Wow, this entry really took so long for me to release it. I must have been going insane over the marking of assignments and quizzes. I was actually going to blog on Thursday night, but there is some strange reason that the gods of the Firefox/IE refuses to let me login to write about this entry. Excuses aside, Hatenkou Yuugi has finally hit its conclusion at Episode 10.
Rahzel, in the previous episode, is received by her foster father Seratiido. The journey is about to end as it seems that Seratiido’s little command to kick Rahzel out is being retracted. Will Rahzel happily go back with her foster father or will she be inclined to stay with her new found compatriots during her journey?
Episode summary
A red haired man is buying a birthday present, but his face is not shown. Everyone is celebrating Rahzel’s 15th birthday, but Alzeid’s question about what is this “festival” is completely ignored by the rest. Everyone is discussing about presents and Alzeid continues to question about birthdays and when is Rahzel’s birthday. It is clear that Alzeid does not know anything, but he strongly denies it. Heat is in fact Seratiido’s brother, and he says that they can be in-laws soon. Seratiido warns about the dire consequences if Heat tries to do anything funny. Alzeid tells the three to stop ignoring him because he will feel lonely. Before anything is said, Alzeid requests for Seratiido to introduce himself.
Heat says he is surprised by Alzeid’s sudden realization of common sense while Rahzel mocks Alzeid that his new found common sense will be her birthday gift. Seratiido says there is no need to say his name since Rahzel will leave with him soon. Rahzel questions why Seratiido is asking Rahzel to return right now. Rahzel asks whether Seratiido thinks that she will follow his every wish and has no free will. Seratiido replies that he is rash in chasing Rahzel out but believes that she will return home with him if he asks. Rahzel requests to go out with Alzeid and Heat for a last “journey”.
In a flashback, tt is clear now that Seratiido commanded Heat to not only investigate Celesta but also to keep Alzeid away from Rahzel so that she will go back with him. Seratiido also says that Alzeid is unable to take her away from him. Heat also wonders why Seratiido forcefully drags Rahzel for a journey and now does the same time to bring her back. Back to the present, Rahzel brings Alzeid and Heat to a place she used to play, which is where she is abandoned. Alzeid re-accounts the story of her being abandoned, as Heat tries to explain his loose mouth. Rahzel forgives him and talks about the village where people of black hair and blue eyes reside.
In the flashback, after being abandoned, someone comes to meet her but she assumes that he is Seratiido. Alzeid asks if she wants to meet her birth father, but she says the old her is dead. During the day when her mother mentally breakdowns, she always wonder if her mother will breakdown if her father returned in time. She says she does not want to talk about such sad stuff, and wants to get their blessings. Alzeid asks if she is returning with Seratiido and she says she has the obligation to follow him. He is the one who saves her life, no matter how selfish he is. She says that her journey has ended today.
The next day, Alzeid is missing. It is surprising since he is always the latest to wake up as Seratiido rushes her to leave. Alzeid goes to the gift shop and wants a present that can impress or shock someone. The store owner says that it is hard to understand such an abstract idea. A guy comes in wanting to buy a gift. He is interrogated by Alzeid, as he mentions a 15 year old daughter that he abandons. He says that his daughter knows magic and he is very proud of her and his wife. Alzeid also asks about a sheep in the store, but it turns out that it is a pet from the owner of the opposite store.
The man suddenly leaves, and Alzeid wonders if he has caused the store owner to lose his sales. The store owner says that the man probably does not expect to leave his wife and daughter so suddenly. By not regretting the time spent with the person, it is the best way for a birthday present. Alzeid tells the owner not to pacify him with such empty words as he runs off. In the coach, the man thinks that his wife has probably calculated her death since she can foresee her future. He remembers how his mild-mannered wife suddenly turns completely hysteric, and he is sandwiched by a very smart daughter. He started to feel intimidated and decides to escape from reality.
After abandoning his daughter, he did try to return to fetch her back. However, her daughter is gone. Heat sends Alzeid and Seratiido off the train. Alzeid wonders about the words of the store owner. He wonders if it is all right to let her go, and for her to remember him or think about him sometimes. He decides he cannot allow that, and chases Rahzel. He tells Rahzel that he does not want to write letters, think about her or anything at all. However, he does not want her to leave if she is his comrade. Rahzel jumps out from the train. Rahzel says that Alzeid knows how to infuriate her.
Alzeid wonders if they are still partners even if they do not see each other, do not hear each other and do not know what is going on. Rahzel says they are. Alzeid says that is a lie, and does not believe it. Rahzel asks what she can do, since she really cannot be wilful and abandon her father to continue the journey with them. Alzeid says Rahzel clearly does not want to stop the journey since she is crying so badly. Alzeid tells her that her birthday gift is to give her a chance to resist her father and join the journey. Rahzel eventually decides to continue to journey. At the end, the red haired man kills Fabien Rose, Rahzel’s birth father. The red haired man then adds that the game is starting for Rahzel.
Thoughts
I love the music so much when Alzeid is thinking about Rahzel, and wonders if it is all right for her to leave. I feel that the music really represents the feeling that Alzied was experiencing then. In my opinion, despite being a wrap-up episode, it does do well to end it off with a sweet touch. Nonetheless, it still leaves a feeling that it is awaiting a sequel since the ending does not seem to be a true ending. I mean, if you have a red-haired man saying that the game has just began, it really does not feel like there will not be a sequel in the future.
As a little review to end this series, I must say that Hatenkou Yuugi is an example of an anime that could have been great. It has a very strong manga background, with some controversial themes that is tackled decently in the anime. The OP and ED are equally memorable. However, as it tries too hard to stay at the moderate side of things (and also that it is only 10 episodes). There are details that will trigger more controversy, thoughts and themes and could have made this show an above average anime. As it is of now, it is just a run-of-the-mill series.
In addition, Studio Deen’s animation for action scenes (there are only a few but …) is simply a total turn off. However, do not let my harsh words obscure your judgment. Hatenkou Yuugi has one of the most attractive characters for a very long time. Rahzel, the main heroine, is plucky and extremely interesting with her back story. If anything, I am glad that her back story is at least wrapped up somewhat to a satisfactory degree, so that there is nothing gaping over her part. Nevertheless, I am somewhat interested to find out a bit about the manga. I should take a step down to the bookstore to find the manga series to read. As a conclusion, the show is perhaps worth viewing if you have some idle time.
Sigh, it is hard to end the blogging of a series.
20 Comments
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I started watching this series when it came out, but it got lost in the shuffle of all the other shows I was trying to watch/catch up on. While I honestly don’t think I’ll go back to finish it off, your comments on the manga are giving me ideas about harassing Extrange for it.
I’m for Rahzel x Alzeid, btw.
@Rieuzedx: yes, the manga should be way better than the anime by a huge degree. In a way, I was quite disappointed because the anime has so much potential (I didn’t read the manga, but was spoiled by nice commentator LSS on my request to be spoiled). The character dynamics, the journey theme and a very cute 15 year old female lead are all winning points. It’s quite a waste they did not capitalize on it.
@rieuzedx: …. Yes, I’ve read it :-p The manga has a peculiar style, which is in sync with the unique environment that Hatenkou Yuugi has, but the anime changes several events, even skipping some chapters. One of the changed events,for example, is how they meet Baroqueheat; another is the order of events for the 1st chapters.
It’s not a bad manga, but I don’t make it my top priority.
I don’t have time to make an indepth comment (at work), but I’ve dug out the manga, and I have to say, I VASTLY prefer the character design in the anime. The mangaka, IMO, is still rather tender in terms of drawing skill. I mean, the faces often look contorted from different angles!
As for the anime, I would say it screams out for a sequel, and for a last episode, the anime says surprisingly little. It could have been much better with better pacing and smoother story telling.
Still, I love the character designs of the anime. Much nicer (less cute, more interesting, more beautiful/handsome) than the manga, IMO.
I’ve been stalking your blog waiting for this review to be posted.
Unfortunately I don’t have time to write much more than this at the moment. But I promise I’ll come back with some thoughts when I have more time to write.
Do you think there’ll be a second season???? i think there will be….. but it ends with another arch like saiunkoku monogatari…. i can somehow relate these two… ANYWAYS, i think that this ep was really cute. but its too bad that her real father got killed… but i think ALZEIDxRAHZEL 4 EVER!!!
I’m back. I know you were holding your breath waiting for my return, weren’t you?
I’ll start by saying my three favorite things from this episode were (1) the insert song that played while Alzeid was chasing after Rahzel. (2) The fact that Alzeid chased after Rahzel. (Major points to Alzeid for chasing after a train. A train!) (3) The scene starting from where Rahzel jumps off the train into Alzeid’s arms. The whole sequence from music start to Rahzel’s “bang” echoing episode 1 was just glorious. I’ve lost count how many times I’ve replayed that scene. I don’t understand a word that’s said (since the subs aren’t out yet), but I replay that scene over and over.
As much as I loved the episode, there are some things I sincerely wish they had not done. I doubt there will be a second season. Really, really doubt it. The producers probably knew it as well. So why introduce the mysterious red-haired man? Why have him kill Rahzel’s birth father in the last 30 seconds? Yes, he’s extremely important to the manga. But if you’re not going to do any more with him than tease your audience, it’s really quite cruel to the viewers.
Why don’t I think there won’t be a second season? Because I agree with Impz on the fact that Hatenkou Yuugi could have been a great anime but wasn’t. The manga is a fantastic and involving story. But you’d have a hard time knowing that from the anime. The character designs were good but the animation, the movement of those character designs, was weak. The music and dialogue were strong. (I’m definitely getting a copy of the OST when it becomes available.) But the storyline was managled because it was told out of manga order.
I enjoyed watching Hatenkou Yuugi, but I suspect I enjoyed it more because of how it reminded me of what I love about the manga. If I had watched it fresh with no manga-insights, I don’t know if I would have liked it near as much as I did.
Eh what to say that hasn’t already been said. I pretty much agree with everyone.
I like the designs for the anime better. I too think that sometimes the characters end up looking rather odd in some of the frames in the manga.
But story wise you’re better off with the manga.
Hi everyone just finished watching the last episode
too bad it’s already over. I got hooked up to it while sifting through a tokyopop preview and to tell you the truth I was a bit mixed up in the 1st episode about Heat since he just appears without any flashbacks as how he’d met with Rahzel. Anyway that’s beside the point. I believe that the anime ended as it did in order to prepare for a 2nd season. However I think it’s up to us whether this season is created or not through the feedback given. To be honest I haven’t read the manga yet but I’d still want the anime because reading is one thing but watching is better. But both have their special charm and magic. The viewers and readers should be given a chance to see Alzeid and Rahzel till the end, even beyond the end if possible 
because they’re awesome characters, Heat too with his ways.
Anyway that is just my opinion. Thanks for the blogging, it really cleared up the lose ends. Keep it up!
could somebody please tell me the name of the song played when Al was chassing Rahzel…PLEASE!!!! I preety much just fell in love with it.so….if someone could pease tell me that would be great!
@J: It’s “Take you as you are” by Itou Kanako. She’s the singer of the OP.
@A: I seriously doubt that they might go for a second season. The series isn’t too popular in Japan sadly. That’s a pity because the characters are so sparkly.
thank you!though it is unlikely i hope they do come out with a second season
i actually disagree. I tried reading the manga because rahzel is one of the coolest female characters in anime history. She’s not macho, but she’s still rational, not manly but still strong. But the manga portrayed her… in a different light. She’s not as cool… She blushes, and has odd petty emotions… Anime Rahzel is, in my opinion, was better than manga rahzel. On the other hand, it’s true that the manga explains more and is more reasonable plot wise.. but I watched the entire series for Rahzel…
and actually, although hatenkou yugi is very much the freak of the week show, it has its own charm. The resolutions are original, the stories and emotions are original, and they didn’t take 20000 million years to get the character’s bakground stories. I thought it was all weaved together well. Not all loose ends are tied up, but still pretty good.. and I was satisfied, for the most part. Animation was terrible though.. O_O
Actually, I really loved the anime, and I’ve never read the manga. I’m very disappointed that they don’t plan on coming out with a second season. Does anyone know if there is a second season for the manga? I’d really like to see Rahzel and Alzeid continue their journey together.
OMG the anime was just soo awesome! ¤¸¤
Is there a second season?! I just cant wait..!!! >.< (Im getting hyper…)
n_n { hehe… I really love when Alzeid was trying to buy the sheep.. beh~ )
anways!!! I LOVE this anime! xD hehe
I totally agree that Rahzel is one of the best anime girls ever! I’m so sick of watching anime girls who are incapable of doing anything for themselves and always needing to be saved. It’s nice to see one with some spunk! I really hope there’s a second season.
i think it’d be sweet if Razel and Alzeid go out.
i really do whant there to be another sequil (sorry im horrible at spelling) i mean it ends abuptly and it makes me depressed to know there isnt a sequil and that it makes me want more. im an animeatic and i want to scream when i cant get more of an anime. would you kindly say a few words of what would most likely come nexed. like does rahzel find out about her father? will she try to get revenge? what goes on between rahzel and Alzeid? does Alzeid get his revenge? and what will hapen between rahzel and the orange haird dude? uuggg!! so many questions unanswerd and so many more to ask!!!! to be honest im not into endings like that. please say more!!! ); i love the anime and manga so mmuuucchh!!!
I think that there will be another season or maybe even a sequel because look at it this way didn’t that orange haired guy say something like nows when the real fun starts Rahzel and plus i think that hatenkou yuugi is a very nice anime so the people who created it should get a big reward for it because its also teaching you a lesson and its more realistic and its more helpful then the animes that just do it for fun because a girl cant be usually cute or anything like that rahzel is more like the type of girl whos normal not that fantasy true that it has magic in it but still it look alot like realistic and any age can watch it because its not that romantic and neither is too bloody: