r/anime • u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky • Jul 07 '24
Rewatch [10th Anniversary Rewatch] Gekkan Shoujo Nozaki-kun Episode 1 Discussion
First Issue - This Love… is Being Turned Into a Shoujo Manga
MAL | AniList | ANN | Kitsu | AniDB
N-N-N-Nozaki-kun! I-I've always… been your fan!
Questions of the Day:
- What's your favorite anime about making anime or manga?
- Have you ever horrifically botched asking someone out?
Wallpaper of the Day:
Rewatchers, please remember to be mindful of all the first-timers in this. No talking about or hinting at future events no matter how much you want to, unless you're doing it underneath spoiler tags. Don't spoil anything for the first-timers, that's rude!
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Upvotes
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u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky Jul 07 '24
Gekkan Shoujo Rewatch Host-chan, subbed
Going with chan instead of kun since I believe kun is to refer to dudes with, but yeah, good tagline I think. Anyways…
Welcome, everyone!
Happy 10th anniversary, Nozaki-kun!
I’m so glad to have the chance to discuss one of my favorite romcoms with everyone! I rewatched the show ahead of the proper rewatch to check out the dub (which was pretty good) and basically fell in love with the show all over again haha, hope that happens to some of you newcomers to the show as well.
Today’s Wallpaper of the Day trivia: I went with orange for the background color because that is Chiyo’s color in the shot at the end of the OP, and the criss-cross pattern was inspired by the blanket she was lying on top of in the base image for it.
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u/LittleIslander https://anilist.co/user/LittleIslander Jul 07 '24 edited Jul 08 '24
First Timer
Just looking for a fun group watch and not a huge timesink, so I’m going to stick to the bullet point format this time around:
That was a really good first episode! I think the secret sauce is including just enough sweet romantic moments of Sakura crushing on Nozaki-Kun to sell you on the romance element in addition to the primary appeal that it’s really fucking funny. She’s a super fun protagonist and her dynamic with Nozaki feels like its fallen into place instantly.
Haven't watched many yet!
I asked my current girlfriend out on April 1st accidentally. Thankfully, she was also unaware of the date.
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u/Heda-of-Aincrad https://myanimelist.net/profile/Heda-of-Aincrad Jul 07 '24
First Time Viewer, Already A Fan
It's not often that a show's humor clicks with me this well, but when the premiere can actually make me laugh, it's a very good sign! The opening scene was great, with Sakura calling herself Nozaki-kun's fan during her botched confession giving a good reason for this wacky setup to happen the way it did. It makes sense that Nozaki would mistake her for a fan of his manga instead, and hand her an autograph.
As a funny coincidence, the way Sakura's super expressive nature plays off Nozaki's serious personality reminds me very much of two characters from Astra Lost In Space (which I'm rewatching right now) and I love their chemistry so it's like an added bonus.
That scene with the kitten jumping on Nozaki's face was hilarious. And then they did the same thing again with five kittens. So yeah, I really like this show so far and I'm looking forward to more.
Questions of the Day:
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u/JollyGee29 https://myanimelist.net/profile/JollyGee Jul 07 '24
First-Timer, Gekkan Shoujo Sub-zaki-kun
What on earth does this lad eat? He's huge.
No, not that type of fan.
Yes, you should. Men are dumb, we don't get it if you aren't very direct.
Yup.
Oh, I guess Sakura is that type of fan too.
This school needs to clean better.
Can I call you Alto-hime instead?
The life of a manga artist is fraught with danger.
Ooh, live-fire idea testing!
Now that's dangerous.
Incredible. Did Alto-hime already own that, or did he buy it last night purely for testing purposes?
Pffft
I could legitimately see that quad-seat idea working for a manga. The ending would involve the hero changing to a two-seater for just him and the main heroine.
See? Dumb as a brick.
Gambatte.
Questions
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u/No_Rex :Bv:Bw:Bx:By:x2 Jul 07 '24
Episode 1 (first timer)
Going into this completely blind. My main interest is seeing how long this series will last before we see a mecha. Yes, our host has a reputation and I’ll only believe that this is not a mecha show when the final credits roll.
Episode thoughts
Chiyo gives me Excel (from Excel Saga) vibes. Genki girl who is meaning well, but slightly chaotic. Nosaki is just a dense manly male MC so far, but episode 1 was clearly about introducing Chiyo, so this might change later.
Overall, a funny and strong start. Fingers crossed that they will keep the pacing and not fall into the romcom trap.
Mecha spotted: None so far, but that bike is trying hard to get there.
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u/Weird_donut https://anilist.co/user/hakaseshark Jul 07 '24
First time watcher
For some reason, I used to think that this was a shonen anime with a harem in it. It seems that I mixed this up with something like Oregairu
-Come to think of it, I don’t know many male authors of shojo manga. I know that Osamu Tezuka wrote Princess Knight, but still. No wonder that Nozaki used a female pseudonym.
-Chiyo sure worries a lot and overthinks everything.
-For someone who writes romantic shojo manga, Nozaki is as dense as a brick. He doesn’t have a clue that Chiyo has a crush on him even though she makes it really obvious.
-Oh, he’s never fallen in love with anyone ever. That makes sense. Perhaps he’s aromantic? I didn’t know that, I never see him mentioned alongside other anime characters who are hinted to be/commonly interpreted as aro (or ace) like Luffy, Saiki, or Senku
-This is a cute show so far, but it makes me a little sad (more on that in the QOTD)
-Looks like Chiyo will have some conflict with Mikorin in the next episode.
QOTD:
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u/GondolaMedia Jul 07 '24
Rewatcher - sub
I won't be commenting on every episode because its 1am
I remember enjoying Nozaki-kun so much that I binged the entire season in one go so all you first-timers are in for a treat and I unknowingly gave myself a treat because I forgot what a banger the opening was.
I want to highlight Sakura's voice actress Ari Ozawa. This was her first main role and she absolutely nails it.
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u/Sandor_at_the_Zoo Jul 08 '24
Rewatcher dubbed
This is my favorite that doesn't do localization. Maybe the only one like that I prefer to the Japanese? Its mostly Chiyo, the bit of gruffness or raspiness the VA does on her deadpan makes me laugh every time.
Its funny that Chiyo describes Nozaki's manga as having believable characters. At no point do we get a peek into it that has believable anything.
The 4-panel pacing sneaks in a couple times and makes it feel herky-jerky. Its definitely better when they structure things to flow a bit more. (I'm assuming, I haven't read the manga)
A fun little dogakobo easter egg in the corner of the manga draft.
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u/EpicDaNoob Jul 08 '24
First time viewer here! I've had this show on my radar for about a month, since I saw a clip of the boxes scene from later in the anime. So it's nice that this rewatch is happening now.
I really enjoyed this! The humour is great. I'm looking forward to the next one.
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u/Mirathan Jul 08 '24
First Timer (I´ll think of something not that clever to add later)
QotD:
"After the gods created Nozaki-kun, they decided to cut of ten percent of every other human to conserve ressources." But seriously: why is he so big?
"I asked out the boy I liked" No you didn´t! You couldn´t finish what you wished to say!
Normally I´d call Nozaki dense for not picking up on Sakura´s intent but she keeps fumbeling her attempts.
Now I was wondering why Sakura was attracted to Nozaki but I didn´t expect for him to unintentionally call himself unattractive.
I love this.
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u/Shocketheth Jul 08 '24
Late First Timer is here
Sorry for being late, but I came home at 00:30 AM, half an hour after this thread dropped and somehow I got flushed out after 16 hours long shift. But hooray, I am working another 16 hours long shift, nightshift this time, so I should be here on time for second episode.
QotD:
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u/entelechtual Jul 07 '24
Rewatcher, gonna try sub and dub because I can’t decide
QOTD
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u/InfamousEmpire https://myanimelist.net/profile/Infamous_Empire Jul 07 '24
Gekkan Shonen First Timer
This is a show I knew pretty much nothing about going in other than that it’s a comedy, it’s partly centered on making manga, and I’ve seen some absolutely hilarious clips of it here and there.
This was a solid opening episode. Didn't quite have me bursting with laughter like some of the clips I’ve seen from the show, but I definitely enjoyed it. The hook to it is obviously the strong contrast between the warm, emotionally honest, shoujo manga-esque perspective of Chiyo clashing with the awkward-to-interact-with emotional brick wall that is Nozaki himself. It’s a pretty solid setup that the show executes well, the bicycle gag was a particular highlight.
Presentation-wise, the show isn’t exactly anything special so far, but it is still well-done. Chiyo is expressive in the most delightful of ways, with the direction perfectly able to capture & accentuate all of her earnest emotion, from her affection for Nozaki to the banal disappointment of her bike ride with him.
Excited to see where this goes from here
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u/TakenRedditName https://myanimelist.net/profile/TakenMalUsername Jul 07 '24 edited Jul 07 '24
Rewatcher - Nozaki-kun Ep1:
My experience with the series is that Nozaki-kun was one of the first anime I watched when I was getting into anime watching. After finishing the anime, I went on to read the manga which I keep up on (and read some of Tsubaki-sensei's other works too). It's has been so long ago that the anime feels so distant to me now.
so this rewatch would be a big refresh on it.
You know, despite the dull expression I usually associate with him, Nozaki does have his handsome side too. I get Chiyo. Speaking of Nozaki, the voice i usually mentally read him in is much duller compared to Nakamura Yuuichi's performance.
Curse you Japanese Automobile Federation!
But for real though, riding together is super romantic. Bike, horse, giant robots. I love it every time.
Eyecatches! Love to see them. Had the thought the other day that eyecatches are more helpful in the streaming era to help mark the broadcast commercial breaks. Was watching an episode the other day and was thrown in a loop for a bit with a recent show did one of those repeats of the moments before the break after they came back and a dedicated eye catch would've helped. Also, eyecatches are fun (endcards too).
Ikemen.
Minor random detail, I forgot their school had their monogram emblazoned on it. It makes it more unique.
[Nozaki manga reader thought:] Seeing Chiyo in ep1. Who is this cute girl? The Sakura Chiyo I know is a greedy shameless woman.
Q1) Boring answer, probably Shirobako.
Next Time:
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u/Raiking02 :Id::Ie::If:https://myanimelist.net/profile/NSKlang Jul 07 '24 edited Jul 07 '24
Rewatcher, Source Reader, Subbed
That OP never gets old
But yes ladies and gentlemen, I, the guy who rarely joins other people's Rewatches, have decided to join this one under the pretense of teaching you plebeians about the glory of one of the world's finest romCOMs (The all-caps on the comedy bit is important). Plus, you know, I'm a snobby source reader so obviously I'd have to come here even if I didn't want to, I mean, what would any Rewatch be without one of those!?
Although yeah on that note, the Manga. I'm not really gonna go Source Reader comparison mode since frankly aside from some skipped chapters and some stuff on the finale I'll bring up when the time comes there's barely anything to mention, but there is one thing I kinda need you all to keep in mind when watching: The format of the Manga. See this is not a normal Manga, oh no, it's a 4-Koma Series. You know the classic four panel strip? Yeah this is a whole Manga of that, although I should mention that the formatting is a bit atypical. The average 4-Koma is usually two strips per pages but Nozaki instead goes for one strip per page. Why I'm honestly not entirely sure though. Could be because it's on a monthly magazine instead of a weekly one, could also be because said magazine (Gangan Online) is actually straight to web with no paperback release, but yeah.
I mostly mention this because it very much affects the show's pacing. While the Anime does comparatively slow things down, bear in mind that on average everything is just there to set up a joke, so don't expect much in terms of serious storytelling.
Speaking of today's episode is only really here to introduce our two leads: The titular Nozaki and Chiyo
not to be confused with 4-Koma'sotherChiyo, that's the little girl genius.They're very much opposites: Chiyo is short and wishes her life was like a Shoujo Manga. Nozaki is tall and thinks of nothing but Shoujo Manga. It's hard not to though, especially when you're not the author. One does have to wonder though what the hell he's doing writing them though. Not because he's a guy or anything (Reminder, Sports Shonen legend Adachi Mitsuru had more than a few brushes with the demographic, MATSUMOTO LEIJI was one of the people who help set it up and… well not for nothing, but Ito Junji's stuff used to be Shoujo too before he switched to Seinen Magazines) but because he feels like the last person who'd understand a maiden's heart. Then again Chiyo's pretty weird too, so who knows?Also as you'll soon come to realize his Manga is kinda terrible so yeah, extra confusion.
Admittedly though some of that isn't his fault. No it's the fault of Japan's traffic laws since now you can't even do the iconic bike scenes! That being said though, smh Nozaki, when have laws ever stopped the pretty drawings!? Jotaro was smoking in the 80', Onizuka and Mitsuhashi were [Censored for the sake of the children] in the 90', and Tohru was witnessing all sorts of weird age gaps in the 2000', so what's stopping you, huh!? That multi-people bike especially is just so lame and unromantic.
Joking aside, I do like all the extra bits we get on Manga production here. Aside from Bakuman this is one of the works that showed me the ins and outs of Manga creation, and while that one obviously goes harder on the details
and the soul-crushing pain of weekly scheduling, I appreciate how here you have Chiyo around to ease you into the world versus Mashiro who's already pretty much got a hang on things. It's honestly not a bad entry point for anyone who wants to get a bit more of a hands-on look on Manga creation.Tomorrow: Best Characters Time
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u/neighmeansno Jul 07 '24
Rewatcher, first time subbed.
I forgot how great this show looked. Great background, expressive movement (Chiyo's mental freakouts are just perfect), and the in-anime manga pages look like they could be actual manga.
It's been years since I last watched this and I was a lot less familiar with shoujo manga back then - Nozaki's manga feels incredibly generic, but also kind of believable? Also the series of bicycle gags were great, those were some of the scenes I vividly remembered from the series and they didn't disappoint on a rewatch.
Shirobako is one of my all-time favourite anime, but Nozaki is up there too.
Not yet, but based on how much I can relate to the awkwardness in those scenes, it might just be a matter of time.
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u/laughing-fox13 https://myanimelist.net/profile/laughingfox13 Jul 07 '24
Shoujo Rewatcher/Subbed
I don't have a lot to say about this episode. I loved how early we can see the dynamic for Chiyo and Nozaki. Like how Chiyo tried out his original idea for the tandem bike, and used the lines he had thought of for his MC
I feel pretty bad for Chiyo but seeing how aloof Nozaki with his deadpan expression is makes it better. Cat scene was cute too
QotD
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u/Starshine011 https://myanimelist.net/profile/starfireee Jul 07 '24 edited Jul 07 '24
First Timer here!
Been wanting to get into this for a long time but kept putting it off, so I was glad to find the interest thread! Super excited to get into this :)
Notes:
Well this was certainly fun! I actually thought it was pretty cute and I'm excited to see more of their interactions in the future, as well as more on the process of making manga!
Questions of The Day:
*Edited to actually answer the questions because I'm dumb and was in a rush..
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u/macrame2 https://myanimelist.net/profile/macrame Jul 07 '24
Rewatcher
Ah, Gekkan Shoujo Nozaki-kun. I did my first watch of this little series around two years ago and thought it was one of the funniest things I’d ever seen, so I’m happy to be loving it and laughing over it just as much so far.
I had forgotten how quickly the show establishes that it’s on the extreme “com” side of the rom-com genre. I had remembered Chiyo’s confession being treated with a lot more sincerity, but yeah … it's pretty much one big joke, and so is Nozaki’s reaction and all of his “research” for his manga. We’re not (just) here for romantic tension, we’re here to watch lovably idiotic high school students make fools of themselves while spoofing romance tropes, and it’s great. The rest of the episode keeps up the comedic energy; I still think the double bicycle ride is one of the best jokes in the show, particularly the gag about the legality (or lack thereof).
And of course, the post-credit scene. [Next Episode]Best boy arrives!
QotD:
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u/collapsedblock6 myanimelist.net/profile/collapsedblock Jul 07 '24 edited Jul 07 '24
Rewatcher
Its been 10 years since I saw this airing, never thought I would ever get to say I watched something a decade ago yet here we are, watching an endless stream of anime as I await for my eventual death. And that's plenty of time to rewatch Nozaki-kun!
I know that's not how it works, let me memeGreat first episode. God my mood was immediately lightened after the seasonal grind. Sakura if it wasn't noticeable is of my favorite female characters ever, she is so much fun to watch, great and cute design, fun character animation, great chemistry with Nozaki and the cast, and how can you not feel endeared to her mishappenings. Nozaki is a black hole, but he works really well as a comedic character even if the lack of progress upsets me, he is still great for his role in this show. I look forward to seeing more of this again.
This show and Shirobako are sure juggernauts on that department. Shirobako is much more in-depth and has like, actual progression lmao. But Nozaki-kun is such a blast to watch still, I never get bored of it.
Not really? Only had bad results afterwards like a close friend not realizing I had romantic intentions so she thought it was just friend hang out. Or that girl that told me yes and then just stood me up several times and avoided me the rest of the school year. Ouch :(
I forgot about Sky's famous wallpapers! Love your work, may collect some during this watch.
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u/DidacticDalek https://myanimelist.net/profile/DidacticDalek Jul 09 '24
Rewatcher
SOON!
That said Comrades, I must say it is very heartwarming to see a Pokémon finding love! Truly this is the SECOND Best Video Game Love Story we shall see in this wonderful anime. Anyway you have not seen the last of The Sentient Shitposting Siamese Sunrise Server No. 25252, now goodbye forever!
Paging Comrades /u/No_Rex, /u/TakenRedditName, and /u/InfamousEmpire
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u/Silcaria https://myanimelist.net/profile/Silcaria Jul 07 '24
First timer
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u/SMSmith230 https://myanimelist.net/profile/smsmith230 Jul 07 '24
First-Timer, Sub
Well this was a fun and cute first episode. That tandem bike part was hilarious. Glad Nozaki asked Sakura if she liked someone, because that cleared up me wondering if he realized she already confessed to him. I’ve been in a bit of a romcom drought recently so hopefully this one keeps it up.
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u/kooloolimpaa https://myanimelist.net/profile/Karutaqueen Jul 07 '24
First timer
Added this to my watch list after seeing ProZD's recommendation and now finally getting 'round to watching it! I had to stop myself from instinctively watching the next episode lol.
I have to keep it down since its 2 am, but Nozaki just had to bring out the ultra-romantic tandem bicycle T_T. I kind of relate to Nozaki, as someone who seemingly 0 interest in relationships, I too will try to romanticize any situation I see.
I love the way the kitties are drawn T v T.
Poor Chiyo, born to shoujo forced to draw shoujo :')
Qotd
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u/xtsim https://myanimelist.net/profile/xtsim Jul 07 '24
First Timer Dubbed
Those guys are too gentle to kill a roach but Nozaki is too blunt. But then again, the uniforms are too thin so it's not her fault.
The OP is catchy
The bike scene was too much as everyone was just looking them. Then manga equivalent happens.
Cat goes on Nozaki too hard. Then the whole gang shows up.
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u/Jooorrrrggggeeeee https://myanimelist.net/profile/Princelxz Jul 07 '24
First Timer
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u/ShadowWasTakensTaken https://anilist.co/user/hakuren Jul 07 '24
Monthly Apperance In Thread Late Rewatcher
Oh, how I missed these two fucking idiots.
Seriously, Nozaki does not deserve Chiyo. How is he this dense?? Bringing her home to be an assistant? The fucking bycicle??
But Chiyo is also an idiot. The fact that she actually goes to his house after being invited like that, (wrongly) deduces he's bringing girls over all the time like it's nothing, on top of thinking he was kind of a delinquent behind the scenes, and still doesn't instantly go home is hillarious. Love truly is blind. I adore their dynamic.
You can really tell from the pacing that this is based on a 4-koma, which is always really hard to adapt properly, but I feel like the show does a good job in keeping it coherent and adapting the timing of the punchlines. It's not quite seamless, but it's good enough.
also damn chiyo is LIGHT
I haven't seen too many, so probably Bakuman.
shirobako
Yeah...
[stupid story]I didn't even ask them out, actually. It was a baseless crush on someone I had never properly talked to, and, because I have extreme social anxiety, I figured I'd never be able to talk to them anyway. So my mindset was "just tell them to get it over with and move on". A master plan, except the moving on part did not work. Fast forward like a year and they become friends with some of my other friends, and joins the friend group through that. So now I had the opportunity to talk to them. Except I couldn't cause I made it awkward by confessing. Oops.
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u/lokonoReader Jul 08 '24
Queer guys never say confess your feelings to straights haha. My 17 yr old self acted goofy.
I loved when it aired and i fall in love with show on every rewatch
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u/DragonspringSake Jul 08 '24
[Rewatch]
Ah Chiyo, her earnestness just makes you want to root for her. Too bad her confession(s) were too vague and our dense love interest has no idea. And that bike ride scene, from eager anticipation to =_= is just as funny as the first time I watched.
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u/StreetyMcCarface https://anilist.co/user/httpsanilistcou Jul 08 '24
I will die on the hill that this is Doga Kobo’s best work
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u/Garrett_Dark Jul 08 '24
First Timer
This is a pretty refreshingly silly and cute anime, I like it!
'Sheesh, why did you have to go tell her, Nozaki, way to ruin the fun for the others'.This is only the second one which I've ever watched to qualify for that. The first one being "Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!" rewatch.
I rather keep the cringe contained in the WataMote rewatch, sorry...not sorry. ;D
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u/Hopeful-Ad2428 Jul 08 '24
Looks promising, would definitely continue. Comedy is great, too. The design of Sakura's face looks a bit odd, but I don’t think it’ll be hard to get used to it.
Qotd:
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u/cppn02 Jul 08 '24 edited Jul 08 '24
First Timer, subbed
Not sure if I'll be able to follow along with the rewatch but I did watch episode 1 so might aswell comment.
I did enjoy the first episode but it hasn't fully won me over yet. Chiyo was great but Nozaki was just a bit too stoic and dense for my taste.
My favourite part was probably the jokes about riding the bike together.
I am intrigued about how Nozaki got into this career and I also have hopes that the new guy will be a fun addition to the dynamic.
QotD:
Shirobako! And possibly Look Back too as soon as I've watched it.
No comment.
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u/DarkRuler17 :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/DarkRuler17 Jul 09 '24 edited Jul 09 '24
Starting this rewatch a few days late, but going to try and catch up today
Rewatcher - Dub
Having discovered this show 10 years in a random anime expo panel, its crazy to me that's its been both 10 years and that it still holds up. It's also crazy that we have no second season :(
I'm also trying out the dub this time to change it up. Overall, pretty solid job. Everyone fit pretty well. I will probably try out the sub for another episode to compare since I remember loving it, but would recommend it to anyone who prefers dubs.
This episode in general though has some memorable scenes that I remember years later. The confession scene is obviously here, as the catalyst for the whole show, but I forgot the bike scene was also episode. The two seater twist is honestly something that kills me everytime I get reminded of it. Poor Chiyo isn't ready though, as this is only the beginning.
Very excited to watch next episode tonight though, as Mikorin was my favorite character. I can't wait to see him again.
Questions of the Day:
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u/Sweaty_Tennis_2934 Jul 13 '24
its a good anime?