[winhlp32]

So I've read approximately half of the first novel (with no plans to continue) and would like to share some thoughts. There are no spoilers, but I hope I can clear some clouds surrounding this mysterious novel and how it relates to the anime.

Spoiler for Text:

- Firstly I have to say having read this much of the novel, watching the anime trailer and seeing the 2ch/twitter reception to the 1st and 2nd episode, I can sort of imagine at which point in the book the anime starts to delve into original material territory, and the answer to that is very early. Ishihara wasn't kidding when he says the anime and novel may end up becoming different works altogether. Anything I say here are based on what I've read in the novel and should not be taken as an end-all-be-all guide to what to expect in the anime adaptation. I suspect most of what I read won't make it into the anime, not without major changes anyway.

- I can tell why Kyoani chose the Key team to work on this adaptation, since the way the character interaction is structured and played out very much reminded me of the first season of Clannad. The manzai routine are also very Key-like, though perhaps not nearly as absurd as some of the comedy Clannad or Little Busters have. The main heroine Rikka herself wouldn't look out of place in a Key game heroine lineup. Ishihara mentioning that Yuuta's family will affect the anime story also makes me think of Nagisa's family in Clannad and the significance they've had in that story.

- On characters: regarding Rikka, depending on how she is portrayed in the anime, I have a feeling within the Western fandom she will be an "acquired taste" character. I personally find her cute, but I can definitely see how people may be irritated by her behavior especially in the beginning. There is also the anime bringing in new characters Sanae and Kumin, which I think will definitely affect how Rikka is seen by the viewers. Besides, I suspect the Western viewers would largely prefer the more "mature" looking woman, which in this anime would be Shinka. All I can say about her so far is that her character was not what I expected her to be like. The protagonist Yuuta operates competently in his role as the male lead, though this far into the novel he has yet to distinguish himself too much from other anime male protagonists. A positive would be that Yuuta himself can be pretty funny as well at times.

- I can see where people saying that the writing needs work are coming from. A lot of the scenarios in the novel are dragged out too long, and I'm often thinking, "just finish talking/eating/studying and move on already!". This is something I'm not too worried about with the anime adaptation. I also thought that parts of the Kotenbu novels were taxing to read, but I really liked it in anime form. Furthermore I'd say Kyoani is right at home with material like chu2koi so I have faith that it would remain consistently entertaining.

- Lastly, how different a work would this be from their latest anime Hyouka? Well, If I could describe the opening episodes of Hyouka anime with three words they would be: Colors, teenagers, and curiosity.
Compare that with the three words to describe what I've read of the chu2koi novels so far: Romance, Chuunibyou, and maths. Overall, I thought what I've read of the novel by itself is interesting but a bit of a chore to read. I also think that the novel material is a endless playground right inside Kyoani's comfort zone (much more so than something like Hyouka) and they should have no problem spinning this into a highly entertaining story. Very much looking forward to the anime.