Saint Seiya Omega
Short Synopsis: Our lead character is destined to save the world.
Oh yes. This show knows how to deliver good action. This entire episode was almost non-stop gorgeously animated, with a wonderful use of its character designs, colours and camera angles. There is detail both in the giant blasts that the characters fire at each other, and the subtle character animations. This will be a series chock full of eye candy. On top of that, the creators also succeeded in putting a lot of emotion into just this one episode. Toei, I’m impressed. The one thing that seemed to be missing in this episode however, was context. Who are these people? What are they fighting for? I mean, I understand that they’re protecting the world and all, but what world, and why should I care about it? Beyond the conflict of having two parties who fight each other, there was surprisingly little else in this episode. For an opening episode I can understand that you’d ignore this, but the next episodes should put some focus into that, then.
OP: Nice upbeat rock tune, again with some nice eye candy.
Potential: 80%
Folktales from Japan
Short Synopsis: Our lead characters come from classic folk tales.
Yes, this is actually a kiddie show that actually wants to tell stories, rather than sell merchandise. The stories here involve money, but apart from that there is nothing commercial about this series and instead the creators decided to bring life to a collection of folk tales that people used to tell children. The animation in this episode was realyl simple, but I appreciate what it’s trying to do. As for the stories themselves, they’re nicely told for a kids’ series, but when you start to look at the moral of each story things get a bit weird. At first sight it’s the standard “bad karma will bite you back”-stuff, but this series takes it a bit too much beyond the comfort zone: if you do good stuff you will be rewarded with vast riches, but if you do bad stuff, or even look like a bad guy, you get to live in poverty. I’m not expecting Mouryou no Hako or anything from this series of course, but the way in which nearly every good character got incredibly rich in all of the three stories in this episode was a bit too much.
OP: They actually got a good singer for this.
ED: Another “let’s have the cast walk”-ED. Good singer, though.
Potential: 40%
Uchuu Kyoudai
Short Synopsis: Our lead character wants to be an astronaut.
Now this was good. This was really good. First of all, we’ve got another series where the main character is a guy in his thirties. The kid who showed up in the promo art of this series is just there to symbolize his inner child and how he grew up. The meat of this series really is about how this guy is going to go into space. And that with a series that will be 51 episodes long. Considering the length, this episode did an amazing job to show who this guy is, what drive him, how he changed over the years and what his personality is like. This episode would have even be sufficient if the series only had 13 or even 6 episodes. The main character himself is really likable, and this episode had a number of very good jokes around him. Yes, this series set a very big standard for the rest of the series this season.
OP: A definite contender for the best OP of the season. Amazing use of images, and a great song
ED: The same “let’s have the characters running over a dull j-rock song”-ED that you see everywhere.
Potential: 95%
If you have seen Planetes – how does Uchuu Kyoudai compare?
Hmm…I don’t think Psgels watch Planetes yet, I think it’s still on his next watch list if I’m not mistaken.
I don’t think Hachimaki has a brother (in Planetes). But of course, comparison to both series would be eventual. Anyway, I do think that with 51 episodes, the series can explore and discuss space travel etc. Planetes needed more than 26 episodes to flesh out its settings. But at least, the character development was great. Seriously psgels, watch Planetes first before blogging Uchuu Kyoudai.
@Psgels : About Omega,mmm…yeah you should at least watch the original series(Saint Saiya)franchise first(the 1st season or Ares’s arc) to better understand the whole plot&some characters in here, cuz just like The Legend of Korra(Avatar), this is the direct sequel/continuation from the original series&most of the questions you asked are answered there at least. Well, I’m sure there’s going to be a quick explanation about the whole saints thing in the next eps(probably), but I suggest watching a few eps of the original series will give you a clearer gist of the main plot/story, etc.
What happened with Seiya after the Poseidon saga?
I watched the first TV anime completely, and some episodes of Hades.
I didn’t watch Lost Canvas…
Is there some big piece of background I’m missing? Or is it OK to watch Omega having watched only the original TV series?
The hell… I just watched it.
I don’t know if I’m missing something.
I couldn’t bear the Hades OVAs, but this one seems good.
Seiya feels more like an Aioros figure in this one.
Lost Canvas is like a spin off/side story w/ different charas, so it’s ok to watch those without watching the original series anyway, while this(Omega) is a direct sequel of the original, meaning the continuation of the series after those Hades OVAs w/ new characters as main chara(new saint warriors)&new enemy(aka Mars), but the old ones (charas in the original) still pop up here &there.
Just for the sake of nostalgia http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bu533OKYHyc
I like a lot the new remake of the song. Good to know the original band is still around.
Watch Saint Seiya – Meiou Shinwa for some gorgeous action that doesn’t need the context of the rest of the series.
Wheres Space Brothers actually going to go as a series? It seems to have the flimsiest of setups for a 51 episode series.
Its based on an ongoing manga (and from what I hear a very good one). I am sure there is plenty of material for 51 episodes.
Are you kidding? I adore Space Brothers, even before I knew there was going to be an anime. It has the most off-beat, endearing characters and an amazing storyline. I’m so glad it’s been adapted and it’s my first time hearing that it’s gonna be 51 episodes (holy shit!).
Finally, some love for Space Brothers <3
Uchuu Kyoudai will have 51 episodes? Well, glad to hear that. I was worried that it will only last one season, 12 ep.
>Who are these people? What are they fighting for? I mean, I understand that they’re protecting the world and all, but what world, and why should I care about it?
It’s a sequel goddammit.
lol, Hiroaki Hirata is worthless old guy again?+) cool *_*
Uchuu Kyoudai 51!!!! episode Wow.
the direction was good too, not just one one copy from manga. at least from a few chapter i read
The Saint protect the earth against, divine cataclysm.
Generally cause by gods, that are too arrogants.
Gods in Saint Seiya are megalomaniacal assholes.
Except Athena, that protects humanity.
There are three types of warriors int he good guy faction,
Bronze Saints: They move and attack around Mach 15.
Silver Saints: They can go from mach 500 to higher speed.
Gold Sain: they can punch shit, and move faster than light, so hax
Uchuu kyoudai had an amazing source material. (Had read first 10 volumes) I am glad that the anime was equally as awesome.
I’m interested in folk tails from other countries, so am quite keen to watch the second one – despite the low rating!
Omega is aimed at a younger generation (the teenagers who got into Saint Seiya when it first came out are now in their thirties, they can watch Omega with their children!), so I think you’ll be fine even if you haven’t watched the prequels. Kouga seems to be conveniently clueless of everything around him, I guess they’ll use him to give some explanations to new viewers.
Wow I was already excited for Uchuu Kyoudai, but it’s going to be 51 episodes *and* you gave it a 95% potential rating? So stoked to find some time and go watch it!! 🙂
Uchuu Kyoudai reminds me of Planetes (freaking amazing anime). That’s more than enough reason for me to start watching this new anime 😀
Does anyone know how many episodes Saint Seiya Omega is gonna be?
Alright…something good this season and that’s Uchuu Kyoudai. A mature series that will be 51 episodes…totally awesome! I’m so sick and tire of the abundance immature series out there.
The subtle jokes were funny and the older brother is a crack. I also like the realistic setting and character designs which doesn’t have the spike-like hairstyle. And best of all, A-1 Pictures is producing it…they’re awesome!!!
Man, Uchuu Kyoudai and Saint Seiya Omega were pretty awesome.
I love how they brought in the original seiyu of Saint Seiya to also voice him in Saint Seiya Omega (who is very obviously also the voice of Casshern!). Along with the opening, that definitely adds to the cheese/nostalgia factor to the series, which is definitely a good thing in my books strangely enough.I don’t know why, but I actually appreciate some cheesiness in a series as long as its executed well(in other words, DOES NOT TAKE OVER THE WHOLE SHOW).
Both Uchuu Kyoudai and Saint Seiya Omega are darn pretty to look at as well. They know how to use their color palette well, using somber and darker colors to create more realistic or quiet frames, as well as bright ones in order to make certain scenes pop and give them a more ethereal or edgy feel. It goes without saying that Saint Seiya Omega has gorgeous art and great action. Uchuu Kyoudai on the other hand utilizes movement well, making each turn of the head and hand gesture meaningful (whether it be for serious or comedic reasons).
As for the story, I’m always game for a good shounen, and I’m pretty sure Saint Seiya can deliver if one can enjoy the a more standard but well-done plot(in contrast to the likes of HunterxHunter and Gintama).
The dynamics of the two brothers’ relationship is what interests me in Uchuu Kyoudai. After havingjust watched Infinite Ryvius, it puts a smile on my face just to see how endearing and loving their relationship can be, despite how ‘hands-off’ it is with the lack of actual interaction between the two (as of now).Though they may have the same dream and one feels inferior to the other, they still hold a lot of respect for each other. Just imagine how great it’ll be when they actually meet again!
So yeah,so far this season is looking promising based on these two.To think there’s still a lot to look forward to! 🙂
psgels, I’m surprised you didn’t mention that the character designer for Saint Seiya Omega is the same as Casshern Sins and Heartcatch Precure, as he seems to be one of your favorites (Yoshihiko Umakoshi).
he did mention it here http://psgels.net/2012/02/11/spring-season-preview-6/
Well, I had some doubt before watching Uchuu Kyoudai, but I gotta say with just one episode it has hooked my interest~
Kind of stuck in a situation like the main lead (having a brother and looking for job), I’m curious and interested to see what he will do next.
Also I had thought that voice sounded familiar! I checked the cast list and found out Mutta is voiced by the same guy who did Tiger in T&B! That just made me to like this character even more! XD