C&C- Kekkaishi - "Blooms of Karasumori" [7/3]

[bleachj0j]

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c278/Greed-o/Other%20Anime/Kekkaishi_Logo_Clear_Version.png

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3289/2859384352_47cd7ceb14.jpg





Every Saturday at 12:30am. Repeats 4:30am
Opening 1:"Sha la la -Ayakashi NIGHT" by Saeka Uura
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdUU6gNj4BM (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdUU6gNj4BM)

Ending 1:Akai Ito" by Koshi Inaba
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w42mV...eature=related

As next door neighbors, Yoshimori Sumimura and Tokine Yukimura have known each other for as long as they can remember. They've laughed, played and cried together. They even protect the mystical land of Karasumori together. They're Kekkaishi - the legitimate heirs of their households, and it is their duty to carry out their families' tradition. But have to discover the mystery of the very land they protect and who is after it... Based on the on-going award winning Shonen Sunday manga by Yellow Tanabe, the newest addition to the [adult swim] action line-up!"

Last time
Yoshimori meets a human ghost who used to be a patissier. The friendly ghost gives Yoshimori some tips on how to bake better sweets. Although Tokine coldly tells the ghost to pass on to the after life, that very same night, Yoshimori senses something transforming into an Ayakashi at the Karasumori!


This time
Yurina Kanda, one of Yoshimori's classmates, is a girl who can see ghosts and spirits. To see one of the 77 wonders of Karasumori Academy—the unseasonable blooming of cherry blossoms—Yurina sneaks into the school grounds late at night. There, she witnesses Yoshimori and Tokine in the midst of exterminating the Ayakashi!

NO SPOILERS. LET'S SAY IT ONE MORE TIME. NO SPOILERS. UNDERSTANDhttp://www.toonzone.net/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gifhttp://www.toonzone.net/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

Note: Episodes 1-5 on itunes/ psn/ zune marketplace
Episode 3,4 free on Adult Swim swim. Episodes will be a week behind

Episodes 14-51 are on Hulu.

Thank you Fool from AS boards for synopis
Hope you guys enjoy. Begin talking.

[Scirel]

Anyone know why they skipped the chapter about the teacher? Is that coming up?

For those still watching, I've been reading the manga and it really gains its focus once Yoshimori's Elder Brother shows up. From then on it really follows a true plotline. For those who have seen the show, what episode is this where he first comes?

EDIT: Nevermind, I checked. Of COURSE, it's episode 13. Why is that number so special in anime? But the two parter "The story is getting serious now because we're focusing on charachters" right before it was good in the manga too.

And the teacher ep is still there, it was just moved much later. I guess with the events of volumes 1 - 3 unconnected as they are the show can afford to do that.

[bleachj0j]

Anyone know why they skipped the chapter about the teacher? Is that coming up?

For those still watching, I've been reading the manga and it really gains its focus once Yoshimori's Elder Brother shows up. From then on it really follows a true plotline. For those who have seen the show, what episode is this where he first comes?

EDIT: Nevermind, I checked. Of COURSE, it's episode 13. Why is that number so special in anime? But the two parter "The story is getting serious now because we're focusing on charachters" right before it was good in the manga too.

And the teacher ep is still there, it was just moved much later. I guess with the events of volumes 1 - 3 unconnected as they are the show can afford to do that.

yeah the anime put all the casual events at the start

[Scirel]

yeah the anime put all the casual events at the start

The manga did too. LOL

Funny thing, in one of the Author's notes, he originally said he wanted everything to start near the end of volume one, with the Demon tamer stuff rolling into it. However, the Editor said no and wanted to delay the main story until the beginning of volume 4.

When the show/manga really gets into a rhythm, it really reminds me of a cross between Yu Yu Hakusho and the Early episodes of Inuyasha before Takaishi started needlessly extending everything.

[zoombie]

I hope the ghost chef is gone.

[Don_East]

5 Episodes Left In Test Run

Getting sick of this opening narration, also the theme.

Can someone please put these old geezers in a home already? They're not annoying and not funny!

[JShaggy]

I hope the ghost chef is gone.
As weak as last week's episode was, I wouldn't hold my breath.

... and we start the episode with the shirtless old man fighting an old woman. [/sighs]

[Bloody Marquis]

Still don't care for Dr. Wily and Rita Repulsa bickering with each other.

[TnAdct1]

The manga did too. LOL

Funny thing, in one of the Author's notes, he originally said he wanted everything to start near the end of volume one, with the Demon tamer stuff rolling into it. However, the Editor said no and wanted to delay the main story until the beginning of volume 4. Must be the same editor who wanted Negima to be a harem title with a Harry Potter theme to it. :p

[Nobodyman]

Ah, Kekkaishi. Will this finally be the episode where you impress us and actually give us a plot?

Ugh, not off to a good start. More pointless bantering between the old geezers. We get it! They don't like each other!

[InfiniteAura]

Is it just me or does the grandpa look kind of like Dr. Wily?

[Dolphin Boy]

Speak of the devil

[Scirel]

Ah, Kekkaishi. Will this finally be the episode where you impress us and actually give us a plot?


Episode 13.

It's odd with the grandparents now, the grandpa especially becomes a much more serious character once the story starts.

And about the Chef Ghost...(good news if you don`t care for him)

There's an upcoming episode soon that will be his exit from the show.

[trance2009]

Yeah, that part with the girl just scared the crap out of me. The music sting did not help.

[Game Freak 4]

Ah, Kekkaishi. Will this finally be the episode where you impress us and actually give us a plot?

Ugh, not off to a good start. More pointless bantering between the old geezers. We get it! They don't like each other!
Does every anime have to have a plot?

Another one that can see dead people?

[TnAdct1]

Ah, Kekkaishi. Will this finally be the episode where you impress us and actually give us a plot? Some time when the greatness of FMA: Brotherhood is replaced with Bleach filler.

[Bloody Marquis]

Ghost Girl: I. Am. Acting!

[Game Freak 4]

"I hate the living and I will curse this school!"

Majide?

[Dolphin Boy]

He still wants to build that cake castle

[Nobodyman]

Does every anime have to have a plot?
The good ones do.

So Yoshi tries to help another ghost by acting like a complete d**che to her and provoking her into cursing the student body.

[Don_East]

That Orihime-wannabe has an annoying high pitched voice.

Eat lunch at night? Doesn't that defeat the purpose of lunch?

[bleachj0j]

The show has been hinting at the plot even in these casual episodes. Yet people can't see it right in front of them.

[zoombie]

That Orihime-wannabe has an annoying high pitched voice.



Well the real Orihime, Stephanie Sheh voiced a minor character just now.

[Nobodyman]

Wow that Axe commercial was gross.

[Game Freak 4]

The good ones do.

So Yoshi tries to help another ghost by acting like a complete d**che to her and provoking her into cursing the student body.
So, Azumanga Diaoh, Cromatie High School, Love Hina, and Lucky Star are not good anime?

[zoombie]

I feel bad for Yoshimoro, why don't these ghosts just accept they are dead and go home.

[Dolphin Boy]

The show has been hinting at the plot even in these casual episodes. Yet people can't see it right in front of them.
They're too busy trying to see the similarities it has between Bleach and Inuyasha, ironic since Kekkashi was serialized BEFORE Bleach

[TnAdct1]

Kuriboh, no!

[Game Freak 4]

I feel bad for Yoshimoro, why don't these ghosts just accept they are dead and go home.
Do you think people liked dying? Some would do anything for another chance. Of course, some say that Life is worse than Death.

So, God is a fan of Sakura.

[Bloody Marquis]

Kuriboh, no!
That was clearly a hairy Geodude that somehow lost an eye.

And hey, random generic eel-like demons from Inuyasha.

[Nobodyman]

So, Azumanga Diaoh, Cromatie High School, Love Hina, and Lucky Star are not good anime?
Fine. An anime (or any series in general) needs to have a plot or good self-contained episodes. Kekkaishi, thus far, has had neither. Besides, as a shonen action series it pretty much requires a plot and long-running story arcs.

Anyway, Love Hina was good, but I can't comment on the others. Can we drop this now?

[trance2009]

Dude, you should have used your Wind Scar.

[Bloody Marquis]

And Ghostdog!Giles is finally useful for something.

[Game Freak 4]

So, Naraku fired a few lackeys. That butt-hole.

[Don_East]

Now I remember why Yuri's voice is so annoying, Colleen O'Shaughnessey used that same voice for Suzy on Zatch Bell.

[TnAdct1]

So, Azumanga Diaoh, Cromatie High School, Love Hina, and Lucky Star are not good anime? I believe Nobodyman was referring to action series here when it comes "the good series have plots".

[Dolphin Boy]

I believe Nobodyman was referring to action serious here when it comes "the good series have plots".
And Bleach has a plot fully established in it's 7th episode?

[Game Freak 4]

I believe Nobodyman was referring to action serious here when it comes "the good series have plots".
What? We just can't have pure action and violence for no reason at all and nothing else?

[bleachj0j]

What? We just can't have pure action and violence for no reason at all and nothing else?

just let it drop. It has nothing to do with the episode discussion

[Don_East]

And Bleach has a plot fully established in it's 7th episode?
At episode 7 Bleach was setting up for the first major story for the series, Grand Fisher anybody?

[Dolphin Boy]

At episode 7 Bleach was setting up for the first major story for the series, Grand Fisher anybody?
Uh, episode 7 Ichigo was trying to get his body back from Kon

[zoombie]

Yoshimoro had his inner Ichigo tonight. He has that same weird charm on little girls.

[bleachj0j]

Dolphin it seems like you've seen the show before so I understand arguing with people who claim Kekkaishi has no story but it's best to just let it go

[Scirel]

If you're waiting for the story, you can safely skip most of these episodes until 11. 11-12 is a two parter that deals with one of the charachters' pasts, and 13 starts the story proper.

Blame the Editor of the manga.

[Don_East]

Uh, episode 7 Ichigo was trying to get his body back from Kon
For most of the episode, the final five or so minutes were spent on setting up 8 & 9's story which established Ichigo's backstory and personal goals. And since we're talking about the anime version, Peirott added in a Soul Reaper who's main purpose was to foreshadow the Soul Society arc who was introduced at the end of episode 7.

Just sayin, should've said episode 6.

[Dolphin Boy]

Dolphin it seems like you've seen the show before so I understand arguing with people who claim Kekkaishi has no story but it's best to just let it go
I suppose, but wouldn't it be better for them to stop watching rather than bare with it for the long haul

[Dolphin Boy]

For most of the episode, the final five or so minutes were spent on setting up 8 & 9's story which established Ichigo's backstory and personal goals.
Kekkashi did that already in it's first episode and has already explained the backgrounds of the characters and why they do what they do



And since we're talking about the anime version, Peirott added in a Soul Reaper who's main purpose was to foreshadow the Soul Society arc who was introduced at the end of episode 7.

Just sayin, should've said episode 6.
The previous two episodes brought up the Shadow Organization how they played a role in the story including Yoshi's mom as well. Honestly saying this series has no plot is proof that you guys aren't paying attention

[Nobodyman]

Dolphin it seems like you've seen the show before so I understand arguing with people who claim Kekkaishi has no story but it's best to just let it go
I'm not saying it doesn't have a story. I'm just saying it's taking quite a while to get to it and it's not doing a very good job of entertaining us in the mean time. This week was a bit better than last week's in that we got some setup for Yuri's character as opposed to that irritating pointless ghost character from last week.

As for the Bleach comparison, Bleach had some entertaining mini-stories that helped established the characters and the world around them before we got to the meat of the story and they usually lasted more than one episode. Also, I never claimed that Bleach was a great series either.

[Scirel]

Bleachj0j I have to agree that if I hadn`t read the manga I would also be impatient waiting for the story. You can`t dismiss their opinions because you and I and others have knowledge of the real story.

As I said before, If you're waiting for the story, you can safely skip most of these episodes until 11. 11-12 is a two parter that deals with one of the charachters' pasts, and 13 starts the story proper.

[bleachj0j]

Bleachj0j I have to agree that if I hadn`t read the manga I would also be impatient waiting for the story. You can`t dismiss their opinions because you and I and others have knowledge of the real story.

As I said before, If you're waiting for the story, you can safely skip most of these episodes until 11. 11-12 is a two parter that deals with one of the charachters' pasts, and 13 starts the story proper.

I'm not really dismissing it, theres just no point in arguing

[Don_East]

Kekkashi did that already in it's first episode and has already explained the backgrounds of the characters and why they do what they do
Bleach gave it's background in it's first episode as well. In fact, just about every anime in existence give's its background.



The previous two episodes brought up the Shadow Organization how they played a role in the story including Yoshi's mom as well. Honestly saying this series has no plot is proof that you guys aren't paying attention
Oh I've been paying attention, it's just that it's not been that fun to watch as Bleach was at this point in its run. At this point we were introduced to two interesting characters that are set up to be secondary leads, a bodystealer story, and the premise that this Soul Society Rukia keeps talking about isn't such a nice place.

Changing topics, is it just me or does one of Yuri's friends look like Sasuke in drag?

[RockmanDash]

Well I'm not sure if this helps the big fans of Kekkaishi here but I'm pretty hooked as it is. This show honestly brings me back to when I was a kid watching these type of anime, I've already decided to go and watch ahead on Hulu as it's pretty awesome. >> This series can't be doing terrible if it's still going in Japan with 308 chapters so far.

[TheGunheart]

It's growing on me, but it's still not clicking.

That said, I just noticed something that kind of annoys me about Tokine's character: for all her talk, she really doesn't seem to do much. Heck, in this fight alone, I'd say Yoshi was far more efficient just trapping a whole group of the monsters and destroying them in one go than trying to pick them off one-by-one.

[Dolphin Boy]

Bleach gave it's background in it's first episode as well. In fact, just about every anime in existence give's its background.

Not really, we never found out about Ichigo's past or what motivates him to do what he does until several episodes later during his encounter with Grand Fisher



Oh I've been paying attention, it's just that it's not been that fun to watch as Bleach was at this point in its run. At this point we were introduced to two interesting characters that are set up to be secondary leads, a bodystealer story, and the premise that this Soul Society Rukia keeps talking about isn't such a nice place.

And that's pretty biased on your part now is it?

[Dark Moridin]

Well, after watching this episode, I am seeing slight hints at things that should be coming up, and tonite's was the fact that we have someone who can see the ghosts and such. Kind of like how everyone got abilities by being around Ichigo in Bleach, this young lady has powers to see the ghosts around the school. Will this mean she will have other powers??? Slowly, this show is spinning some kind of web. My only hope is that when it does, everyone is rewarded for sitting through all this slow stuff. Also, when it does hit it's story, I hope that all this foreshadowing is actually acted upon, and not left as hanging plotlines.
Still, a bit interesting if you look at the small stuff....Just noticed tonite that Yoshi is left handed, or was that just an image reversal?

[Gold Guy]

It's growing on me, but it's still not clicking.

That said, I just noticed something that kind of annoys me about Tokine's character: for all her talk, she really doesn't seem to do much. Heck, in this fight alone, I'd say Yoshi was far more efficient just trapping a whole group of the monsters and destroying them in one go than trying to pick them off one-by-one.

I have to agree. Tokine talks tough, yet Yoshimori always saves her butt. And she almost never acts thankful for it.:shrug:

[Light Lucario]

It's growing on me, but it's still not clicking.

That said, I just noticed something that kind of annoys me about Tokine's character: for all her talk, she really doesn't seem to do much. Heck, in this fight alone, I'd say Yoshi was far more efficient just trapping a whole group of the monsters and destroying them in one go than trying to pick them off one-by-one.

I agree. Tokine really comes off as an unlikable character to me since she almost always scolds/insults Yoshimori in every episode. Even when he did come up with good plans, such as as trying to get all of the monsters at once like in this episode, she just says that he's wasting energy and that he should be focusing one monster at a time. Even when she was trying to comfort the little girl, I thought Tokine trying to be nice felt too forced.

Anyway, I thought that this was a pretty nice episode. I was glad that there was some focus on Yurina seeing ghosts. I was hoping that it wouldn't be just used as comic relief. Yoshimori was being pretty hard and unkind to that ghost. I know that he wanted her to leave so that she wouldn't be affected by the school and all, but showing her more sympathy and listening to that ghost would have been nicer than telling her to just leave and giving her that warning. I thought that he was usually nicer than that to the ghosts. Though, maybe it was an affect of dealing with the ghost from last week's episode.

For some reason, I liked seeing Yurina's inner stress about her ability. It just felt more interesting than the other characters. Coming to eat lunch at midnight was pretty weird, but I just went with it. I thought that either Tokine or Yoshimori would notice how Yurina screamed, but I guess not. Like I mentioned earlier, Tokine just felt annoying with always getting on Yoshimori's case when it comes to destroying these monsters. That's almost all she every talks about with him. Their constant arguments also are getting tiring for me.

It was nice that Yurina finally could convey her secret. I bet being scared like that and holding it inside all of those years was hard on her. Now, she doesn't have to be afraid to tell Yoshimori.

It was a nice episode, but I think I find one reason why the show doesn't click with me as well. I find the two main lead characters unlikable and/or not that interesting. Tokine being harsh towards Yoshimori in every episode, despite him actually saving her a couple of times and being effective at destroying those monsters, comes off as annoying and unlikable. While Yoshimori is usually nice, although I thought his attitude towards that ghost was kind of harsh, he also doesn't feel that interesting to me. Outside of his odd desire to build a castle out of cake, he feels more like the typical shonen lead character, so he doesn't feel that interesting to me. Yurina in this one episode felt more interesting and likable to me, at least compared to Tokine. Even though the plot doesn't kick in until episode 13, I'll continue to watch the series to see how it turns out.

[TheGunheart]

I've also come to another conclusion: the grandparents are hilarious when interacting with each other, but come off as unfunnily cruel when interacting with anyone else.

I do sort of like the ghost dogs, though.

Oddly enough, though, I'm not too interested with the series developing too much of a plot, mostly because I'm afraid of it just turning into Bleach, which was far more fun when Ichigo was fighting regular Hallows. I'm actually trying to figure out how exactly you'd have fights between human characters on the show, since their power seems exclusively for monster hunting.

[HEATXZ]

Very good episode :anime:
The old people fighting each with water was funny XD

[Kitschensyngk]

My commentary on this week's Kekkaishi will be delayed until Tuesday due to the Fourth of July festivities.

Happy Tuesday! See my FMA post for why I had to DVR it.

Last time: If Bleach has taught us nothing else, it's that ghost chefs are annoying.

One advantage of a DVR: fast-forwarding though an off-key opening song.

And the first shot we see is Grandpa with his shirt off. And fighting with Grandma. *sigh* This should be fun.

And the dog ghost thing lives in a doghouse. Yawn.

AHHH! I THOUGHT I SAW THE GHOST CHEF AGAIN!!

Metaphorical crosswalk song. Wish I could remember the name of it.

It's okay to talk to yourself and it's okay to answer yourself. It's when you say "What'd you say? I couldn't hear you" that the men in white coats show up.

Does that make him a...ghost whisperer???

It's a bit late for Yoshi to give you the homework assignments you missed, don't you think?

And again with the castle cake.

Oh no! He's got a MILK CARTON!!!!

Guy can't enjoy coffee milk on his own time.

This is Yoshimura reminding you not to go to the school at night.

Karasumori cherry blossoms make a great aphrodisiac.
...I cannot believe I just wrote that.

Would this be the episode where the naive schoolgirl learnes the main character's secret?

LITTLEKURIBOH! RUN!!!

Yeah, dude. It's not Tokine's fault if your girlfriend gets killed.

"Normal people aren't able to see any of this anyway."
Errrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr...

Who voices Little Miss Pigtails? She sounds like someone from Zatch Bell.

Please don't smile and say DOGGY!

Ketsu metsu ketsu metsu...not as good as that "bus gas explosion" one.

Is this all they do every night? Exorcise demons and argue like a married couple?

DON'T! GET! ELIMINATED!

At least you don't have an annoying grandparent who keeps trying to push you into the family business.

My pet paper demon.

"I'd tell you, but then I'd have to kill you."

Now I only wish I DVR'd Sunday's Boondocks.

[The Man in Black]

Why was that Kekkaishi that first came after Yury basically the "I AM HUNGRY!!" McDonalds guy? Also, Hi generic swarm of demons, haven't seen you since Inuyasha. :P