Lots of explanation of how Otome technology works, why Aswald and Schwarz want the whole vertically integrated chain (rather than just the final product) and the revolutionary implications of a new Shinsou and alternative Otome i.e. Valkyrie. There’s been plenty of exposition that compares Otome to SUNRISE’s other franchise, Gundam SEED. But lately I’ve been thinking about how the structure compares to that old Gainax classic, Evangelion - at first we just thought it was a big robot (magical fighting girl) series. Actually the robot (magical girl) technology is predicated on ancient religious texts and will actually determine the fate of the human race (Earl’s political system). And the technology turns out to be heavily biological which is hinted at throughout the series but the full and ‘orrible implications of that for the pilots (magical girls) suddenly erupts to the fore in the last quarter of the series. Brain fcuk ensues. My Japanese language ability (or lack thereof) couldn’t really cope with this episode that well, so will wait for the subs before saying more on this. Continue reading ‘Mai Otome 19′
One of the things I enjoy about this series is that although it has episodes that concentrate on one character’s development, the other two main characters still get plenty of screentime which weaves in nicely with the character in focus. Upon seeing Yasuna kissing Hazumu, Tomari beats a hasty retreat and reduces her contact with Hazumu to a minimum so as not to get in their way. Or so she says, still being clearly distressed by what has transpired. Her odd behaviour leads the normally non-confrontational Hazumu to demand a conversation. Mutually cherished childhood memories come to the fore, they reconcile as friends and Tomari is finally able to admit her feelings to herself.
While the criticism that “Tomari’s been doing nothing but spinning her wheels since the very beginning” is certainly true, I find myself being more sympathetic towards Tomarin. She knew that Hazumu was attracted to Yasuna and that, together with their childhood friendship, was probably coalesced into a huge block against her being able to come to terms with her own feelings for Hazumu. It’s an aching sort of despair and desparation that makes her the most interesting main character for me. Also liked it very much how Hazumu and Tomari’s childhood memories are fleshed out more in the anime relative to the manga. The Love Hina anime ruined the premises of “childhood sweetheart” and “childhood promise” for me by extending them to absurd and overly deterministic lengths. And glad that Kasimasi is helping me to rediscover my delight in that particular genre.
While I do like Yasuna, the whole “can’t see guys” thing just fills me with dread and fear as it sets up a basis for her to be *NSFW* "cured" *NSFW*, Hazumu to change back into a guy and for the two girls to continue their more conventional struggle over Hazumu. Buuuu~ buuuu~ Other than the fact that this would a complete (if typical sucky anime) cop-out, it will also completely destroy what makes this series different from other girls-fight- over-useless-guy romance stories. 48 screencaps follow. Continue reading ‘Kashimashi 6′
Not only does anime = porn but it also encourages child slavery! We anime fans are such evil, depraved people. Mweheheh! *KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK* OMG, it’s the Mounties!!