[review] Hakkenden : Touhou Hakken Ibun
It shouldn't be hard to figure out that I am attempting to blog as often as I can. *screech*
YEAR 2013 RESOLUTION : Revive the blog by conveniently blogging!
Anyway, today's review is about an anime series. Be surprised since I normally do manga reviews.
Hakkenden : Touhou Hakken Ibun is an adaptation of Abe Miyuki's manga series, Hakkenden, which is loosely based on the epic novel, Nansou Satomi Hakkenden; published in 2005 and is an ongoing series with 13 volumes.
Here is the summary from MangaUpdates.
Five years ago, all but one of the inhabitants of Ootsuka village perished due to the plague but the lone survivor wished only to follow her two dear friends to the grave. One of the dying boys used his last remaining breath to prevent the death of the people who were like family to him by agreeing to a proposal put to him by a mysterious fair-haired man. Miraculously restored to health, the trio have since sought refuge in a church near the adjoining village. Eventually, the Imperial Church begins to express its interest in possessing 'Murasame', the demon blade rumored to 'contain life' but what connection does this legendary sword have with the three survivors of that devastating epidemic?
The plot, in my words:
Inuzuka Shino is technically 18 but is stuck physically as a thirteen years old. He is the owner of 'Murasame', the demon blade, which takes the form of a crow. However, its true form is unknown. Along with childhood friends Inukawa Sousuke and Hamaji, they are the survivors of the plague in the perished Ootsuka village.
However, Shino and Sousuke should have died in that tragedy.
Five years ago, Satomi Riou appeared and asked Shino whether he wanted to live or remain dead. In exchange for life over death, Shino formed a contract with 'Murasame', and he along with Sousuke and Hamaji were brought back to life. As a result of Murasame residing in his body, Shino's growth was stopped but he was granted eternal life. They sought refuge in a church near the adjoining village. The villagers, however, were fearful of them with belief that they would bring traces of the plague into the village.
It didn't take long until the Imperial Church began to take interest in finding 'Murasame'.
Personal thoughts about the series in general:
Bliss scanlated 3 volumes of the manga and it's a pretty interesting read. I especially adore the comedic elements because it doesn't take the story out of context. I especially adore the parts where Murasame found a giant black Marimo, otherwise known as the GIANT FURRY EYEBALL, and attempted to eat it, a freaked out Shino and the reaction of pretty much everyone else.
I am not familiar with the story of the original Hakkenden but the plot of the series is solid and I like the fact that it doesn't drag. Overall, the characters are likeable and I like the dynamics between them. Just a note, Hakkenden isn't a shounen ai manga despite being drawn by Abe Miyuki whose works are primarily shounen ai. The story is 'shoujo with male lead' which have hints about bromance but it's basically more about the plot than anything else. Bromance, remember.
The bromance is mainly between Shino and Sousuke. These two are childhood friends and since Shino stops growing and Sousuke's continuous pampering and spoiling, the bromance is pretty obvious. Besides, Shino is a dog freak and finds enjoyment in bathing Sousuke when he's in the form of a dog.
I'm a sucker for 'shoujo with male lead' plot so it's not hard for me to like the story.
Anyway, Shino and Sousuke will eventually discover more people with 'Inu' in their last name, and I wonder, is it really a mere coincidence for their unexpected meeting? I doubt it. :)
Lastly, please don't get the mistake that Shino is a girl despite flashbacks of him dressed up as a girl with long hair. There is an explanation regarding that matter. :D
The anime adaptation:
When I found out Studio DEEN was the animation studio for Hakkenden, I was in disbelief. Studio DEEN had some uninteresting reputation but sometimes, they do work magic. Unfortunately, VK didn't receive that magic so I will forever hate it. However, I am glad they didn't destroy Hakkenden.
I like the animation quality and the frames transition looks beautiful. I love the opening scene, especially the last parts. The opening theme is a good choice! The confrontation scenes? Things are looking pretty good for the first episode so I look forward to the upcoming episodes. Don't trash my hopes, Studio DEEN!
First impression rating: AWESOME.
YEAR 2013 RESOLUTION : Revive the blog by conveniently blogging!
Anyway, today's review is about an anime series. Be surprised since I normally do manga reviews.
Hakkenden : Touhou Hakken Ibun is an adaptation of Abe Miyuki's manga series, Hakkenden, which is loosely based on the epic novel, Nansou Satomi Hakkenden; published in 2005 and is an ongoing series with 13 volumes.
Here is the summary from MangaUpdates.
Five years ago, all but one of the inhabitants of Ootsuka village perished due to the plague but the lone survivor wished only to follow her two dear friends to the grave. One of the dying boys used his last remaining breath to prevent the death of the people who were like family to him by agreeing to a proposal put to him by a mysterious fair-haired man. Miraculously restored to health, the trio have since sought refuge in a church near the adjoining village. Eventually, the Imperial Church begins to express its interest in possessing 'Murasame', the demon blade rumored to 'contain life' but what connection does this legendary sword have with the three survivors of that devastating epidemic?
The plot, in my words:
Inuzuka Shino is technically 18 but is stuck physically as a thirteen years old. He is the owner of 'Murasame', the demon blade, which takes the form of a crow. However, its true form is unknown. Along with childhood friends Inukawa Sousuke and Hamaji, they are the survivors of the plague in the perished Ootsuka village.
However, Shino and Sousuke should have died in that tragedy.
Five years ago, Satomi Riou appeared and asked Shino whether he wanted to live or remain dead. In exchange for life over death, Shino formed a contract with 'Murasame', and he along with Sousuke and Hamaji were brought back to life. As a result of Murasame residing in his body, Shino's growth was stopped but he was granted eternal life. They sought refuge in a church near the adjoining village. The villagers, however, were fearful of them with belief that they would bring traces of the plague into the village.
It didn't take long until the Imperial Church began to take interest in finding 'Murasame'.
Personal thoughts about the series in general:
Bliss scanlated 3 volumes of the manga and it's a pretty interesting read. I especially adore the comedic elements because it doesn't take the story out of context. I especially adore the parts where Murasame found a giant black Marimo, otherwise known as the GIANT FURRY EYEBALL, and attempted to eat it, a freaked out Shino and the reaction of pretty much everyone else.
I am not familiar with the story of the original Hakkenden but the plot of the series is solid and I like the fact that it doesn't drag. Overall, the characters are likeable and I like the dynamics between them. Just a note, Hakkenden isn't a shounen ai manga despite being drawn by Abe Miyuki whose works are primarily shounen ai. The story is 'shoujo with male lead' which have hints about bromance but it's basically more about the plot than anything else. Bromance, remember.
The bromance is mainly between Shino and Sousuke. These two are childhood friends and since Shino stops growing and Sousuke's continuous pampering and spoiling, the bromance is pretty obvious. Besides, Shino is a dog freak and finds enjoyment in bathing Sousuke when he's in the form of a dog.
I'm a sucker for 'shoujo with male lead' plot so it's not hard for me to like the story.
Anyway, Shino and Sousuke will eventually discover more people with 'Inu' in their last name, and I wonder, is it really a mere coincidence for their unexpected meeting? I doubt it. :)
Lastly, please don't get the mistake that Shino is a girl despite flashbacks of him dressed up as a girl with long hair. There is an explanation regarding that matter. :D
The anime adaptation:
When I found out Studio DEEN was the animation studio for Hakkenden, I was in disbelief. Studio DEEN had some uninteresting reputation but sometimes, they do work magic. Unfortunately, VK didn't receive that magic so I will forever hate it. However, I am glad they didn't destroy Hakkenden.
I like the animation quality and the frames transition looks beautiful. I love the opening scene, especially the last parts. The opening theme is a good choice! The confrontation scenes? Things are looking pretty good for the first episode so I look forward to the upcoming episodes. Don't trash my hopes, Studio DEEN!
First impression rating: AWESOME.