August 21, 2004
Tenjou Tenge Episode 2
"Defeat"
Writing a review for every episode of anime I watch, sometimes I focus on pretty minor things to comment about. In the case of this episode of Tenjou Tenge, it happens to be Aya's knees. They look weird.
That's actually just my nitpicky way of saying that I'm not a big fan of the art on this show. On the other hand, I loved the art in the manga, and I have to say that it is a mostly faithful adaptation, art-wise. The only problem is, like with many manga adaptations, the art just isn't quite good enough for me. It looks close, but not quite, and that irritates me.
Now, if you've never read the manga, this won't be a problem for you. On its own, I think the art is pretty good (though I'm not crazy about the faces). I think I've already registered my unhappiness with Souichiro's look (which I didn't like in the manga either).
Really, though, there's not much new with Tenjou Tenge. It's very similar to other shows in this vein, albeit a more graphic take. The characters talk about fighting in much the same way other fighting anime characters philosophize, and the fights are good, but not spectacular. In its defense, this episode doesn't feature the greatest fight, considering it's just Souichiro getting the life beaten out of him by an enraged Nagi.
It's better than Ikkitousen was at this point, though. (And they both have annoying, similar-looking female main characters!)
Rating: C+
Posted by Kei at August 21, 2004 07:28 PMI have to agree with you on the knees and the somewhat annoying facial art style, but, nevertheless I found this episode to be closer to a B+ grade than a C+..
The first five minutes are certainly the high-point of this episode however, and the rest lacks action..
But I wouldn't focus so much on the art or the style of drawing, in its own way the Tenjou Tenge anime makes a bold statement in keeping close to the manga while developing it further in other areas.
The fight scene here is very well choreographed and I'd have to say that I'd rate this episode around 8/10. This is the episode that got me hooked in the first place..
Posted by: Josh at September 6, 2004 10:37 PMDude, i have no idea how u guys can even give it such a bad grade. Tenjou Tenge is very original and the animation is better than most other anime out there. And why are u bitching about Aya's voice acting? It's fine the way it is (remember she's supposed to be an innocent girl). Also the Intro is very very good, I mean what's wrong with drawing people dancing? They even did a good job at it. This anime is a masterpiece.
Posted by: Peter Wu at October 16, 2004 11:19 PMI would like to commend Peter Wu's comments regarding the anime.I would rate this anime about 11/10(exagerating? no it's just how i feel).I've read the manga and it's really great but seing those characters really moving in the anime was totally awesome!if ur an anime lover you wouldn't mind a little difference between the manga and the anime.
Posted by: peter yugo at February 26, 2005 05:59 AMbetter if add some hentai
Posted by: ben at November 13, 2005 10:15 PM