The New abNormal

So, some day, Joss Whedon needs to do a movie - ANY MOVIE - and have Yoko Kanno do the music for it.

Those of you who don't know who either or both of these people are, I'm very sorry. Learning what you're missing will cause you to mourn the many years you have been without them.

Alas, I don't know if Yoko does live action stuff yet, I've only heard the music she's done for anime.

For references: Cowboy Bebop, Wolf's Rain, Escaflowne, Earth Girl Arjuna, Macross Plus. Just close your eyes and listen.

Just watched the first disc of Samurai Champloo and the first episode of Naruto.

 

Samurai is by the folks that gave us Cowboy Bebop, and if you liked Bebop, this one's worth checking out. Solid fun, this one. It took me a few moments to realize that one of the main character is essentially breakdancing while swordfighting. But it works. They even have a disclaimer at the outset, explaining that they know the work of fiction in question is not based on historical information, and is meant to entertain, and if you don't like it, they don't care. I love that kind of self-indulgence sometimes. Especially in cases like this, where they can back it up.

I was at first reluctant because I'm a huge fan of Yoko Kanno's work, but the music here (I can't remember their name) is still very good. It's appropriate for the show, and that's more important than catering to my whims. Plus, the dub work is great. The voice we know as Spike is once again in the driver's seat as Mugen (the aforementioned breakdancing swordsman), and he provides that perfect balance between outrageous cockiness and scathing sarcasm.

the art is smooth and stylish, and the pacing is as good as one comes to expect from that studio. So far, I'm really liking this one - they can't put out the dvds fast enough for me.

 

Naruto  - - it might be too early to review this one, I've only seen one episode so far, but I already have high hopes for this one. I'm already very interested in the characters, and although the art looks a bit messy in parts, considering it's the first episode, I'm able to overlook it for now... :)

The series itself has had great reviews, so I'm excited about this one. But I've already got 100 episodes in front of me. That's just crazy talk.