Warning: Images in this post may not be safe for work. As such, I’ve included a cut with this post.
Watching the first episode of Hidamari Sketch ×☆☆☆ (pronounced Hoshi Mittsu, or “three stars”), my immediate reaction was that something was different. It still carried much of what makes the show so entertaining to me, such as the creative visual aesthetics and the overall sense of humor, but there in this first episode of the new season there was a certain vibrancy to the animation and overall style of the show, and it’s not like the sudden improvement in animation quality that occured in episode 1 (and only episode 1) of Hidamari Sketch x365.
If I had to pinpoint the change that has occurred with Hidamari Sketch ×☆☆☆, it would be that SHAFT has accumulated a number of shows under its belt since x365. The plastic toy-like nature of the CG in ×☆☆☆ that manages to fit in with the show harkens back to Maria Holic. The visuals and timings of conversations contain flairs of Bakemonogatari.
One moment which sticks out in particular is that of Yuno’s daily bath ritual in this first episode. Here, Yuno’s naked body is drawn different than it has been in the past, and seems a little closer to scenes involving Senjougahara Hitagi or Sengoku Nadeko (but at the same time not outright sexual like in those instances).
Hidamari Sketch
Hidamari Sketch x365
Hidamari Sketch ×☆☆☆
Bakemonogatari
Something’s definitely different, and it has more to do than with just the fact that the most recent one hides less of Yuno’s body. It’s this attention to form and detail and the quality of the line itself which makes it a more striking image of a girl bathing.
Much like x365 and how the episode 1 animation shenanigans only barely made their way back by the end of the series, I have to wonder if this will keep up throughout Hidamari Sketch ×☆☆☆.
OGIUE MANIAX 
I still like the original the best.
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You see this in every Shaft show–the return and refining of new techniques along with the introductions of new ones.
This only doesn’t happen in the ones that aren’t as good, like Maria + Holic and Negima!?
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I’d say it’s SHAFT’s way of telling us she’s more mature now.
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I still like the original the best.
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I also like the original the most. I wonder who did the layout for each of these three episodes?
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I liked the Super Wide Face x365 Edition to be honest.
And of course, it’s SHAFT’s nature to do an excellent job on the first episode (animation wise) and then cock-block us along the way. Not that I mind, though. I’ll eat anything that has a wideface! =D
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Well in the first one, bath water is spilling out, so hey. :P
I did notice in the first episode more of a willingness to utilize things that were more sparingly used in the previous seasons, like moving backgrounds and things like that. It keeps me interesting, and hoping to see what will happen if there’s another “SHAFT goes overboard on animation” episode. Those are some of my favorite ones of the series.
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Wow. The take in the third series is gorgeous. I want to say it gives me an Alphonse Mucha vibe, but after looking at some Mucha pictures that isn’t true at all. There’s just something great about it.
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Forget Yuno, look at the evolution of the rubber ducky. From docile to Psychotic.
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