Title: Hyouka
Genre: Mystery
Animation Production: Kyoto Animation
Summary: Oreki Houtarou maintains his low energy lifestyle by turning his back on studying, sports, or socializing. A letter from his sister forces him to join the Classics Club where he meets the curious girl Chitanda Eru. Later joined by his closest friend Fukube Satoshi and the feisty girl Ibara Miyaka, the Classics Club becomes entangled one mystery after another when they find the club’s anthology titled “Hyouka”.
First Impression: Watashi, kininarimasu! It’s been a while since I got to watch a good mystery. Last year’s titles that focused more on the loli detectives like
Gosick and
Dantalian no Shokadidn’t really leave that much of an impression. To enjoy a true mystery, we need a strong and well-written story and dialogue as well as able characters to execute it.
The first two episodes demonstrate the energy-saving and never-enthusiastic Houtarou’s deductive skills. Figuring out the case of a locked door, a book that was always returned a week after it was borrowed, or even the ghost in the piano room were totally elementary though. But as the third episode reveals a deeper mystery that the Classics Club may have to uncover for the entire series, Houtarou’s skills will definitely be put to the test.
So who exactly is Houtarou? He claims to be an average guy. While Fukube admits himself being a simple database, he proudly tells Eru that Houtarou can solve anything… so long as he was willing to spend energy doing so. And that’s where Eru, with her captivating eyes pulls Houtarou in. We enjoy beautiful visual metaphors that happens only inside Houtarou’s head. There is also effort in varying art style to include dark and dabbed to minimalist.
It’s a surprise how the really cute Chitanda is actually voiced by
Satou Satomi who I remember voicing K-On’s Ritsu. Other than that, we have an experienced set of main cast seiyuus.
Nakamura Yuuichi gives Houtarou a deep voice, making him sound more mature than the other characters and helps establish Houtarou being a key figure.
As BGM, we’ve already heard familiar classical piano music like the Moonlight Sonata. With the way the episodes are progressing, expecting more classical music wouldn’t hurt. Along with that is J-pop song “Reason of Kindness” by Chouho which is already one of my favorites for the season. It is not entirely upbeat but cool enough to breathe life, serving its purpose as the opening theme. The piano instrumentals behind Chouho’s voice create the image of water’s serene ripples and nicely timed with a similar effect in the animated sequence.
"I don't do what I don't have to do. What I have to do, I do quickly."
So says Houtarou so I will keep this brief. Will this be a good mystery? The first three episodes show enough potential for me to keep watching.
Tags:
Hyouka,
Spring 2012
I’m really liking this series so far. The characters are great and even though the mysteries aren’t stupendous they have a certain charm. I’m giong ot be watching this one till the end for sure
I’ll be watching all episodes of Hyouka as well.
In the first two episodes, I couldn’t shake the “Haruhi Suzumiya” feel of the story and its characters. Eru = Haruhi and Houtarou = Kyon. Did anyone else notice that? I really hope Hyouka characters aren’t mere shadows or copies. I have nothing against Haruhi but we’d want characters to have their own identity, right?
I had that thought in the back of my mind as well. Who knows maybe that’s what they were going for?
I’ll pick this up after my exams and internet is back. Thanks for the review.
P.S. Am I the only one that hates haruhi? I find that she has no redeeming qualities whatsoever.
I don’t hate Haruhi, but I did find “second season” completely pointless. The first season caught my interest and the series in general because of how different it is. So in short I liked it for being unique more than anything.
I didn’t find Haruhi interesting and I really wondered what all the hype was about her character. Other than unknowingly changing the world with her thoughts, how far can she bring the series anyway? I only watched the short version of the anime plus the movie so maybe there’s something else I didn’t see. I don’t hate Haruhi but I don’t related with her either.
Whoa seems like I’m the only one here who likes Haruhi….I think her eccentric behavior and bossy attitude got me hooked. I dunno seems like if someone like Haruhi existed in my high school life it won’t be as bland as I remember it to be…
The story has a big potential, but will they be able to keep the interest for all 21 episodes? That’s the challenge…:)
Agreed. I really hope they manage it well.