Some Quick First Impressions: Kino’s Journey, Shoujo Shuumatsu Ryokou and Net-juu no Susume

Kino’s Journey

Short Synopsis: Kino travels to a country where the law allows people to kill.

AidanAK47’s review

Ah Kino, how I missed you. I am a really sucker for these kinds of moral parables and from the first episode this show looks to be continuing the tradition well. Not really a sequel nor is it a remake, it appears to be a mixture of old and new as we start off with a brand new story and are moving into an old story that was adapted before. The next episode is one of my least favorite of the old series but we shall see how it does with a new coat of paint. Speaking of which the visuals of Kino have gotten a significant upgrade which could throw people off who prefer the rougher storybook style of the original series. Personally I am fine with the new artstyle and the only points I had a problem with where the two parts where they replaced kino with a CGI puppet when parking her motorrad. It’s small but a little jarring when you see it.That said, Kino was never about the visuals, it’s about the story. From where I see it they are adapting that aspect of it fantastically. Now for the hope that this would be revealed to be a two cour series because that would be marvelous.

Potential: 95%

Mario’s review

Kino’s Journey is back, with a new gown. With its updated character designs, the new version of Kino is more like a reboot than a continuation of a 2003-series, meaning there will be some old tales that receive new treatment again. Don’t know how I feel about that until I see how the new versions play out. About the original series, although I consider the arts fairly ugly, it fits perfectly to the narrative theme of the series (which curiously name as The Beautiful World). I don’t mind this new art of Kino’s Journey, Kino looks pleasantly detailed and overall it brings the same tones of the original series, but sometimes when they rely on the use of  it looks distracting. The first tale sets the show in the right footing, not amongst the best tale we’ve seen but still leaves plenty food for thought. People who hasn’t checked out the original show will have no problem approaching this new material, as this episode bookends the premise of the show and gives us some necessary dynamic between Kino and Hermes. Next week will be a story that original fans are all familiar with: Coliseum, and next week might be a good chance to see if this new adaptation falls under superior or inferior position compared to the 2003 version.

Potential: 85%

Shoujo Shuumatsu Ryokou

Short Synopsis: Two girls ride their tank around in the post-apocalyptic world.

Lenlo’s Review:

A post-apocalyptic/war slice-of-life focused on two girls riding around in a small truck? Normally this wouldn’t be my fare, but in Ryokou it just works. There are a lot of reasons for this. First, the two characters play off of each other very well. There’s rarely a wasted word, with one clearly enjoying talking more than the other.That combined with their silent communication makes it clear they have done this for awhile, there’s a history to their actions. Second Ryokou tells its world through its environment, with a destroyed industrial city, scattered weapons and snow covered metal. It’s so bleak, yet the colored night sky makes it beautiful. Everything feels abandoned and the complete lack of people aside from our leads Chito and Yuuri go a long way in helping this effect. Finally, there’s the design/direction of Ryokou. The detailed background with our almost childlike characters, with the occasional detailed shot of their hands or boots put in. The well-crafted CGI, unique camera angles like our shot spinning with a bullet fire at some cans. Everything about Ryokou shows the passion and skill that went into it. So long as the character interaction stays fresh, as everything hinges on Chito and Yuuri. Based on the ending of this first episode, I don’t think that will be a problem, so I can’t help but recommend Girls Last Tour.

Potential: 85%

Mario’s review

This show’s just tailor-made for me, I love absolutely everything about it. Cute girls in a dark, post-apocalyptic world with a light-hearted slice-of-life approach? Count me right in. The first strength of the show lies in its settings, the world that is void of people, only the remains of machinery, weapons lie around everywhere. This world is conveyed not by the info-dump, but by the empty atmosphere it produces. Not a single life beyond our two girls, all they do is riding around and looking for food. The strong chemistry between the two leads, Chito and Yuuri, make up for its second strength. They share a great bond together and they hold my attention throughout the first episode with how comfortable they are with each other, something that is important since they have to carry the show themselves. Thirdly, it’s the slice-of-life approach that we see them carry on with their lives, enjoy little moments they have. It helps that the direction also favors small moments, sometimes relies on off-screen actions, body gestures, or long zoom out from our protagonist. This show has such a well-crafted direction and it does feel cinematic, I tell ya. Finally, for those of you who worry that this show is an one-extended premise with little variations, this first episode focuses on one little theme at a time that still manage to pack an emotional little punch at the end. Girls Last Tour is a ride that worth taking.

Potential: 80%

Net-juu no Susume

Short Synopsis: A recently dismissed Salarywoman decides to get sucked into an MMORPG

AidanAK47’s review

This show has that aspect where the RPG is presented in this animated fashion from within, but the reality often shows the game to be rather simplistic visually. It’s understandable as it’s likely how the player happens to see that world but it does make me wonder as to what the reality version of certain scenes is. For example there is a scene where one of the characters goes up to the bar and is depressed. So did the player walk her up to the bar and play some sort of depressed gesture? Well ignoring the imaginary alternate reality game vision this is a nice show with a decent start. I really like that the protagonist is a woman in her twenties instead of some generic teenager.(Though as if some parody she makes a generic male teenager avatar to play as in the game) It’s a rather heartwarming story that doesn’t take itself too seriously. The animation isn’t the strongest but it works for the story. The question is where does this story go from here as I wonder just how this romance will develop between these two despite them playing opposite to their genders. Now that the woman is up to speed on how to play the game it’s a wonder as to just where the story will go from here. Still as of now I am rather curious.

Potential: 40%

Mario’s review

Net-juu has such a simple concept: a NEET girl who plays game online as a dude has a close encounter with an online girl who in real life is a working man. Yet, so far it’s adorable and charming. The main draw I believe is the lead characters who are in their twenties, as such they behave more believable and their social awkwardness feel more relatable. I also like how difference in arts between the real world and the fantasy game world. Fruits de Mer has a feel of escapist place and the real world is accordingly washout and down to earth. The chemistry between the two mains is rock solid here, it has a proper development and the cast so far is likable. Despite it, the production feels rough at times and I just hope the show doesn’t take too long for the two to meet in real life. Net-juu has a promising take-off, now let’s see how they will manage to fly and land safely.

Potential: 40%