[Kaioshin Sama]

Originally Posted by eggplant

Saw episode 1 at today's Gonza Festa.

Spoiler for Episode 1:

Today's guests were Ono Daisuke (Kazuma), Fujimura Ayumi (Ayano), Morinaga Rika (Ren), and Producer Arai. The screening was without the opening and ending sequences, but the singer Kiuji Saori, who does both songs, did a live performance of the opening song, which was quite pleasant to hear.

I was thinking of Shana when I first saw this series, with a redhead spurting out flames and all, but after seeing the anime, the similarities are conspicuous.

Ayano is understandably bitchy, being the most powerful in the Kannagi Family, who despises Kazuma, the disowned loser. However, she definitely does have tsunderekko potential, a character that will surely develop as their relationship progresses (sounds like Mamoru-kun as well). Fujimura Ayumi (Karada in Asatte no Houkou) does a good job of voicing Ayano, although her battle scenes have yet to take place.

The battle scenes using the elements, the supernatural theme, the dark tone, and the underlying mystery sets for an interesting atmosphere. Three family members are killed in episode one, so Gonzo isn't pulling any punches. To top it, this title has fanservicey bits in it, and Producer Arai stressed that the three classmates wear different color pantsu for a reason.

I enjoyed episode one, but Kaze no Stigma isn't for everyone. I've scanned and uploaded a revised character relationship chart, which was distributed at today's event.



Edit: Click here for a larger size version of the above

After reading this it sounds like this series will be the poster child of my theory of the Lolidom trend. I like it when studios make it easy for me.