Negima Episode 13 Discussion / Poll

[xris]

Welcome to the discussion thread for Negima, Episode 13!

Thread Guidelines

• No telling or asking for raws.
• Try to keep spoilers from the Manga out of the anime thread.
  If you need to in reply to someone with a reference to the Manga, either PM them or use clearly marked Spoiler tags (see example below).
• Discuss your expectations of the episode if not aired.
• Be polite to your fellow forum members.
• Try to keep the discussion on topic and future episode spoilers out of the thread whenever possible.

Spoiler Tag Example

[spoiler=title]Don't forget to use a title for the spoiler![/spoiler]

...becomes...

Spoiler for title:

Don't forget to use a title for the spoiler!

[TnAdct1]

Episode 13 was a mixed bag IMO.

Spoiler:

The good: The current arc (with Negi and his students being stuck in the same castle from episode 6) definitely shows some promise, with things looking to picking up thanks to Asuna “opening Pandora’s door”.

The bad: While the space bit was indeed funny, that and the dinosaur bit ended up wasting so much potential. Two big examples of what I mean by “wasted potential”:

1. A great fight scene. After seeing Ako, Sakurako, and Satsuki becoming possessed by the fire fairy, I was waiting for Negi to finally return to his human form so that way we can see his Ministra Magi take on those girls. Unfortunately, thanks to the subplots: Negi is still a Chupacabra; Takahata ends up sealing the fairy instead; the Armor forms of Kaede, the twins, and Nodoka’s fellow Library Trio members are being held back for another episode; and some possible coolness from Ako and Satsuki is wasted.

2. Makie and Ku Fei. Personally, these two definitely deserve their own episodes. Hence, it’s disappointing to see their “moment in the spotlight” is wasted on comedy subplots instead of episodes in which they can finally shine (and possibly make a Pactio with Negi).

[Vexx]

You'd think that someone who could pull off Moon Phase and Pani Poni Dash could handle this series with his eyes closed, but it looks more and more like Shinbo is in over his head. I just really get the feeling of watching a juggler with a few more objects in the air than he is comfortable with.

I went into the series loving the re-interp and the fresh style but the back of my brain is starting to chirp "trainwreck ahead.... *glorious* trainwreck... but still a trainwreck". It may have a lot of action but the series is based on material that, at its heart, is still character-driven.

In the manga, whatever Ken A. thinks he is doing ("I'm a doing an action manga, yo!"), Negima is still pretty much character-driven entertainment and that needs to be tended to in the anime or the people with the wallets may be unamused.

Just how *is* this series doing with the Japan fans? Anyone got some ratings or anecdotal noises?

[Cai Calamigarde]

New opening was funny !!

I don't know how was the earlier Negima... But this is not that bad. I am against fanservice after all...

[TnAdct1]

Originally Posted by Cai Calamigarde

New opening was funny !!

Oh yeah, the new OP was definitely enjoyable with the characters in their "suka" forms, especiallay at the end where seal Nodoka catches up with Chupacabra Negi (those two definitely deserve each other IMO). Also,

Spoiler:

I'm starting to wonder if the non-Ministra Magi students that appear in this OP will eventually make Pactios with Negi in this series (once he regains his magic powers), since there's only six other students besides the Ministra Magi in the OP.

BTW, another thing that was great in the most recent episode: the next episode preview, with

Spoiler:

Chachamaru going into "nekomimi mode" and the Chachazero cameo.

[relentlessflame]

Originally Posted by Vexx

Just how *is* this series doing with the Japan fans? Anyone got some ratings or anecdotal noises?

We'll have to wait for DVD sales to get a true sense, but I can tell you that TV ratings to the end of November weren't bad (1.5 to 2.3, which is double what the previous show in the timeslot was doing), and it seems to have a fair bit of buzz (41+ threads on 2ch, for example). The first DVD is the 168th best-selling DVD on Amazon at the moment over a month before release, which isn't too bad (of course, Haruhi disc 7 is number 4). Of course that's all anecdotal at this point, but it doesn't seem to be a flop.

Personally, I think it's too early to call the series a trainwreck or to say the director's in over his head, but we'll see what happens. As you say, we can only wait to see what the people with the wallets decide. I'm still enjoying the show a great deal, personally.

[Vexx]

Thats my little bipolar issue ... I'm enjoying the hell out of it, mostly because I set aside my expectations from the manga. Its a wonderfully goofy little show even down to the occasional "Asuna's hair does mime" moments.

[TnAdct1]

Originally Posted by Vexx

Thats my little bipolar issue ... I'm enjoying the hell out of it, mostly because I set aside my expectations from the manga. Its a wonderfully goofy little show even down to the occasional "Asuna's hair does mime" moments.

Similar thing here. I'm well aware of how this series is going to be different when compared to the manga, and I do enjoy the comedy moments involving the other students. However, I kinda wish that the people working on this show can have a better idea of how to handle more "serious" plotlines, as too much "side character" comedy bits can result in disappointment when it comes to the more interesting main story involving Negi, his Ministra Magi, and the "main student of the episode".

[USCPharmacist]

This is Pani Pani Dash 2.....and I hate that show, so I give this episode a one...in a good way...

Ok man, that's it, I am probably not going to care much about this show when I could not finish this episode.

[Deathkillz]

lol yea definatly the new OP was like WTF!? O.o but funny as hell XD

okey onto the ep...

Spoiler:

negi turns out pathetic imo ~ sure hes a Chupacabra now but still he should ne be as unstable as he is...seeing him as a "damsel in distress" type does not fit at all...it just makes him look stupid and weak...i mean why the heck did he hold back eva >.<

and the narrator just takes the piss in this ep imo first there was "negi dameeeee!!" next it was "Sayonara makie" XD i duno whether to love his voice or to punch the guy in the face for being a jerk lol ~

the plot was a mixed bag...fancy humor with an underlining serious plot (somewat)

dam i cant think of whats gonna happen next

[Vexx]

Originally Posted by USCPharmacist

This is Pani Pani Dash 2.....and I hate that show, so I give this episode a one...in a good way...

Ok man, that's it, I am probably not going to care much about this show when I could not finish this episode.

I enjoyed PPD... but I did take up this series to watch Negima of some sort, not a PPD 2 ... so that is my biggest disappointment. I thought Shinbo was going to take a Tsukuyomi Moon Phase twist of the manga originally.
Basically, I enjoy Negima!? as it is if I just treat it as complete total omake (all that comedic silly sidebar stuff you see on the covers of manga or in chapter pages that is just fun silly stuff mostly unrelated to the storyline).

[TnAdct1]

Originally Posted by USCPharmacist

This is Pani Pani Dash 2.....and I hate that show, so I give this episode a one...in a good way...

Ok man, that's it, I am probably not going to care much about this show when I could not finish this episode.

To me, the biggest problem isn't the Pani Poni-like humor, which I'm enjoying, but rather the fact that Shinbou doesn't seem to realize that this type of humor (more specifically, those that involve other students outside of Negi's Ministra Magi) ends up ruining episodes in which viewers like me prefer to see some some character development and action.

[Vexx]

Ah... (slow to make connections), we're agreeing with each other on "some other forum" as well. This dichotomy of enjoying the series while simultaneously thinking "wow, he missed an opportunity big time" just seems to pervade my view of what he's doing with the show.

Just "PPD"ing Negima seems fundamentally lazy on his part to me (assuming he's actually paying attention and not off somewhere drunk and karaoke strolling while the clueless minions just cobble quick gags together and call it an episode).

[TnAdct1]

Originally Posted by Vexx

Ah... (slow to make connections), we're agreeing with each other on "some other forum" as well. This dichotomy of enjoying the series while simultaneously thinking "wow, he missed an opportunity big time" just seems to pervade my view of what he's doing with the show.

Just "PPD"ing Negima seems fundamentally lazy on his part to me (assuming he's actually paying attention and not off somewhere drunk and karaoke strolling while the clueless minions just cobble quick gags together and call it an episode).

One thing to keep in mind: along with Negima!?, Shinbou (the director of this series) is also working on a second anime series this season, Hidamari Sketch. Hence, it's likely that the recent "problems" with the last two episodes could be the result of him putting more focus on the first couple episodes of his new series.

[Vexx]

oye vey... we're screwed then... ah well, enjoy the pretty pictures (though there have been fewer of those) -- the sight of Kaede kitty-stalking Negi in the tent a few episodes back pretty much made the series for me ... talk about guilty pleasure.

[garra113]

Wow dig the song in the begining. I wonder if they gonna release a single for it lol.<---- SOMEONE PLEASE NOTIFY ME IF THIS ACTUALLY HAPPENS!

Back to the ep.
Well the only part i hated in this episode was the begining. When Chamo explain the situation I at least expected them to be shock for in most parts Chisame because she seems like the only character from the manga and the regular anime to be sane

[Wandering_Youth]

Since Mahora fansub group released episodes 10-13, I'm going to comment on those episodes all at once since I don't feel like going into each thread to make a post.

Spoiler:

This anime is getting a bit goofy to a point where I really don't get most of the jokes and gags at all.
Episode 10 was nothing special except for Haruna and Yue blackmailing Nodoka, ha. From episodes 11-12 things basically involves the Negi group running around doing damage control trying to keep Negi's magic secret from being exposed, which wasn't interesting except for the pool part where it showed some of the ladies having fun in the water with their individually odd swim suits. Episode 13 was a bit more interesting and a twist for me because I didn't expect Negi's secret to be blown wide open as it did. I want more character developing for the girls who aren't showed a lot yet, dangit!

*Praise for a Zaizi Rainyday episode*

[KaneDragon]

How about we forget all about Negi and his class and let the rest of the series be about Chachamaru, Eva, and Takamichi wandering around, eating ramen and taking names. Instant win.

Spoiler:

Now why is it that Takahata-sensei doesn't have to worry about being turned into an animal? Perhaps he's just too GAR to be chibi-fied?

Also wondering if Takamichi's going to erase everyone's memories (surely he's more competent at that than Negi), considering how many secrets got dropped this ep.

I did not like the new opening. The background is just a solid color with random tiny chibi-forms moving from side to side. The old OP was so much more dynamic... But yay for a new addition to the ending.

And I was also amused at how chibi-Negi was able to wrest the sword from Eva's hands. He's pretty strong for a chupacabra, lol.

[Shiroth]

Originally Posted by KaneDragon

How about we forget all about Negi and his class and let the rest of the series be about Chachamaru, Eva, and Takamichi wandering around, eating ramen and taking names. Instant win.

You know.. i'm actually pretty shocked that hasn't happened as a ending special. In a good way.

Anyway - i like where the show is going. At least its able to show us all that its allowed to have a plot while the jokes are still going, love it.

[KaneDragon]

Hehe, Takamichi and Eva make such a great team. :3 They share some ramen, Eva breaks random stuff, and Takamichi sneaks up behind the bad guy, says a witty remark, touches the bad guy with his ring, bad guy blows up ("You are already dead" ala FotNS style. :P). Leave some time for cool poses, then they move on to the next town.