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Upon gazing at the ridiculously short synopsis and the total episode number, I was convinced that there is nothing too special to see here. And looking back on complaints with its first run five years ago under “Yozakura Quartet,” I was skeptical on how this reboot will deliver. How wrong I was; this anime left me with a lasting impression. You might have been put off too, but don’t back away now, because the simplistic synopsis is not all what this anime has to offer.

Given the synopsis and thirteen-episode span, I was led to believe that this anime’s storyline wouldn’t get past a good mark. ... That proves to be quite true when it isn’t so often that the characters do their duties of kicking butt and defending the city and rather spend time dilly-dallying with ramen and swimming pools. But when they do, it is quality over quantity in this case, and each few moments of action deliver well as it also continues from building on one event to the next within the mastermind’s hands. Coupled with the soundtrack ranging towards some snazzy rushing tunes, the action is displayed well when the characters do their duties. Animation-wise, the fluidity is crisp and well-done in the fights; that makes the very few fights in this anime to have some high quality features. The amusing methods that each character employs in battle could be as outlandish as it is enjoyable (epic too).

The action and animation are eye-catching, but when it comes to plot concerns, the anime comes to a slow crawl that later picks ups half-way. The characters are confined to one area (their city), and the plot only demands action when there’s a crazy hub-bub that wants to destroy the peace. By the synopsis’s implication, it is as if the anime is to be mainly packed with constant supernatural skirmishes every episode with new villains. That isn’t what it truly offers though. Now what does this anime offer that makes it entirely unique? Characters that transform this shounen into something different.

The scope of the anime doesn’t primarily zone in on action, fanservice, and comedy, the scope seems to zone in on the characters. These types of characters aren’t exactly impressive, but the anime does create a sweet character depth and also pokes into their relationships with the others. It tends to poke into the themes of expectation and burden, especially in regards to Akina and Hime. And it does exploration for all characters along with suiting music. For a shounen anime in a fantasy setting to have slice-of-life themes in its mix, it does so pretty well. Their backstories are explored and the viewers are now given some emotional attachment to them if not all.

I think this is impressive for a thirteen-episode shounen anime. It was as if Yasuda Suzuhito was trying to implement slice-of-life themes here instead of typical shounen ones. Usually, viewers are already drawn to the convictions of shounen characters, but the convictions for these characters are not so hero-like in the traditional sense. They appeal to nearly real-world internal struggles that people tend to face in their days. The character arcs mainly focus on that, few episodes are dedicated to that as well. Forget about never giving up and protecting others, Yozakura Quartet is a mixed-bag of slice-of-life themes presented in a shounenesque way.

That is all it can ever be though, a mixed-bag. And I don’t think that is a subjective term for this anime. As convoluted as to where the focus and drive of the anime is as a whole, it seems to do it justice, and it probably was intentional. The OP song is breathes in excitement and merriment which links to the seriousness and cheeriness of the anime, while the ED song seems to remind us about how important the characters’ state of minds are to give an impact to the series. This is done in many anime I’m sure, but the songs do help with what the anime is about with the moods that the songs bring out. I think it is hard to pin down where the actual focus is, but the fact is that the characters are what run the show with every importance. Quirky, yes they are. Deep, somewhat so, and that level of depth should be tolerable and forgivable.

What’s even more respectable about Yozakura Quartet: HNU is that it does not suffer from a genre identity crisis. It does not try too hard for one thing, so it shoots down expectations from any side of the genre spectrum by balancing and shifting between action and play while it maintains the charming and optimistic childish aura that it exudes in even the direst situations. But that does not stop it from being critiqued on its ‘apparent’ potential, for I can see people wanting it to go beyond its mediocre interplay between the genres. So look away now if you are the viewer who is looking for something along the specific lines. Yozakura Quartet: HNU is not made for that. It’s made to appeal to those who are looking for something ‘different.’

The efforts made into this anime shine pretty well with intended mediocrity. The mixed action and character back-stories are the crux of the series, but plot-wise, viewers who start watching will finally be ‘rewarded’ for the real story behind this special town and the clouds that are beginning to storm in.

The storytelling is not so stellar, for the actual mystery and interesting info are only touched upon near the end of the anime, and towards the end, the whole setting and continuing devices of storytelling becomes even more predictable. There will still be the same kind of conflict, but with more detail added on regarding the secrets behind certain main characters. One should keep in mind of the true story that this anime is trying to tell. Although unfinished, from start to end, it has left me satisfied with anticipation. This makes the story tolerable somewhat, and it ought to be excused.

What is a tad inexcusable is the anime’s way of evoking emotion from the viewer. Even typical shounen anime can rally a nearly absurd amount of sympathy and emotion from. The way that this anime tries to evoke some sympathy is half-baked and isn’t dramatic enough. This clash between shounen and slice-of-life doesn’t work too well in the emotional department. What it does instead is to create an understanding of the characters, not to create sympathy for them. There isn’t anything wrong with that, but expectations and standards are not appealed. I think because many viewers are already used to specific slice-of-life and shounen anime, the result that this hybrid-genre anime gives off remains unfulfilled. That makes it’s ‘mistakes and flaws’ hard to accept was the reason why I even considered dropping the anime, but the important thing is that this is what this breed of an anime is trying to do.Even though the anime tries shoot down expectations, handling that with an open-mind could take some effort into getting used to. That may put off some people from continuing to watch.

Nevertheless, this is a decent anime with my enjoyment stemming from the fights and the internal conflicts that the main characters have. It personally did not make me strongly react, but I can’t help but admire at what it does. Had it did evoke a strong reaction, this anime would have deserved some more praise, but it does what it does somewhat well, and it works.

At least the captivating art style helps make up for its ‘mediocrity’. The city gives off a fresh feel of security, while at night it turns mysterious and dangerously exciting. Characters are not glazed like porcelain dolls, for they are more akin to the cleanliness of Durarara. It also packs a similar atmosphere, but in a more merry way. Given the whole convoluted feel of focus and whims, the art style definitely fits with the plot’s antics. The anime is like a bowl of piping hot ramen (Hime’s favorite food), a meal that combines a variety of tasteful ingredients where taste and flavor are balanced (although the overall quality might be something to gag at depending on personal tastes).

But does it appeal to you? Who knows. Just hope that you get a good flavor from that mixed-bag of tea. It just might be your cup. And it is gladly mine. Give it a try and you’ll be in for a lasting experience, for better or worse.

*NOTE: When watching this anime, the OVA Yozakura Quartet: Hoshi no Umi takes place prior to Episode 9 and after Episode 8.

“Who in the world am I? Ah, that's the great puzzle.”
― Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland

What would you think when someone just told you that your existence is a sin? That’s practically saying that you should never have been born. Certainly, that isn’t a very nice thing to say, but when people actually start to persecute and throw you into a jail for it, it begs the question: What did I do?!

Paralleling the themes of identity crisis makes a wonderful comeback from Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland” into this manga “Pandora Hearts” by Jun Mochizuki, where we have a young 15-year-old noble that ... stumbles upon the mystery of his sinful existence and the dreadful truth behind his name.

The story starts off happily-hearted with Oz Vessalius preparing for his coming-of-age ceremony at the age of 15, and that is when things go… mad. Upon the last moments of his ceremony, red-hooded adversaries usurp the mansion and throw Oz Vessalius into the Abyss, a prison that hosts blood-thirsty entities called Chains. His crime: The crime of existing!

With no other means of escape, Oz is forced into a contract with a resident Chain, an estranged girl named Alice, so that she may escape from the Abyss along with her newfound contractor.

And so it begins with Oz searching for the truth behind his conviction and with Alice searching for her own missing memories.

But ignorance is bliss when it begins.

The story is somewhat engrossing in which the reader will attempt to uncover the mysteries that encircle these characters. The many shocking truths that I’ve learned from reading this are pretty overwhelming, and it really just beckons you to continue more. This premise of truth-seeking isn’t really original, but the amount of shocking and thrilling content in this manga surely tops off the number of times that a novel or movie would have. Plus, the importance of these vital bits of info that Oz and Alice find all tie into the grandest scheme of all things—something far more sinister then ever imagined.

And along the ride, we come to find that bliss is ignorance.

Aside from that synopsis, the plot is engaging in this way as we come to learn what actions characters will do as they struggle from the eye-opening truths and revelations that should never be mentioned at all. Because the way the story is set up, truths and memories are learned in fragments—and almost never in the same order. This way proves itself well in grasping in readers once they’ve stared into the Abyss far too long that it starts to stare back. Not only that, the enjoyment stems off on the way Oz and Alice’s little journey gets them involved in some very serious events. Would they better be off not knowing? Or can they still smile now that they know?

But that is all the plot can muster. These bits of info that they are looking for aren’t in every chapter, because characters still need to adjust and react to the newfound truths that they acquired. However, this does not make the story boring mind you, because the characters themselves give you quite a good show.

There are characters that are nearly representative of the “Alice in Wonderland” cast if not for the actual Chains themselves. Characters aren’t as mad as they seem, but they conjure an elegant air of shrewdness and mystery. Even the most despicable characters are lovable to an extent; because their personalities are borderline mad, if not everyone’s. It’s also interesting to see the schemers come into play as they encourage and even interfere with the motives of Oz and Alice along with Pandora, an organization that is interested in the affairs regarding the Abyss.

By themselves, every character falls flat, but coupled with shrewd intentions, every character works wonders in driving the plot of the story. And that is when their true personas emerge. Characters are all certainly deep, justified, and even downright cruel and sadistic. This common twist for many “Alice in Wonderland” renditions and spin-offs plays out well in Pandora Hearts. It’s a mad world out there, and it’s rendered just as eloquently as the art.

Speaking of the art style, all I can say is that for a Shonen manga, every single character is beautifully drawn. Period (except for one god-awful nobleman). I meant that in the most aesthetic sense of “human beauty”; characters are NOT “ugly” per se, but Mochizuki promotes an admirable side to beauty without erotica. Nevertheless, landscapes are detailed and portray a Victorianesque scene which really fits in the theme and urban context of “Alice in Wonderland.” I can vouch for the art to be very acceptable here, and when things get hectic, expect blood as a permanent stain to this beauty. Very tragic.

Yet, those words that describe the art can sum up Pandora Hearts.

Beautifully tragic.

Pandora Hearts has left a good impression on me. It’s a tragic story associated with dark themes and psychotic obsessions rendered beautifully in a very twisted romantic sense. And the theme of identity and existence is still made clear.

What more can you expect from an “Alice in Wonderland” deviant? It’s classy, dark, thematic, beautiful and tragic. But the compelling storytelling is also superb with all the pieces falling into play, and just when you think it starts to get mad… trust me, the madness has even yet to begin.

In the minds of many, High School is the time of happy moments and strong memories. People tend to make friends and get involved in many activities, from sports to clubs. And despite the noteworthy drama and hardships that take place in High Schools, High School life is under the spirit that some would call "youth."

(Un)fortunately for Hachiman Hikigaya, he doesn't think so, and he demonstrates that all of that sass about "youth" is a mere fabrication to deceive oneself with a false sense of happiness. So our dear fish-eyed and "gross" protagonist aspires to conduct his life like a bear-- one that hibernates to ... cause no trouble nor get into trouble.

So what makes this anime featuring a dispassionate and social-apathetic loner so interesting? It is the mere fact that this protagonist gives his audience a wild crazy taste on his state of mind!

But that is what keeps the story from being one of the higher points of this anime. This anime has no ongoing central goal nor plot whatsoever because we've got a very stubborn character who seems immune to character development and brushes everyone off.

Nevertheless, Hachiman is forced into the Public Service Club by his teacher, Shizuka Hiratsuka, who wishes to correct his corrupted behavior. Alongside him, is the beautiful ice queen, Yukino Yukinoshita, who was also "contained" in this club for the same intentions, courtesy of Shizuka. We can only imagine what these two misfits can do to make society crumble before their feet.

Thus, the club's activities in helping others is what drives the "plot" of this anime, but even the most mundane tasks can be made to be rather amusing.

And that's where the characters come in to make things worthwhile. They feature a very colorful cast here with matching personalities. We all seen this before. The busty girl. The trap. The fat otaku. The ojou. The nice guy. The fujoshi. The christmas cake. Etc.

But when you throw in a nonchalant, social pessimist and an intelligent, sharp-tongued ice queen... hilarity ensues. Or rather, you get amusing and witty dialogue. We see cooking, tennis, and shopping between the wide cast and every word said is like getting hit by a marshmallow or a dagger to the face multiple times.

The chemistry between characters is great, where snark and criticism is passed on like a hot potato. The most happiest characters will fall down to size by the bitterness and scorn of the two main protagonists as they offer their services, unless the other main heroine, Yui Yuigahama, is there to cheer the victim up.

From an anime that relies on dialogue and character development to advance the plot, character development does not actually fall too far behind despite stubborn characters.

We get to see a more insightful and justified side behind Hachiman's deadpan demeanor. And a more gentle and vulnerable side behind that icy exterior of Yukino's. Albeit, it is not that much. But that surely counts. And you can't exactly detest even the most horrible characters because of the level of understanding and empathy that you get from them.

What I'm also trying to get across is that you see why every (almost every) important character acts the way that he or she does. Expect some important backstories and implications between conversations. The emphasis on these corrupted personas is to get you to see things from their perspective, whether their values are acceptable or hard to swallow.

The few things that clue you in on how deep the characters are, especially Hachiman and Yukino, are found in their conversations. While that should be prominent in every anime, this one seems to stress two different and important personas that everyone can identify with.

According to the first episode, it seems that...

Hachiman is a person that stays true to himself. He sees change as a running away from your own self.

Yukino is a person that wants to start things anew. Instead she views change as a redemption.

And when you place these two opposing types of mentality into socially hazardous minds, you will get some pretty deep insightful **** as I've said before. (As far as how long the anime will cover the light novels, I am pretty optimistic). I can't emphasize enough, but this anime follows through beyond what I am expecting here. So much that it is unexpected.

I was expecting humor and problems with romance the first time I laid eyes on the title, but this anime isn't supposed to show the traditional means of romance and comedy. It's supposed to show a deeper aspect here behind the subtle use of fanservice and comedy, and that's what I admire in this anime. It's going about a pace to show why the characters are what they are, and it leaves you hoping that somehow things will get better for every characters' sake.

The question whether or not the two most stubborn characters in this anime will change for the better or change for the worse is very interesting to watch.

I found this anime very enjoyable and laughed at the countless moments of Hachiman's remarks (and references!) to the many quirks of the other characters. The banter between the characters is always amusing with the snarkiness and scorn bouncing about through and over the heads of the friendlier characters. And the monologues are very noteworthy in displaying a character's personality and are especially identified with the viewers.

The dialogue is also backed with very fitting music that sounds like something from a well-done visual novel ranging from expressive piano notes to bass grooves. The sound has a whimsical expression that superbly matches character tones and the clean defined atmosphere touched by the art. Furthermore, the music goes hand-in-hand with Hachiman's monologues and serious recollections. At times, the music and sound will also remind you of the sad and bitter undertones that lie beneath the character's happy expression called "youth."