2010DigitalBoy Posted September 30, 2007 Share Posted September 30, 2007 [COLOR="DarkOrange"][B]Title[/B]: Shakugan no Shana [B]Genre[/B]: Supernatural, Shounen Action [B]For Fans of[/B]: Zero no Tsukaima, Shin Megami Tensei [B]Length[/B]: 24 episodes (season 2 coming soon) [B]Availability[/B]: 6 DVDs by Genoen (meaning buy them with much speed!) [B]The Pros[/B]: - Pure style. Dark tones remniscent of the Shin Megami Tensei games. - Great characters who all play their roles wonderfully - Interesting mythology [B]The Cons[/B]: - Rather poor writing/directing all around - The 'we're in a hurry, so let's stand still for 10 minutes' syndrom - The 'groups of enemies just surround you and don't actually attack, while single enemies hold off on finishing the fight until it's too late' syndrome [B]Story[/B]: [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shakugan_no_Shana]HERE[/url] [IMG]http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/MetalSonic700/shana01.jpg[/IMG] I really enjoyed Shana for several things - the awesome style and great characters, and since both of those facets remained consistant throughout, I managed to have a lot of fun with this series, and I look forward to the next season. Admittedly, the show had a number of problems. Despite the great style, the animation isn't anything wonderful and the fight scenes are not particularly exciting. The worst thing in my opinion, though, was the writing. Mind you, it wasn't all bad in that department, but I think it degraded as the show pushed on. For instance, as 'life force' slowly went from the power of being alive to the enemy's power level (luckily this didn't become to horrible, though it did go OVER 9000!!!!) Also, people say some really confusing things. I mean, just hen you think you've figured out the situation, suddenly you're not sure wat the hell the plan was on eithe side. Stll, though, if you look at the fighting and plotting all as background to th character development then it isn't so bad. While Shana doesn't have the most original plot of all time, I think it has some really interesting characters. A lot of people compare Shana to Louise of ZnT, Nagi of Hayate no Gotoku, and some other character from Nanoha (partly because they all have the same voice actor, and partly because al of them have tsundere quality) however none of them are really al that alike, and Shana is by far the most believable and great of them. Her and Yuuji make a great duo and they're just plain fun to watch together, especially in their happy moments. Margery Dawn is fun too, though Marcotious is the real star of the duo. The smart-mouthed book has the best voice ever and he is hilarious. Ah, my beautiful MARGERY DAWN! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! Also, there's her minions who were both awesome. I think they played really well off of each-other. Most of the enemies were memorable as well and interesting. The twins were my fvorite, of course, with their constant making out and all-around craziness - they're hard not to love. I also wish we could have seen more of the Undertaker since he was a fun character, and I have the sneaking suspition that rainbow-skeleton-man Shiro will be back too. But that could just be me getting my hopes up. [/COLOR] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desbreko Posted October 3, 2007 Share Posted October 3, 2007 [color=#4B0082]I finished Shuffle! way too fast so now I've started on Shakugan no Shana and have seen through ep6. The first two episodes were slow and not very interesting but after that it picked up. It felt like they were trying to use forshadowing but forgot to do anything else, leaving the audience going, "WTF is goin' on here?" If there's more like that to come I can see why you mention poor writing and directing. Shana is likeable both because she's just plain cute and because she's a tsunderekko. It's always cute and funny to watch them trying to be honest with themselves. And by the way, you need to add her love of melon bread to the Moe points thread. :p[/color] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dagger Posted October 3, 2007 Share Posted October 3, 2007 I've seen about as far as Des. Shana's character development is hilariously ham-handed (at least at this point), but the show has its entertaining moments. I may continue to watch it in a trickle, if only to mourn Geneon's passing... ~Dagger~ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2010DigitalBoy Posted October 3, 2007 Author Share Posted October 3, 2007 [COLOR="DarkOrange"]Des, interesting that you didn't like the first 2 eps, since they were, like, my favorite part lol. I was getting way into it - i think I remember it that way cuz Yuuiji becomes less interesting as the show progresses, but Shana remains consistantly awesome (I'm so getting a figure of her this week!) Also, regarding the melon bread (as well as her easily destracted-ness) I kept thinking to add them but didn't think anyone'd notice, heh.[/COLOR] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dagger Posted October 3, 2007 Share Posted October 3, 2007 Which figure are you thinking of getting? (There are some really nice ones out there.) I'd be tempted myself if I were a bigger fan of the show. ~Dagger~ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2010DigitalBoy Posted October 3, 2007 Author Share Posted October 3, 2007 [quote name='Dagger']Which figure are you thinking of getting? (There are some really nice ones out there.) I'd be tempted myself if I were a bigger fan of the show. ~Dagger~[/QUOTE] [COLOR="DarkOrange"]I wasn't even that big a fan myself, but I just love Shana for some indeterminable reason (plus of 3 figure sites I went to, hers was the best figure I could find, lol. If you ave any site reccommendations, BTW, tell me plz) I won't be getting it from this site, but here's the one: [url]http://www.rightstuf.com/1-800-338-6827/catalogmgr/mj-YaA7PY0vLYHbaVx/browse/item/76082/4/649/252[/url][/COLOR] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dagger Posted October 3, 2007 Share Posted October 3, 2007 TRSI is great, but they only carry figures that have been picked up for a domestic release. For a wider variety, sites like [url=http://www.toyslogic.com/][u]ToysLogic[/u][/url], [url=http://www.tmpanime.com/index.php?main_page=index][u]Twin Moons[/u][/url] and [url=http://www.hlj.com/][u]HLJ[/u][/url] are better. Have you seen (NOT VERY SFW) [url=http://www.amiami.com/shop/ProductInfo/product_id/82402][u]this one[/u][/url]? There's also a [url=http://www.amiami.com/shop/ProductInfo/product_id/82403][u]nekomimi[/u][/url] version, ahaha... But I think my favorite sword-carrying Shana is the recent [url=http://www.amiami.com/shop/ProductInfo/product_id/77698][u]Max Factory model[/u][/url]. Love that hair. ~Dagger~ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2010DigitalBoy Posted October 3, 2007 Author Share Posted October 3, 2007 [quote name='Dagger']TRSI is great, but they only carry figures that have been picked up for a domestic release. For a wider variety, sites like [url=http://www.toyslogic.com/][u]ToysLogic[/u][/url], [url=http://www.tmpanime.com/index.php?main_page=index][u]Twin Moons[/u][/url] and [url=http://www.hlj.com/][u]HLJ[/u][/url] are better. Have you seen (NOT VERY SFW) [url=http://www.amiami.com/shop/ProductInfo/product_id/82402][u]this one[/u][/url]? There's also a [url=http://www.amiami.com/shop/ProductInfo/product_id/82403][u]nekomimi[/u][/url] version, ahaha... But I think my favorite sword-carrying Shana is the recent [url=http://www.amiami.com/shop/ProductInfo/product_id/77698][u]Max Factory model[/u][/url]. Love that hair. ~Dagger~[/QUOTE] [COLOR="DarkOrange"]I'd buy the NSFW one in an instant were it not so... NSFW XD Seriously, lets see the look on my mom's face when I put thaat hing up, lol. Awesome as the hair on that other one is, I don't like the way her shirt is flaring up. Just looks weird to me. [/COLOR] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desbreko Posted October 4, 2007 Share Posted October 4, 2007 [quote name='2007DigitalBoy'][COLOR="DarkOrange"]Des, interesting that you didn't like the first 2 eps, since they were, like, my favorite part lol. I was getting way into it - i think I remember it that way cuz Yuuiji becomes less interesting as the show progresses, but Shana remains consistantly awesome (I'm so getting a figure of her this week!) [/COLOR][/QUOTE][color=#4B0082]I've seen through ep14 now because I have too much time on my hands. Shana's back story looks like it could be interesting. Yuuji never seemed that interesting to me to begin with. I think part of it is because one moment he was freaking out about being cut and then the next he barely reacted to learning he's actually dead already. The following day he just went with it like he barely even cared. Overall, his character doesn't seem very convincing. And his cheesy narration also annoys me. I think my favorite part so far has been watching Shana get riled up over Kazumi going after Yuuji. As well as that smartass book Marco.[/color] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2010DigitalBoy Posted October 4, 2007 Author Share Posted October 4, 2007 [quote name='Desbreko'][color=#4B0082]I've seen through ep14 now because I have too much time on my hands. Shana's back story looks like it could be interesting. Yuuji never seemed that interesting to me to begin with. I think part of it is because one moment he was freaking out about being cut and then the next he barely reacted to learning he's actually dead already. The following day he just went with it like he barely even cared. Overall, his character doesn't seem very convincing. And his cheesy narration also annoys me. I think my favorite part so far has been watching Shana get riled up over Kazumi going after Yuuji. As well as that smartass book Marco.[/color][/QUOTE] [COLOR="DarkOrange"]Yes, Marcocias is indeed the king of the cosmos, lol. Anyway, if you like the Shana/Kazumi feud then your in luck, cuz that's what everything past Shana's backstro is about, lol. I dunno, I dun like competition as much, cuz Yuuji and Shana were moving so fast before she had to come out of the sidelines >_> I like Yuuji - I thought of him as a thinker which is a bit rare for this type... plus he's a music person... but as the show progresses he definitely becomes less smart XD Either way, Season 2 starts today! (or rather, started!)[/COLOR] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desbreko Posted October 4, 2007 Share Posted October 4, 2007 [color=#4B0082]I just like watching love triangles unfold. They're especially fun when you get one girl with an attitude like Shana and another that's shy like Kazumi. I wonder if I'll finish the first season before subs of the second start being released. But then there's also the OAV and movie to watch as well. :o [b]Edit[/b] zomg I did it. Series, OAV, movie, and specials before season 2 ep1 is subbed. Shana-tan is adorable—as long as she's on someone else's head. [center][img]http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/6353/shanatanqg5.jpg[/img][/center] [b]Edit Second[/b] Whee, I got the first episode of season 2! Too bad it's kind of boring if you've seen the first season. They did too much recapping of events in season 1 without actually explaining anything that would be helpful for people who started with the second season. It sets up for ep2, sure, but it felt kind of pointless to devote so much time to it. Still, seeing Shana and the rest in HD was a treat in itself. I love how more groups are starting to release full resolution (1280x720) encodes when a series is broadcast in HD.[/color] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meggido Posted October 11, 2007 Share Posted October 11, 2007 I'm with Des on the first ep. Was kind of a recap without explaining anything for those who hadn't seen the first series. However I must say I enjoyed it mainly because it allowed you to get use to everyone's personalities again. For me I saw the first season almost a year ago so the reminder was well welcomed by me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dagger Posted October 15, 2007 Share Posted October 15, 2007 On the figure front, this [url=http://www.alafista.com/2007/10/14/shana-pvc-candy-bikini-ver/][u]bikini Shana[/u][/url] from Kotobukiya looks amazing. I think I'm going to forget about watching the rest of the first season and just settle for gawping at Shana merch. ~Dagger~ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fasteriskhead Posted October 15, 2007 Share Posted October 15, 2007 [quote name='Dagger']I think I'm going to forget about watching the rest of the first season and just settle for gawping at Shana merch.[/QUOTE]This is probably a good idea. Y'see, Shana is the kind of show that I hate the most. I'm not sure if there's a name for what that is, but there should be. Shana starts off [i]really well[/i], with some interesting ideas and a lot of nice design work. At three-four episodes in, you're thinking that it's among the best of the season. Then, after that, it more or less drops most of the ideas that made it interesting in the first place and builds itself into a dull routine that never really lets up - except that you [i]keep watching anyways[/i] under the dual justification of "I've put x hours of my life into it anyways so I might as well finish it out" and "it has to get back to the level it was at some point, right?" Pretty soon you're just praying for the thing to be over, with the only things keeping your interest being the swimsuit episodes and the Incest Twins. Yes, I watched the whole first season, and I'm never getting those ten hours back. Shana is worse than a merely [i]bad[/i] series, because you can recognize a bad series from the word go and spend your time on something else. No, Shana is the kind of show that [i]dissembles[/i] quality at first and then turns out to be completely tepid shounen romance/action/comedy once it's got the hook in. I know that most of the vets here get what I'm talking about with this - if you haven't seen Shana, then you've seen something like it. These kinds of shows are the scourge of anime viewing, and if I had any kind of political know-how I would lobby to get a cautionary notice stuck on the front of the DVDs. The Shana-tan specials are surprisingly good, however, although they're pretty much the only consolation I've gotten for sitting through this thing. You have been warned, folks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2010DigitalBoy Posted October 15, 2007 Author Share Posted October 15, 2007 [COLOR="DarkOrange"]Oddly enough, Fasterisk, as a person with high-standards as well, for some reason I can't get over liking this show. Even in the episodes where I spent the entire episode thinking "wow, this show is so ungodly poorly written" or "is every fight scene really this contrived", I never stopped liking the show. Even though I'd only rank it moderately (Maybe 6.5-7?) I still can't help but consider myself a fan. I'm even driven to go buy some figures or other merchandise! I think I realised it most when I watched the first episode of season 2. Despite all that I've watched in-between, frm the beginning of the episode I felt like I was sucked right back into "Shana-mode". I had too much fun seeing all the characters again, and with the ep being a pseudo-recap, I was enticed by seing some of the scenes again (it helps that this ep had Shana's style at it's prime). I remember that someone said that the chaacters were easily replaceable. I think this is true when you think of Shana as an action show - the story works no matter who you put in there. Just as well, the plot could have been anything and the characters could hav been in the same situations. However, if you don' think of it that way, it's fun because it's [i]those[/i] characters in [i]those[/i] situations. I dunno, that probably doesn't make much sense, but the bottom line is that Shana kicks *** >_>[/COLOR] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aerithina Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 [FONT="Comic Sans MS"][COLOR="Red"]the burning eyes of shana[/COLOR][/FONT] [FONT="Courier New"]have you heard of this anime? i just known this a little, yujie, shana and kazumi.. keep burnin! lol:animesmil [/FONT] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aaryanna Posted October 23, 2008 Share Posted October 23, 2008 [COLOR="DarkGreen"][FONT="Book Antiqua"][quote name='aerithina'][FONT="Comic Sans MS"][COLOR="Red"]the burning eyes of shana[/COLOR][/FONT] [FONT="Courier New"]have you heard of this anime? i just known this a little, yujie, shana and kazumi.. keep burnin! lol:animesmil [/FONT][/QUOTE]Actually we already have a thread on this. So I merged them together. Next time you might want to check our directory at the top of this section of the forum before you create a thread. As for the actual show, I haven't seen it so I don't really have anything to say about it.[/FONT][/COLOR] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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