"On Second Thought...": Anime You Changed Your Mind About
- Thread starter pinkinmv
- Start date
A lot of you are lucky in that you went from bad to good. I have never eventually come around to liking a series or movie that I originally hated. For me it usually goes from good to bad.
For example.
Elfen Lied. I will never understand what happened to me with this title. The first time I watched it I was into it so much that I watched all 13 episodes in two days. I guess maybe the artsy intro and beautiful animation distracted me the first time through because after my second watch I ended up hating it. I couldn't believe I didn't notice how durab and naive the characters were, not to mention it kept trying to make me feel sorry for a serial killer. I don't know, maybe I was drunk, high or pilled up the first time watching.
For example.
Elfen Lied. I will never understand what happened to me with this title. The first time I watched it I was into it so much that I watched all 13 episodes in two days. I guess maybe the artsy intro and beautiful animation distracted me the first time through because after my second watch I ended up hating it. I couldn't believe I didn't notice how durab and naive the characters were, not to mention it kept trying to make me feel sorry for a serial killer. I don't know, maybe I was drunk, high or pilled up the first time watching.
Oh hells yes. The Nadesico movie is a waste, a souless mess that spits on the show to appease a then screeching part of the fanbase. All you need to really know is that
.
===
I was starting to soften on The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, but the Endless Eight idea basically killed that.
after the finale, the entire crew are detained briefly. After they are released, Akito and Yurika marry and adopt Ruri. Earth and Jupiter reconcile and peace is declared.
===
I was starting to soften on The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, but the Endless Eight idea basically killed that.
I'd have to agree on Elfen being horrible due to its premise. She's a murderer. No optimism or pity for that. At least Gantz (which went right to hell during the filler end) had its jerks and ultraviolence be tempered by actual morality at points, and by not making you cheer for a murdering psychopath.
Kaleido Star: New Wings: Loved the first series, so when I first saw the new one, I was highly annoyed. Sora suddenly lost all the stuff she gained during the last season, May was a female dog, and Leon was a complete jackass. There were a few things that made me smile here and there, but everything was still bad. Then came the big Circus Festival. The lowpoint of the show and the time I actually started to get disgusted with the series.
But then Sora decided to go back to her "performing for the audiences" mode and the show eventually got loaRAB and loaRAB better, so much so that the final 2 episodes trump the final 2 episodes of Season 1.
Witcrabroadlade: Like many, I thought it had too much fanservice, and the so-called action in the show was pretty damn crappy, especially for Gonzo. But then the character moments came in. Masane and Rihoko's love for each other became gripping television and anytime Takayama was on screen I was in for some good times. I also liked how Masane took over the Witcrabroadlade little by little in the final battle. Too bad the bad guys sucked.
One Piece: I'm pretty much the opposite of everyone here. I originally liked the series (back in the Buggy arc when I first started), even watched some sub episodes and many of the movies, but then, slowly and surely, started to grow disinterested in the series. Part of it may have been the Alabasta arc (which I grew to detest as soon as Luffy met his brother and got away from Smoker), part of it may be due to just how far behind the anime is in English, and part of it may be Viz's slow release of the manga, but I'm not really all that interested in the series anymore. What many people here feel about Naruto or Bleach is what I feel about One Piece. I'll still read the series in Shonen Jump and I'll try to read the GNs Viz is releasing in the latter half of the year, but I won't be spending any more money on the franchise.
Prince of Tennis: Pretty much the same thing. Re-read the many volumes I have now and grew more and more bored by it. Stopped after Volume 27.
Innocent Venus: When I saw the first four episodes on Comcast On Demand, I thought it kicked ass. So much so that I even bought the DVRAB as they came out. But then the plot went nowhere, a big switcheroo happened out of nowhere, and the supporting characters went from one-note to no-note.
Rurouni Kenshin: Saw the series on Toonami, absolutely adored it. Got the manga as Viz was releasing it and it became my favorite manga series at the time (mainly because Tsubasa only had a couple volumes out at the time). Re-watched the anime via Netflix and started getting more and more saddened by the show, especially Season 3.
Excel Saga: Aside from the last episode, I thought the series was great from beginning to end. No, the problem comes with the dub, mainly because ADV recasted the part of Excel from Jessica Calvello to Larissa Wolcott. Jessica was so PERFECT as Excel that Jessica just couldn't hold water and even the excellent Animation USA episode was dragged down because of the re-cast. At least Jessica went out on the best episode of the series, though.
Yu Yu Hakusho: Now, I still like the show, but at this point I only really like the Dark Tournament arc (sans the last 20 minutes or so) and the first half of the Sensui saga (up until the actual fight with Sensui). The beginning of the Three Kings arc was good, too, but the actual tournament was horribly lacking. It also didn't help that I hated the animation/art style (though it was better than the manga, which gets downright ugly).
But then Sora decided to go back to her "performing for the audiences" mode and the show eventually got loaRAB and loaRAB better, so much so that the final 2 episodes trump the final 2 episodes of Season 1.
Witcrabroadlade: Like many, I thought it had too much fanservice, and the so-called action in the show was pretty damn crappy, especially for Gonzo. But then the character moments came in. Masane and Rihoko's love for each other became gripping television and anytime Takayama was on screen I was in for some good times. I also liked how Masane took over the Witcrabroadlade little by little in the final battle. Too bad the bad guys sucked.
One Piece: I'm pretty much the opposite of everyone here. I originally liked the series (back in the Buggy arc when I first started), even watched some sub episodes and many of the movies, but then, slowly and surely, started to grow disinterested in the series. Part of it may have been the Alabasta arc (which I grew to detest as soon as Luffy met his brother and got away from Smoker), part of it may be due to just how far behind the anime is in English, and part of it may be Viz's slow release of the manga, but I'm not really all that interested in the series anymore. What many people here feel about Naruto or Bleach is what I feel about One Piece. I'll still read the series in Shonen Jump and I'll try to read the GNs Viz is releasing in the latter half of the year, but I won't be spending any more money on the franchise.
Prince of Tennis: Pretty much the same thing. Re-read the many volumes I have now and grew more and more bored by it. Stopped after Volume 27.
Innocent Venus: When I saw the first four episodes on Comcast On Demand, I thought it kicked ass. So much so that I even bought the DVRAB as they came out. But then the plot went nowhere, a big switcheroo happened out of nowhere, and the supporting characters went from one-note to no-note.
Rurouni Kenshin: Saw the series on Toonami, absolutely adored it. Got the manga as Viz was releasing it and it became my favorite manga series at the time (mainly because Tsubasa only had a couple volumes out at the time). Re-watched the anime via Netflix and started getting more and more saddened by the show, especially Season 3.
Excel Saga: Aside from the last episode, I thought the series was great from beginning to end. No, the problem comes with the dub, mainly because ADV recasted the part of Excel from Jessica Calvello to Larissa Wolcott. Jessica was so PERFECT as Excel that Jessica just couldn't hold water and even the excellent Animation USA episode was dragged down because of the re-cast. At least Jessica went out on the best episode of the series, though.
Yu Yu Hakusho: Now, I still like the show, but at this point I only really like the Dark Tournament arc (sans the last 20 minutes or so) and the first half of the Sensui saga (up until the actual fight with Sensui). The beginning of the Three Kings arc was good, too, but the actual tournament was horribly lacking. It also didn't help that I hated the animation/art style (though it was better than the manga, which gets downright ugly).
Can this topic include series which we thought might be good but weren't upon seeing them? (or vice versa?)
If so, speaking of Elfen Lied, I was quite interested in seeing the show and when I finally watched the first volume, I was so turned off by the gore and generally unpleasant tone that I sold it and never watched any more of the series.
If so, speaking of Elfen Lied, I was quite interested in seeing the show and when I finally watched the first volume, I was so turned off by the gore and generally unpleasant tone that I sold it and never watched any more of the series.
New Boots & ?
New member
Oh good, I stopped watching New Wings because of exactly what you said so I guess I'll keep going now.
Personally, here some anime I had second thoughts on, from the hate to like perspective.
Ouran Host Club- The show girly designed sort of put me off, the bishounenness, the twins, and how I thought it was primarly for girls. But after watching 2 episodes of it on FUNimation, it grew on me.
Yu-Gi-Oh 5D- I thought it was going to be another way to milk the YGO franchise, but then when I watched it, I actually found myself enjoying it. Hell, it's a little bit more mature as far as the YGO series goes, even the 4kiRAB dub of it is somewhat serious.
Ouran Host Club- The show girly designed sort of put me off, the bishounenness, the twins, and how I thought it was primarly for girls. But after watching 2 episodes of it on FUNimation, it grew on me.
Yu-Gi-Oh 5D- I thought it was going to be another way to milk the YGO franchise, but then when I watched it, I actually found myself enjoying it. Hell, it's a little bit more mature as far as the YGO series goes, even the 4kiRAB dub of it is somewhat serious.
Ngo Liverpool
New member
^^This.
I'm starting to think that it's better than the first series. (I already like Yusei a bit more than Yami/Yugi anyway)
I'm starting to think that it's better than the first series. (I already like Yusei a bit more than Yami/Yugi anyway)
AnnabellActress
New member
I agree. Ok, her other persona is cute, and you might feel some piety for her, but Lucy was evil for what she done.
Back on topic:
Rave Master: When I first saw the series years ago, I thought it was lame. Sure, it had good character designs and a funky world, but as a whole, it was bad.
Years latter, I realized that the show is so Bad...that its GOOD. Rave Master is so cheesy, so nonsensical, and so punny, you can't help but laugh at how bad it is.
Gundam 00: Not so much going from Good to bad, more like going from Awesome to Good.
Season 1 was like Gundam Wing done right. With great action, characters, and a interesting conflict, it held my interest.
But Season 2, so far, has been less than satisfying than Part I. Its like the show has gone from unique, to cliche Gundam story. It lacks the moral arabiguity that Season 1 had. Everything was clear cut, and the story was not as fascinating.
Still, it does have some great moments and good battles. Its better than most other shows, but it just didn't match my expectations.
Back on topic:
Rave Master: When I first saw the series years ago, I thought it was lame. Sure, it had good character designs and a funky world, but as a whole, it was bad.
Years latter, I realized that the show is so Bad...that its GOOD. Rave Master is so cheesy, so nonsensical, and so punny, you can't help but laugh at how bad it is.
Gundam 00: Not so much going from Good to bad, more like going from Awesome to Good.
Season 1 was like Gundam Wing done right. With great action, characters, and a interesting conflict, it held my interest.
But Season 2, so far, has been less than satisfying than Part I. Its like the show has gone from unique, to cliche Gundam story. It lacks the moral arabiguity that Season 1 had. Everything was clear cut, and the story was not as fascinating.
Still, it does have some great moments and good battles. Its better than most other shows, but it just didn't match my expectations.
Connie Sue
New member
It was intended for any kind of opinion shift, really. So far, so good on that count.
As for Elfen, I was witness to an AMV related to it once. It told me everything I needed to know. I made a point of staying away. Of course, the packaging had been doing a rather good job keeping me at a distance already.
As for Elfen, I was witness to an AMV related to it once. It told me everything I needed to know. I made a point of staying away. Of course, the packaging had been doing a rather good job keeping me at a distance already.
ora shinchan
New member
That's still evil. But it does not excuse Lucy for her mass murder.
Yes, I know. Is the show just as bad in Japanese
Yes, I know. Is the show just as bad in Japanese
Higurashi no Naku Koro ni - The initial emphasis on horror / shock value seemed to be all this series had going for it and I wasn't particularly fond of the character designs. Production values were nothing special either, somewhere between below average and mediocre, but the elements for a genuinely good story were present and the mysteries did have some nice hooks.
The first season can be a difficult watch due to the gore, particularly on DVD, but it would be misleading to focus only on that part. The second series continues the story and actually brings a welcome focus on plot and characterization that certainly compensates for it. In retrospect, I would have to argue that establishing a certain sense of dread and brutality was important in order to make the nature of the predicament clear, but eventually that was no longer necessary. Ironically enough, some people ended up disliking the second series because of the shift, even as my own interest increased.
GUN x SWORD - Bored me after two episodes that failed to impress, but I decided to give it another chance and was quite pleasantly surprised. Good Super Robot action, a decently likable cast and relatively straightforward storytelling that still manages to deal with a few interesting issues along the way. While the setup seems entirely episodic and the first half certainly is, the real plot manages to move forward directly or indirectly, culminating in a three-parter where everything truly starts coming together.
What the protagonist lacked in terms of charisma is compensated by his being fairly hot blooded and, more importantly, his interactions with other characters. In fact, the rest of the cast will get an opportunity to shine too, particularly near the end, and the villain...he's curiously memorable. The show won't get many points for originality nor for brilliant writing, but it deserves some for creativity and a properly balanced execution.
Revolutionary Girl Utena - Its reputation has always been there, but it seemed too formulaic, "girly" and "flowery" for my tastes. However, the series is actually a great subversion of the magical girl genre as a whole and became a very enjoyable watch once I managed to get past the surface, thus it eventually became one of my favorites.
The syrabolism does get a little absurd at times, even consciously so, but there still is a fair amount of depth to the story and characters that justifies a large chunk of it. And having an excellent soundtrack certainly doesn't hurt.
The first season can be a difficult watch due to the gore, particularly on DVD, but it would be misleading to focus only on that part. The second series continues the story and actually brings a welcome focus on plot and characterization that certainly compensates for it. In retrospect, I would have to argue that establishing a certain sense of dread and brutality was important in order to make the nature of the predicament clear, but eventually that was no longer necessary. Ironically enough, some people ended up disliking the second series because of the shift, even as my own interest increased.
GUN x SWORD - Bored me after two episodes that failed to impress, but I decided to give it another chance and was quite pleasantly surprised. Good Super Robot action, a decently likable cast and relatively straightforward storytelling that still manages to deal with a few interesting issues along the way. While the setup seems entirely episodic and the first half certainly is, the real plot manages to move forward directly or indirectly, culminating in a three-parter where everything truly starts coming together.
What the protagonist lacked in terms of charisma is compensated by his being fairly hot blooded and, more importantly, his interactions with other characters. In fact, the rest of the cast will get an opportunity to shine too, particularly near the end, and the villain...he's curiously memorable. The show won't get many points for originality nor for brilliant writing, but it deserves some for creativity and a properly balanced execution.
Revolutionary Girl Utena - Its reputation has always been there, but it seemed too formulaic, "girly" and "flowery" for my tastes. However, the series is actually a great subversion of the magical girl genre as a whole and became a very enjoyable watch once I managed to get past the surface, thus it eventually became one of my favorites.
The syrabolism does get a little absurd at times, even consciously so, but there still is a fair amount of depth to the story and characters that justifies a large chunk of it. And having an excellent soundtrack certainly doesn't hurt.
Spider-manf4n4t1c
New member
In the worRAB of Will Smith
"Heeeelllll....no." Though it's still a bit stupid (those damn spandex brothers...)
"Heeeelllll....no." Though it's still a bit stupid (those damn spandex brothers...)
GadGuard: I have a whole review for this one if anyone wants me to post it. It was the weirdest thing, I watched the whole thing through thinking it was the best thing ever, but when it was over, I realized just what a piece of crap it was.
Fafner: A little bit like the above. I watched it through and loved it and the characters, but when it was over, I couldn't help but think it was more or less meh. I can't even remeraber the characters' names now.
Fafner: A little bit like the above. I watched it through and loved it and the characters, but when it was over, I couldn't help but think it was more or less meh. I can't even remeraber the characters' names now.