The Ominous Prelude Of Kara No Kyoukai

It offered nothing but an surreal touch.

Or I could say ‘I was WTFed by it and it was great’

So allow me to express my surprise towards how the first of a series of film-length animated shows of the TYPE-MOON tale -Kara No Kyoukai- was done. Mind you if you think otherwise, because I am not very well acquainted with TYPE-MOON so I would not possibly know how it ’should’ have been done. I did not read the novel.

It did not suck. It was not stellar. But it was definitely something.

Neither am I all out to criticise nor do I have the intention to exalt it. There is only my simple observation to be offered.

You know how most animes would have an explanation of certain fighting skills and the reasons for what has occurred? Well Kara No Kyoukai -Fukan Fuukei- does very little of that and we are plunged right into the midst of everything. The first chapter of the seven is even not the beginning of the story in terms of chronological order, as we see the characters (Touko, Mikiya and Shiki) all settled down in the atmosphere and doing their stuff.

The first chapter begins with no obvious introduction to the characters. One of them, Mikiya, did nothing much as he was in a coma. In fact, the story can be summarised simply as our tsundere female protagonist slicing up ‘ghosts’ on a ceiling while she and Touko attempt to solve a mysterious case of suicides.

So here is what annoyed some people- we have no idea why Shiki has those creepy eyes that distorts her perspective and the occupations of the three main characters are not specifically stated. We do not know what is going on! Although I am sure more information can be obtained from the official website and other sites but let us focus on Fukan Fuukei itself.

Before we question why the seemingly abrupt entry into the Kara No Kyoukai universe, perhaps we ought to ponder over the intentions of the director/writer in making this the first part of the entire story. I noticed the likelihood of getting disappointed if I were to watch a certain show with certain expectations of how it would turn out to be. Because very often or not, Murphy’s Law is in play and things will not go the way we want it to be. For example, I was initially very upset at Code Geass due to my obstinate expectations of it being an epic and serious show. I was wrong, it was not an epic show but an EPIC show. (epic and EPIC are two different categories. Also, an EPIC show is not an epic show of greater magnitude.)

What I am trying to say is watching a show is like going on a tour in a foreign country and the story itself is your tour guide. Just follow the guide’s instructions and stop your persistent demands on having Chinese food when there are already plans to head to an Italian restaurant. While I can understand the frustrations of some people after viewing Fukan Fuukei, I found myself much at ease by allowing the story to guide me without asking too many questions.

Apparently it is the plan that not too many details will be revealed in the first chapter, and it is this approach that can be considered as a double-edged sword. You will either be awed by the dark world of Kara No Kyoukai or find yourself shrugging frequently.

At this point, you would have notice that I have not really covered much about Fukan Fuukei except for the fact that it is rather ‘confusing’. Well because it is ‘confusing’, I cannot possible abstract any insights from the dynamics of the characters yet. I do not know why Shiki is such a reticent character. I do not know the role of Aozaki Touko in the story yet. And I do not know the relationship between Mikiya and Shiki.

Fukan Fuukei, in my mind, is not the beginning of the Kara No Kyoukai tale. But a small glimpse into the world that has spurred me to delve deeper into it. An ominous prelude indeed.

Oh by the way. The preview of the next chapter suggests that we will be going back in time to explore the background of our female protagonist Shiki. Perhaps that will satisfy those who are still willing to stay for the ride.

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ID Sojourner: And now for some silly screenshots! Incoming gay picture spamming!

That day, the eroge I had pre-ordered finally arrived.

So I made my way to the store hastily.

However

Something tells me…

 I am not in Akiba.

I kid not.

As fear gripped as I had no knowledge of this place.

 

 OMG. There are others who are lost as well.

Mummy once told me not to speak to strangers… but…

I had to help them!

Must help them… oh.. nevermind…

Somehow I got in. And the place is SO creepy! So I took out a knife and struck a cool pose while advancing deeper into building. I am like in a haunted mansion!

My scalp was itchy.

My back was violated.

‘GIVE ME YOUR NEW EROGE OR ELSE!’

 

‘NEVER!’

 

OMG. Someone failed to pre-order that game and wants to rob me!

‘Uh… at least lend it to me?’

 

WHAT! THAT IS EVEN WORSE! 

‘THEN YOU SHALL BE PUNISHED!’

Somehow, I managed to escape and revenge was on my mind.

 

This time, I am wearing my lucky red jacket.

Practicing on my glare. I AM GUNDAM COOL.

There is a reason why I am wearing this raincoat.

‘I see you are back. And what is with the raincoat?’

 

So I can do THIS!

 AND TO FEEL THE MOOD OF THIS FIGHT… ALLOW ME TO OFFER THIS PIECE OF MUSIC!

 

 Now let us proceed! This is how it is done.

 

First I whip it out! 

Then I thrust it!

With great force! Every angle…!

It penetrates!

Until…!

With great strength…! 

I… ram it in!

In the end… we are all satisfied.

I use 50 mana points…

… and execute ‘force grip’.

Squiish!

Gyaaabooo!

 THE END

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Hey Shiki! Yo Shiki!

 What is it?

ID Sojourner tells me that they are gonna nerf your force grip in the next movie!

Nyoron~