#lostorage wixoss

[mizozoe]

My last post for 2019!

I randomly binged Lostorage WIXOSS season 1 and 2 on Netflix in 2 nights what a way to end the year 😂 the two MCS throughout season 1 was just angst and crying lol

It wasn’t the best show I’ve watched but nevertheless it was very engaging and the whole setting was cool too

[brightersoul2]

Lostorage Conflated WIXOSS - episode 11

[neni-has-ascended]

Wait, what, “Lostorage conflated WIXOSS” is actually shaping up to be... good?????

WIXOSS is and remains a weird thing for me.

I mean, the card game is amazing, probably my favorite TCG out there, it’s easy to learn and makes for quick, fast-paced card game action, so it’s no surprise I like that.

The Anime on the other hand just has left me mystified for years now. 

I started watching it back in Spring 2014, when the first series, “selector infected WIXOSS” aired and I was in Japan with a TV in my student dorm room and nothing better to do at night but watch Anime. In the flood of brainless rom-com moe-shows back then, WIXOSS actually seemed like such a huge breath of fresh air. Sure, the “inspiration” the show took from juggernaut Puella Magi Madoka Magica  was readily apparent, but it looked like it was putting its own spin on things, the way the show built its atmosphere bit by bit was breathtaking and I liked the character designs and characterization of the protagonist a lot, so I ended up drawn in. 

The thing is, as the first series continued, the Anime quickly revealed its weak points: Promising plot points went into the most boring and predictable directions, interesting character arcs weren’t given the time they needed to flourish and, most damningly, the plot got so tied up in its own complexities, by the end of the second series it felt like pretty much nothing had been resolved, half of the stories started were left untold and the answers we were given only raised more questions. The ending to the second series, “selector spread WIXOSS” was (in my humble opinion) such a confusing mess, it gave even the entirety of Mekakucity Actors a run for its money. I’m not saying I didn’t understand what happened, I’m just saying it felt like none of this stuff was set up appropriately to feel like any sort of well-deserved pay-off, and the pay-off I *did* want to see, just... didn’t... become... existent...?

But regardless, I remained a fan. Because if WIXOSS’ talent at building atmosphere is a drug, I probably really need a serious intervention and a couple of months of “WIXOSS Anonymous” counselling. 

The third series, “Lostorage incited WIXOSS” started off to a “meh” start, with Character Designs that I didn’t feel had the same charm as those of the first two series and a whole new cast of characters I didn’t feel any sort of connection to. However, the series rather quickly won me over with a few things that “selector” didn’t provide me with for a criminally long time: An actual, progressing plot with a clear structure and goal point, a focused way of laying out Character Drama, that actually allowed me to get invested in the individual characters’ arcs and, finally, an ending that didn’t feel like it came out of friggin’ nowhere! It felt like the franchise was finally taking a few steps into the right direction... But still, I didn’t hold my breath. There were still so many dangling plot threads, tons of unanswered questions that felt more worth exploring than anything presented on screen and a yawning sense of emptiness inside me after the last episode’s credits rolled. It was better, yes, but still far from great. 

So I didn’t have any expectations for what was to come next. Like, none. All of “infected”, “spread” and “incited”’s dangling plot points, I just expected the franchise to leave them hanging all about like the annoying loose threads they are and not elaborate on them whatsoever, just moving on like nothing happened, no explanations, nothing. I expected this franchise to start a new story entirely the following series, with new characters, new rules and little to no relevant references to the previous shows, like what “incited” did. 

And now, “Lostorage conflated WIXOSS” is happening.

The main character of which is Kiyoi Mizushima. A character who’s been doing stuff in the background of the franchise since its inception, and who had her own storyline going on in the Manga, but whose presence never really amounted to much in the Anime. And now she’s... the main character. 

...What??

My astonishment just continued over the course of the first two episodes. Not only are they bringing back old characters left and right, not introducing too many newcomers at all, they’re actually going back and addressing the gaping plot holes left open by spread and incited! I couldn’t believe my eyes! Kiyoi Mizushima, a character who’s been there since the very beginning, is going around, trying to tie up all those lose ends that have been annoying the living daylight out of me for as long as the franchise has existed, and she’s doing it with such conviction! What is going on!! It almost seems... almost feels... like the Anime franchise was building up to this all along?? WHAT? 

We’re only on Episode 2, so it’s hard to tell, but so far, Lostorage conflated WIXOSS is off to the strongest starts of any of the WIXOSS series. It wastes no time, giving important information not only in exposition, but in visuals and music, making excellent use of the atmosphere-building the series is so great at and getting me back into the mood for WIXOSS right away. The characters have so much passion behind their actions, even while they’re just discussing plans, it feels like a lot more’s already happened than really did. The Opening Sequence is spot-on as always, with an amazing song and great visuals. The characters from “infected” and “spread” have visibly aged, giving a sense of actual passage of time to what is happening, which somehow actually adds to the urgency of it all. 

Don’t get me wrong. I don’t recommend Lostorage conflated WIXOSS to a newcomer to the franchise. Not all all. The series starts out like a sequel should, cutting all the introductions and getting straight back into the plot, so there’s no way you’ll not be utterly lost unless you’ve seen at least either “infected/spread” or “incited”. You need the first three series to get into this one. On the other hand, I wouldn’t seriously recommend the first three series to most people, thanks to the aforementioned issues they have. But at the same time, I feel like I’ll really, REALLY want to recommend “conflated”... UNGH! This show is putting me into a such a paradox situation!

Again, it’s only just 2 Episodes so far. We’ll see if the show actually does end up wrapping everything up that’s been screaming to be wrapped up for years now. But so far, I’m hooked. This is one of the Anime I’m gonna be following religiously this season. Definitely.

[neni-has-ascended]

Watching Lostorage conflated WIXOSS...

Five Episodes in, I have the following comments (Beware of spoilers):

So, um, are Hanayo and Midorko actually Hanayo Unjou and Midori Ichikawa again, or just detailed copies made from Yuzuki’s and Hitoe’s memories? Hitoe and Yuzuki sure act like it’s really Midori and Hanayo, but it’s never made 100% clear, which is frankly confusing. After all, if the real Midori and Hanayo went missing, wouldn’t their friends and family be in turmoil too? This needs addressing, show!

Chinatsu being a good person now is so nice to see. Also, the fact that she and Suzuko are happy and in a healthy friendship/relationship now. It’s satisfying. These girls deserved this outcome and I hope they can keep it by the end of the show.

Related: Tama living as Ruuko’s adopted little sister is adorable as all hell. It’s so good to see Tama just living and doing normal person things, a dream she didn’t even dare to entertain back when she was LRIG. Now, I know she’ll have been in battle again at least once by the time this show is over, the OP spoils as much, but for now it’s good to see she enjoys being human and that the Kominatos have accepted her with open arms.

Generally, all the friendships are great. In the previous seasons, the Anime always had such a “every (wo)man for themself”, bleak kind of tone, but this time it really does feel like people are working together, which gives everything a sort of flair more typical for card game Anime. I like it, I feel the show was sorely missing that until now. 

Good Writing: Dona’s fate. Seriously, every time Dona is on screen, it’s heartwrenching. I am so glad they didn’t forget about her after Lostorage. The fact that she’s forced to live the life of a friend she’s lost, having to pretend that she’s him is so sad and the show handles it well. The way she keeps wanting to honor his memory (pun not intended), even if it means meddling in things she’d rather stay away from and putting her own safety on the line is just so endearing. Dona is a good girl. It’d be wonderful if they could get Shouhei back and let Dona live in a body of her own, but I know that’s a pipe dream. (Please, just don’t get captured, Dona-) Talking of which...

Everybody’s getting kidnapped left and right. Seriously, so far this is “Kidnapping. The Anime.” Frankly, I don’t care too much about Milulun and Anon, they had it coming, but I seriously feel very sorry for Midori, Hanayo and Yuzuki (especially if the former two are the real Midori and Hanayo). Those girls just can’t ever seem to catch a break, can they? Only reason Hitoe hasn’t been completely screwed over yet is probably so she can inform Ruuko of the damsels to be saved.

Talking of which, everyone morally decent but Ruuko, Suzuko, Hanna and Kiyoi continues to be awful at WIXOSS. (No seriously, it’d be nice to see Hitoe win a game for a change. Pls. Make it happen.)

Related: Layla is OP as hell, pls nerf. She’s giving me some serious Yami Marik-style “I CAN DO WHATEVER THE HELL I WANT BECAUSE I AM INSANE AND ALSO ANCIENT EGYPTIAN VOODOO”-vibes, and it’s kind of annoying. (Also, Layla and Carnival seem kind of like redundant characters. I hope there’s a purpose to having two characters this similar in the show.)

Why is Akira still insane? I thought the ending of spread implied she was getting better after hooking up with Iona (the real one). Did Iona dump her? Oh boy...Somebody, just, send this girl to therapy already.

Are we finally gonna see Ruuko’s LRIG form? If we do, is she gonna look like the artwork of “Gothic Boundary”? 

Where is Remember?She’s in the opening. You can’t fool me, show. It’s only a matter of time. I am counting down to supreme bullshit character whom I love to hate.

Where is Yuki? Like, I assume she’s just chilling out somewhere, minding her own business and being happy, trying to not involve Ruuko and Tama in anymore craziness, but I sure hope the girl is doing alright. She deserves so. Given that Mayu’s spirit seems to be calling out to Tama, there’s a chance Yuki might get involved again as well...Maybe as a surprise appearance in a later episode. Ohhh boy.

[memeinanime]

[anime-ace]

Spring 2018 (part 4)

Shiyan Pin Jiating

Other Titles: 実験品家族, Jikken-hin Kazoku: Creatures Family Days

Source: manga

Studio: ???

Genre: sci-fi, seinen

The series centers on a family where both parents are mad scientists, and where both brother and sister are modded humans called "creatures." The family members aim to become a "normal" family.

The production staff is mostly Chinese names but I can’t find the studio. Is this not Haoliners? I’ll watch it anyway. -Ace

Dorei-ku the Animation

Other Titles: 奴隷区 The Animation, Dorei-ku: Boku to 23-nin no Dorei , 23 Slaves and Me

Source: manga

Studio: TNK, Zero-G

Genre: psychology, drama

What if you could enslave anyone you ever wanted? Well, this comes close. The SCM lets you enslave anyone who is also wearing an SCM, at a price. One must win over the other, at the cost of anything, in order for the other to become their slave.

It’s horribly paced, the main character is never relevant, and unnecessarily edgy. I don’t recommend it. -Ace

Megalo Box

Other Titles: メガロボクス

Source: original

Studio: TMS

Genre: action, drama, shounen, slice of life, sports

JD (Junk Dog) participates in fixed boxing matches in an underground ring in order to live. Today, he enters the ring again, but he encounters a certain person. JD wants to take on a challenge that risks everything.

Made for the 50th anniversary of Ashita no Joe, a classic about boxing. It’s about boxing. -Ace

Lostorage Conflated WIXOSS

Other Titles:

Source: card game

Studio: J.C. Staff

Genre: game, psychological

The next WIXOSS show about some girls playing games but it’s edgy. It might be good. Not my genre. -Ace

Inazuma Eleven: Ares no Tenbin

Other Titles: イナズマイレブン アレスの天秤

Source: game

Studio: OLM

Genre: sports

Inazuma Eleven Ares will be set in a parallel world, taking place after the events of the first game, and develop the story from the perspectives of three protagonists—Ryouhei Haizaki, Asuto Inamori, and Yuuma Nosaka.

The story revolves around a group of boys living on an island who love to play soccer. Their soccer club is suddenly abolished, and the only way they can regain it is to win the Football Frontier. Protagonist Asuto Inamori and company leave the island for Tokyo to attend Raimon Junior High School and take on the Football Frontier. But their first match is against the number one-ranked Seishou Gakuen.

The same time as a new Captain Tsubasa? We have a lot of elementary school soccer this season. -Ace