I was pleasantly surprised to see Kure-nai getting an OVA special since I enjoyed watching it when it was previously animated. Jumping into this first episode, it was easy to see some major differences right away.
First of all, the art style looks vastly different from before. I have to say that I like it more this way, but some of the scenes seemed a bit more fanservicey for some reason.
Another difference I noticed was in Lin’s personality. Assuming that it is even the same person (the voice actor is the same) as the crazy psycho bitch I saw in the earlier series, Lin seems to be more reserved and well… less crazy and psychotic. I even mistook her for possibly being Yayoi when I first skimmed through the episode. Of course, this could just be a difference from the Lin in the anime and the Lin in the manga/novels (which I have not read).
It also seems that the format has been changed to a series of side short-stories. There are three stories so far in this episode and none of them seemed to have any relevance to any grand plot or anything. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing and in an OVA you’re going to probably expect a bunch of side stories that focus more on the characters anyway.
The first story I wasn’t too impressed with. It did introduce me to a new character, Kirihiko Kirishima, I believe. Someone who is weak to the cold but crazy with knives. However, it was kind of strange when she wasn’t seen leaving with the rest of the group at the end. There was also that Lucy May character, who seemed to have a habit of introducing herself every chance she got.
The second story was a bit interesting to watch since Ginko wasn’t really a character we got to know much about before. I was a little amazed though to see her get that angry and physical with Murasaki when she was messing with her laptop. The third and final story was the most ridiculous one out of the bunch and probably my favorite.
Overall, it was probably catered more towards the manga readers but still an enjoyable episode for someone who has only watched the anime. There were some aspects where I thought it was a bit corny or cliche, but for some reason it was still fun to watch. If you haven’t heard of Kure-nai before this, then I suggest you try out the anime or even try to pick up the manga or read the novels.
19 Comments
I enjoyed Lin’s new personality except I didn’t realize she was the same psycho from the original series until I looked at MAL. Still, it was cute when she was trying to get pictures in the third story. I think first story may end up being apart of an underlying plot (it seems weird to introduce that company and Lucy for just one short story) at least that is what I hoped. The only complaints I had were that there was no Yayoi and that the second story really pissed me off. I never cared about Ginko but I wanted to slap her several times during her story. I can understand where she was coming from but did she have to be such a clingy bitch about it?
I rather like Ginko, but I agree with your clingy bitch sentiment.
It would be nice if the Akuu company or w/e it was called actually had some relevance and continued on to another OVA. But, I swear, if she says “I’m Lucy May from the Akuu Company” one more time…
This is Lin’s personality and role in the manga’s storyline (overprotective and a bit strange, but very caring of Murasaki). They just changed the plot a bit and made Lin psycho in the animated series.
Swimsuit and dual katanas is swiftly approved!
Seconded!
Looking at that first screenshot really does not make me want to watch this. I probably will, but I’ll put it off as long as I can. Though maybe I will start on the manga (like I need another).
I admit it wasn’t the best screenshot to take, but I’m assuming you watched the original series? Is it the change in art style that’s putting you off?
Yes, I saw and liked the original series. It’s mostly the change in art, but also the change in theme. This seems a bit more fanservice oriented than I would like. Like I said, though, I’ll watch it eventually.
@Shokkeru: Hi, I watched Denpa teki na Kanojo, would I like this?
I haven’t watched Denpa teki na Kanojo so I can’t really comment on that. Judging from the quick summary of the show, they seem a bit different. It sounds like Denpa teki na Kanojo is a bit more of a serious than Kure-nai and while Kure-nai does have a serious plot, there’s a lot of side-tracking throughout the series that focuses more on individual characters and everyday life. There’s also a bit of a supernatural aspect with Shinkurou that you’ll get to see a short time into the series.
Overall Kure-nai is a good series. At least watch a few episodes as see how you like it. If it helps at all, I was hooked on it right from the first episode.
It felt a bit of. The girl she seemed older and her voice less cute. The guy had a strange mouth. And the childhoodfriend’s breasts were way too big.
The third episode definitely was the most interesting one. And the teaching different positions/stances joke had the original kurenai anime feel as well.
Yeah, I was a bit put off by Yuuno’s character design this time. As I’ve said before, the style is more fanservicey than before. But it’s an OVA after all and I can’t really expect much out of it.
Why are your expectations lower for an ova?
I’m not sure exactly. Maybe I’ve just had a bad history with watching OVAs. Generally, for me, OVAs were just extras that never really added anything significant to the original story. The art style and quality I can’t really explain though.
the art style follows the manga which i think is better than the tv series art style but all in all Kure-nai is a great series
The OVA animation is just totally sub-par to the series’ animation. I mean, I look at Murasaki here: http://jessi.gonein60fps.net/S1E1/2008%20Anime%20Awards/Kurenai%20Music.jpg. No comparison. As a result, I feel like the OVA lacks the depth and tension/turmoil that were what made the series so great (despite plot holes). It’s just too bland.
the OVA is based on the manga…. i believe
http://www.1000manga.com/Kure-nai/21/03/
yes it is the first episode actually covers chapter 21
i really liked murasakis voice and character design it makes her cuter the voices sounds like Mina Tepes from Dance in The Vampire Bund which is great