An animation studio which seconds as the holy order of aesthetics, Silver Link, has released a key visual for their much awaited work, Kokoro Connect – yet to further entice, a heroine artwork is out as well.
Attempting to figure whether to affix attention on the freshly released key visual above, or the July 2012 magazine artwork of the series’ three heroines below, is quite a tough task – it’s one which even tears apart the individual as there’s so much satisfaction to be found in both illustrations, each delivering a separate realm to deeply revel. Yet that being the case, both shall receive the necessary spotlight – and do take notice at what each provides, there’s a very distinctive emphasis in each individual art pieces.
Starting first with the key visual above, the focal point is presented in a manner very rarely seen – the girl is the topmost above all, followed by the leading male, and then one can see how the rest stacks atop one another in layers. The girl and boy in front are placed opposing one another on the canvas, to different heights, with a space set above above them – and as if that alone isn’t an unorthodox balance, there’s the remaining characters behind them who perhaps don’t even reach into the mid-height of the composition.
The characters have literally been sketched “down to earth” – the excess of sky implies possibility, and the space amongst this crew of friends shows that each will be treading their own path of said potential. Astounding here is that it’s not even the characters who speak for this image, it’s the setting itself – the atmosphere is telling the story, and our characters, who seem rather content, look to have quite a lot ahead of them.
Give attention to the slope and warm colors of sunset – the latter offers suggestion of a more spontaneous, playful nature, and the former shows that by end of the day, whatever they experience, they’ll be together.
While indeed, the setting is the main captor of attention, and element which holds meaning – the characters are also integral as the environment is merely reflecting off them, and further, it’s as if each has been placed on a plain white background in that their personalities are so contrastingly apparent off the canvas. From right, to left, and moving back – we’ve the energetic heroine, a respectable kid, a reserved female, and then a flirtatious pair. Indeed, they’re so simple to read – and so difficult not to admire as they look like a fun pack.
Now shift attention to focus on this second image below – rotating interest from background, to character.
Within this tempting illustration of three lovely girls, it is the characters who give this picture its thousand words – each female is unprecedentedly cute, and this is as they’re composed of fine lines which form curvy shapes. Each bishoujo of the three is given an alluring grin – and one should notice the texture stained attire each happens to wear. The shadow is apt – although moving to a more prominent detail, see that while the girls have differing ensembles, each has the same blue ribbon.
This is a component of uniform – yet Kokoro Connect doens’t make light of it, the ribbon is used to tie together, develop consistency, and in this case, balance the image.
However, further shuffle spotlight over to the most critical feature of this illustration – subject matter. The girl in the center is such an instant eyecatcher – her visage is charming, a formal balance makes her person, and she points a finger in each direction. Her two friends also point back – an exchange of glaring and staring with more to it than meets the eye, and not enough to so easily figure out either.
Something a little mysterious is going on – Kokoro Connect is just a little more than a week away from its debut of June 24, and that’s a date certainly painful to wait for as one can already feel the peculiar vibe of this series.
Jun 15, 2012 @ 3:45 CDT
K-0n. cant be unseenz 0___0
Jun 15, 2012 @ 3:46 CDT
Well, they do resemble K-ON’s style of moeblob – although there are finer differences if you want to delve into that.
Jun 15, 2012 @ 4:31 CDT
I thought it was K-ON for a second. Thumbnails sure are scary sometimes.
Jun 15, 2012 @ 4:36 CDT
That’s because the original character design is by the same person(Yukiko Horiguchi) as she who made the one for K-on… :) Though Silver Link is animating this and not Kyoto Animation, so that might explain the small differences. ^^
Personaly, I’ve been waiting for this anime ever since the Novel was announced! :D Partly because I’m a huge fan of Hiroguchi-senpais art, and the plot itself seems interesting as well.
Jun 15, 2012 @ 4:40 CDT
I had assumed that was case – it seemed too blatant a similarity not to be.
Similarly I’m eager for this – splendid artwork with fascinating synopsis. Also, Silver Link has been improving storywise – and they’re already master caliber in artwork, so indeed, should be unforgettable at the minimum.
Jun 15, 2012 @ 4:50 CDT
Yea, Silver Link is one of my favourite studios. Their animes are always something unique and the artwork is just getting more and more amazing. Baka to Test is one of my favourite series ever, and actually I don’t find Amnesia to be as good so I’m hoping for Kokoro Connect to be something splendid to be able to match up with BtT.
Jun 15, 2012 @ 4:56 CDT
Agreed – Silver Link’s artwork is in a league of its own, I believe they’re truly phenomenal above all other studios in that respect.
And I can see why Tasogare Otome might not have been on par – it had a weaker start, though indeed, as mentioned, hopefully Kokoro Connect proves amazing. Silver Link has a massive opportunity, and they have been improving – so this could really be unparalleled if they succeed. Their combined artistry with better storytelling capabilities would make them unstoppable.
Jun 15, 2012 @ 5:00 CDT
This last week… will feel way too long.
Jun 15, 2012 @ 5:01 CDT
Indeed, I’m honestly not excited for anything else of the year as much as this.
Jun 15, 2012 @ 23:22 CDT
I never knew anything about who made this anime and such – but this year, now I do. P.A. Works and Silver Link are my favorite studios
Jun 15, 2012 @ 5:55 CDT
The same artist who created the character of K-on….But I dont think it is a good idea to create such similar characters even it is from one person.
Jun 15, 2012 @ 6:00 CDT
The art style is similar, that’s to be expected, but the characters are distinct for the most part.