Meta Mash – 01
We have something new for you and this is just the start~
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Hello, everyone! You know we have been doing many special projects to celebrate our 4 year anniversary, and this is a section that we have decided to introduce to cover more shows but only on thoughts because hey, who reads summary anyway? I’m sure there are many of you, who miss Meta Jump, so this is the reloaded version of it but with more breadth and not limited to shounen/action genre alone. This season, we will be making three such posts every week to keep you updated about the current anime that some of us do not have episodic time for. Enjoy the read! |
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Medaka Box – Episode 08 |
 Zenkichi-“What kind of fan service is this!?” Onigase-“The DFC kind…duh…” |
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So where was Onigase in the 1st 7 episodes (seriously, shouldn’t the student council interact regularly with an enforcement agent like her?)? She added much needed energy to this show with her over-exaggerated antics and by giving Medaka a legitimate challenge. She was played ably by Ayuru Ohashi who I notice hasn’t had many well known roles besides Eila in Strike Witches. At first, I thought she was being played by Satsuki Yukino (known for her roles in Love Hina, Planetes, and Higurashi, among others), because they have similarly soft and lispy voices. Anyway, I like that there’s some fire in her, and I hope she keeps butting heads with Medaka.
I can’t say the stories in either segment were particularly notable, and the production quality continued to be poor, but I enjoyed the slapstick comedy of the 2nd half. And it may be too late but a genuine challenger has shown up, that kid from the OP. Most of the show is done now, and I don’t have much hope for the production quality improving, but maybe it could finish strong if it keeps up with throwing these interesting |
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Shirokuma Cafe – Episode 08 |
 Grizzly bear-“Keep it down back there Panda!” Polar bear-“You need to lay of the coffee bro.” |
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~So here I was hoping that this interviewer in the beginning half of the episode would finally pry out some secret stories from Polar Bear, who’s pretty tight-lipped about his past. When he actually let out this heart-wrenching story, I believed it! But, of course, I was completely trolled just as I started crying out, “AWWWW!”; at least there were cute shots of Polar Bear as a cub! The other part that killed the story for me, aside from finding out it was untrue, was the editor-in-chief. HE WAS SO CREEPY. He’s the type of bird I completely avoid when I’m at the beach because his features are so striking and just…weird. The interviewer also ended up annoying me a bit. I’m not a fan of the whole outburst talking thing.
Anyway, can I just say that Mr. Grizzly is one awesome character in this show (along with Polar Bear, of course)? Grizzly is so intense and badass, I love it! I became a fan just after the first episode he appeared in and after this new, awesome ending song. I also love when they pair Grizzly and Polar Bear together because of the nice contrast. Polar Bear is calm and not-so serious, while Grizzly is fierce and all business. It just FITS, like yin and yang. They’re not as annoyingly paired up as with Panda, who’s so completely opposite that it isn’t a smooth match-up. They managed to cut it down though this episode during the fishing trip and the last scene where they agree to swap each others favorite ingredients from the pasta. It actually worked for once! Overall though, the episode was fairly entertaining. Shirokuma Cafe has quite sporadic entertaining episodes, where one week I’ll be laughing out loud and the next week I could completely forget what happened simply because it wasn’t memorable enough. It’s a gamble every week, but I’ll keep coming back, especially since I want to see if Penguin actually progresses with Ms. Penko! Not to mention, Panda is my spirit animal and I like to see myself in action, heh~. |
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Sket Dance – 59 |
 Everything is perfectly normal with the Sket dance club…I think…. |
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Hahaha yes, I’m still here blogging Sket Dance! …I’m stubborn and since this was one of my first series I blogged at Metanorn, I am not dropping this thing until it’s DONE. Anyways, finally a chance to rant about what’s been going on. First rant: they’ve added in a Hanazawa character for the hell of it. Even weirder, she’s the tsundere. I was expecting Kiramura Eri or something, but why Hanazawa? Not that this is really a complaint since Hanazawa is still the most moe person on the planet, but I just have a hard time picturing her as a tsundere (even if she’s played those roles before). …So I can’t say that the animation has improved that much for Sket Dance (lol, that looping fighting scene this episode. Why.), but ever since I stopped blogging this regularly (like, 20 episodes or so ago), the episodes have been waaaay more entertaining.
This episode was one of the less entertaining ones for me, but any episode focusing on Tsubaki is still what I would consider a great one. So it’s finally the more dere Daisey episode…. The storyline seems to have progressed SO MUCH since I talked about this show last… -cough- anyways, yeah, Daisey. Man the anime did such a great job at making that gang guy look and sound like a creep. If only Tsubaki would have used violence. He so could have kicked everyone’s asses. However, he has that strong resolve thing going on, so I guess it was important for his character that he didn’t beat the crap out of everyone. Though that end of the episode. ALL OF MY SHIPS. But yeah, it was a cute episode. Sorry if this was more about the series than the actual episode, but I just have SO MUCH to say. I’ll try to spread it out better in the upcoming weeks m(_ _)m. |
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Natsurio Kiseki – 08 |
 Trust me you do not want to make Yuka wait for her precious cake. |
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I remember when I first saw Natsuiro Kiseki pop up on the epic spring list and at first glance I was like ehhhh this is going to be boring, but after the first three episodes I found myself so hooked; because each character makes me tune in every week. So were all the way up to eight episodes released? It seems like just yesterday I was watching Natsumi, Saki, Rinko and of course my favorite character of all Yuka! Anyway I can’t really pick between my favorites right now, but we have plenty of time to get into all of that later.
As for the episode it was interesting and I admit there was a bit of K-ON! Thrown into the mix with the girls picking a vacation spot, however with most episodes of Natsuiro you will find drama hiding in the background! And it is usually followed by Saki and Natsumi having some issue to work out…Rinko and Yuka on the other hand seemed to be enjoying being together like always. I know the major plot point in the series is pretty much about Saki having to move away from her school and friends, but the entire time I kept saying JUST MOVE IN WITH NATSUMI! AAARRGGGG! So I really hope Saki decides to tell her father what she wants to do or will she? For some reason I just get the impression that Saki just has a pride issue or maybe she just doesn’t want to rely on someone else? Anyway Yuka was great even if she comes off as super-hyper-annoying to most fans out there. |
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Shining Hearts: Shiawase no Pan – Episode 07 |
 And there was much bread to be baked that day. |
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With “Black Tails” identity now out in the open this week, Xiao-Mei finally got some much needed development. Though it was nice to see a charitable side of her, I was hoping her intentions would be somehow related to the “big picture” instead of being just a side-story. Likewise, with another girl’s (unrelated) story arc down we’ll now hopefully be getting to the most mysterious character, Kaguya. The end of the episode left us with a large fortress type ship heading towards the island, and something tells me that it’s related to her and the other strange character tied up by the blacksmith. What does it all mean? Well, hopefully it means we’ll be getting some action soon because if the last coupe weeks has proven anything, it’s that when fighting is involved, it’s surprisingly well animated and choreographed (If not short …)
What’s been getting on my nerves a bit lately is the pacing, which is still at a slow crawl imo. To me, Shining Heart’s biggest strength has always been its potential, with the right direction I believe the show could have been a much more exciting and fulfilling fantasy story, but instead I feel as though what we’re getting instead is a lot of artificial dialogue and scenes that leave some of the characters, especially the main three heroines, feeling contrived and soulless. Neris for example showed signs of being genuinely interesting with that rebellious anti-royalty personality, but as soon as she was in the castle she reverted right back to being that same vapid character. Meh, maybe I’m exaggerating. Until next time!~ |
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About Tag Team
We live, laugh, enjoy and strictly believe on "more the merrier". When together, we usually come up with very chatty, conversation-based episodics and interesting posts.
POWUH: Lovely-pyon~ with 338 comments
I’m right there with you Karakuri!! Thou I’m a little behind on my SKET dance, my last ARC was Bossum’s back story arc, SO MANY TEARS!!! Once essay week is over,
some shoot me now pleaseI hope to catch back up!!YEAH for a new Meta Jump!!! I did miss this!! I look forward to the wonder that is Meta Mash!
POWUH: Meta Team and PreCure Mastah with 9203 comments
Yeah a brand new take on bite size reviews and good old Meta jump style xD
POWUH: Meta Team and Megane-chan with 3214 comments
I KNOW. I WAS A HUGE CRYING MESS DURING THE EPISODE THAT BOSSUN RECEIVED THAT WATCH. It was a solid 24 minutes of crying.
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
Goddamn it, this makes me wanna catch up! =3=
POWUH: Lovely-pyon~ with 338 comments
You should!! At lest for the back story episode!! But have tissues!!! WARNING!! Show ▼
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
A Meta Jump upgrade, huh? Well, anyway, it’s good to have it back.
Shining Hearts: Shiawase no Pan – Episode 07: What’s with this development? It seems all the main characters washed up ashore. Airy still looks provocative in that nun looking outfit with a short skirt. I help thinking she’ll do something naughty.
Looks like Xiao-Mei likes playing Robin Hood. She’s brave admitting upfront that she’s the thief and hasn’t done anything to keep it quiet. I guess she thinks of herself as the noble thief. It’s nice she’s getting more screen time. She’s an interesting character.
That floating sea fortress is tempting me to believe the plot is going to get better. I hope it turns out that I’m right. The series is good and all but it’s also really sluggish.
POWUH: Meta Team and PreCure Mastah with 9203 comments
Yep! A fun experiment for us to try out! I hope we can make it last for a while until these shows end in a few weeks.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
I see Karakuri is still blogging Sket Dance and so I’m wondering. Are you still going to cover Naruto Shippuuden? Now that I hear that The Fourth Great Ninja War has started, there should be considerable amount of action. Especially now that Naruto has full control of the Nine-Tails, Sasuke will soon get his Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan and the Akatsuki has amassed its reanimated army.
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
We haven’t found a volunteer for Naruto yet, but we’ll keep you updated. I think the best way is to keep updated on manga.
POWUH: Meta Team and PreCure Mastah with 9203 comments
Ehhhh Naruto is always hit or miss with me I don’t really care to much for the anime series, but thankfully it is back to story mode at last! Maybe I will add it to the list? I just don’t want to get excited because I have a feeling more filler is on the way or will it? I just can see a random 20 episode filler starting in the middle of all this ninja war stuffs.
POWUH: 700-799 and Horror Expert with 701 comments
A naughty nun? If this were an eroge, maybe! XD I like Xiao-Mei a lot more then the main three heroines, same goes for Melty and that cat-maid. They have so much more personality!
Sluggish, yep! It’s one of the biggest faults imo. I hope you’re right too, I’d love to see some more action.
POWUH: 500-599 with 543 comments
Hm, I think this is a good idea. It lets you guys focus on the shows you really like, but keep the other ones going anyways so we can see them. It’s interesting to see which one shot you guys pick, too.
The bite-sized reviews are nice too, since it lets people get right to the review, instead of reading through a summary first and then getting to the review. I do believe Metanorn’s episodics are very strong although sometimes I really just like to see the review and your opinions since I remember what happens in each episode.
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
Thank you, Gecko! You have nicely summarized the point of getting this section started in the first place. Also, if you notice, we are experimenting with our episodics as well to make it more thought-based rather than summary based.
Two more mashes to go this week and let’s see how you like ’em! :3
POWUH: 700-799 and Horror Expert with 701 comments
Grizzly is awesome, and when he’s with Polar Bear hilarity ensues~ Gah, I really want to see Penguin and Penko-san get together already. >< I'm still wondering how "old" these characters are ... Panda seems like a teenager and Polar Bear an adult, not sure about Penguin though. Agree 100% Fosh! I was not expecting to be so hooked to Natsuiro, but now it's one of the shows I can't wait to watch each week. My favorite so far is Rin, it's cute the way she's always caring for Yuka.
POWUH: Meta Team and PreCure Mastah with 9203 comments
Yeah Natsuiro was on my DO NOT WATCH list, but I had to try it out and then I was hooked thanks to a character like Yuka! She really makes me laugh all the time and yeah Rin and Yuka are a great pair together xD
POWUH: Meta Team and Spammy Tamer with 7115 comments
I was a little cool on Natsuiro Kiseki after that second episode where they just had Natsumi and Saki running around stuck together, then reversed it for the third episode. But they’ve broken away from what seems like cheap filler stuff, and done a lot more interesting stuff than “ooh let’s be idols!” I also really like that they’ve gotten totally away from wishing for everything on the big rock and going and making it happen on their own.
POWUH: Meta Team and PreCure Mastah with 9203 comments
Yep! I really loved the crazy stuff with the wishing rock because you never really know what will happen! I seriously laughed my ass off when they got stuck together or when Natsumi gained a clone of herself? LOL Amazing!
But yeah it is great to see the girls finally trying their best without using wishes to win xD
POWUH: Meta Team and Spammy Tamer with 7115 comments
Of course, one reason they might not wish on the big rock as much now is because they never know what Yuka will actually wish for.
The Natsumi clone episode was really good, and I liked that they merged the two of them back together, rather than dumping one or memory loss or something. Gave a nice character development opportunity.
POWUH: iLurker with 3 comments
Cool stuff. And I’m right with you Karakuri, Sket Dance has gotten pretty good. I wasn’t sure what to think at the beginning, but it’s really picked up since then.
I like the short thoughts style, definitely a cool thing for you guys to do!
POWUH: Meta Team and Megane-chan with 3214 comments
Ahaha I was really iffy about the Sket for about the first 13 episodes or so, but then it took off really well xD the comedy is now on par with the manga at least.
POWUH: Metanorn Lover with 207 comments
Yes! I’m still watching SKET Dance too! I think it has gotten really good as well! I really liked this episode cause I think the student council deserves some more screen time, even if it is just lovely Daisy x3. Very cute episode though :3
POWUH: Meta Team and Megane-chan with 3214 comments
YES, THE STUDENT COUNCIL NEED MORE LOVE. …I just about died of moe that episode where it had them all as children and then Agata was the teacher. I wanted to take shota Tsubaki home OTL