If the shoes fits, wear it.

First off, I have to say I was right. (^_^)

Bleach #213:

"Giant Devil Men, United Ninjas!"

Whilst I was dreading this episode and fully expecting it to be more filler, it was in fact made of awesome. Whilst still a deviation from the series’ central storyline, the sheer amount of Tatsunoko and tokusatsu references made this episode all kind of brilliance.

From the design of Kon’s ‘Karakura Riser‘ suit to his ‘heroic companions’, everything about this episode is great.

Absolutely made of win.

009-1 fairs the better of the two but, at it’s heart, is pretty much Charlie’s Angels (or even Totally Spies) with Ishinomori character designs and out of place fanservice. Of the two shows, it definitely appears to be the better, creating a fairly well rounded and loving homage not only to the source material but the era of the source material and the inspirations that helped fashion it but, for the most, part, there’s only so much standard 60s spy glitz you can take before losing interest.

Skull-Man is a bigger problem, lacking much of the charm of the original character and discarding even the flavour of Shimamoto Kazuhiko‘s 1998 manga reboot. This is perhaps a problem with me as I was expecting something a little more heroic from the flavour of the show, instead the story revolves around a reporter with a dark secret and his wannabe-photographer sidekick as they trudge through a dystopian Metropolis flavoured set up and get nowhere fast. I understand what the writers were trying to do and I realise that maybe even a decisive attempt was being made to emulate the way in which Rintaro and Otomo Katsuhiro’s Metropolis anime adapted the Tezuka manga original but…it just didn’t work for me.

Sadly, despite the obvious best intentions of the shows, I don’t think I’m going to follow either to its conclusion.

After this:

*SQUUUUUUUUUUUUEEEEEEE*

Having recently been re-watching the first block of episodes and the No Clouds in the Blue Heavens musical, I am now convinced that the force behind the deaths in #209 is Tōsen. The manner in which ,Muguruma is attacked at the end of the episode is incredibly similar to the unlocked form of his zanpakutō.

I can’t tell who the shadowy figure was in the next episode trailer but for now, and possibly until #210 airs, I’m going to hold onto this theory like it’s canon.

Other than that, not much else to say. I am loving this arc. It’s rewarding in the kind of way that only shows with a lengthy continuity can be.

Can’t wait for next week.

The Turn Back the Pendulum mini-arc has long since stopped being a case of answering questions and now is completely about raising new ones. For every connexion revealed or finally shown, having previously been hinted at in dialogue of the modern day arcs, the storyline presents more quandaries and problems.

I wouldn’t change it for the world.

Whilst this episode was very much focused on Urahara and Hiyori, the ramifactions of what was spoke about are massive, touching all of the main character groups I can think of in the series.

I’m really excited about seeing where the story goes next!

From the shape of things, I think these are the four charaters this new arc is going to revolve around, which is quite a tame prediction but I’m happy with it. The Vizard are one of my favourite sub-sects of Bleach characters so I’m more than happy with the slower pace here, if it explores the past of these characters – even if, at present, it does seem to be presenting more questions than it offers answers.

It’s testament to the show that it can cover so many different styles whilst still very much being recognisable as one story.

Nonetheless, I’m hoping the next episode will give me something more weighty to comment on.

My slowness astounds even me.

Whilst the New Captain Syūsuke Amagai arc was far from being as bad as the previously mentioned Bount arc, it’s always frustrating to see a show go from amazing to mediocre. For better or worse, the staff of the Bleach anime seemingly don’t seem to be able to capture the spirit of the original storyline.

All of this is beside the point though.

When #204 – 205 rolled around, I assumed we were going to be in for another filler arc. Thank God for next episode previews and for the greatness that is #206. I will admit to being a massive fan of the Vaizard so seeing them all in their pre-#110 Soul Society roles was especially awesome for me, as was the fact that a lot of this episode not only built on things hinted at before – Urahara and Yoruichi’s previous dealings – but also provided a hint to the future and the Vaizard’s relation to the Arrancar.

One thing that really made an impact on me was just how many of the Vaizard characters appeared to be in high-ranking captain or vice captain roles. The most significant character for me was Yadomaru Risa.

Despite having all the hallmarks of a character I *should* like – sailor fuku, canonical interest in girls, glasses – Risa ever came across as that interesting during previous episodes, yet here she’s a really great character. I’d like to say part of this is due to her relationship with 8th Squad Captain, Kyōraku Shunsui and its parallel with the relationship between Kyōraku and Ise Nanao, however I think it’s probably to do with the length of her shinigami robes.

Not suitable for office wear

For me, this episode proves the rule that the expanded set up of Bleach‘s univese *can* work without the presence of the ongoing main story…but that the filler arcs have sadly been going about the construction of such alternatives all wrong.

Looking forwards to the next episode!

"Cure LineDancing...GO!"

In regards to the actual content of the new PreCure‘s first episode, the show seems to be doing a lot of new things for PreCure without them being very new for the genre. It’s easy to see the through-line to this series from the previous two seasons of Yes! PreCure5. There is also a more overt Sailor Moon feel to the set up and the progression of the episode without really capturing the charm of its inspiration.

The mascot characters seem to play less of a significant role in the first episode and there’s more of a distinction between the characters in their everyday life and who they are once they henshin, almost as if they are descendants of the Moon Kingdom different people once they transform. Our main character, Momozono Love (Cure Peach) all but says so in her after battle reflection moment.

...I really can't think of any witty comments to write here...

Despite awkward names, the character design is nice although very deriviative of other shows. There’s a little bit of iDOLM@STER: Xenoglossia here and a little bit of Tsubasa Chronicle there but it’s not too bad, although occasionally let down by sketchy animation.

The standout characters for me are Aono Miki (Cure Berry) and Rukia-alike Higashi Setsuna (Eas). It would be a bit of a lie if I said that, despite myself, I wasn’t trying to think of ways to pair these two characters up, however seeing as I’m also thinking of pairing up Miki with what appears to be her own older sister/mother, I guess this isn’t so far-fetched.

...will this be my PreCure pairing for 2009?

I was surprised by the end sequence. Whilst I don’t really care for the OP or ED themes, I was somewhat aback by the use of CG during the end…and surprised that it was actually really nicely done. I have no doubts that this was probably achieved using a cleaned up version of the engine that powers the new multi-Cure dance/card arcade game and that the whole sequence is a crafty bit of cross-advertising but it works regardless.

So, all in all, an okay episode. Nothing amazing, but nothing terrible.

I have to confess though that a lot of the charm of this franchise has vanished along with the original characters. Perhaps this year’s multi-series crossover movie will help rekindle some of the magic?