First Impressions – Glasslip
Welcome to Summer and beautiful scenery!
Number Two PA Works Fan reporting in sir! LOL. I jest, but what isn’t there to love about such gorgeous scenery?
Well, I think I’m the number one PA Works Fan here at Metanorn, because I’m the guy who liked Red Data Girl. And every other PA Works production I’ve seen, including Tari Tari and True Tears. So now they’re back with Glasslip, what is this one going to be like?
Beauty in All Directions
Highway: This shot epitomized the beautiful realism of the setting for me
skylion: It is so very hard to take the characters out of the big picture. From Hanasaku Iroha to Tari Tari to Nagi no Asukara to this current production, the scenery is it’s own character in every regard. I would say it’s a sort of magical realism at times, especially with this production, but it tends to stay in an idealized reality. Every location has it’s idiosyncrasies , from wide open windows, to those very steep stairways.
Usually there’s a rope or something to pull yourself up
Highway: I couldn’t believe how steep that was, and then they had guys carrying things up them. One thing I noted was that, compared to Nagi no Asukara, the setting here was quite a bit more normal. Perhaps it’s only something I noted with Nagi no Asukara, but in that show the forms of the buildings were almost impossibly curved. Round windows, round walls, curved concrete. It wasn’t swoopy or dramatic or ostentatious, it was just quietly impossible. Here, they’ve taken the setting in a much more conventional direction, with standard architecture, but instead they’ve added a sparkle with frequent perspectives through things: a glass vase, diffraction glasses. It seems the message is seeing additional beauty in the world around us.
Group Interconnection
I don’t know if this is particularly ‘settled’
skylion: But this just serves to steep us in a sense of idealized regard; it’s the characters that make the play. The production even take us to filtered still frame to give us perspective; suggesting that the world is moving by to fast, and we should stop and savour the moment. And those moments, highlighted by the impermanence of the hanabi display that dominates the shows open, are soon to come to a close for this group of friends. They’ll grow up, graduate high school and move on. But before we get there, we get settled in with this group, and see the dynamics as they play out.
Contemplative Sachi
Now, I’m picking Sachi Nagamiya as an early favorite. And not just because she’s voiced by Risa Taneda, one of my favorites. But I just love book girls, and her choice of Camus’s Exile and the Kingdom…I don’t know how positive absurdism will play in with this show….but I found that collection to be of great interest when I was younger. She isn’t socially awkward like last seasons Kawai from Kawaisou, as she seems to know when to speak up. It looks like Kakeru is going to shake things up, whether that is his intent or not. When she stood up to him, was it her intent to shut him down?
Who’s looking at whom?
Highway: I don’t know if I have a favorite character yet, because this was very much a typical PA Works intro episode. If you were waiting for something overt to happen, you’ll have to wait for next week. This one was all about introducing characters through their actions. They never explain that Sachi is sickly, but the message comes across. And they don’t really explain why the group seems to align against Kakeru. Is it the threat to their friend Yuuki, who has the world’s most obvious crush on Touko? Is it because Kakeru’s got that standoffish, challenging attitude? Is it because they were all ticked off about the chickens? Well, at least that seemed like Yanagi’s reason.
Will they be a quick couple?
I don’t know which of the relationship models this show will follow, whether we’ll actually have romances develop or whether they’ll just be looking at each other the whole series. I’ve seen both from PA Works, and liked both, although I always like it more when the show ends up with couples. It’s more likely that we’ll end up with something more like Tari Tari or NagiAsu, where there’s one side couple at the end and then the possibility of others (even if Taichi’s confession in Tari Tari came during the final ED, as Sawa was leaving the country, I think it still counts). If I was picking from the beginning, we’d probably get Hiro and Sachi, and then continue the square with Touko, Kakeru, Yanagi, and Yuuki.
Or will it be a standoff?
Ain’t Nobody Here…
skylion: And finally, it’s all about the chickens. I found this to be quite original and funny. But not only that, it served as a great lens for the characters. What did they all see in this little chore? A nuisance, a fun little lark, little to any regard, or dinner? Now, if in addition to the wonderful backgrounds, we get that infused with Akito Matsuda’s inspired classic score. They swept into the scenes very gracefully, giving them a great deal of motion. ChoChou’s OP is soft spoken, and with all OP’s may be giving us some big relationship hints, Hiro isn’t exactly hiding his attraction to Sachi is he? But for me, the best is the playful ED by perhaps my favorite J-Rock group, nano.RIPE. It’s always wonderful to see what they can do with a piece, especially in a PA Works outing.
So we have some basic pieces laid down in our relationships. First, even numbers. But is that any real guarantee that the matches will be equal. Second, we see the dawn of a rivalry, with Touko and Yukinari seeming the main affair, but with Kakeru and Yanagi looking to spoil. Which could lead us to three, confessions and how they are regarded by others. It has a soft beginning, this show, but I don’t think that will be the status quo for long.
I certainly enjoyed the first episode here, with it’s non-statement of a problem, and relaxed introduction of characters. The artistic freeze-frame transitions worked very well also, and overall the show looks beautiful as always. This may be the only show of the season that I was looking forward to, mainly because it was the only one I knew anything about and even that wasn’t much, but I wasn’t disappointed, and I’m definitely eager for more.
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: Meta Team and Meta-Analyst with 3844 comments
Not just chickens.. COCKS. *end pun*
POWUH: 900-999 with 915 comments
It’s kind of hard to comment on first episodes… Like, yeah, that was nice, scenery porn everywhere, which is very P.A. Works-like. I just had this problems getting confused with this start. Just what the hell happened that they noticed each other on the festival like there was no one there? What did he see that she saw as well? Overly detailed hanabi? And that reception to the new boy…
Anyways, about the style, I actually like Nagi no Asukara’s more. The surreal themes made it more magical and I liked Nagi no Asukara’s character design better, specially those hairs. And the overly curved architecture made it look like every building was taken straight out of organic architecture, and they reminded me of Greece, somehow.
Well, that’s it. Definitely going to be a must watch of this season.
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
NnA I think was meant to have a sense of magical realism about it; it was like the telling of a fairy tale. I see far more realism in this place, and it suits the characters.
After about the third watch, things fell into place. It’s hard to describe, but I think the director wants meetings and such less formalized and maybe a bit messy.
POWUH: Meta Team and The Mad Scientist with 5525 comments
Not a big fan of PA Works because there’s inevitably a lot of romance in their shows. However, I really liked the first episode of Glasslip. It doesn’t try too hard to make the first few minutes full of action, instead just calmly letting the story be told. It was effortlessly charming. Especially the chickens!
My only worry is that the drama is pretty darn bad(philsophizing about the free will of chickens to cause drama? Damn boy, you must be real fun at parties)and the impending love triangles might make me lose interest. I want more glass-blowing, antics with chickens and beautiful scenery. =w= Hopefully they balance things so it’s a PA Works show I’ll end up liking!
P.S. More Sachi would be great too. She seems super cool.
POWUH: and Athenaeum Châtelaine with 2212 comments
I’ve heard from others that they were disappointed in the lack of actual glass-blowing in this series, especially since that was the way it was kind of introduced in the synopsis, but maybe we’ll actually see more of it.
Though some anime fans who are actually in the glass blowing industry themselves have been cringing at the major inaccuracies that they already show, such as the fact that no one wears any eye protection, and that if they were to really try to make blown glass that way, the would never get anything done because the glass wouldn’t be able to stick to the pipes because they would be too cold.
As I know nothing about the process of making blown glass, it’s nice to have shows that bring out these guys and you’re surprised how much you learn.
POWUH: Meta Team and Meta-Analyst with 3844 comments
In short, they are not wearing any protective gear. Then again, we are talking about anime/manga where blood volume is measured in megalitres and atored under high pressure in the human body.
POWUH: Meta Resident with 1692 comments
I was also disappointed with the minimal glass-blowing in this episode since that was a major draw for me to this anime. I can’t believe that someone didn’t point out that chickens are going to poop all over if you take them into your house or room. And you’d be surprised at how much poop they can put out. Does the group just humor Touko’s whims? Have they always done that?
POWUH: Meta Team and Spammy Tamer with 7115 comments
So people really thought that glassblowing was going to be a major part of this anime? Generally occupations aren’t really something that takes up a major amount of time in any anime, so I wasn’t expecting there to be any more of it than there was in this episode. It’s pretty much just a gap setup for background.
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
Yes…yes…yes. I nerded out. I really really did. But there are more episodes, yes? Plenty of time….
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
They can chase chickens for a few more episodes.
POWUH: and Athenaeum Châtelaine with 2212 comments
This would be my second PA Works series after NagiAsu (which I still have to finish, lol) but I can say that I liked it.
I’ve already heard that many are on the fence about this, since a lot of nothing happens in this episode, and one can already tell that this is going to be a love polygon tale. However, I didn’t mind that so much. I’m a romantic at heart and so if they do a good job fleshing it all out, I think I can go with it.
I also like the sort of supernatural twist they have with the seeing into the future and this weird “David” kid. I’ve already seen the hate begin towards him, just as it was aimed at Hikari last year, however, I think because of the ages of the kids in NnA, I gave them more leeway, that I don’t think I can give these older teens who are about to graduate. So, in that case, I find “David” weird and dangerous, but also interesting. So we’ll see where his character goes.
Also, I think I’ve asked this before, but I can’t remember. Is Japanese 3rd year of high school like our 4th year? Or is it that the 3rd year is just like our junior year and their senior year is so brutal with tests and trying to get into college that they pretty much consider their 3rd year to be the last time they can really be active in high school? I had this same question when I watched Free!, but I can’t remember how their school system works.
POWUH: 600-699 and LN Enthusiast with 623 comments
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secondary_education_in_Japan
After grade school/elementary, there’s 3 years of middle school/junior high and 3 years of high school/senior high before you go to college/university. Most anime are set in high school. I believe their age is around 14-15 when they go into high school.
Their 3rd year is their final year in high school.
Also, Spammy ate my comment. He totally hates me ;_;
POWUH: Meta Team and Spammy Tamer with 7115 comments
Something you might not know is that the US system used to be like the Japanese systems, with Junior High being 7th, 8th, and 9th grade and High School being 10th, 11th, and 12th. There was a point where it was believed that 9th graders were significantly different from 7th and 8th graders and that’s why it was moved from Middle to High school (they generally terrorized the younger kids, so now they get terrorized by the older kids). It’s probably worked its way out by now, but when I was at that age was when the switch happened, and a lot of ‘middle schools’ had a lot of extra room because they used to be Junior Highs.
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
Oh, yes. I had three older siblings that just wished me the best…knowing that my first year of high school would be awkward. At that point, in 1987, they had classes of kids at the ages of 16 and 17 that didn’t have to deal with 14 year olds…
POWUH: Lovely-pyon~ with 386 comments
History lessons! I actually didn’t know The US had a system like that, very interesting.
POWUH: 600-699 and LN Enthusiast with 623 comments
Me and PA Works go way back when I marathoned True Tears 5 years ago and I absolutely loved it. Since then, I haven’t missed a TV series that they’ve released. My reception to each of them vary differently, from meh to okay. Amongst all of those shows, I’ve only liked 3 of them including TT.
Glasslip so far is giving me the vibes of TT, which is understandable as it has the same director on board. There’s even chickens in it!
There’s trouble brewing amongst the relationships of the cast and it could set off to some heavy drama. Depending on how they would present and handle it will be the key to my enjoyment.
As usual, when you mention PA Works, you know it will have beautiful backgrounds. Nothing new here and totally top-notch, though there were some slight cutting corners. Though with the caliber of art that they always pump out, those are bound to be noticed more than usual.
Character-wise, I haven’t warmed up to any of them yet and they haven’t stood out much(well except for Touko and her chickens). But it’s only the beginning and we’ll get there when we get there.
The reaction to this seems quite a mixed bag across the web but I blame that mostly to Tokyo Ghoul taking up the spotlight that it sapped some of the interest on this show. There’s not much to talk about the premiere as it was just setting things up. It’s also an anime original so not much to hype about.
Nevertheless, it’s still a solid start and we’ll see whether I would like it or not in the end. Don’t fail me now PA Works.
POWUH: Meta Team and Spammy Tamer with 7115 comments
I saw the soft edges on a lot of the scenes, but thought that it was more directorial discretion than corner cutting. Same with the freeze frames.
I didn’t realize it was the same director as True Tears, but it does give a lot of the same feel that that show had, a lot more uncertainty, a lot more atmosphere, a lot more unspoken communication. I think it might be a good thing that none of the characters really stood out, that they’re all being moved forward at the same time.
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
Very much the directional choice….
POWUH: 600-699 and LN Enthusiast with 623 comments
2 comments eaten by Spammy ;_;
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
It’s become worse with time sadly. 🙁
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Pretty to look at thanks to P.A Works beautiful animation but that’s about it. Along the run of the opening, I had difficulty being taken in by anything presented. Quite boring, really. Plus the characters felt bland and uninteresting. Maybe it’ll improve later on but I’m putting the 3 episode test into effect.
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
I was quite enthralled by the the entire opening. I didn’t see anything boring with it at all. I hope the next few episodes can be more your thing.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Maybe there’s a chance. For now, that skeptical feel remains. It’s hard not to feel bored, though, because I couldn’t find anything that pique my intrigue. Slice of life is more miss than hit where my interests are concerned.
POWUH: Lovely-pyon~ with 386 comments
but what about those Chickens? ehh ehh? /nudge nudge.. feel anything with them?! hehe =P
POWUH: Meta Team and Meta-Analyst with 3844 comments
Ayam bakar panggang.
POWUH: Lovely-pyon~ with 386 comments
mmmmm…Di Gi Chicken….wait err I..sorta hungry..
POWUH: Meta Team and Meta-Analyst with 3844 comments
Iyaaan~~~ Dame desuno~~~
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
You just channeled Jibril. Should we call the Rin police to mop up the floor? 😛
POWUH: Meta Team and Meta-Analyst with 3844 comments
Wouldn’t that heat things up even more…? Officer~~~~
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
I always welcome a blood bath….
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Hmmm… I’m suddenly thinking KFC. 😉
POWUH: Lovely-pyon~ with 386 comments
doing chicken right.
POWUH: Meta Team and Meta-Analyst with 3844 comments
Robot Chicken!
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
@thorgriim: Spicy or original?
POWUH: Lovely-pyon~ with 386 comments
Spicyness please! /hi5? *waits*
POWUH: Meta Team and Meta-Analyst with 3844 comments
*serves the KFC with habanero-tan*
POWUH: 800-899 and Flying Sage with 856 comments
I think this show is off to a good start. Although I would have liked more glass-blowing, they actually delivered *some* which is better than they did in the PV. I watch this type of show for the beautiful visuals, so the fireworks and such was nice, but I really hope they deliver on glass-blowing animation in future episodes.
The biggest drawback to me was that I kept feeling like I had seen this show before. Boy visits from the future and joins in on school hijinx, but has a secret mission to sea the future from the somewhat clueless female lead, and ends up in a love triangle …
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
Yea for more glassblowing stuffs! HWY thought I was made for thinking that! Glad to see I have a fellow nerd on this.
I don’t quite know if the show is in full Psychic School Wars territory yet, but if it is, I for one would not mind PA Works version of that…
POWUH: Meta Team and Spammy Tamer with 7115 comments
I just think you guys are going to be disappointed.
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
We will hold the banner high!
POWUH: Lovely-pyon~ with 386 comments
But we are all in this series for all the glass breaking drama! maybe?
POWUH: Lovely-pyon~ with 386 comments
PA Works, I love their show because, well you know your in for a some gorgeously beautiful looking backgrounds. Hanasaku Iroha, Nagi no Asukara, Tari Tari, True Tears, are among my favorites and I forgot they did Angel Beats haha. Another and Red Data Girl weren’t too bad, but I wouldn’t watch them again.
(yes that’s a thing)I don’t remember much about what happened with True Tears(been soo long haha), I know Fosh didn’t care for it, but I watched it and something about it drew me in, maybe its because I’m drawn in by “slice of Life/Romantic” shows. But yes IT DID have chickens in it too, hmm chicken.
Already picked my favorite characters, First Touko would be my instant pick, shes cute to watch, that scene with her drawing the chickens and moving with them stole my heart instantly, silly cuteness! Second would go to Sachi because.. Well glasses! nah well that is one thing, but she seems to stand out from the group, so she will be interesting to watch for sure You gotta keep your eye on the quiet ones!
anyways I think I’m actually going to enjoy this series, I enjoyed what little they showed even though some parts made me slightly confused, But thats what makes things interesting with this one, so it will be fun to see how things unfold from here. Me and Fosh are already guessing who’s going to be paired up, I mean that ending pretty much spoils it, they are all lined up in order, (That’s my guess /wink) Did I hear that this one might have a “supernaturally” element to it? I hope not, but if it does.. I’m pretty sure i’ll keep watching.
it’s definitely made my top 5 for first impressions, But after this week I may have to open my top 10 to top 15 hehe. I’ve like most of their stories, so this one should be no different! Glassblowing, heart exploding drama, All the KFC parody to come, and triangles octagons circles and all other hexagon shapes, in one word.. Glassheartshapedchickens!
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
…maybe Rory McGann can make a commercial for the English Dub? “This show has f*ckin’ chickens”
POWUH: Meta Team and Spammy Tamer with 7115 comments
I can’t see Fosh making it past any of the drama in True Tears. Heck, it starts off with mom accusing dad of sleeping around…