Another 01 [First Impressions]

Seeing as this is one of the only shows that I’m actually excited for this season, I had high hopes for Another’s premiere. Other than it’s awkward title, the theme and genre alone separate it from the other shows this season, with the possible exception of Nisemonogatari. As an advocate of horror, I approached this with cautious optimism to see what sort of direction P.A. Works would take with this novel adaptation. While it didn’t skew towards the horror aspect as much as I would have liked, everything in this debut leads me to think that we have a gem in our hands.

The first thing I noticed in Another was it’s use of hauntingly chilling music. Everything about the score is on point, as it manages to create a somber and depressing atmosphere. While the visual aesthetics aren’t remotely terrifying at this point, the sound design is distinctly that of horror. At times, I found myself actually voicing how much I wished this was a live-action adaptation. It may be headed towards the psychological mystery genre, but you wouldn’t be able to tell if you were basing an opinion on score alone. 

Misaki’s theme in the elevator scene is my personal favourite, as it infuses childlike jingles into its heavy melody. And everyone knows that horror ain’t really horror until a child is involved. Sadly though, the OP and ED didn’t resonate as well with me. The OP does have hints of a disturbing tone but at times I was too distracted by the singing itself. The ED is surprisingly melancholic, similar to Deadman Wonderland’s, so I wonder if there is a reason for its use. That being said, I’ll definitely be skipping them both at every opportunity :P

Totally not awkward at all...

Highlights of the show

Visually, Another is really pleasing to the eye. It definitely has an art style that is instantly distinguishable from others this season, if only for the fact that everyone looks as if they were plucked directly from Hanasaku Iroha. I’m not really a fan of the style in this particular setting, since it’s a little off-putting to watch such cutesy, wide-eyed characters here, but I do appreciate the fact that everything looks as polished as it does. And I suppose you could say that having such cutesy characters in a genre like this is sort of gratifying in a pseudo-sadistic way (myself not included). Sometimes it helps to view these sorts of people get in the situations that they find themselves in, as it creates a bigger sense of dread, suspense and glee (Paranormal Activity uses this as its selling point, to great effect).

You heard it here first

Like any proper horror movie or series, the director does a great job inserting quick cuts of various things into the sequence, as we catch creepy-as doll imagery used every so often. The significance of these dolls is debatable but it doesn’t take much to figure out that it is related to Misaki, given her penchant of carrying around dolls, as seen in the elevator scene. It’s definitely worth it to rewatch the episode just to catch glimpses of these images, as it often holds important clues to the story (plus they’re creepy as balls). The snapshots of the water dam and the knife suggest that these most likely play significant roles in the story at hand. I, for one, can’t wait to go through the series again when it’s completed. I may not be that great at picking up on these hidden symbolism in the flow, but I sure as hell love picking them out in horror :P

The protagonist, Kou appears to be caught up in something grand, as it seems like everyone is a bit wary of him. This is especially evident in the hospital visit scene, as the three students were uncomfortably silent and uptight while talking to their new classmate. Though I’m not entirely sure, there seems to be some sort of connection between his past visit to the city and the general anxiety shown by his classmates, perhaps related to the death of his mother. Misaki reveals that his name is linked to a gruesome death in the school, so that’s a pretty decent connection to either Misaki, herself, or to Kou’s mother. Continuing on, this aforementioned discomfort disappears during lunch when Kou interacts with his classmate, as the center of attention. This is in direct contrast to the animosity shown when he introduced himself initially, as the class were eerily still and muted. 

As of yet, it’s too early and too difficult to pinpoint Misaki’s role in the plot, but it is interesting to note that only Kou is able to view her. Or at least, that’s what we are made to believe. Sakuragi’s reaction when Kou mentioned Misaki suggests otherwise but it’s too soon to call at this juncture. Her warning on the rooftop, though ominous, only served to make me excited to learn their connection. Based on other horror movies, Kou’s ability to potentially see the dead tends to symbolize the character’s mortality but seeing as the entire school still treats Misaki as if she were still alive, it appears to be one giant conspiracy. What I do know is that her presence creates a tension in the class, as if to hint that the camaraderie is all a front for something more sinister.

In my defense........she has an annoying voice

As you can tell, my first impression on the show is pretty glowing. I loved nearly every minute of it and, while I wish the character designs took more cues from the novel cover itself, it’s still a joy to look at (the background artwork especially). I’ll be taking point on this show from here on and after a long as break from blogging, I feel that Another should be enough to grab hold of my attention. Plus, it gives me even more reason to fill this blog up with more horrific imagery XD With that being said, I can’t wait for the mystery to unravel further and I sure as hell hope that the production quality doesn’t nosedive too much, given it’s short 11 episode run. Either way, I look forward to reading the blogosphere’s reaction to this, as well as yours.

/ 6 Commentsleave a comment /

• Kluxorious says:

  January 12, 2012

  I felt the ED was disconnected from the whole flow of the series as well. The original character design didn’t work on Hanasaku Iroha so i wondered why they ended up look so similar. Maybe it’s P.A Works idea. Having said that, even if they are moe, they certainly didn’t failed to be eerily creepy when needed.

  I love this show. Hopefully it will continue to amuse me

  Reply
• Renn says:

  January 12, 2012

  I noticed that when Ko was talking with his classmates, Misaki's desk turned into a mess, and she disappeared. He only saw her when he wasn't a member of the group, like when he was at the front of the classroom or when he couldn't join in on the gym class. Might just be coincidence though.

  Anyway, I think I'll like this show a lot, mainly because I didn't think it was scary (and I'm a huge scaredy cat). I thought the direction was a bit too unsubtle. But the mystery here is awesome. I really want to know what's going to happen.

  Reply
  • Tofu says:

    January 12, 2012

    But that disappearance we all saw regarding Misaki, wouldn't that be due to the fact that he can see her but others can't? That's my guess considering her desk was very worn out and looked as if it wasn't replaced most likely due to the past about the classmates wanting to continue on with life viewing Misaki as alive rather than dead 26 years ago ;D Definitely enjoying this show although I'm not so good with horror (totally thought something was gonna jump out from the darkness in the hospital hallway… OTL)

    Note: The information I've using is from the top of my head and I haven't read Bass' thoughts on Another yet ^^;
    My recent post Another 01 [First Impressions]

    Reply
    • Tofu says:

      January 12, 2012

      I get the feeling that the class at present is aware of the story regarding their seniors from 26 years ago continuing life as if Misaki never died but because of that, they chose not to mention about her or even know of her in any way due to fear (which would be completely natural if people were told 26 years ago what that class did… I would be…)

      Oh just to let you know Renn, Misaki's desk was a mess to begin with ;D I decided to replay that scene. I just hope Another doesn't get too scary… T___T Those novel covers freak the shit out of me.
      My recent post Another 01 [First Impressions]

      Reply
• trzr23 says:

  January 14, 2012

  Uses a botload of cliches, but pulls them off well. Neat job of creating the atmosphere, which is the most important thing in a horror show. All that's left is to wait and watch if they can keep up the same level of tension in the air.

  My recent post Anime Awards 2011: Best Anime

  Reply
• Velore says:

  January 14, 2012

  Image composition in this post won my heart. Seriously. You have outstanding aesthetic intuition and damn you for that, I just drooled over friggin' images of creepy dolls!

  That said, I'm also very much into Another, that mystery fog covering the show is lots of fun for my brain that tries to analyse everything to come up with a solution to characters' behaviour. Feels like Sherlock, except this time I actually know that it doesn't just seem like a supernatural case. Fun fun fun fun. (It's fridaaay… okay I will shut up now)

  My recent post |OST| Mirai Nikki Original Soundtrack vol.1 [MP3]

  Reply