(L) Bokurano

[Jiji]

Well, Triad is one of the older groups that I know of, they've gotten a reputation for being solid and fairly reliable with their subs, with good quality all the way around. On their website, I only see one series that they dropped for "suckage", as they put it, and that's their opinion.

I guess I'm saying, don't worry about Triad with Bokurano. The only reason it wouldn't finish under Triad is if it got licensed.

[Kaioshin Sama]

Originally Posted by Nightengale

Watch the show first please before saying anything about seiyuu performance.

And if you already did, you'll realize that they're not as bad as you percieve it to be in their respective roles.

I am not Hoshi and Sugita's biggest fans, but I'd say that their voice acting in Bokurano which employs a different, rougher tone than their "market-moe" voice is pretty good. Hoshi's voice has the flow of "teenage twisted-ness" that reflected Kodoka well while Sugita's has the a stronger "gruff-ness" to it, far from what most people think of their "moe" voices that fangirls scream over. Maybe they're not best seiyuus for their characters, since one would normally associate "Waku" with Hoshi closer since fangirls dig his "Masaru" voice apparently, but I'd say so far, they're doing a good job.

Seiyuus are flexible when they can be.

Hoshi can be flexible I'll give him that (Higurashi proved me wrong on him, but then I got to hear his Kira voice again for Super Robot Wars Alpha 3 last night and....wow), but it seems impossible for Sugita not to fall into his habit of sounding arrogant and freaking out on his own friends and allies (wherein he screams into the recording mic it would seem creating a really unpleasant and slightly distorted audio experience for the viewer). Daichi does not call for any sort of arrogance at all, but military like discipline (which Sugita has been known to turn into arrogant with freakouts in this game I'm playing called Gadget Trial) and that's what worries me. I can almost picture him now freaking out on his siblings who he's supposed to be taking care of.

You are correct though, I haven't seen any Bokurano yet, but Sugita Tomokazu who I have now seen in about 7 roles all played in the exact same "arrogant with freak outs way" (Even Bullet from SRW OG: OVA) has not given me any reason to believe he is flexible. I've taken to comparing him to Adam Sandler recently as I find the characters they are cast as (Sandler of course casting himself a lot of the time) to be similar and I've found Sugita has the same problem Sandler has in trying to do serious non-comedic roles, his usual vocal traits always seem to poke through and ruin his effort. For this reason and the fact that I can only go by what I know (much of his catalogue), I have a feeling he won't be able to carry the disciplined Daichi role.

[Matrim]

Episode four was great, that's the type of one episode long character developent that I guess we will see a lot in this series. I wonder what will motivate the rest of the group to continue with this essentially suicidal missions.

[karumofin]

Spoiler for ep 4:

its kind of sad to see him go, that was my favorite character so far, definately would have made for some interesting stuff later on...
so do i take it right this this is pretty much it and from the next episode on this story will completely derive from the manga? didnt take them very long...

[Shiroth]

karumofin: Episode four has been subbed, so there are no need for spoiler tags.

And yes, episode five is new material --- though its been talked about before, and is the best idea with an anime adaptation of this series.

[piccu]

Originally Posted by Kaioshin_Sama

You are correct though, I haven't seen any Bokurano yet, but Sugita Tomokazu who I have now seen in about 7 roles all played in the exact same "arrogant with freak outs way" (Even Bullet from SRW OG: OVA) has not given me any reason to believe he is flexible.

I agree that he's not flexible; I've heard his voice in (major roles) Kanon2006, Suzuharu, Chobits, HachiKuro and Bokurano; he sounds the same in any of the series I've mentioned. I like his voice since it's on a very pleasant pitch, but there isn't much variety in voice range.
After watching SuzuHaru I've got big difficulties with taking his voice seriously in other series, since Kyon had totally sarcastic and ironic lines.
e.g. Yuuichi talking with a big emotional impact in Mai's arch sounded like an ironic lne as Kyon to me.

[White Manju Bun]

Ok well it was pretty obvious after what happened to Waku that the same thing was gonna happen to Kodama (I think I mispelled that, I still have a hard time keeping the kids straight) but I was surprised that the Dung Bettle actually came out and told them...

Interesting that his dad died in the fight...kinda weird ironcy...

I am loving this anime right now!

[Diedrupo]

Originally Posted by Shiroth

karumofin: Episode four has been subbed, so there are no need for spoiler tags.

And yes, episode five is new material --- though its been talked about before, and is the best idea with an anime adaptation of this series.

ep 5 isn't entirely new, it is basically the

Spoiler:

start of Kako's storyline

anyway, just watched ep 5 (watching it now actually). my comments (manga spoilers included)

Spoiler:

- It's weird seeing Nakama and Daichi in the military base with the other kids.
- Kana actually has lines this episode
- Anyone else noticed that Kanji, Yoko, and Anko have tons of lines every episode? The first two were two of the least noticeable kids in the manga. Makes me wonder if their lengthy screen time was decided because they are among the kids that live the longest.
- WTF is up with Sekimitsu losing his arm instead of the other guy? I guess he won't be playing a side role like he did in the manga.
- Sasami is here, but Tate isn't. Guess he got cut.
- The way Kako is revealed to be the next pilot is actually kind of neat. It's like russian roulette, hah.
- Kako's tatoo is on his damn face!!!
- Kako's name is first in the credits. Much like how Kodama's was first during his episode. They must be doing this whenever it's some kid's particular storyline.
- Chizu is still in love with her teacher, so that whole side story is out the window.

[arkon]

Originally Posted by Kaioshin_Sama

Hoshi can be flexible I'll give him that (Higurashi proved me wrong on him, but then I got to hear his Kira voice again for Super Robot Wars Alpha 3 last night and....wow), but it seems impossible for Sugita not to fall into his habit of sounding arrogant and freaking out on his own friends and allies (wherein he screams into the recording mic it would seem creating a really unpleasant and slightly distorted audio experience for the viewer). Daichi does not call for any sort of arrogance at all, but military like discipline (which Sugita has been known to turn into arrogant with freakouts in this game I'm playing called Gadget Trial) and that's what worries me. I can almost picture him now freaking out on his siblings who he's supposed to be taking care of.

You are correct though, I haven't seen any Bokurano yet, but Sugita Tomokazu who I have now seen in about 7 roles all played in the exact same "arrogant with freak outs way" (Even Bullet from SRW OG: OVA) has not given me any reason to believe he is flexible. I've taken to comparing him to Adam Sandler recently as I find the characters they are cast as (Sandler of course casting himself a lot of the time) to be similar and I've found Sugita has the same problem Sandler has in trying to do serious non-comedic roles, his usual vocal traits always seem to poke through and ruin his effort. For this reason and the fact that I can only go by what I know (much of his catalogue), I have a feeling he won't be able to carry the disciplined Daichi role.

Well the role Sugita Tomokazu has played in the first three or so eps has been fairly small and no freak outs as far as I can remember not that I really agree with your opinion on him anyway. All been very disciplined so far.

[Impz]

Originally Posted by Ronny

Thank you ^^b

And good that you don't spoil yourself, advise that for everyone watching (granted some have been spoiled here and there due to poorly placed tags in the beginning).
I personally love shock surprises, so I'm bummed that I already read the manga before the anime started. This is also why I'm happy with these little changes though, as they are mostly good changes and "fillers" and therefor still keep the element of surprise a little bit for manga readers.

The pilot order is really up for grabs now, as that's already been altered (as long as it remains this good, which it seems, big fat yay)

On your blog post;

Spoiler for Episode 5 spoilers:

First, the one scene that I noticed they changed, was the way Chizu revealed she already had sex. It was fine the way they did it, but in this case i preferred the manga way. I'm putting it in a spoiler tag to be sure, but as it already "happened" I don't think it's a danger to read (however they might add it partially in the next episode, you never know).. except the spoiler within the spoiler!

Spoiler for scene as it was in the manga:

When Kako visited Chizu, they didn't discuss her teacher, nor did she went to visit him with Kako following her. Instead, Kako wanted sex and assaulted Chizu to get some, followed by her "doing something:"

Spoiler for this is a BIG spoiler, DON'T READ:

Spoiler for Seriously, manga readers only, you'll be sorry:

pulling out a knife

to stop it. Afterwards Kako asked 'What's wrong with wanting sex before you die?', to which Chizu revealed she already had sex. I'm fine the way they handled it in the anime, but I just felt this scene added to Kako's mental state and Chizu's coldness, also that something she did to stop him, was sort of important. But all this happened with him knowing he was going to pilot from the start, which isn't the case in the anime.

I agree that Kako's personality annoyed the crap out of me as well, although I hate Jun more, but his storyline is the one that really draws you into the story (which I suppose is good that they moved it up). The previous chapters were all good in their own right, and I was moved by some of them too, but Kako is where I couldn't stop reading anymore.
Finally, I will only say, if you loved this episode, the next one will make you scream in.. i don't know; excitement, shock.. something to that effect hehe.

Ya, to me, manga spoilers are the most evil things ever, and I like to laugh at myself when I made a wrong guess (which by the way happens very darn frequently). Still, it's that feeling of guessing that makes you think a little, even though I watch anime just to be entertained.

Now, I just want to get my hands on Episode 6 and wondered what the hell is happening

[White Manju Bun]

Originally Posted by Impz

Ya, to me, manga spoilers are the most evil things ever, and I like to laugh at myself when I made a wrong guess (which by the way happens very darn frequently).

~Manju thinks of Impz's most recent wrong guess ~

Im actually staying away from Bokurano spoilers at the moment as well. I normally do try to stay away from spoilers but sometimes it just doesnt work....

[Guido]

Finally saw episode four.
After witnessing the emotional cruelty that the game imposes on the players, Bokurano's shock values resort more to psychological violence and the fear of death ever present lurking on anyone.

I am very thankful that each episode separately discusses upon a different child, since I can come to remember their names very easily.

Masaru shaped his ideology based on his father. Basically to him life belongs to the strongest, those who are not afraid to use their instincts and wits to make things or get them the way they please or see fit. People who struggle by any means not bounds by the rules or morals of the community will be victors and earn their survival spot.

Spoiler:

The shock to him comes when his father was caught in the mess between the two giant robots and died casually as consequence.

The truth of reality is that death affects us all no matter how strong or weak, gentle or cruel, and dumb or witty we people are from each other.

People die, and it is true that those who remain cry and mourn for them, but the rest goes on with their lives as if nothing happened.

I find the game of Bokurano a lot frivolous and quite heartless than that of Gantz.

Spoiler:

In Gantz if the players can manage to survive the end of each mission, then they remain alive and be freed until the next mission.

In Bokurano the players are already doomed the moment they sign for the contract. Whether they win or fail the mission it doesn't matter because they'll die anyway.

The reason why seemed that Waku fell right after Ushiro patted him on the shoulder was because Z-Earth used all of his life-force. Likely, he didn't realize he already died by the time he won the first round. What remain of him was his hollow body with a few seconds of consciousness to spare.

But why the need for a selected player to act as the battery to spring the robot to life? If the game collects 15 players, wouldn't be less life threatening if all 15 players at the same time contribute their individual life-force to the robot so as to ensure their survival at the end of each round?

[Shiroth]

Originally Posted by Diedrupo

ep 5 isn't entirely new, it is basically the

Spoiler:

start of Kako's storyline

Spoiler:

Indeed --- didn't notice until i seen the preview at the end of episode four.

Originally Posted by Diedrupo

Spoiler:

- Chizu is still in love with her teacher, so that whole side story is out the window.

Spoiler for Comments, including Manga spoilers:

Hmm, when i first heard about a Bokurano anime, this was the main story i was keeping my mind on. We know there's a lot of hardcore content here. Not just being pregnant, but involving the other guys. Gonzo could have a plan to add in her being pregnant still, which would also include the crazy mix up of pilots later on in the series.

Also, we need the teacher for Kirie's story. Though that can be taken away if you think about it.

Just watched the subbed episode four. Awesome, the fight scene was perfectly done, and at the same time did a great job at showing Kodama's side of him that makes him stand out from the rest of the children.

After this story --- i like to say that Justice has been served.

[orion]

Originally Posted by Shiroth

Spoiler for Comments, including Manga spoilers:

Hmm, when i first heard about a Bokurano anime, this was the main story i was keeping my mind on. We know there's a lot of hardcore content here. Not just being pregnant, but involving the other guys. Gonzo could have a plan to add in her being pregnant still, which would also include the crazy mix up of pilots later on in the series.

Also, we need the teacher for Kirie's story. Though that can be taken away if you think about it.

Spoiler for manga content:

But wouldn't the gang rape and pregnancy be a little controversial content wise? Also, didn't they raise the age of consent in Japan, so the affair would be considered statutory rape?

[Shiroth]

Originally Posted by orion

Spoiler for manga content:

But wouldn't the gang rape and pregnancy be a little controversial content wise? Also, didn't they raise the age of consent in Japan, so the affair would be considered statutory rape?

Spoiler for continue (manga spoilers):

Thats why they'll probably change her story around, though keeping the relationship with her teather in-place.

Still, i REALLY wouldn't mind seeing her manga story in action, though thats asking so much.

[Sorrow-K]

I didn't even realize Sugita was in this series until people brought it up and chose to make a big deal out of it (for whatever reason).

Ep 4.

Decent ep, and, as Matrim puts it, is one of the episode-long character development eps that we'll probably see a lot of in this series. As a story it didn't really have many faults, but I couldn't connect with the drama and it came off a tad tepid. I think part of it is that Kodaka isn't exactly an easy character to sympathize with. I'm glad that this show has a good handle over irony, though

Spoiler for ep 4:

as we saw when Kodaka's ideology got completely backhanded when he killed his own father.

This ep confirms what we all probably realized already. I predict that the fact that the kids now know that piloting Zearth leads to their inevitable devise will create some outstanding drama in the next few eps, since I'd imagine the rest of the cast will be a little more sympathetic, or, failing that, complicated. Should be good.

[Karnot]

Spoiler for Manga content:

So...that means there wont be any mother with "undecent profession" in the anime, too ? Blah !
And i guess Mako wont be saving any neighbour kids fucking around, as well...

[Ronny]

Originally Posted by Karnot

Spoiler for Manga content:

So...that means there wont be any mother with "undecent profession" in the anime, too ? Blah !
And i guess Mako wont be saving any neighbour kids fucking around, as well...

Spoiler for manga blabla:

Those are both from Nakama's chapter. My guess is that the latter's content will be changed, but Nakama will still punch the bitch as that's key. The former I doubt will change, key part to her story, and since in the OP she's seen waiting at a table in the restaurant for a customer, it seems they'll keep that part of her story in tact. Granted, she died before Kako in the manga, so don't know how they'll add the military involvement into her story.

[Karnot]

Actually i just read vols 2-4, and i must say that mangaka is rather obviously obsessed with child sex....how this was approved for television i can only guess.

[Impz]

Episode 6's summary + thoughts is up in my blog, if anyone who has not spoiled himself/herself in the manga yet and wants to have a detailed summary on the proceedings.

Spoiler for ep 6:

Is it just me but they are only 12 right? How in the world did they even think about rape and sex. Kako must be driven way beyond his sane mind to do something so sick like that.