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Dec 14, 2024 3:29 AM
#1

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Dec 2021
2967
Advance screening event
https://medalist-pr.com/news.html#news-241108-6

Sports anime are already something that are very rare to see, let alone ice skating anime. I mean, on the top of your head the only one you could probably name is Yuri on Ice... and that's about it. So it is a breath of fresh air from all these basketball and soccer anime, and believe me, ice skating is no easy hobby to have, let alone be a professional in it. Our main guy here, is in no sort of way a professional.. all because he "started too late". I mean, yeah, in some fields, skills, or hobbies, people look down on others who start late, even the ones wanting to join think that way too. In terms of skating, I don't know but I think you can catch up a bit. Maybe not to those genius kids famous before they’re ten, but nationally? Sure. Though, skaters do start super young, and by 14, most sports already want kids in adult tournaments. Honestly, I feel the guy, it’s just life: you work, fail, try something close like coaching or fixing stuff, hit a mid-life crisis... Only difference is starting fresh after school.

But yeah, enough about main guy, because the story is REALLY about our main girl here who, jesus fuck, might have one of, if not, THE WORST mom in anime that I've seen in recent memory. What her mom said at the table was so messed up. I get she had her reasons, she explained them later, but why would you mock your own kid, and in front of people too? That mom really needs to learn from other moms or something. Like, the kid was straight-up calling herself worthless right there, saying skating’s the only thing that makes her happy and this is the one time she’ll be selfish. And still, nobody but the dude felt bad about it. Wtf. Working so hard and getting no praise, just getting insulted for what you couldn’t do... That’s just messed up.

I get what the guy’s feeling too. He gave up on his dreams, so how can he, someone who didn’t even reach his own goals, think he’s got the right to coach others in something he quit... God, I loved the hell out of this premiere. I have my concerns about ENGI being at the helm of this all, I don't really like the CGI all that much, but god those facial expressions and drawings near the end were so fucking good. I'll take what I can get knowing that damn near every episode after the next is outsourced to the Chinese.

Please ENGI, I beg of you, let this project be the one that you actually put some effort into.
IzanaSolosDec 14, 2024 3:46 AM


Dec 14, 2024 6:38 AM
#2
Offline
Jun 2015
161
Reply to IzanaSolos
Advance screening event
https://medalist-pr.com/news.html#news-241108-6

Sports anime are already something that are very rare to see, let alone ice skating anime. I mean, on the top of your head the only one you could probably name is Yuri on Ice... and that's about it. So it is a breath of fresh air from all these basketball and soccer anime, and believe me, ice skating is no easy hobby to have, let alone be a professional in it. Our main guy here, is in no sort of way a professional.. all because he "started too late". I mean, yeah, in some fields, skills, or hobbies, people look down on others who start late, even the ones wanting to join think that way too. In terms of skating, I don't know but I think you can catch up a bit. Maybe not to those genius kids famous before they’re ten, but nationally? Sure. Though, skaters do start super young, and by 14, most sports already want kids in adult tournaments. Honestly, I feel the guy, it’s just life: you work, fail, try something close like coaching or fixing stuff, hit a mid-life crisis... Only difference is starting fresh after school.

But yeah, enough about main guy, because the story is REALLY about our main girl here who, jesus fuck, might have one of, if not, THE WORST mom in anime that I've seen in recent memory. What her mom said at the table was so messed up. I get she had her reasons, she explained them later, but why would you mock your own kid, and in front of people too? That mom really needs to learn from other moms or something. Like, the kid was straight-up calling herself worthless right there, saying skating’s the only thing that makes her happy and this is the one time she’ll be selfish. And still, nobody but the dude felt bad about it. Wtf. Working so hard and getting no praise, just getting insulted for what you couldn’t do... That’s just messed up.

I get what the guy’s feeling too. He gave up on his dreams, so how can he, someone who didn’t even reach his own goals, think he’s got the right to coach others in something he quit... God, I loved the hell out of this premiere. I have my concerns about ENGI being at the helm of this all, I don't really like the CGI all that much, but god those facial expressions and drawings near the end were so fucking good. I'll take what I can get knowing that damn near every episode after the next is outsourced to the Chinese.

Please ENGI, I beg of you, let this project be the one that you actually put some effort into.
@IzanaSolos

With the sheer amount of hype and support it's getting on Twitter from other artists as well as the upcoming release of a novelization and character data book, ENGI HAS TO deliver or they will NEVER live this one down.
Dec 14, 2024 10:24 PM
#3
Offline
Sep 2019
5
saw some other feedback on the twitter
- praised the motion capture (though some are not a fan of CG which is understandable)
- some part progressed fast comparing to the manga, but made up in emotional scenes.
- praised the VAs, exceeded their expectation.

Didn't expect to see ENGI with this level of PR.
Advanced theatre screening, support from many real-life skaters. Olympics skaters to help on their motion capture process.
Opening Song from Kenshi Yonezu (he asked to do the song himself.)

Plus, with a good timing they gonna release artbook and novel in next year.
ENGI they'd better make this right!
Dec 14, 2024 10:29 PM
#4
Offline
Jun 2015
161
Reply to BG_Comedimet
saw some other feedback on the twitter
- praised the motion capture (though some are not a fan of CG which is understandable)
- some part progressed fast comparing to the manga, but made up in emotional scenes.
- praised the VAs, exceeded their expectation.

Didn't expect to see ENGI with this level of PR.
Advanced theatre screening, support from many real-life skaters. Olympics skaters to help on their motion capture process.
Opening Song from Kenshi Yonezu (he asked to do the song himself.)

Plus, with a good timing they gonna release artbook and novel in next year.
ENGI they'd better make this right!
@BG_Comedian

This is literally ENGI's make or break. If they fuck this up, they will NEVER be able to recover from the backlash.
Dec 15, 2024 1:21 AM
#5
🍅 Tomato 🍅

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Feb 2020
103866
Decent first episode. Ice skating is a very difficult sports.

Wasn't a big fan of all the comedy, screaming, and exaggerated facial expressions. Usually I don't mind, but they don't fit to this show imo.

Anyway, hoping for an entertaining ride.

SerafosJan 4, 10:20 AM
Dec 29, 2024 4:21 PM
#6
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Oct 2012
152
We're watching this for the ice skating, right?
Jan 4, 7:56 AM
#7

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Jul 2017
15073
Mangaka Tsurumaikada's masterpiece manga has finally arrived onto the anime scene, and needless to say, I'm VERY excited for it.

For the man of Tsukasa Akeuraji trying to skate his way through in an ice rink, encountering the unlikely girl of Inori Yuitsuka looking at him as a pedophile, it's natural that she would react to him that way, more than her being nice to the old man receptionist by bringing a bag of worms for his pet birds as a way to exchange entrance into the place. But for the 5th grader who feels helpless towards the same-grade kids who doesn't see her contributing much, she just wants to skate very badly. It's worse for the 26-year-old Tsukasa just floating around, hoping to make ends meet with skating, only for Inori's mother to come in and propose a solution to keep her learning to figure skate, something which her esteemed older sister has been doing for years.

This is a great opportunity for Tsukasa to showcase his talents as a former skater, helping someone who's just like him, who's a natural at figure skating skills. And when she proves it best, he takes it one step further, already proving of why her future is in the sport alone, but something of which her mother would not acknowledge of her skating at a "ripe old age" of 11 (for children). This is Inori's way of life, because that's all she's been thinking of doing since life trampled her down, be it both in family or outside, and Tsukasa prides himself in teaching her to the best of his abilities.

The partnership of the unlikely duo, please don't shit this one up ENGI.
KANLen09Jan 4, 11:06 PM
Jan 4, 9:12 AM
#8

Offline
May 2023
267
P. E. A. K. PLEASE ENGI DON'T RUIN THIS MASTERPIECE, PLEASE I'M BEGGING YOU.
NezuSwallowtail_Jan 4, 12:56 PM
Jan 4, 9:31 AM
#9
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Mar 2021
3
No animation of the year awards but it might just be peak
Jan 4, 9:40 AM

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Mar 2021
1953
This was an excellent opening episode am hooked already.
Jan 4, 9:50 AM

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Nov 2016
32015
With source material that good I had high expectations and I'm glad they lived up. Pretty nice start, let's see if this is the next outstanding performance art anime since Ballroom e Youkoso for me.

One Piece episode 914 & 915 & 1027 were a mistake and 957 brought the salvation - FMmatron


Jan 4, 9:51 AM

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Jun 2012
111
The animation was good, especially in the skating scenes, even with some CGI. Tsukasa and Inori are captivating from the start, and I hope they stay that way. It seems like it's going to be an anime with a lot of emotional depth, which can be either good or bad depending on the viewer's taste. The pacing was good, it wasn’t rushed
Jan 4, 10:05 AM
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Sep 2015
6778
Hopeful anime. It asks a classic question, is it too late to start doing something you love? Of course, it's not too late, but there's a price to pay since time doesn't wait for anyone.
Jan 4, 10:12 AM
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Oct 2020
3637
This is one of my favorite recent mangas. It looks pretty good so far so nice start!! I really hope this adaptation does the manga justice!

ENGI PLEASE PLEASE DON"T FUCKT THIS UP!!! I have faith because I have to. Also yes CGI but honestly it doesn't look bad at all. It might not be studio Orange level or anything but not bad either. Still should probably keep my expectations low just in case. The first episodes usually look better than most of the rest of the season.

I got so hyped when I heard Kenshi Yonezu at the end there.
RexnihiloJan 4, 10:18 AM
Jan 4, 10:13 AM
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Mar 2024
83
The animation looks great so far I hope it doesn't fall apart after 3 episodes in Engi is doing a good job.
Jan 4, 10:22 AM

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Jul 2016
2579
From the way she fled from Tsukasa at the start, Inori could totally do parkour as a backup plan if the dude weren't the skating world's most passionate hypeman.

And the sheer meme potential of "NICE IDEA PUNCH!" tho lmao
Jan 4, 10:24 AM
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Apr 2020
13
Reply to Yang_Wenli
We're watching this for the ice skating, right?
@Yang_Wenli god I hope so..
Jan 4, 11:28 AM
🥊 CHAMPION 🥊

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Apr 2016
24223
Noise first episode how the principal trainer!!!
Well, the first step was there....
...now the goal seems a bit away!!!
kekeke
Jan 4, 11:40 AM
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May 2017
1846
Excellent beginning episode! Inori is as captivating as pretty and sweet! Tsukasa completely related to and felt in love with her at first impact, er, sight.
Mene, mene, tekel, parsin
Jan 4, 1:36 PM

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Jul 2017
6797
Medalist's first episode is here, one of my favorite sports manga from the last few years. But knowing that ENGI was in charge and their track record, cautiously optimistic was the way I approached this series when I heard this was getting an anime adaptation.

From the first episode here and my impressions, ENGI have done better than I expected with the animation and CGI use and the pacing, but the actual adaptation feels a bit emotionally flat through execution that is pretty by-the-books compared to what this series deserved in my opinion. Everything about this was safe but lacked the punch and passion that the manga had. At least the pacing wasn't terrible and there are positives to what ENGI did here, but the manga was naturally more captivating with its start than the anime. Given how poor my expectations were though with ENGI, a passable, safe adaptation isn't too bad compared to some of the stuff they have cooked up over the last few years. So far, not too sure how to feel about it just yet but it's not bad.
Jan 4, 1:51 PM

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Feb 2019
9620
Yea we got us one here. This is gonna be special. One episode in and I can already see why this is an award winning manga. Tsukasa and Inori are going to go on to make history aren’t they? Unlikeliest duo, but found each other at the perfect time in life. Tsukasa is down on his luck and has regrets about not getting into skating earlier, while Inori represents his aspirations and a “what-if” for him. She has an opportunity to go where he’s never been and I can’t wait to see the journey unfold

Was so annoyed watching the mom do everything in her power to discourage Inori from skating like damn just because your other daughter quit due to injury don’t mean Inori will do the same. And even if she does, let her make a choice and do what she wants. If it don’t work out it don’t work out 🤷🏾‍♂️ of course I’m not oblivious to the financial constraints, but she was too negative for me

Only saw a little of the skating in this episode, but ENGI seem like they’re gonna cook on the production. The blend the 2D and 3DCGI was perfect and I didn’t notice anything jarring or poorly animated. Will he interesting to see how they balance this and unnamed memory s2 which noticeably looked rough in season 1. Really promising start here though and I’m gonna be rooting for Inori all season long
Marinate1016Jan 4, 5:26 PM
Jan 4, 1:52 PM
Offline
Jun 2015
161
Reply to Marinate1016
Yea we got us one here. This is gonna be special. One episode in and I can already see why this is an award winning manga. Tsukasa and Inori are going to go on to make history aren’t they? Unlikeliest duo, but found each other at the perfect time in life. Tsukasa is down on his luck and has regrets about not getting into skating earlier, while Inori represents his aspirations and a “what-if” for him. She has an opportunity to go where he’s never been and I can’t wait to see the journey unfold

Was so annoyed watching the mom do everything in her power to discourage Inori from skating like damn just because your other daughter quit due to injury don’t mean Inori will do the same. And even if she does, let her make a choice and do what she wants. If it don’t work out it don’t work out 🤷🏾‍♂️ of course I’m not oblivious to the financial constraints, but she was too negative for me

Only saw a little of the skating in this episode, but ENGI seem like they’re gonna cook on the production. The blend the 2D and 3DCGI was perfect and I didn’t notice anything jarring or poorly animated. Will he interesting to see how they balance this and unnamed memory s2 which noticeably looked rough in season 1. Really promising start here though and I’m gonna be rooting for Inori all season long
@Marinate1016

Hulu has the Japanese dub with subs.
Jan 4, 1:56 PM

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Feb 2019
9620
doomrider7 said:
@Marinate1016

Hulu has the Japanese dub with subs.

Thanks, weird to not have them together. Pretty sure they had both for Yozakura
Jan 4, 3:16 PM

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Mar 2016
1449
Reply to NezuSwallowtail_
P. E. A. K. PLEASE ENGI DON'T RUIN THIS MASTERPIECE, PLEASE I'M BEGGING YOU.
@NezuSwallowtail_ For now seems a lot of the budget went to this instead of Unnamed Memory S2, and I hope that doesn't change.
No tomo malas decisiones, solo me gusta apoyar causas perdidas.
Disfruté Mayoiga, Ou-sama Game, Evil or Live, Mirai Nikki, Big Order, Arifureta, Ex-Arm, Tesla Note, Shuumatsu no Harem y Platinum End
nope les falle con esa, lo siento pero todos tenemos nuestros límites.
Así de jodido es mi gusto en anime, ¡Y estoy pinche orgulloso de ello!

Jan 4, 3:34 PM

Online
Aug 2020
3839
started very well

i was not sure if was going to enjoy it but they did a good job

let's hope that it will continue like that
otakuweek (100k Followers) on insta for News /best recom etc

just have a look, you won't regret it...

Link below:

https://www.instagram.com/otakuweek?igsh=em5kY3Q4NTVtNXlh
Jan 4, 3:42 PM
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Nov 2023
16
I have watched the episode again and apart from the fact that it is very nice, the funny moments are handled very well, I will watch it here but when it is finished I will hire Disney for 1 month to watch it again, these beauties must be seen as God intended.
Jan 4, 4:44 PM

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Apr 2022
6543
great manga, doesn't seem like the anime is gonna be just as good from the visuals but it's not bad at all and still one of the better shows this season.
Jan 4, 5:34 PM
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Jan 2024
15
A strong first episode with very big emotions right from the get-go.
This is the sort of thing I watch anime to see, I am very pleased so far.

Also fun to see some very big personalities in the characters as well,
again, this show seems to be all about the big emotions.
Jan 4, 5:53 PM

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Jul 2011
4421
A very strong first episodes, it's almost a mix of Barakamon and Spy x Family in terms of vibes.

Unexpectedly hilarious.
Heartwarming.

Going to look forward to this one! Also the music is solid.
Jan 4, 6:42 PM
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Dec 2013
5866
Manga ranks at #122, but the anime is currently ranked so much lower.
Jan 4, 6:52 PM
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Mar 2021
3
Reply to wildhood
Manga ranks at #122, but the anime is currently ranked so much lower.
@wildhood because of the way score is calculated, score leans way towards the site-wide average when the number of ratings on something is very low
Jan 4, 8:35 PM

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Sep 2016
4563
There are 2 subtitle providers and both of them are absolutely garbage. unbelievabl.
the anime itself is really good. gonna watch it raw from now on.
CrossAnge

Hey guys check my profile for current airing season anime recommendation (guaranteed best taste)
Jan 4, 9:16 PM

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Sep 2016
1423
Pointless 3dcg
What's the point of rendering a scene like that when you render 5 times as much of ice skating scenes with normal hand drawn? None, there is none.
Also the close up shots were atrocious, if the shot is still you can use an image, a still 3d model zoomed in is jarring.

Pointless budget cut apart, pretty good pilot episode.
bruh
Jan 4, 10:37 PM

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Oct 2011
4988
the first minute with the cgi sequence was horrid for me

but the rest of the ep was pretty solid


"When the time is yours,
the future is waiting,
The person you become,
and the people you're creating.
"
Jan 4, 11:05 PM

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May 2019
2043
That was a really good first episode. It has some exaggerated comedic moments of anxiety but also heartfelt moments of determination to succeed in skating. I guess that's I always love some mentor and student relationship and well this started off pretty strong during Inori's confession on wanting to pursue skating and how Tsukasa sees himself on Inori and now wanting to teach him. There's never too late to try and do something you love they say. Hope the show could keep the momentum strong.
                                                                   


Jan 4, 11:33 PM
Offline
Jun 2016
58
From a studio that I don't think has every made a good looking anime, and from a director that has only directed average or disappointing projects, this first episode was quite good. I was very nervous at first considering how much I loved the first 20 chapters of the manga. So the doubter in me feels like this feeling can't last the whole season. But I'd be glad if such a great first episode was enough to turn people onto the manga.
Jan 4, 11:37 PM

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Jul 2023
1777
This is a great anime but with a studio that runs on Russian Roullette.
Jan 4, 11:42 PM

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Nov 2010
1328
  • I didn't expect that the protagonist (and the coach) had slight impediment.
  • The introduction of the story was also not normal, but let's see how it goes for a while.
Jan 4, 11:45 PM
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Feb 2011
33
Usually never watch sports anime but it was funny enough to give it a try. Although their other work on unnamed memory make me worried about animation quality going off the rails.
Jan 5, 12:18 AM

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Apr 2015
2550
Holllyyyyy Shittt, What an absolutely phenomenal episode!

I'm in awe and tears, This was the best first episode I've seen in a long while!

5/5

I like the Guy and his enthusiasm so much, Gonna love this duo!
Jan 5, 12:29 AM

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Nov 2023
567
I love a good sports anime, and Medalist looks really good. It reminds me of Ooi Tonbo but with ice skating.
Jan 5, 1:31 AM
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Feb 2021
37
Such a promising start! The animations and VAs are on point, and I really like the blend of dramatic and comedic moments. Too bad that ENGI doesn't really have the best reputation, but hopefully they can redeem themselves with this one and keep up the quality throughout. I'm really looking forward for more!
Jan 5, 3:16 AM

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Oct 2016
4504
I fucking loved that, best premiere so far this season, though the season just started. Very strong start, very emotional, already love Inori and Tsukasa's hilarious.

I currently only have one worry, we're talking about ENGI here, who at this point, I'd say has a reputation for having strong first episodes and then have as strong a downfall for the rest of the show, so I'm praying that this will be different.
Jan 5, 3:21 AM
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Sep 2024
344
My god, what a beautiful anime!

I've never watched anime about skating, but I want to say that this first episode showed this anime enormous potential for masterful execution.

The episode starts with Inori, a girl who loves ice skating, and a 26-year-old guy who during his childhood lost the opportunity to become a professional due to fear of his advanced age. It's cool that he was able to see in that girl a potential and ambition that he couldn't see when he was her age. Through those simple words from Inori, this 26-year-old man was able to see that anything is possible when you have someone to support your dream. In terms of story and characters, this first episode alone managed to dazzle me in a surreal way, what a beautiful anime, what well-made and realistic characters, this will definitely be my anime of the season!

In production-wise, I think ENGI did a great job too, the ice skating using 3D isn't horrible, it's quite decent. The characters' expressions when they smile or cry were also beautiful. Everything is in perfect balance

That said... This is the best season premiere for me so far.

Episode 5/5
Jan 5, 3:24 AM

Offline
May 2015
547
this season sucks, not counting leftovers i'm interested only in this and zenshu, btw nice episode.
Jan 5, 3:37 AM

Online
Jul 2024
16
ENGI Please dont fxxk up this great manga. It looks great in the first episode. Please do your best to produce it ENGI.
NishimiyaChoranJan 5, 3:41 AM
Jan 5, 4:35 AM
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Dec 2017
363
> "... will have to pay a great and terrible price" ... guy catches girl falling from the roof ...

SkateSuka?
Tacsk0Jan 5, 5:39 AM
Jan 5, 4:53 AM

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Feb 2014
3996
I won't deny that I did have some concerns before watching the first episode of Medalist since it was animated by Engi. The only series that I've watched made by them, as far as my memory recalls, was KanColle season 2 and that was one hell of a mess.

Although this is only the first episode, I'm impressed with what I saw. The production values here looks very good and even the CGI segments blend in very well and look detailed. Hopefully Engi can maintain this quality as much as possible throughout this 13-episode run.

Tsukasa and Inori were very enjoyable to watch. Tsukasa's passion was powerful as he wants to do as much as he can possibly do to help Inori to achieve her dreams. Inori is precious, bless her, as I felt sad after seeing her stand up to her mother, voicing how much skating means to her and also mentioning about her struggles at school, which only made me want to root for her more. After getting permission, Inori's grinning smile was simply perfection. ^_^

The road for her under Tsukasa's wing won't be easy, but it's all the more reason I want to see them succeed as much as possible. Best of luck, Inori!
Jan 5, 4:58 AM
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Mar 2018
149
Gawd Dang, I just started this show. Why am I already laughing as well as crying my eyes out!?!?
Jan 5, 5:24 AM
Offline
Dec 2017
363
Reply to doomrider7
@Marinate1016

Hulu has the Japanese dub with subs.
@doomrider7
> Was so annoyed watching the mom do everything in her power to discourage Inori from skating like damn just because your other daughter quit due to injury

If we assume the "Sith" figure shown at very beginning of ep1 was the elder daughter, that possibly means her career-ending injury resulted in a divorce and she stayed with dad, while Inori stayed with mom. Thus ice skating literally tore the family apart. After such developments mom would obviously be scared of history repeating itself.
Tacsk0Jan 5, 2:33 PM
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