Weekly Recap: Special A 01-02
These have been consolidated from individual posts.
Special A Episode 01
If there are 3 things I remember from this episode, it’s super long legs, extremely short skirts (sans fan-service, thankfully), and superhuman strength for characters that look anorexic. I couldn’t put my finger on what bothered me about the character design until Leon @ Kita ze Inbou pointed out that the long legs are reminiscent of CLAMP’s style. CLAMP! How could I forget CLAMP? I used to absolutely hate CLAMP style anime to the point where I wouldn’t watch it but I guess I’ve gotten over that aversion.
At first, I thought it was going to be like Kare Kano - the rivalry for 1st rank in the school is certainly similar. But that’s where the similarity ends. The series reminds me more of Ouran High School Host Club (and I have a small suspicion about character similarities but it’s too early to tell) but so far, with less comedy. I see the potential for more comedic moments and have a feeling that this will be the series I enjoy this spring.
Special A Episode 02
I nearly gagged on my moffle1 when I watched this episode. As soon as I saw them handcuffed together in a ring, nostalgic flashes of Ranma and P-chan2 from Ranma 1/2 flew through my mind. Two competitors forced to work together while hindering each other? Sadly, this was not meant to be. Kei’s gesture of chivalry in the ring (and Hikari’s tearful plea) did not make my heart strings twang. My only, rather frustrated, thought was: C’mon, where’s the comedy?
It would be unfair to say that there weren’t comedic moments - the class “rank 2″ teasing and things done by the supporting characters were decent. However, I’m not sure if this will be the great comedy I was hoping for. I realize it’s only the second episode and way too early to make any definite decision but I’d have to say I’m hovering at about a 50% like, 50% meh. I’m also saturated in antihistamines, which makes me grumpier than usual. But I still feel let down - the first episode seemed so promising as a comedy first, romantic misinterpretations second kind of thing. Now it seems the other way around.
At this moment, I’m just hoping Hikari does not turn out to be as big a bubblehead as Toru from Fruits Basket. If she goes completely Toru on me, I will use Photoshop to break her noodle legs and go find another series to watch.
- Just kidding, I don’t have one, but I did have banana bread and that’s a rare treat so you don’t want to waste it! [↩]
- Season 1, Episodes 12-13 if you’re interested…can I get my merit badge now? [↩]
Related Posts
Comments
@Nagato: It was actually the first thought that came to mind. :( Comedy swiftly replaced semi-revulsion.
I used to have over 600 summaries of dark side. x.x Then I imploded and took a break.
I’m debating on whether or not to do episodic, like a lot of others, or group them like I’m going to do for Chi’s. I guess it will depend on the series. I don’t have time to watch a lot so I kind of have to be picky.
lol @ above
It was kind of expected for Kei to have a higher score SOMEHOW. It just wouldn’t be right with Hikari tying with Kei so early in the show.
@IcyStorm: If Hikari beat Kei, it would certainly throw the show for a loop. It’s too early to really tell but I’d love to see Kei get flustered. I’ll bet he doesn’t do well when he’s dethroned.
>>> If Hikari beat Kei, it would certainly throw the show for a loop.
Well it happened in Kare Kano, which is probably why the romance developed much quicker there. And I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the noodle people in this show make CLAMP’s look fat! It’s made worse by the fact that they’re supposed to be martial artists when they look like they can snap at any given time -_-”
I refrained from making a dirty, albeit lame joke on screencap 3.
@Issa: It’s been a while since I’ve watched anything remotely CLAMP…but wow. I guess a new record for thinness has been set with this show.
@Shin: So did I. :P
Too many people pointing out CLAMP. I only mentioned it on the side. P:
And oo an anime entry… you’re coming to the dark side. >:D