CLANNAD ep. 1
[Episode 01: On the Hillside Path Where Cherry Blossoms Flutter]
And so begins a new Spring tale of passion burning (or something like that).
Youko: Oh boy, where do I start. Honestly, I enjoyed it. I think just knowing the CLANNAD anime is from Kyoto Animation + Key gives me chills. They always seem to know what they are doing and always put in that extra effort to please its viewers. After all, isn’t that how we got to see the remake of Kanon? But getting back on track here, the premiere displayed a pretty calm atmosphere, as one could expect from Key’s works. The beginning I liked a lot. It started out monochrome in color and suddenly shifted to the bright vivid colors, which I thought was a very nice touch.
Cue opening. I’ve said it before but just to reiterate, it’s just stunning. The image sequences that flash by, the characters and their names, and especially the song itself, Mag Mell ~cuckool mix 2007~. Not all the characters’ names are shown but they do appear throughout the opening at least once so safe to assume those girls won’t be the only ones getting the limelight.
As always, I don’t ever expect anything about first episodes. It’s pretty much how I imagined it anyways. The pacing starts off not so fast yet not so slow. I admit, I had a slight problem with that when I first watched Kanon (2k6) but after learning more about the series (Key’s series in particular) I gain some respect for it. Anyways, we’re introduced to the main guy, Tomoya and his goofy friend. (There always seems to be one oddball, huh?) A bunch of the girls show up as well, with most showing off more than just small first impressions, as clearly seen by Kyou Fujibayashi (amazing book throwing accuracy and speed!) and especially Tomoyo Sakagami (her legs must be made of steel, she did all those machinegun kicks). Those two stood out a lot and I really love their character. Actually, I love their designs ever since I saw the OP. But yeah, so far, they’re really something else. And Nagisa is really something herself. Not only is she cute, but she has a pair of ahoge (reminds me of antennae). Actually, her family has them as well.
Not a lot to say after that, but I do think Tomoya and Nagisa share a good connection. It’s pretty obvious from the start of the episode straight to the end. I don’t really know what’s next in store but since this is Key, it’s safe to assume a lot of interesting bits will go down. I’d also like to mention that the score is brilliant, as expected. I really love how KyoAni makes awesome use of the game’s soundtrack. It sounds a little bit awkward at first but you get used to it. I wouldn’t say it’s anything like Kanon’s though (mostly because I love Kanon’s score).
Oh yes, and the ED… well… they’re cute dango.
Leon: Well I don’t have very much to say so I’ll try to be short. KyoAni impresses me yet again with an amazing first episode. I had a similar feeling flowing through me when I watched AIR and Kanon 2k6 and it’s very refreshing.
Getting straight to the point, the characters are just great. Tomoya works well as the main guy. Kyou, a top favorite of mine, made me smile with her appearance. Good lord, that girl can take off your head with a book if she manages to hit you. Tomoyo, another favorite of mine, is just awesome. She must idolize Chun Li from Street Fighter to be able to do such insanely powerful kicks! They’re the ones that stood out to me the most and I adore their designs, especially Kyou’s. Ryou hasn’t done much yet either but I can’t see her outshining her sister. I’m wondering if her fortune-telling is going to be of importance in the future though. Lastly, Nagisa is quite cute. She didn’t really do anything for me this episode though. Her entire family is absolutely hilarious though. Her father and mother are just totally OUT THERE, especially her dad. That guy is crazy lol.
The opening was just amazing. The animated sequences were topnotch and the song, Mag Mell ~cuckool mix 2007~, is one of the best of the entire season. It’s among my favorites including Dragonaut’s perfect blue and BLUE DROP’s BLUE. The way the main girls are introduced are a nice touch as well (very interested in seeing Kotomi). The ED is decent but the OP is really the star here. The dangos are pretty cute though…
Hmm. I guess I really did have a lot to say, lol.
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I liked Kanon, but I heard this would be leaning towards Air.
After all the hype that was going on about Clannad, I had to check it out together with shi. I haven’t seen either Kanon or the like before, nor do I know anything about the game. But I thought the first episode was not too bad. I liked the opening scenes a lot.
But ah well..I don’t know what to expect from a show like this^^;
Probably body bags.
This show will lean more toward Air?…Wesley’s assessment may not be incorrect…there will be body bags…
Air was the most tragic, yet stunningly beautiful anime series I have ever witnessed. It was so sad…yet portrayed in such a beautiful fashion. I seriously felt a droplet of tear in my eye as I watch the final episode. The characters all died…but at least as the series ends, it showed hope.
Kanon was a lot happier in comparison. Only one character ended up dead(in a beautiful fashion). It had a happier ending.
I have watched the first three episodes of the series thus far, and I had an impression that it is the happiest of all three Kyoto Animation/Key series so far. But if it really leans toward Air…I can see what’s coming…
Never touch wikipedia, don’t let the spoilers get you.