Kamichama Karin (TV Series)

[Pellissier]

What I have to say about episode 1 is not much different from what the majority has already stated. So, I'll be short.

The beginning was quite "what the heck?! " , I understand stories starting from a point and then rewinding to the prequel, but at least make that start understandable. So, after 3-4 minutes of intense fog, the show became clearer to my eyes. But perhaps that wasn't a good idea and I was falling asleep as of minute 8.
Fortunately the moeness began and the episode quite reversed the way where it was previously headed. Bringing to a second half actually enjoyable and more pleasurable.
It certainly helps to have my favourite seiyuu number 3 (Nakahara Mai) as Karin.

First reference - So at it helps to have Tomoyo-ch ... err I mean Himeka, as the moeness queen.



On the left, Himeka, on the right Tomoyo (Card Captor Sakura). Uncanny resemblance.

Second reference - I actually was expecting Nakahara Mai - Karin to say "Omochikaeri!!" , meaning "(So cute) to bring it home!" , which was one of her top lines as Ryuugu Rena in Higurashi.



On the left, Karin saying "Kawaiii! Chotto Urayamashi-zo" ("Cute!! I'm a bit envious!") on the right Rena (Higurashi) in her "omochikaeri" mode. The fact they share the same seiyuu is hilarious.

I'll leave out the Pita Ten chardes similarities since Kazune clearly seems a copy of Ayanokouji , while the goddess version of Karin gets quite close to Misha.

Anyway, the twist at the ending was not bad, though I do wonder if the whole is my cup of tea. Decision delayed to episode 2. And as monir said, I'll have to put away the Pita Ten flag I had prepared despite the similar art design and general anticipations. Hopefully next time! ^^

[Skyfall]

^ i am certainly sticking with it. (un)fortunately i clicked on a link that directed me to the Wiki page and there i was hit by a HUGE manga spoiler. I got hugely spoiled, which is a bad thing... on the bright side - i now have all the motivation i need to follow this, because i definitely want to see how they deliver some of the stuff i consider pretty twisted from those spoilers. i foresee a lot of angst.

[Saber Cherry]

Originally Posted by Pellissier

On the left, Himeka, on the right Tomoyo (Card Captor Sakura). Uncanny resemblance.

My thoughts exactly.

From the "Some things just don't translate well" department:

In the name of Uranus, we offer the ecstasy of love before you!

Also, since when was Hades a good guy who likes people offering love in his name?

Originally Posted by Skyfall

5 seconds in to the OP my first thought was ... Rozen Maiden! This and the OP of RM are disturbingly similar

Again, my thought exactly. However, I like the original Rozen Maiden OP, and I like Noir's OP, and I like various other Ali Project pieces, but wow... this really illustrates (to me) their potential to make truly horrific music.

[niwasatou]

Uhh, what, moe? You guys do know that this is shoujo, yes?
I'm gonna go and get the sixth volume asap, bought 4 and 5 a few days ago and am hooked.

I particularly liked the ED, by the way (only one to mention it?!). The OP just didn't match, as much as I like Ali Project, bleh.

[monir]

Spoiler for episode 2:

So the Megane-ko offers to revive Karin's pet from the dead if she gives up her ring to him. The plan to steal Karin's ring by Megane-ko is thwarted thanks to our dashing hero Kazune-kun. (I simply love Sawashiro Miko's voice when she voices a male character.) Karin wanders why both of these boys think she has goddess power. She wants to have a chat with Kazune-kun which is scheduled for the next day. On the way to Kazune-kun's mansion, we find out Kazune-kun doesn't like spring season. His lovely sister, the cutie pie of that universe loves the spring on the other hand. The reason of course is there are plenty of bugs available during that time of the year. I think I can come to adore bugs too simply because HIMEKA-chan finds them adoring..

Anyway, moving on. Inside his luxurious mention, Kazune-kun explains how Karin may tap into her goddess power over tea and delicious chocolate cake.

*monir drools.

Himeka-chan sees a crow near the french window, and tries to tell Kazune-kun about it. Kazune-kun has important thing to talk to Karin, so he asks Himeka-chan not to distract him at the moment. Himeka-chan acknowledges and quickly goes to have a chat with the crow. The crow has a piece of paper in it's beak. It drops the paper to Himeka-chan extended hand. A bit later, Karin notices Himeka-chan isn't there. After a moment of pondering, Kazune-kun recalls Himeka-chan mentioned about a crow. He and Karin go to investigate about Himeka-chan's whereabout near the place where Karin's pet is buried. There they meet Meagne-ko. He doesn't understand what is taking Himeka-chan so long to arrive in the scene even though he sent specific instruction delivered by a crow. Of course! That paper must have had some specific instruction for our easy going cutie-pie Himeka-chan. But what those instructions could be? Enter Himeka-chan with a cage full of butterflies/moths/despicable flying critters which renders Kazune-kun immobile for his utter fear for the bugs life.

That fiend. Megane-ko has planned for this. He now can direct his attack to the vulnerable Karin because she only gets 30 on her tests most of the time. That ring is almost his. Karin must do something, for the fiend has quickly over powered both Himeka-chan and Kazune-kun. She doesn't know how to bring forth her goddess power either for she was having problem following the long winded and boring explanation which was given to her earlier by Kazune-kun on how to bring forth the goddess power.

Oh, the tragedy. What to do? What to do?

Of course! She must protect these two people. She prays to Kami-sama to give her power. Oh my gosh! A pronounced sound of a heart beat. It's Karin. She is about to transform. Look out. Run for your life you foul villain, megane-ko. But Megane-ko quickly reasons since Karin exactly doesn't know how to use her power, he still has a chance. Kazune-kun wakes up from his useless proposition and now is ready to help out Karin. He asks Karin to focus some of her power on the tip of his arrow that is taut and ready to fire at meagane-ko. She does it. Kazune-kun fires. Megane-ko vamooses. Karin passes out on Kazune-kun's hand.

So why have I watched this episode, I ask myself. That's because of Himeka-chan. Her cuteness just brightens my screen. As was my faith in something so cute as Himeka-chan, that I'm rewared once again. And this time the reward comes from the preview.

Spoiler for preview for episode 3:

I wish I didn't watch it because it gives away one of the potentially rare surprise this show ever may hold. Either way, my faith in Himeka-chan hands out a huge dividend as evident from the following screen.

Can I categorize Himeka-chan as a loli? I ask in case an expert is lurking in this thread who are very accurate at passing judgement if a cutie-pie can indeed be labeled as loli. This thread needs a few gifs and aviators dedicated to capturing Himeka-chan's petable cuteness.

[Pellissier]

Originally Posted by monir

[cut] ...This thread needs a few gifs and aviators dedicated to capturing Himeka-chan's petable cuteness.

How can one stay cold when a person open his heart this much ? XD
So here are some gifs and aviators of Himeka-ojousama ^^

[Skane]

Good grief, those GIFs ooze with "disgusting" cuteness, and I mean that in a good way.

The Cute!

[Saber Cherry]

Originally Posted by Pellissier

Tomoyo GETTO! Tough choice between those two, though... both so adorable

[Kaioshin Sama]

Oh my gods its Card Captor Sakura Remix. You know I actually really want to see some of this. I think I'll download as I have tons of space at the moment. Also like in CCS, from what I hear Karin has a penchant for inflicting bodly injury on those that upset her, kind of like Sakura with Touya. Will the similarities stop here? Hmmmmm..... Right then, now for sleep lest I do something stupid again when I'm tired (I already kind of have tonight)

[Karnot]

I like the original Rozen Maiden OP, and I like Noir's OP, and I like various other Ali Project pieces, but wow... this really illustrates (to me) their potential to make truly horrific music.

Desho ? Really, most of Ali Project's "songs" are illustrations how to break rythm and melody into ugly cacofony, yet still be popular to no end. I believe the only decent piece they have is the ending in Geass.

[Kaioshin Sama]

Originally Posted by Karnot

Desho ? Really, most of Ali Project's "songs" are illustrations how to break rythm and melody into ugly cacofony, yet still be popular to no end. I believe the only decent piece they have is the ending in Geass.

Their songs all kind of sound the same I find. I heard the Geass one first and then I was watching Rozen Maiden and it sounded the same, so I sought out a video of the Traumend one and its pretty much the same song.

After seeing this one, it breaks the pattern and kind of sounds like a cross between 20's Swing Dancing and 20's Jazz.

[monir]

Originally Posted by Pellissier

How can one stay cold when a person open his heart this much ? XD

Pelli, did I ever tell you that you are alright? Yes Pelli, you are alright. Thanks!

Originally Posted by Karnot

Desho ? Really, most of Ali Project's "songs" are illustrations how to break rythm and melody into ugly cacofony, yet still be popular to no end. I believe the only decent piece they have is the ending in Geass.

Precisely my point. I could seriously do without their lyrics. The music itself are very rich, but the lyrics always turns me off from most of their songs which is why I fail to understand their popularity.

[iwubanime]

i too thought the OP was like a cut-n-paste copy of RM, even though i haven't watched RM, i've seen the OP...

one thing that makes me wonder is i looked on anidb and this show has a rating of 5. something... i mean i know everyone has different tastes but yeesh...

But yeah, the first episode was interesting, I'm assuming that that was some sort of flashback. Although I have no idea

[niwasatou]

Originally Posted by monir

Spoiler for preview for episode 3:

I wish I didn't watch it because it gives away one of the potentially rare surprise this show ever may hold. Either way, my faith in Himeka-chan hands out a huge dividend as evident from the following screen.

Oh,

Spoiler for Manga Volume 5!:

Kirika Kirika is lovely
Although I prefer the short-haired human (not-god) form :3

Gonna get the second episode now. >w<

[StarCreator]

I was very disappointed with the animation this episode... episode 1 had a few off-moments, but episode 2 isn't even passable:

Spoiler:

I really hope things pick up next week... but I hope people enjoy the episode regardless x_X

[Saber Cherry]

Originally Posted by StarCreator

I was very disappointed with the animation this episode... episode 1 had a few off-moments, but episode 2 isn't even passable:

Spoiler:

Kowaiiii~ desu!

[orion]

OMG!!!

Spoiler for ep. 2:

I couldn't believe it. Karin did a homage to Sailor Moon!

This girl is violent. She said "Kill him...".

The Goddess of Mercy is definitely not inside her.

I love the OP. I think it's better then RM's OP.

[StarCreator]

Originally Posted by orion

OMG!!!

Spoiler for ep. 2:

I couldn't believe it. Karin did a homage to Sailor Moon!

Spoiler:

I have to admit the line is a slight stretch for comedic effect... it does translate more literally to "If you don't tell me soon, I, Karin-chan here, will punish you!" Her poses were highly reminiscent (but not exactly the same) of Sailor Moon's though, and the meaning was similar, but the line isn't the "oshiokiyo" that Sailor Moon delivers. Whether or not it's close enough to be considered an homage is probably up to interpretation...

You guys should have seen what the "Kill him dead" line was in earlier script revisions...

[Kaioshin Sama]

Originally Posted by StarCreator

I was very disappointed with the animation this episode... episode 1 had a few off-moments, but episode 2 isn't even passable:

Spoiler:

I really hope things pick up next week... but I hope people enjoy the episode regardless x_X

Oh Ma Gods, The Greys finally made the Alien/Human Hybrid and its "That Guy".

Also, has anyone noticed the lyrics to the opening song.

First Stanza "Darling Open Your Eyes, I want the treasure everybody's been fighting for so badly at the hall in the centre of this world. You can't escape from here, imprisoned pale-faced prince...for I am the goddess here" (Clearly showing that these are words coming from Karin)

Second Stanza "You have to fight for and poach everything, you'll surely fall into the trap I've laid. God do I want to tear you to pieces"

Also every further time Karin appears on the screen there are some creepy lyrics like "A Dark Virgin Mary resides in the nightless sky, writhe in the quicksand of my continuing delusions and reality crashing down". My reaction to this is the same is his.

"Darling raise your voice, if you want to return to earth as much as these demonic hands of mine want you, then let me tell your prayers are becoming nothing more than resounding echoes...."

After this point in Karin's little bit of threats and a superimposed picture of her looking really cute I was already terrified beyond words. I haven't even started the episode yet.

So am I supposed to assume that Karin is going to take this power and abuse it as some sort of psycopathic loli-girl with a goddess complex or something?

Watching the episode... WHAT THE....HELL?!

Spoiler:

I AM GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD, is that supposed to be a cat, what a cool looking-boy , POW RIGHT IN THE KISSER , holy crap she's pissed that's right, I'd be getting out of there too if I were you, stop showing the goddamn steet lamp already, SUCKTASTIC, Last Place, AHHHH THAT BOY AGAIN, ANGRY KARIN, Crash, Loli in compromising post, WOW THAT GIRL'S PRETTY (Karin's Words), CAT FACED KARINE'D, LOLI LESBIAN TENSIONE'D, Freaking Street Lamp again, PLOT TWISTE'D, Jerky Boy is Himeka's Cousin, POW RIGHT IN THE KISSER (This guy just doesn't stand a chance anymore does he), Karin holds her tremendous temper, but WAIT the fists of Fury and....Parryed (The guy is learning), God Power Activate For First Time and PURSE THROWE'D (Jeez Louise this girl is freaking violent), And now she's aged like 5 years and looks extremely arrogant, PERFECTION (with arrogance), I SUMMON RAINSTORM, Humbled, I am Standing Right Outside Your Window (Himeka), Loli Crouch and I'm all alone, I'VE FOUND YOU MWHAHAHA,

Seriously, was this written by Strong Bad, either way I kind of like it.

Okay so Karin is kind of borderline psychotic and somewhere inbetween Sakura from CCS and Punie-Chan from Dai-Mahou Touge with a tilt towards punie. That said one major criticism I have of this series so far is that it has some of the laziest animation I have seen in a while. Hardly anything really moves and when it does its very little. Also when somebody is talking they constantly seem to be getting around showing lip flaps be it always showing the person who's listening, the ground, some object (Street Lamp) or a shot from an angle where the mouth is obscured (above the umbrella). Also the scene transitions seem to be almost Soap Opera Commerical Break like where everyone just kind of freezes in place (dramatic tension) as the show gets ready to go to commercial, except here they do it every time almost and it pauses for like 5 seconds or more instead of 2 like in a Star Trek episode. I hope this improves, but the idea that it occures in episode one (which is usually one of the best animated episodes of any series being the hook episode) worries me a bit. I suppose I can live with it though as the show is just way to damn goofy and bizarre.

[Dandruff]

I would love for that to happen then xDD