(L) Hatenkou Yuugi (Dazzle anime adaption)

[Impz]

Originally Posted by LKK

Initial thoughts on episode 6.

Spoiler for ep 6:

Don't ask me for details on the restaurant scenes and the card game. Ask someone who understood the dialogue. Those scenes weren't in the manga. I'm as much in the dark as any other non-Japanese-speaking viewer.

I swear the town didn't look that large and well-established in the manga. I thought this last week as well but definitely this week. The town was much smaller, more provincial, more closed off, in the manga.

The anime played down the graphic touches. The boy's corpse, the father's suicide, and then the final scene with Larawell. She more seriously wounds Rahzel and doesn't die in a fire. She shoots herself in the head.

The mysterious young man who didn't appear in episode 5 still didn't appear in episode 6. Which is unfortunate because he obliquely raises the question of the origin of criminality. Is the tendency towards criminality a result of nature or nurture? Is it something that is inherent in our genetic makeup? That can be passed down in our genes?

How do you explain a small child growing up in a loving household being able to kill at such a young age? One possible explanation is self-defense. Rahzel killed her mother in self-defense. But Larawell wasn't in such a life-and-death situation. Her first murder was intentional retribution for an injury that was likely an accident. And Larawell kept on murdering as she grew up, reaching the point of actively hunting her victims. Perhaps there is something in Larawell's genetic code that caused her to react murderously?

Spoiler:

I will say more in my entry but I personally believe it's her abused state of mind since she is hated as a demon since she is young.

[Deathkillz]

ep 6

Spoiler:

I have to say that the first half was rather boring but thankfully it picked up after the second half...and when lalabell is revealed to be the villain. SHOCKU! That was a completely low blow for me and I didn't expect it coming at all

As far as I can understand, her father killed his wife because she carried a baby for another man and found lalabell abandoned near the place where he hung her. For some reason he decided to raise this baby as if it was his own and they practiced black magic to bring his wife back (?). He is really screwed up in the head at this point.

Thanks to LKK, I have a different image of the murders. But what could possibly be worse than slicing your own throat up - well the shadow alone was enough to make me cringe XD

But it turns out that lalabell was even more of a whacko which made her father seem like a bunny. She killed for the sake of killing, which is a completely different case for razhel. I like the way they developed her character with the flashback, now we see a potential reason why she was abandoned. But still she tried to save lalabell from the same (or worse) fate though it was too late. This scene was heartbreaking seeing how razhel tried to save lalabell but she was unwilling to save herself.

The final scene with her trying to put a bullet into her head - I still believe that she did ;__;

Razhel maybe in pain but she also has two very caring friends...and their journey continues...

Sidenote: just where does razhel get her change of clothes every ep XD

[Supah Em]

^ in her bear. its contents has been discussed once i think

[LKK]

Originally Posted by Impz

Spoiler:

I will say more in my entry but I personally believe it's her abused state of mind since she is hated as a demon since she is young.

That is one possible explanation. However ...

Spoiler for v02:

I don't know yet how much of this is repeated in the anime but here's Larawell's explanation of her murders according to the manga. She first killed when she was 4 years old. He was a guest at the hotel whose ashes fell on her, and it hurt. That was the only reason. She's killed 7 people for

Larawell: ... such stupid reasons. I don't know why I do things like that. I don't want to kill anyone. I've never hated anyone in my life, either.

There's no indication from Larawell that she feels any resentment or anger towards the villagers. In fact, up until she kills the boy, the only people she's killed were transient hotel guests. She never attacked anyone from the village which is why they had turned a blind eye towards her for several years.

Originally Posted by Deathkillz

ep 6

Spoiler:

I have to say that the first half was rather boring but thankfully it picked up after the second half...and when lalabell is revealed to be the villain. SHOCKU! That was a completely low blow for me and I didn't expect it coming at all

As far as I can understand, her father killed his wife because she carried a baby for another man and found lalabell abandoned near the place where he hung her. For some reason he decided to raise this baby as if it was his own and they practiced black magic to bring his wife back (?). He is really screwed up in the head at this point.

Spoiler for ep 5, 6 & v02:

I hate, hate, hate that the anime added the shrine to the dead wife and all that. Razhel and Baroqueheat learn that the villagers think black magic was used to retrieve Larawell from the womb. But they dismiss the idea as fear-based rumors. There is no freaky backroom shrine to the dead wife in the manga. The only oddity about the father is that he's overly overly devoted to Larawell. So devoted to her that he tries to cover up her murders by claiming he is the one responsible.

Originally Posted by Deathkillz

Spoiler for ep 6:

Thanks to LKK, I have a different image of the murders. But what could possibly be worse than slicing your own throat up - well the shadow alone was enough to make me cringe XD

But it turns out that lalabell was even more of a whacko which made her father seem like a bunny. She killed for the sake of killing, which is a completely different case for razhel. I like the way they developed her character with the flashback, now we see a potential reason why she was abandoned. But still she tried to save lalabell from the same (or worse) fate though it was too late. This scene was heartbreaking seeing how razhel tried to save lalabell but she was unwilling to save herself.

The final scene with her trying to put a bullet into her head - I still believe that she did ;__;

Spoiler for ep 6 & v02:

Yes, Larawell shot herself in the head in the manga. The blood splatters on Rahzel. Do you remember episode 3 (the prison episode) when Rahzel talks to the boy who wants to shoot the prison warden? The accurate description she gave of the blood and brains splattering as a result of the gun shot to the head? In the manga, the Larawell incident happened before the prison incident. This is why Rahzel's description to the boy of gun shot results is so vividly accurate.

Originally Posted by Deathkillz

Sidenote: just where does razhel get her change of clothes every ep XD

Originally Posted by supahem

^ in her bear. its contents has been discussed once i think

Yes, they are. That's a detail that isn't revealed until volume 6. It's an amusing scene.

Spoiler for v06:

Alzeid is wounded rather badly. Rahzel is panicking. She reaches into her bear and pulls out a blanket.

Alzeid (thinking): Did she just pull something out of that bag that's bigger than the space inside? I saw it slide out, right? No, no. I must be hallucinating...

Rahzel then pulls out a single-use hand warmer, a vitamin drink, and some strawberries. Alzeid is flabbergasted. Later on, she puts all the items back inside and talks about also having water, medicine, and stuff there. Alzeid is still flabbergasted. (I find it amusing that Alzeid can't accept the magic of the teddy bear of infinite holding since he's capable of very impressive magic himself.)

More thoughts regarding the last spoiler post I wrote.

Spoiler for ep 5, 6 and v02:

In my last post, I mentioned the idea that criminal behavior may have a genetic component because I've come to believe the discussion of the question is important to Hatenkou Yuugi. I could be wrong, but after reading 7 volumes, I really do believe that this question is part of what's being explored in this "unprecedented game" (one possible translation of Hatenkou Yuugi). The Larawell story is where the question is first brought to the forefront. It's brought out in that missing scene between Alzeid and an as of yet Unnamed Mysterious Young Man (henceforth called UMYM for short). Here's the text of that conversation which takes place at the time Baroqueheat and Rahzel are playing "soccer" with the boys who were tormenting Larawell. (Disclaimer: I don't know for sure, but I don't think this discussion topic was included in either episode 5 or 6 by any character. That's why I'm giving it to you.)

In the sky burial graveyard.

Alzeid (to himself, looking at a skeleton hanging on a cross): It's such bad taste.
UMYM: It's not that bad. It looks like the crucifixion of Christ. I like it. Don't you think so, Alzeid?
Alzeid: Who the hell are you?
UMYM: Yes... who indeed?
UMYM: Do you know about the criminal gene theory? It says there's criminal behaior programmed into a criminal's body from the very beginning. Isn't that fascinating? Using this theory, we can prevent crimes before they happen, and ...we can also create a criminal of our own.

UMYM's comments spook Alzeid so thoroughly that the next time he sees Rahzel, he insists that they leave the village immediately. He even picks her up and starts to carry her away. But she hit him, and he dropped her.

UMYM is someone who becomes very important to the series. This is one of his earliest appearances. I believe his comment to Alzeid is a key to understanding what's going on in Hatenkou Yuugi. It's a shame that the anime seems determined to avoid mentioning anything to do with him or the subject.

[Ookla The Mok]

Originally Posted by LKK

Don't ask me for details on the ... card game.

Spoiler for minor point in volume 8:

This scene is actually from the last chapter of volume 8. Someone is missing, and it's more extended in the manga. Still, some of the dialogue is the same. It's pretty dang funny in the manga, so when it comes out in April, check it out!

They probably included it in this episode because they wanted some comic relief.

Spoiler for ep 6 & v02:

Yes, Larawell shot herself in the head in the manga. The blood splatters on Rahzel. Do you remember episode 3 (the prison episode) when Rahzel talks to the boy who wants to shoot the prison warden? The accurate description she gave of the blood and brains splattering as a result of the gun shot to the head? In the manga, the Larawell incident happened before the prison incident. This is why Rahzel's description to the boy of gun shot results is so vividly accurate.

Very good point! I hadn't made the connection before. Man, Rahzel's had a tough life...

Also, thanks for bringing up UMYM's comments. It's easy to forget them after so long. They certainly shed light on his plans and later actions.

[Impz]

hey all, after major blog downtime with server, I finally finished Episode 6' summary and screenshots!

Hope that it's useful for all ^^

[White Manju Bun]

Originally Posted by LKK

Yes, they are. That's a detail that isn't revealed until volume 6. It's an amusing scene.

Spoiler for v06:

Alzeid is wounded rather badly. Rahzel is panicking. She reaches into her bear and pulls out a blanket.

Rahzel then pulls out a single-use hand warmer, a vitamin drink, and some strawberries. Alzeid is flabbergasted. Later on, she puts all the items back inside and talks about also having water, medicine, and stuff there. Alzeid is still flabbergasted. (I find it amusing that Alzeid can't accept the magic of the teddy bear of infinite holding since he's capable of very impressive magic himself.)

You realize of course that because of that your making want to actually buy the manga out of order now...I want to see that scene...

[Burner of Anime]

Originally Posted by White Manju Bun

You realize of course that because of that your making want to actually buy the manga out of order now...I want to see that scene...

Don't.

Seriously, it'll kill one of the best/worst scenes put to paper for the series.

Anyway, I liked the lead so much that I bought the entire translated series over the weekend. Good use for red packet money though

To make a comparison with the anime, a lot of the context that allows the world of Dazzle to function has been cut out. Rahzel is a creature that lives so much in the now that she's on a crusade to change the world. Odd thing is, she's very well aware that the only thing she really has control over is her own life.

Basically, alter reality through her own example. Her companions represent the past and future, Heat is a sensate stuck on a dead memory and Al is focused on what to do next in his quest. Neither really had a life until she came along

As for betting which 14 year old reality altering goddess I'll put money down, mine is on Rahzel. At least she knows what she doing

[White Manju Bun]

Originally Posted by Burner of Anime

Don't.

Seriously, it'll kill one of the best/worst scenes put to paper for the series.

I know, Im not gonna since I have to buy manga in order but now I just have to get it faster

Spoiler:

Honestly the bear is a great idea! I wish I had one.

[Deathkillz]

The bear!? lol!

The must animate the scene where Alzeid finds out the mysterious truth XD

ep 5 is subbed and I just can't get enough of the quirky comments in this series...it's just pure gold

Spoiler for highlight quote:

Alz ~ "a woman with long black hair and blue eyes..."

Raz ~ "Eh! me?"

Alz ~ "By the way, what were you doing 13 years ago..."

LAWL

[LKK]

Originally Posted by Deathkillz

ep 5 is subbed and I just can't get enough of the quirky comments in this series...it's just pure gold

The banter dialogue and the voice acting are two of the anime's strongest points, in my opinion. The banter is there in the manga. (It was one of the manga's first selling points for me.) But that didn't guarantee the banter would make it into the anime. I'm really happy the anime got that part of the series' appeal right. The voice acting has been the anime's best addition to Hatenkou Yuugi, with special note going to the woman voicing Rahzel. Alzeid's and Baroqueheat's actors do a fine job as well. But the woman voicing Rahzel is a real standout.

[Ookla The Mok]

This month's Zero-Sum has four pages of omake manga from Endoh-sensei talking about the anime production and voice acting. While staring at one of the VAs, she's thinking, "I want to touch him! (CRIME)" I hope it makes it into volume 11.

The Hatenkou Yuugi anthology comes out Feb. 25th, and the art book comes out March 25th. I wonder what the anthology will be like... Can't wait to get my hands on both.

[White Manju Bun]

Originally Posted by LKK

with special note going to the woman voicing Rahzel. Alzeid's and Baroqueheat's actors do a fine job as well. But the woman voicing Rahzel is a real standout.

Im sure most anime fans would know her as Allen Walker's seiyuu in D.Gray-Man but I really loved her as Ennis in Baccano! Obviously Im biased to Alzeid's seiyuu but I think the whole cast has been great and has been a small yet strong point of the anime.

[Deathkillz]

That woman happens to be kobayashi Sanae and quite surprising the VA for lucy in elfen and allen for D gray man. I am still amazed at how seiyuus can have multiple voices

edit: dam beaten XD

[LKK]

Originally Posted by Ookla The Mok

and the art book comes out March 25th.

There's going to be an artbook?! And after I vowed not to spend so much money on manga and anime-related items. My budget is in trouble now.

Originally Posted by White Manju Bun

Obviously Im biased to Alzeid's seiyuu

Well, not so "obviously" actually. But I share your bias.

[White Manju Bun]

Originally Posted by Deathkillz

I am still amazed at how seiyuus can have multiple voices

Agreed, I love how they way they sound one way for a certain character and totally different for another and Ill stop there before I get my "why I simply adore Romi Paku" speech

edit: dam beaten XD

XD Well great minds...

edit:

Originally Posted by LKK-Sensei

Well, not so "obviously" actually. But I share your bias.

Umm we're talking TakaSaku remember...there be some biased on my end Actually alot. Your post surprises me. unless...youre teasing me...again...

[Ookla The Mok]

Originally Posted by LKK

There's going to be an artbook?! And after I vowed not to spend so much money on manga and anime-related items. My budget is in trouble now.

It was announced at the back of volume 10, but this is the first sign of a release date. I'm excited.

I also managed to pick up the special edition version of volume 4, which comes with a 2003–2004 school year mini-calendar (fits in a CD jewel case) with 13 illustrations that aren't in the manga. I assume they will show up in the art book, but I'll be happy to double-dip.

[LKK]

Ookla, I so did not need to know that information. I can hear my wallet screaming from here.

[BBOvenGuy]

Originally Posted by Deathkillz

That woman happens to be Kobayashi Sanae and quite surprising the VA for lucy in elfen and allen for D gray man.

Also Kitajima Maya in Glass Mask, Paifu in The Third and Akira in Mai HiME/Mai Otome.

The character Kitajima Maya is an acting prodigy, so Glass Mask was a really demanding gig with lots of different vocal requirements. The funny thing for me is that Rahzel looks and sounds enough like Kitajima Maya for me to imagine her playing the part.

[Shiroth]

Originally Posted by White Manju Bun

Im sure most anime fans would know her as Allen Walker's seiyuu in D.Gray-Man

That may be true, though for me the role that made me fall in love with Kobayashi Sanae's voice shall always be Kashiwa-senpai, from NHK ni Youkoso!