On the Black Rock Shooter OVA...
Well, the BRS OVA is out and I just watched it. I’ve been having doubts about Black Rock Shooter for quite awhile now. Sure the designs are nice, but as I said before, I cannot justify buying a figure just based on designs and I was waiting for the OVA to confirm whether or not I’ll be getting the Black Rock Shooter and Dead Master figures. So, the results are in…
It wasn’t bad. It wasn’t terrible, nor did it blow me away by any stretch of the imagination. It wasn’t bad.
SPOILERS AHEAD
So, I guess I should talk a little about this OVA.
In a nutshell:
From the get go, we are introduced to two wolds. The ‘Real’ world and the ‘BRS’ world. In the Real world, we have the story of Mato who is just beginning her first day of High School. She meets Yomi and the two become fast friends. In the second year, they get separated into different classes and Yomi gets jealous as Mato is spending more time with Yuu, Mato’s Basketball Captain instead of spending time with her.
Yomi then disappears, leading to numerous rumors that range from kidnapping to her running away from home.
All this time, Black Rock Shooter has been battling Dead Master in an alternate universe, BRS and DM being an alter ego of Mato and Yomi respectively.
In the end, Mato wishes to see Yomi again with all her heart and BRS answers her call and reverts DM back into Yomi.
After the credits, we see Mato and Yomi walking home from school together as per normal, but now, Yuu seems to be jealous of the couple. Damn, Mato sure is popular.
Well, I’ll say that they did a respectable job in coming out with a somewhat feasible plot to contrast the speechless and mostly silent fighting of the Black Rock Shooter.
The relationship between Mato and Yomi was pretty well done. The way that their relationship was portrayed and their tenderness and closeness reminded me of a certain Pocky couple, albeit done a bit too hastily to really get invested into their characters. The fact that one of them shares a similar name doesn’t help that much. On that level, I really liked the simple and innocent presentation of school life and the fallout of a good relationship.
On the other hand, on the BRS side, the action scenes were brilliant, though not as exciting as I’d hope for. Maybe it’s due to their lack of dialogue or any reactions that really made the fights feel lifeless.
But seriously, the Anime was so vague that it really leaves a lot to the imagination and leaves so much room to over-analyze it to the point of making it sound like a high concept arthouse work.
For instance, I could say that the Anime is a deep piece that delves into the inner mind/human psyche and explores how fragile human relationships are, the connection between physical and emotional closeness (ala 5 Centimeters Per Second), and how every human has a dark side and how easy it is to fall prey to your own emotions. All this from a very existential perspective.
Not to mention, on deeper analysis, some questions that I’ve been mulling over:
- What is the world of Black Rock Shooter? Is it some kind of parallel dimension? Or is it some sort of personification of the inner feelings/struggles of the characters?
- When Yomi disappears, does she get transported to the parallel world or did she actually go missing on her own accord? Was she literally ‘swallowed up by her jealousy’? If so, how? Did she turn into Dead Master? Was she Dead Master from the beginning?
- Are the characters of BRS and DM really parallel dimension representations of Mato and Yomi? They were already fighting when Mato and Yomi were still best friends… But then, BRS manages to expunge DM from Yomi at the end, meaning to say that DM as some sort of corruption/misguided emotion (jealosy,loneliness) of Yomi that had led her astray?
- Not that it really matters, but who is Black Gold Saw’s alter ego and why was Mato/BRS fighting her? And why isn’t she gold?
- Was the final scene before the credits used to blur and transcend the lines between the alternate dimension (human psyche?) and reality? How was Mato able to contact BRS?
- At the end, was there is some sort of foreshadowing or hint that Yuu will eventually falter just like Yomi did, as hinted through her hesitation/shadowed out face. Does that mean that the Anime is presenting to us the idea that ‘two’s company but three’s a crowd’ and that there cannot be a relationship between three friends without jealousy or strife? But then, you can also argue that the reverse is also true as she steps forward when called.
…or the entire production team could be screwing with our minds and it could just be lazy, bullshit storytelling. By making such a tenuous connection between the worlds, there is so much guesswork and assumption to be made. Since both worlds were practically self-contained, one could easily take the BRS Anime as two completely different shows cut up and lazily pasted together just so that they could turn what is essentially a music video into an something that resembles a barely coherent ‘Anime’.
Genius or Garbage, Brilliant or Bullshit, you be the judge. I enjoyed it for what it is, but honestly don’t think it lived up to a fraction of the hype and popularity of BRS. Personally speaking, I think it would have gone over better if they had done it as a more traditional MagicalGirl Show. Let’s see…
Mato and Yomi are best friends in real life, but unbeknown to each of them, their alter egos of Black Rock Shooter and Dead Master are mortal enemies, fated to duel till the end.
While it sounds cliche, it is very, very simple to do something with this at its base to turn the genera on its head. Easy to follow, better flow and easier and get into.
P.S. Oh yeah, I’ll be getting the Figmas alright, but I would rather want Figmas of Mato and Yomi as they got far better characterization, personality and charm.
Post mirrored on my blog~
is just me or Mato personality is close to Yui from K-ON??? anyway i watched the episode and i enjoy it, but for a OVA que quality of animation should be a lot better in the fight scenes
i'd say not just the fight scenes,there're some other scenes which needed improvement.nonetheless its still a piece of great work.
I was sort of thinking the same thing about Mato seeming kind of like Yui. Especially her voice at times sounded just like Yui.
Nice review, haven't seen it yet myself and before knew very little to nothing of what/is BRS but I saw the 1/8th of Dead Master wanted it saw price said nah. . . saw figma so getting that will watch ova eventually to see if my want of the DM figma will increase or decrease.
Also, had a good lol as to why isn't she gold comment.
I enjoyed it, but it was a bit of a let down. I preferred the real world story line and found the lack of dialogue in BRS world frustrating. It would be nice if it were made into a series opposed to a few OVAs. Look forward to seeing what they do with the next one though.
I think there's 2 ways to interpret the story so far:
The first one is, that both storylines (BRS and reality) are happening at the same time. In this interpretation there's the problem that BRS fights DM right from the beginning, with no symbols of the budding and developing friendship between the two.
The second interpretation is, that the reality part shows what happened up to the BRS part started - how DM and BRS were "created" and how Mato entered the BRS world.
I like the latter one better, because it seems to be more consistent with the flow of the story - although the first interpretation offers more room for interesting theories :)
Just finished watching it, I enjoyed it.
I wasn't expecting a lot knowing it was based off little, but it turned out all right. It was a lot to pack into 50 minutes, it was enough to get an idea of the characters personalities. Still it a was bit confusing not knowing the connection between the real characters and the BRS world characters. It was real vague at the end too, just enough to know that there IS a connection. Who knows how.
Least there most likely will be more. Poor strength, just standing there doing nothing for a few seconds. Probably more in action from her part next time (seeing how it ended).
Overall, I liked it :) Do have a basis on liking Dead Master now, which I do.
Well, let's remember that...
This is an anime spawned off of a character design, that was spawned off of a fan music video, that was spawned off of a vocaloid program. With that in mind I'd say it was done wonderfully well.
!!!!!!!!SPOILERS FOLLOW!!!!!!!!!!
As for the relation between the BRS world and the real world, my guess is something akin to parallel dimensions. The way I saw the scenes interlaced seemed to give the idea that the whole real world affair happened first and the BRS world chapter is what happened next. I'm basing this theory off of the fact that BRS seems to go to DM's place with the express purpose of bringing her back (the first action is BRS extending a hand of friendship) giving the idea that Mato and BRS had merged at that point. The scenes involving BGS and the one with big arms would seem to indicate that they're leaving this open for a sequel or two.
As for the "lack of dialogue", if you consider the BRS world to be one where you are your emotions manifested, it kind of makes sense. True, honest emotions can never be fully related by words, only with actions. Or it could just be the production team screwing with us, yeah...
But on one hand I think it's better that they don't give any rock solid truths in these areas. There are times when what you imagine to be the case is more interesting than what the series says is real. I believe by leaving certain things unexplained the creators take advantage of this in the viewers. Or it could just be the production team being lazy... yeah...
That does indeed make quite a ton of sense, though it still doesn't explain who Black Gold Saw is and her relation to BRS, the existence of the BRS world and how Yomi managed to enter it. (^.^)
Hopefully, they'll explain in the following episodes.
I saw it kind of like Shadowind explained.
And personally I think Black Gold Saw was just there so that there's more fighting/ass kicking to watch. Just because, it looks cool. (that and the production team being lazy to write background story for this character... hehe)
I've discussed it in more detail in my review:
http://autaku.com/2010/07/26/anime-review-black-rock-shooter-ova/
...but in summary, I enjoyed the OVA. It's far from genius and it ultimately suffers from an unsatisfying conclusion, but if we assume that it's the beginning of a series then the ending is forgivable. My real problem with the OVA is that the alternate world scenes, while fairly nice to look at, often felt to me like they were dragging down the much more engaging real-world story. If it turns out that this OVA is all there'll ever be then it would have been a much better stand-alone story without any of the actual BRS elements, but - again, assuming there'll be more - with the two worlds combined there's plenty of potential for something that's greater than either reality on its own.
As for Black Gold Saw, either it will be explained in future instalments or it simply has no bearing on the story. At the moment I read it as the latter - nothing more than a stylistic introduction - and I don't think it's necessary to look any further into it. I'm not convinced that the story - certainly not the alternate world side of things - warrants much further analysis just yet. For now, it is what it is: make of it what you will and maybe get 50 minutes of enjoyment out of it.
Any tips as to where to find this online?
you shouldn´t "watchanimeon" the net, please suport the anime and buy Hobby Japan that brings the DVD, i will xD
Come on, don't be a politically correct spoilsport. (^.^;) It's the internet, everyone watches Anime for free. Especially on forums such as these I can guarantee more than 90% watches Anime online.
Besides, there's no rule against watching online first and buying later. I do that.
"watchanimeon" is the keyword LOL
No worries, I always buy the DVD when it's available. I just feel too impatient to wait . . .
Ditto. I too am impatient... but if given the chance to acquire the HD-DVD Original locally, I truly 100000000% would.
The non-chronological style of story-telling for the anime is very interesting style for me, and possibly the most logical style to used to begin with. Though I didn't realized that until I've watch the ending scene (before the credit).
There are a lot of unanswered questions, but I wouldn't mind leaving it to my imagination.
Al things considered, I'm hoping that the sequel (hopefully there will be one) will clear things up.
Well, I believe the term is 'fractured narrative'. Cons are, it's kind of disconcerting and discriminating, but does well to balance out the action and story.
The anime will start next spring.
I kinda like how the story is arranged in a very contrasting manner. A warm, lively real world story is suddenly switched to a cold, dark fighting scene in BRS world and then switched back to the real world again. And to answer your question, the story of BRS world actually starts after the disappearance of Yomi. Mato turned into BRS involuntarily and went to BRS world to save Yomi who was possessed by her alter ego(Death Master). The fight scenes are brought forward to confuse the audience. Therefore, the BRS world is actually real instead of human phyche . The lack of dialog in BRS world further emphasize the contrast between the two different worlds. IMO, Huke's presentation is very unique and interesting. The only thing I am disappointed is the ending theme used. They should have used "Black Rock Shooter" sung by Miku to preserve the originality of this awesome anime. Anyway, GJ!!! Can't wait for the next episode ^^
I was glad to find I liked the characters, but I was a bit miffed when I realized that this whole 50 minute film is essentially a teaser. >.< Hopefully if they do a full series they'll go into the connection between the two worlds in depth. Basically I think it has potential, but wish they'd done the brave thing and jumped in with both feet. ^^;
Hope they will bring in more detail next time.
For now the plot is still vague.
Maybe they will need a main badguy.
Some master mind, some twist and mystery perhaps.
Hopefully not everyone disappears(or got taken over by avatars) to BRS World by being left out.
It would get boring.
Well if theres a deeper reason to that, maybe not so.
This is Some pieces I posted else where but these are my own theories:
Hmmm I hadn't noticed that Black rock shooter had no scars in the fight with Black gold saw. hmm.
After watching that again it seems that the Other★World reset after Black rock shooter was defeated.
maybe she is the key to that world,or maybe it's guardian. it is easy to assume that the action takes place after she offers to help Mato save Yomi but maybe it takes place midway through. Maybe black rock shooter needs Mato to take back Yomi so Other★world is brought back into balance.
As it seemed that the inhabitants of the Other★world have little or no emotion, so taking a being full of emotions may increase their power?
and also:
I personally don't think that the plot is gonna loop with Yuu as the enemy. I see her more as an ally to the black rock shooter. If memory serves (will have to re watch the OVA again) but STR appears just before/after the scene, where Yuu picks up Mato which made me think that STR was the one who helped black rock shooter after the defeat by Black gold saw (assuming the Other★World doesn't reset each time black rock shooter is defeated)
But there are plenty of other Other★World characters that can become the enemy next time.
Edit here is a list of Huke's creations:
http://blackrockshooter.wikia.com/wiki/Category:Characters
I have plenty more theories to come but these are where I am at the moment.
I liked the OVA and really like the design, however I wish they'd make it into a full series. That way they'd be able to include all the characters and go in depth with the story. With the fandom they already have I don't think the sales would be that bad, and they actually do have some kind of story going. ^^ If they answer some questions and expand I think this could become great. But for now I wait and hope for more, as stated above this does feel like a teaser. I want to see Geshumaru in action. :3
They are making it into a full series.
People seem to have forgotten that O_o
I didn't know, was expecting 2-3 OVA episodes and then they were done with it. But that is amazing news as I'm able to indulge myself in loads more epic BRS action. ^^ Now I just hope that the GSC decides to sculpt Geshumaru soon. Hopefully the whole BRS cast. :3
Spread the word ^^
You serious? I didn't know it would be a full series! In fact I didn't even know there would be more than one OVA!
I'm extremely excited now! Scared at the same time though... GSC will not be forgiving on our wallets! ._.
From the official BRS wiki.
. . .well, that just means a full series is their INTENT, doesn't mean it'll necessarily happen. I hope it does, but to be honest I'm not counting my chickens until we get notice of it being in production and/or a definitive release date. Projects fall through all the time; the attempt to make Dragonriders of Pern into a TV show a few years back died even after a few days of shooting, for instance. We'll see.
I've read about there being an anime a million times here O_o No one pays attention ^_^
Oh wait, that source you just posted- it clearly says Spring 2010, Not 2011... ?
I got a bit to say about this myself and will be compiling a blog entry soon.
I loved the ova. It was fantastic. However I can see why people would not think so. There are some things I think that could have been done differently to adjust those mindsets, but I think that would have detracted from the originality of the flick. This is perhaps one of, if not the only, anime where I felt a time skip back and forth thing worked out well. Overall, I think what the biggest killer was to people is the length. 50 minutes is too short of a time to emotionally bond with the characters and more importantly, feel the attachment that the girls had for each other. That was a big part of the plot.
I was a big fan before I saw it and I love it even more after watching it. Can't wait for the anime and more figures ^_^
I've not been excited about an anime since Sailor Moon I was 10 and I'm not 27.
What the hell?
Lets fix that shall we?
**I've not been so excited about an anime since Sailor Moon and I was 10 and now I'm 27. The long wait is over :3**
Good review Actar! I guess I was expecting something more and was a little let down by the show. It wasn't bad but it could have been much better I think.
This was a lot of story to pack into 45-50 minutes so maybe it's unfair to say this but the story could have been a little more clear on what's going on. We still don't really know what this other world is.
What let me down the most is I didn't think the animation was that great. Once again, it wasn't bad but it's not only an OVA but a show that got a ton of hype. I would have expected them to pull out all the stops and gone for a 50 minute thing of beauty. To me it didn't look much better than any other anime series.
I really did enjoy the 'real world' story of the girls becoming friends in school, that was well done.
Started to watch this OVa-somwething & think if i buy my 1st figma or not..
I agree. It was nice to look at but.. ultimately was pretty flat all around. Hopefully the series will do better and give it some life.
my verdict = alternate universe scene have beautiful art and design, but the story is boring, cliche and poorly executed. The link between the real world and the alternate universe being extremely terrible and almost none existent.
hahahahaha
Oh well I will still get the figmas because I think the character design of BRS and DM are just beautiful, even if their real world characters were lamo and cliche.
Oooooooooooooooooooooor Yuu is intentionally evil from the start. I'm sure the anime will tell all.
The design is impressive, but the story seems pretty bad. I couldn't take all the 17 min. I was so bored, damn bored almost in pain. I hate it from the bottom of my heart. But I have to say it again the designs are so damn good. Yomi FTW
I haven't watched yet, and I'm the type who buys figures if their character designs are "my type". So, i Preordered the figures without giving in much thought. It's not the first time i buy a figure this way and i have no regrets so far.
My 2 cents:
I enjoyed it, it was good. Vague / unexplained at times though.
I'd like to think that it has a deep meaning behind the unexplained bits, leaving the viewer to decide.
The relationship between Mato / Yomi is shown much like 5 CM per second, so I really liked that.
About the BRS World:
I think that they're alter egos of the people, or portrayals of their emotions or something of the sort. I took them as symbolic representations of the real world people.
To me, they're seperate, BRS and DM are pretty much Mato and Yomi, yet different. For example, I believe the big armed character in the BRS world is Yuu, but we're shown her before Yuu even appears as an active character. And BRS was always shown even before any of the character conflicts started to happen.
Personally I don't think that DM is gone, after Yomi was saved because BRS was killed once by Black Gold Saw, and it seems like she resurrected or something. The same is likely to happen to DM. Also the stuff in the last paragraph, seems to suggest that DM is still around, that Yomi did not simply become DM.
I also think that if I didn't watch it wrong, BRS and DM were already fighting before Yomi had disappeared. That being said, I think Yomi was absorbed into DM or something. But the first time they meet, BRS extends a hand to DM, as if wanting to befriend her.
I wasn't really hyped about this as most were, but I did like the designs of the characters when I first saw them. As for the OVA itself, I enjoyed it. I was the greatest thing ever but it certainly wasn't terrible either. I found myself liking the real world parts (when they first become friends and their budding relationship) more so than the BRS world.
Is it just me or do the characters look like they're drawn in the same style as the K-ON! characters? I liked the story and characters and think they were done pretty well, also the fight scenes were pretty neat too. I wasn't disappointed, but I wasn't blown away either.
I think if Black Rock Shooter get's is own series with more character development between both world... It'll Rock! :D
Also, I think Yomi/Dead Master is my favorite of the two...She's just so darn cute! xD
Um, Black Gold isn't really gold in color... Black Gold IRL is oil, so it's still black. But, if you've noticed the figma and the 1/8 figure, her saw like weapon's edge, they have a tone of gold color.
Black Devil Girl and Black Matagi?