Michael is Low on Hit Points

Kannagi looks to be a successful comeback for a derided director

• Posted  October 17th, 2008 at 8:26 PM ET
• Subjects  Kannagi
• Tags  impressions, first look
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Yamamoto Yutaka is probably best known for being fired from his directorial debut, Lucky Star. The company line from Kyoto Animation was that he "has not reached the standard of director yet." Apparently that standard was only a few months away, as the directing in Kannagi is superb, as is everything else about the anime.

It's funny as hell, well animated, well voiced... definitely my second favorite new show this season (and only because #1 is so stellar). The star of the show, Nagi, might be the best new female lead this season. All of her crazy antics get the perfect punch line, and director Yamamoto is certainly looking like the winner in this breakup.

Don't forget that the man is credited as the evil genius behind the dance sequences featured in the Suzumiya Haruhi ending and Lucky Star opening. From dance troop to cheerleader squad, this trend continues with Kannagi, staring Nagi as a singer / idol. Pandering? Sure, but it works and who doesn't love it.

Oh, and when Nagi burst to life out of that wooden statue in episode 1, who else thought to themselves, I am soooo taking up woodcraft!