Shiki

[ich1990]

I'm not an expert on vampire/horror stories, but slow-pacing doesn't strike me as being particularly unusual for the genre. This isn't an action show. The novel(s) apparently had a lot of build-up as well.

Agreed.

But what did they accomplish with episodes and episodes of nothing happening? The mood was already set in the first few and it didn't change substantially during the middle episodes. Character development? Not much. Maybe a little bit with the priest dude (but again, not much other than the fact that he emo and maybe killed his brother). Even the Doctor, the best character in the series didn't change substantially over the course of the middle/boring episodes.

While I don't expect the series to be full of action all the time (although to be fair, that can't hurt), I do expect the non-action portions to be put to good use. I just don't feel that was the case here.

[blkmage]

I suspect that it was probably a lot more interesting to read than to watch.

Also, Kaori's scene was a lot less impressive and horrifying in the anime.

[ich1990]

I suspect that it was probably a lot more interesting to read than to watch.

Also, Kaori's scene was a lot less impressive and horrifying in the anime.

Could you tell me where that is in the manga, approximately? I would like to read it, as it seemed like it could have been a very impressive scene, but just fell flat and felt silly in the show.

[blkmage]

Chapters 31 and 32.

[ich1990]

Holy smokes, the manga is ten times better than the anime. Not just concerning the Megumi scenes, everything has more emotion, more details, more mood, and better art. I am so sad I started watched this series instead of reading it.

[MasterDias]

I looked over some early chapters, and it seemed like a pretty close adaptation to me...at least early on.

I don't know. The pacing never bothered me, and I don't remember ever feeling bored watching it. Actually, I'm not completely certain why I like this. I've never considered myself a fan of vampire/horror stories.

[Atria35]

Well, Shiki is over! I ended up marathoning the last five episodes, and I was glad I did. The last five episodes... You get a bloodbath, one that showcases how ruthless both the Shiki and the villagers can be.

I'm still not sure I understand what the junior monk's angst was all about.

The ending wasn't as conclusive as I would have liked- it seems to imply that there's more to come.