Wakaranai

Rating:    

Sora no Otoshimono is one of those anime that has nudged its way into an already overcrowded genre but which effortlessly stands out and pleasantly surprises by reaching past people’s expectations. I think everyone had reservations that this would be another mind-numbingly generic ecchi anime, but with every episode it has proven its ability to entertain. Last week, with the all the panties and, well, all the no-panties, I thought the best thing abut the show WAS the fanservice. It delivered copious amounts of droolworthy fanservice scenes and, most importantly, delivered it in a fun way and with top-notch production values. But this episode shows it has strength beyond maneoucering its cute girls into embarrassing/sexy situations. There was practically no fanservice at all and yet it was still really enjoyable. I can’t even really explain why anymore, except to say that this episode demonstrated the show’s ability to do comedy more than the others have so far. There’s a surreal element to the series that stops it from feeling too generic. The manliness factor also increased in the form of Eishirou, as did the moe levels with some dramatic development for the stoic but earnest Icarus herself.

♡ I definitely gained a strong moe attraction for Icarus this episode! Before she seemed like a pretty empty, large-breasted vessel for fanservice, but now she has definitely developed some cute character traits. I certainly wouldn’t say she’d a deep or complex character, and her personality is largely defined by the typical moe palette: submissive, childish, pure of heart, wants to please, etc. But, as someone easily ensnared by the trappings of moe, I find her utterly adorable! I want one! A pet-class angel in chains .. it’s the ultimate fetishism! SUGOI SUGOI!

♡ Tomoki patting her head was just too cute. She just loves it <3 <3 HHNNNNNNNNNGGG.

● Still waiting for Nymph to show up. Is she going to be Tomoki’s servant as well? I ask because this guy doesn’t even deserve one, let alone two. He hasn’t been abusing his powers nearly enough (although he still gets fanboy kudos from me for handcuffing Mitsuki!).

✔ And every series needs a bit of arbitrary GAR. I’d previously pinned Eishirou as a freaky nerd type of character but apparently he is a badass outdoor dude, a highly intelligent scientist and an all-round man of win. I cracked up when I saw his ‘house’. Sorry Eishirou, I misjudged you! Not sure about you’re taste in Pretty the 2nd though. You can use one of my figures if you want!

● That watermelon is creeping me out.

✔ Why are the productions values so fucking awesome? The soft-style shading, which reminds me of parts of Macross Frontier, just gives the show such a unqiue and attractive finish. But the animation is great, the backgrounds are well-done, and details like the sunlight gleaming of the water - it all adds up to a very well produced series. The studio, AIC A.S.T.A., really surprised me with this one. I assume they’re betting on some good DVD sales for this one, and I hope they get them!

✘ I have to admit to being a BIT disappointed by the lack of ero content in this episode. A shot of Mitsuki in wet and transparent clothing is nice (especially as she had some nice underwear on this week), but it doesn’t compare to last week!