Hige vs. Otaku

Ooh, can anyone smell a thinly valed attempt to catch up on all the shows I’ve neglected to blog? Me too, and it smells like SUCCESS.

Incidentally, NHK has been dropped. Not in the brutal, you-digust-me way — rather, I fell behind after episode five and never caught up. In many ways the apathy I feel towards it speaks more than any embittered rant. Shame, really. Hopefully the manga will be more essential, whenever Tokyopop get around to releasing it.

Honey & Clover (episode 12)
Bless it, I should really give the final episode of one the most important anime for years its own entry, but no. Ultimately there’s not much more to be said. This second series was something of a tour de force in terms of heart-breaking resolution and I’d happily rate it equally with the first, though both are quite different in intention and execution. Even the more bothersome aspects like Hagu’s injury felt legitimised with this final episode (it serving to underpin the need security and stability in her winning suitor). I’m still slightly confused over the nature of Hagu and Shuuji’s relationship. If it was nothing more than platonic, why can’t Hagu have a boyfriend and Shuu as her guardian? It’s a hard nut to crack, so to speak, because there hasn’t been any sexual interest from Shuuji relating to Hagu, apart from that infamous blush I guess, but then when has there ever been anything overtly sexual in Honey & Clover (bar Miyama and Rika in II)? Tricky, and the creepy implications keep the resolution in murky, grey waters. Maybe it’s for the best to avoid sullying an otherwise beautiful, affecting series. Also, I still think Shuuji was gay for Harada. Either way, a solid ending. My only regret is Takemoto’s seeming unimportance towards the end. He and Yamada were my favourites.

Gunbuster 2 (episode 6)
Another finale to a series I’ve thoroughly enjoyed. I want to rewatch all six episodes in relative succession to get a more complete opinion, but generally Gunbuster 2 has had the air of an enjoyable, if flawed, epic. This, its conclusion, felt surprisingly focused and informative considering it’s been quite confusing for most of its run. It kept up the ridiculous flamboyancy that made it so charming and had enough excitement to honour the whole ethos of a finale. I’m not going to pretend it was the perfect OAV, not even the all-hallowed FLCL can claim that, but the Tsurumaki-Sadamoto effect is in full-force enough for me to yield like a loyal fanboy. Fun!

Kemonozume (eps 3 & 4)
The visual style of Kemonozume has gone beyond the initial novelty now and turned into something more fundamental. It may seem superficial to suggest (and obvious), but Kemonozume wouldn’t be as distinctive without it’s unique visual style. Not just aesthetically, but the direction and atmosphere it banks on for most of its impact. It’s hard for the discerning viewer to decide what makes it such an enjoyable show to watch: the pretty pictures, or the more respectable aspects like writing and direction. I’m inclined to think something successful would need both to be of a decent standard and the more I watch the more secure I feel in calling Kemonozume a Good Show. This was only strengthened by episode four’s flashback history lesson, which was fantastic and immensely entertaining. I think having that as a foundation to build on will only benefit future episodes. Plus, it adds a bit of intrigue and mystery to proceeding, which I heartily support.   

Right, that’s enough for now. Lots of things left unsaid, but such is life. Hopefully more protracted blogging coming soon when university stops bludgeoning me violently with, like, schoolwork. It’s just a bit rude, really.

Most would agree that Gunbuster 2* has more in common with its predecessor FLCL than its namesake. My knowledge of the first Gunbuster is incredibly dated, having seen the nasty UK hardsubs version once when I was about twelve, so I’ll refer you to KT for more informed views on Gunbuster 2‘s connection to the original (or lack of). My take is based purely on a love for Kazuya Tsurumaki and Yoshiyuki Sadamoto, so a history lessons this shan’t be. Still, the show neatly represents modern day Gainax and all its trappings. And after a choppy start it’s finally hitting its stride with these latter episodes.

Having such epic waits between each new episode causes inevitable memory issues with what the hell is going on. This isn’t helped by the copious amount of techno babble (god I hate that phrase, appropriate as it is) and a fairly brisk, compressed plot. Luckily, apart from the incomprehensible Sci-Fi Shite™, Gunbuster 2 has enough solid characterisation and dramatic tension to elevate it beyond the host of cliché it indulges. This does no end of good in helping to reintroduce viewers after the lengthy wait, and generally makes the show quite the compelling watch.

Episode five follows the events after Nono’s awakening as Buster Machine No. 7 and the subsequent arse-kicking she gives the giant space monster laying dormant beneath Titan in the variable gravity well. During the battle numerous Topless were killed, with both Larc and Chiko narrowly escaping and hospitalised for injuries. This episode deals with the consequences of Nono’s uberfying and the now-obsolete Topless, as well as humanity’s plans to battle the space monsters with their new, extremely powerful weapon. Notable scenes relate to a flashback of Nono’s discovery by her previous master (the fantastic dog from episode one makes a comeback) entombed in a passing comet; and Nikola’s degradation as he attempts to rape Nono under the skewed assumption he’ll regain his power. The episode concludes with a campaign by the space force to assault the space monster’s nest, using Nono’s abilities to gain safe passage. This all goes a bit tits up when a newer, bigger space monster appears from the Exelio blackhole and Nono/Larc/Dix-Neuf fail to stop it. As the monster prepares to warp and thus proceed to pwn humanity, Nono hesitates and decides to leave Larc and the surviving crew trapped inside the brood. 

Nikola represents one of the more interesting aspects of this episode: the dramatic fall from grace the Topless suffer after being superseded by Nono. This has a rather Evangelion-like feel as the pilots suffer a loss of identity when removed from their Buster Machines and so their reason for existing. This creates an interesting change in dynamic with Topless now ostracised from society rather than celebrated as heroes as they were before No. 7. With their Buster Machines confiscated and restraints placed over their foreheads, the Topless are cruelly suppressed and discarded. This process is quite suggestive of Gainax’s flare for including realistic hints of humanity into their overblown sci-fi plots. But not the humbling, compassionate kind of humanity; the ugly, hypocritical, reactionary humanity that reminds us of our baser selves. For me, this gives the show the kind of weight that maintains my attention beyond all the typical mecha anime conventions.

These obvious conventions are probably what irritate me the most about Gunbuster 2. Is it possible for an anime to have an admiral character that doesn’t look like some distinguished, bearded white-haired old man?  Or an assistant that isn’t studious and viciously tactless? Or have a character simply grunt hysterically as they pull off a special move? Gainax haven’t really pushed the boat out when it comes to originality, they usually being so clever at subverting the norms, and superficially it’s a little dull.  Thankfully the more central characters such as Larc, Chiko, Nikola and even Nono have enough facets to their personalities to make up for the lax supporting cast and cliché that surrounds them. I suppose with this being Gainax’s big celebratory work they’re allowed indulge in some blatant fan service.

Technically speaking the show has lovely OAV quality production values, though it still doesn’t quite complete with the seminal FLCL. The CG is just too obvious. It doesn’t do much to undermine, but it still feels slightly unsophisticated considering what Gainax have achieved in the past (granted, with the help of a certain Production I.G.). Sound-wise it’s all pretty solid stuff; the predominantly orchestral score is suitable of the epic story and the OP/ED themes are catchy J-Pop to the extreme. I’m still fairly limited at judging Japanese voice actors, but Gunbuster 2′s seem cast decent with lots of drama and scope. Nono’s VA gets a little over-hysterical sometimes, but it’s rarely inappropriate.

Conclusion
For all the sci-fi pish trailed off this episode we actually got a lot of interesting bits of information on the nature/creation of the space monsters. A spot of back-story for Nono and lots of dramatic characterization for the Topless also made this a very productive episode all round. I’m not sure if I’d rate this as one of my favourite current series, but with a healthy production budget and enjoyable story-telling Gunbuster 2 is certainly fun and worth the effort. Bring on the conclusion!

*I know Gunbuster 2‘s official name is Aim for the Top! 2 or even Die Buster – both seemingly more appropriate – but for consistency’s sake I’m just going to stick with Gunbuster 2.

—

Director: Kazuya Tsurumaki
Production: GAINAX
Fansubs by Lunar Anime

Director: Kazuya Tsurumaki
Production: GAINAX
Fansubs by Lunar Anime

Story and Characters
Episode three of Aim for the Top 2! actually came as quite a shock when I first viewed it. There was a definite sense that I had missed a couple of episodes in between this and the last episode I believed to be #2. Everything felt more robust; comfortable with its setting, purpose and characters, and the genuine feeling of ‘getting on with it’. This bewildered state wasn’t particularly unnerving – there was no new characters that hadn’t been introduced previously or any major departure from the set-up… it just felt, stylistically and in-tone, a million miles away from episodes 1 & 2. And hell yes, for the better. No gratuitous fan-service to be seen this time either I’m happy to report!

Episode three focuses mostly around the character Chiko, a Bustermachine pilot briefly introduced before but never given much of an explanation. Chiko has a rather strong inferiority complex next to Larc, top-scoring Bustermachine pilot and admired by all, and this is mixed dangerously with a highly competitive streak. In quite brave move from GAINAX (I thought) Chiko loses her Bustermachine at the very beginning of the episode in a foolish attempt to one-up Larc in an effort destroy a massive swarm of aliens flying through space. Not only does this put Chiko in a position of weakness, but also gives her the possibility of being empathised that is rare for these kind of conceited, self-serving characters. When another Bustermachine, Quatre-Vingt-Dix, is built (apparently with only 31 existing in the universe) Chiko arrogantly believes it rightfully belongs to her and immediately sees Nono, protagonist and now Fraternity apprentice showing potential, as a threat. Here the concept of elitism among the Topless, those inherently capable of piloting Bustermachines, is built upon, and also broadened by suggesting fallibility as we discover that Casio was the previous pilot of Dix-Neuf. This all contributes to the robustness I mentioned before and actually gives Aim for the Top 2! are more distinct and interesting flavour. The comparisons to Evangelion are obvious in that the pilots are born with the ability to pilot these powerful mecha but the fact that there’s no hierarchy in the Fraternity, which again is explored this episode as we witness a meeting with other Bustermachine pilots, gives a very unique edge to the show. Chiko’s personality isn’t as deeply psychoanalysed as Asuka, her spiritual Evangelion counter-part, but her childhood promise to a dying friend suits the ligher-hearted nature of the anime and provides a touch pathos and depth – just enough to feel right.

I found it hard to pin-point Kazuya Tsurumaki’s directional style in this episode, which could either mean he didn’t direct or he’s finally shook off his FLCL leanings. Either way things felt very specific to this anime rather than imposing the style of other, such as it felt in the previous two episodes, and it benefits the show no end. It contributes again to the distinct flavour developing and helps us see beyond Tsurumaki’s & GAINAX other work, which is excellent news in my opinion.

Animation
Because most of this episode was set in space it lacked the same lush variety as the previous two, but the quality has by no means suffered. CGI is still used in a slightly obvious-but-appropriate manner and the Bustermachines still aren’t really to my taste (although I appreciated the action figure-like container for Quatre-Vingt-Dix, a wee bit of self-depreciation/parody on Gainax’s part I think). Still, Yoshiyuki Sadamoto’s character designs continue to shine and appease my fanboyish adoration. The monolithic space station that replaces Jupiter in this world was suitably epic, even though I don’t understand how it could have an open roof to allow snow to come through . . . force-fields and all that stuff, maybe? Eh, a minor niggle – it looked damn cool internally and externally. Everything animation-wise is of OAV quality especially during the nifty fight scenes.

Sound
Aim for the Top 2! continues with its music and voice acting maintaining a decent quality. Chiko’s VA stood out in showing a lot of range from being a cute girly voice to deep and serious when required, and the other VAs do a good job as well. And the intro theme tune, ‘Groovin’ Magic’ has officially ingrained itself into my brainmeats now, damn it.

Conclusion
It feels like Aim for the Top 2! is hitting its stride as an anime with this episode, as well as showing some of that Gainax flare for intelligence and, dear I say, subtly that the previous two episodes lacked. It acknowledges the fact that it’s working on limited time and wastes none of it in establishing the wider themes at work. The Fraternity is shown as a functioning entity (warts and all) and this goes great way to giving the show credibility and character. Nono comes across as silly-charming rather than bloody-annoying this time, which is good seeing as she’s the protagonist and all. And the supporting cast are expanded upon without the episode losing focus. A much tighter watching experience and great fun because of it.

Director: Kazuya Tsurumaki
Production: GAINAX
Fansubs by ANBU & Solar

Story & Characters
In these first two episodes I found it extremely difficult to shake the feeling of FLCL in pretty much every aspect of the story and characters (as well as the animation and design, but that, unlike this, is a great thing). Of course Aim for the Top 2! has the exact same core production staff of FLCL, the same director, head writer and character designer, but this shouldn’t be used as a basis for criticism. Nor should any comparison to FLCL – it’s one of my all time favourites. But when the perpetual sense of deja vu gets to unbearable levels it’s hard to see Aim for the Top 2! as a show in its own right, beyond what quickly becomes typically ‘Tsurumaki’ (the director) and typically ‘21st Centaury GAINAX’ (which of late seems to mean ‘perverted as fuck’). And it truly pains me to say that. Kazuya Tsurumaki has shown himself to be very capable in a number of shows I love and enjoy, but these two episodes demonstrate that he seems to find it difficult to go beyond his stock of tricks, accomplished as they may be. I’ll talk about the typically Gainax business in the final paragraph of this section as I may rant a wee bit.

Still, let’s keep in mind these are the first two episodes of a six part OAV, and generally speaking FLCL innovated on a whole bugger load of levels (ironically coupled with lots of parody), so a likeness to that must mean Aim for the Top 2! still different from every other show out there, right? No, not really. While there’s a definite similarity between the pace, direction and quality (which is very high), Aim for the Top 2! has a much more accessible, dare I say conventional framework. This is a sequel after all and an ‘event’, so it maintains the Big Robot Anime formula quite obediently. And when it deviates slightly, it maintains the Evangelion Big Robot Anime formula obediently. But in many ways this makes Aim for the Top 2! much easier watch and when taken as a whole, independent from its sister GAINAX works, and it’s actually quite accomplished and enjoyable. Die-hard fans of FLCL may have to train their minds a wee bit, however. Regardless of the glaring similarities I think this is just a different show that utilises similar concepts.

The story follows a young female android (with suspiciously life-like AI – we aren’t even informed she’s android until episode two, and you wouldn’t have a clue otherwise) called Nono on her quest to become a space pilot and crusader of justice. Rather than spend the numerous years of training this takes Nono plans to rely on sheer ambition and blind hope (this is called ‘Aim for the Top’ afterall) after running away from home to live in the big city. It is rather convenient that she then meets the space pilot (more specifically a member of the elite ‘Topless’ who pilot the giant Diebuster robots) called Larc in the bar she where works. And so after a series of events Nono ends up at the Fraternity (Topless HQ) and is enlisted as an apprentice Topless after showing a possible connection to the Bustermachine Dix-Neuf.

Most of you familiar with this kind of subgenre in anime could easily guess how she gets from point A to point B with the obligatory fights in between, but this is an OAV and compressed storytelling like this is to be expected. It’s done with a lot of flare and excitement and an undeniable sheen of quality. The main characters are generally likable without much depth, but given there’s still two-thirds of the show to rectify this we can’t make any firm judgements yet. How all this connects to the original Gunbuster? I haven’t the foggiest. Perhaps it’s more a spiritual sequel rather than anything direct. Or maybe there’s more to this ‘Nonoriri’ (Noriko?) Nono keeps mentioning . . . wild speculation leads me to think Nono herself might be more directly connected to Gunbuster’s original cast than we might expect.

Okay, let’s backtrack a moment here to the GAINAX thing I mentioned before. I need to spend a few sentences to talk about the fan-service in this show. For me, at least, it verges on gratuitous. If there was one aspect of that show that would make me actively not recommend it to others it’s the fan-service. It’s not cheeky like most anime fan-service, with the occasional panty shot or suggestive camera angle – it’s downright in your face and kind of gross. The sad thing is I’m really not conservative about these things. I understand that fan-service is a mainstay of Japanese animation and got over it fairly early on in my watching career – a lot of the time finding it funny as it was often intended, but in Aim for the Top 2! it will grate on you and generally serve to undermine the credibility of the show. Maybe things will get better in coming episodes as it takes a maturer turn, but it’s simply frivolous and tacky at the moment.

Animation & Design
Ah, now this is where I really get to gush like the GAINAX fanboy I am. With a few minor exceptions, everything visually to do with this programme is fantastic. Sadamoto’s character designs make much more sense in motion than they do stationary (I was among those who thought ‘erk’ when first seeing the concept art). The 3D animation is a hundred times more obvious than it was in FLCL, but it still goes to great lengths to integrate with the normal animation and succeeds on most accounts. The robot designs aren’t much to my taste, reminding me of those big clunky things in Big O, but hold their own in the action sequences. Hopefully more will be expanded upon with them in coming episodes, giving us a better explanation on their powers, technical specifications and relation to the previous series, rather than the current ‘omg kewlness’ factor. Generally the visual presentation suits the ‘big event’ GAINAX were aiming for with this OAV and Sadamoto’s design prowess is not undermined.

Sound
Again the music fits in with the big event theme with a sweeping classical score. It almost reminds me of a more robust Evangelion, if it had a bigger budget to afford more variety. The Japanese voice acting seemed appropriate without any standout performance. The opening and closing themes are annoyingly catchy and as J-Poppy as you could imagine, fitting the light-hearted nature of the show. Generally decent.

Conclusion
With a mediocre, conventional plot Aim for the Top 2! is pulled above the rest with fantastic production values and a definite aesthetic style. FLCL fans will be left confused and unimpressed by their beloved creative team’s latest effort, but as a stand-alone work Aim for the Top 2! is enjoyable and has a lot of room to develop a bit more depth and live up to its predecessor in the coming episodes. The higher-than-average fan service will simply piss some people off like it did with myself, but these first two episodes can’t be faulted for serving their purpose in setting the scene and introducing the characters with a few exciting action sequences and a few intriguing mysteries. I’m clueless to how this connects to its predecessor Gunbuster and I hope time will tell. I’m willing to give GAINAX, Kazuya Tsurumaki & co the benefit of the doubt to really do something special with the next four episodes in this series and hope everyone else will be patient, too.