Anime Kanon 2006

[Dagger]

Kanon 2006 is based on a bishoujo game by Key, the makers of AIR. What's unusual about it (compared to other bishoujo game anime, of which there are many) is that it's a remake of sorts... in 2002, Toei produced a shorter anime based on the same game.

Kanon 2K6 is vastly superior to the 2002 version, as it's being made by Kyoto Animation, the studio behind AIR, the second and third seasons of Full Metal Panic, and The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya. Needless to say, it's very strong in the visual department.

The story: Yuuichi Aizawa moves in with his cousin Nayuki, who he often visited as a child. Gradually, his memory of those days starts to return, and it begins to seem as if every girl he meets has some kind of big secret.

Or, to put it more concisely, Kanon = sad girls in snow.

In many respects, I think Kanon is harder to buy into than AIR. Key--who are famous for their tearjerking scenarios--have a thing for heroines who act younger than their real ages or are otherwise eccentric. Of the three girls in AIR, only one of them is really childish, and there's a good reason for that. But Kanon has 5+ heroines to focus on, so the male-to-female ratio skewed in a more noticeable way, and the cute/weird/dumb behavior of the girls becomes overwhelming to the point of annoyance.

The first girl to receive her own arc is Makoto--whose story, frankly, isn't all that great. But I think things are going to get much better from here on out, and I'd encourage anyone who enjoyed AIR to start paying attention to Kanon. Episode 12 was impressive and more engaging than anything else the series has given us so far.

~Dagger~

[AzureWolf]

[COLOR=maroon]Isn't it a little late in the year to bother even calling it 2006?[/COLOR]

[Dagger]

[quote name='AzureWolf][COLOR=maroon']Isn't it a little late in the year to bother even calling it 2006?[/COLOR][/quote]
It started airing in the fall, so it's easier than calling it Kanon 06/07. ;)

~Dagger~

[2010DigitalBoy]

[COLOR=DarkOrange]Okie dokie! I'm pretty sure the last episode of this just aired about a week ago (and was translated immediately, impressive!) but so far I am on episode 15 (right at the end of the Mai arc.)

I absolutely love this show, just as I absolutely loved Air. I think the main thing it does better than Air, though, is integrating the plotlines well. In the first few episodes they took some time to annunciate the characters before pulling them into their respective plotlines one at a time.

first, the Matoko arc. now, admittedly, I didn't much care for matoko at first cuz she was just WAY too cliche. Her story, on the other hand, was FAR from it! [spoiler]she was a fox! Holy crap![/spoiler] and when she [spoiler]died[/spoiler] I almost cried. It was a beautiful scene.

I loved the Mai arc way more, though. I liked the concept, and mai is a geat character. When her friend (who's name escaped me >_< Im terrible with that) [spoiler] was found on the bathroom floor bloodied i thought her dead at first and I actually think at least one tear managed to come out of my eye.[/spoiler] It also happened when [spoiler]I thought she had stabbed herself.[/spoiler] The explanation of her part was interesting, and it worked out well. It was a surprisingly [spoiler]happy[/spoiler] ending, and i think it went rather well.[/COLOR]

[Dagger]

[quote name='2007DigitalBoy][COLOR=DarkOrange']Okie dokie! I'm pretty sure the last episode of this just aired about a week ago[/color][/quote]
Yep. The winter of Kanon is over...

[QUOTE][COLOR=DarkOrange]I absolutely love this show, just as I absolutely loved Air. I think the main thing it does better than Air, though, is integrating the plotlines well. In the first few episodes they took some time to annunciate the characters before pulling them into their respective plotlines one at a time.[/color][/quote]
I can only imagine how much more amazing AIR might have become if it had been given as many episodes as Kanon. :animedepr

[QUOTE][COLOR=DarkOrange]When her friend (who's name escaped me >_< Im terrible with that)...[/COLOR][/QUOTE]
Sayuri. Did you catch the fact that she was voiced by the same seiyuu as Misuzu? Nihaha.

[QUOTE][COLOR=DarkOrange]The explanation of her part was interesting, and it worked out well. It was a surprisingly [spoiler]happy[/spoiler] ending, and i think it went rather well.[/color][/quote]
This was one of the few parts of the show that surprised me (I had been spoiled for a lot of big plot developments, unfortunately). The montage which wordlessly explained [spoiler]her abilities and the fall-out from them[/spoiler] was very effective.

Yuuichi was a total pimpmaster as a kid. Given how they tried to integrate the girls' stories in the present, I wish that they had been able to do something similar for the past. I would've had an easier time accepting the fact that he hung out with [spoiler]Mai, Makoto, Nayuki [i]and[/i] Ayu[/spoiler] as a child if some of the flashbacks showed them meeting briefly or at least being aware of one another's existence.

~Dagger~

[2010DigitalBoy]

[QUOTE=Dagger]Yuuichi was a total pimpmaster as a kid. Given how they tried to integrate the girls' stories in the present, I wish that they had been able to do something similar for the past. I would've had an easier time accepting the fact that he hung out with [spoiler]Mai, Makoto, Nayuki [i]and[/i] Ayu[/spoiler] as a child if some of the flashbacks showed them meeting briefly or at least being aware of one another's existence.

~Dagger~[/QUOTE]

[COLOR=DarkOrange]I agree, and I have always found it kinda weird. He;s such a nice kid it's scary, and in too many ways his child form reminds me of the guy from [B]Elfen Leid [/B] (connection to characters with ill fates he didn't know about, can't remember past, etc.) but I think they do an alright job of it.

It's funny, cuz until like a year ago i had never had a friend who was a girl except when I was like 5. The whole concept is alien to me XD

Also, i thought it was a little obvious that Shiori was [spoiler]ill-fated[/spoiler] but I think it'll be a little cheesy if she [spoiler] dies simply because so many characters seem to meet that fate, and possibly cuz I watched Air so soon before.[/spoiler][/COLOR]

[Dagger]

[QUOTE=2007DigitalBoy][COLOR=DarkOrange]
Also, i thought it was a little obvious that Shiori was [spoiler]ill-fated[/spoiler] but I think it'll be a little cheesy if she [spoiler] dies simply because so many characters seem to meet that fate, and possibly cuz I watched Air so soon before.[/spoiler][/COLOR][/QUOTE]
My lips (fingers?) are sealed. ;)

Oh, I almost forgot! Mai's best line: "Hachimitsu Kuma-san."

It'll be interesting to find out what you think when you get to the end. Opinions are pretty divided over how the final episode handled everything, but seeing it actually elevated my opinion of the series as a whole.

~Dagger~

[2010DigitalBoy]

[COLOR=DarkOrange][spoiler]Shiori's ending was so happy I didn't even come close to crying, but instead I felt an increadible warmth inside. [/spoiler]this was my favorite arc so far by a long shot, mostly because I absolutely adore Shiori.[spoiler] I think I understand the way she felt, and the pain that she went through struck a chord with me. The ending scene by the water fountain was so pretty I smiled through the whole thing (I can tell because my cheeks still hurt.) [/spoiler]I'm going to miss this arc, I can tell, and I'm glad I won't watch the rest until tommorrow so that this arc can sink in.

Now that my deep thoughts are expelled, I can speek of the lighter things. I've always loved Shiori's characer design, but Shoiri + schoolgirl outfit = :love: :love: :love:

Also the dance scene was freaking rediculously hilaruious. I was rolling, seriously. that was just too awesome (and even further brought the 'ZOMG Kyon=Yuuichi thing out XD).

*sigh* [spoiler]I'll miss you, Shiori...[/spoiler][/COLOR]

[Dagger]

[QUOTE=2007DigitalBoy][COLOR=DarkOrange]
Also the dance scene was freaking rediculously hilaruious. I was rolling, seriously. that was just too awesome (and even further brought the 'ZOMG Kyon=Yuuichi thing out XD).[/COLOR][/QUOTE]
I half expected them to start doing the Hare Hare Yukai dance. :animeswea

One of my favorite parts of the Shiori arc (aside from how wonderful Shiori herself is, as you mentioned) was how the writers worked in what happened after [spoiler]her earlier encounter with Ayu and Yuuichi. A light-hearted meeting for them was life-changing in every sense of the word for her.[/spoiler] And of course I really enjoyed Yuuichi's brotherly relationship with her.

~Dagger~

[2010DigitalBoy]

[COLOR=DarkOrange]I have just finished watching what is now one of my alltime favorite anime, and I have a lot to say about it.

Right now, 5 minutes later, I've got a whirlpool of emotions still churning in me. Emotionally, no series has ever effected me as much as Kanon in any way. When a character smiled, I smiled, when they cried, I cried, and I fell in love with a truly amazing cast. Honestly, this is the most touching anime I've ever seen.

Now, for the final arc. Yuuichi truly shined in this arc, I think. [spoiler]The scenes where Yuuichi was breaking down were brutal. I only wish I had his strength -- I couldn't have dealt with that much tragedy happening all around me. the fact that he could keep so much hope in the face of adversity makes him truly admirable.[/spoiler]

[spoiler]The very end of episode 21, when we find out akiko was hit by a car, I was doing backflips. The entirety of episde 22 was almost unbearable it was so sad. [/spoiler]For the first time in any anime, I actually shed a tear. [spoiler]When Nayuki was sitting in the corner, and she yelled 'GET OUT!' through her tears, [/spoiler]that was the most emotional moment for me.

Everything about Ayu's story made me sad, but in episode [spoiler]23[/spoiler] I was simply overwhelmed at how much things were pulled together. [spoiler]I loved that Yuuichi was taken in by the real Makoto. [.spoiler]This episode was beautiful in my mind, and we finally learned of [spoiler]Ayu's condition.

Happy endings all around! I was so shocked and pleased! [/spoiler]It's true that I love Kanon for making me feel emotional, but not for making me sad. I was so happy during the final episode -- [size=1]oh my god I was actually made happier by an anime than anything that's happened to me in over half a year O_o [/size]-- I could have cried with joy. [spoiler]I'm so glad everyne got better, especially Shiori. She deserves so much, and I hope so badly that she found that care she needed. I know what it's like to rely on others, and I know all-too-well what it's like not to have anyone. [/spoiler]To say this about an anime character is abnormal I'm sure, but my prayers go out to her.

[spoiler]Seeing Ayu alive and with Yuuchi[/spoiler] honestly just made my day, and I loved every minute of it. This is one of the very few shows where I can honestly say, I [i]loved[/i] this show. I cannot even tell you how much I do. [/COLOR]

[otakukev]

I have to say that I'm disappointed it's over.

I did watch the original Kanon, though, so most of it didn't come as a surprise to me, but Kyoto Animation handled it exquisitely enough that it was fresh and far more emotional. I particularly liked [spoiler]bringing in the original Makoto; that was definitely unexpected but added a lot to the series. I felt that she was kind of representative of how Yuuichi had matured.[/spoiler]

There were a couple of things that bugged me, though:

First of all, they cut out [spoiler]the dance scene with Shiori, in front of the fountain. Of all the girls (besides Ayu, obviously) Shiori was probably the one he was closest to having a romantic relationship with, and the dance would have fit in really well. I don't really know why it wasn't included.[/spoiler]

Also, while it was handled extremely well, I was kind of disappointed by the ending in general. [spoiler]Specifically, that it was pretty much exactly the same as the previous Kanon's ending. I had started to think that Kyoto Animation might take it in a new direction, especially once Ayu and Yuuichi kissed, which didn't happen in the first (as far as I recall, and one of my friends seemed to think so too.) I was just expecting something new, i guess, but I'll live.[/spoiler]

That's pretty much it for complaints. It wasn't quite as much of a tear-jerker for me as, say, Kimi ga Nozomu Eien and Now and Then, Here and There were, but it was amazing nonetheless. Kyoto Animation has been on a roll recently.

Oh, and on a final note, did anyone else notice [spoiler]at the end of the final episode, when it showed the cut down tree with the new bud, there was a faint, blurred image in the background that looked a bit like a fox...[/spoiler]

[2010DigitalBoy]

I was ready to go straight up to the [B]ADV [/B] building and give it a hug when I found out [B]Air [/B] had been liscenced but now I'm ready to piss myself in excitement!!! [B][B]KANON'S [/B] BEEN LISCENCED!!! [/B] *does an Irish jig!* all 3 of my favorite anime that weren't out in the US are now on their way here! :animesmil :catgirl: :D :p

[url=http://animeondvd.com/]Linkage here.[/url]

EDIT: ****! It was [I]registered[/I], not liscenced. damn my overreactionism!

[Dagger]

I bet they at least have an option on it, but I seem to recall one of the ADV higher-ups (over at AoD or a con or something) mentioning that whether or not Kanon gets licensed will depend on how well AIR sells.

And AIR... well, I very much hope it sells brilliantly, but...

~Dagger~

[2010DigitalBoy]

[url=http://www.animeondvd.com/]it's official[/url]

[Fyxe]

[size=1]This show is honestly one of my favorite anime. I finished watching the fan-subs at break-neck speed over the summer, because I loved it so much. It was a lot more unique than most things I've seen, and it didn't need violence to make it interesting. I've been finding myself a complete sucker for romance/tear-jerker anime lately.

I haven't found anything I've liked better than this show yet, I guess. Compared to Kanon 2006, I was a little disappointed in AIR and Sola, though. I've noticed that there is a sad ending pattern there, though... which is enough to annoy anyone. Just once I think someone needs to leave on a happy note. :p[/size]

[2010DigitalBoy]

[quote name='Fyxe'][size=1]This show is honestly one of my favorite anime. I finished watching the fan-subs at break-neck speed over the summer, because I loved it so much. It was a lot more unique than most things I've seen, and it didn't need violence to make it interesting. I've been finding myself a complete sucker for romance/tear-jerker anime lately.

I haven't found anything I've liked better than this show yet, I guess. Compared to Kanon 2006, I was a little disappointed in AIR and Sola, though. I've noticed that there is a sad ending pattern there, though... which is enough to annoy anyone. Just once I think someone needs to leave on a happy note. :p[/size][/QUOTE]

[COLOR="DarkOrange"]AIR has a uniqueness that Kanon lacks, at the very least. Though both are excellent shows. Sola, though, is not related at all, so shouldn't be compared :p I'm glad you like Kanon, though! I hope you'll buy the DVDs![/COLOR]

[Fyxe]

[quote name='2007DigitalBoy'][COLOR="DarkOrange"]Sola, though, is not related at all, so shouldn't be compared :p [/COLOR][/QUOTE]

[size=1]Just thought I'd throw it in anyway. :whoops: haha[/size]

[Dagger]

[url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naoki_Hisaya][u]Naoki Hisaya[/u][/url] worked on both Kanon and Sola, and this connection was really played up before Sola aired. So although they don't have the same kind of source material or anything, I think it's a fair comparison.

~Dagger~