@Protodude: Second video on that list… Epic vocals! Actually has a bit of punky vibe to it.

Last time I checked all of the Ippo manga has been scanlated to date and is regularly updated with each new weekly chapter. I’ve still been too lazy to acquire/read any of it yet though, mainly cause I’ve still to watch past ep 8 of the anime (though my 2 brothers have finished my DVDs and both agree it’s one of the best anime they’ve ever seen).

http://www.mangaupdates.com/releases.html?search=812&stype=series

@kauldron26: I didn’t know about that. I’ve never seen an episode of FLAG… Must check it out sometime!

As far as I can tell, those who are watching the show like it, though of course those who tried it and disliked it will have dropped it by now. But – although it’s relatively obscure in the ‘Anglophone otakusphere’ – I’ve been told it’s quite popular in Japan, and with an audience who don’t normally follow more standard anime.

@qwertypoiuy: I thought Irako would win that final match too, given he takes his “stance of certain victory.” Wouldn’t be much of an attack name, otherwise! As for One Piece and Naruto, I tend to watch them in batches… I haven’t watched One Piece since the beginning of that filler arc with the Icebergs… I’ll get back to it soon enough, I’m sure!

@IKnight: I’ve never been good at coming up with clever jokes, and come to think of it, I’m also doubting the popularity of Kaiji, I’ve always presumed it’s at least as popular as things like Persona/Devil May Cry, but I’m starting to notice how a lot of people just aren’t watching it. Also, you checked out the soundtrack yet? I didn’t realise it was Hideki Taniuchi, but now that I think about it, several of the more rocky songs are a lot like his work on Death Note. I really love the music in both shows, and Otogi Zoshi ain’t too shabby either!

@kauldron26: Yeah, I see some vague similarities between Gundam 00 and Toward the Terra, mainly that both shows are overflowing with bishonen and feature a lot of plot-driven sci-fi. The difference is the characters; where Terra was full of human complexity, Gundam is a lot more contrived and flat with too many one-note characters like Setsuna F Seiei. It’s funny you’d praise Gundam Seed because I’d say that Gundam 00 is a lot better than that series.

@Ivy: The new OP and ED for Gundam 00 are great, though I didn’t mind the old ones either. My only problem with the show, as I’ve explained above, is the use of one-note characters, we’re still not inside the heads of any of the four protagonists, especially Setsuna. I’d suggest you give Kaiji a shot to impress you, but I suspect, given your take on Shigurui, you’re not really into “hard boiled” anime anyway.

@Kim: The only thing I can offer with regards to Gundam is just to give it a bit more time to really hook you in. I wouldn’t consider myself especially interested in the series until around episodes 12-15. With that said, I think you’re more likely to enjoy something like Hakaba Kitarō; a lot of the creative staff from Mononoke are contributing to that and it shows in the animation style. I’m still waiting for an opportunity to sit through the first four episodes.

@Dan: I must admit, even though I knew it was the last episode, I went and double checked at Wikipedia just to make sure. I suppose there’s a remote chance the manga will be released? Anyway, in case you’re interested, the fansub group behind Shigurui recently released a 5 minute TV interview with the Shigurui manga-ka, it’s well worth looking at considering how much you enjoyed the show.

Also, did you click the “Fighting Spirit” link I posted above? Some awesome action right there.