#2 of my series. WARNING! INCLUDES SOME SPOILERS FOR CLANNAD SEASON 1. Only very minor After Story spoilers.
Clannad After Story
Clannad After Story is the sequel to the original Clannad. They're usually referred to as a single series since the original leads directly into After Story. For this though, I'll only be talking about the second season. It's not that I dislike the first season, it's just that the majority of it is a harem-style anime leaning towards comedy which might be a turn-off for some.
After Story, sans-first 8 episodes, is the tale of Tomoya's life. It goes past high school and explores the new obstacles he faces after graduation. With one exception, the heroines other than Nagisa rarely appear after episode 8, and instead the story shifts more towards the Furukawa family. It is during this part of the series that the biggest emotional events take place, both good and bad, and the theme of the story becomes most apparant.
Again, I can't say much more without spoilers. What I can say is that this was the only piece of media I have ever seen; TV, video games, movies or anything else, that emotionally moved me to the point of tears (Have not watched Grave of the Fireflys YET). This anime pretty much broke my heart and put it back together again. I don't think much more needs to be said about it.
Some people are turned away by the art-style. For some, the big-eyed art style that Kyo-ani does here might be a bit of a turn-off, but I implore you to give it a try. You'll get used to it and the payoff is definitely worth it. The first season is a fine standalone series but even if you don't like the harem aspects of it, there's still a lot going for it. At the very least, you should watch it at least so you can understand everything that happened for the second season.
This anime taught me:
1. How important family is. I don't think there's any person, place or thing that delivers this message more powerfully than Clannad. I don't think enough can be said about how this changed my perspective of life. It's a single theme, but so heartrendingly important to living. I'm not one for cheesy lines but I'll write one here. Treasure your family no matter what happens.
Also, great to watch as a couple if your partner is fine with anime. If you get depressed after watching this, I recommend some Gurren Lagann
One of the two defining songs of the series for me.
after story is so heavy compare to the original clannad.... but it turns out ok... advice people should not watch it only if you are 18+ and living away from family. Else you will feel notthing LOLOL
I loved Clannad, but I'm scared to watch After Story because it's (allegedly) not comedy and not the harem-style arcs like Clannad. Not that that's bad, but it seems way too different to me.
Is this series really that good? I feel like everyone and their mom watches it. I think I saw the first 3 episodes and was too bored to give it a real try.
On March 11 2011 09:58 Ferrose wrote: I loved Clannad, but I'm scared to watch After Story because it's (allegedly) not comedy and not the harem-style arcs like Clannad. Not that that's bad, but it seems way too different to me.
Fuuko <3 Tomoyo <3
If you watched Clannad and never watched After Story... I can't even find the words for you. Ferrose, you have let me down. Not only with that but giving a "heart" to Fuuko. Dear lord.
This is a top3 anime for me. I combo Clannad and After Story into one blob because you need the first part to truly appreciate the second.
On March 11 2011 10:15 Zidane wrote: Is this series really that good? I feel like everyone and their mom watches it. I think I saw the first 3 episodes and was too bored to give it a real try.
I didn't watch it Just look at the tags: comedy, drama, harem, romance, school, slice of life. The best out of this selection is "drama"...but in combination with the other tags, it's a big no-no.
On March 11 2011 10:15 Zidane wrote: Is this series really that good? I feel like everyone and their mom watches it. I think I saw the first 3 episodes and was too bored to give it a real try.
Well, the first three or four eps is really just creating the setting and introducing all the heroines. You didn't really even see what the series is about, IMO.
On March 11 2011 09:58 Ferrose wrote: I loved Clannad, but I'm scared to watch After Story because it's (allegedly) not comedy and not the harem-style arcs like Clannad. Not that that's bad, but it seems way too different to me.
Fuuko <3 Tomoyo <3
If you watched Clannad and never watched After Story... I can't even find the words for you. Ferrose, you have let me down. Not only with that but giving a "heart" to Fuuko. Dear lord.
This is a top3 anime for me. I combo Clannad and After Story into one blob because you need the first part to truly appreciate the second.
The life of a Fuuko lover is a tough one. Sometimes it feels like I'm the only one.
I watched the first 5 or so episode of this and was pretty bored. Way too cutesy and I find no enjoyment in something trying EXTREMELY hard to be sad. In fact I'd probably have to inject more estrogen than Richard Simmons to complete this series. Seriously how do people watch girly stuff like this...
The first few episodes of AS are exactly like Clannad in that the arcs are focused on random girls. Hence why they kinda suck. The latter part of the sequel is where the series really shines, as it follows Tomoya after he graduates and becomes an adult. And literally nobody ever seems to do this. Incidentally, the "true" part of After Story begins at this point, as this part of the show matches up with the After Story segment in the visual novel.
That said, if you don't like shows that are heavy on slice of life, of course you're not going to like Clannad/After Story. -_-
@Ferrose: You're missing out. After Story has the Mei arc.
On March 11 2011 12:26 Spazer wrote: The first few episodes of AS are exactly like Clannad in that the arcs are focused on random girls. Hence why they kinda suck. The latter part of the sequel is where the series really shines, as it follows Tomoya after he graduates and becomes an adult. And literally nobody ever seems to do this. Incidentally, the "true" part of After Story begins at this point, as this part of the show matches up with the After Story segment in the visual novel.
That said, if you don't like shows that are heavy on slice of life, of course you're not going to like Clannad/After Story. -_-
@Ferrose: You're missing out. After Story has the Mei arc.
I loved clannad AS. It was so good, Ushio was so awesome and I was happy with the ending. I had multiple moments near the end where I got all tear eyed. I Definitely recommend to everyone that likes this genre of anime.
An anime that changed my life was Welcome to the NHK. I was going through a rough patch in my life when i watched it and it made me feel so much better
On March 11 2011 12:07 Bond(i2) wrote: I watched the first 5 or so episode of this and was pretty bored. Way too cutesy and I find no enjoyment in something trying EXTREMELY hard to be sad. In fact I'd probably have to inject more estrogen than Richard Simmons to complete this series. Seriously how do people watch girly stuff like this...
You have to watch the entire series. It isn't at all what you think it is. They don't try hard at all to make it sad. It's a completely natural feel in every aspect which makes it a very good slice of life show. The first season really isn't even all that "cutesy". I don't think you're giving it a chance based on preconceived notions.