As far as we know, ItsuTen is one of the most highly demanded light novels – managing to even always appear on the light novel rankings, yet we avoided that read for the most part. However we did pick up DenYuuDen, which shares the same author as Itsuka Tenma. Takaya-sensei really has a thing for long and complicated titles.
Nine years ago, Kurogane Taito made a contract to a “vampire” Himea (Saitohimea), but because of some incident, the two were separated. That left Taito to forget about what happened and Himea being sealed ever since. Now on his way home, he experienced an accident while saving Mirai Andou from a truck. This enabled him to regain his lost memories whilst also allowing Himea to break free from a spell (Taito must experience death for her to be free). When the two met at the park where they used to play previously as children, Himea was stabbed in front of Taito.
The start of this anime was heavily focused much more on fanservice – pantyshots (a lot!), censored parts for unnecessary scenes and even Mirai lewd scenes with the “monster”. Although we are not very conservative, these things distracts us badly to the point of losing interest for obvious reasons. Another failed debacle was the long monologues – we really don’t care about about them (Nishio Ishin has a lots of it on his works!) since this can add spice to the story, however if intending to capture the audience in episode one, this was a terrible move.
But the interesting on this was the terrible cliffhanger it gave us to the end. It’s like reminiscing of some “Romeo and Juliet” wherein the latter saw her dying lover till the end – or even on some romance stories we found in TV. It’s an obvious romance between Taito and Himea (and a Love Triangle for Haruka), but it’s not as cheesy as it should be. Actually, it’s quite interesting and anticipation building to see how it goes.
To compare this with the author’s previous endeavor “Densetsu no Yuusha no Densetsu”, I can say this anime is fairly better that DenYuuDen in terms of first episode airings. The light novels are still ongoing and currently on its third volume, so there’s a possibility of some story developments.
“Kore wa Zombie desu ka?” screenplay Shigeru Morita is also the series composer of ItsuTen, which is why it reminds me of Taito’s immortal body (and still alive even the head was detached) to Ayumu’s. “Nanatsuiro Drops” animation director Satoshi Isono also did the animation and its character designs.
There’s was some wide-spread anticipation on this before the anime was aired – Baka-Tsuki was translating the novels and the manga was still updating. Unfortunately, the anime doesn’t seem to live up to the novels thus far.
Aug 1, 2011 @ 21:13 CDT
As one who is a fan of both the manga and light novel, I can honestly say I was excited to hear that there would be an anime. What I was NOT excited to hear about was that ZEXCS, the same anime producer for Kagami’s other work, “The Legend of the Legendary Heroes,” would be producing it. Was that an instant turn-off for me from the start? It certainly gave me cause for concern; but hey, I’m a generally lenient guy, so I decided to give it its fair shot.
Question. What happens when you try to cram an entire volume’s worth of story and info into two twenty-ish minute episodes? Not much, I can tell you that. Itsu-Ten’s beginning was quite a bit rushed in its approach that it leaves many a viewer, myself included, wondering what the hell is going on here.
Characterization. One of Kagami’s greatest strengths as a writer in that his story telling gives you time to get to know his characters bit by bit, growing alongside them as they struggle through the story. For ZEXCS however, this has proven time and again, and surely did this time as well, to be one of their greatest weaknesses. Within the first two episodes, one can only help but be left at a severe lacking for connecting with the characters emotionally.
For example, with respect to Taito and Himea’s relationship; even for a fan like me, I was left blinking in confusion as I watched a series of hastily pasted scenes drudge through their brief encounter as children, their separation, and finally their reunion. Swing and miss, I believe is appropriate? No. A fast ball that went by you at such breakneck speed that you couldn’t even swing the bat? Yeah, that’s more like it.
Aug 1, 2011 @ 21:23 CDT
It’s possible you may have heard this on other sites you comment on, although I must say your comments are certainly insightful. This sums up the entire situation of the series quite well.