Kanon: Volume 1 (ep.1-4)

A quick video review to give you a basic impression of the series. If you're having a bit of trouble understanding what I'm saying, a transcript of the review can be found here: http://deathblz.googlepages.com/kanon-vol1review.txt

Kanon is an anime series that is similar to Air, since the visual novel was made by the same developer and the animation is done by the same studio as well. However, do not think that Kanon is a direct knock off from Air (since Kanon was released chronologically before Air). Well unto the review!

The first disc contains episodes 1-4 and these episodes pretty much introduce all of the main characters of the series. The main characters: Yuichi, Nayuki, Ayu, Shiori, Makoto, and Mai. Of course you are also introduced to side characters as well. In this disc you get to know about Yuichi and a brief history about his past with Ayu. We get to see Yuichi interacting with people whom he has met before but doesn't remember as well as meeting with people for the very first time. Pretty much that describes the first volume, since the story is mostly revolving around Yuichi as he adjusts to the place where he used to live 7 years ago. This anime falls most likely in the school life, drama, slice of life and supernatural genre, though it can be considered "harem" as well. The animation is simply stunning and the music is beautifully composed. The voice acting is great for both Japanese dub and English dub (though I prefer Japanese dub).

I highly recommend this to anyone, particularly those who are fans of anime. Recommended for any age, though I would put it at 12+.

A freind of mine recomened this series claiming that I would enjoy it. I was a little concerned that it would turn out to be nothing more than a simple harem anime along the lines of Love Hina. However after watching the first volume I can tell you that this anime seems to be more of a mystery novel. Every character in the show deals with some sort of memory loss. Also as you watch the show you can tell that something odd is occuring in the town that they live in, but you as the viewer are not quite able to put your finger on what. The charcters are lively and fun and the comic/mystery atmosphere keeps the show from dragging. I am not willing to call the series as a whole a winner yet but this volume has conviced me to buy the rest of the volumes just to see how the mystery turns out.