Utawarerumono: Itsuwari no Kamen – 03-04
Rurutie and her trusty stead.
This is one of those moments when I’m busy and don’t have much time to write posts, so I’ll keep this one short.
New Characters
Oshutoru revealed.
Utawarerumono continues with the world-building in episodes 3 and 4. We are introduced to a few more characters, but I’d say the most important thing that happens is the revelation that Ukon is actually Oshutoru, the imperial general. Having seen the first season, I am of course curious as to why Ukon/Oshutoru, Haku, and Hakuoro (the main character in the first season) so closely resemble each other. Obviously that is no coincidence. And knowing how weird the first season got near the end, there may be something funky going on, like cloning or multiple personas. After all, the subtitle of the current season being “The False Faces” suggests a deeper relationship when it comes to characters who look alike. And if that’s not enough, I’d say it’s more than suspicious how Ukon takes such a shining to Haku, even if the latter is made out to be strangely charming.
Nekone is such a sweetie.
Moving on, we meet three new characters of interest. They are Rurutie, a fujoshi princess who ships HakuxUkon; Nosuri, a bandit saboteur with big boobs; and Nekone, Ukon’s brainy and adorable little sister. As it sits, Rurutie plays the comic relief alongside Maroro, which is ironically a boring and unimaginative role. I actually got tired of her repeatedly fantasizing Haku and Ukon in moments of passion, which usually results in her fainting. Nosuri hasn’t had much presence so far beyond her involvement in the Mozunu Gang incident, but I fully expect to see more of her in the near future as Ukon’s secret right-hand woman. And Nekone makes a strong play for the loli presence as a little sister who cares greatly for her brother. I must say I quite like how the show avoids the usual brocon trope by playing her feelings of concern for her brother straight. That exchange between Nekone and Kuon in the bath put a grin on my face.
Episode 4 of Utawarerumono succeeds in laying out an onsen episode of sorts. The episode isn’t overladen with fanservice, and in fact a majority of the time is spent on further expanding upon the characters and the world. We are introduced to the capital and some lore about the emperor by way of a tour conducted by Nekone. And Haku’s personality is put in the spotlight and under Nekone’s watchful eyes as Kuon finds another job for him as a server in a restaurant. On the other hand, episode 3 wasn’t nearly as inspired. It didn’t leave much of an impression on me besides serving as a means to introduce a couple of new characters.
Do you want to bathe with Kuon?
About Sumairii
POWUH: 400-499 with 462 comments
Is that a trick question? Kuon is fun and adorable and lovely. Of course I would.
I have to admit that Rurutie kind of failed on the character development front. She has somehow seemed to have a crush on Haku since the moment she showed up, she’s a fujoshi, and she’s a gentle girl who can’t take care of herself. That seems to be about all there is to her, which leaves her inferior in terms of character development to every other named character (except Maroro, but I barely even acknowledge his existence).
POWUH: 800-899 and Mad Scientist with 814 comments
Not a trick question, but free points. 😉
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10997 comments
I’m probably one of the few that hasn’t caught up with the original series. But, having said that there isn’t much here that loses me. They are taking their time to build a world and characters that you can care about, and invest time and concern in; which shows me they care about what their audience wants/need.
Yeah, Rurutie is a bit one-note right now, but Nekone nearly stole the show. You could kinda tell she wanted to steal the show, as she was instantly against Haku and his strange charisma. Yep, they could have piled on the dumb tropes with her, but instead they matched them up, as her precocious attitude befits her age and the advanced intelligence they inform her with.
Ah, yeah, to have been a fly on the wall, a bucket, or a partner in dat bath!
POWUH: Meta Team and Meta-Analyst with 3844 comments
Fufufufu… This is the result of the hardwork of Project Kemonomimi!
POWUH: Meta Resident and LN Informant with 1529 comments
Game players say this anime is based off the continuity of the game Utawarerumono, not the anime Utawarerumono.
While they are mostly the same, there are a few important differences. One important fact is thatShow ▼
POWUH: 800-899 and Mad Scientist with 814 comments
OK, thanks for the info. Admittedly I’m not too familiar with the different continuities since the first anime came out so long ago, and I’ve never played any of the games.
POWUH: Meta Team and Meta-Analyst with 3844 comments
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POWUH: Meta Team and Meta-Analyst with 3844 comments
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POWUH: 400-499 with 462 comments
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POWUH: Meta Team and Meta-Analyst with 3844 comments
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POWUH: 400-499 with 462 comments
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POWUH: Meta Team and Meta-Analyst with 3844 comments
Approved!
Too cute! +1000 points for Kemonomimi!
Also, A Kuon Is Fine Too!
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Whoa! This show is bad for your health. It’s feeding your Kemonomimi complex! Rehab is a must! 😛
POWUH: Meta Team and Meta-Analyst with 3844 comments
*Puts kemonomimi on BB*
+1000 points!
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Given this is 25 episodes long, the slow pace for the story and world building are both welcomed and though I haven’t seen the original, the series is growing on me with its humanoid animal characters and edo period flair.
I can’t fault Nekone for monitoring Haku. At first glance, he does give the impression of a lazy good for nothing but he’s not totally as he appears.
Good lord! Fujoshi detected! Head for the hills!!!
Hahaha. It’d be better to ask who wouldn’t want to bathe with Kuon.