January 14th, 2006
Update
- Guest Writers: Kerochan no Miko and
Cordelia LeFay
Anime Rec: Twelve
Kingdoms
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Youko meets Keiki |
How much of it exists?
Episodes: 45
Novels: 11
Short Story Collections: 1
Video Games: 2
What is it?
十二国記, Juuni Kokuki, or Twelve
Kingdoms, is based on a fantasy novel series written by Fuyumi Ono. The
first arc introduces us to the world of the Twelve Kingdoms and to our main
character, Youko Nakajima. Youko is your standard high school student,
trying to be perfect in every way, until the day she's visited at school by
a tall stranger who kneels and swears allegiance to her. Youko does not have
any time to be shocked; Keiki has been followed by a group of youma, and he
soon sweeps her off to another world along with a couple of her friends who
happen to be nearby. Once in this other world, Youko discovers that she has
a Grand Destiny, just like all high school students swept off to other
worlds, and has to fight her way both physically and mentally to reach it.
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Youko and Keiki, from the first DVD cover |
What do I need to know
about this series?
Kerochan no Miko:
Since the anime series is broken up into four distinct arcs or books, you
don't really get the kind of one-episode resolution that you'll find in some
other places. However, you will get the plot and characterization of a
novel, combined with some good-quality animation (by Studio Pierrot),and
excellent voice acting work. And I'm not just saying that because Aya
Hisakawa is the voice of the main character. Honest.
You can't really get a
good feel for the series just from watching one disc. You really and truly
need to watch the entire first arc so that you get an entire chunk of story
and get a feel for the world, the characters, and how this all works
together. The first arc is only fourteen episodes long, so it shouldn't take
you too long to watch it. Go ahead, we'll be here when you get back.
Cordelia: As KnM
said, this series is rather slow. However, it is completely worth it. The
universe of the Twelve Kingdoms has a rich history and is filled with an
equally rich cast of characters. Some people may be confused by the vast
number of characters, kingdoms and politics, but don’t let that weigh you
down.
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Youko, the Normal High School Girl (tm) |
Another unique feature
about this series is its heavy use of Japanese terms, like hanjyuu (talking
animals who can turn into humans) and kaikyaku (people who come from the
“other world” like Youko). This can get overwhelming sometimes -- especially
when one person can have three different names or titles. For once, you’ll
be glad for the obligatory summary episode!
However, the biggest
drawback to this series is that it is unfinished. There are currently
forty-five episodes; production has been put on hold mid-series. The cause?
We've heard everything from staff being ill to waiting for more novels. We
have even heard that the novels no longer feature Youko as the main
character so the Studio is worried that no one will watch. However, I still
have hope that they will continue the series.
Why would Sailor Moon
fans like it?
Sailor Moon fans will like
this series because it shares a similar premise with Sailor Moon: an awkward
school girl must mature and battle her own demons to become a leader and
savior of the world. As Youko grows up, two more young girls are introduced
into cast who have their own flaws they must overcome to become strong,
capable women.
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Youko later in the series |
However, unlike Sailor
Moon, Youko is not your typical anime shoujo heroine (clumsy, genki, with a
harem of cute bishounen falling after her). Youko is self-conscious,
insecure, and reacts realistically to the bizarre things happening around
here. She can be sullen, whiny, and stubborn – but the point is that she
develops and matures over the course of the series.
While he does have
feelings for her friend Amano and many a fan would tell you that she should
get together with the half man, half beast, Rakushun, romance does not take
the center stage. Although there is some comedic relief, this series tends
to be more serious, focusing on themes such as war, politics and
responsibility.
Why do we like it?
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Rakushun, the hanjyuu |
Cordelia: I think
what I love most about this series is its blend between fantasy and history.
In this world, the rulers are watched over by magical beings called kirin
(the Chinese word for unicorn); humans not only fear natural disasters but
youma as well and babies are not born from mothers but born from trees.
Unlike Sailor Moon, where
Neo Queen Serenity can make everything better by wielding the Silver
Crystal, as the new Queen of Kei, Youko has it everything but easy. She must
deal with political intrigue, peasant rebellions, and royal decrees; things
that real life monarchs must have dealt with. Youko must figure out how to
be a ruler while at the same time, try to figure out how to live in a
foreign world.
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The Twelve Kingdoms |
Kerochan no Miko:
When it comes to plot and characterization, in my ever-so-humble opinion,
this is one of the best series out there. The world is fascinating and rich,
the characters compelling, and the motivations realistic. It's just as
enthralling as any fantasy novel I've read, and the animation is excellent.
Plus, some of my favorite seiyuu are featured in the series, which is always
a plus. [Cordelia: The English VAs aren't bad, either!]
I personally find it quite
sad how obscure this title is amongst anime fans, considering just how very
good it is. Let the people who gravitate only to what’s currently popular go
watch whatever today’s big name is, you need to watch this series.
For more information about
this awesome series, please visit
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Twelve_Kingdoms or join us on Genvid's
forums.
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