Suzuka

[soundchazer]

Well... this one falls into the category of mediocre with a bit of potential.

The characters are not horrible, but they give a weird vibe of being copies of KOR/Maison Ikkoku archtypes. The charcater design is bland and the animation is standard.

The basic storyline is boy goes to live with relatives who have a bath/spa/boarding house combo exclusively for girls. Here is where the Maison Ikkoku vibe comes from, because the guy is clearly interested in just one girl from the start. Come to think of it, this is also very Love Hinaesque, which is NOT a good thing. If it goes like Negima, then I will end up dropping after 5 episodes, or just take one for the team so I can review it.

[TypicalIdiotFan]

Have this one on hold for a sec. New episodes of Speed Grapher and Tsubasa Cronicle have priority. But I'll get back to you on this one too.

[Frog]

I feel like ive seen this anime five thousand times...maybe more. Oh well hopefully it will develop its own charm because i dont think there was a shred of originality in the first episode.

[TypicalIdiotFan]

Episode 1:

Wow, I have never seen an anime fill me with thoughts that there might be some good ideas coming from this, then blow it in the first episode. There was huge potential there for a true sports / romance dramedy and they blew it. Why? Because they basically used up all the potential "drama" of a sports related anime all at once. The expectations, the struggles of an athlete, and doubting one's skill... all used in one episode. All RESOLVED in one episode!

Good god. Now if they use any of these plot elements later, they'll seem completely fabricated because we've already done it! Jesus ****ing Christ! Way to go A-holes!

I hate seeing a show drop the ball before the game even starts. It's like watching the Mariners get shelled for 6 runs in the first inning and facing down an ace pitcher like Randy Johnson. In other words, the hope of possibly coming back is zilch, so watching the rest of the game is a depressing formality.

Ugh...

Intro

Well that worked. Song sounded like a bad 80s throwback tho.

Part A

Guy sees girl, falls in love. Guh-****ing-roan. At least this time it's something to actually admire. She's a good athlete. I can respect that. At least it aint Strawberry-****ING-panties!

Okay so the main character gets to conveniently (for fanservice) live in an all girls boarding house with a ginormous.... though at least not a hot springs... bath area. Okay fine, I can deal with that. Or rather I could have, if I hadn't seen it in Love Hina (and hated it then too). So then we get a nekkid college blonde who appears to not care that she's being ogled by the new boy (hey, unique, I can deal) with a girl that looks amazingly like Sanda tagging along. Usual not-so-hilarious-perverted-misunderstandings happen, and I yawn.

Oh yeah, and Girl hates Guy. Yep. Wonder how long that'll last. I'd love to see it last longer then 15 minutes. But it wont.

Eyecatcher

Meh. It works.

Part B

Okay, so Blonde and Sanda turn out to be the most interesting characters of them all, and that's only becuase they're slutty and mean drunks respectively. I think I enjoyed the Sanda drunk more. Talk about an honest social subject, sheesh.

Blah blah blah... drama about weight loss... overexposure to the sauna... big time heroics... blah blah blah...

Like I said, they dropped the ball on this. We coulda had this way down the road, but oh no. Gotta get it out of the way in the first episode. How else is a girl supposed to like a guy unless he's a strapping daring man ready to save her ass? Because no girl can fall in love with someone who doesn't do such a thing. Nope. It's Manly!

Blah blah blah... guts spilled about pressures of being an athlete... inspirational speech... bonding moment... blah blah blah...

Again, dropping the ball badly by doing all this shit in the FIRST ****ING EPISODE.

Blah blah blah... magical involvement of new guy means big time improvement for our girl... nevermind the fact that there's no goddamn friggin' way someone can improve that drastically because numbnuts spikey hair is around... hell... it's Anime™.. I'll let it slide... blah blah blah...

More shit they coulda waited on.

Gimme outta this show, please.

Exit

Best part of the show, and not because it means it's over. I actually dug the exit. Total psychadelic funk going on there with the imagery. I felt like doing the "Hustle". Song was weird.

Overall

Said it all already. Totally botched first episode.

Grades

Interest: 3 / 5.
-K, I'm digging the fact that this IS about some girl who can actually do something. Like Madoka from Orange Road, she seems like a potentially strong / dramatic character. Problem is, King Penis here will screw it all up.

First episode grade: -4 / 5.
-FUMBLE!

[Itachi Uchiha]

I agree with TIF, the first episode was pulled of poorly but I still have hopes for this series. The concept as a whole for this anime still has potential.

Story-
I’m always a sucker for romance! Plus, I already like the two main characters. I love to see a show where the female character is in the spot light and the male in the shadows. It’s nice to see the supporting role swapped every once in a while.

The female lead is the standard fragile star. She has amazing potential but the expectations of everyone lay heavily on her. The type that will self destruct trying to meet everyone’s wishes.

The male lead seems to be the standard happy-go-lucky, who doesn’t take anything seriously but is a come through guy when it matters. He is the type of guy that is easy to be around and is perfect for the conservative perfectionist female lead.

Add into the pot some good sports drama to make an easy to follow plot. Combine that with the ups-and-downs of relationships and adversities athletes must over come. I foresee a very enjoyable story if they portray it right.

Characters-
Seem like the spot light will be on the two main characters and their development throughout the series. There evolving and overcoming obstacles, all the while advancing their budding relationship.

The secondary characters may all be stereotypical background characters. For some reason I don't think they will ever be fleshed out in this show.

Visual Aspect –
The animation isn’t bad… but it isn’t good either… The flow of the frames is a bit choppy at parts too. Did anyone else notice that there’re a lot of shots where there nothing move but there mouths?

The character designs all seem fitting, if unoriginal. It nice to see the characters look somewhat normal, none of them look to spectacular or unreal. They all have that sort of homely but attractive quality.

Audio Aspect-
I liked the opening song a lot! I thought the lyrics and the beat fit the show perfectly! The ending is good too, but it focuses more on the sports drama aspect of the show. Making the opening that features the romance more so my favorite.

Voice Actors are satisfactory. There voices are kind of annoying; the only voice I like is the female leads. The male lead is okay, but it could be a lot better!


Ending Comments –
I can’t wait to see if this show becomes a diamond in the ruff or just another ordinary rock.

Overall Rating: B- (until proven wrong)

[loplop]

I'll keep it simple - - Love Hina all over again . . . .

[beansprouts]

Ah well, I wasn't too impressed with the first episode either. But I think I give it another few episodes before I decide whether to continue or not. Suzuka does remind me Love Hina but the main character (damn, what's his name again? Tomato or sth?) isn't as stupid Keitaro and it does seem less harem-ish.

[TypicalIdiotFan]

The only props I will give this show so far is that the main male lead wasn't thinking about panties, women's breasts, women's crotches, trying to peep in on anybody, or in otherways just being a hormonal juvenile that NOBODY in their right mind would ever fall for.

In fact, the idea that other people were basically teasing him with these things makes for a nice turnaround. One girl didn't seem to care that a guy was there getting an eyeful of her naked (obviously) foreign body. And the other was lamenting guys being jerks always thinking about breasts, and so she basically gave "the guy" what "he wanted", even though he didn't.

That is the only thing I liked about episode one. Oh and a sports related female lead. Somehow that clicks. Everything else blew a 20 inch long goat.

[Moe]

I'll keep it simple - - Love Hina all over again . . . .



couldn't have been said better........ well maybe.....anyway.... it was just love hina all over aguian for me as well..... but i liked love hina, so i guess i'll like this one too.... the art kinda looked the like same as ichigo 100%, i'm not sure if its just me though....... opening theme, ending theme.... both were pretty gfood..... over all i like it so far.....

[Itachi Uchiha]

The second episode turned out better than the first. It was a set up episode, all the main characters made appearances. Even if the possible female love rival only made a brief cameo appearance. His best friend was also introduced and used to help delve into the male’s past/character.

Overall, it was an episode to set the foundation of their relationship and started building upon it. They basically started to get to know each other better...

[TypicalIdiotFan]

Who said the second episode was better then the first?!

The second episode turned out better than the first.

SO IT WAS YOU!

C'mere you bastard!

/me slaps the crap out of Itachi.

That's for getting my hopes up.

Overall, it was an episode to set the foundation of their relationship and started building upon it. They basically started to get to know each other better...

Okay, so it was. I about groaned when Yasunobu showed up tho. We've had a character like this on in just about every harem / shounen rom... pfft.. ha ha ha ha!... ahhh... sorry... since the dawn of time. At least... at the VERY least... he turned out to be someone I didn't hate. His "plot" later in the episode was a redeeming quality, so I wont kill him. For now.

As for the two, they're at their best when they're not getting along. Especially Suzuka. I like her better as an uppity bitch.

[Itachi Uchiha]

LOL! I guess my opinions arn't well favored...

The second episode was better!

[PerfectDeath]

TIF how could you have forgotten the shrine madien foreshadow O_o

i mean A FRIGGEN SHRINE MADIEN o_O!!
OMFGZORZ MUST CONTINUE TO WATCH!

(all in a sarcastic tone)

Though i do have to agree with "MR. 2nd ep was better", because it did set were the hell the anime was goin rather than bring your world down and the anime's potential.

after watching the first ep all i foresaw was boy + girl go on random shopping meets, tehn go to school were boy is pestered for being so close to girl who is everyone's hopes and they fear he's ruining her potential, otehr girl comes in and causes mayhem for the totehr two with a third love interest, Boy leaves girl so she can be succsesful, boy decides to tell girl everything, girl gets happy jumps really high and everyone's happy cause boy helps girl do better.

also you'd notice some love hina ties.

[TypicalIdiotFan]

Episode 3:

Another girl! Sickness! Jealousy...!

http://hometown.aol.com/zelgadisgr/images/waitwhat.gif

So ****ing soon? It's episode 3 for chrissakes... how in the name of the Holy Handgrenade can we get a jealousy kick already? Egad.. when this show is good, it's only okay, but when it's bad... Jesus.

[A-R@D]

Jeez.... Major dissing of this show huh? I don't know. For a shounen anime it does not seem that bad. At least it doesnt just seem like just tons of mindless fanservice and ultra-shallow relationships. It only has moderate fanservice and semi-shallow relationships. :P plus the plot seems more interesting than a lot of shounen romances I've seen. It is no Kimagure Orange Road but I can name a ton of shounen anime that I thought were worse after the first 3 episodes.

[TypicalIdiotFan]

plus the plot seems more interesting than a lot of shounen romances

/me interrupts A-R@D right there with insane giggles and howling laughter.

[soundchazer]

Nah.. the plot is as inane as other shounen romances. The main female lead is a bit different than that of other inane shounen romances. I still think she has a bit of a Madoka vibe to her, but nowhere near as enigmatic because Madoka has a ton of redeeming points to make up for her jealousy and short temper and this one doesn't.

[A-R@D]

Thats a bold statement to make. Considering that we have seen only three episodes. But you have been watching anime longer than I so chances are your hunch is probably correct.

Im just saying, after seeing the first three episodes I could name a ton of anime that I thought were worse than this. ( Love Hina, Onegai Teacher, Oh my godess,and Mahou Sensei Negima to name a few. )

[TypicalIdiotFan]

Thats a bold statement to make. Considering that we have seen only three episodes. But you have been watching anime longer than I so chances are your hunch is probably correct.

Im just saying, after seeing the first three episodes I could name a ton of anime that I thought were worse than this. ( Love Hina, Onegai Teacher, Oh my godess, to name a few. )

Wait... you thought Ah! My Goddess! was / is worse then this?

Wow.

[A-R@D]

after the first three episodes of oh my goddess. Yes.

I'm not saying this anime will turn out better in the end than Oh my godess or Love Hina, but the first three episodes of those series were worse in my opinion.

[soundchazer]

Wait... you thought Ah! My Goddess! was / is worse then this?

Wow.

Count me on the same team.

I mean... just on eye candy alone (character design), Ah my goddess is head and shoulders above Suzuka, not to mention that the characters are more endearing. One thing I agree though... the pacing on Ah my goddess was extremely slow in the beginning.

[TypicalIdiotFan]

after the first three episodes of oh my goddess. Yes.

Well, unfortunately, you can't equate the two effectively. In fact, you really can't equate Love Hina to Suzuka either.

You see, no matter what their first three episodes were like, they had the hype of the manga and / or previous incarnations to go off of. Suzuka doesn't have that. And, as such, they have to try harder to impress us at the beginning. I honestly feel this way.

Even Mai-HiME, which I panned after episode 4, had 3 first episodes that I thought were interesting. Episode 4-7, tho, almost killed it for me. Then episode 8 came along, and I changed my mind.

But, again, shows that have no backing have to try harder, and Suzuka doesn't even look like it is.

[soundchazer]

Something that needs to be pointed out: Mai-HiME is an actual manga that has a cult following out there. Having said that, the anime doesn't quite follow it, and that is a good thing because the anime>manga as far as story goes.

[Heimdal]

Something that needs to be pointed out: Mai-HiME is an actual manga that has a cult following out there.
Something that needs to be pointed out: Suzuka is also based on an actual manga that has a cult following out there.

Give the anime a little more time. Judging an entire series on your impression of the first three episodes alone is incredibly rash.

[TypicalIdiotFan]

Something that needs to be pointed out: Suzuka is also based on an actual manga that has a cult following out there.

Something that needs to be pointed out: Both the Mai-HiME Manga and Suzuka Manga have never touched the US Shores. That was what I was basing my arguement on. Most US viewers would know Love Hina and Ah My Goddess from the manga before seeing the show.

Give the anime a little more time. Judging an entire series on your impression of the first three episodes alone is incredibly rash.

Bullshit. It's perfectly okay to dump a piece of shit series after 3 episodes. But, of course, I wont, because it's my solemn duty to watch terrible anime... and make fun of it for your entertainment.

Believe me, if I was going to drop anything, I'd have dropped Maho Sensei Negima about 20 episodes ago.

[TypicalIdiotFan]

Episode 4:

Hey, it worked for Maisson Ikkoku, why not use it here? Those who have seen it will know what I mean. It's about as obvious as ESPN's East Coast Bias.

"Your hair is standing up today." - Suzuka

How the **** can you tell?

Piece of crap show rolls on. And is it me, or is Sakurai-chan about as useful, noticed, and mentioned, as.. um.. well.. non east coast sports teams on ESPN?

Seriously. What the hell is her point in being here in this anime?

[TypicalIdiotFan]

Episode 5:

Hello Cliche 1 through 1,234,871.

Some Cliche's of note:

Hero mulling over recent not so significant event? Check
Misunderstanding about Heroine and "another guy"? Check
"Indirect kiss" mentioned? Check.
Twice? Check.
Heroine scared of lightning? Check.
Heroine clingy because of fear? Check.
Causes awkward moment? Check.
Interrupted by "something/someone"? Check.
Confuses the shit out of hero? Check.
"Other Girl" shy as hell? Check.
Guy decides to keep status quo? Check.

I mean, Jesus. I can deal with cliches, but this show is chalk full of 'em. There is nothing unique or new to this show at all. I could have saved my time watching Saved By the Bell and gotten the same shit from any Zack + Kelly story arc.

And so I continue to torture myself with this season's crap. Thank GOD for Full Metal Panic!.

[TypicalIdiotFan]

Episode 6:

Executed a little better then I thought it would be. But not enough to save this show from being crap. Still, they're making an effort now, that's a good sign.

[soundchazer]

I thought episode 6 was actually decent. I dont know if this marks a turning point or not, but at least it was enjoyable.

[Miroku90]

I may be a freshman, but AM I THE ONLY ONE THAT ACTUALLY LIKES THE SERIES SO FAR! I just got into the shounen-ai genre recently and I actually like the series. But I do agree some of the episodes were bad and felt like mini two part episodes but on the whole I find it enjoyable. Don't be hating on the freshman!

[soundchazer]

Well... if you are a freshman in the genre, then you still have to experience some of the best examples out there. Suzuka is NOT one of them.

[AlterGenesis-X]

Aww, where else can you see a poor guy after mulling over making a confession...then blurting out his feelings of love AND get rejected.

Oh wait, on top that, HE CRIES! Classic. :)

[TypicalIdiotFan]

I may be a freshman, but AM I THE ONLY ONE THAT ACTUALLY LIKES THE SERIES SO FAR! I just got into the shounen-ai genre recently and I actually like the series. But I do agree some of the episodes were bad and felt like mini two part episodes but on the whole I find it enjoyable. Don't be hating on the freshman!

What does shounen-ai have to do with this...?

[TypicalIdiotFan]

Episode 7:

Okay, last episode's little blurb has definately set things in a more interesting motion. Sorta.

It seems like everytime they do something I find interesting and like, they do something else that I find mundane, typical, cliche'd, and boring. I wish they'd make up their minds. Then, they go and do things that completely boggle my farking imagination.

Example:

Considering the situation, Suzuka's attitude towards Yamato is appropriate. She doesn't know how to act around him anymore then he does around her. But then he pisses her off. So the scene where he goes to the club room to apologize comes off weird. She has, basically, either been hesitant in responding to him, or pissed off, but in that scene she's sorta just "normal" with a genuine blank expression while our hero does an internal monologue.

Anyway, as if the animation being bad didn't screw things up enough, the director seems lazy. Maybe that's my problem with this; it seems as though there are some people making this that don't care.

Ah well, I'll keep watching, tho I bitch.

[Moe]

in the name of TiF i bring you this review:

Episode 8:

What the hell is Nodoka-chan doing in this show? I realize she gets to be the alternate love interest because of the unrequited thing she has for our main hero. But everything she does basically ends up backfiring and makes her look pathetic. It's obvious that our main only has eyes for Suzuka, it wouldn't be a shounen / rom... *snicker* anime if it wasn't. But she continually "stalks" our hero and makes no progress whatsoever. To top it off, we get introduced in this episode to ANOTHER potential love interest (and someone who is a lot more interesting), so her chances on the totem pole go even lower.

Seriously, what the ****?

Meanwhile the show continues to flounder in mediocrity. The track stuff is done rather well, I suppose, but Suzuka herself and Nadoka-chan alone almost make this show unbearable.

And yet I keep watching.

and thats a review for those who still like to read them....

[soundchazer]

hahahaha... you found TiF through AIM, huh?

[Moe]

hahahaha... you found TiF through AIM, huh?

yup i'm his publiscist... now SC, if you really miss his reviews you'll be happy to know they will still be coming....

[HidekiMotosuwa]

Woot good I really miss TIF's review they are very detailed and good reviews on current anime series. As for this anime I'm continuing myself to bear it hoping for alittle flash of a good story to come out of it. This is the type of series where if they can't get their point across in 12-13 episodes the director needs to be smacked upside his head. :P

[loner]

Moe has failed.

MOE HAS FAILED!

You are a failure moe!

So anyways,
<TIF> True Story
<TIF> episode 9
<TIF> Watched the first 5 seconds
<TIF> Watched the last 5 seconds
<TIF> Got the entire point of the episode.

There. That'll satisfy your TIF appetites. Unfortunately, I cannot channel the banned, I can only contact them through the excorsist system known as teh IRC.

[Kaito Fujiwara]

to be honest, I feel like I've seen this before....again

[Moe]

wow, it seems ever since TIF was banned, this thread died... well since i can't really talk tp TIF on week days. i guess i'll give my opinion on the latest epsiode.

Suzuka 13

In this episode it reminds me of ichigo 100%, and i tell you why. There are three girls who like yamata-kun, suzuka,honoka, and hashiba. and like in ichigo 100%, only one of them get the kiss from him. inthis case its honoka other than that i thik this series is still going pretty good.

[Sorrow-kun]

wow, it seems ever since TIF was banned, General Anime has died... Fixed.

[Miroku90]

I haven't been on the academy forums for awhile and not up to date with TIF's banning. I may have disagreed with him on some titles but I have to admit that it seems that the forums are a bit duller than before. As for three girls liking Akitsuki not true (at least I don't think so). I don't really think Hashiba likes Akitsuki. Things are getting more interesting with Honoka's kiss with Akitsuki in the last episode. All in al the series is getting a bit better.

[Moe]

wow, it seems ever since TIF was banned, General Anime has died... Fixed.


sorrow-kun, thanks for the correction.

I haven't been on the academy forums for awhile and not up to date with TIF's banning. I may have disagreed with him on some titles but I have to admit that it seems that the forums are a bit duller than before. As for three girls liking Akitsuki not true (at least I don't think so). I don't really think Hashiba likes Akitsuki. Things are getting more interesting with Honoka's kiss with Akitsuki in the last episode. All in al the series is getting a bit better.


i think hashiba likes akistuki almost as much as the other two do. honoka has most guts though. took her shiit to the next level...

[soundchazer]

Is it me, or episode 13 felt forced and not really a natural progression from the first few episodes?

I think creators doing teen love triangles should go take a hard look at Kimagure Orange Road to see how it should be done.

[punkusa20_2001]

okay so before i devote my next day to this anime...is it really that bad, i am not looking for insight or quality, just something better than gameshows to watch, and i my fingers are too messed up to play bass.

edit: yeah just started it.....like love hina better. At least in love hina it was blasphemly obvious what they were doing....or maybe because it was about the 3rd anime i ever saw. I actually enjoyed that, it doesn't seem like these char have they on niche....or a good amv like teenage dirtbag (although dated) to go along with it :)


RE EDIT: wow, i am done, this is close to the first time i have killed an anime early on. i killed da capo and popotan too, now i will just watch to kill time and see how much i can predict will happen.

[A-R@D]

anyone have any updates on this past episode twelve? I forgot to keep watching it about then with all the new shows that came out. Is it worth me starting up again?

[Sorrow-kun]

Haven't been following it myself, but I hear it's been phasing in and out of sucktitude. A lot like its animation, apparantly.

[punkusa20_2001]

can anyone tell me if i am the only one that finds the outro on par with the beatles lucy in the sky with diamonds.(lsd)



edit: think i will sit through all this and challenge myself to unbiasedly review it

[soundchazer]

anyone have any updates on this past episode twelve? I forgot to keep watching it about then with all the new shows that came out. Is it worth me starting up again?

hmmm...

I have been following it.

It is mediocre, that is for sure. The characters themselves are not all that bad, but something does not click. I can't explain why at this point. I have seen worse, but I want to see if the final episodes lead somewhere different, because it seems this will be a cliche ending.

[punkusa20_2001]

cliche ending, everything i have seen is cliche i have started writing stuff down that doesn't make sense just so i have ammo if i do write a review. how does an entire track team not catch a cold when working out for 5 hours when he does sitting down for 5 hours.

[soundchazer]

cliche ending, everything i have seen is cliche i have started writing stuff down that doesn't make sense just so i have ammo if i do write a review. how does an entire track team not catch a cold when working out for 5 hours when he does sitting down for 5 hours.

That is easy... body temperatures are different.

People doing sports are warmer, and therefore less prone to get sick in a cold environment... as long as they seek a warm refuge right afterwards, otherwise it is even worse for the body.

No mystery there, I'm afraid, and one less piece of ammo for you.

[punkusa20_2001]

actually if you are working out in cardio for 5 hours in the middle of april when not one character the entire episode lent to the fact that it might even be moderately chilly....you shouldn't get a cold at all, but there should of been someone else who did, because as you breath more heavily you get more succeptible afterwards to getting the runny red nose kinda cold, but i dunno, how about the shrine girl introduced that stutters when she speaks to him, but suddenly can cook for him, thats a bit more serious than speaking.

[soundchazer]

Again... I see no issue there. The most difficult step is getting yourself noticed. It was for me.

Once you establish some sort of relationship and know the person is comfortable with you, the rest is easier.

[punkusa20_2001]

well afterwards she still stutters again, you really do get over that hump of uncomfortable silence or not, not sometimes then not later, unless the situation changes to dictate, i haven't seen any situation change yet, and to suggest these women are that easily manipulated emotionally is either a fanboy's dream, or a man thinking he finally pinned down women, either way most real women aren't that obivous to whats going on around them. They dont get unnaproachably jealous when someone they like just talks to another woman.

[soundchazer]

well afterwards she still stutters again, you really do get over that hump of uncomfortable silence or not, not sometimes then not later, unless the situation changes to dictate, i haven't seen any situation change yet, and to suggest these women are that easily manipulated emotionally is either a fanboy's dream, or a man thinking he finally pinned down women, either way most real women aren't that obivous to whats going on around them. They dont get unnaproachably jealous when someone they like just talks to another woman.

Dude... you should watch some Japanese doramas. Densha Otoko comes to mind. People in Japan are like that. Doing something for someone is not the issue for them, ADDRESSING them is another subject altogether.

Bottomline is, I don't really see them being incongruent. I just have a problem connecting with the characters.

[punkusa20_2001]

biggest problem i find is outside event pushing. By this i mean a car splashing water
a girl with tickets suddenly appearing when he needs them. lightning crashing once and just at the right time
i see this kinda quality coming out of us sitcoms, dont need to see it in anime too.
If you use random events to push the plot along, it usually becomes a bad habit, once or twice is fine especially if you have built a foundation of not doing it, it will really knock someone over. But repetative use of it allows the viewer to predict what will happen. the funland tickets for example. Next time he needs something, its not a matter of will he get it, but ..hhmmmm how will he get it. not fun anymore

[icelava]

Too true this is one helluva mediocre unimpressive series in general. This has gotta one of the best examples of how to drive people away with the opening and first episode (perhaps second to Onegai Teacher). The acting and expressions are just frustrating to watch, but i suppose being teenagers they still have loads of lessons to learn and mature from.

Only the soundtrack with some nice touches manages to bring in much needed emotion to the story even when the acting fails to do so. So salute to the composer.

[Itachi Uchiha]

After I wrote 3 term papers, I rewarded my self with watching 15 strait episodes to get caught up.

I don't see what you guys don't like about this series. It's a teenage romance, and a more realistic one than most. Reminds me of my track team days back in high school...

Anyways, I love the this romantic drama. The characters in this anime are all believable and easy to attach too. Some you feel sorry for, Some make you laugh, and others just love to annoy you, but they all come together well.

The plot reminds me of Adatchi classics, without as much slapstick comedy, and a more realistic and serous atmosphere.


~bub-bye~
:dogrun:

[punkusa20_2001]

but every drama is always caused by people not saying what they feel, i see nothing new presented in this one. and personally i prefer onegai teacher over it, in that at least the art was good and consistent, this is almost on par with a webcomic. Also does anyone know how long this is supposed to go on....i only have 21eps....i want to finiish this off quickly

[soundchazer]

The plot reminds me of Adatchi classics, without as much slapstick comedy, and a more realistic and serous atmosphere.


Blasphemy!

Adachi classics have:

a) Better artwork
b) More likeable characters
c) More interesting situations.

You can't make a romance out of a series of misunderstandings. Suzuka is just a bitch. If she really liked the guy, she would at least let him explain. She just misunderstands everything, gets mad, and gives the guy the finger. How can you build a decent relationship on that? How are we supposed to care for her when she is nothing but a high maintenance, unsympathetic character. Heck, she is not even designed to look like she is hawt.

[icelava]

She just misunderstands everything, gets mad, and gives the guy the finger.Other than her unconventional means of "encouragement" for Yamato, Suzuka hasn't really done anything good to date. It has become painfully clear this is a one-sided effort on Yamato's part to keep the story going.

[Lurker]

Other than her unconventional means of "encouragement" for Yamato, Suzuka hasn't really done anything good to date. It has become painfully clear this is a one-sided effort on Yamato's part to keep the story going.


Worse. She's fallen into the role of the girl who refused but starts longing for the character once he finds someone else. She is the "have not". Seems a very pathetic way for this romance story to go.

Yamato: "I think you're cool, date me"
Suzuka: "No"
Yamato: "Well I guess I can date this chick instead"
Suzuka: "Hold up now waitaminute..."

Would only have been nice if Yamato had done it on purpose, then we could hate everybody in this show evenly.

[punkusa20_2001]

but hey i will give it one thing, i have seen it happen in real life.

[icelava]

And not everything in real life makes for compelling stories in the entertainment business. To go further with that angle, kimi ga nozumu eien has much more anchoring to the grounds of realism given just how messed up some people can get. But to have that pounded on the head episode after episode has been more than necessary.

Likewise, I have seen way worse relationships in real life but that does not ease the frustration I, i mean Yamato, has to put up with Her Highness.

[soundchazer]

The best way to compare is to see other strong willed leading ladies in anime: Madoka from KOR and Kyouko from Maison Ikkoku. Both of them also had a short fuse and were more than willing to slap some sense into their men, but at least, when they were at ease, they would treat them like a person. Suzuka has seldomly done anything to make Yamato feel good.

And that other girl that Yamato dated... zero personality. At least Hikaru Kozue and Ikkuko were for the most part a bit more pushy and singleminded in their devotion to the person they were going after (although the could be annoying in a funny sort of way).

[icelava]

And that other girl that Yamato dated... zero personality.Sakurai Honoka comes off to me as a living lever to jolt Suzuka in the "right" direction. Once her job was done, out she goes; the speed at which Yamato and Honoka settle their business is incredibly hasty. Almost as though they have to make way for Hashiba Miki's turn.

[punkusa20_2001]

Well to comment to it being hasty, i think that would be an understament. She loves him, and they both suddenly realize that they cant have each other because he doesn't love her. Most women in that situation would subconciously begin to sabotage his relationship with the woman he loves. Also most men wouldn't even accept this problem until the original love confronts them. Its too stereotypical of a love story, there are no new loops here that I haven't seen before.

[soundchazer]

I dunno. It never happened to me.

[etane]

I dunno. It never happened to me.
That's cuz your dating experience is close to nil hahahaha.

[icelava]

That's cuz your dating experience is close to nil hahahaha.More like married life is so not like courtship life ;-)

[Leugim]

well.. i know im a freshman but, i think the eyes and emotions are pretty good, in some way i can feel or relate the main characters feeling, so far this anime really have caught my attention and i like it alot

[soundchazer]

More like married life is so not like courtship life ;-)

* soundchazer shrugs... I dated for 7 years.

[icelava]

What i meant to say was how life is now versus back then. Are you "fortunate" enough to state, "it's still the same." ?

[soundchazer]

Hey... dating is dating... human dynamics have not changed that much. It is not like I was born in 1910.

[etane]

My point is you married the first girl you dated. 7 years is a long time, but, still, that's only with one girl... a number very close to ZERO: you've not experienced a lot of "personalities" first hand. This is not a bad thing though. Some people never find "the one"..... You did on your first try.

[Moe]

and the 26th episode is subbed(i believe its the last) and i kinda find it predictable... still good, but predictable.

[soundchazer]

The ending was as unimpressive as the rest of the series.

[AlterGenesis-X]

The ending was I guess, in a way heartwarming, but that's not saying much since...well...the characters weren't really people to get attached too. Predictable...I mean...Suzuka is the name of the show...would've been much more interesting with Honoka. She got shafted, big time.

[icelava]

predictablewith unbelievably smooth resolution, after all that "work" Yamato had to struggle through.

[soundchazer]

To be honest, it was also unoriginal. Somthing similar to this was done in Maison Ikkoku, with 10 times more impact.

[punkusa20_2001]

i find this to be a very sub par animation and no resolution could of saved it. Even if honoka showed up with a gun and shot both of them i wouldn't let out a gasp. The animation was horrible beyond all reason and it only got worse near the shows end, the storyline is trite and the only thing i felt is that when i enter hell, will i be forced to watch this, or dbz.

[Sorrow-kun]

Ok, four episodes in, and as far as comparisons between Shuffle and Suzuka are concerned I already have one big difference: Shuffle made me cry. Suzuka makes me want to throw things at my screen.

Believe it or not, though, I have a feeling I may end up enjoying Suzuka even less than I enjoyed Shuffle. Sure, both are completely devoid of atmosphere or likable characters, but Shuffle, for all its ridiculousness had an air of unpredictability in its storyline. I can't see Suzuka being unpredictable at any moment.

[mr.hat]

i hate you all for finding this a subpar anime. you should all be ashamed of yourselves for being such dumbasses. this anime was a great romance anime that depicted real life highschool romances very well. and it was similare to love hina (which i loved and own on dvd) yet it was very different and much more dramatic then love hina. god i am just so mad at all of you and ive never even met any of you yet you still couldnt fathom how angry i am right now

[icelava]

i hate you all for finding this a subpar anime..... i am just so mad at all of you and ive never even met any of you yet you still couldnt fathom how angry i am right nowHmmm does that mean you will also hate the rest of the world who do not like the same music, movies, books, food, arts, sports, etc as you do?

Do you really have so much time for that?

[Akitsukisan]

So desuka! Hai Hai Wakirimashita^^


I love this anime show its yr old but oh well its new to me because i never seen it although i saw a manga cover of it.. I first thought there wasnt an anime about it but now i just found out there was.


This show is funny, sad and sporty... Sugoie desu ne??

Sakurai and Suzuka Kawaiii!!!! desu ne

Well if i were to rate this i give 10 because its funny and sporty and challenging in a way..

Ull think im weird but oh well... Im just saying what i feel like saying about this show^^

[LadyYuina]

Jeez.... Major dissing of this show huh? I don't know. For a shounen anime it does not seem that bad. At least it doesnt just seem like just tons of mindless fanservice and ultra-shallow relationships. It only has moderate fanservice and semi-shallow relationships. :P plus the plot seems more interesting than a lot of shounen romances I've seen. It is no Kimagure Orange Road but I can name a ton of shounen anime that I thought were worse after the first 3 episodes.

You're right, and I agree with you. This anime could have been worse than what it already was, it's not so bad.

[animanic_critic]

i hate you all for finding this a subpar anime. you should all be ashamed of yourselves for being such dumbasses. this anime was a great romance anime that depicted real life highschool romances very well. and it was similare to love hina (which i loved and own on dvd) yet it was very different and much more dramatic then love hina. god i am just so mad at all of you and ive never even met any of you yet you still couldnt fathom how angry i am right now
Geez, what's your problem? We're all entitled to our own opinions, and if you don't like hearing them, then beat it! Some audacity you have for being a first-timer to our sacred AA...:whip:

[soundchazer]

Geez, what's your problem? We're all entitled to our own opinions, and if you don't like hearing them, then beat it! Some audacity you have for being a first-timer to our scared AA...:whip:

Scared? you meant sacred, right?

[animanic_critic]

Oops, typo; my bad... edited as you can see :tup:

mr.hat: If you disagree with our responses, please clarify instead of just :bcuss1: out. Not everyone agrees with my views & opinions, and I perfectly understand that. I hope you do the same.