The unsustainable charm of being tsundere

My wish came true (albeit one year late). Asakura Yume is a tsundere imouto of the finest class. It's been a while since I enjoyed a well-crafted tsundere - one with a good basis for being thus and subsequently GROWING out of it. Yes, a good tsundere character is in my humble opinion one that doesn't stay tsundere.

Tsundereness is but a starting point. Its true charm lies in its promise of character development. One of my greatest anime pleasure is to see a tsundere bishoujo grow out of her insecurity and dishonesty to embrace her love. That is probably why I was so disappointed with the start of Zero no Tsukaima 2, where the relationship of Saito and Louise suffered a forced reset to maintain Louise's tsundere trait. (That happened in Shana 2 to a lesser extent. Although the development of Yuuji and Shana's relationship is nothing short of phenomenal in season 2.) Yume, on the other hand, was thoroughly lovely to behold as she grew out of her doubt and self-denial to build that wonderful relationship with her nii-san.

It's a dichotomy I know. For some, to mature bishoujos out of their tsundereness is to lose that very charm they represent. But for the few who see tsundere as a process rather than a destination, this growth is the very reason why bishoujo tsundereness is worth our love.

Here's to more Asakura Yumes.

DCIISS ~ The true spiritual successor to Da Capo

With ep 10, DCIISS is well on its way to DCI greatness. Da Capo remains one of my favourite series because of its potent trinity of emotional moments, poignant music and beautiful cinematography. DCIISS attains 2 of the 3 greats while scratching the surface of the last.

But more than superb production values and endearing characters, is the Da Capo franchise's deeply affecting theme of unrequited love. Nemu mistakenly believed she'd never obtain Junichi's love by virtue of their relations. (Little does she know that non-blood related sisters typically score well in harem contexts) Sakura knows she's got no chance since Junichi's more of a siscon than lolicon. In DCSS, Kotori endures the pain of seeing her love marry his sister (when the eternal goddess could have ANYONE IN THE UNIVERSE AND BEYOND!). DCII is a heretical abomination that does not belong to the DC franchise and should never be remembered henceforth.

DCIISS perpetuates this heartbreaking theme as Otome kills off her love before they could truly consummate the fruits of their very very lovely relationship (yes, I have broken tanuki ranks to stand behind the Onee chan in this epic battle of bishoujos sisters) while poor poor Yume lives in the overwhelming shadow of her sister, gazing at eyes fixated on Otome. In this sense, even though Yume does bore most of Nemu's moe-imouto charms (tsundere and nii-san crooning), she essentially embodied the Sakura of DCI. Otome, on the other hand, inherited Nemu's unenviable role as the punchline of a cruel cosmic joke.

However, unlike DCI, something tells me Yume may still come up tops to vindicate her underdog predecessors. Though watching either of the Asakura sisters lose this race would be equally painful since both are truly worthy bishoujos, especially after Yume had shed her tsundere. It's interesting that like another of FEEL's production, Otoboku, I sincerely hope that Yoshiyuki wouldn't make a choice since breaking either of the Asakura sisters' heart would utterly unbearable for me. Maybe we could go the Futakoi Alternative route which is an enlightened solution that, I believe, is the answer to almost all the heartaches in the world.

Actually, at this point in time, I'd rather see Sakura, Yoshiyuki and the Asakura sisters reunited as family more than the culmination to any romantic pairing. And I believe by the power of the Sakura tree and Da Capo magic, my wish would be granted.

Can't wait for ep 11.

DCIISS – Shocking siscon upset!

Yume was the obvious DCII haremette of choice for this tanuki. Inheriting most of Nemu's charm (think Dark Nemu, tsundere imouto and 'nii-san') and voiced by moe-incarnate Horie Yui, she gained my love even before there was word about a DCII anime conversion. (My Kotobukiya Yume figure which I'm trying to sell is testament to that love.) That was until DCIISS came along.

In any romance, the Hontouni SOP is to support the haremette that has the clearest and highest level of communication (that leads of true understanding) with the male lead. Which is why childhood friends and siscon imoutos traditionally have a headstart hence earning my backing. Unfortunately, DCIISS has spliced this trait into 2 and implanted them separately into 2 sisters - Otome (commanding that high level of understanding/communication with Yoshiyuki) and Yume (exploiting that imouto moe love). It's an interesting predicament not unlike having to choose between your left or right leg to amputate. But after an intense struggle and battling against tanuki-kind genetic programming, Otome won out. (Yet another hard evidence that Stripey is not siscon... ok imouto-con.) I simply love how Otome and Yoshiyuki can speak so freely and easily with each other.

Of course I still enjoy Yume's tsundere imouto antics but surely Otome is the better candidate to fulfill Yoshiyuki's emotional needs given their sturdier foundation. Beside, Otome appears to be THE promised girl of the series and we know how that boosts the odds of snagging Otouto-kun. Her righteous aspirations probably also sit well with tanukis whose kind is synonymous with the word. Not to mention, Otome has already technically confessed to Yoshiyuki during the puppet show, only that Yoshi-doofus didn't realise it. (But man, how I LOVE this play-for-real plot device - last seen in Kimikiss with great effect and never fails to invoke the memory of that touching scene in Figure 17.)

Either that I should stay away from Zyl and his heretical onee-sect to keep my imouto love pure and untainted. Yeah, I'll do that just... after DCIISS ends with a Otome X Yoshiyuki ending of course.

Da Capo II 10 – Possibly my last DCII post

It's sad that this could potentially be my last entry on DCII even though it packs the most plot movement. Why? Isn't plot movement good after so many meandering episodes? Well, because this ep finally confirms the postulates on the avenue by which the sakura tree premise would be incorporated into the story - Minatsu's tale.

I'm with Hinano on this - The robot hating/prejudice angle is retarded. And I've looong realised that my enjoyment of any series is inversely proportional to the number of idiots in the story. (A major reason why I didn't finish School Days.) Yoshiyuki is also not helping by turning into an inconsistent and unlikeable harem lead. We are supposed to believe that he is a caring/kind person who's deeply concerned about his ostracised robot friend and collapsed sister when he irresponsibly ditches his girlfriend without saying a word? This is exacerbated by the rising charms of the DCII girls. Koko shows some personality by snubbing Yoshi. Yume exhibits the strength of her loyalty and Otome reveals her sweet past with Yoshi. Their added allure only strengthen Yoshiyuki's status as unworthy lead which is THE definitive deathblow to many harem series.

Although I have to say I'm curious with Otome's expanded role from this ep on. Surely her presence is required for a reasonable resolution of the Sakura tree premise but are they also softening the ground for the upcoming movie? I certainly hope they are not going for an abrupt Otome end since the inertia of the series seems to be a Koko-centric end. But whether it ends with the terrible breakup or a Koko X Yoshi's happily-ever-after really depends if the movie is a sequel to the TV series.

Well, at least the Nanaka ep made catching this series worthwhile.

Da Capo II 09 – The Typemoon adaptation syndrome

One of the series that tops my "Anime to remake" list is Tsukihime. Anyone who has even a shred of knowledge of the game knows that anime took the barest, no-frills route which is a pathetic reflection of the epic that is Tsukihime. I've said it a million times - Kokaku route in 24 eps and watch it shoot to legendary status. Fate/Stay night suffered well, literally, the same fate. Heaven's Feel made way for the Fate arc so that Saber merchandise to be shamelessly pimped. (Even I have succumbed, owning 2 Saber figures and none of Sakura who is supposedly my fav char.) Sadly after DCII 09, I see the same spectre of squandered greatness hovering over Da Capo II.

As of ep 9, it'd look like DCII is taking the least of the game routes for the anime. The romantic element is founded upon the Koko-Yoshi love which I understand to be blandest in the game and its premise of sakura trees appears to be built on Minatsu's tale - a boring story about existentialism and social prejudice which have been done to death in anime (and almost always poorly executed). It's a rare case of the sum of parts less than negative infinity.

While I welcome the first signs of Koko-Yoshi drama, I find it insulting as a Nanaka fan that it was Minatsu-induced. It eludes me why Koko would be unmoved by the somewhat intimate behaviour between Yoshi/Nanaka (school idol and undoubtedly the most attractive girl in DCII cast) but is mildly jealous over Yoshi's occasional concern with Minatsu (the least of the harem). I also find myself losing respect for Yoshiyuki as a harem lead. Previously I admired his thoughtful gentleness, self-control (not digging into the Nanaka buffet) and loyalty to Koko despite the raging bishoujo tempest all around him. But in this ep the inconsistencies in his behaviour is glaring. Though still mindlessly accommodating, his insensitivity to Koko's needs/wants is frustrating. You begin to wonder if he's being nice to Koko as one would to his kid sister. Wait, not a good analogy on Hontou ni Taihen desu, I mean err baby brother, yeah.

With ep 9 still on Koko, it does look like it'd be a Koko-Yoshi end if it's a 13 parter. Minatsu would have 2 main functions in the remaining 4 eps - introduce a little storm in Koko-Yoshi's teacup romance and provide the story infrastructure for resolution of the sakura tree premise although how it can be resolved without bringing in the Asakura sisters and Sakura herself baffles me. Whatever it is, it'd be too late to bring in another harem contender for a shocking Canvas2-esque upset in 4 eps. There just ain't enough groundwork for any other haremette to fill Koko's shoes this late. Koko or no one if DCII is 13 eps.

I only pray DCII is 2 cours so that we can reinstitute DC greatness with the Asakura tales and stave DCII from entering my long list of "Anime to remake".

Da Capo II 07 – The doomed love of the Shirakawas

Sorry Yume, I really love you and siscon but... but I just can't resist the girlish antics and smothering beauty of Nanaka. Yes, it's official - Shirakawa Nanaka is my TOP girl in DCII now. (Check back again when the Yume-centric ep arrives. XD)

My wife and I have a theory - When 2 good looking persons with decent personality/character become good friends, sparks will fly regardless of their status. Koko was foolish to put so much faith in Nanaka since the shoujo heart's vulnerability to kindness/tenderness can easily override even the deepest loyalties. We say this because ep 7 is not an unfamiliar situation. It has happened to us in various configurations with different results. In the end, I'm still sorry I hurt Koko irreparably, was glad Kotori didn't confess and know that I made the best-est choice when I married Nanaka/Nemu.

Ancient history aside, Nanaka's charms really shone in this installment of DCII. I take back what I said about her in ep 4. Nanaka is not Kotori. She's more effervescent, playful but also more honest with herself. Yes, her behaviour could potentially lead many hopefuls on but it's surely not intentional or manipulative. With such overflowing beauty, it'd be hard to not ooze heart-melting allure.

While I feel the same pain for Nanaka as I did for Kotori in DCSS ep 15, strangely I'm a lot less frustrated because I thought Nanaka's stalled confession has a lot more justification. Unlike Kotori in DCSS, Nanaka knew FOR CERTAIN Yoshiyuki's response. (I'm assuming she has the same ability and it kicked in this ep.) Even more admirable was that she overcame her loyalty to Koko, bringing herself to that brink of confession. A hurdle Kotori didn't have to cross but failed her confession anyway. Nanaka has shown herself to be more resolute and decisive than Kotori and I thoroughly respect her for that.

However, I can't say the same for Yoshiyuki's deliberate choice not to dig into the Nanaka buffet. For DC, Junichi HAS to be with Nemu. With their relations/history and strength of feelings for each other, there is no other girl that comes close to challenging the bond they have. Junichi loves his sister fully and Nemu solely, only for his nii-san. The love is deep and authentic. His rejection of Kotori is thus well-backed. But for Yoshiyuki, from ep 1 we see that he himself is unsure of his feelings for Koko. His acceptance of Koko only when she started weeping only deepened the doubt. One wonders if he's with Koko out of an obligatory loyalty or real affections. If Yoshiyuki keep Nanaka at arms length due to the former, he would have to be the biggest idiot in all harem history (erm wait there's still the School Day dude) I mean 2nd biggest idiot. He wouldn't be doing Koko a favour either since such cruel kindness out cut much deeper than a flat out rejection. This makes Nanaka's closing words are great deal more ominous than intended.

Being kind is good but it hurts people too.

I wonder if she's talking about herself or Koko.

Da Capo II 04 – Kotori ~ My eternal Shirakawa

Nanaka airtime in DCII 03 and 04 affirmed a realisation I had while playing the DCII prelude last year - Nanaka would never replace Kotori in this tanuki's ranking of bishoujos. Granted, Nanaka is still smoking hot, pinked haired and all but her unrestrained playfulness/flirting and ease of slipping into the role of school idol is something I treasured Kotori for not having.

Now don't get me wrong. Girlish playfulness is a female trait I am very susceptible to and I often thank The Hands that fashioned womankind for infusing this lovely attribute into many girls I know. To be fair, Kotori had a small dosage of playfulness only that it surfaced solely for Junichi, with a timeliness that never caused Nemu distress. Nanaka's teasing of Yoshiyuki in ep 04, however, clearly unsettled Koko, something that close friends don't do and even more so when you know you're the school idol. Nanaka needs to be more sensitive to Koko's budding relationship and grant her more respect as Yoshiyuki's girlfriend when flirting with him - ie, tone it down or do it when she's not around. XD This really boils down to kindly thoughtfulness which Kotori had in great abundance for Nemu even though they are not quite the best of friends unlike Nanaka and Koko.

Next, Nanaka's ease of playing school idol. Kotori was never comfortable being school idol mainly because she understood that,

Beauty is a power that needs to be wielded with great discretion since it reaches into the tenderest depth of any being - the heart. For that, Kotori never used it indiscriminately (for example to cut bread queue) and remained incredibly humble throughout her idol stint, never misusing the influence she had. Bottom-line? Kotori was who was not only beautiful outwardly but incredibly kind inwardly, gentle and responsible to those she wielded power over. Nanaka, on the other hand, was fully aware of her beauty and used it for achieving ends, giving rise to the feeling of her being manipulative at times.

Now that I've had my Kotori-love rant, I'd just like to add that I'm very surprised that the Koko X Yoshiyuki relationship is still growing strong. In 2 eps, the anime would reach mid-series and if the animators intend for another haremette finish, they need to start injecting break-up elements soon. I can only hope Nanaka's open flirting with Yoshiyuki is one of them. Character-wise, Anzu had instantly skipped to my top 3 with her lolicious embrace of Yoshiyuki during the 4-legged race. She reminds me of a naughty Primula sans the 'onii-chan'.

Light-hair lolis FTW!