Such is the case for episode 322 of Naruto Shippuden:Madara Uchiha !!! Okay, I’m exaggerating just a tad, but for a Shippuden episode this might as well be considered top notch. So, why am I, as well as others, treating this episode as a chef d’oeuvre ? Because the first thing we see, fifteen seconds in, is the dauntless face of the legendary die-hard shinobi—that we've been dying to be introduced to— in his Edo Tensei state; a face that immediately greets us with: I mean business. Suddenly, we back away in astonishment as the next set of shots takes us back within the crowd of the Allied Shinobi Forces, where we should be hiding. Silence deems ambiguity as he brings himself face-to-face with us... Now we’re quaking in fear: is he about to attack? How should we stand our ground?

What’s more is the rapidity of Madara, and the way we witness the agility of his Sharingan in a sort-of-slow-mo’ close-up, and the fluidity of his attacks, like free flowing water. We see him handle multiple shinobi one-by-one, sometimes even killing two birds with one stone. It’s the way his Susano’o mindlessly sways and twists his body as he swings his swords, while his majesty calmly observes. It must also be the sudden feeling of helplessness of the Allied Shinobi Forces; Lord Kazekage is so taken aback, he ponders if it’s the power of a god they're dealing with. The gore seems different here: subtle, yet bitter; just have a look at Tsuchikage’s bleeding nails! By far my favorite shot. Let’s not forget the grand actions he and Kazekage take to save their soldiers, which show their true potential and status. Nevertheless, we’re shown the fury of the one character we’ve only, until now, have heard of and seen in flashbacks in the anime, and whose ill will we could only imagine in the manga. Clearly, his alarming reputation wasn’t simply hype. Uchiha, Madara indeed. Besides, after patiently waiting through all those fillers, well darn tootin’ we deserve this much, don't you think?

As mentioned, it isn’t a flawless episode: there were instances where the animation lacked luster (nothing unusual here), but for the most part it was very good. To be quite honest, this one episode pumped more adrenaline in me than the Pein arc. For such a significant arc, the quality shouldn't have been so poor.

I say this episode is a form of fan service only because it was worth the wait, and not only does it have us wanting more, but also reminds us why we fell in love with Shippuden in the first place: because it's simply a great series. This episode was truly a labor of love!

I’d like to mention something I noticed: there was one error at 7:36 mins. Madara has the rinnegan, and he isn't supposed to until a few more minutes into the episode. It is a mistake.

It’s been a few days since many spring anime have been released, and I gave myself the opportunity to check out a few. Here’s a look at my Spring Anime list, and a complete chart of titles to expect this season in TV/online streaming, OVAs, specials & movies to add to your list!  By the end of spring, I’ll be revisiting these titles to talk about my last impressions, and whether I’ve dropped any of them.

Watching

Suisei no Gargantia (Gargantia on the Verduous Planet)

This anime is causing a bit of a buzz this season: for one, ANN has it on their spotlight this Spring, and for two, almost—if not all— episodic blogs are covering it. There are expectations for this anime to be a great one, possibly because the director is Kazuya Murata. He was the man behind Full Metal Alchemist, and has been the assistant director for Code Geass. For Gargantia, he has collaborated with Gen Urobuchi, who wrote the script for Psycho-Pass. Very impressive. Mecha clichés are turned upside down in their new sci-fi: war will not  be the central issue here. It was more like a starting point to introduce the era & the main character. Redo, our main man, is beginning a new life on peaceful Earth, which was thought to only be a myth where he comes from. I’ve only seen the first episode so far, but so far so good.

Attack on Titan

 Wow. Just, awesome. Attack on Titan has certainly lived up to its expectations. I don’t want to give any detail about what has happened so far, so I’m just going to say that the action, drama, animation, and plot are amazing. You should watch this anime if you aren’t already, and if you’re considering it, get to it as soon as you have the chance!

My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU

I am a huge fan of shounen anime, so I always feel the need to balance it out with some slice-of-life. As expected from the title, this anime got a few giggles & smiles out of me, so I enjoyed it. There hasn’t been any romance so far, and it’s hard to say who the main character’s love interest will be (we just can’t assume it’ll be Yukino. Hachiman & her seem so distant from each other right now). That’s a good thing; I definitely don’t like everything to be revealed in the first episode.  The one negative thing I will say is that the animation irks me a little. Other than that, It’s okay so far. We’ll see how things go.

AIURA

This is a cute one. Another slice-of-life anime that I’ll be watching. The thing about anime like AIURA is that I never finish it. I just lose interest in watching the comedic lives of three—or more—best friends because my shounen has got me too hooked to turn the other way. Lucky Star was pretty much the only exception to this (it’s hilarious, have you watched it?). However, I will give AIURA at least 5 episodes, especially considering the fact that each one is only 4 minutes long. One minute is already dedicated to the opening theme, while the last one is dedicated to the closing theme.

Plan to watch

Otona Joshi no Anime Time

I need more Josei in my life!

The Hentai Prince and The Stony cat

I heard this one’s funny.

Spring anime chart 2013!

 Thanks to Zana from Neregate for lending us the complete chart for this spring’s anime titles! Click the picture for full size.

What’s on your list this season?

.COMPLEX