Hakuouki Sekkaroku: Fans come one, come all…

Written by Little_Wolf-18 on June 21, 2012 at 4:32 AM

True blessing for the fans of this series! :D Even for those who have not watched the original anime, this will be easy to understand, as though this is apparently placed during the anime’s first season, the relation is rather thin. You can easily use an episode of this to get an impression of the whole series. :D

Bit less of a storyline than usually, as all five episodes revolve around the same occurring (each time from a different male character’s POV though). The central occurrence itself is a bit puzzle-pieced together over all five episodes, yet the focus clearly lies on the characters.

Speaking of which: Characters and seiyuu are exactly the same as in the series, so for those who already know the original series, nothing’s gonna get weird. Characters, their dynamics, and development are clearly the focus of this work, and excellently done for an OVA. Interaction is realistically drawn and at times pretty hilarious. Surely the personalities are drawn more clearly in the anime, but you can easily get a feel for the most important characters from this OVA alone, and hey – comparing five slow-paced episodes to a complete 22-ep anime is a bit unfair XD

The dialogue is topnotch, with good flow, some quite heart-touching moments, and bringing back the comedy that kinda got drowned out during the second half of the original series!

Music, art style, and animation are just as stunning as in the original series :D and this OVA includes some action as well, though not quite as much as the original anime.

Funny, heart-touching, with its suspenseful moments, and excellent character design (both visually and psychologically) and art style once more make for an amazing watch :D Surely the series has a more solid plot, but you can easily use this to get an impression, and if you’re already a fan, you’ll most probably be able to enjoy this to the fullest!

For those that tried the OVA, like it even in the slightest, and don’t know the original anime (Hakuouki Shinsengumi Kitan / Hakuouki Hekketsu-Roku), I can only recommend that one! Amazingly unique characters, a solid plot, and outstanding art style; a historical/supernatural with drama, action, romance, comedy, tragedy… and bishie samurai. Last but not least, the whole series play on pride in your country, braveness, love, and fighting for future and peace. I’m rewatching the whole series for the third or fourth time now, and it still leaves an awesome impression!

Side note for the fans: Wiki tells me another OVA (Reimeiroku) is scheduled for the summer. Keeping my fingers crossed and waiting :D