maya's extremity. She's like an AAer who can't get out of his AA identity, and respond to 'loner' as if that's his real name.

...that's not true. Pretend that last part never existed.

So yeah, to think that it'll get worse for her...wow...

I like the fact that the melodrama is tone down quite a bit here, as it seems much more realistic. Not to say I can't stand the nostalgic old shoujo-style that SC loves so much. It's just that for a "reload" series, a new, more realistic style is demanded. Or else the point of a remake would be null.

[soundchazer]

[action=loner]I like the fact that the melodrama is tone down quite a bit here, as it seems much more realistic. Not to say I can't stand the nostalgic old shoujo-style that SC loves so much. It's just that for a "reload" series, a new, more realistic style is demanded. Or else the point of a remake would be null.

Err... you don't get my tastes at all. Read my Brother, Dear Brother review again. I deducted points on that one because the style and techinique used on that one looked the same way it did 20 years earlier, with no innovation to reflect the new realities of animation.

As for Glass no Kamen, there is a little bit of sense of newness to it, as the character designs are different from the old series. You also have to understand that:

a) They have to keep the style csomewhat close to the manga
b) The change comes in the form of an expanded storyline. The manga lasted an insane amount of volumes (40), and the original anime just lasted 23 episodes. The new series is supposed to be 52.

[loner]

Ah sorry then. But from the way you defended the narrator, I suppose you at least love the old style, even if you would take points off if it's used in the wrong context.

And yes, they are taking their time with this one, which is great. This anime should have a slower pace anyways :D

[luna_visage]

Does anyone know whwn thw 9th episode(Glass no Kamen) will pe posted on the site?

[luna_visage]

I liked very much the new one,because it seems so real and also the problems that the actors face these days ....There are only a few who succeed to see the true nature of the character!

[sonydjsnmix]

HOLY CRAP!!!!!! The fansubers didnt even get up to epsiode 10 yet?

WHAT THE HECK IS WRONG WITH THEM!!!!?

I finshed watching epsiode 48 just two days ago. My goodness I feel so bad for you people. THE SHOW IS AMAZING!!!!!! I look forward to a new epsiode every week. I so sad right now that this show is going to end soon. I love so much!!!!

[ureshii]

Ep 10 and 11 are released, and as the number of seeders/leechers shows, there's quite a number of people following this series, despite its having such a long hiatus. ^^
I, too, am digging the grave here ^^ Ive been a crazy fan of the manga in the past..say...6 years (!) and was glad it came into anime form. Perhaps my putting so much hope in this anime is the direct cause of disappointment. The art is pleasant, but the character design doesnt stay true to the manga's (in a bad way-plus some characters are completely changed); theres background music all the time (some silent moments can create tension, too!), and it only feels dramatic thanks to the dialogues, coz the directing is pretty pedestrian. The manga was so much better, in my opinion (I know this is not a valid comparison, but still...).
How will they provide a satisfying ending with the manga coming to a halt since forever like this? It'll be interesting to watch, then, just for the closure feeling Ive been waiting for years!

[A-R@D]

I know this is grave digging, but After having discovered the Glass Mask manga, and then this anime, I was suprised how superb they were. The newest version updates the style of the characters, but it still follows the manga fairley closely.

THIS is the kind of shoujo I want to watch, much, much better than the typical shoujo we get these days. The characters are all engrossing and interesting, even all the supporting characters are well fleshed out and with an interesting and realistic story. If anyone hasn't seen this I strongly reccomend watching the manga, and then watching the anime.