Sword Art Online

[xFenrir]

It's been a long, LONG time since I've found a new anime that I LOVE, and I needed to rant and rave about how absolutely EPIC "Sword Art Online" is. HOLY. CANOLI. Did that series blow me away. I saw a friend on Facebook say they were watching it and I was like "what the hey, I need something new to watch." Didn't look up anything about the series, just went in blind.

And got my face rocked off. Stellar graphics and animation and FINALLY, a unique storyline. It progresses quickly enough that you're hungry for the next episode, but not quick enough that you feel they're skipping too much. AND A STRONG FEMALE LEAD. I can't stress enough how much I love that Asuna isn't one of those simpering heroines who hides behind Kirito and let's him do all the work. She's just as awesome and it's nice watching teamwork instead of "I'll save you!" all the time. Girls can be kick-butt too! And even the supporting characters are so well-rounded and add great depth to the whole world. They're all unique and always fun to see show up. You never get mad about "minor characters" stealing the limelight for a bit.

I'd say the only letdown was the "second" season (there's no official second one, the whole series is split into 2 storylines, "Sword Art Online" arc and the "Alfheim Online" arc). The second arc IMHO was pointless and trivial, and actually made me angry at points. xD They took out the elements that gave SAO it's impact and drive. There was no "penalty" for losing. The second series turned into that "hero goes to save helpless girl". It just grated on my nerves. And I don't like "family love". I don't care if he's actually your cousin, you were RAISED as brother and sister. I dunno about anyone else, but if one day I found out my brother and I weren't siblings, I would still think of him as a brother, not a new potential love interest. :/
Basically, I pretend that the "ALO" arc doesn't exist now, haha.


If you get the time though, check this series out.

[BrandiR]

I don't care if he's actually your cousin, you were RAISED as brother and sister.

Awesome.