Michael's First Impressions: Fall 2013 (Part 5)

1.  Samurai Flamenco:  Who among us hasn't dreamt of being a hero at least once in our lives? It’s full of an unflinching sense of honor that serves to remind us how on a daily basis we trade doing the right thing for comfort, not causing waves.  But its delivery is uneven and silly.  The lead’s sense of justice extends from an exaggerated love of Saturday morning cartoons.  The viewer won’t find much connection with the characters.  
   
   
   Verdict:  GIVE IT A SHOT, consider it a less-violent Kick Ass
   
   
2.  Kyousougiga:  A convoluted narrative that is highlighted by genuinely heartwarming moments. I’m not sure how to approach this.  It’s confusing to watch, but the execution is spot on for the most part.  It could develop into any number of possibilities.  But I get the feeling that it will take strong leaning towards comedy which will include dramatic highlights.  Maybe some interesting philosophical perspectives.  
   
   
   Verdict:  GIVE IT A SHOT
   
   
3.  Yowamushi Pedal:  A sports anime with a wonderful sense of comic timing.  Viewers will enjoy watching the timid lead get drawn into uncomfortable situations time and time again.  And then they’ll enjoy his triumphs as his untapped talents inevitably bring him notoriety and a before unknown sense of accomplishment and camaraderie.  
   
   
   Verdict:  GIVE IT A SHOT
   
   
4.  Walkure Romanz:  After an nonsensical opening statement, the show reveals it’s setting to be an odd-ball amalgam of medieval tourney and the quintessential modern high school experience.  And it goes downhill from there as it shows a certain shameless aptitude for fanservice.  It’s filled to the brim with immature romantic inclinations and overused character archetypes, but against the unique backdrop and with fair execution it’s not unentertaining.
   
   
   Verdict:  GUILTY PLEASURE
   
   
5.  Meganebu:  As a long time wearer of megane myself, I loved it.  The drive and energy expressed by the group’s leader is closer to dementia than enthusiasm, but it serves its purpose to create a constant stream of high energy comedy.  And the visuals never fail in reinforcing the comic atmosphere along with the music, which has a comic enthusiasm all its own.  It’s a comic treat for Megane lovers everywhere!  
   
   
   Verdict:  MUST WATCH!
   
   
6.  Log Horizon:  For anyone who would consider this a rip-off of 2012’s Sword Art Online and reject it on that flimsy basis, I will point out the large number of .hack// shows that came before SAO.  That aside, we have an action, adventure, fantasy.  It plays out slowly as a conscientious lead keeps his wits about himself as he seeks to ground himself in this inescapable new reality.  But that’s after a high-energy Opening Song (OP) that is awesome; though, it feels juxtaposed to the show’s natural verve.  Fans of RPG gaming will likely appreciate the show’s slow, investigative nature as the characters discover and work their way towards an understanding of this mysterious reality.  
   
   
   Verdict:  GIVE IT A SHOT
    
7. Gingitsune:  A pleasant Slice of Life that focuses on the relationship between a young girl and the fox spirit of her shrine as she learns to balance her duties as an oracle and her impulsive nature as teenager.  It has a good sense of comedy, and a simple sense of drama.  It’s a sentimental journey that highlights the importance of faith and kindness towards others.  
   
   
   Verdict:  GIVE IT A SHOT
   
   
   
   
   Whew! 26 first impressions! I've never before watched so many new shows, and I must say that it's been rewarding. I always miss shows because I'm unwilling to check out shows that haven't succeeded in luring me in with it's poster. I still have a few more to go (most notably Pupa), but the majority is done. Tiny disclaimer: for any confused parties, I wish to inform my readers that I'm not covering sequels; only new shows. So, everyone can be assured that watching any of the shows I've given impressions on (or will give) are safe to watch without any previous viewing of a preceding season.
   
   
   Also, let me know if I'm missing anything.
   
   
   With all that out of the way, how are you enjoying the season? Now that a number of shows have second episodes out, are they staying entertaining?