VisualArt's/Key - Best Title Visually...

I just need a quick set of thoughts about their main 3 titles.

I don't believe Air TV was in the same league as the other 2, though somebody might disagree.

Which was more beautiful to the eyes or which did you enjoy watching more?

Kanon (2006), Clannad: After Story (think of it as the new Clannad (TV)), or Air TV.

Edited on 10/11/2008 09:50 AM.

I believe the answer will be Kanon (2006), since nobody would probably want to put their vote on a series that isn't finished like with Clannad: After Story.

Edited on 10/11/2008 09:47 AM.

I like all 3

I liked Clannad most (can't speak to "After Story" yet). Why? While still having tearful moments, I liked that there was plenty of humor involved and that just because a girl's story was resolved didn't mean she couldn't contribute to the other stories. Indeed, "After Story" is proof of that.

Thanks for your thoughts Forbin and AstroNerdBoy.

To Forbin: choose randomly if you don't want to choose one over the others. I know it's a tough choice. LOL.

To ANB: after story will walk that "fine line" thanks to the events of the movie. I was angry/upset after seeing what happened and now after story is going to put it all into perspective. It's a scary thing to think about. I don't know if you saw the movie but that is all I can say about after story - i'm scared.

Edited on 10/12/2008 12:17 AM.

I've never seen the movie. Back when Clannad was announced, I did read a bit about the game but that's it.

The clannad, it's the only one where the Harem actually realizes that they are in a competition.

Rating these in terms of artwork and quality of plot:

1. Air TV- Only one of Key's works to end in tragedy and has less female leads. However, characters had a habit of disappearing once their arcs were resolved and there are a few major discrepancies with how the plot is handled in the final arc of the series. Compared to Kanon and Clannad with their artwork, Air's looks rough and not as smooth with character lines.

2. Kanon (2006)- The cleanest in terms of artwork with a good amount of fluid movement in animation. Many of the female characters would reappear beyond their respective arcs in cameo roles compared to Air. The show gives enough depth to many of the characters seen throughout the series. However, some events in the series seemed forced to push along certain aspects of character relationships, especially in the case of Yuichi and Ayu.

3. Clannad- It isn't fair to judge After Story since the series just started so I'll rate the first series. The show takes on a mostly slice-of-life approach and is more lighthearted compared to past Key offerings with softer visuals and character designs. The artwork lacks the polish of Kanon, but it's smoother than Air TV. However, enough flaws arise with Fuko's character arc as no explanation is given to what led people to lose their memories of her and what her condition is after the end of the series. The show's episode length resulted in Tomoyo and Ryou's arcs to be blurred together limiting the amount of focus given to both characters. Some of the comedic gags tend to get annoying or repetitious overtime such as Sunohara's pummelings or Fuko's random appearances beyond her arc. Some major characters even lack background depth such as the Fujibiyashi sisters.

So overall in terms of visuals and plot quality, here are my rankings:

Visuals:

1. Kanon (2006)- The cleanest of Key's animated works thus far.

2. Clannad- Soft artwork and character designs, but not as polished as Kanon.

3. Air TV- Rough artwork and character designs compared to the above two.

Plot Quality:

1. Kanon (2006)- Gives enough depth to characters and their respective arcs despite some forced efforts to push along certain character relationships.

2. Air TV- Characters get enough depth with enough focus on their problems in each arc, though the final arc has some major discrepencies with its elements.

3. Clannad- Most character arcs get enough devoted focus. However, one arc is just two arcs blurred together while the Fuko one has some unresolved elements. There's also a lack of depth given to some major characters.

Thats it right there! You hit the nail on the head my friend. I agree with Ggultra2764 completely. Kanon (2006) did have the most fluid animation and is the best of the three visually. I'm not saying that I knew that all along or not, just that I needed someone else to confirm it and differentiate between the others.

To: AstroNerdBoy: Please take it from me, Don't watch Clannad (Movie)! Wait until Clannad: After Story concludes. That way, it might be less of a suprise to you what transpires and you might appreiciete the movie a little more.

I can't speak for everyone but i want to say the rest of us who saw Clannad (Movie), got screwed half of Clannad: After Story! The only thing making me watch it now is because i'm a completionist and my curiosity to see what will happen during the other half of the series.

To: Forbin: You're right as well. The only real harem was in Clannad (TV). The other two animes came close but didn't deliver the harem - not that it matters because the stories were incredible regardless.

My mind is clear now. Thank you kindly gentleman. (^ ^)