While I’m waiting for the subs, I have relied on Erica’s translations of the novel (parts 1, 2, 3). It seems that the anime has to de-emphasized Yumi’s role in escaping from her captors while the novel makes it very clear that the captive eventually starts to order her kidnappers around and even causing them to become besotted with her. And a warm welcome back for Tsutako who furnishes photographic evidence of Kanako’s stalking though that was reduced from twelve to three - the former would have waaaay scarier; overall, Kanako somehow seems generally less scary in the anime, probably because there weren’t any sparkles in the initial scene with Yumi. The impact is also lessened as we’re not privy to Yumi’s thoughts - which are some of the best parts of the novels - as she is significantly disorientated with the idea that anyone would admire her. Oh, and no pouting from Sachiko - just a closeup of a very very sharp nose.
Quite interestingly, Kanako is voiced by Ami Koshimizu who has played a wide variety of roles including Code GEASS’s Kallen Stadtfeld, Mai Otome’s Nina Wang and School Rumble’s Tenma Tsukamoto. She might have had other yuri-type series voice roles as Natsuko in Futari wa Pretty Cure and Mirano Entolasia in the Murder Princess OVA but I haven’t seen those so would appreciate input on that. And Touko just had to be played by Rie Kugimiya, she of snarky character voice roles fame e.g. Shana in Shakugan no Shana, Louise in Zero no Tsukaima, Alisa Bannings in Lyrical Nanoha etc etc. LOL
WE LOVE SEI-SAMA.
That is all.
“WE LOVE SEI-SAMA.
That is all.”
Haha! so true… she’s the main reason I really really want to watch the 3rd OVA, I’ve been suffering Sei withdrawal for too long xDDD
Seen the OAV 2!! OAV3 looks very interesting! Love to see more Yumi x Sachiko!
Sachiko gets a new rival, I see. Sei’s appearance? Wow, cannot wait any longer >___<
Sei-oneesama 4TW!!
Wow, it’s been a while since I last touched the Marimite OVA series. I haven’t even watched the second one yet. Seeing Sei again just pushed me into setting aside 2 extra free hours to continue with this series.
Anyway, I guess I could fill you in a bit about Murder Princess. I’ve watched the first episode of the OVA and finished reading the Manga (I assume it’s finished at only 2 volumes because the footer at the end of the final chapter read “おわり” instead of the usual “つづく”, unless it’s a pseudo ending). It will be quite a fun series if Bee Train doesn’t wreck it. So far, they did something right by not removing the blood and gore element but the comedy value still remains a questionable debate.
As for yuri… Well, to be honest, I would say “Don’t get your hopes up too much.” In the Manga, the vibe is virtually non-existant, if not very, very, very subtle. Nevertheless, I still find the relationship between Alita (true identity, Falis) and Milano (true identity, the real Princess Alita) rather touching. They have this level of trust and reliance on each other which is enough to warrant any hard core fan with super sensitive yuri radar to start writing fanfics about them. Milano is really grateful to Alita and she admires the latter a lot, although that admiration is bordering more on respect rather than the “akogare” kind. Alita, if you’re already familiar with her nature upon first impression, is a very brash woman who looks as though she’s not the type to be sentimental, but it’s quite obvious she cares for Milano a lot and she’ll willingly risk her life to protect her if there’s a need to. Alita’s interaction with Milano is actually really sweet.
Some snippets from the Manga (Spoilerish in terms of character development, not plot). I reckon you have no problems reading Japanese, Zyl. ^^
Here, Milano is extremely burdened about a predicament (I won’t say what it is as it’s a huge spoiler), and Alita does the natural thing by comforting her.
http://img366.imageshack.us/my.php?image=murderprincess0623rt8.jpg
And she tells Milano that she’ll share half of her burden because…
http://img85.imageshack.us/my.php?image=murderprincess0625zw6.jpg
They are no longer strangers but more like “運命共同体”. *Giddy*
And after Milano has cheered up a little, she decides to make the most of the mood they’re in by making this request
http://img385.imageshack.us/my.php?image=murderprincess0627xc6.jpg
Alita: HAA!? SLEEP TOGETHER TONIGHT!?
Milano: *Nods*
Alita’s flustered reaction is amusing. She could have flatly said “No means NO” but she had to go on saying that she has a bad sleeping posture and the bed will be cramped (Lame excuse coz what kind of princess sleeps on a small bed?).
As for the OVA, I’m keeping faith after seeing this
http://img366.imageshack.us/my.php?image=bscap0039gc7.png
Okay, that’s crappy evidence, but still hoping… Not sure how generous Bee Train are when it comes to fanservice. Probably not as generous as KyoAni or SHAFT, but with any luck, they may have some unexpected treats for us later on. Haha, probably asking for the impossible.
Dav, thanks for the heads-up on Murder Princess. I’ll try to find some time to watch it soon!