Winter 2015 | The Chuuni Corner

March 29, 2015

Review/discussion about: Saenai Heroine no Sodatekata

“Blessing Software,” more harem than company

Creating content is an interesting notion. Someone sets aside time to mold, craft, or piece together objects in an attempt to have their cohesion bring about a finalized product. And these objects take on a variety of forms. For instance, this very review is content, where the objects are words and the product is a review. Architects work with wood, chefs work with ingredients, and painters work with paints. Visual novels, too, are a type of content. They require a plot, artwork, music, and coding, all working in unison, to make a game that is worthy of being played. But as Saenai Heroine no Sodatekata shows, sometimes it isn’t the objects that are difficult to work with but the people behind them that are.

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March 27, 2015

Review/discussion about: Parasyte — The Maxim

Two wrongs don’t make a right…hand

What’s the first image that comes to mind when you hear the word “animal?” Is it a lion roaming the plains of Africa? Perhaps it’s a shark swimming menacingly throughout the deep, dark ocean? Or maybe it’s even a cardinal resting on a tree branch, contrasting starkly with a snow-laden field? Whatever the answer may be, something people often forget is that they, too, are an animal. And not just in the definition of the word; our actions can sometimes be rather animalistic in nature. Which leads to an even better question: are we really so different from the species around us? This is the philosophical inquiry Parasyte — The Maxim brings forth. But sadly, it falters quite tremendously.

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March 25, 2015

Review/discussion about: Akatsuki no Yona

Not your everyday princess

The other day, for one reason or another, while talking with my wonderful mother, we stumbled upon the topic of the universe. Specifically about the scale of it all; how its literal astronomical size seems too daunting to comprehend. But how does this relate to Akatsuki no Yona, an anime that has about as much relation to outer space as does a piece of paper? Well, condense the thinking: despite the vastness of it all, we exist here, right now, at this very moment. Therefore, is it too silly or arrogant to think that we have some “reason” for living? That, perhaps, our life should have some purpose to it all? It is quite the interesting thought, one that this anime explores with some elegance.

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March 24, 2015

Review/discussion about: Absolute Duo

This Duo is definitely not “two for the price of one”

Wanting to be stronger is something that a lot of people strive for. And that isn’t just in the sense of lifting weights to tone one’s muscles. There is strength of mind in the form of intelligence or strength of spirit in having the courage to do what’s right. But no matter its form, strength isn’t something that is easily obtained. Hardship and difficulties are what give shape to such strength, and subsequently determine what strength is ultimately earned. This is what Absolute Duo tries to convey, but without much strength to support even itself.

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March 21, 2015

Review/discussion about: Bonjour♪Sweet Love Patisserie

Despite the planet behind them, this harem is not “larger than life”

With a show like Bonjour♪Koiaji Pâtisserie (which will be shortened to “Bonjour” from here on out), one is supposed to relate with, to some extent, the main heroine and the cast surrounding her. We’re supposed to understand the situations, the happenings, or the predicaments that they’re found in. Or at the minimum, at least understand what message the anime is attempting to portray. But behind all of the cakes, hunks, and pretty art lies something sinister: practically nothing.

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March 21, 2015

Review/discussion about: Your Lie in April

Death isn’t the end, but the beginning

There’s a certain mystique that surrounds the idea of “death.” It’s the end, the final chapter in the life you live. You often never take it seriously, simply worrying about the big and the small, the important and the trivial. But when you think about it, really, truly think about it, death isn’t something to be feared. It should act as a drive, as a kind of passion to do those things that you never thought you could. Are you passionate about writing? Awesome, go for it. Do you have the talent for the piano? Then give it your all. Strive to do everything you can now, because you might never be able to later. Taking this to heart, Your Lie in April springs off in spectacular fashion.

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Category: Winter 2015