Kannagi OVA – Strangely unsatisfying
Actually after a short reflection, it isn't so strange that I didn't enjoy the Kannagi OVA as much as hoped. The OVA suffered from the same issues as the TV series - too much immiscible fat. Note that I enjoyed the 'fatty' bits of Kannagi. Those fun eps were entertaining, even titillating. But with a sudden change in tone as the series rushed towards a hurried end, one can't help but wonder if the storytelling could have been better managed. Looking back, there were at least 2 'fatty' episodes that did nothing to contribute to the overarching story or character development. Sure, I laughed and for many, that should be enough. However, my love for Kannagi's cast compels me to set a higher standard for the series.
The OVA adds to that fat content, only I didn't get as much laughs. Little was added to the overarching plot. There was minimal character development. Neither was there deepened character love (ok maybe Zange but then even her presence is just awesome). For some reasons, Da Capo and SHUFFLE comes to mind when I think of well-integrated storytelling. Both series may be deceiving in that they seem to have a lot of pointless episodes, featuring bishoujos, fanservice or just random silliness. But take it from one who has seen Da Capo countless times and SHUFFLE numerous times that, upon closer inspection, both series compositions are exceptionally coherent and focused. Woven into seemingly mindless harem hijinks are intentional plot or character developments. Such thrusts are what is missing generally from Kannagi.
That said, I would look forward to a season 2 for Kannagi very much. There is much to unveil in terms of plot and a lot of ground to cover for character liaisons. I just hope we'd get marbled beef instead of lard from a 2nd season.
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June 17th, 2009 - 01:03
I’d been looking forward to the Kannagi OVA too – I was expecting pure filler/comedy, but while there were some funny parts and it was good to see the cast again, some of the comedy was a little lacking for me too. The student film part in particular just fell flat for me, I found myself looking at the clock, which is never a good sign. I’d definitely be looking forward to a second season too, though, hopefully there will be one once the manga starts rolling again.
June 17th, 2009 - 03:09
I have no problem with what you describe as the “fatty” portions on Kannagi; in fact that’s pretty much the sole thing I enjoyed about the series. That said, I agree that the OVA wasn’t as spot on in the comedic department as other parts of the series, which was definitely disappointing.
June 17th, 2009 - 03:37
Ah, the OVA came out! Why was I not alerted of this sooner!
June 17th, 2009 - 08:31
I got some laughs from episode 14, but yeah, it wasn’t much more than that. Felt more like one of the gag episodes from the series. No real story progression or character development :-/
Still, more Kannagi is a good thing ^^ I haven’t read the manga; I wonder if there is enough new material from the manga to create another 13 episode anime sequel? I believe the manga is still on hiatus so we might have to wait a while if it happens at all >_<
P.S. Nagi in school mizugi is win <3 Zange and Tsumugi too ^^
June 18th, 2009 - 12:31
Seems to be a common disappointment…. nothing happened or changed and really the situation seemed quite forced in large part. All the characters seemed on hold, except for one millisecond when one might have thought that the club president was about to drop her yuri ways in admiration.
Kannagi is a bit of a conundrum, never quite integrating “da funny” with what is a pretty good idea for a semi-serious story underneath (which the manga also suffers from, even according to the author). They’re really good characters and I hope we get a second season to really tell some story.
June 18th, 2009 - 23:52
suguru: Indeed, it’s a waste that the OVA neither leveraged on the intriguing plot nor the endearing cast to deepen Kannagi love. I hope second season (if it ever rolls around) would be more balanced in structuring its delivery – good fun interspersed with good plot/character development.
orion: I have to admit I enjoyed the pure filler/comedic (as suguru puts it) for the TV program too. But maybe I love the show/cast so much that I had greater aspirations for it. Still a very enjoyable show though I wouldn’t be getting the DVDs.
Celestial: Do moderate your expectations though. While it’s great to see the cast again, the OVA simply felt very diffused.
anonymous_object : Nagi’s school mizugi scene reminded me of a corresponding one in Toradora. But man is the world unfair. Some girls have it all *wipes noseblood from Zange in mizugi*
vexx: It needs better integration. An experienced series composer for Season 2 should be able to work out the kinks and balance. I propose Okada Mari sensei.