sola (old generic discussion thread)

[Sorrow-K]

Originally Posted by Ascaloth

Guess I wasn't the only one thinking "Taiyou no Uta" while I was watching the first half of this, either.
Although, it's become apparent we're going to have to be prepared for KEY-class weird shit, so I'm not too bothered either way.

Yeah, but the action element in Key works is generally very tempered and never exists as anything more than a vehicle for character development. The point is always the characters, and never the action, which is something I'd dare guess we all highly approve of. My fear is that, with the introduction of a vampire hunter component, the action may become too prevalent and pose as a distraction from more important things, like character interactions and development (ie, the things that are traditionally a strength in Key works). It probably won't happen, but I'd be majorly disappointed if it did.

And, yeah, you of all people should be watching this show. Better (slightly) late than never, though.

[Susanou]

I'm downloading episode 2 as we're speaking about it here. There is nothing to spoil for me since I already seen summary and stuff at RancomC so feel releived

And about Matsuri, the fact I already said she

Spoiler:

is NOT a vampire is proven now, and I just somehow felt from the very begin there is no way such a girl could be a vampire Still, I can understand everyone due to all hints and now obvious explanation she can't stand light but it seems she has some kind of disease. Guess we'll see in futher episodes

I heard rumours flying around about this anime having 13 episodes. I kinda thought that 26 would fit it, but maybe 13 comes in better. Still, with all those directions they can go to I bet they easily can fill 26 episodes

[Pellissier]

Originally Posted by Sorrow-K

And, yeah, you of all people should be watching this show. Better (slightly) late than never, though.

So true, Sorrow-K , so true (isn't this "don't let it slide from your eyes!" slightly remindful of Bokura ga Ita?)

Anyway, I watched episode 2 and I'm amazed.

Spoiler for episode 2:

I'm amazed because sola is so much of the show I wished it to be! Mainly no action (except a little bit at the beginning, almost pleasurable as it was well executed) , and then 90% of the episode dedicated to Yorito and Matsuri's relationship development. Simply delightful and melt inducing. My soul needs shows like this.

It was so nice to discover that Matsuri isn't a vampire, it avoids a lot of cliches. However she's not human either, but she seems to carry a very strong power in her as she's able to do amazing things (like turning objects in .. ash?) and also shows a uncommon athletism. After all, if she's several hundred years old, that is not that surprising.

But the "romance" part was so heartwarming, especially when Matsuri patted Yorito's head. So sweet. Good laughters instead, when she was trying to give to the microwave the same treatmant she gave to the vending machine

Also the other characters are strong. Mana and especially Aono seem to be designate to be more than simple side characters. The whole series is filled with mistery, and a delicate and fitting music theme in the bg never fails to give the right approach. And then Mamiko Noto, Matsuri seems to have been retailed just for her, I really couldn't see that character with a different voice actress.

It was from the time of Bokura ga Ita that I didn't feel that emotionally involved in a series at episode 1 and 2 already. And mind, BgI is currently safe in my top5 ever.
Early to form further speculations about sola, but potentiality and awesomeness so far lead my hope level above the maximum scale.

Originally Posted by Kaoru Chujo

Spoiler for ep2:

The plot thing that bothered me was why didn't the monster-hunter go and finish her off, since he knew the "kid" was going to try and find her in the graveyard?

Spoiler:

You know, I'm under the impression that the hunter hasn't this desperate hurry to catch Matsuri. He seemed more resigned (like "next time") than concerned (like "oh my God what I have done?") after she escaped him. And there could likely be a big story behind them. Also we haven't the smallest clue on who Mayuko represents yet. Perhaps she's linked to Matsuri more directly than we might think.
Lastly, Matsuri might be a monster (and my hands almost refuse to write this), but at the moment she certainly doesn't seem dangerous for the humankind.

So no, I didn't see that as a plot flaw.

Originally Posted by Srin Tuar

Spoiler for ep2:

One thing does bother me though: she made a promise then immediately broke it. Perhaps thats why him will come to "hate her". Hopefully he wont ever make a promise with her again.

Spoiler:

How can you be sure of that? Certainly, after the promise she thought of breaking it, but at the end she didn't. Had she been in all that hurry wouldn't she have left straight at that moment? Instead she took her time and stayed to watch the sky-painted ceiling of Yorito's room.
Are we really sure she wanted to left? Maybe she *was supposed* to left for some reason bigger than her, but it would be quite different and not depending on her own will. What really mattered here, is that at the end, one way or another, she kept her promise.

I'm expecting some shocking truth about her to come across instead. That would perhaps hurt him. It's to say though, that Yorito looks really really strong.

Originally Posted by Susanou

I heard rumours flying around about this anime having 13 episodes. I kinda thought that 26 would fit it, but maybe 13 comes in better. Still, with all those directions they can go to I bet they easily can fill 26 episodes

It is officially announced as a 13 episode series. However, if they can keep this consistency in all the matters, I can see it succeeding even on this short timespan (and mind, I'm not a big fan of single-kur series).

[Skane]

The following is based on [moyism]'s fantastic 1024x564 RAW, and references to Omni's summary on Random Curiosity, sola 02.

(Go figure, my computer hangs when I try to play 1024x564 .MKV files, but has no problem with the equivalent .AVI file)

Preliminary Thoughts on Ep02:
---- ----

Spoiler:

• Background art remains pleasingly good in this episode. Some minor character deformities, but nothing that is detracting from the overall experience.
  .
• Takeshi falls prey to the cliché where the "misunderstood" pursuer must spend time to explain things to the "well-intentioned" hero instead of shoving him aside and settling things straight away. Ergo, talk first, shoot later.
  .
• Matsuri's powers are pretty nifty, but they also hint that she is a harbinger of ill. That, or she is cursed. Still, calling her the "Plague of the Night" is pretty ominous.
  .
• Yorito takes a leaf out Yuuichi's handbook and brings back an unconscious Matsuri back home. That scene of him laying her down on his bed is screaming for out-of-context humour. It also reminds me of Kyon's dialogue in Ep00 where he asks the rhetorical question of why bring the girl to your own home instead of the hospital?
  
  Of course, in sola, we have the reasonable issue of Matsuri not being Human, and her being in the hospital might only mean more problems for her.
  .
• Funny scene where Matsuri offers to grant any one wish to Yorito and deduces from Yorito's stunned reaction that he must be thinking of something perverted. Hey, would anyone blame the guy? I wouldn't.
  .
• "You will only end up hating me."
  
  If that is not foreshadowing, I don't know what is.
  .
• Aono has issues. Seems to be a little bit too needy for her brother's companionship. I just pray to all the anime gods that she is NOT a non-blood-related sibling. PLEASE, for the love of Aiur! Don't go down that route!
  .
• Matsuri patting the bed to signal Yorito to lie down next to her reminded me of Rentarou in the first episode of "Futakoi Alternative".
  .
• It kills me that they did not hold hands whilst on the bed.

Cheers.

[Susanou]

I have to agree with Pellissier, I really liked the relationship development this episode, especially the way is was carried out

Spoiler:

One things I wonder about, when Yorito touches Matsuri's hand it turns into stone or something...what is that exactly?

[Skane]

Originally Posted by Susanou

I have to agree with Pellissier, I really liked the relationship development this episode, especially the way is was carried out

Spoiler:

One things I wonder about, when Yorito touches Matsuri's hand it turns into stone or something...what is that exactly?

Spoiler for Ep02:

It's her injury from the "Light Bomb" that Takeshi threw at her. Recall that Takeshi was examining some "dust" in the cemetery during daylight.

Basically speaking, Matsuri turns to dust when exposed to sunlight. A recipe for tragedy if anything.

Cheers.

[Skyfall]

Well, so far i have only seen the summary at RandomC, but seems like this is turning out how i want it to be - very little action and lots of character development.

Spoiler:

So ... Matsuri is not a vampire *gasp/shock* ... not surprised - wasn't expecting her to be either

She is a "monster" instead. (And if that is a monster ... take me to their den. Right now!)

So...she ends up staying at his home (Ha! Told you!...do i get a cookie ? ). Judging from the "You will only end up hating me" she has a much darker secret than being unable to stay in the light. Obviously she wants to stay, but thinks she shouldn't, not to cause problems for Yorito (whether they would be the hunter related, or from some other dark secret).What are chances of Aono and Yorito being blood related ? I say below average... heck, they don't look alike at all. (Though this could be due to her illness).

Bleh...not much to add at this point. I refuse to watch the RAWs, so i will wait for the SUBs before forming opinions.

Originally Posted by Ascaloth

ell, I'm here. Does that mean I have no need to start aiming my firepower at lolitron mangatron?

Heh. I know mangatron has quite a reputation, but what kind of reputation, I'm not too sure of yet....

Reputation of a lolitron, obviously j/k He is a lot of fun and harmless, and seems to have ten times more energy than a hyper duracell bunny (sugar overdose ? ) - his posts often provide me with a good dose of laughter and positivism Prone to Yuri fantasies

As for why this doesn't seem to get much attention - well, i suspect it has largely to do with it being a "fresh" work - there are no fan hordes of the "source material", so i am not surprised that it isn't the most popular thing. Though the staff behind it is a good one.

This surely seems to be one of the shows i am looking towards the most, along with Romeo x Juliet, Nanoha StrikerS and Hayate.

Now excuse me - i need to go mop in the corner for a few days untill the SUBs become available.

[Susanou]

Originally Posted by Skane

Spoiler for Ep02:

It's her injury from the "Light Bomb" that Takeshi threw at her. Recall that Takeshi was examining some "dust" in the cemetery during daylight.

Basically speaking, Matsuri turns to dust when exposed to sunlight. A recipe for tragedy if anything.

Cheers.

Hm...that would be sad T_T Hope they'll find a way to heal that disease and that it won't end in a drama like AIR or something...*fingers crossed*

Well thanks for clearing that up Skane

[Vexx]

Just scanned the randomC spoilers .... looking hopeful for something more thoughtful than wackavamp ... very interesting take on a type of person of the night rather than just western cliche. So far I'm happy I spotted this one.

[Skyfall]

Originally Posted by Skane

Spoiler for Ep02:

It's her injury from the "Light Bomb" that Takeshi threw at her. Recall that Takeshi was examining some "dust" in the cemetery during daylight.

Basically speaking, Matsuri turns to dust when exposed to sunlight. A recipe for tragedy if anything.

Cheers.

Spoiler:

Damn...i really hope this doesn't end with Matsuri getting her wish - with Yorito bringing her outside to show her the blue sky... and her crumbling in to ashes a few moments later

*remembers photo in the OP*
*tragedy sensor goes trough roof again*
*more packs of ducklings involved*

I don't want a tragedy *cry/whine/boo-hoo*

[Skane]

Originally Posted by Skyfall

Spoiler:

Damn...i really hope this doesn't end with Matsuri getting her wish - with Yorito bringing her outside to show her the blue sky... and her crumbling in to ashes a few moments later

*remembers photo in the OP*
*tragedy sensor goes trough roof again*
*more packs of ducklings involved*

I don't want a tragedy *cry/whine/boo-hoo*

Spoiler for speculation based on Ep02:

Well, if they do it properly, it will be something to remember for the ages, even if it means having to go into a funk for days.

Cheers.

[Ascaloth]

Originally Posted by Sorrow-K

And, yeah, you of all people should be watching this show. Better (slightly) late than never, though.

....something tells me that that sentence is an indication of a certain kind of reputation that I possess.

Originally Posted by Pellissier

So true, Sorrow-K , so true (isn't this "don't let it slide from your eyes!" slightly remindful of Bokura ga Ita?).

....now all doubt is removed. >_<

Originally Posted by Skyfall

Reputation of a lolitron, obviously j/k He is a lot of fun and harmless, and seems to have ten times more energy than a hyper duracell bunny (sugar overdose ? ) - his posts often provide me with a good dose of laughter and positivism Prone to Yuri fantasies

[...]

Now excuse me - i need to go mop in the corner for a few days untill the SUBs become available.

Understood. My gunsights are no longer pointed at him.

*keeps the firepower prepped for the usual suspects, though*

*goes to join Skyfall to mope in the corner*

[Skyfall]

Originally Posted by Skane

Spoiler for speculation based on Ep02:

Well, if they do it properly, it will be something to remember for the ages, even if it means having to go into a funk for days.

Cheers.

Spoiler:

*Sigh*

I have little doubts that this will end in an epically dramatic death and/or separation. The setting smells of tragedy miles away - we both know it. And foreshadowing doesn't get much more obvious than Yorito closing a photo album with a picture of Matsuri in the OP - that is one of the most ominous thing you can present concerning a character's fate.

...Mana will, probably, be there to pick up Yorito from whatever pit of despair/sadness/angst he is going to fall in to after that.

I don't want more angst after Fafner
<insert more *cry/whine/boo-hoo*>

Though one character about whose purpose i have no clue about so far - Aono. I have no idea what role she is going to play, and i can't form a theory i would believe in myself either.

[Anacone]

Spoiler for ep 2:

Hmm...I'm thinking it's still slightly possible that she is/is called by name of Vampire == Monster of night is used in some references , not all Vampires drink blood. Not that I hope for it though. I'm interested how Yorito is thinking about her at least that would hint as more.

I'm thinking that her power/condition is more like a curse and same time reason why Hunter is after her...

Couple possibilities

1. Matsuri's touch (is also the curse, that she can control now) killed someone, at least it's lethal...
or
2. Matsuri's condition (sun allergy) contaminated village long time ago, thus name of Plague of Night...
and
3. Girl with Hunter has contamined by Matsuri in some occasion

She can't be close with people long time...

[Susanou]

Well, i've finished watching episode 2 by now and it was an interesting episode.

Spoiler for Epi02:

The fight at the begin was well-animated, and the scream Matsuri made when that light thingy from the hunter hit her was kinda scary 0.0 Other then that, a good episode which creates lots of ways for the next one

[Pellissier]

Originally Posted by Skyfall

Spoiler:

Damn...i really hope this doesn't end with Matsuri getting her wish - with Yorito bringing her outside to show her the blue sky... and her crumbling in to ashes a few moments later

*remembers photo in the OP*
*tragedy sensor goes trough roof again*
*more packs of ducklings involved*

I don't want a tragedy *cry/whine/boo-hoo*

Originally Posted by Skane

Spoiler for speculation based on Ep02:

Well, if they do it properly, it will be something to remember for the ages, even if it means having to go into a funk for days.

Spoiler:

Lol, I think that both of you guys are jumping to the conclusions a bit too quickly ^^. We're at 15% of the road, so I think it's really hard to foresee what's going to come at the very end, desu? Just how much elements episode 2 added to episode 1 showed imho how this show could be vast and unpredictable. Also, it's true that being prepared to a tragedy is better than not being, when and *if* it eventually comes, but.. what about enjoying this ride (which is just started) while it lasts

If it will be epic, we'll make celebrations at the given time ^^

Anyway, all of these spoiler-free speculation are certainly a fun read, though I prefere to speculate about "episode 3" than about "sola ending" at this point of time

Originally Posted by Skane

Spoiler:

Aono has issues. Seems to be a little bit too needy for her brother's companionship. I just pray to all the anime gods that she is NOT a non-blood-related sibling. PLEASE, for the love of Aiur! Don't go down that route!

Spoiler:

I don't share the theory about Aono. She's ill, weak and her brother (the only relative she has) seems not too concerned about her. A bit of worrisome would seem normal.
Also, she has so many different possible way of development that I refuse to buy that one

Originally Posted by Skane

Spoiler:

It kills me that they did not hold hands whilst on the bed.

Spoiler:

About this, LOL ... I did read something unrepeatable under one of the file descriptions for sola ep.2 on TT. Don't know if you read that one too

But on this episode 2 Yorito and Matsuri have already gone much further than I was expecting, for one episode alone.

Since the "previous life" matter already came out, it's like they already known each other. (or perhaps, given than Yorito is a human, Matsuri may have known him in his previous life)

Originally Posted by Ascaloth

....now all doubt is removed. >_<

I think you kind of represent the stereotype of "wandering around in despair because Kanon is over" . And to put it bluntly I believe that sola is the closer show to Kanon airing at the moment. So yes, it would seem to be a safe bet for the cathegory.

[Skane]

Ah shoot. I finally remembered what I forgot to mention in my preliminary write-up. Did anybody else think of Air(TV)'s OP when sola's OP started? The build-up seems similar.

Also, the music during the fast tempo of cloud stills sounded like part of NGE's OP.

Anyone else with similar thoughts?

Cheers.

[Skyfall]

[QUOTE=Pellissier;902643]

Spoiler:

Lol, I think that both of you guys are jumping to the conclusions a bit too quickly ^^. We're at 15% of the road, so I think it's really hard to foresee what's going to come at the very end, desu? Just how much elements episode 2 added to episode 1 showed imho how this show could be vast and unpredictable. Also, it's true that being prepared to a tragedy is better than not being, when and *if* it eventually comes, but.. what about enjoying this ride (which is just started) while it lasts

If it will be epic, we'll make celebrations at the given time ^^

Spoiler:

Perhaps... but i can't help it.

The scene in OP has an ominous feeling about it - there is no way around it.

Also...human x non-human spells tragedy outside of comedy most of the time. Add to the mix that Matsuri wants to see the blue sky... (and we all know what would happen should she get a good look at it). Then there is the hunter + whatever else curse/whatever she might have+the mood of the show. And the fact that 90% of my favorite characters get the shortest end of the stick available in the respective universe (which would be death in Sola :sad).

... Plus there is the ability to predict something to a certain degree once you have seen more anime than would be healthy for you

Yes - i pray to whatever demons i worship for this to have a happy end... but i don't think i am wrong in saying that by the looks of it a sad ending is much more likely to happen

Originally Posted by Skane

Ah shoot. I finally remembered what I forgot to mention in my preliminary write-up. Did anybody else think of Air(TV)'s OP when sola's OP started? The build-up seems similar.

Great...more Air vibes... just what i needed

...leaving now, will be back to rant more in about 10 hours

[Susanou]

I second the AIR OP thought you had, just hope they won't things for Sola in an familar way as they did with AIR

[wontaek]

I like to repeat something I wrote in Hinano's blog
http://www.minaidehazukashii.com/hin...04/13/sola-02/

My friend always like to say this about Shakespeare
” The plot is not the important thing in Shakespeare. It is the emotions the characters are feeling and the plot is a mere device to bring out intense emotion in the characters. ”

So far, I detect everyone having one or two serious mental issues that needs to be addressed. I do not know about the tragedy, but up to this point, the focus has been on emotions the characters were feeling, or hints of torrent emotions underneath calm surface. It is my hope that they develope this to its fullest potential, but I doubt that will happen, for that is like pursuing 'high art' instead of the 'money'.