aloe, dream

Oh shlizaps! I’m basically super late to the premier of Michiko to Hatchin, but what the hell was up with the first batch of RAWS terrible, I was also in Las Vegas for 4 days. Having watched sudo’s version, and been alerted that Animanda and AonE are collaborating, I’m mixed about raw viewing, though it didn’t seem like much dialog when compared to recent episodes of a A Certain Magical anime.

So one of the early impressions to hit the scene was from Kuro, who noteabley dove right into the acting:

There’s an instant dislike I have for Suzuka Ohgo’s voicing of Hana because she sounds a LOT more older than her character plus it has a “yet to break in as a seiyuu” roughness to it.

Interesting, I’d probably have noticed if she spoke more, but perhaps I can keep ignoring it. I’m sure we’ll all deal with it, but I agree it can be detracting. Kind of like a sleeping person jaw-smacking while one is attempting to do quite study.

Another quick-to-the-scene (as usual) was Aroduc who insists:

We’ve obliterated the line of believability and are somewhere in make-believe land waiting for Santa to fly in with the Hanukkah Zombie and Kwanzaa Gundam for the Hogswatch party.

I am feeling this Dr. Cox vibe; Kwanzaa Gundam, count me in. Cruel families are real, from a quick POV, the family was treating her much like a farm animal, I’d say it’s common. As for the cruelty, yes, we are humans, and I believe it’s purposely vexing, but not that far-fetched.

Washi mentioned:

The harsh and cruel “upbringing” of Hatchin by her nasty parents and siblings forcefully extracts empathy from the audience.

Yes, and many viewers wanted to strangle that family. Thank god they are out of the picture. I particularly enjoyed Washi’s post btw, very positive.

So, as I swim through the posts, I’m realizing MtH has quite possibly received the most attention of the season, but it could very well be Toradora! or Index. In any case, I just love when Impz posts. He adjusts:

Hana particularly looks really queer at times.

It’s okay, queers are acceptable.see Junjou

Okay, the real adjustment:

This episode is mostly a set up for the future episodes.

This is sheer truth, and I’m in total agreement. This episode is could very well be taken as episode 0. Impz’ new blogmate also jotted some stuff, and the search for meaning of the tatoo shall commence.

absolute0 put in some good thoughts as well:

It would be interesting to see her transformation as she travels with the brash Michiko. It would be interesting to see Michiko’s transformation as well.

I’m definitely leaning toward MtH having a moderate plotline, episodic in nature, but heavy on the character development. So hopefully we will get some of this transformation, dynamic characters rock. If it doesn’t happen to go that way, I’ll be surprised and pleased anyway. absolute0 also taps on authenticity:

The producers could have used Latin American names instead of Japanese names to make the setting more authentic.

If we’re going to talk authenticity, I think the most I’ve seen in anime is KyoAni’s language array in The Second Raid. manglobe didn’t anty up on that hand, but if we consider Michiko as Malandro, and Hana as Morenos, we get a sweet Latin vibe. It seems the terrible family had Japanese names for some reason, aahm. Onward!

I noticed the majority of posts mentioned a few common things:

• manglobe’s other productions
• Shinichiro Watanabe’s other productions
• Cowboy Bebop
• Samurai Champloo

Seeing as I inadvertently did the same, I shall ad. The issue between the list items and MtH is there’s no pattern that fits the production environment. The creator mash-up is varied, so MtH should wind up feeling rather different. I like what Washi said:

the fact that the show so determinedly stands on its own two feet is refreshing and perhaps its greatest strength

Perhaps it’s over-expectation to desire a series that breaks the mold, and maybe it’s generalization to expect the creators along the same lines to deliver, but the hype is well-deserved. coburn feels it:

The pure gorgeousness of everything, the emotional closeness of the journey to come. Could I be overhyping? Well yes.

Do it! If you’re eyes aren’t burning, you’re soul is not on fire! And we mine as well blaze when we get the Brazilian setting, Omnisynth loves it:

I love the Brazilian setting of the show which contrasts greatly to the standard highschool locations that seem to plague anime these days

Shall we gamble, Brazilian setting + high school location? I know the Brazilian IRC faction is so loved on #ab, but it’s likely I have no clue what school in Brazil is like, are there even seifuku?

Finally, from Kaibitzin:

What a strange first episode! From the trippy opening with the topless loli to the wacked out LLBDD feather belly tattoos that every girl has, I had no clue what was going on.

When I imaging someone speaking these words, I can’t help but smile and giggle. Kaibitzin definitely released the most oddball impression of this group, but ultimately, he’s right. What’s going on, and where do we go from here? How many of us were ruffled by Michiko’s feathers? or readied to kill by the terrible family? Did anyone make a Maria voodoo doll? Care to share you’re pins and needles?

Too many questions!

Sadly, we’ll all have to wait at least for the next episode before we glimpse more from the new pair, Michiko and Hatchin!