I like the flashback where Wakaba took care of Aoba when she was sick. Wakaba was a very caring sister and this is just one of the many reasons why Aoba still misses Wakaba very much.I also like Momiji's dream. Actually, I think it's more like a flashback in the form of a dream. She's such a sweet girl. Of all the sisters, I think Momiji resembles Wakaba the most. This is perhaps why she gets along so well with Kou.Mini SummaryOn New Year's Eve, Tsukishima's grandmother fells sick so Ichiyou and her father have to go and take care of her. This leaves Aoba to take care of Momiji, who is also down with a cold. Before Ichiyou and her father leave, they ask Kou to check in on Aoba and Momiji to make sure that they are okay.After training with Akaishi and Nakanishi, Kou finds Momiji's cat on the street and so he brings it back to Momiji. He also brings along all the ingredients for making okayu (Japanese rice porridge). Aoba is reluctant to let Kou stay but since Momiji insists on Kou staying and cooking for her, she lets Kou stay. When Momiji's fever spikes, Aoba doesn't know what to do. As for Kou, he immediately uses ice to keep Momiji's fever under control and in a few hours, the fever breaks. In a flashback, Aoba remembers how Wakaba took care of her and cooked okayu for her when she was sick. While Momiji is resting, Kou offers his okayu to Aoba. After taking the first bite, Aoba is surprised that his okayu tastes just like Wakaba's.When Momiji gets better, she wants to eat soba and so Kou prepares soba for Momiji and himself. As for Aoba, she insists on making her own food (instant cup noodles). When Kou is cooking soba, Momiji tells Aoba about her dream. In her dream, she's still in kindergarten and Wakaba was still around. After hearing her dream, Aoba feels a little depressed as she thinks that she'll never be a good sister like Wakaba. Kou tries to cheer her up by telling her not to lose hope, but that makes Aoba mad instead. The three celebrate New Year's Eve together and Kou stays for the night to make sure that Momiji is all well. He sleeps beside Aoba and in the middle of the night, Aoba snuggles up to him, thinking that he's Wakaba. The next morning before Aoba wakes up, Momiji comments to Kou about how comfortable the two of them looked, sleeping together. Kou leaves and prepares to go home and sleep more. However, Akaishi appears before him and urges him to start practicing.At the end of the episode, Aoba, the guy with garfield eyes, Nakanishi, Akaishi and Kou are shown training as three months have gone by and it's spring.PicturesKou, Akaishi and Nakanishi sneak into the High school to train.After training, Kou bumps into Momiji's cat and brings it back to Momiji.Momiji wants to eat what Kou cooks as she think Kou is better in cooking.On the spur of the moment, Aoba tells Momiji to do whatever she wants and she can get sick and die. Kou reacts strongly to that but he's able to calm himself down to ask her where the cooking pot is. (He probably knows Aoba does not mean it.)Before he starts cooking, he pays his respect to Wakaba.Momiji's fever spikes!Aoba recalls how Wakaba took care of her when she was sick.Kou's okayu tastes just like Wakaba's.Momiji's dreamThe three celebrate New Year's Eve together.Aww...Everyone is training hard.
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The thing that really sets Adachi’s stories apart from all other high school anime is the huge amount of time that he devotes to the history of the lead characters in the beginning, when the characters are still just in middle school and the first few episodes simply set all of the stages for the [...]
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Is it still tsun-tsun when the putz was totally asking for it?
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Seems like Kou's rival in baseball has appeared. He's the guy with the garfield eyes. I wonder what kind of a relationship/rivalry will Kou and this guy share.My favorite part in this episode is the part where Akaishi tells Kou about Wakaba's dream. Even though years have passed, one can still feel the love Kou and Akaishi have for Wakaba.Mini SummaryWhile in a train, on her way to school, Aoba notices a burglary taking place. After the train stops, she immediately runs towards the house. When she reaches the house, she finds Kou already outside the house and pretending to be a policeman. The burglar jumps out of the window and tries to escape. Kou passes a baseball to Aoba. Without hesitation, Aoba throws a fast ball at the burglar. Senda happens to be around and he's mistaken as the hero. Senda's 'brave' act is published in the newspaper, and in school, he gains attention from everyone because of that. The husband of the victim also drops by the school to give him a box of cakes. However, Akaishi realizes that Aoba is the real hero and takes the cakes away from Senda and passes them to Aoba. When Akaishi asks Aoba why she has a baseball with her, she reveals that Kou reached the victim's house before she did and he was the one who threw the ball to her.After that, Nakanishi approaches Akaishi and tells him about Kou's intention to join the baseball team. Akaishi agrees to take over Kou's training but he wants to keep the training a secret until they are officially in high school and he also wants Nakanishi to return to the baseball team.At the Tsukishima batting center, an unknown boy is breaking Kou's home run record but complaining about how slow the pitching machines are. The boy later appears in the high school which Kou will be studying at. It seems like he'll be joining the same high school.Kou's secret training with Akaishi begins. As Kou is practicing pitching with Akaishi, Akaishi tells him about the dream Wakaba had the night before she left for swimming camp. She told him about it the next morning when she bumped into him on her way to the swimming camp. In her dream, she saw Kou playing as a pitcher, Akaishi playing as catcher and Aoba playing as a centerfielder at Koushien Stadium. Though Akaishi knew that he's not the main lead in her dream, he's more than happy to know that he's part of her dream. It's because of what she said that motivated him to become a catcher. After hearing about Wakaba's dream, Kou looks more determined to play baseball.PicturesAoba catches a glimpse of a burglary taking place when she's on a train.She runs towards the house as quickly as she can.Kou is already there and he throws a baseball to her.Her fast ball hits the burglar.Senda happens to be around and he's mistaken as the hero.Since the cakes are for catching the burglar, Kou takes his share and runs away.Akaishi passes a ball to Senda and prompts him to throw the ball at Kou.However, the ball falls short and this proves that Senda is not the hero.The guy with the garfield eyesAkaishi tells Kou about Wakaba's dream.Wakaba's dreamAfter hearing about Wakaba's dream, Kou looks more determined to play baseball.
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Garrick: Alright. I’ll take Cross Game this time, alright, Steve? Hmph. Garrick: Despite that, I really do love Cross Game. Simple, cute, yet just as awesome as any other series out there. The story, from the mangaka, Adachi Mitsuru, is wonderful, and if anyone has any free time and enjoys sports manga, go search him out. [...]
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Cross Game - Azuma Kita! (Or a Brief History of “Kare Moe”) Today on Cross Game: Azuma shows up and I fall to fangirly pieces. Major heart-pounding slugger dokidoki session. Breaking Kou’s batting centre home-run record, then disrespecting the high school baseball team seniors so nonchalantly? I die. Azuma seems to come from a long line of “best friend” characters that are taller, more serious and have shorter hair and thicker eyebrows than the main character. I guess these are what you would call “moe” traits from a female perspective because I always find these characters far more attractive than the one the girl in the show ends up falling for. It also helps if their families own local liquor stores like both Takeuchi from Bokura ga Ita… …and Hideo Tachibana from H2 (another Adachi character who shares the whole “monstrous home-run hitting clean-up batter” moe point with Azuma, with only half of the brooding attitude.) And of course this list wouldn’t be complete without mention of my other all-time fave sidekick… …Sorata from X/1999, also known as Kamui’s taller, more dudely-looking BFF of sorts. Sorata may not work at a liquor store but he illustrates another HUGE MOE FACTOR in anime males - speaking in Kansai-ben dialect. Like whoa. It’s kind of a given among anime cliches that the hot best-friend/rival never gets the girl, to my shipping chagrin. Sorata got his lady and then CLAMP immediately killed him off in an epic manner - those bastards. So it seems just as likely that Azuma will not end up with Aoba in Cross Game as it is that Takeuchi will not end up with Nanami (if the Bokura ga Ita manga ever ends… I hear it’s coming back though!). Therefore, even if my shipping of these dudes always gets thwarted at least I can enjoy ‘em as eye candy. And make an awful fangirl squee post entitled “Azuma kitaaaaaaaaaa!!!!” I apologize sincerely to all of you. ….Wait, just one more: Yeah.
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I wasn’t planning on watching Cross Game since it was a sports anime and I don’t normally do sports anime. There are exceptions, like Bamboo Blade, but generally speaking it’s a genre I don’t bother with. However, after a comment by JayyG mentioning character development in Cross Game, I figured it was worth a look. Rating: [...]
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Short Synopsis: Kou and Aoba find a creative way to catch a burglar. Episode Rating: 7,5/10 (Good) It’s interesting that, even though Adachi’s series are all about the same thing (talented guy playing baseball), the anime adaptations of his works all have these subtle differences that make them totally different series (or at least the ones that [...]
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Steve: Curse you, Koala. You and your lack of love for this beautiful anime! You claim you love Cross Game like your own daughter but instead, you decide that she’s not worth your time. You choose Basquash over her, you fool! Why must you play favorites? Why don’t you treat all your anime the same? [...]
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As expected, Kou is really skillful!! It's great to see that, other than talent, he also has a passion for Baseball. I hope he will join the Baseball team real soon. ^-^Kou, Nakanishi and Akaishi will be graduating from middle school and entering high school. Since all of them have a passion for Baseball, I think they will join the high school Baseball team. However, this means that they will have to face the scums of the high school team very soon. I wonder what kind of sparks there will be.Mini SummaryThe Baseball team which Kou tricked Nakanishi into creating when they were in 5th grade, will be reuniting to play a Baseball game. Nakanishi invites Kou for the game. Before the game starts, Nakanishi and Kou decide to warm up. Since Kou used to play as a pitcher, he warms up with a few 'light' pitches. Nakanishi is shocked by Kou's pitches and sends him to right field instead because he claims he wants to play a fun game.Meanwhile, Aoba is playing catch ball with her little sister, Momiji. Aoba is a little surprised that Momiji is handling her hard throws very well. Momiji reveals it's because she has been practicing catch ball with Kou.Back at the Baseball field, Akaishi is watching the game from afar and is reminded of Wakaba. It was her words which motivated him to join a Baseball team. As for the game, with Kou's great fielding and batting, the team wins. After the game, Nakanishi asks Kou to do a proper pitch. Kou pitches a fast ball and Nakanishi almost can't catch the ball. Amazed by Kou's ability, Nakanishi asks Kou why he didn't join the middle school team. Kou reveals that he wanted to join but he didn't as at that time Nakanishi was already kicked out of the team for fighting.During practice, Aoba and Akaishi talk about rumors concerning the high school team. It seems like Acting Principle has hired a new coach for the team and the team will be going through some changes soon. Akaishi will be graduating from middle school and will be joining the high school team very soon. This means that he will have to face those scums who Nakanishi beat up years ago, when he and Nakanishi first joined the middle school team.PicturesWhen Nakanishi invites Kou to the game, Kou tries to sell sports uniforms to the team again.Momiji and Aoba are playing catch ball.Kou's 'light' warm upNakanishi wants a fun game so he sends Kou to right field.Akaishi watches the game from afar and is reminded of Wakaba.Kou's team wins the game.Kou's proper pitchNakanishi asks Kou why he didn't join the middle school team. Kou replies it's because of him.When Kou wanted to join the team, Nakanishi was already kicked out for fighting.The scums from high school teamIs he the new coach for the high school team?
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I love Cross Game.  10/10 thus far. Therefore, I will share a few of my random thoughts on this anime. (That’s another way of saying that this post contains nothing important.) This thing is still freaking scary. Look how long its tongue is.  It’s like a frog or something. And what’s up with its front legs?  Is it disabled? Plus the [...]
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Short Synopsis: Kou gets invited to substitute in a local baseball team. Episode Rating: 8/10 (Excellent) Oh this show is SO good. It may be one of the dark horses of the season, but in three episodes it has already done what most series can’t even do in twice that amount. Don’t get fooled off by the [...]
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Click pictures to enlarge them. Spoilers ahead so please be cautious. I like how they are very good at handling the original manga material. They got that "time moves on quietly" kind of feeling right on the spot. Since Adachi Mitsuru's work is human d..글 전체보기
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First of all, I have a bad habit and that would be reading the manga of an anime still being aired once I find it good. In this case, it’s Cross Game of Mitsuru Adachi. Okay, now now, I think my perspective towards baseball animes have changed a lot when I started reading Cross Game. For [...]
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The characters in Cross Game are all so sweet and charming! I'm starting to really like Kou! He's cool and has a great sense of humor. It's great to see Wakaba appearing in this episode. She's such a sweet gal. Though she's not around physically, she's still very much in everyone's hearts and I believe she will continue to appear a lot in flashbacks like she has done in this episode.Mini SummaryFour years has passed. Kou is now in his 3rd year of Junior High while Wakaba's younger sister, Aoba, is in her 2nd year. They attend the same Junior High. While Kou is still not into Baseball or catch ball, Aoba is already a pitcher of the school's Baseball club.In a flashback, Aoba recalls Wakaba making a chart of what birthday gifts she wanted Kou to give her. Aoba was shocked that Wakaba wanted Kou to get her an engagement ring at age 20. She's totally against it as she hated Kou and did not want him to be her elder brother. Wakaba tried to cool her down and asked her what kind of guy she liked. She replied that she would want a guy who could throw a 160km/h fast ball.Though it has been four years since Wakaba's death, Aoba still hates Kou. One day, Kou delivers baseballs to Tsukishima's place. No one is at the batting center except for Aoba. To Aoba's fury, Kou hits four home runs. She gets even more annoyed when she can't match his record. In another flashback, she remembers talking with Wakaba after Kou's loss to Aoba in a Baseball game. Wakaba commented that Kou's a person who hated to lose and Aoba laughed and said that it's impossible for a guy who never played catch ball to win her. Wakaba felt that Kou might be the guy who can throw a 160 km/hr fast ball. Her comment gave Aoba a big shock. Wakaba then smiled and said despite that, Aoba could not have him.Meanwhile, despite not being in the Baseball club or any sports club, Kou has been following Wakaba's orders to imitate Aoba's training regimen.PicturesKou is watching Aoba playing Baseball.So sweet! How I wish I had a childhood friend whom I could write such a list to!Kou hits four home runs!! That totally p*sses Aoba off!This is funny! Aoba happens to be at Kou's place and Keiichirou appears.When Keiichirou asks about their relationship, this is Kou's response.Aoba feels all embarrassed and insists that she hates Kou!When they were younger, Kou lost to Aoba in a Baseball match.Aoba was shocked when Wakaba said she had a feeling Kou would be able to throw a 160 km/h fast ball.Wakaba then smiled and said despite that, Aoba could not have him.Wakaba insisted that Kou must follow her sister's training regimen.Till today, Kou is still following Wakaba's orders.
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Damn, that thing is scary. Note that this is just a random post because I suck and I’m too lazy to type up a full Cross Game 02 post. It’s always staring at somebody.  Holy shit. Always. What’s up with the tumor at the end of its tail? There’s two enormous hairs coming out too. Maybe those things are feelers, and [...]
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Steve: First of all, I’m a fan of the manga. I really am. Second of all, Cross Game doesn’t fit my usual playing style. I may have to go straight with all my reviews since I am a fan of the manga. Third of all, I will cry if that ED song for Cross Game [...]
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Cross Game - Major Baseball Boner I’m having a huge love affair with Mitsuru Adachi lately - marathoning the 101-episode Touch anime while tearing through his H2, Katsu and Cross Game mangas - so I’m excited that the new Cross Game anime is coming out in perfect timing with my obsession. For the uninitiated, Adachi is a much-loved master of his craft - creating powerful character dynamics that are as poignantly emotional as they are understated. He’s got an incredible signature blend of humour, tragedy and romantic drama in a sports setting that really gets under your skin and rivets you to the story. Not to mention he’s actually making me start to get interested in baseball… WTF. Now that’s talent. Cross Game is all about the snarky love-hate dynamic between pitching prodigy Ko and the talented tomboy Aoba (above), and the anime is doing this really well so far. All their interactions have been bristling with chemistry and sarcasm, along with heaps of that unspoken Adachi significance. Aoba has always disliked Ko - illustrated in episode 2 via flashback of her distaste for his lazy pitching in a neighbourhood little league game and her frustration at his ability to hit her fastball (thanks to lots of practice in her family’s batting cages). Ko, on the other hand, has secretly been following Aoba’s training regimen since they were in elementary school. The growing attraction between the two is haunted by the memory of Wakaba, Ko’s first love and Aoba’s beloved older sister. I’m looking forward to getting deeper into the sports side of things with episode 3 since the first couple of episodes have focused on setting up the cast of characters and their complex motivations. Watching these complexities interact in the intense environment of high school baseball is what makes Adachi’s sports mangas so much fun. I’m also looking forward to the introduction of my favourite character - Azuma, the clean-up batting star. God I love me a slugger, hehe. Hope he shows up soon~
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Short Synopsis: Aoba thinks back to a game that she played against Kou. Episode Rating: 8/10 (Excellent) As for the shows I”m not going to blog: - Shin Mazinger Z is manly, GAR, fun, epic and a whole lot more things, but you want to watch that series for the entertainment value, not its depth. There are [...]
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Click pictures to enlarge them. Spoilers ahead so please be cautious. Hmm... second episode was quite decent actually. I was really worried about the drawing consistency because 2nd ep pv looked very unstable, but it's about the same as the first epis..글 전체보기
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