When I first started my vacation, I didn’t have any clear idea when I’d be coming back. So, I proposed two conditions: I’d start blogging again once either the post announcing my vacation slipped off the front page or I drafted a sincere “screw it, I’m outta here,” post, whichever came first. Well, if you scroll down, you’ll see that that the post announcing my vacation is hanging from the edge of a cliff. And I recently drafted that “screw it, I’m outta here,” post. So, I guess I don’t have much choice but to get back to work, now do I?
First, though, a few notes on what I’ve been up to this past month…
I’ve recently started catching up on all of the currently airing shows I’ve claimed to be following, but haven’t. Macross Frontier has matured into a fine show, evidenced by my devouring two months worth of episodes in a single evening this past week. Itazura na Kiss continues to meet expectations, as does Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu. Not so much the case for Mahou Tsukai ni Taisetsu na Koto: Natsu no Sora, which has been a bit of a disappointment. Telepathy Shoujo Ran and Natsume Yuujin-Chou are on my list; I never got far enough in to feel like I’ve fallen behind, so there’s no reason to rush. No comment on the third season of Zero no Tsukaima. Seriously. Don’t ask.
Following up on last month’s release of the Clannad OAV episode, I chose to rewatch the first season in its entirety. I’m now firmly of the opinion that Clannad is the most well-rounded of the Key anime adaptations. It’s almost exceptional. No doubt, I’m excited about the second season - especially so, now that an October broadcast date has finally been set.
Another recent rewatch was Kare Kano, which is remarkable for being one of only a few shows I own on DVD and consider a favorite, yet have only watched from start to finish a single time. Until now, of course. Given how the show aimlessly meanders to an indefinite ending in its second half, rewatching it is kind of like backing away from the table only five bites into a gourmet meal, stomach growling. Perhaps that’s why I hadn’t bothered all these years. It was plenty enjoyable, however, and it reminded me of how talented (and tormented) a director Hideaki Anno was back in his prime. I should rewatch Evangelion or something.
Just last night, I started my second attempt at watching ef - a tale of memories. If you’ve been visiting for awhile, you know that my first attempt ended in failure. I’m still guarded, of course, but I can honestly say that I find the show far more engrossing now that I’m watching the episodes in batches. I still feel that SHAFT’s characteristic style is better suited to lighter fare like Hidamari Sketch and Tsukuyomi Moon Phase, though. Anyway, I’m fairly certain I’ll finish the show this time around, and if I have any thoughts upon its conclusion, I’ll be sure to share them.
And that’s pretty much it. My apologies for the dry writing. It looks like I’m out of practice. That, and I’ve been awake since before sunrise. COFFEE GET. Still, it’s good to be back.
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