Crunchyroll Asura Cryin' (First Season) [Archive]

NeoSam

2008-10-05, 04:38

The shounen(boy's) light novel series Asura Cryin' (Asura Klein) by Mikumo Gakuto (author) and Watanuki Nao (illustrator) will be getting animated:
http://news.dengeki.com/elem/000/000/110/110496/

The anime will start broadcast in 2009.

アスラクライン
Asura Cryin' (Asura Klein)

Shounen light novel series (light novel series aimed at boys).
少年向け小説(ライトノベル).

Based on a light novel thats published under the shounen(boy's) light novel label Dengeki Bunko (http://comipedia.com/light-novel-label/dengeki-bunko).
For now there are 12 volumes released of this light novel series.

Covers:

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/5260/31553047bf3.jpg http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/4311/31593173or3.jpg http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/236/31645366id0.jpg http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/4541/31715593uc7.jpg http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/3245/31755030af1.jpg http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/7280/31819409ps2.jpg http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/8964/31875549km9.jpg http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/5789/31919105jx8.jpg http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/1217/31978997sv0.jpg http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/6803/32068269cg7.jpg http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/2748/32129917gg8.jpg http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/2228/32215816.jpg

Author: Mikumo Gakuto
Illustrator: Watanuki Nao

A seinen manga adaptation of the light novel series started serialization in the November 2008 issue of the seinen manga magazine Dengeki Daioh (http://www.comipedia.com/magazine/dengeki-daioh). The manga is drawn by Akizuki Ryou.
Currently there's 1 volume released of the manga.

Covers:

http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/241/07218100.jpg

Genre: Shounen, Fantasy

NeoSam

2008-10-11, 07:35

Asura Cryin' (Asura Klein) media mix information page:
http://dengekibunko.dengeki.com/mediamix/asra_klein.php

NeoSam

2008-10-24, 02:12

Ascii Media Works' Asura Cryin' media mix page:
http://asciimw.jp/mediamix/asura-cryin/

shaolinx

2008-10-26, 02:30

hmm, whats this about?

Genjo

2008-10-26, 16:43

An anime adaptation of Gakuto Mikumo and Nao Watanuki's Asura Cryin' light novels has been green-lit for television release in 2009. The announcement was made during the final stage presentation at the Dengeki Bunko Aki no Saiten (Dengeki Books' Fall Festival) event on Sunday. (Wolf and Spice's second anime season was also announced at the same time.) The semi-serious school action story revolves around Tomoharu Natsume, a boy who has been haunted by a ghosty girl who was a childhood friend. Mikumo and ASCII MediaWorks will publish the 11th volume of the light novel series on Friday. Mikumo wrote a novel based on Takashi Shiina's Zettai Karen Children manga, which was also adapted into anime.

http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-10-05/asura-cryin-light-novels-anime-adaptation-green-lit

the stoy seems very interesting gonig keep my eyes on this ones :D

monir

2008-10-27, 15:34

I can already see where this story is going.. The ghost girl gets jealous anytime our main man Tomoharu-kun gets approving looks from alive, flesh-and-blood, and/or friendly chicks. They can also throw in a trap or two just for shits and giggles. For Tomoharu-kun, the choice should be obvious. A girl is low maintenance when she is a ghost.

I smell a hit! :heh:

Midonin

2008-10-27, 15:40

The cover art intrigued me (especially the school uniform styles - those look like something out of the military), so I'll watch it when the time comes.

Lechie

2008-11-06, 22:19

Here's the raw:

Torrent:

http://www.datorrents.com/torrent/40987--a-x-n-c-asura-cryin-ch-1-/

DDL:

http://mangahelpers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1101994#post1101994

Siegel Clyne

2009-01-24, 06:41

Seiyuu talent agency I'm Enterprise recently announced (http://www.imenterprise.jp/info.php?cate_no=3) that it has two voice actors cast in it - Yahagi Sayuri as Ania and Shimono Hiro as Mashima/Majima Junji Higuchi Takuma - and that Asura Cryin' will begin airing on television this spring in Japan.

According to the Anime News Network Encyclopedia entry on the Asura Cryin' (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=10380) television anime series, the cast also includes Irino Miyu as Natsume Tomoharu, Tomatsu Haruka as Minakami Misao, Nonaka Ai as Takatsuki Kanade, Tanaka Rie as Kurosaki Akari Shuri, and Oohara Sayaka as Kirstina.

There are a number of other cast members which have been already announced that I and others have not yet added to the database of the encyclopedia.

kyouray

2009-02-10, 13:56

Pictures of the chara-design on Dengeki Online (http://news.dengeki.com/elem/000/000/138/138545/).

Midonin

2009-02-10, 14:28

The official site is open (http://www.starchild.co.jp/special/asura/), and it looks like angela will be doing the theme song.

Snooker

2009-02-17, 21:27

I 'm satified with manga ,at least it isn't generic harem.Check it out!!!!
P.S."I see dead people"(from"Six Senses).:heh:

Midonin

2009-02-21, 00:28

OP and ED title confirmed, both by angela.

OP is "Spiral", ED is "Link"

Nosauz

2009-02-21, 01:02

if its anywhere close as entertaing as seto no hanayome then I'll be pleased, from the premise to character design, I think this will definitely be something to watch during the spring.

Shadow Kira01

2009-02-22, 22:19

http://img5.anidb.net/pics/anime/18749.jpg

The water reflection appears to look like the boxart of Fable 2.

I am assuming that the story will start off as a nice spring day and turns toward a post-apocalyptic era. On the contrary, it is actually about a high school boy hanging out with a female ghost friend of his. This definitely don't sound like a post-apocalyptic era!

Siegel Clyne

2009-03-02, 00:04

Submitted [on Akibanana] by Anime Bread on Fri, 02/13/2009 - 03:00. (http://www.akibanana.com/?q=node/1453)

Based off a light novel (http://www.akibanana.com/?q=glossary/term/193) series published by Dengeki, Asura Klein begins broadcasting in April.

Not much is known about the storyline for the anime series, but fortunately Dengeki.com recently posted an article: (http://news.dengeki.com/elem/000/000/138/138545)

"The main character, Natsume Tomoharu [Irino Miyu], takes the opportunity to live on his own when he enters high school. Although he appears to be a normal high school student at first glance, there is one thing about him which isn't normal. He's haunted by the ghost of a young girl, Minakami Misao [Tomatsu Haruka].

Tomoharu moves to his new place of residence, Meioutei, and starts enjoying a carefree high school life. But this is all ruined when a beautiful girl named Kurosaki Shuri [Tanaka Rie] appears with a trunk which Tomoharu's brother told her to pass on to Tomoharu. The presence of the trunk causes the appearance of Takatsuki Kanade [Nonaka Ai], a girl dressed like a shrine maiden who is after the trunk.

Because Tomoharu is in possession of the trunk, he will come face to face with the the hidden truth of this world."

Keywords:

2nd Stage World - The world in which the main character, Natsume Tomoharu, and his friends live in. This is the second iteration of this world, since the 1st stage world has already been destroyed. Will this 2nd Stage World suffer the same fate?

Akuma - Humans from the 2nd Stage World who are influenced by the spirit world. Although they appear to be normal humans, they have powers not of the 2nd Stage World.

Asura Makiina - An anti-Akuma weapon which was developed as a teleport device to a parallel world. Tomoharu suddenly becomes the "handler" for the Asura Makiina.

Stardust Romance

2009-03-03, 20:56

I'm having second thoughts about watching this show. It sounds exactly like this other anime I saw before a long time ago.

But I'll still give it a try.
I like the novel cover-art though
:]

Westlo

2009-03-04, 02:02

Who cares if it's sorta similar, execution is what matters!

NeoSam

2009-03-04, 04:27

The first volume of the seinen manga Asura Cryin' (based on the shounen light novel series) will be released on March 27th, 2008. I'll post its cover when its available.

Anyway, the anime is starting sometime in April (no exact date yet).

Midonin

2009-03-09, 22:53

The earliest given start date on the recently rebooted website is April 2nd.

Everything I see here - girls with guns, giant robot thing, boatlights miko with her hand on fire.

This looks right up my alley. I can't wait.

Katapan

2009-03-27, 17:24

A new trailer is available on the official site (http://www.starchild.co.jp/special/asura/), with plenty of new footage. This also means we get to listen to the opening theme early!

Westlo

2009-03-27, 18:09

What's the name of the girl with the glasses and machine gun?

FlareKnight

2009-03-27, 18:15

A new trailer is available on the official site (http://www.starchild.co.jp/special/asura/), with plenty of new footage. This also means we get to listen to the opening theme early!Was nice to see the trailer on the site. Feeling fairly optimistic about the show after checking that out.

patient_senses

2009-03-29, 01:22

I'm definitely digging that trailer. I wasn't expecting too much on the side of animation after I saw some pictures, but from what I could tell, it looks like it's gonna be in pretty quality.

Malkuth

2009-03-29, 19:03

Seems rather similar to Ghost Hunt (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=4564), well with a slight age degrade :heh: None-the-less the atmosphere of the pv was captivating, I'll give it shot!

Skyfall

2009-03-30, 13:31

Similar to Ghost Hunt ? I don't see any similarities between the two at all :heh: Aside from this one having a ghost in it, but that does not really make a good parallel drawing point ... and it could not have been the evil suitcase, the cryptic talk about a ruined future, the heterochromatic miko, or the mecha :)

That aside, this is among the series i am looking towards the most this season. The trailer has me intrigued, i am rather liking the art and music seemed good. Here's hoping the story turns out to be decent as well.

Guardian Enzo

2009-03-31, 01:27

I dig the character designs for this one. This is relevant to my interests.

Siegel Clyne

2009-03-31, 13:14

What's the name of the girl with the glasses and machine gun?

Kurosaki Shuri.

Siegel Clyne

2009-03-31, 21:10

New images of character designs for three more characters in the Asura Cryin' television animation series have been revealed on Dengeki Online: (http://news.dengeki.com/elem/000/000/149/149414/)

Top: Kurosaki Shuri (CV: Tanaka Rie)

Middle: Saeki Reishirou (CV: Morikubo Shoutarou)

Bottom: Shizuma Aine (CV: Satou Satomi)

sirn

2009-04-01, 21:49

The first episode's impression:

Feel like I'm watching the sixth episode, or something. I think they've packed too much contents into the first episode, since it already covers five chapters of the manga at this point, making it a bit hard to follow.

The story pacing is okay but not something great, the story is also changed a bit from what I've seen, although I don't know if the manga closely follows the original light novel storyline or not.

Well, at least they managed to end the episode in an interesting way. I think I'll follow it a bit more...

serenade_beta

2009-04-01, 22:14

( ﾟдﾟ) .................................................. ................
（゜Д゜） .................................................. .....................
Umm, Munto's 2nd season?

...Don't understand... anything that is going on...
Almost reminds me of how Munto was all random confusing unexplained fighting at the beginning too. This feeling that you are trying to understand what they are doing, but in the end, you just have no idea... (-_-)
Now the only question is whether this anime remains Munto quality, or bothers to explain something later.

Well, if it was actually stupidly funny like Munto, then it could be forgiven, but as of the first episode, I don't have a very positive opinion. The overall story just flies, as if they were cramming a bunch of stuff all at once. You don't really even get to understand the setting of the story, with ghosts in one part and then magical powers and then robots. Just... confusing, not funny. And parts made me think, harem anime? Because of the girls to boy ratio.
Also, that friend of his really sucks, huh. Throwing that box outside like that...

I guess the main positive points so far are:
1. The character design/visuals are decently pleasing, perhaps
2. Following Shikabane Hime, angela sings the OP/ED again, it seems. Good songs. Heck, even the title has "Makina" in it. :heh:

Rather disappointing, considering out of the animes today, this is about the only one with a story, since Basara is just a silly comedy and Queens Blade is some bad ero-anime.
I'll see...

Preview: ......?............?..................?

EDIT: Come to think of it, Najimi appeared, didn't she? That girl, the one with the hairband whose position feels like Najimi's.

Sterling01

2009-04-02, 00:23

Why do I feel the planning for 1st episode went like this...
Director: In order for us to make a good first impression we need to cram every type of character we can think of in.
Writer: What about the story?
Director: Who cares about pointless things like that.
My head hurts.

aroduc

2009-04-02, 00:49

i8mO_RBN1Ks

aroduc

2009-04-02, 01:28

I'll echo what the others have said. It feels a bit thrown together haphazardly so far. I get it. He has a mysterious brother and there's this mysterious trunk. Let's move on. And then the weird Mexican standoff between three pretty much completely unknown factions. It just lacked enough punch to make it dramatic enough.

Misao was also unexpectedly boring to me.

Soul Assassin

2009-04-02, 10:45

Eh, am I bad to say that I dig the first episode?

Shiroth

2009-04-02, 11:52

Eh, am I bad to say that I dig the first episode?
No because you're allowed your own opinion. :heh:

Angela OP and ED makes me wanna watch this. Will check it out soon.

Duo Maxwell

2009-04-02, 12:03

I'm digging the OP and ED. Will check the anime when the downloading finish :3.

Bonta Kun

2009-04-02, 18:18

meh I'll follow aroduc in that it seemed "a bit thrown together haphazardly"

will try another ep or 2 to see what happens but I don't get the feeling I'll folow this.

Fimbulvetr

2009-04-02, 18:38

射影体(Shaeitai): 'Projection body' as in subtle body (astral body) which is seperated from the physical one by means of astral projection. Definitely something very different from a ghost.
I guess that flashback at the end of ep1 means that Tomoharu finally remembers that the girl floating around him is still alive and how that relates to why he now has a mecha to play with.

Since I also heard another german word name in that ep :'Schwarzschild', I assume the title is really supposed to be Asura Klein (see Oskar Benjamin Klein (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oskar_Klein) and Karl Scharzschild (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl_Schwarzschild)) as suggested by the thread starter. Or does that robot start weeping at some point?

mouhitori

2009-04-03, 13:02

While, the scene transition could have been smoother at times, for me, the amount of mystery makes it more interesting, for now.

Anyway, despite the popular theme (action, lots of girls, etc), not many seems to be interested in watching even the first episode. I wonder what makes new series popular for Western audiences....

For anyone interested:
First episode screenshots & summary (http://mouhitori.blogspot.com/2009/04/asura-cryin-ex-001asura-machina.html)

NakedAngelX

2009-04-03, 13:07

Midonin

2009-04-03, 13:07

I found it fun. I was looking forward to seeing Haruka Tomatsu as Misao, and the whole gear motif they have going allures me, if only because it reminds me of 3days. But that's neither here nor there. I understood the first episode well enough; just waiting for subs to get the full gist of it.

Skyfall

2009-04-03, 13:23

Anyway, despite the popular theme (action, lots of girls, etc), not many seems to be interested in watching even the first episode. I wonder what makes new series popular for Western audiences....

^ give it some time. The first episode has only been out for a day, and far from everyone is willing to watch RAWs :)

Personally, i found the first episode rather enjoyable, despite the fact it was fairly all over the place. I believe the plot has potential, and i definitely like the animation and visuals - crisp colors and easy on the eyes, and the music was not half bad either. As long as they slow down with the erratic pace (which i believe they will), it should be fine.

They sure did throw us in to the thick of things without bothering to explain much, though i believe that was the point in a way - to put the audience in Tomo's shoes. Could have improved on the erratic scene transitions, but oh well. We got introduced to some 4 factions or so, and everyone and their grandma seems to be after the evil suitcase of doom. Frantic as the pace might have been, i look towards to when they start explaining things.

Misao turned out a fairly fun ghost, and with a pleasant personality to boot. I wonder what are the circumstances that led to her being such (especially given the hints she might be more than a mere ghost, even if she doesn't seem aware of that), and it was surprising to see how comfortable with her Tomo is. Too comfortable, as people are giving him weird looks for his habit of talking to thin air :heh: (And oggling her sleeping form floating above his bed :p).

Going by the OP i assume she will be the one capable of controlling said mecha that appeared by the end, and i wonders what the "saving her" part entails ... well, obviously something to do with Asura (as her 'body' seems to be suspended somewhere), and going it was Tomo who made the comment about saving, i assume his involvement in the whole ordeal will be trying to get get Misao back, one way or another, while trying to evade all the people trying to get their hands on the suitcase. (Which he now won't be willing to hand over, seeing it is related to saving Misao apparently).

Well, tons of questions, little to no answers and a lot of speculations ... guess we will have to wait until episode 2 at least before some light gets shed on the things. As long as we don't get anything as 'bleh' as the gunfight inside the house between calmly standing thugs, should be fine. Looking towards the second episode, should be entertaining.

mouhitori

2009-04-03, 14:06

^ give it some time. The first episode has only been out for a day, and far from everyone is willing to watch RAWs :)

I guess the manga/light novel probably don't have a lot of fans, and there is no Kyo-ani factor either:b

orion

2009-04-03, 14:24

I guess the manga/light novel probably don't have a lot of fans, and there is no Kyo-ani factor either:b

That could be a blessing considering how many troll torrents K-On ep. 1 had. :(

Nosauz

2009-04-03, 19:32

i dunno i was looking forward to it, and from the premise I did not expect the mecha to be roaring in. Really i'm more on the fence then previously, the mecha genre just doesn't really seem to fit especially with ghosts and magic and what not, but i'll keep watching just that it might in the end be pretty bad.

LightningZERO

2009-04-04, 11:11

Interesting first episode. A lot of characters and specific names there and there. But overall not bad, I will keep watching

spawnofthejudge

2009-04-04, 11:46

I read at Kyou fansubs...

Source will be Sun/MX for the 720 and BS-i for the 1080.

Am I correct that the first time one of their sources runs is 4/6/09 at 01:30 (I got the schedule from the official site (http://www.starchild.co.jp/special/asura/schedule.html)), and thus should be expecting subs sometime on 4/7-4/8?

EDIT: I found that Chihiro subs (http://www.chihiro-subs.com/) will release 4/8 or 4/9. Until there's a sub, I won't watch it, but I'm looking forward to this one!

FlareKnight

2009-04-04, 15:21

Well there was a lot going on in this first episode. But still overall I enjoyed it so this should be a good ride. Misao is a pretty fun ghost although she is clearly more than just a ghost. Pretty cheerful personality and cute so should be fine following the show even if it was just for her :).

Natsume isn't an annoying lead to me so at least no complaints there. Definitely has gotten too comfortable with calmly talking to Misao in a public setting :heh:. Can't say I wouldn't be overwhelmed also with numerous groups all busting into my place and shooting it up.

They jumped around a lot and hope they might be a bit calmer in the following episodes. Still there is some mystery to all of this. Maybe we're dealing with some repressed memory since he has apparently seen that trunk before. Oh well will stick around to find out what is up.

Good first episode.

Shiroth

2009-04-04, 16:01

Something about the first episode clicked with me, i really enjoyed it. I've always been a sucker for the one side of the coin school life/other side completely opposite. Not a bad introduction into the cast because i found myself liking all of them so far. A bit early to choose a favorite though.

Going into this first episode, all i knew about was the main character taking to his childhood friend who's a ghost, so it was quite the surprise to see the mech's appear in the OP (wonderful Angela OP and ED btw). A nice surprise though, makes for a great twist.

Can't wait for the second episode.

Midonin

2009-04-04, 16:05

Probably the most surprising thing to me in this episode was that Saeki was voiced by Kimiko Koyama. I'm so used to hearing her loli voice (Yukari, Sora, Komoe-sensei) that something a bit more mature...well, I didn't even know it was her at first.

OceanBlue

2009-04-04, 16:08

That echoing effect is annoying, but everything seems interesting. I think they'll take everything they threw at us and dissect it piece by piece in the later episodes, and for now it's just to get people curious and interested [Although it seems that it's putting people off]. I'm liking the music though, especially the OP.

Slice of Life

2009-04-04, 16:17

That was all over the place. "Look, here is a harem dude with a ghost girl. Ah, forget about the ghost girl. The ghost girl is not important. Because we also have psychic miko and secret organizations and mecha and ..."

I thought this would be another Kannagi. But it looks like Kannagi meets Linebarrel meets ...

Kitsu

2009-04-04, 16:32

I like the concept of the story and of course OP/ED, Mecha meets Fantasy is great but...it annoys me somehow

We have of course the blond dumb friend (who of course won't even play a minor role in the actual plot, because he's so dumb he won't notice anything)
The mysterious "Lady"
The shy miko
The protective friend of the shy one (who won't even play a minor role in the actual plot)
And the nice hyperactive girl (who won't even play a minor role in the actual plot)
Okay and the "ghost" girl...which isn't really a ghost.
oh and then we have that overly nice guy, who never had a girlfriend before for whatever reasons which don't exist. And of course Miko, Ghost girl and maybe even the mysterious "Lady" will deeply fall in love with him. And of course our little hero won't notice it...and think of them as friends (except maybe for ghost girl) ..blabla... (I hope that at least Kurosaki (that was her name or) will stay single or go with someone that isn't Tomo)

Well but this series does have some really good points
-i like the uniforms for both organizations and school
-Except for lead role all seem rather likable
-Some one with two different eye colors (I just like that)
-MechasxMagic(?)
-Nice choice of voices
-Interesting plot
-Awesome Ed/Op

Skyfall

2009-04-04, 16:49

I
oh and then we have that overly nice guy, who never had a girlfriend before for whatever reasons which don't exist.

Sorry, but i would say this time the reason is bluntly obviously hanging over the guy's head ... quite literally, in terms of Misao. :heh: (What does a girlfriend have to do with this anyway ...). And chances are pretty high he already has some feelings for her (He does find her sleeping form rather captivating at the very least :)) and vice versa would be of no surprise as well, but that obviously can only go so far with her being a ghost, so even if they are there, this has likely never been brought up between them, for good reasons.

Shiroth

2009-04-04, 16:52

Sorry, but i would say this time the reason is bluntly obviously hanging over the guy's head ... quite literally, in terms of Misao. (What does a girlfriend have to do with this anyway ...). And chances are pretty high he already has some feelings for her (He does find her sleeping form rather captivating at the very least :)) and vice versa would be of no surprise as well, but that obviously can only go so far with her being a ghost, so even if they are there, this has likely never been brought up between them, for good reasons.
I don't think it was obvious that he has any sort of strong feelings for her. Sure at the moment it can go either way, though i don't believe there was any solid evidence shown to believe what you're saying.

They are childhood friends (going by the summary), and i like to stay with that for now, until something more is shown regarding their relationship. As for looking at her while she's sleeping --- most boys will feel a little shy when seeing something like that. It's quite common in these situations.

OceanBlue

2009-04-04, 16:52

Kitsu probably doesn't like generic harem leads. I'm wondering how he's automatically "overly nice". He seemed ordinary to me.

They are childhood friends (going by the summary), and i like to stay with that for now, until something more is shown regarding their relationship. As for looking at her while she's sleeping --- most boys will feel a little shy when seeing something like that. It's quite common in these situations.

I'm surprised Tomoharu isn't used to it yet, considering that definitely can't be the first time he's slept with her.

... No, not like that.

I'm afraid that this will end up like Kurokami, where it seemed interesting at first, but then proved to be not so interesting.

Kitsu

2009-04-04, 16:57

Skyfall

2009-04-04, 16:58

I don't think it was obvious that he has any sort of strong feelings for her. Sure at the moment it can go either way, though i don't believe there was any solid evidence shown to believe what you're saying.

They are childhood friends (going by the summary), and i like to stay with that for now, until something more is shown regarding their relationship. As for looking at her while she's sleeping --- most boys will feel a little shy when seeing something like that. It's quite common in these situations.

I am not implying it was shown he has romantic feelings for her just yet - the subject was not touched upon. What i am saying, however, is that such a possibility should come of little surprise. Like i said, due to their situation such a topic is unlikely to have ever come up in the first place (And i don't believe it will either in the near future), but if asked the question of whether there is a possibility that he might have feelings for Misao (regardless if they are consciously considering this at the moment), i would believe "yes" being a more likely answer than "no".

Shiroth

2009-04-04, 17:05

I am not implying it was shown he has romantic feelings for her just yet - the subject was not touched upon. What i am saying, however, is that such a possibility should come of little surprise. Like i said, due to their situation such a topic is unlikely to have ever come up in the first place (And i don't believe it will either in the near future), but if asked the question of whether there is a possibility that he might have feelings for Misao (regardless if they are consciously considering this at the moment), i would believe "yes" being a more likely answer than "no".
I agree with you on that, easily. Sorry if it seemed like i was jumping on your reply back there~

Not knowing anything about the original material is a great bonus for this show, though i hope the main character's relationships with the rest of the cast (mainly the school life characters) are made clear. It doesn't look like any of the female cast carries any feelings for him, though that can soon change. Saying that i don't even know if there's going to be anything like that in this story. :p

Skyfall

2009-04-04, 17:17

Not knowing anything about the original material is a great bonus for this show, though i hope the main character's relationships with the rest of the cast (mainly the school life characters) are made clear. It doesn't look like any of the female cast carries any feelings for him, though that can soon change. Saying that i don't even know if there's going to be anything like that in this story. :p

aye, i am also reveling in my non-knowledge of the source material :p

As for the rest of the cast ... i think there "might" be a chance the classmate that hugged him (Sorry, don't remember the name, and can't check the episode at the moment) have some for him, though she might just be acting friendly, who knows. However i wouldn't be surprised if she does - she didn't seem airhead enough to be hugging her acquaintances just because :heh: Well, even if she doesn't, she is definitely on rather friendly terms with him, so i wouldn't be surprised if she does develop some. I can't imagine her playing much of a role in the grand scheme of things though ... although that assertion might be also wrong, given there is relatively little to base it on, but that was the feeling i got never the less. We shall see i suppose :)

OceanBlue

2009-04-04, 17:19

Well...good point~
(Seriously which ghost girl, no which girl sleeps barely clothed over a guys head?! xD)
Maybe this time he has a reason for it, but it was said that girls don't pay attention to him (and he suggested that he not always talked to Misao in puplic just started it now because he was used to it because of the vacation or something) and then/now "booom" girls falling for him one after another. Well at least I hope those will only be the girls who can see Misao, too. So we have a reason why normal girls don't start to like him (he talks to air xD).
Still I just don't like it that much when all girls fall for one guy like there aren't any other males in the whole universe.

Overly nice....is normal, if you look at all other males in such series. The unfriendly one and the dumb one exist but no other normal polite guys.

As far as the subs I had went, he became lax with not talking to Misao in public due to the break, and I don't know about girls falling for him. As far as I can tell, the only girls which have actually tried to interact with him were, obviously, Misao, Kurosaki due to his brother, Saeki because she was protecting Takatsuki, and Oohara. In my opinion, if anyone seems to be interested in Tomoharu, it's Oohara, and it's possible that she's just a really close friend or really wanted him to join the track club.

Edit: Aw, Skyfall beat me to it.

Shiroth

2009-04-04, 17:21

As for the rest of the cast ... i think there "might" be a chance the classmate that hugged him (Sorry, don't remember the name, and can't check the episode at the moment) have some for him, though she might just be acting friendly, who knows. However i wouldn't be surprised if she does - she didn't seem airhead enough to be hugging her acquaintances just because :heh: Well, even if she doesn't, she is definitely on rather friendly terms with him, so i wouldn't be surprised if she does develop some. I can't imagine her playing much of a role in the grand scheme of things though ... although that assertion might be also wrong, given there is relatively little to base it on, but that was the feeling i got never the less. We shall see i suppose :)
Going by what she called Tomoharu's brother, it made me think straight away that they are related --- brother and sister. Of course it was not stated so i'm not saying that's certain, though there does seem to be some backstory between them that's more then just the two coming from the same middle school.

Tiamat's Disciple

2009-04-04, 17:23

I really loved it. In fact out of all this seasons shows that have aird so far this one was the best. Closely followed by Phantom. Queen Blade totaly sucked and K-On was a disapointment.

Finally a show i can get my teeth into, though i hope to god it dosent end up another linebarrel

I really only see Misao being the love interest at the minute. I mean the ending of the ep made it clear there was more to her than just being another ghost.

As for his relatonship with whats her name, she could just be a childhood frind/friend of the family sort of thing. I mean he worked for her dad

OceanBlue

2009-04-04, 17:24

Going by what she called Tomoharu's brother, it made me think straight away that they are related --- brother and sister. Of course it was not stated so i'm not saying that's certain, though there does seem to be some backstory between them that's more then just the two coming from the same middle school.

They have different last names. It's still a possibility, though, but I think they're just good/childhood friends.

Edit: Ah, his mother remarried, so I'm not sure. I think that's just a way to get rid of the parents though.

Edit 2: Does anyone have any idea how long this will be? From the article on THAT blog, I got the impression that it's going to be 13 episodes. I hope not, since I can see so much potential for the story, and I think 13 episodes would make it too fast-paced.

Shiroth

2009-04-04, 17:35

I really only see Misao being the love interest at the minute. I mean the ending of the ep made it clear there was more to her than just being another ghost.
My speculation at the moment has much to do with the flashback we are shown. It looks like the flashback is from the moment she first appeared in the ghost like form, and plays a big part in Tomoharu contract with the briefcase and mech that appeared inside. Tomoharu must have made a contract at the time --- his line "i'll do anything if it means bringing her back" is what started this theory.

They have different last names. It's still a possibility, though, but I think they're just good/childhood friends.

Edit: Ah, his mother remarried, so I'm not sure. I think that's just a way to get rid of the parents though.
Thanks for clearing that up for me. Mother remarried? Hmm, could be a sister in that respective then.

As for how long this show will last, i also hope something like 24/26 episodes, going by how much potential there is. Wiki tells me there are 11 volumes of light novel material, so easily enough material for that amount of episode.

OceanBlue

2009-04-04, 17:49

My speculation at the moment has much to do with the flashback we are shown. It looks like the flashback is from the moment she first appeared in the ghost like form, and plays a big part in Tomoharu contract with the briefcase and mech that appeared inside. Tomoharu must have made a contract at the time --- his line "i'll do anything if it means bringing her back" is what started this theory.

You also see her in that... tube container thing. I'd assume that she was dying, and he begged to bring her back, which started his involvement in the thing.

Actually, if I think about it, this could be like Kurokami, where we're shown something that will happen in the future. After all, it seems he has never seen what was in the case before this episode. Then, the flashback [not the one where he's in the hospital] could be not a flashback, but something that happens in the future. I don't know, though, since then it wouldn't make sense to show those flashbacks at those points in the episode....

Or this anime will involve alternate universes or something. Actually, Tomoharu probably just has amnesia, or....
Well, I guess everything's just speculation at this point.

orion

2009-04-04, 18:02

Did it look like she was tied inside that tube at the end to you guys? It looks like she's wearing an oxygen mask.

OceanBlue

2009-04-04, 18:05

It looked like that to me.

Skyfall

2009-04-04, 18:14

Well, she definitely seemed "suspended" in there. (Might be her actual body maybe ... i assume her physical body is still around somewhere, seeing she is refered to as an astral projection, not a ghost). At the moment i would speculate Misao is actually going to be the one controlling said mecha (as implied by the OP scene where she jumps in front of Tomo as if to protect him, and the next second we have the mecha blocking an incoming attack, and the fact we get a quick glimpse of what seems to be a female's dress just before Reishiro summons his mecha) ... as for when the conversation in the "flashback" took place ... it could be the future, but, i think it could be the past as well, most likely around the time when he suffered in said plane crash (Which, i assume, is where Misao died as well) ...which would be a fitting time for such "contracts" ... might be said scene didn't happen in "reality", but in his mind or such. Reason i believe so is because it would explain why Kurosaki brought him the trunk and insisting it is his - it was something he had already agreed upon, regardless if he recalled at the moment or not. Then again i guess she could have brought it knowing that he wouldn't refuse in the future anyway, if it presented a chance of saving Misao. Too little information ... but the epsiode sure did throw out a lot of stuff :heh:

orion

2009-04-04, 19:03

You can't save someone who is already dead. The dead don't need a mask inside of a tube and wouldn't be suspended like she was. She prob is on life support inside that tube at whatever time that flashback took place. Maybe she was combined with the mecha prior to the plane accident and the plane accident was an attempt to kill him. He lost his memory after the accident and has had Misao following him ever since. Misao for whatever reason can't remember either. Also, both OP and ED show a Misao with a real body and not an astral projection.

This could be like the Rahxephon/Reideen/Demonbane scenario with Misao = Asura Machina.

Edit: Asura Machina is kind of a weird name. But looking at Demonbane's Deus Machina as a reference, Asura (http://www.pantheon.org/articles/a/asuras.html) Machina could also be a "Demon Machine" (one of this universe's "God Machines") which could go with it being black colored, called Schwartzchild and having another religious group dressed in white going after it along with "demons" and having its opposite colored Hisui (another of this universe's "God Machines").

Skyfall

2009-04-04, 19:23

You can't save someone who is already dead.

In a show that is stacked on fantasy and SciFi elements, you most certainly can. That said, by "died" i was referring to whatever incident it was that turned her in to her current "ghost state". Whether she is actually dead is still up in the air, though i am leaning towards no.

The dead don't need a mask inside of a tube and wouldn't be suspended like she was. She prob is on life support inside that tube at whatever time that flashback took place.

Depends. In the event that she did die, it is quite likely the body would need to be "supported" while awaiting resurrection, if you want for it to be in usable state. I don't think she is dead and that indeed to be life support, but you would need some even if she was and there was hope of revival - if you would not take measures to support a body, it would no longer be usable. Brain would die within minutes with no supply of oxygen for example - can't revive someone in a body that can no longer sustain functions required for living.

Maybe she was combined with the mecha prior to the plane accident and the plane accident was an attempt to kill him. He lost his memory after the accident and has had Misao following him ever since. Misao for whatever reason can't remember either. Also, both OP and ED show a Misao with a real body and not an astral projection.

Misao is portrayed in both ghost and "normal" way during the OP, depending on scene. I don't think this has got to do much with anything, aside from being s stylized choice to suit the specific scene better :)

Her being bound to the mecha prior to the incident ? Unlikely, considering the two are supposed to be childhood friends. And an attempt to kill him ...? Why ? There is no reason to think that for the moment, and that would be a hellishly awkward way to try and kill someone anyway :heh: There might be a chance said crash was not an accident and something caused it, but there is no reason to believe anyone is after his life for the moment.

orion

2009-04-04, 19:37

Childhood friend status is prob before bound to mecha. Besides if she is still with him and they're in high school, most likely they are not childhood friends anymore. I bet it was easier to get him to make the contract because of his feelings for her. The reaction to a sleeping Misao just reinforces it. Anime rule is friends usually stop being childhood friends by middle school. At middle school, they are considered dating until proven otherwise.

They would need to kill him to gain control over Asura or have him hand it over. This is a mecha title which means he could most likely the pilot with Misao as the secondary like in Demonbane and Reideen.

But being ep. 1, we have to wait to see how this plays out.

Shiroth

2009-04-04, 19:40

They would need to kill him to gain control over Asura or have him hand it over. This is a mecha title which means he could most likely the pilot with Misao as the secondary like in Demonbane and Reideen.
This. One has to wonder what part she plays in this mystery contract --- and why the hell there has to be a contract that involves bringing someone back from the dead as a ghost. Still, after everything that happened in the first episode, all that isn't clear yet.

It's quite fun talking about this when all of us could easily be wrong about all our speculation. :heh:

Skyfall

2009-04-04, 19:55

I don't believe he will be taking a part in controlling the mecha at all (The OP implies Misao protecting him, and the mecha being summoned by Reishiro looked like it was about to wreck havoc on its own, only with the implied female pilot. My guess would be their situation could be similar - Tomo being the one capable of summoning said mecha, and Misao controlling it.

There is nothing to say he needs to be killed though, quite contrary if the episode is anything to go by - everyone was after the case, not his life. I am not really sure if i am ready to call the whole thing a "contract" either ... said word attaches some strings that might not be there, (Though the case does respond to him specifically it seems) and Asura might just be some rare/dangerous element he was willing to use. And somehow his brother ties in to the whole thing. Well, too little information at this point to speculate anything about his and Misao's connection with Asura beyond wild guesses. It is fun though :)

orion

2009-04-04, 19:58

I'm betting with the genre on this one. This is a shonen title which means he's the pilot. :heh:

It is fun speculating.

Shiroth

2009-04-04, 20:07

I'm betting with the genre on this one. This is a shonen title which means he's the pilot. :heh:
The blonde haired guy didn't pilot the mecha that was with him, so i don't think it's the type that needs piloting. It looks more like a hidden spirit that they control personally, instead of piloting.

Tiamat's Disciple

2009-04-04, 21:32

If you watch it again you notice something interesting, that black ooze thing becomes his shadow, then the mecha comes from it. (Blue Dragon style!!!)

I can't see him piloting it rather i see Misao as being the mind that controls it, and is out to protect him. I got that impression from the end when she's telling him to open it. It looked like she was feeling something about it.

Also i agree, none of them seem to be piloting, rather just issuing commands. The miko wasn't piloting hers, and nether was whatshisname. Just cause it's a shonen dosen't mean he's going to be the pilot >.<

That said i don't really see this being 24/26 eps. Given the way things are at the moment, i think we're more likely to see a season of 12/13, and if it does well they'll announce a second season. If it dosen't they call it quits and haven't lost as much as they would have over a 24/26. Seems to be the trend of late, we aren't getting as many full right off 24/26 series.

FlareKnight

2009-04-04, 22:39

In terms of controlling/piloting that thing I would be leaving it up to Misao. Though hopefully the guy will be able to participate in a greater way than just summoning the thing. Would feel for Tomoharu if he just had to stand there and watch any struggles happen :heh:.

The more episodes the better to me. Long as they have the material to work with should go as far as they can. But might end up closer to the 13 episode mark to see how the series is liked. Would rather keep on watching than wait for that kind of thing.I really loved it. In fact out of all this seasons shows that have aird so far this one was the best. Closely followed by Phantom. Queen Blade totaly sucked and K-On was a disapointment.

Finally a show i can get my teeth into, though i hope to god it dosent end up another linebarrel

I really only see Misao being the love interest at the minute. I mean the ending of the ep made it clear there was more to her than just being another ghost.

As for his relatonship with whats her name, she could just be a childhood frind/friend of the family sort of thing. I mean he worked for her dadAgree with you on the shows so far. I really got into this one and like it the most of the ones I've seen so far. Pretty much the same feelings about Queen blade and K-On.

If the show hints at any pairings will be pulling for Misao. Kind of got behind ghost characters after Kuroha :). Glad she had such a nice personality.

Guardian Enzo

2009-04-04, 22:57

Wow, felt like I needed Cliffs Notes (and a valium) for that episode. Lots going on, that's for sure. Like the look and the voice work (Miyu Irino is always great), still not quite sure about the premise. Definitely going to give this a couple more episodes to sort itself out.

Proto

2009-04-04, 23:26

Well, my interest is piqued. Certainly the character models are not specially interesting, but the plot and the setting really, really piqued my interest, so I'm craving for the next episode to see how this continues. Yup, this has the Proto seal of a approval as a worthy ep. 1 of a plot oriented series. I'd be grateful if they take care to develop the characters though.

Having 7arcs doing the production and Angela doing the vocals for the intro and outro song really helps too.

blitz1/2

2009-04-04, 23:45

It's great to hear Rie Tanaka back with her Suigintou-like voice XD.:cool:

qmeister

2009-04-05, 00:32

I wasn't really expecting much from this, but it seems fairly interesting from the get go. Characters are generic so far (busty miko...), but the premise is alright.
The 'ghost girl and normal guy' dynamic is pretty natural too. Also, Rie Tanaka as gun-toting glasses-girl? I am so there.

Oh the mecha seem fairly well-designed too.

One thing bothered me, overall, the main character's hair. That lock hanging from the right side of his face is really distracting. I'll even concede his huge ahoge as a legitimate choice in his design, but that lock of hair is unforgivable.

alu546

2009-04-05, 00:40

Interesting, episode one was definatly an attention grabber.

I tend to like the atmospere of this kind of anime, all the characters seem to have much room for developement, and things just felt right given the story we are presented.

Although, if some sort of triangle developes, I shall be rooting for the miko, as given what we see of her protecting Tomo in the op, and her personality(s?) i tend to like characters like her.

Though the ghost girl is certainly nice too. Very friendly.

Guardian Enzo

2009-04-05, 00:40

Strangest school uniforms for a while, too.

qmeister

2009-04-05, 00:52

Oh, yeah I forgot, I love school uniforms when everyone looks like a Nazi SS officer... Those little fleur-de-lis or crosses or whatever were just made to be Photoshopped into swastikas.
Thanks for reminding me, Enzo.

Another gripe (only a small one): when the two groups were shooting at each other... NO ONE DIED. They were standing still and blazing away and not even one fell over.

Malkuth

2009-04-05, 01:22

Let me join the praising group ... I really liked the first episode, it shows a lot of promise. I had very different expectation in the beginning (due to my mistralations, still my japanese suck :heh: ).

Anyway, character design were quite nice, animation was decent and the BGM was fitting. What I was more interesting was the characterization and this rare feature, absent in most series, called plot.

Also gets extra points for the Ciel-clone and the odd-eyed miko. I shouldn't forget to mention that the male lead is not annoying (also a very rare occurrence lately) and that the ghost (which by now I guess most have realized that she is not actually dead, probably trapped in that mecha or something similar) was quite fun and really behaved like a childhood friend (at least as I can remember them).

On the downside, why a mecha cropped out of the shadows and that damned techno-bubble about black holes ... Schwarzschild, anyone?! It reminded me the only blame I could put on Kannatsuki no Miko ... MECHA :heh:

A couple of other things that were mentioned are that it felt like all the guns were shooting rubber bullets against humans and exploding rounds against items, while all four groups strategy was just a mindless rush!

But in the end judging only from the first episode the positives outweight the negatives.

Siegel Clyne

2009-04-05, 01:22

If I recall correctly, Asura Cryin' is a 2-cour series (24-26 episodes).

orion

2009-04-05, 01:39

<snip>

Another gripe (only a small one): when the two groups were shooting at each other... NO ONE DIED. They were standing still and blazing away and not even one fell over.

The adversaries are called demons. The mecha is called Asura Machina. The science club has occult stuff in it. They prob have personal barriers. The universe is sounding like a blend of magic and science.

I actually liked the lock of hair.

qmeister

2009-04-05, 01:42

I got the demon references, however only one character was explicitly shown as having a magical barrier. Besides, Rie Tanaka's character knocked two people out with rubber bullets.

orion

2009-04-05, 01:49

I got the demon references, however only one character was explicitly shown as having a magical barrier. Besides, Rie Tanaka's character knocked two people out with rubber bullets.

Actually the 2 victims had barriers too or those bullets would have made nice holes in them. The bullets bounced off them but they were knocked out by the impact. The main boss had his barrier turned up high. The first two you saw the spark from the barrier which was a similar color as the main boss's barrier.

qmeister

2009-04-05, 01:58

Okay, I've rewatched that scene, and they're definitely rubber bullets (i.e non-lethal). Listen to when they bounce on the floor, they sound like squash balls.

I still think they didn't have a barrier, but I'll hold off making the call until some concrete information on the tech/magic comes up.

zetsubou-san

2009-04-05, 01:59

Strangest school uniforms for a while, too.

Not unlike something the Waffen SS would come up with. :heh:

All they have to do is change the crosses on the "armbands" to swastikas...

alu546

2009-04-05, 02:06

I forgot to mention, but I am sure there is more to the ghost girl than just the "her body is barely alive in another place" scenario.

The flashbacks..Tough life? Do whatever he needs to do to return her to life? I think the real question is just what he needs to do, and I am sure its something with heavy consequences, so will he be able to do it in the end?

This is what I look forward to seeing in the plot.

FlareKnight

2009-04-05, 02:39

I thought the uniforms looked fine. Though the designers definitely decided to toss crosses wherever they could fit them :heh:.

Shiroth

2009-04-05, 05:39

I thought the uniforms looked fine. Though the designers definitely decided to toss crosses wherever they could fit them :heh:.
Yeah i also liked the school uniforms. Fit quite nicely into the OP visuals.

Chase

2009-04-05, 06:14

Watched the first episode. Ok animation thus far. Excellent OP and the ED was ok. Characters seemed interesting and enjoyable to watch. You got a good sense of plot in the first episode as well. Everything was pretty good to me. Definitely will continue to watch this.

Overall: 8.5

evil-samurai

2009-04-05, 08:17

Better than I thought, you know its sometimes just nice when the two main characters just get along, and hey they are both pretty likable as well! Nice job of explaining the story while keeping some mystery to it, looks like they have a fair bit to work with makes me feel more optimistic with the show. Excellent touch with the Back ground music right towards the end of the episode. Everything is looking great, looking forward to more!

http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/8919/13552765.gif http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/2780/57041980.gif
http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/2866/iiiz.gif http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/5409/ghghd.gif
http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/6456/36438155.gif

FlareKnight

2009-04-05, 09:03

Better than I thought, you know its sometimes just nice when the two main characters just get along, and hey they are both pretty likable as well! Nice job of explaining the story while keeping some mystery to it, looks like they have a fair bit to work with makes me feel more optimistic with the show. Excellent touch with the Back ground music right towards the end of the episode. Everything is looking great, looking forward to more! Yeah it isn't bad when the leads just get along. You can actually feel the friendship that exists there. It probably helps that they both have good personalities.http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/6456/36438155.gifBe happy to use this one. Just a great expression :D.

spawnofthejudge

2009-04-05, 09:23

http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/2780/57041980.gifI want this one!

I liked this first episode. It's not quite too confusing, but I'm asking lots of questions. A few are indeed getting answered! So I'm looking forward to the next episode.

Kristen

2009-04-05, 09:31

I read at Kyou fansubs...

Am I correct that the first time one of their sources runs is 4/6/09 at 01:30 (I got the schedule from the official site (http://www.starchild.co.jp/special/asura/schedule.html)), and thus should be expecting subs sometime on 4/7-4/8?

EDIT: I found that Chihiro subs (http://www.chihiro-subs.com/) will release 4/8 or 4/9. Until there's a sub, I won't watch it, but I'm looking forward to this one!

More like 4/6 or 4/7. XD

spawnofthejudge

2009-04-05, 09:34

More like 4/5 or 4/6. XDI couldn't find a site for AllOfThem, and they're the ones that released last night :p.

I tried to be patient. I really did.

Xellos-_^

2009-04-05, 10:11

alu546

2009-04-05, 10:28

can i request a gif of the bouncing Miko :DI second that.

EDIT: On second thought, a regular picture of the miko for an avatar would be nice as well, im no good with image editing :(

Bordix

2009-04-05, 11:04

can i request a gif of the bouncing Miko :D

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt12/Bordix07/bouncing_1.gif http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt12/Bordix07/bouncing_2.gif

this one? :uhoh:

anyways ep 1 was.... interesting.definitely caught my attention, never thought it would turn out into a mecha/magic anime thing. Gonna stick wit it for the mean time, hope it gets more interesting :)

LKK

2009-04-05, 12:00

you know its sometimes just nice when the two main characters just get along,
That aspect was my favorite part of the episode. And quite the surprise it was too. I wasn't expecting them to know each other in the first episode. I expected that the first episode would be about how they met. I do want their backstory eventually, but I'm happy to see that they're already friends and trust each so much.

yongshun

2009-04-05, 13:59

The shooting part of this show kinda reminds me of the A-Team where both parties have automatic weapons and yet can't hit the side of a barn. Gotta love a Mexican standoff.

FlareKnight

2009-04-05, 15:07

The shooting part of this show kinda reminds me of the A-Team where both parties have automatic weapons and yet can't hit the side of a barn. Gotta love a Mexican standoff.Wonder how long those people can stay employed? You can't waste that much ammo and not pay the price at some point :heh:. But those guys showed an amazing ability to miss.

Kristen

2009-04-05, 16:49

Saber Cherry

2009-04-05, 18:29

What a disappointment. The crowning farce in episode 1 was the massive mafia machine-gun shootout at an unobstructed 20 feet with nobody ducking, moving, taking cover, or even flinching - or getting hit. The screenplay and directing have Gundoh Musashi quality; too bad the people responsible are wasting the talents of the rest of the crew.

Kaoru Chujo

2009-04-05, 18:29

<rant>

Japanese time is so confusing! >.< It said SUN was airing at 00:00 on 4/6 and Tokyo MX at 01:30. So, fine, it airs at those times. It is presently 06:47 on 4/6 in Japan. But why hasn't it aired?

Because in Japan, 00:00 comes after 14:00. >.<

Apparently in Japan, the day changes at 5:00 AM instead of 12:00 AM. Uguu~</rant>According to Syoboi Calendar (http://cal.syoboi.jp/tid/1595), the first broadcast was on satellite last Thursday morning. There was then a broadcast on another station in another part of Japan late Saturday night (after midnight), and then two late Sunday night (after midnight).

The system is rational, since we really do think of 1am Sunday as being part of the Saturday broadcast schedule (Saturday 25:00 h). The problem comes on some anime official sites when they say "00:30 Saturday," which can mean either first thing Saturday or first thing Sunday. The Syoboi listings are consistent, though.

As for when things show up in cyberspace, that depends on the good will of people in Japan who record the broadcast. Sometimes they come from the first broadcast, sometimes a later one.

Tatiana Razajev

2009-04-05, 19:45

I'll probably need to give this two or three episodes to see what the true flow is like. However I can say it has me interested. So far my favorite character is Misao and her ability to be "love" will be the main reason for me try a bit more.

I'm undecided on Kanade. I guess it depends on how she develops beyond her introduction. More or less hopefully get explanation for her actions. Still she does have potential and yes that bounce is part of the reason why.

OceanBlue

2009-04-05, 19:48

Lol, the bounce.

I'm more interested in her multicolored eyes. Her eye design and what her personality seems to be [as well as her bit in the OP] has me more interested in her than Misao for now.

Kristen

2009-04-05, 20:00

According to Syoboi Calendar (http://cal.syoboi.jp/tid/1595), the first broadcast was on satellite last Thursday morning. There was then a broadcast on another station in another part of Japan late Saturday night (after midnight), and then two late Sunday night (after midnight).

The system is rational, since we really do think of 1am Sunday as being part of the Saturday broadcast schedule (Saturday 25:00 h). The problem comes on some anime official sites when they say "00:30 Saturday," which can mean either first thing Saturday or first thing Sunday. The Syoboi listings are consistent, though.

As for when things show up in cyberspace, that depends on the good will of people in Japan who record the broadcast. Sometimes they come from the first broadcast, sometimes a later one.

Yeah. First broadcast was on AT-X though, a bad station. Second was on Kanagawa, a station like nobody gets. Third was Chiba, another bad station. The first GOOD broadcast is tomorrow. XD

FlareKnight

2009-04-05, 20:58

Lol, the bounce.

I'm more interested in her multicolored eyes. Her eye design and what her personality seems to be [as well as her bit in the OP] has me more interested in her than Misao for now.Yeah I can pick up on why some would be more interested in Kanade including the 'bounce' :heh:. While her personality helped to make her interesting couldn't help be more drawn to Misao at the start. Think it was just her personality that kept me smiling.

Definitely looking forward to finding out more about the girls and what is going on. Character preference can definitely change as we move along.

qmeister

2009-04-05, 21:20

Meh, heterochromia this, heterochromia that. We all know Suiseiseki is the best desu~
I'm liking Rie Tanaka as the cool meganekko.

Xellos-_^

2009-04-05, 21:26

despite my interest in bouncyness i actually like misao out of all the character introduce so far. The others are bit too cliche, clueless harem lead, perverted best friend, tsundere class president and out going airhead female frriend. still it is one of the series i will be following as the story has keep my interest so far.

*death to desu

Jze0

2009-04-05, 22:27

Just watched the first episode and I like it so far. Especially liked the miko girl, whats her name, I think its Kanade. I also like Misao, her background story has my interest pretty high so I'll definitely be watching this for the time being.

(Bounce Bounce) lol...

orion

2009-04-05, 22:44

I'm fimly floating in the Misao camp. :heh:

Heterochromia is getting a workout this season with 2 shows featuring chicks with in it (Shangri-la and this one) that I've watched so far.

DeadlySoldier37

2009-04-06, 01:19

Well I have to say the first episode was definately interesting. In the beginnig I though this would be one of those romance comedy anime's with a guy and a cute little ghost girl. But then out of nowhere we get people shooting each other, we get magicians a mecha and some more stuff. I'll keep watching this to see what direction it takes.

evil-samurai

2009-04-06, 02:46

I want this one!Take it! :)I second that.

EDIT: On second thought, a regular picture of the miko for an avatar would be nice as well, im no good with image editing :(This one to your taste? Also added a animated one if you want it.

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/4272/62289598.png http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/4223/25026420.png http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/5003/miko1f.gif

Mei

2009-04-06, 10:48

wow loads of images in this thread already...

My first impressions of the show is that it has potential. I didn't feel that the first episode made it stand out from the rest at all. However I do think it could turn out to be one of the better shows of the season. Will keep on watching.

Xellos-_^

2009-04-06, 11:22

Wonder how long those people can stay employed? You can't waste that much ammo and not pay the price at some point :heh:. But those guys showed an amazing ability to miss.
well we know that someone didn't read the to do list for Eviloverlords in regards hiring nameless/faceless henchmens and thier ability to shoot at a target.

alu546

2009-04-06, 11:22

Thanks for those images. I actually thought about using the third one, but heterochromia compelled me.

Jze0

2009-04-06, 12:56

Was wondering if I can use this one:

http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/5003/miko1f.gif

Thats if its ok.

orion

2009-04-06, 13:03

well we know that someone didn't read the to do list for Eviloverlords in regards hiring nameless/faceless henchmens and thier ability to shoot at a target.

Well if they die before their first paycheck, then .... :heh:

Sinestra

2009-04-06, 14:49

So we got some ghost girl and dude who almost died but ghost girl apparently did something to help him now they are doki doki and a cute creepy chick who delivers a strange package to the before said mentioned boy who currently got kicked out of his house because his mom got remarried and package came from what i can tell is his estranged brother. But said hot chic offered some type service to help him very Attentively in room that was suppose to be the chemistry room but looked more like torture voodoo chamber. I dont know what she was selling but i would take it lol.

Random factions breaking into said house to steal box fight ensures dark liquid pours out revealing a strange but kind cool like mech.

Enough to get me to watch the show YEP at least for a bit im curious as to whats going to happen.

Zippicus

2009-04-06, 15:00

I'm not really sure what to make of this show yet. It seems like it could be ok, but I see some potential for it to be really really bad as well. I'll give it a couple probationary episodes at least.

Xellos-_^

2009-04-06, 15:14

LKK

2009-04-06, 15:14

package came from what i can tell is his estranged brother.
I didn't get the sense that Tomo and his big brother were estranged. Brother is away on a worldwide trip. Tomo doesn't really understand his brother's thought processes or what he's doing on the trip. But that's not the same thing as saying they're estranged. Did I miss something?

Sinestra

2009-04-06, 15:19

you left out the non-bra wearing bouncy Miko :D
DAMN IT i forgot about her especially since she was super cute with that 2 color eye thing going on :heh:
I didn't get the sense that Tomo and his big brother were estranged. Brother is away on a worldwide trip. Tomo doesn't really understand his brother's thought processes or what he's doing on the trip. But that's not the same thing as saying they're estranged. Did I miss something?

I just called him estranged because he sent his brother this weird box with no explanation has not contacted him but instead sent weird creepy hot chick to explain things to him but hey im ok with that as long as the story is good. It was not the best word to use but how I feeling at the time made me use estrange.

FlareKnight

2009-04-06, 16:01

Well if they die before their first paycheck, then .... :heh:Hiring henchmen is definitely a tricky business. If you think they'll get killed then you should go cheap, but sadly the cheap ones can hit anything :heh:. Guess it all depends on your evil business model.

Zippicus

2009-04-06, 16:09

Hiring henchmen is definitely a tricky business. If you think they'll get killed then you should go cheap, but sadly the cheap ones can hit anything :heh:. Guess it all depends on your evil business model.

You just need to make sure you have henchmen like 21 and 24, they have that unique mixture of expendable and invulnerable :p

orion

2009-04-06, 20:18

You just need to make sure you have henchmen like 21 and 24, they have that unique mixture of expendable and invulnerable :p

No life insurance. Health insurance kicks in after 3 months. Paycheck every other week and if you die, no paycheck to surviving relatives. No workmen's comp. 401K kicks in after 3 months. Weapons allowance and magical skills course paid for yearly. ;)

evil-samurai

2009-04-07, 05:29

Was wondering if I can use this one:

http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/5003/miko1f.gif

Thats if its ok.Since alu546 didn't want it, go ahead :)I'm not really sure what to make of this show yet. It seems like it could be ok, but I see some potential for it to be really really bad as well. I'll give it a couple probationary episodes at least.

I'm also a little bit under the impression that things could turn out average. To me it just depends on what the show is going to focus on, so as long as they keep on revealing more information about whats going on and don't just fall back on pointless comedy, it looks like it will be good.

Snooker

2009-04-07, 06:58

First ep is ok.I thought it's good idea that they didn't make story clear since firstone.

Jze0

2009-04-07, 14:27

Cool Thanks evil-samurai, was kind of waiting for your response but its good.

Ashlotte

2009-04-07, 15:35

Personally enjoyed the episode a great deal. The frenetic pacing of all the random crap being thrown at the protagonist made it pretty easy to emphasize with the guy.

Keeping my fingers crossed for a story with atleast abit of depth to come out of all these plot elements that emerged already. ;)

OceanBlue

2009-04-07, 17:49

The potential that this anime has to be a stroke of genius or a horrid trainwreck is what makes me excited about this series, as well as the potential to expand on its currently cliche characters.

Molenir

2009-04-07, 22:16

Best first episode of the new season so far. Thus far anyway, it seems like a new take on a bunch of tired cliches, as well as the well worn, overused mech genre. Definitely hoping it keeps it up.

Siegel Clyne

2009-04-08, 06:51

Yes we can. :)

A lot of posts at 2ch are having fun with the title Asura Cryin' (Asura Kurain) since in Japanese it sounds a lot like Athrun Clyne (Athrun Zala + Lacus Clyne) from Gundam SEED. Lacus Clyne's seiyuu Tanaka Rie voicing Kurosaki Shuri in Asura Cryin' adds to the fun.

OceanBlue

2009-04-08, 09:28

I just realized that, in the opening, when you first see the characters, the camera zooms in and the wind picks up their hair, but when it zooms out, their hair doesn't fall and was in the same place it was before.

I need to stop watching the opening so much.

spawnofthejudge

2009-04-08, 09:33

Drakshin

2009-04-08, 10:35

Anyone reading the novels can spoilt abit about if the girl is really dead or not?

sirn

2009-04-08, 13:14

Anyone reading the novels can spoilt abit about if the girl is really dead or not?

I think light novel spoilers are not appropriate here; maybe you could check out the manga, it answers your question in first few pages of the first chapter.

Shiroth

2009-04-08, 17:42

I think light novel spoilers are not appropriate here; maybe you could check out the manga, it answers your question in first few pages of the first chapter.
& just so people know, if you go do just that, please don't talk about it in this thread.

ThoHell

2009-04-08, 22:01

Not too sure on how to receive this series. main character is already annoying, the only cool thing is that robot thing that appeared at the end.

serenade_beta

2009-04-08, 23:19

You know, if only this anime will start talking about walls you can't cross and have the protagonist wear a funny outfit with red hair and stuff...

But it doesn't, which means that unlike MUNTO, you can't watch the stuff for comedy either, 'cause episode 2 in, and I'm still lost and ( ﾟДﾟ)
But hey, there was one moment that made me laugh like that. When the senpai grabbed the protagonist and had him touch her, and then she goes "The world has been destroyed once". Yeah, the timing is sheer beauty, it sure is, yep. Scary, scary.

I tried... I tried to understand it, but by the time the episode ends, I end up orz-ing over what I'm supposed to get. Anyways... Explain to us what is going on, instead of stuff happening here and there and having me left in the dust.
So the world was destroyed once and that is why ghosts and robots exist?
An old man talks about lines, but that's sounds like it is meant for later, so that can be forgiven...
Takatsuki=Akuma, and the student council president (name is long, so I'll abbreviate to SCP, OK?) wants to destroy them? And he has a ghost too. Ah, another female character. And SCP wants the protagonist to join him. And Shaeitais call forth the robots? But then why would he need the trunk? More than that, just where is the trunk and how far does the ghost girl want him to run? And SCP's sister is against him or something...
Takatsuki is a yakuza's daughter who is overprotective of her... Which seems like a gag point and not really important. So for some reason, whenever her eye glows green, she can use... Ah, forget it. Too bothersome trying to gather all of the data.
Anyways, what was that end... The ghost girl gets punched and disappears, and then the protagonist gets hurt by something....................................... TO BE CONTINUED.

Then again, it didn't seem good already when the episode starts AFTER the battle that might have happened at the end of last week's episode, meaning we have no idea what happened then. First thing we know this episode, that senpai is sleeping in the protagonist's bed.
Kind of feel sad for Asura Cryin' here... They try to give us fanservice, but even if you try, this anime airs after THAT Queen's Blade. Poor thing...

Random other thoughts:

-Like I said, why is a ghost changing clothes...

-The "same scene 3 times" was funny. :heh:

-Poor father... Having such a rebellious daughter. *sniff* I understand... It's that time in their like when... *cut*

-So... No one even knows who the SCP is? And why is he wearing that outfit at school? And his subordinates too.
Rather, has the anime forgot that the setting is school by the end, with the robot appearing and stuff... :eyebrow:

--

2 episodes in... Everything is pretty much still a mess and confusing. And compared to Pandora Hearts, which is "mysterious" and slowing showing everything, this thing is "mysterious (AKA, confusing)" by just leaving viewers somewhere behind.
Surely... Surely next episode will explain everything! Right...

Preview: ?????????

Guardian Enzo

2009-04-08, 23:40

sirn

2009-04-09, 01:38

Hmm, I found the second episode to be much more entertaining and much less "packed" than the first.

I think I see where this series is going now. That old man's words, "is this the new playback, or is it just loop back to the past?" and that "the world has been destroyed once" seems to hint a lot about what's going on.

I wonder what the choice is, my guess is among the line of who he'd associate with this time?

OceanBlue

2009-04-09, 08:09

Sometimes I think when a series like this is about to air, a lot of posters have already typed "The male lead is annoyin" and have their fingers poised over the "G". It just seems like a reflex now - if it remotely resembles a harem, the male lead is presumed to be annoying. Really, I didn't see anything in the first ep that was particularly annoying.

If anything, the only thing there is to be annoyed about with the male lead is the lack of any outstanding personality traits so far. The main character is bland so far, with only a mysterious past, role, or whatever to make him interesting.

In my opinion, anyway.

Dragon TY

2009-04-09, 16:18

I don't really understand what the hell is going on. But I still will give this series a chance.

osmium

2009-04-09, 16:21

For the record there is a HUGE difference between confusing and limited information.

So far there is little that is confusing about Asura. It's pretty straightforward, there isn't a lot there yet to be confused by. There are a bunch of factions, a few glimpses into what we probably all assume is the past, and these "mecha" (we don't even know if they're mechanical yet) that come from goo / the shadows.

Yes we don't know much, that is for sure, but the series is hardly confusing. One might think that Asura will turn out to be like Ga Rei Zero, at least in so far as the series appears to be taking the in media res story initiation option. However Ga Rei wasn't even confusing, you as the viewer simply had imperfect information for the first half of the ride.

Confusing is when they never explain anything, and it's always mysterious, and you never gain more information. Its seems like in this case, instead, we're along for the ride, and the whole *point* is to make our degree of knowledge be the same as the main character.

Going completely aside (although still tangential to Asura), if you as the viewer have nearly complete knowledge of the setting, the factions, what's going on etc, watching the journey as the main character recovers his memory, or discovers his father's past involvement in the conspiracy or whatever might not be fun... whereas if you are surprised by everything it makes for a different story. Not that the former can't be fun to watch (or more often times poignant ), just that typically that kind of story, the point is that you need to know the "ending" or the "past" in order to appreciate how the present is displayed. Think shootout in Boondock Saints, it's a completely different scene if you know the old guy is the brothers' father no?

-O

Xellos-_^

2009-04-09, 18:23

enjoy ep2, generic male harem lead loss some points near the end with his hestitation.

love Kanade's Fuuko impression on the rooftop:p:heh:

Edit: Anyone blogging this?

serenade_beta

2009-04-09, 20:46

For the record there is a HUGE difference between confusing and limited information.

As long as it leaves me unpleasantly "?", it doesn't really matter to me how it is worded, even if there is a HUGE difference.

Confusing is when they never explain anything, and it's always mysterious, and you never gain more information. Its seems like in this case, instead, we're along for the ride, and the whole *point* is to make our degree of knowledge be the same as the main character.

Except that in this case, the main character doesn't understand anything either, which still leaves everything unexplained and mysterious without gaining information... And just when he does (or so I thought), everything goes chaotic again. So in the end, whether it is just "confusing" as the way you describe or "following the main character (which sounds like an excuse here)", the result is "Viewers don't understand". Which is different from content just makes people want to know want happens next.

Though even by your description, nothing can explain the almost entertainingly odd setting where the bad guy is the student council president that apparently people don't know and yet they all walk around in funny outfits and for some reason start fighting inside the school building. Well, in this case, it was funny, so this is OK (in a... MUNTO meaning)
Come to think of it, where did Takatsuki get into the building from...

Think shootout in Boondock Saints, it's a completely different scene if you know the old guy is the brothers' father no?

Nooo idea...

Edit: Anyone blogging this?

Tenka Seiha (http://blog.seiha.org/)?

Kaoru Chujo

2009-04-09, 23:33

As usual, I didn't find the confusion in episode 2 annoying at all. More like promising. More promising than ep1, anyway.

Xanithor

2009-04-10, 03:52

Wonder if this is some sort of groundhog's year or something to that effect happening, looking at speculation and watching this. Ah well, I'll sit in my corner, being pleasantly confused by all this.

arkxkra

2009-04-10, 10:38

so far so good, now i till ep2, not bad.
So the girl(dunno her name) who following the main character is not only a ghost >.<", getting interesting. I wonder how she doing now (disappear), please don't tell me like that then gone. Now all is depend on main character choice, will he be choosing all side in this time? looking forward to next episode.

Kristen

2009-04-10, 16:32

Zippicus

2009-04-10, 19:27

Has there been any official confirmation on the number of episodes this series is going to have? I saw a review on ANN say "This 13 episode series", which seemed weird since there's nothing on the website or anything saying how long it is.

Is there an announcement somewhere I missed? Because this definitely seems like a 24 episode series...

ANN is pretty notorious for doing that, it's probably best to ignore their episode numbers until after the series finishes.

Sprite_Coke

2009-04-11, 01:01

I disagree with all the hate in here.
This is definately one of the shows that catches my eyes this season.

One thing, I rofl at the speech about the spiral theory. Gurren Lagann popped up in my mind right away

sirn

2009-04-11, 01:27

Has there been any official confirmation on the number of episodes this series is going to have? I saw a review on ANN say "This 13 episode series", which seemed weird since there's nothing on the website or anything saying how long it is.

Is there an announcement somewhere I missed? Because this definitely seems like a 24 episode series...
It's 12 episodes (http://changi.2ch.net/test/read.cgi/anime3/1238514303/228). Their source is from a magazine, I think. But it's also possible that the series is separated 24 episodes (just like White Album).

Unregistered00

2009-04-11, 02:41

There's a 120+mb 2nd episode of Asura Cryin' by Saitei-Subs. Is the quality any good. The size is pretty small.

BiFr0st

2009-04-11, 02:42

Other than the main character the anime isnt so bad.. Its only the beginning so i guess its alright to be a bit confusing but it will probably be a let down if its only going to be like 13 eps.

ZODDGUTS

2009-04-11, 03:18

Can't say I'm impress with this series it's alright but nothing great so far. The lack of explaination is annoying hope they clear things up soon.

Shiroth

2009-04-11, 06:45

It's 12 episodes (http://changi.2ch.net/test/read.cgi/anime3/1238514303/228). Their source is from a magazine, I think. But it's also possible that the series is separated 24 episodes (just like White Album).
Seeing how fast the second episode is getting into things, i can see how this should would be 12 episodes, easily.

Kristen

2009-04-11, 08:09

It's 12 episodes (http://changi.2ch.net/test/read.cgi/anime3/1238514303/228). Their source is from a magazine, I think. But it's also possible that the series is separated 24 episodes (just like White Album).

Ah... That's a shame. Well, I just hope 2ch is unreliable, since I'm really liking this series. XD

OceanBlue

2009-04-11, 10:39

Same. I was hoping it would be given 24 episodes to give adequate time for the characters and the plot.

Shiroth

2009-04-11, 10:47

Same. I was hoping it would be given 24 episodes to give adequate time for the characters and the plot.
& how do you know 12 may not be enough? For all we know 24/26 episodes may just drag the story, and i for one wouldn't want that to happen.

OceanBlue

2009-04-11, 11:00

I don't. I guess that's a good point, since that's what happens to a lot of poorly executed 2-cour series.

Kristen

2009-04-11, 11:05

& how do you know 12 may not be enough? For all we know 24/26 episodes may just drag the story, and i for one wouldn't want that to happen.

It's a light novel series with 11 volumes. Typically I give ~6 episodes for the first novel, 3-6 for the ones after. That's only enough for like 2 novels, which is usually not very satisfying.

Shiroth

2009-04-11, 11:09

It's a light novel series with 11 volumes. Typically I give ~6 episodes for the first novel, 3-6 for the ones after. That's only enough for like 2 novels, which is usually not very satisfying.
Usually in this case, not all of the novel material will be adapted. For all we know they just plan to tell this story using enough material that will cover 12 episodes.

orion

2009-04-11, 13:27

I wonder if this is roughly the anime version of Donnie Darko (http://www.donniedarkofilm.com/) with our hero in the role of Donnie

having the power to correct the issue or end the world (universe that he is currently in) a second time being caught in a predestination paradox (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Predestination_paradox) maybe.

Poor Misao was a "human sacrifice" for the machine. Hopefully, that gets explained more.

Anyways, this is getting interesting.

zibi88

2009-04-11, 13:34

I wonder if this is the anime version of Donnie Darko with our hero in the role of Donnie having the power to correct the issue or end the world a second time.

Poor Misao was a "human sacrifice" for the machine. Hopefully, that gets explained more.

maybe they can bring her back to life but he needs to win that fight or something... well that guy had strange flashbacks like from past while recevieng that case... (maybe it was him or his brother)

maybe he forgot everything after that plane accident or after first releaseing that black machine..... but that someone mentioned that he can save her with this thing... so maybe thre is a way to save Misao (she is funny character and really likes tomoharu ^^ they would be a nice couple )

I wonder how did Misao even foun Tomoharu in that hospital after accident... she had to be brought there by someone after all.... anyway time will show but it seems that if Misao takes the attacks then Tomoharu gets hurt too...

orion

2009-04-11, 13:38

We also don't know yet who the person was that was leaving the hospital before we saw Tomoharu.

zibi88

2009-04-11, 14:27

We also don't know yet who the person was that was leaving the hospital before we saw Tomoharu.

I would goes it could be tomoharu's older brother (well he is his family after all and mostly he heared what happened to his brother), that doctor that we saw from flashback (maybe he brought Miasao to him) or it was tomoharu from fufture XDXD (but I hope that Misao will turn out to be alive at the end ^^ she seems to like tomoharu very much and she is mostly jelous of other girls around tomoharu [kinda sad that she cant hug him or anything] )

anyway time will show sad tha 1ep for week >__<

Key Board

2009-04-11, 15:39

I really can't stand the main character's personality.

And there's something about the voice that makes it even more irritating than it should be.

kyou_desu

2009-04-11, 16:24

Episode two was good but 134 episodes only? umm
Freebies:
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii280/naclad/sades.gifhttp://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii280/naclad/houy.gifhttp://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii280/naclad/Untitled-1-28.gifhttp://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii280/naclad/Untitled-2ko.gifhttp://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii280/naclad/cry1.gif
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii280/naclad/asura.gif

serenade_beta

2009-04-11, 16:52

I really can't stand the main character's personality

As of now, I can't even see a personality.

RandomFlameStrike

2009-04-11, 19:32

Hm what's with all this hate for Tomoharu? I personally think he's an upgrade from the usual harem loser. He has an unnatural ability to stay calm in crazy situations, and doesn't piss off the girls. There's no bs harem violence that's so cliched around Tomoharu. Although that's mostly the quality of the girls and not him. He doesn't have much going for him personality wise, but I can't find anything against him?

For the record there is a HUGE difference between confusing and limited information.

So far there is little that is confusing about Asura. It's pretty straightforward, there isn't a lot there yet to be confused by. There are a bunch of factions, a few glimpses into what we probably all assume is the past, and these "mecha" (we don't even know if they're mechanical yet) that come from goo / the shadows.

Yes we don't know much, that is for sure, but the series is hardly confusing. One might think that Asura will turn out to be like Ga Rei Zero, at least in so far as the series appears to be taking the in media res story initiation option. However Ga Rei wasn't even confusing, you as the viewer simply had imperfect information for the first half of the ride.

Confusing is when they never explain anything, and it's always mysterious, and you never gain more information. Its seems like in this case, instead, we're along for the ride, and the whole *point* is to make our degree of knowledge be the same as the main character.

Going completely aside (although still tangential to Asura), if you as the viewer have nearly complete knowledge of the setting, the factions, what's going on etc, watching the journey as the main character recovers his memory, or discovers his father's past involvement in the conspiracy or whatever might not be fun... whereas if you are surprised by everything it makes for a different story. Not that the former can't be fun to watch (or more often times poignant ), just that typically that kind of story, the point is that you need to know the "ending" or the "past" in order to appreciate how the present is displayed. Think shootout in Boondock Saints, it's a completely different scene if you know the old guy is the brothers' father no?

-O

Yeah I totally agree with you here. I read people whining about how this show is too confusing too them, but how about you aren't supposed to know yet? I have an overall idea about what the plot is, and I stash the seemingly random non-connecting info in the back of my head for future evaluation to see if it all adds up in the end. Then I enjoy the ride. When something doesn't make sense I just form a temporary standing conclusion to fill in until more info is revealed. I think Tomoharu does something similar since he's in the same boat as the viewers. All this crap is happening and he doesn't have enough info, but he has to adapt to the situation as it develops.

It's a bit weird how they didn't follow up last ep's cliff hanger, but I can pretty much guess what happened. I think the three factions retreated since once Tomoharu opened the box their goals were either completed or screwed up so their was no more point in pro-longing the fight. Then the mecha must have returned to the box after some time or etc.
Basic thinking skills make anime much less confusing. However if you try to over-think things too early with too less info you're going to hurt your brain. Just analyze what you can and enjoy the show.

Raiga

2009-04-11, 19:56

I have one thing to say:

A-ku-ma!

Molenir

2009-04-11, 22:19

Episode 1, pretty good. Episode 2... not so good. Rather sad too, because this was one show I had thought after episode 1, would make my watch list. Instead, I'll give it one more episode, and decide then whether or not its worth continuing. Its rather sad too. Because unlike last season, this season so far doesn't have a whole lot to offer.

FlareKnight

2009-04-11, 22:41

Would have liked episode 2 to continue right from the end of the last episode. But it's not an unusual thing to skip past the cliffhanger entirely. Just wish they wouldn't do that kind of thing.

I'm waiting for the gang leader to be the school principal or something :heh:. I mean you have one group as the student council, another as a club, and the daughter of a third group as a student. Have a feeling school will be closed at some point down the road.

Tomoharu will need a moment sooner or later at this rate. I mean he gets saved my Kanade, then Misao blocks an attack, and then Kanade gets up for another attempt to defend. He needs to do something or else he'll run out of girls to act as human shields for him :heh:. Though both are far from normal so it's not like they can't step up. Hopefully Misao is alright since she got hit hard there. Obviously she can't be gone but that didn't look good.

Misao really doesn't mind having conversations anywhere. Just popping through the middle of Tomoharu's desk to talk about the situation. Considering how much they chat the guy is bound to be labelled crazy. Did get to find out more about her. Some kind of sacrifice to make the machine run. Yet she was called a living spirit that is sealed. So might mean she has a chance to become part of the living. Of course she's far too interesting to be just a ghost.

Kanade developed alright as well getting some good moments. I mean catching a bullet is one thing, but melting it is another :).

blewin

2009-04-11, 22:46

ep 2 is a letdown in a way.... because I didn't expect this to be a harem series (in all the sense) from the 1st episode. Still, on top of the character design and art, the mysterious plot is intriguing enough to make me keep watching.

Throwing a large number of unknown elements together so quickly in one episode is what makes this series either sink or fly. It can be confusing, or it can be appealing. I guess it really depends on which side of the spectrum people's reaction fall on.

Midonin

2009-04-11, 22:47

It may have some harem elements, but I don't think it has quite enough to qualify as a harem series.

FlareKnight

2009-04-11, 22:56

It may have some harem elements, but I don't think it has quite enough to qualify as a harem series.Yeah I'm not willing to call it a harem at this point. I mean at most we can go with a love triangle situation with Misao-Tomoharu-Kanade. Shuri I wouldn't put in it since she's just a part of a group trying to drag Tomoharu in. Including her is like including that Reishirou guy. Though he did want Tomoharu to take his hand so....:heh:. Borderline is the friend/relative/whatever from track that'd like him to join. But think there is a line between friend and harem member.

spawnofthejudge

2009-04-11, 23:14

I don't understand why people think a love triangle is a harem. And Shuri doesn't count; she's clearly playing with him to do something I can't determine.

I really like this show so far. It's throwing a lot of information at us constantly, and I like it. Keeps me on my toes.

Ascaloth

2009-04-11, 23:36

....watched episode 2, and I still have no f***in' clue what's going on. -_-

Raiga

2009-04-11, 23:47

....watched episode 2, and I still have no f***in' clue what's going on. -_-

Okay, so it's got girls, action, mecha, and some weird mystical stuff involving factions and secret organizations but that's not as important.

Tiamat's Disciple

2009-04-12, 00:17

There's a 120+mb 2nd episode of Asura Cryin' by Saitei-Subs. Is the quality any good. The size is pretty small.

It's not bad, at least it'll hold you out till another group releases. There's at least 2 other groups who are picking it up. That said Saitei's choice of font's for this episode were gawd awful.

Ep 2 was a bit of a let down for me, especially after the cliffhanger of ep1. It's like what happened there didn't really happen, no explanations or anything. What's more ep2 ends with another cliffhanger, is it going to be the same again with ep3 starting as though nothing happened.

FlareKnight

2009-04-12, 00:29

It's not bad, at least it'll hold you out till another group releases. There's at least 2 other groups who are picking it up. That said Saitei's choice of font's for this episode were gawd awful.

Ep 2 was a bit of a let down for me, especially after the cliffhanger of ep1. It's like what happened there didn't really happen, no explanations or anything. What's more ep2 ends with another cliffhanger, is it going to be the same again with ep3 starting as though nothing happened.Have to agree I wasn't a huge fan of the font. Starting the episode was like "wow that's some kind of font there."

Well at least the preview in episode 2 actually shows the conflict of the next episode. So this time they won't sneak out. Guess we can simply assume the groups decided to give up for that day since with Tomoharu becoming a 'handler' eliminated their purpose for coming.

On a random note. If Misao was worried about Tomoharu peeking from below couldn't she just wear something with pants? Not to mention her choice in sleepwear :heh:.

serenade_beta

2009-04-12, 03:00

Hm what's with all this hate for Tomoharu?

Who's tha-... Ah, the protagonist's name...

Shiroth

2009-04-12, 05:58

....watched episode 2, and I still have no f***in' clue what's going on. -_-
It's not that confusing, i mean the second episode does start to explain things a little bit. Just don't think there's any need for a reaction like that. :heh:

Zippicus

2009-04-12, 06:05

It's not that confusing, i mean the second episode does start to explain things a little bit. Just don't think there's any need for a reaction like that. :heh:

No it's not really confusing. Although if someone asked me what the show was about I don't think I'd have a good answer for them :p

Shiroth

2009-04-12, 06:12

No it's not really confusing. Although if someone asked me what the show was about I don't think I'd have a good answer for them :p
I'd just direct them to a summary. :p

serenade_beta

2009-04-12, 06:25

I'd just direct them to a summary. :p

Heh, it'd be a summary full of spoilers though.

Just don't think there's any need for a reaction like that.

Anime airs in way that doesn't explain everything and leaves viewers "?"-ing-->Because you can't understand everything-->"no clue what is going on"-->posts reaction to episode=needed reaction (´・ω・｀)

Skyfall

2009-04-12, 06:56

Zippicus

2009-04-12, 07:34

Skyfall

2009-04-12, 08:08

That was not really the best transition indeed, something which seems to be a recurring problem here - jerky scene transitions in general. That aside, it shouldn't be too hard to imagine what happened - everyone simply retreated (Minus Shuri, as the only non-hostile to Tomo) once their objective, which we can safely now assume was to retrieve the case prior to it being opened, was messed up. Either that, or they retreated in the face of prospects of fighting an asura machina they were unprepared for, or a combination of the two. Back to the drawing board so to speak :) Not exactly the best way to deal with said 'cliffhanger, but given the aftermath, figuring out what happened is not that hard. At least from the looks of it, the third episode is going to pick up where the second ended, so a fight scene won't run away this time :)

orion

2009-04-12, 08:09

I don't mind being in the dark as long as I'm suitably impressed when the lights come on. The only real beef I have is the cliffhanger ending that seemed pretty important that was never expanded upon. It seemed kind of odd to go from a full blown confrontation to waking up next to a hot chick without so much as batting an eyelash :p

Perhaps it's because said hot chick could slice his neck in a second if he did something wrong. :heh:

Besides, it's obvious that he has eyes only for Misao so far. That type of bonding is prob what's needed to control that mecha like what happens in Rahxephon and Reideen.

It will prob be explained via flashback the part of the battle we missed. Everything doesn't have to be explained in linear fashion. Sometimes you just have to use the noddle that you were born with. :heh:

Zippicus

2009-04-12, 10:37

It will prob be explained via flashback the part of the battle we missed. Everything doesn't have to be explained in linear fashion. Sometimes you just have to use the noddle that you were born with. :heh:

Linear is good, that's how we perceive things after all. Non-linear can be good if it's handled well and it makes sense to do so, all too often though it's not handled so well or not needed. That's not really the issue I had though. This was something Persona Trinity Soul did constantly and it drove me nuts. They would have episodes end on a cliffhanger and never follow up on them. Whenever a new episode came out I had to wonder if I was watching the right episode because they never picked up where they left off. Granted we're only two episodes in but the 1-2 transition was blech, and 2 ended on a cliffhanger. If 3 starts on some random note it's going to make me want to bang my head into a wall :p

serenade_beta

2009-04-12, 11:32

There is no need for the anime to "explain everything" when we are 2 episodes in to the series, seriously. It isn't even overly confusing - the main elements are introduced, and even if there are a lot of them and we currently have little idea what their specific role is going to be and how exactly they are going to tie together, that doesn't make this an inherently confusing title. We are unaware of the details, or the specific agenda of all the factions involved, but i don't think we necessarily should be either at this point. The series has just started and laid its groundwork, give them time to build on it. The elements are quite clearly not random, just we lack the information on them for the moment ... which is fine. I Don't need Reishiro handing Tomo an user's manual of everything he knows, and i simply don't understand why some people expect to be privy to such information from the get go.

Munto: That is what I told everyone too! But... But... In the end, I only taught them the wonderfulness of sailor uniforms!
*crowd throws cans at Munto*

Hai, hai, it's not confusing, it's not confusing. I'll just call it something else next time... Let's see... *looks in dictionary...* ε＝ε＝ε＝┌（；ﾟдﾟ）┘　|Dictionary|
...
"not much is explained"... "Mr. Unexplained"... Mm... Lots of letters compared to...

Sometimes you just have to use the noddle that you were born with. :heh:

Sometimes that noddle can't solve things.

There is a crazy large Japanese Wikipedia article on the series. I went and read it.

Is it okay to post this in this thread? Because I think this should be considered a novel spoiler. Even if it is covered twice and all...

ε＝ε＝ε＝┌（；ﾟдﾟ）┘　|Door|

orion

2009-04-12, 11:51

Sometimes that noddle can't solve things.

Then you have to work harder. Life isn't given to you on a silver platter. Understanding everything about a title isn't expected in 2 episodes either.

Really, this is all minor compared to following Shin Mazinger Shougeki Z-hen ep. 1. You guys don't know when you have it good.

serenade_beta

2009-04-12, 12:02

Then you have to work harder. Life isn't given to you on a silver platter. Understanding everything about a title isn't expected in 2 episodes either.

If it isn't expected to understand everything in 2 episodes, I don't think "working it harder" will bring answers either though... no? :eyebrow: I mean, sure, you would be making sense if they gave enough information TO understand, but they don't, right? As you say that they will explain stuff in the future. But you want me to understand it now? Oi, oi, give me a break, I'm not a time-traveler.

Life isn't even an object... How do you put it on a... Hah?! Gyaaaaaaaa! Murdereeeeeeeeeeeer! ε＝ε＝ε＝┌（；ﾟдﾟ）┘

orion

2009-04-12, 12:32

If it isn't expected to understand everything in 2 episodes, I don't think "working it harder" will bring answers either though... no? :eyebrow: I mean, sure, you would be making sense if they gave enough information TO understand, but they don't, right? As you say that they will explain stuff in the future. But you want me to understand it now? Oi, oi, give me a break, I'm not a time-traveler.

Life isn't even an object... How do you put it on a... Hah?! Gyaaaaaaaa! Murdereeeeeeeeeeeer! ε＝ε＝ε＝┌（；ﾟдﾟ）┘

Like I said this is minor compared to Mazinger. There is always the option to rewatch it later to catch the points that you missed on first viewing. You know we do have access to Tivo, VCRs, DVRs, .avis and .mkvs and streaming resources now.

spawnofthejudge

2009-04-12, 12:45

On a random note. If Misao was worried about Tomoharu peeking from below couldn't she just wear something with pants? Not to mention her choice in sleepwear :heh:.I have this funny feeling she wants him to. The look on his face when he looked at her up there was rather amusing. Perhaps there's some by-play to do with the sleeping arrangements?

zerodragon

2009-04-12, 13:09

where that part with the info for the novel go:( I left the site for a min and it gone:twitch:

DeadlySoldier37

2009-04-12, 14:05

Just saw episode 2. It was kind of a let down since we were not shown how things ended up in the last episode. But either way the episode was pretty good, still confusing with so many characters, so many groups going around trying to use that Tomo kid. At least Tomo has that devil girl in his side that's a big plus in my book. Looking forward for next episode seems we will be getting some action.

Used Can

2009-04-12, 14:54

Nice, I'm into ghosts now.

serenade_beta

2009-04-12, 16:15

Like I said this is minor compared to Mazinger.

There is always the option to rewatch it later to catch the points that you missed on first viewing.

No idea about that show.

Except that there are points that are not explained either way, so rewatching doesn't necessarily give you the answer.
Well, first, I'll learn how to freeze time before I rewatch this (which isn't interesting enough to get me to rewatch). There are other stuff to do...

where that part with the info for the novel go:( I left the site for a min and it gone:twitch:

Obliterated. Check the reason left by the Xris.

FlareKnight

2009-04-12, 17:03

I have this funny feeling she wants him to. The look on his face when he looked at her up there was rather amusing. Perhaps there's some by-play to do with the sleeping arrangements?I think your probably right. Probably one of those say you don't want something but mean the opposite. I mean considering she is sleeping with just a shirt would give credit to that stance :heh:. Can definitely read into the funny look Tomo had on his face.

alu546

2009-04-12, 17:15

Well, we finally get the real introdction to Kanade, who was what I thought she was, but also a little airheaded in a charming way.

I like where the story is going, however these fight scenes need to spice up a little, if the show is going to bother with fight scenes. I think that is the real draw in the episode.

Though I have always been a fan of firewielders and waterwielders.

I dont see this as a harem, more of a triangle, wit an outside woman that comes on to him, but doesnt seem to be interested. Though I dont know if its even a triangle as of now, there has never been indications of anything beyond physical attraction for anyone.

"Well he was all nervous when Misao saw him with the goth woman."

Well when his friend-who-happens-to-be-a-girl walked in, he got nervous too.

Basically saying nothing has developed, so dont need to start closing the book or debating it. (Thats how I have the romance in this anime pinned in my head atleast.)

SuperKnuckles

2009-04-12, 17:27

Shinji103

2009-04-12, 18:39

Between this and Pandora Hearts, I'm getting confused with two of Xebec shows having mostly the same theme of one boy causing a world catastrophy of some sort. I'm almost treating both shows like they have the same story, except Asura Cryin has the Asura Machina and the briefcase instead of deathgods. :heh:Erm, Pandora Hearts doesn't have anything to do with the main character causing a world disaster....

I suppose you haven't read the manga, so to avoid spoilers on that and since this isn't the right thread (but to clear up and prevent confusion for you and people here) I'll be limiting this info; the ruined house in episode 2 of Pandora Hearts is not a result of a world catastrophy. It's simply a ruined house. Naturally there's a little more to it than that (but, those are spoilers), but it's not due to a world catastrophe.

Anyways, I'm liking this series (it's certainly more interesting than it seemed at first), and I gotta admit that I'm into ghosts now too. :) Misao's hot+cute. Definitely a good combination. :) I've always loved angela's songs. The mystery of the plot brings me back to the good ol' days of my anime fan nature, back when Evangelion got me hooked. It's all win for me. :)

As for a certain complaint flying around.....I'm tossing in with the "it's a mystery; live with it" crowd. Do you honestly expect them to explain stuff so you totally understand everything right from the start? That ruins the whole point of keeping the viewers in the dark. It's episode 2. Stop crying "bloody mystery" already. Let's finish the series; then get back to us on how "confusing" it is.

mir

2009-04-13, 03:19

This show has my attention, despite how much the main guy irks me. That's a good thing, as it usually means the plot has potential. Lets wait and see how well they develop it =)

Quorum

2009-04-13, 03:24

New images of character designs for three more characters in the Asura Cryin' television animation series have been revealed on Dengeki Online.

Kristen

2009-04-13, 09:30

Looks like the series is 13 episodes, not 12.

The website updated to display the DVD release schedule. It is 5 DVDs. The first will have 3 episodes on it. The 2nd and the 3rd cost the same amount as the first. The 4th and the 5th are cheaper by about 1300 yen, most likely meaning they will contain 2 episodes per disk.

So this probably means 3*3 (DVD 1, 2, 3) + 2*2 (DVD 4, 5) to give 9+4, or 13 episodes.

Still wish it was 24, but beggars can't be choosers, I guess.

spawnofthejudge

2009-04-13, 09:37

Looks like the series is 13 episodes, not 12.Do we know how quickly they're flying through the light novels? So as to whether a continuation later is possible? Eleven light novels in thirteen episodes would be... ah... impressive, to say the least.

Sinestra

2009-04-13, 09:49

Jerseykid

2009-04-13, 10:20

breast grabbing and battles, that's the way it should be

Kristen

2009-04-13, 10:29

Do we know how quickly they're flying through the light novels? So as to whether a continuation later is possible? Eleven light novels in thirteen episodes would be... ah... impressive, to say the least.

We're somewhere between page 133 and page 169 of the first novel. I can tell this because the picture on page 133 we've seen we haven't seen the one on 169.

The total size of book 1 is 314 pages. So, if we're on ~page 150, then each novel would be 4 episodes. But it'd probably do 5 for book 1 to do 5-4-4, AKA, 13 episodes. So, it'd cover 3 novels.

Skyfall

2009-04-13, 11:52

Exactly how im feeling when watching them both back to back I felt like i was watching the same show. Even the art style are identical nothing really stands out about either series but they are keeping interested for the moment. Both characters are suppose to bring about world destruction i say thats always such a bad thing lol.

I must say i am rather baffled by this comment ... the art styles are not even remotely similar in any way, be it character designs or use of color palette (which is rather poor in PH on both accounts), or artistic direction in general.

That aside ... hm, i don't think there is much to go by that would suggest Tomo is the herald of end of all things, or anything of the sort. Thus far everyone seems to be after the Asura, and doesn't seem to be concerned about Tomo at all, past him being the current one in possession of it. We do have a comment from Shuri about the world that had already ended, but i don't think there is much to go by to link that to Tomo himself at this point. The Asura machines seem more likely to be connected to that.

Change of Pace

2009-04-13, 12:18

serenade_beta

2009-04-13, 16:17

Is it supposed to be like this; someone please tell me stuff will be explained soon enough?

Who knows? It "should" be explained later, I think.
Surely... Surely! In the next episode! We'll understand!...... Nah.

orion

2009-04-13, 17:12

Who knows? It "should" be explained later, I think.
Surely... Surely! In the next episode! We'll understand!...... Nah.

We have to. It's only 13 episodes. :heh:

alu546

2009-04-13, 17:24

We're somewhere between page 133 and page 169 of the first novel. I can tell this because the picture on page 133 we've seen we haven't seen the one on 169.

The total size of book 1 is 314 pages. So, if we're on ~page 150, then each novel would be 4 episodes. But it'd probably do 5 for book 1 to do 5-4-4, AKA, 13 episodes. So, it'd cover 3 novels.
Quoted for reinforcement.

Its not like the audience is being left in the dark either, they are gradually telling us. I actually prefer this method of storytelling they are doing, it keeps me interested in the next episode.

This may be a long ride as well.

Shinji103

2009-04-13, 17:38

Erk... I just watched the first two episodes, and I feel like I'm missing something huge... because so far, this anime has been a huge WTF!Fest ... I don't understand what the hell is going on, seriously !

Is it supposed to be like this; someone please tell me stuff will be explained soon enough?Who knows? It "should" be explained later, I think.
Surely... Surely! In the next episode! We'll understand!...... Nah.The penchant for anime watchers to whine and moan when a show doesn't go their exact way never ceases to amaze me....

The show could wait until episode 10 of 13 to explain everything and still work, so stop crying already. If they do decide to make things clear next episode or so then whoopdy-doo. If not, then wait to see what they do about it before whining.

Raiga

2009-04-13, 17:40

The penchant for anime watchers to whine and moan when a show doesn't go their exact way never ceases to amaze me....

Correction: the penchant for any kind of fan to whine and moan when whatever they're a fan of doesn't go their exact way. Although agreement on the never ceases to amaze part.

Fandom. What can ya do, eh?

Although there is a balance between the rate at which you ask questions and the rate at which you answer them... do it right and it's suspenseful, but you don't want the audience to lose interest... still too early to say, though.

Shinji103

2009-04-13, 17:46

Correction: the penchant for any kind of fan to whine and moan when whatever they're a fan of doesn't go their exact way. Although agreement on the never ceases to amaze part.

Fandom. What can ya do, eh?Eh, true. I just haven't seen hardly any complaining about anything other than anime, really. But then, I don't go to Stargate or BSG forums much.

Zippicus

2009-04-13, 17:54

The penchant for anime watchers to whine and moan when a show doesn't go their exact way never ceases to amaze me....

The show could wait until episode 10 of 13 to explain everything and still work, so stop crying already. If they do decide to make things clear next episode or so then whoopdy-doo. If not, then wait to see what they do about it before whining.

There's nothing wrong with pointing out things people don't like about something. Nothing is perfect after all and we all have varying levels or tolerance for the flaws that invariably show up in any given show.

As far as this show is concerned it's a pretty legitimate complaint that there's a lack of solid information. Me personally I don't mind that aspect since I don't think it's going to be very impressive when they do finally get around to filling us in on the details. I can understand how it might rub people the wrong way though. Telling people to stop crying about it absolutely doesn't help :p

serenade_beta

2009-04-13, 19:10

Quoted for reinforcement.

Its not like the audience is being left in the dark either, they are gradually telling us. I actually prefer this method of storytelling they are doing, it keeps me interested in the next episode.

This may be a long ride as well.

Though the post sounds like the poster only looked at the pictures and never read the actual text, so as reinforcement, it isn't that certain. Who knows how the text has been, after all?

The penchant for anime watchers to whine and moan when a show doesn't go their exact way never ceases to amaze me....

*nod**nod* It really is amusing, isn't it?! But you know what is more amusing? The people who whine about those "whiners"! Because it always sounds terrible amusing when they try to cry out loud over the people who didn't only compliment the anime!
But you know, if it amuses you, then you are a winner! The more things that entertain you, the better! Enjoy life!

And I'll be doing the same too... *sits down and stares at your post*
(　´,_ゝ｀)ｸｯｸｯｸ･･･(　´∀｀)ﾌﾊﾊﾊﾊ･･･(　ﾟ∀ﾟ)ﾊｧｰﾊｯﾊｯﾊｯﾊ!!
Iya, iya~, no hard feelings. If we both found entertaining stuff, the world wins, kyahoo~

Change of Pace

2009-04-13, 19:21

The penchant for anime watchers to whine and moan

... Wow, for someone to ask if things are going to be explained soon constitutes as whining and crying these days, eh? As someone who is a spoiler monger, I was tossing out a question - mind you, neither expressing pleasure or displeasure - about the fact that this is indeed what would be considered a vague and mysterious anime, and hoping that some light would be shed somewhere soon. Now, I'd like to see the dictionary in which that's labelled whining and crying, personally.

when a show doesn't go their exact way never ceases to amaze me....

... "Going their exact way?!" Who said anything about the anime going a "certain way"? I was wondering when the content shown in the first two episodes is going to become clear. No negative sentiment expressed.

spawnofthejudge

2009-04-13, 19:29

... Wow, for someone to ask if things are going to be explained soon constitutes as whining and crying these days, eh? As someone who is a spoiler monger, I was tossing out a question - mind you, neither expressing pleasure or displeasure - about the fact that this is indeed what would be considered a vague and mysterious anime, and hoping that some light would be shed somewhere soon. Now, I'd like to see the dictionary in which that's labelled whining and crying, personally.

... "Going their exact way?!" Who said anything about the anime going a "certain way"? I was wondering when the content shown in the first two episodes is going to become clear. No negative sentiment expressed.I dunno; most people consider calling something "WTF!" negative.

His (Shinji103) main gripe is that people keep harping on the fact that it's confusing. It's not really; it's just vague and not telling us much about all the sheer volume of material it's throwing at us without a breath in between. The plot thus far is relatively straightforward. If they don't actually go into the stuff that we want to know (Where did Misao come from? Why is she attached to Tomoharu? Why does the Miko get heterochromia when she activates her powers? What the hell are the mechs doing here?! etc.)... then I'll gripe with them. Until then, I think people should calm down...

...or at least be original in their gripes :). Say something new! Please!

alu546

2009-04-13, 20:45

Though the post sounds like the poster only looked at the pictures and never read the actual text, so as reinforcement, it isn't that certain. Who knows how the text has been, after all?

I guess Id just be shocked if this lasted only 13 episodes without any possibility to carry over to another season. It jpust doesnt feel like they could unless they placed the plot under the world's largest hatchett.

Shinji103

2009-04-13, 22:59

His (Shinji103) main gripe is that people keep harping on the fact that it's confusing. It's not really; it's just vague and not telling us much about all the sheer volume of material it's throwing at us without a breath in between. The plot thus far is relatively straightforward. If they don't actually go into the stuff that we want to know (Where did Misao come from? Why is she attached to Tomoharu? Why does the Miko get heterochromia when she activates her powers? What the hell are the mechs doing here?! etc.)... then I'll gripe with them. Until then, I think people should calm down...Excellent way to put it. As for some of the stuff on Misao pointed out above, the manga does go into that a tiny bit in the first chapter, albeit as I just said it's in the manga and not the anime. (but then, in Japan, where this show is intended to be, it's very easy for fans to get ahold of the manga; they don't care how hard it is to find here in the states :heh: )

The whiners are pretty much just repeating their same gripe over and again here, as they expect to be handed info on a silver platter for some reason. (please note how I'm not saying every person getting on this is a whiner) The plot and story aren't half as confusing as the whiners would like people to believe. Of course there's a lack of answers to certain elements; that's the whole point. What do you think the point is of "keeping viewers in the dark"? :heh:

Then they try to cover themselves with the free speech excuse, or that the people who call on them are more annoying, lol. Doesn't work when you go on and on about something being confusing when it isn't such in the first place. And the latter doesn't work when the people calling on the whining don't rant about it like the whiners. :heh:

Not that I expect anything from serenade at least, of course, lol. It's nothing short of a miracle that he compliments any show, and he's complimented at least two shows this season, maybe three if I recall correctly. I don't ask for more when I already get miracles. :heh:

But anyways, as I've always said, they just keep on going about it, so they can just keep going on about it here while I watch the show and enjoy it. :)

serenade_beta

2009-04-14, 00:09

Not that I expect anything from serenade at least, of course, lol. It's nothing short of a miracle that he compliments any show, and he's complimented at least two shows this season, maybe three if I recall correctly. I don't ask for more when I already get miracles. :heh:

Your "miracle" sure is cheap, huh? :heh:
That's all I complimented? Haa... Gather more info before you make such a declaration. Then again, I can't really expect that from you... :heh:

Doesn't work when you go on and on about something being confusing when it isn't such in the first place. And the latter doesn't work when the people calling on the whining don't rant about it like the whiners.

So you say as you rant/whine about the so called "whiners" by repeating the word and adding " heh "s at the end... Ah, my bad, in your eye, you aren't ranting... Sorry, sorry.

But anyways, as I've always said, they just keep on going about it, so they can just keep going on about it here while I watch the show and enjoy it.

Indeed... Or so you say, but as soon as they do, you start whining about them, right?:heh:

Skyfall

2009-04-14, 01:46

As far as this show is concerned it's a pretty legitimate complaint that there's a lack of solid information.

I disagree about that being a legitimate gripe at this point in the series. In fact, i would go as far as to say having such a gripe makes little sense for now. The show is not confusing to any great degree - it is vague on details for now and we haven't been presented with all that much information about the show's elements, but that is not the same as confusing. Pay attention and connect what dots you can at the moment (and there are dots to connect ... you can derive a fair bit of information already, provided one actually is interested in doing so, and make some decent speculations based on that), and wait for the show to explain more up-front. The protagonist is no less information deprived than we are, so sit down, buckle up, and wait (preferably while sparing a thought or two to what we already actually do know). It is the very beginning of the series - in my view, it is borderline unreasonable to expect all the information when the show has just begun.

Shinji103

2009-04-14, 03:40

Your "miracle" sure is cheap, huh? :heh:
That's all I complimented? Haa... Gather more info before you make such a declaration. Then again, I can't really expect that from you... :heh:Meh, three shows that I watch that yuou complimented anyway. Since one is a miracle I really don't need to look for any of the others the shows you watch to know a miracle is happening already. :p

So you say as you rant/whine about the so called "whiners" by repeating the word and adding " heh "s at the end... Ah, my bad, in your eye, you aren't ranting... Sorry, sorry.PWell, what can I say? I'm not ranting when I'm not ranting. :p If I wanted to whine or rant about all that stuff around here, I'd be doing nothing but making such posts all day.

Indeed... Or so you say, but as soon as they do, you start whining about them, right?:heh:Nah, I ignore tons of your and others' griping all the time. As I said, if I actually wanted to nitpick on everything like that, I'd be busy all day on that alone. Calling on one of the infinite numbers of anime-complainers doesn't have any real benefits since they just keep complaining anyway, as Raiga and I said. So I only do it once in a while when I'm bored and don't have anything better to do.

@Skyfall: Another great way to put it.

Solace

2009-04-14, 04:40

Another way to think about things is to ponder what you already know and go from there, rather than waiting for what you don't know to be explained to you. Part of the "fun" (and I use quotations because not everyone does find it fun) in shows where the plot details are revealed slowly is that it gives more things to discuss. Many shows rely on already explained events and progress from there, but there are some shows, such as this one, that do the explaining and the progressing plot at the same time.

So what do we know? Let's see....

1. The world has already ended.
2. Everyone wants the Asura because it was responsible for what happened.
3. Seems like all of these mysterious people/groups know what happened and are either trying to prevent it or ensure that it does happen.
4. Projections are not actually ghosts, but appear to be connected to the "real" person (friend, family, etc.)
5. Heterochromia is always awesome ~desu!
6. Storing giant robots in suitcases is almost as cool as Big O being summoned by a watch.
7. Tomo is not Roger Smith, unfortunately.

Where was I? Oh yeah, the plot is straightforward, but we're getting the back story in doses. Generally the first half of any series focuses more on introductions and settings, building characters, etc., and then the second half actually digs into the meat of the story and then concludes. It's just too early to be disappointed yet, not when the setup so far has been pretty interesting.

Anyone who has seen Sola knows exactly what I'm talking about. ^^

sirn

2009-04-14, 06:41

spawnofthejudge

2009-04-14, 07:07

It is the very beginning of the series - in my view, it is borderline unreasonable to expect all the information when the show has just begun.*dances and claps*

So what do we know? Let's see....

1. The world has already ended.
2. Everyone wants the Asura because it was responsible for what happened.
3. Seems like all of these mysterious people/groups know what happened and are either trying to prevent it or ensure that it does happen.
4. Projections are not actually ghosts, but appear to be connected to the "real" person (friend, family, etc.)
5. Heterochromia is always awesome ~desu!
6. Storing giant robots in suitcases is almost as cool as Big O being summoned by a watch.
7. Tomo is not Roger Smith, unfortunately.Six nearly made me laugh aloud at work :upset:

The word 'projection' implies that the true source would still exist if the projection is destroyed (wink-wink-nudge-nudge), which made me feel better the instant I thought of it.

I want to hear Hisui talk, since she seems to be the Student Council President's Dead Little Sister. I wonder if, in order to be a handler, the projection used has to be a loved one? (...manga people, you aren't allowed to talk to me ;))

Kristen

2009-04-14, 08:08

Back to the “how many episodes”-topic, there is some rumor flying around in 2ch saying Asura Cryin’ will be separated two-seasons, just like White Album. The second season will start broadcasting in Fall 2009.

Don’t know how reliable is this, but appeared to be the same source as that 9-episodes MUNTO (which is true) and Toaru Kagaku no Railgun in 2010 (which is half-true, since it’s in 2009), etc.

It makes sense. The show seems to have far too much material to warrant just a single 13 episode season.

I sure hope it is, at least. It's a very good show so far and is entertaining me. ^.^

Skyfall

2009-04-14, 08:13

1. The world has already ended.

Indeed. And according to the narrative at the end of ep2, said event "happened" 719 days in to future. (Implying the world started over again, or either because "time went back" .. obviously with some individuals being aware of what happened). This seems to what the crack-smoking landlord was referring to as well with his spiral talk and the comment when resting his gramophone.

2. Everyone wants the Asura because it was responsible for what happened.

That doesn't seem to be the case going by end of ep2. (Though liable to change i would assume as well, depending on circumstances). For now, it seems 'demons' and Asura Machines came to exist because the world already ended once. How and Why ? We will have to wait for more to find that out. (Though this is Tomo's own interpretation, and could be wrong).

3. Seems like all of these mysterious people/groups know what happened and are either trying to prevent it or ensure that it does happen.

It is kinda hard to say what the specific groups want at the moment. Reishiro and his Holy Guards seem like a bunch of self-righteous religious nutcases, with the immediate goal to secure the Asura Machines under their control. Aside from Reishiro and his Asura, seems like they consist of normal grunts.

Hard to say anything about Dark Society, as we know virtually nothing about them. Except for the fact they are not ready to move yet, so i guess that means Shuri is acting on her own for now. (Possibly at request from Tomo's brother, who seems a quite well known existence). If Shuri is anything to go buy, they would consist of 'enhanced' humans, as per her performance in ep1.

Not much is clear about Takatsuki group, aside from them initially being after the suitcase as well, but they seem to have backed down for now, now that Tomo has been established as the handler.

Kanade just seemed interested in keeping the suitcase out of harm's way ... now that that has failed, i assume she will keep siding with Tomo, to whatever end. She (and i assume rest of Takatsuki family members as well, likely) obviously gets the "demon" label because of her fire powers and increased physical capabilities, though i wonder how literal those words actually are. Well, she seems rather well informed of the situation, so i guess she will be largely responsible for shedding more light for Tomo in the future.

On that note, i found it rather funny how she hates her family, but her father insists of throwing a fit about someone getting close to her regardless :heh:

4. Projections are not actually ghosts, but appear to be connected to the "real" person (friend, family, etc.)

They are indeed projections of the real person, one that is sealed within the Asura Machine as 'sacrifice', as stated by Kanade. I guess that means Misao is sealed inside said black Asura (with all the life support attached as seen at end of ep1), but unaware of it, which is likely why she got the 'weird feeling' when staring at the suitcase at end of ep1. I would assume getting her out won't be as simple as ripping the machine apart and retrieving her body though :)

spawnofthejudge

2009-04-14, 08:37

the crack-smoking landlordNo wonder Tomoharu tripped shortly afterward.
That doesn't seem to be the case going by end of ep2. (Though liable to change i would assume as well, depending on circumstances). For now, it seems 'demons' and Asura Machines came to exist because the world already ended once. How and Why ? We will have to wait for more to find that out. (Though this is Tomo's own interpretation, and could be wrong).I think it was more that everyone but the Dark Society wanted someone other than Tomoharu to have it. I wonder what the rules are for handlers, given that a handler (Student Council President - Reishiro?) wanted the Asura Machina that Tomo has, while he already has a mech (... is his also an Asura Machina, or is Tomo's the Asura Machina?)
It is kinda hard to say what the specific groups want at the moment. Reishiro and his Holy Guards seem like a bunch of self-righteous religious nutcases, with the immediate goal to secure the Asura Machines under their control. Aside from Reishiro and his Asura, seems like they consist of normal grunts. At the very least, nothing that a devil (Akuma) can't handle.Hard to say anything about Dark Society, as we know virtually nothing about them. Except for the fact they are not ready to move yet, so i guess that means Shuri is acting on her own for now. (Possibly at request from Tomo's brother, who seems a quite well known existence). If Shuri is anything to go buy, they would consist of 'enhanced' humans, as per her performance in ep1. And her comments in Episode two, thanking the Dark Society for her abilities. Also, Tomoharu's brother seems to have some control over the actions of the society, since the Chemistry club was made for his little brother (or so Shuri tells us). At the very least, I'm assuming that Tomo was hand-picked by his brother to be the handler of this Asura Machina. But why?Not much is clear about Takatsuki group, aside from them initially being after the suitcase as well, but they seem to have backed down for now, now that Tomo has been established as the handler.

Kanade just seemed interested in keeping the suitcase out of harm's way ... now that that has failed, i assume she will keep siding with Tomo, to whatever end. She (and i assume rest of Takatsuki family members as well, likely) obviously gets the "demon" label because of her fire powers and increased physical capabilities, though i wonder how literal those words actually are. Well, she seems rather well informed of the situation, so i guess she will be largely responsible for shedding more light for Tomo in the future.Interesting that Kanade was very insistant on the terminology (A-ku-ma!!!). I wonder what she gains by helping Tomoharu out? Initially she was running away from him, and only began to protect him when he and she got... erm... caught in a comprimising position.They are indeed projections of the real person, one that is sealed within the Asura Machine as 'sacrifice', as stated by Kanade. I guess that means Misao is sealed inside said black Asura (with all the life support attached as seen at end of ep1), but unaware of it, which is likely why she got the 'weird feeling' when staring at the suitcase at end of ep1. I would assume getting her out won't be as simple as ripping the machine apart and retrieving her body though :)I got the implication that Misao was initially separated from her body when Tomo was injured (as we're shown in the pre-OP episode one), but there're also implications that Tomo made this happen. Or possibly his brother, but it sounds like Tomo talking to that mysterious doctor, and it would make sense that the subject is Misao, especially with the discussion of saving the subject's life. This also lends credence to the repeated time-flow or time-spiral. Tomo chooses to try again in order to save Misao?

Clearly we'll be hearing more about Tomoharu's brother, though.

:twitch: Wild idea: Does he even have a brother? Is his 'older brother' merely himself in previous incarnations? :eyespin:

Skyfall

2009-04-14, 09:00

:twitch: Wild idea: Does he even have a brother? Is his 'older brother' merely himself in previous incarnations? :eyespin:

Now that ...is an interesting thought indeed. I was originally going to answer to your question of "At the very least, I'm assuming that Tomo was hand-picked by his brother to be the handler of this Asura Machina. But why?" that the reason would likely be Misao being sealed inside said machine, and that Tomo would want to save her (I don't believe it is mentioned in the series yet, but in the show's summary the two are noted as childhood friends) ... but your crazy idea could play in to that nicely. Said "flashback" with the scientist woman might have happened in the 'future' (or the previous world that already ended), and might have been Tomo arranging for his past self to get a hold of the case (possibly pick up where his future self failed?). It would also tie in to the "Is that your choice ? It will make you suffer" -> "If that is what's needed to save her") ... as in - he knows he is subjecting himself (his past self) to trouble, but is willing to do so in order to save Misao.

A crazy thought ... and pure speculation, but an interesting one indeed :)

spawnofthejudge

2009-04-14, 09:06

A crazy thought ... and pure speculation, but an interesting one indeed :)Clearly I've been watching/playing far too many Groundhog Day-event stories lately, but I really like my crazier ideas. :p

I'm gonna stick with this until next episode proven otherwise. ;)

Zippicus

2009-04-14, 09:44

I disagree about that being a legitimate gripe at this point in the series. In fact, i would go as far as to say having such a gripe makes little sense for now. The show is not confusing to any great degree - it is vague on details for now and we haven't been presented with all that much information about the show's elements, but that is not the same as confusing. Pay attention and connect what dots you can at the moment (and there are dots to connect ... you can derive a fair bit of information already, provided one actually is interested in doing so, and make some decent speculations based on that), and wait for the show to explain more up-front. The protagonist is no less information deprived than we are, so sit down, buckle up, and wait (preferably while sparing a thought or two to what we already actually do know). It is the very beginning of the series - in my view, it is borderline unreasonable to expect all the information when the show has just begun.

Well that goes to my comment (also in the post that was quoted from) that people have varying levels of tolerance to this kind of thing. No matter how you look at it there's been people coming to this thread asking what the hell is going on, and nobody can really answer them with any degree of certainty :p

Whether that's a good or bad thing I'll leave up to the individual viewer.

serenade_beta

2009-04-14, 10:03

Meh, three shows that I watch that yuou complimented anyway. Since one is a miracle I really don't need to look for any of the others the shows you watch to know a miracle is happening already. :p.

It seems that if I compliment just one, it's a miracle to you, huh? Well, I can't help it if you think that way, now can I? Though you are clearly underestimating me.

Well, what can I say? I'm not ranting when I'm not ranting. :p If I wanted to whine or rant about all that stuff around here, I'd be doing nothing but making such posts all day..

So I guess this argument ends... It is clear that you see what others say as whining and that your post, which isn't any better in that, is not. So what can I do? I can say you are ranting all day and you'd only think the other. On the other hand, I could say that the ones you say are "whining" are not, and you wouldn't believe it.
I mean, let's use Change of Pace as an example. First post on this thread about the fact he can't understand the story. And what do you do? Start moaning and complaining over people whining over stuff. Yet you have more posts groaning over such a thing but don't see yours as whining. Almost like you are trying to label any badmouthing of the anime as "whining".

Nah, I ignore tons of your and others' griping all the time. As I said, if I actually wanted to nitpick on everything like that, I'd be busy all day on that alone. Calling on one of the infinite numbers of anime-complainers doesn't have any real benefits since they just keep complaining anyway, as Raiga and I said. So I only do it once in a while when I'm bored and don't have anything better to do.

I see, I see... :rolleyes:

alu546

2009-04-14, 11:54

*dances and claps*

Six nearly made me laugh aloud at work :upset:

The word 'projection' implies that the true source would still exist if the projection is destroyed (wink-wink-nudge-nudge), which made me feel better the instant I thought of it.

I want to hear Hisui talk, since she seems to be the Student Council President's Dead Little Sister. I wonder if, in order to be a handler, the projection used has to be a loved one? (...manga people, you aren't allowed to talk to me ;))What if the projection has to be a relative?

Yes, I knowi i ruined it for you :o

In any event, we know now that Misao is "sorta" alive now (depends on your definition). Im more interested in why there are giant robots and what exactly happenedto the world.

I also wonder if the term Asura Machina has any relationship to Deus Ex Machina, and can make miracles happen, like the world being restored after being destroyed?

spawnofthejudge

2009-04-14, 12:04

What if the projection has to be a relative?

Yes, I knowi i ruined it for you :o

In any event, we know now that Misao is "sorta" alive now (depends on your definition). Im more interested in why there are giant robots and what exactly happenedto the world.

I also wonder if the term Asura Machina has any relationship to Deus Ex Machina, and can make miracles happen, like the world being restored after being destroyed?I like discussions! You have not ruined anything! ...Though I'd hate for that to be the case.

Misao, or the projection thereof, can be 'destroyed'. Or made to explode into sparks. And this affects Tomo in some way.

Deus Ex Machina literally means "God out of the machine"... it's quite a stretch to say any reference to the word "machina" is supposed to hearken to that phrase.