As is the legendary KEY trademark, I already get the feeling that After Story will be full of depth and emotion. For those that don’t know, “Clannad – After Story” is the sequel to Clannad. I believe it follows another path of the Visual Novel, however, I haven’t done much of my own research. I just know that I absolutely love the show.

I’ve finally had the opportunity to watch Episodes 1 and 2 of the new season and am already completely loving it! I would have to say that if you haven’t seen the first season there is no reason for you to be watching this. They don’t waste any time on character development and such and basically assume you have already seen the first season.

Regretfully I haven’t actually seen the movie yet, but it’s on the list of things to get done. There are many many other things I still need to write about. However, After Story bumped itself to the top of my list of things to write about just from watching these couple episodes.

The first episode warms you back up to everyone and gets the circle of friend image really going again. It starts almost immediately from the moment that season 1 ends, and I literally mean the moment it ends. They’re back in the park playing baseball again and Kyon—err i mean Okazaki almost gets whacked in the face by the ball. The animation still remains really well done, with great visuals and the fun anime touches that make you laugh your ass off.

Some things remain the same, and it seems we’re getting to learn more about Sunohara. The poor guy gets his ass kicked by the girls just as always, but never seems to lose his unwavering optimism. Though from the way things look we’re going to get to find out a lot more about the things going on in his head. Episode 3 may hold some slightly depressing stuff following into what appears to be a Sunohara arc!

Well…that’s not quite what I mean. The show itself is as before. It has a fun front with some comic relief and lighthearted adventures that turn into deep issues and delve into the emotions, the air about the show or the “aura” for lack of a better term, still has that depth and foreboding feeling to it. Season 1 got to me, and as Tallon likes to tease me about, most VN story lines tend to do…actually I find it really easy to get really into anime emotionally which I think just makes it that much more of a great experience!

I’ve done well so far to avoid running into spoiler of the Clannad VN that this is all based on, and for the show, so hopefully I don’t find out what’s going to happen! I’m always eagerly anticipating the next episode. One other thing I’ve thought about is which girl I really like the most (of course this is always something you have to think about with these types of anime). Hmm…yeah I can’t really pick one. I’d have to say this is one of the few shows that all of them have really great characteristics and personalities, reasons to love, etc. etc. I suppose Kyou would be towards the top of the list, but they really are all awesomely developed with lots of depth and character.

And finally, I thought I’d mention the OP/ED. The music is great! I really like it much better than season 1 and will be gritting my teeth for the release of the singles. If you haven’t had a chance try and give it a listen on youtube or gendou. As always, thank you to the fansubbers out there for bringing this to us! Till next time….