Watched the first three episodes and so far do like this show, which while it may not be anything stellar or novel is still quite entertaining. The animation by studio Feel is good, the girls are all drawn in a very cute, appealing style that I must confess works quite well on me.

If I were to fault the series anywhere, surprisingly it is for the same reason that also contributes to what is one of this show’s strengths and keeps me interested to see how it will all develop.

While it is offhandedly labeled as slice-of-life, comedy, ecchi or even a loli genre show, “Papa no Iukoto wo Kikinasai“ either lacks a true identity, a specific direction or it actually cleverly mixes those different genres to a smooth blend.

Perhaps the real reason is that this series knows moderation, not overdoing its suggestive scenes, ecchi content or dramatic moments? “Papa no Iukoto wo Kikinasai“ thus far opts to not go into extremes of typical genre traits, which is refreshing as nowadays anime series too oft stand out by simply going into the extremes of their genre.

Must admit that personally I like that it is not focusing too much into one genre’s spectrum, but bringing us simple slice-of-life moments, some dramatic developments, a few ecchi jokes, some heartwarming scenes.

Twin tailed Miu is voiced by Kitamura Eri, she also handles the opening theme ‘Happy Girl’ and voices Karen in this season’s “Nisemonogatari” as well as previous roles like Yachiyo in “Working!!”, Kanade in “Mayo Chiki!” or Kureha in “So-Ra-No-Wo-To”.

Busty bombshell Taika is voiced by Horie Yui, who also sings the ending theme ‘Coloring’. She has voiced many characters, like Siesta in “Zero no Tsukaima”, Akane in “Kämpfer”, Tsubasa in “Nisemonogatari” and Minori in “Toradora!”.

Too bad we won’t see much more of Yuuta’s sister Yuri, liked her character design and Ohara Sayaka’s performance, having previously voiced characters like Alicia in “Aria”, Selvaria in “Valkyria Chronicles”, Irisviel in “Fate/Zero” and Yuuko in “XXXHolic”

Will have to see how the series evolves, as it may still head into a direction that might not appeal to all viewers, myself included. If it does keep its current balance, it will deliver a fun series that mixes various genre traits into a mellow whole.

Initial reservations regarding the advertised harem element -painfully obvious from the anime homepage url ‘haremking’- proved true, the first episodes showing the series to be a rather bland ecchi comedy apparently lost looking for a true identity in silly explicit scenery.

Although there are series of that genre which excel thanks to clever comedy and suggestive ecchi elements, “High School DxD” is not such a show. The nudity and suggestive shots are all shown in an uninspired fashion, the male lead is far too much of a silly caricature, all making the serious blood splattering action feel totally out of place.

Hikasa Youko who voiced Mio in “K-ON!” and Shino in “Seitokai Yakuindomo” voices shapely redhead Rias. Taketatsu Ayana voices Koneko, she also voiced Azusa in “K-ON!” and Fuu in “Tamayura ~hitotose~” and Shizuko Itou voices Akeno, she previously did roles like Haruka in “Amagami SS”.

Though am unsure their voice work is enough to be a saving grace for this series which I alas cannot recommend.

When comrade Haku from Lycoris Radiata recently put some Dollfie Dream clothing up for sale, couldn’t resist and picked up this lovely outfit by seamstress Twilight Moon which he had previously showcased his lovely Sora in.

Adore the look of this outfit, its exquisite detailing and unique style that mixes traditional Japanese clothing elements with modern touches and just a hint of waloli.

Like Sora before her, Yoko looks terrific in it and her look no doubt approaches something akin of a modern 大和撫子 image (a Yamato Nadeshiko, an ideal Japanese woman).

何を見ているんですか~

Only took a few quick snapshots when the outfit arrived so it was time for a full photo set to capture Yoko clad in it, including some more daring angles.

The finishing on this outfit is really superb, the kimono cloth has a lovely intricate -almost embroidered- pattern, frills and detailing all over, there are even cute little bells on the waist bow.

どこを見てるんですか。
その目で…エッチ!
エッチな事は…だめ~

もっと見たいか?
あなたはいけない子ですよね~　

Used an antique cabinet as background, its color ideal to match Yoko’s wig and contrast the outfit.

Can’t deny that in specific areas, Yoko definitely fills this outfit out more. Which is to be expected considering it was apparently designed for the DDDy body type.

ごめんソラちゃん、でも胸の方にヨーコの勝ちです。

You can see more of my Dollfie Dream photography on Flickr.

Definitely liked what I saw so far, the animation by Production IG is good, the visual atmosphere of this futuristic earth reminiscent of their work on “RD: Sennou Chousashitsu” with crisp visuals and sleek looking robots. Especially liked the visuals seen in the opening sequence animation.

Unsure if the mecha lean towards the super robot style or to a more realistic style. Vox Aura, the main robot piloted by Madoka has a very polished, dynamic curved design while the enemy robots look more angular and aggressive in comparison.

Most scenes so far have been spent to introduce energetic Madoka and how she becomes the Vox Aura pilot. Not much is known yet about the second pilot, alien girl Lan and even less of Muginami, the third pilot.

Am curious how Lan’s character will be fleshed out, especially her bond with Madoka. Considering what we did see, she might grow to have a strong bond with Madoka born from her mission to protect the girl and Madoka showing her life on earth. But they might as well have a falling out if Lan’s inability to master the Vox Aura compared to Madoka is emphasized more.

The first two episodes did mix in plenty of humor and mecha action which might make the show seem fairly superficial, providing mere bland entertainment, but a few brief scenes suggest we could see plenty of character development and there is of course the main plot of the earth being threatened by alien invasion which could make it all laden with drama.

Energetic Madoka is voiced by relative newcomer Ishihara Kaori, who also voiced Reki in “Aria The Scarlet Ammo” and Suzuna in “Kaichou wa Maid-sama!”. The mysterious alien Lan is voiced by Seto Asami, she previously voiced Yoshino in “Hourou Musuko” and Chihaya in “Chihayafuru”.

The third pilot, aloof Muginami is voiced by Kayano Ai, she also voices Inori in “Guilty Crown” as well as Menma in “Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae wo Bokutachi ha Mada Shiranai” and Isana in “Yumekui Merry”. Noto Mamiko voices Madoka’s cousin Yoko, her extensive career of performeances includes Tomoe in “Hanasaku Iroha”, Shimako in “Maria-sama ga Miteru”, Tomoe in “Queen’s Blade”, Kotomi in “Clannad” and Yakumo in “School Rumble”.

While there’s nothing substantial yet to indicate this series will become a heart-wrenching drama, the fact the female lead is named Madoka somehow makes me wonder… Guess that’s due to the still lingering memory of the powerful, stellar mahou shoujo drama “Puella Magi Madoka Magica”.

Guess the only way to find out what kind of series “Rinne No Lagrange” will ultimately become is simply to watch the rest of the series!

Kuroda Yousuke returns as story writer along with original character creator Uon Taraka, luckily the characters in “Ano Natsu de Matteru” look contemporary, no doubt the influence of character designer Tanaka Masayoshi who also worked on “Toradora!”. Similarities in character styling between the two series will not go unnoticed.

What also raises my hope the story in “Ano Natsu de Matteru” might be more potent than “Please Teacher!” or “Please Twins!” is that director Nagai Tatsuyuki also directed “Toradora!”, “Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae wo Bokutachi ha Mada Shiranai” and “To Aru Kagaku No Railgun”.

Who knows, this series might even be one of the better romantic comedies to air in recent seasons. The first episode promising plenty of light-hearted comedy and sweet romantic moments, definitely am hopeful it will turn out to be a great show.

The animation by JC Staff was excellent, from busty alien Ichika to diminutive yet feisty twin tailed Yamano the girls are all incredibly cute. The summer scenery is colorful yet not overly bright, with the lush and rustic backgrounds depicting an idyllic Japanese rural region.

Ichika is voiced by Tomatsu Haruka, who previously voiced characters like Manami in “Asobi Ni Iku Yo!” or Maria in “So-Ra-No-Wo-To”. In Yamano one can recognize Tamura Yukari’s work, she has voiced characters like Nanoha in the various “Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanaoha” series and movies, Suzuha in “Steins;Gate” or Rika in “Higurashi No Naku Koro Ni”.

Shy-to-a-fault Mio is voiced by Asumi Kana, who handled roles like Poplar in “Working!!”, Narumi in “Mayo Chiki!” and Karou in “Tamayura ~hitotose~”. Hisakawa Aya voices Kaito’s sister Nanami, she’s done a plethora of roles like Skuld in “Ah! My Goddess”, Nyamo in “Azumanga Daioh” or Haruka in “RahXephon”.

Do have a lament stemming from pure nostalgia, the opening track ‘Sign’ is not sung by Kotoko, however Kotoko is responsible for the lyrics, which may explain why the song’s overall atmosphere is close to that of ‘Shooting Star’, ‘Love a Riddle’ and ‘Second Flight’, the opening songs that Kotoko contributed to “Please Teacher!” and “Please Twins!”.

Looking forward to the rest of this series which could be a successful modernized version of “Please Teacher!” with an animation style fit for the current anime era and a classic yet sweet love story peppered with some humor and perhaps light drama.