Interesting post. I definitely see what you’re saying about Gundam. Most of my writings are intentionally polemic for humorous purposes, so take all adulation and all defamation with a grain of salt, maybe even a whole salt shaker.

All that to say, yes I do agree people (self included) will make certain allowances for series that cater more to their own tastes while not giving other shows a fair shake because they don’t appeal to their preferences.

Believe me, I want Gundam to be good, I truly do. The original Mobile Suit Gundam was so brilliant and so groundbreaking; it’s one of those shows that changes everything for a medium. Gundam Wing, and 08th MS Team were exceptional, and I’m hoping Gundam 00 will somehow managed to be good. I’m just not getting my hopes up, that’s all.

Right now I don’t see what all the complaining is about over it. It’s clearly got a story to tell, but people are either so used to smaller scale stories or so hooked up on minor nitpicky things that I don’t think it’s being given its due. Also of note is that I find the main character of Clannad, Tomoya to have some major emo issues, but I don’t see people complaining about that nearly as much as Setsuna, who isn’t even really emo. I believe the term for his personality is stoic.

And then again, I’m not really bothered by Bishounen character designs like so many others seem to be. What’s the difference between that and moe character designs other than the fact that it’s meant to interest opposite genders. As long as it’s not Yaoi, I have no problem with the fact that the Gundam pilots are all made to be handsome men.

Basically if people gave the show half the chance and leeway they allow any given Kyoto Animation series each season to “always deliver”, I think we’d all be in business.

There are far too many shows for me to follow even a third of them this season. However, with Kaiji, Ghost Hound, Shana, and Moyashimon the season is set to be most excellent.

The rest seems replete with pretty formulaic anime types; not that that’s awful or anything, but I’m much more interested in shows with more original concept.