Gaim never used the 2-parter format.

I understand there's a lot of new people involved with this show, maybe that's why - Gaim was Gen Urobuchi's first toku so he was bringing a different sensibility compared to someone who's a veteran of Rider who is used to writing 2-parters. That's my theory anyway.

Waiting for subs before I watch, but good to see positive things being said already. Hope they keep it up, I don't want to slog through 20+ episodes before something interesting happens (Looking at you, Drive).

There was a leaked clip of the filming of a latter episode (one with Ghost fighting a composer Ganma) and the sparks were being done live. So yes, I assume they go back to that or start alternating after a while.

edit: This one here.

I know what you meant and having seen the full raw and checking before answering you, while yes there is clearly some CGI sparks here and there and the Ganma clearly lose a black liquid that then fades away etc. You can clearly see actual sparks and tiny bursts at times meant to create smoke so its not all CGI, its a combination.

CGI for the Ganma when they take damage makes sense since they are essentially evil spirits, there are some actual sparks in some of the shots when Ghost gets smacked/sliced/stabbed/poked and we will likely have more of that as the show continues.

Some of the sword swings used CGI yes indeed, but there was some sparks that clearly used actual practical effects and doing the smoke in CGI would be a colossal waste of money.

Do we have any idea when Spectre's meant to show up?

Very early, since he's showing up this month. I'd bet on it being episode 4.

Yeah that sounds about right. Next week is Edison, episode 3 is Robin Damashii and episode 4 is when Specter shows up.

Newton also has to show up somewhere early too so probably episode 4 for that too? If Newton shows up after both Robin and Specter I'm going to laugh so hard though.

Anyway I decided to watch the raw since waiting is for nerds. I was satisfied to find that my japanese let me understand something like 70% of what was being said, so that was nice. Episode was really good imo, pretty fun stuff overall. Nice fights, great music.

With this established cast and locations I guess the initial idea that Ghost would travel the world is all but dashed, though. Which is sort of a shame, because it was a pretty cool idea. Show looks good as it is though.

I hope the Blank Eyecon and the Ganma Eyecons get toys sometime...

I checked out the RAW, but I'll wait for the subs before forming an opinion. Gotta say though, that puppet is absurdly stupid and annoying, and the wirework when he first "flies" is laughably lame.

Watched the RAW and fell in love with the show without subtitles. Hoping the context that the subtitles fill will endorse my love of this new hero.

See man I told you! It was really fun watching the livestream yesterday. Really enjoyed everything in the first episode. Takeru is initially competent if somewhat weak, but he comes into his own pretty well by episodes end. The Ganma designs so far are brilliant and give me some classic Showa vibes all over the place. Music was on point, and the pacing was just where I like it.

My body is ready for subs.