Hibike! Euphonium

[Ryllharu]

I actually really liked K-ON: Big Brass Edition. In terms of first episodes, this one knocked it out of the park.


Kumiko is kinda...bitchy. I take that back, but only a little. Calling her a bitch is really too strong of word, but she definitely looks down on the type of people who starred in K-ON. People with no talent, but excited about being merely average. Huge disparity from most protagonists in this kind of series; usually people with more enthusiasm than talent.

It was an interesting dynamic. Kumiko really likes playing in concert bands, but she didn't really care about being the very best, like no one ever was. Her friend broke down in tears when they couldn't continue, causing a major rift there. At the same time, Kumiko really has no patience for those without talent. Her motivation is torn between not playing anymore because she didn't understand Reina's passion and wanting a change-up, definitely not wanting to join because they suck, and then finally agreeing because her new friends wanted to give it a shot.

Even more intriguing is that Reina also came to this school. Kumiko only picked it because she liked their uniform the best (another fascinating character quirk that defied my expectations). Kumiko's sister implied that there are two other nearby schools with much better bands. Reina's level of passion for it would like you to believe she'd be there, something Kumiko also expected. So what exactly is she doing at this school with such a shitty band?

Sapphire (Midori) is the third interesting character. It's quite rare we have a character with a bizarre name who happens to strongly dislike it instead of defending it with some garbage story about their parents coming up with it romantically. It added a bit of realism for me.

The crazy perky glasses girl was nice. Always a big fan of Kotobuki Minako voiced perky characters. Kumiko is not really comfortable around her, nor is the short-haired girl, adding to my impression that Kumiko is the antithesis to K-ON archetypes.

This episode was all about characters having natural reactions to natural-feeling developments.

Based on the feedback in the other thread, I'd actually say that this feels like the Yahari Wordspam version of K-ON...and I like it.




Also...puffy hair (shown above if you haven't watched it). Normally relegated to minor side characters. KyoAni is damn good at making interesting looking background characters. Quite important in huge casts like this. I wonder if their features are not even defined in the novel.

edit:

I agree that the visuals were a little distracting, but once I got used to it (took about 5 minutes), it was fine. Nice vivid colors everywhere as well. I'd expect this to be the Hyouka/Kyoukai no Kanata/Amagi staff, but it is actually the KEY/Chuunibyou teams.

edit 2:
Hah, RandomC agrees with me about Kumiko.

edit 3:
Worth pointing out that this is based on a novel. Not light novel. Novel.