Damn idiots. I got tricked so easily by Aroduc and Totali on IRC about nipples in my most anticipated anime of the summer season. It’s a pity that I actually got tricked so easily, but it’s good that the arrival of Maho Tsukai ni Taisetsu na Koto: Natsu no Sora is finally coming to us here. Below is the silly IRC conversation for laughs.
The questionable image is here by the way. Bastard.
Edit: We have finally released Episode 1 for your convenience. I recommend that you check out the downright awesome HD version, because it is just spectacular. If you want, come visit our IRC channel to visit us, chat or lurk for the fun.
Enjoy. I think we will do much better in terms of speed for episode 2. So look out for our next release!
Episode summary
A girl, Suzuki Sora, tells her dog, Joe that she would be looking for her mother. Sora’s mother received a call from Hara Seiichirou, a personnel from the Tokyo Magic division.. The man informed her that Suzuki Sora’s apprenticeship had been confirmed, and she will also receive a call from the Bureau of Magic. Sora found out about it and was taken by surprise at the sudden decision by the Bureau of Magic.
Nonetheless, Sora’s mother encouraged her, and Sora decided to meet her dad to tell him about the news. It turns out that her dad was dead, and she was simply speaking to him at a tree where she met a promise with him. Sora’s friend, Michiru, called Sora on her cellphone, as she has something to discuss. It turns out that Michiru fell out of love, an unrequited love toward Toyama. Toyama, their classmate, was about to move out, and Michiru was sad that she did not have a chance to share the beautiful winter scenery with him. Sora simply urged her to reveal her feelings to him.
At night, Sora left after eating a sumptuous meal prepared by her mother. Sora met up with Michiru and told her that life is all about “trial and error” (using the words of her mother to her). Michiru finally confessed after Sora created a magical snow within a plastic warehouse, and it seems that Toyama agreed. Michiru also described her love will be preserved like that of a Akiko, a wheat variant that preserve itself in the harsh winter.
Michiru thanked Sora for all her advice and help, and Sora is clearly happy with what she has done. In an email, Michiru asked Sora to find love as well, as the feeling of love is wonderful. Sora simply mumbles to herself that she does not know about love. The next day, Sora left for Tokyo, wondering how Tokyo will be like.
Should you watch it?
How about yes, yes and yes? Maho Tsukai ni Taisetsu na Koto: Natsu no Sora is my most anticipated show of the summer season, and it has not disappointed at all. In fact, it has slipped in the most-watch folder in Impz’s anime series for the summer season. Many people have blogged and loved it a lot, such as Memento and Totali. Let me add myself in the list of people that enjoyed this series too.
One of the main draws of this series is the slice of life element. I really feel that the series tries hard and successfully portrays this show as a normal world where people fall down when they are excited, the peaceful harvesting of crops and the little talk about life. That is the charm of slice of life in my opinion, where it feels like you are simply immersed into this anime world. To me, this is the perfect series for me to watch while I sip my afternoon tea (I am quite an old man, that’s why).
The role of Sora as the main character is just an excellent choice. I really like her as a character. She’s carefree, innocent and sometimes clueless about things. Nonetheless, she has a very appealing character that draws you to her, making it hard for me to hate her at all. Michiru is also quite cute, and the scene of winter snow is very beautiful, though lacking a bit of impact.
Graphics wise, I hardly have any complains about it. Hal Studios has done a very excellent job, which is unsurprising since it is also the animation company that made Aria. The music is extremely nice that fits the mood of the series, just like how Hana no Kaze fitted the first series. There is a carefree feel in the music, which gives me the feel of wanderlust. I like it.
So, the bottom line remains. Who should watch this? If you like fanservice, you will not find anything here. If you like a fast paced story with action, this is not for you. This anime is those who wishes and appreciates the finer things in life, relax and enjoy the scenic feel of the series as it brings you the greatest magic of humankind: the ability to bring happiness.
25 Comments
Honestly… slice of life is all fine with me… slow anime is all fine with me… long pans/stills are fine with me… but for the love of _ there are some limits. And I liked the first series…
At several points in this episode I thought my video got fucked up cause the image didn’t seem to ‘update’ for so long. The photographic backgrounds don’t do it for me in this show, either. Maybe it gets better in the city, but I’m not hoping for anything…
Let the gg trolling begin?
Have you seen the first Mahou Tsukai? I kinda liked it.
I wanna watch this too now
What, no fanservice? ｡･ﾟ･(ﾉД`)･ﾟ･｡
@KillaBunny: Hmm, the thing about those still images (particularly some that are juxtaposition like real images, can get a bit disconnecting because our mind is trying to combine the animation and the realism shots. I don’t think that it is anything too shabby, but more of an artistic touch. I do not mind it, but do not desire it too much as well. Some of the colors and images do symbolize a bit about Sora’s character and her feelings. You might want to re-watch it. Over analyzing is for the win!
@The Sojourner: Bought the DVD too. A big fan of it.
@Blissmo: WAHAHAHA, BUT YOU CANNOT. LALALA! Well, watch for #whitelight subs, we will be trying to finish it as fast as we can possible. We do have lives though.
@Shin: There is, go click the nipple shot image at the introduction! I didn’t know you invaded Singapore recently. It’s a pity I didn’t visit the toy convention.
I probably watch this to relax, seems a nice story as well.
hmm… I think I’ll watch it. I like the animation style. Oh, but my poor bandwidth… =( (bloody 15GB limit… god Australia has crappy internet plans)
@Impz
Yeah, I would loved to
beatmeet up with arivalRanka fan, though it was probably a blessing in disguise, mind. Unless you’re into designer toys, there’s nothing to see at the convention if you prefer PVC figurines and whatnot.looks nice
I will watch it by myself
search…search…serch
It’s your own miss to take their words. Even though the scenery looks like from one of Shinkai’s mastercraft, the character design suffer the negative balance. I never watch the first one, but I read the manga. The character design looks better. Is the story would be very similar to the first one?
@cherubium: I personally find it extremely relaxing to watch it. In a way, all the rushed feelings I have due to work has calmed down considerably. It feels therapeutic, and a definite watch. The fear is that I might have little to talk about for this show, but I hope people will just share their feelings of the show nonetheless.
@Justam: Heh, bandwidth huh @_@;;; Australia does have evil bandwidth limits.
@shin: rofl, I am not interested in anime merchandise at all. I am probably the most non-otaku anime blogger in the whole blogosphere.
@Fabian: it is very nice. Take your time ^_^
@Impz
Mind = blown.
@Impz:
I give you … 4 days and if it’s not done by then the C4 bomb attached to your … RANKA poster will explode
omg Impz stop posting boobies on your blog. I’m telling Maestro.
How do we know you’re not the one lying, Impz?
I wanna watch this really bad. The art looks really nice etc. etc.
No fanservice = WIN!
Heh, to update on the progress, we should release it within the next 24 hours with some luck. :>
Finally something good to watch for the summer, everything else is fanservice ridden. -_-
I’m looking forward to your release Impz!
Is it okay that I found the first episode incredibly and unsufferably boring? Was the previous season just like this, a clip show showing off art while characters talk about nothing?
I really couldn’t get into the first episode at all. I felt nothing for the characters, no connection to story, and every time a conversation happened, it eventually pulled the camera back to 1.) Save money on animation and 2.) get the viewer to pay attention to the backgrounds rather than the conversation, implying the conversation has no point. It was a directional choice I couldn’t agree with, and in the end I felt maybe the series could have just done without this episode.
I’m going to give it one more episode to enchant me like it seems to have enchanted you. But otherwise, I fear this may not be for me.
Released!
Hmm, Death, let me wonder. Do you like Aria? If you do, then perhaps it is the lack of story plot or excitement. If you hated Aria, then this anime is sadly not for you.
Never even seen Aria, so I don’t know. I guess the major slice of life series I’ve watched and enjoyed are all comedies, though. Azumanga Daioh, Lucky Star and Minami-Ke all share a humorous thread. That’s probably where the disconnect here lies. I’m the kind of viewer that watches anime and plays video games to either laugh at the world or escape from it.
is this a continuation of someday’s dreamers?
I’ve only watched episode 1 yet .. I don’t rly like the background but … The story sounds very fun .. & tbh if you don’t like that anime … Just don’t watch it … >..< . ^-^ Nobody’s forcing you .. ( I think )