Flower of Thanatos

I have been a huge fan of the Da Capo franchise and fortunately they have just aired the first episode of Da Capo II early this week. Originally adapted from an ero-game with the same name, the plot would most probably consist of romance and harem. Playing the game myself, I'm quite anticipating the outcome of the series.

SUMMARY


The story takes place on the same island but set 50 years after the previous series. The protagonist, Yoshiyuki Sakurai lives with his non-related sisters, Otome Asakura and Yume Asakura. Both of the Asakura sisters are the direct descendants of Junichi Asakura and Nemu Asakura (the main hero and heroine from the previous story). In fact, most of the characters in this anime are apparently the descendants from the previous one.


Nanaka Shirakawa, granddaughter of Kotori Shirakawa

IMPRESSION


Although I prefer the OP from the game, the OP song from Yozuca does give a good vibe to the anime. The sakura theme of the song really resembles the actual theme of the franchise. As for the ED theme, it was done really beautifully and I think CooRie did a very good job as always.


The protagonist's little sister, Yume Asakura


The first episode briefly introduces most of the main characters (In fact, it was too brief). It seems like this episode are mainly about Koko Tsukishima's love confession to Yoshiyuki. I'm not really a big fan of Koko but seriously, a confession on the "first episode"??? I can only expect they will break up later on to give way for more intense plot development (Although not at School Day's level).


Koko Tsukishima confessing her love


Most of the voice actors from the previous series are back this time. One of my all times favorites, Yui Horie will be voice casting Yume (Although I would really prefer if she did Nanaka like the previous Kotori). Even the old previous Sakura is back. In fact, currently she is the only remnants present in this series so far.


Sakura, still young as ever

Overall, I'm quite satisfied with the first episode. I'm expecting more drama for this series especially since it's only have 13 episode (compared to 26 from the previous series). Although most probably the main story would revolve around the Asakura sisters, I really hope they'll have an Otome ending because I LIKE OLDER GIRLS!!! her plot is more serious than the others.


Otome Asakura, the protagonist's older sister

For those who had never watched the previous series, I guess it's fine to watch this since the stories would probably be less related. But it's really worth to watch the previous one just for fun.



Seriously, it's not that boring

Hmm........ It seems like these days, there have been a quite number of anime, manga and games that feature female characters who appeared as cute or nice but later exhibit psychotic behavior.

In most cases, initially they are presented as loving, weak and shy. They might also have some feelings towards a certain male character. However, due to some unexpected events in the plot revolving their relationship (eg. Heartbroken, betrayed), they may display occasional mental breakdown which will cause her to turn psychotic and aggressive (which may lead them to commit murder).

In other cases, the female subjects might even don't have any emotions for the male characters. Usually they turned psychotic or violent when angry or irritated.


Here are some few characters that are well known for these types of traits


1. Kaede Fuyou (Shuffle!)

Normal Mode
She is portrayed as a kind, timid and sweet girl and has deep feeling with the protagonist, Rin Tsuchimi. Unfortunately for her, it was an another girl (Asa Shigure) who was receiving most of Rin's affection. Eventually, she became mentally sick and tried to hurt Asa in the process.

Psychotic Mode

2. Kotonoha Katsura (School Days)

Normal Mode
In the beginning, she became Makoto's girlfriend with a help of their friend, Sekai. However later on, she found out Makoto is then stolen by Sekai. Feeling betrayed, she suffered some psychotic episodes and in one of the bad ends, she murdered Sekai by slicing her neck with a saw in broad daylight in front of Makoto.

Psychotic Mode

3. Rena Ryugu (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni)

Normal Mode
At first, she appeared as a nice and sweet girl who adores cute things. But later on after the male protagonist, Keiichi, suspects that the village had some dark secrets, she becomes intimidating and violent towards him.

Psychotic Mode


These darker aspects of personalities may not that popular or well-known compared to other otaku slang. However it does add the spices to the story to make it more suspense and intriguing.

But the part that worries me a lot is........