OP2 Sequence
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
OP2: 「その声が地図になる」 (Sono Koe ga Chizu ni Naru) by Hayami Saori
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
“The Red that Spins Fate”A Lovely, Relaxing Fantasy World: A return to Akagami no Shirayukihime is like coming home after a long, tiring trip. The world is lovely, the tone relaxing, and the characters ever likeable. It feels so good to be back! In the Best of Anime 2015 post I named Akagami no Shirayukihime the ‘Best Fantasy’ of the year, and it became clear why after diving back into this episode. There are plenty of war-filled fantasies out there, most of them based of a particular point in history; yet this is a fantasy like no other because of how peaceful it is. While there is conflict, there is no call for war. Instead, we get to know the ins-and-outs of this world and the characters that inhabit it, to the point where I wouldn’t mind living there myself. Sure, there wouldn’t be any computers or wi-fi to watch my favourite anime, but the Kingdom of Clarines may just make up for that. It’s lovely to see everyone back again. Shirayuki is as cute and charming as ever, and I love seeing her in her element, working on her herbs and in the archives. It’s that perfect balance of fantasy and slice of life that makes this castle seem like such a wonderful place to live. Not only that, but the Second Prince and her boyfriend(?), Zen, is as good as princes come. It was cute seeing him blush when Shirayuki was brought up, as well as him holding her hand and just wanting to see her face. Who wouldn’t love this face? Obi and Ryuu also got a fair amount of screentime here, which I appreciate. Obi become one of the most likeable characters in the first cour, so it’s good to have him back, but the sweet little Ryuu hasn’t been given much to do. I don’t expect him to go out on any big adventures, because that’s just not part of his character, but I was smiling throughout his scenes with Obi. I can’t recall if they’ve had many moments together before now, but after this episode they seemed to have formed a brotherly bond. I wanna see more of that! The Beginnings of New Drama: But the slice of life relaxation can only last for so long. We’ve got old faces popping up in the OP and in the episode itself, as well as a new foe who wants to capture Shirayuki for himself. The details aren’t clear just yet, but the drama is building, and it’s all made more difficult by the fact that Shirayuki has been sent back to her homeland for a week. It’ll be a shame if our main couple is seperated for too long, but I suspect something will happen and they’ll be re-united in a romantic fashion. Still, the fear of abduction and the stepping into the castle of a suspicious man is setting us up for plenty of things that could potentially go wrong. Overview – First Impressions: This one of my favourite anime of 2015, and I’m glad to see it return for a second cour. It speaks for itself and never fails to impress. I just love all of these characters, and can’t wait to see more of their world. I have no idea where things are going to go, but my expectations are high – I would be content just seeing everyone hanging out in the palace for another season, embracing their puppy love and picking herbs together. But I suspect there will be bumps in the road to keep us on the edge of our seat, and I cannot wait for the journey. Full-length images: 38.
ED3 Sequence
ED3: 「ページ～君と綴る物語～」 (Page ~Kimi to Tsuzuru Monogatari~) by eyelis Preview
|
This will be the most action-packed arc of the Akagami series.
It will also fully redeem Raji’s character and his turn into a better person.
that…is a really big spoiler. I think you should delete it
There you go, it’s been spoilertagified.
Thanks, I had no idea the 2nd paragraph was such a big spoiler!
Loved the first Episode. I think, no, I know Obi has feelings for Shirayuki. Let see what happens…
yes, but until now he is holding back
I love how this series makes the difficult looks easy in terms of reinventing tired tropes in the shoujo manga. I guess it’s all about excellent character interaction.
Poor Obi though. The series has been subtle in tellin that he likes Shirayuki and that look in his eyes adds up to our suspicion when Zen chose Mitsuhide to accompany her in Tanbarun. You are at the wrong series pal.
or Obi will follow both in secret and prevent an ambush? this is speculation of mine
Just read the part which might cover the second episode.Our poor Obi seems to be struggling with his doomed fate of liking Shirayuki. HAHAHAA
Like the pacing currently; relaxing and smooth like butter.
I personally can’t stand Obi. Perhaps it is due to my experience, but I just can’t feel for the third wheel. Dropped the Manga after the latest updates because
Obi is still around. Even if he is a good friend of Shirayuki, it is still kind of annoying to keep him around just because he likes her. It feels like there was never any conclusion, and you get to keep a friendzoned dude by her side for the rest of her life.
(lots of spoilers + long rant)
Just think about Lancelot and Guinevere. It’s not a good idea to have a good friend around that likes your SO. Of course, without Obi, there would be no jealous Zen moments, but I still don’t like it.
A relationship isn’t just about sex, so saying “Zen is going to get the girl anyway” isn’t going to help. Emotional intimacy is important. Switching it around, it would be annoying as hell to have your girl friend as your boyfriend’s best friend.
It’s not that you should be petty, but conclusions should be made. If I was in Obi’s shoes, I would just get a conclusive answer, and try to draw the line. Sticking around, and constantly clinging onto the girl you like despite knowing that it is impossible, isn’t something you should do (personal opinion.
Lots of shoujo manga does this. They always try to make you like the second male by presenting them in pitiable situation. These “Mr No. 2s” are always a good friend of the heroine, or at least are compatible with them. This is all just so that you would want them to stick around. Instead of giving up properly, and stop being a douchebag, they normally end it with the 2nd male being forever alone and always looking after the heroine (wtf). Then the fanbase will squeal and say how lovely and romantic the 2nd male is.
Seriously, is this one trope that even AkaYuki can’t avoid? I know you need some drama to make the story interesting. I know you need to divide the fanbase so that they have something to argue about (or else people will forget the manga/anime). But seriously, can we get a 2nd male that stops being presented as a “so sad he never girl, he should be the one instead” kind of pitiful being?
It really appeals to those people that can be a little self-pitying at times. Then again, I also identify with the main male characters because of my hate for third wheelers. It’s all personal. Oh, and I’m one that lost a love war in the past because the other guy became a good friend to her, and eventually managed to provoke me enough to cause the other party to hate me. I actually envy Zen’s kindness to keep Obi around despite his teasing at times. I would daresay that if Zen wasn’t that kind, Obi would treat him as an actual rival and try to break them up (like what happened with me).
You are either forced to deal with constant teasing (sticking around the one you love, and mocking you for not being able to be there), or never ending up together (the other guy would take advantage of the situation and back stab you, try to provoke jealousy reactions and then proceed to talk about how insecure and bad you are). In social psychology, we call that self-fulfilling prophecy. Many would think that how you act is entirely your decision and responsibility. That is true to a degree, but you are also affected by other people. Self-fulfilling prophecy can be defined as hostility begets hostility.
If you assume the other person is hostile, you are likely to act in an unfriendly manner to that person. As a result, he/she will act hostile towards you as well because of your attitude. You will then proceed to believe that you were right all along – that the other person is inherently hostile when you are the one that actually provoked him/her with your wrong assumptions.
If you follow my logic, you would probably get what I mean by now. If you think someone is controlling, and you constantly provoke that person to display that tendency, then you are just being a manipulative bastard. I have learned to never be an ignorant idiot, and to not take the bait. Self control is important, but it doesn’t excuse the manipulative behavior of your rival. I know people enjoy the underdog winning in shoujo mangas, but fantasizing that to happen in real life will be detrimental to your mental health. It is not as happy as you think.
You can also apply the self-fulfilling prophecy to Zen’s treatment of Obi (as I have mentioned above). Since Zen is treating Obi as a dear friend of his, Obi can’t make any moves on Shirayuki. Had Zen kicked him out, he would surely be back to interrupt and provoke Zen as much as possible. That would be the most realistic reaction to take place. But that didn’t stop Lancelot from xxxxing King Arthur’s wife anyway. It does help to deter the other person, but how long? As long as you keep them around, they will suffer, and cave into temptation. In the end, they will be killed by the guilt of betraying their dearest friend. Just give Obi a proper conclusion, and send him off. Also, there is the other ninja girl (I forgot her name). Hook him up with her and just leave the main couple alone. Sigh.
But OT3…
(putting under a spoiler warning just in case)
…but in all seriousness, I do love Obi. And Zen. And Shirayuki, and I think the three of them have great chemistry together, or in alone in pairs (which I mean platonically). I’ve never seen anyone dislike Obi so much as you, so your comment was an interesting read. I disagree in that I don’t think Obi is written as the pitiful third wheel, as he is close friends with both Shirayuki and Zen, and though he does have feelings for Shirayuki I never saw it as his main concern. I also think it’d be a cop-out to have Obi end up with that ninja girl because that’s a trope that I personally despise; shoving the other guy with any other single girl in the manga. It’s not much better than leaving him single, imo.
Of course that’s up to interpretation so it’s always up for debate, but ever since I started reading this manga years ago it has been the only series where I would love to see a three-way ending because of how well I think the three of them work together. Do I think it’ll happen? Nope. But I love their relationship too much to even think of him leaving.
No mention of turning into a Paper Person? XD
Obi will have to prove his swordsmanship is on par with Mitsuhide if he wants to go to Tanbarun in the next episode.
http://images.randomc.net/Akagami%20no%20Shirayukihime/Akagami%20no%20Shirayukihime%20-%2013%20-%20Large%2036.jpg
Zen really wears his heart on his sleeve regarding Shirayuki. ^_^
http://images.randomc.net/Akagami%20no%20Shirayukihime/Akagami%20no%20Shirayukihime%20-%2013%20-%20Large%2032.jpg
Good the show is back!!
I missed the atmosphere of the series and I look forward for a series of events to happen this season <3
Am I the only one who loves Tanbarun prince! Also Obi-wan -.-”
This anime relaxes me in many ways and somehow the sub-conscious death flag is everywhere when you love all characters, but this anime is too relaxing to worry!
I feel kind of stupid since in preparation for second season, I end up re-watching 1st season and re-reading the manga up to the latest chapter. Well… it was worth it! Anyway, glad the second season still kept its wonderful pace. It’s not very evident but the 1st season only covered about 20 chapters. Basically they’re barely left anything out which is goooood. This series sure is soothing though…