The Novel and Manga of Haruhi Suzumiya

[Vallen Chaos Valiant]

Originally Posted by FDW

So the idea that I had about Asakura was RIGHT. (or at least seems to be) Interesting.

Spoiler for novel newest:

It certainly sounds like she got demoted to "guard dog" status. As in, her violent tendencies are put to work, but otherwise is no longer a free-roaming agent any more.

[Tyabann]

At least use spoilers, guys.

Spoiler for awesome developments:

Come to think of it, this is basically Asakura's role in Vol. 4, as well... just that here she and Kyon happen to be on the same side this time.

I'm thinking that Asakura's existence might be tied to Nagato's in some fundamental way... and does this mean that Kimidori actually DOES SOMETHING!? Yesssssss.

Hmm: Other thoughts:

-If Asakura really does show up to save Kyon, this means that image with her knife at his throat is just her trying to be playful, or something. Hilarious.

-"Your goal is me" really suggests a Kyon Theory and thus the end of the series, as well. Well, if it's well-written, I have no complaints. Other than it being a horrible waste of a plotline with potential.

So is that all that's in the magazine? Chapter One, which has no real focus on Alpha? Or is there more than that?

[ultimatemegax]

Originally Posted by Kaisos Erranon

At least use spoilers, guys.

So is that all that's in the magazine? Chapter One, which has no real focus on Alpha? Or is there more than that?

Yes, spoiler tags are very useful with unconfirmed information.

Kaisos,

Spoiler:

I am pretty (about 85%) sure that this is only the first chapter and little focus on Alpha.

[FDW]

Originally Posted by Vallen Chaos Valiant

It certainly sounds like she got demoted to "guard dog" status. As in, her violent tendencies are put to work, but otherwise is no longer a free-roaming agent any more.

Spoiler for 10th book stuff:

No, It was more along the lines of simply "not being one the antagonists". I got that idea from the unusual flair that she's showing in one of the pictures ultimatemegax posted yesterday. Asakura, from her history in the series, is not known for that type of flair during the series. (She has good acting skills, yes. But when she's that knife in her hands before, she hasn't hesitated in using it, and the data posted about the book so far in conjunction with the picture seem to imply very heavily that Asakura is just doing that (pointing said knife at Kyon's throat.) for the Lulz.)

[Tyabann]

Originally Posted by ultimatemegax

Yes, spoiler tags are very useful with unconfirmed information.

Kaisos, I am pretty (about 85%) sure that this is only the first chapter and little focus on Alpha.

Spoiler for sigh:

The word "Asakura" is a spoiler in and of itself, mind.

Well, I guess that's good to know, in any case. Also, is it actually called "Chapter 1" or did they continue with the numbering from Vol. 9 and go with "Chapter 4"?

[ultimatemegax]

Originally Posted by Kaisos Erranon

Spoiler for sigh:

The word "Asakura" is a spoiler in and of itself, mind.

Well, I guess that's good to know, in any case. Also, is it actually called "Chapter 1" or did they continue with the numbering from Vol. 9 and go with "Chapter 4"?

It starts with Alpha-7. That is confirmed from the original second akibablog picture. It doesn't state "chapter #" but the previous book ended with Beta-6, so it's at least continuing that numbering.

[Skane]

Should the above be confirmed true, then man... it would mirror the Terminator series a fair bit.

Spoiler for speculation:

A former foe turned ally. The freaking out of Kyon "Connor" when she re-appears. The opponent is a similar entity but possibly more advanced. Etc...

Hehe.

[User89254]

Has anyone considered yet it might be Kuyou holding the knife?
The hair looks a little weird...

[Tyabann]

Originally Posted by AsterSelene

Has anyone considered yet it might be Kuyou holding the knife?
The hair looks a little weird...

I agree, but it's a North High uniform, so...

[User89254]

Originally Posted by Kaisos Erranon

I agree, but it's a North High uniform, so...

Is it? -looks closer- Dang, you're right...

Well, at the very least I think we're all jumping to conclusions...who knows, that picture might even be a flashback to Melancholy...

[Ithekro]

Or catching the knife.

[quigonkenny]

Originally Posted by Ithekro

Or catching the knife.

Ooohh... Good catch... Literally. ^_^

Well, I can say for certainty that if the spoilers are correct (and considering the other pictures that have been relased by the same source, there's no reason to assume they are not), this is truly an interesting and welcome development. And what was described may not take up that much space, so I'm assuming that the α-7 portion that was released is only the first section of chapter 1, leaving room for plenty more story (and more "surprises" on the β-side).

Spoiler for Volume 10 spoilers:

It also suggests an all-out war in the offing between the Canopy Domain and the Data Overmind, which puts us well on the way to a possible β-pocalypse ending, like I speculated oh so many months ago. I'm sure some of you remember... ^_^

And BTW, that picture of Kuyoh is just f**king awesome. Expect a lot more Kuyoh fan art once that one makes the rounds... I'm going to have to turn that into an Avatar once the spoilers get out a little more... Jesus... Those eyes... Seriously some of Ito's best work.

Now let me sit over in the corner and giggle with glee for a while... ^_____^

[Tyabann]

Originally Posted by Ithekro

Or catching the knife.

Again, come to think of it...

Spoiler for spoilarz:

That's not Ryoko's knife, is it?

...Why do they ALWAYS use knives?

[FDW]

Originally Posted by Kaisos Erranon

Again, come to think of it...

Spoiler for spoilarz:

That's not Ryoko's knife, is it?

...Why do they ALWAYS use knives?

Spoiler for 10th book stuff:

Yeah, I just realized it a little while ago, Asakura's knife isn't curved like that, and her knife has a Crossbar Hilt, which this one lacks.

[dnab]

A few sideway musing:

If [the said spoiler] is construed as fan-pandering, then there's no greater fan-pandering than to extend the novel series ad infinitum, contrary to some of author's own past and recent expressions. There is no greater constraint to creative liberty than it's own success. If Ian Fleming's alive today even he couldn't kill off James Bond.

Non-essential journalism, not unlike tabloids, is fertile ground for manipulation at best, and wholesale propaganda at its utmost. The whole (original) Evangelion series ending fiasco was to make TWO movies out of two originally planned episodes, with its creator taking heat from the fans for the corporate good. Not so much unlike the Haruhi hiatus.

In retrospect [the said spoiler] shouldn't be a surprise either. Like Endless 8 "timed" the TV series for the Disappearance movie, note how the webisodes, movie, manga, and even the secondary manga (Yuki-chan) all prominently featured [the said spoiler], in synchronicity, to prepare the fanbase to accept [the said spoiler] back into the canon. Kudos to Kadokawa.

Am I a cynical paranoid conspiracist? Perhaps. But as Haruhi herself taught us, a) it's more interesting that way. And as Kyon would mutter, b) just follow the damn money, and be pleasantly surprised when life doesn't.

[Driger]

[Grahf616]

Sorry for being a little off topic, but I can't resist posting this:

Spoiler for Image Related to Current Discussion:

"John Simsu, come with me if you want to live."

[GMT]

Originally Posted by Kaisos Erranon

Again, come to think of it...

Spoiler for spoilarz:

That's not Ryoko's knife, is it?

...Why do they ALWAYS use knives?

Spoiler:

Because the local drugstore didn't have any phased plasma rifles in the 40 watt range in stock, of course.

[ultimatemegax]

No spoilers, just pictures this time. Here's the special store gifts when you purchase this issue of "The Sneaker" at their store:
Animate - Message paper
Gamerz - Publicity photo
Tora no Ana - Special illustrated card

[AmyElizzabeth]

Want big Gamerz scan.

Spoiler for Novel 10:

Originally Posted by ultimatemegax

2. The reason why Haruhi is good at cooking
5. A message stating "Atashi to tsukiau" (either "Associate/Go out with me" I can't tell the meaning)

For one, does she need a reason to be good at cooking? What is the reason?
And for that 5th thingy up there, was that the message that Kyon gave to Sasaki? ..You know what, what's the context of that message, anyway? If anyone knows, ANSWER PLZ KTHXBAI.

[/SPOILER]