Bulk Update: Arakawa Bridge^2 9; Bakuman 9 10; Zakuro 9 10

The face hidden behind the mask is revealed in Otome Youkai Zakuro.

I’m catching up on a bunch of titles. This seems to be the part of the season that shows use for filler-ish material. After this the mad rush to make things seem like they are coming to a conclusion will begin, so this time is often taken for side-tales and development of minor characters. The one real exception in this batch was Zakuro, which is slowly but steadily developing a real plot.

Otome Youkai Zakuro 8 – caught in the web

Uh oh.

Zakuro’s enemies capture Agemaki and Susukihotaru in the eighth episode of Otome Youkai Zakuro. This leads to the first conversation between Zakuro and Riken, and further hints about the larger plot.

Zakuro 7 – thanks giving

Another awkward family dinner where dad can't shut up about "punishing" the spirits.

Otome Yokai Zakuro episode 7 is the “thanks giving” episode in more ways than one. In addition to the thanks Agemaki gives to Zakuro, Zakuro accompanies Agemaki home for what seems like an uncomfortable family dinner, just as many young couples will be seated at the dinner table, for a first meeting with the family all across America next week on Thanksgiving. Make no mistake; this is an Agemaki X Zakuro development episode.

Zakuro 5 – petal magic

Hozuki protects Ganryu.

Episode 5 of Otome Yokai Zakuro turned out much more interesting than I had expected. Yes this was the Bonbori X Ganryu X Hozuki feature episode, but there was also fighting spread out over multiple characters and locations, and further hints about the larger plot.

Otome Youkai Zakuro 4 – timid distance

The shop owner and her little friend.

Episode 4 of Otome Youkai Zakuro sees the other members of the Bureau of Spirit Affairs (especially Susukihotaru-san and Riken) investigating the arrival of a strange artifact.

Otome Youkai Zakuro 3 – how half-spirit babies are made

The 3rd episode of Otome Youkai Zakuro turns out to be the best episode so far. The artwork continues to be excellent, the interim monsters are entertaining, and the pieces of the larger plot seem to be coming into view.

Otome Youkai Zakuro 2 – memories, dreams, and portents

 

Persimmon trees are connected to the underworld.

 

Episode 1 of Otome Youkai Zakuro began and ended with fights against large monsters. Episode 2 starts in an even more suspenseful way, as Zakuro falls into the underworld. There’s some more light development of the relationships, and we get another confrontation with a large monster (and a lesson about tolerance thrown in for good measure).

Otome Youkai Zakuro – first impression

Another series, another tsundere.

While waiting for season two of Hakuouki to appear, I thought I would take a look at the other alternate history with supernatural beings, Otome Youkai Zakuro. It turns out to have much more comedy, more romance, and much less history than Hakuouki. The first episode was amusing, and played like a decent shoujo rom-com, with the surprising addition of some serious fighting scenes.