Some Quick First Impressions: Kyoukai no Rinne, Yamada-kun to Nana nin no Majo and Ore Monogatari!!

Kyoukai no Rinne

Short Synopsis: A girl encounters a grim reaper who solves people’s ghost problems.

I said before that seeing as this is from the maker of ranma 1/2 and inuyasha that this will likely feel dated in this current era of anime. I can now say that I was absolutely correct. This wouldn’t look out of place at all if airing beside sailor moon and Yu Yu Hakusuo. Even if the animation is better and art cleaner. Its both a plus and a minus for it as it does give it retro charm but also brings back the cliches and exaggerated comedy of yesteryear. This really just shows to me that the mangaka hasn’t changed, for better or worse. The episode itself is fine but frankly I am not set on jumping into a series likely to drag on and on.

Potential: 30%

Yamada-kun to Nana nin no Majo

Short Synopsis: A boy switches bodies with a girl and both go through the school day.

The episode was decent but there is a major warning flag. This episode adapted 7 chapters of manga and there seems to be plans to go to chapter 70 with one cour. This my friends, has never ever turned out well for any studio who attempted it. Which makes me wonder why some believe they will pull it off differently. Sure I said this story tends to drag a bit but this isn’t the solution. Prepare for pacing issues galore. Which is a shame because the points they did animate faithfully were done well. Perhaps they could somehow manage to make it watchable but I expect this to unravel fast. The same studio is working on Arslan, so I hope they don’t plan to rush that as well.

Potential: 30%

Ore Monogatari!!

Short Synopsis: A gentle giant falls for a girl.

Far too much Piano. I understand its a great instrument for conveying emotion but can we use it a little bit less? The selling point of this show is the untypical main character and it works. Its nice to see a character design often used as a low level enemy for the hero to defeat and impress the girl instead be likeable lead. Though he is made stupid for comedic effect but at least he’s well intentioned. The comedy is decent but the romance…well. Let’s just say it’s like shoving your mouth full of sugar. Its nice but very sickening. Watching as the background goes to the void and two characters stare at each other for a length of time that would make any person greatly uncomfortable. But I am watching this still and may even finish it so it must have some draw. However as mentioned before this story caps off quite early and I have no idea how the author would go on after that point that could be entertaining.

Potential: 50%