On the 10th day of Anime, I can’t stop thinking about it! (Image Source)
Compared to the recently finished Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai, Hyouka (氷菓lit. Ice Cream) is probably one of the most visually attractive works that Kyoto Animation animated to date. While the mysteries were simple, they used it in a way to develop the characters and their relationships more. We see this happen particularly with Oreki and Eru throughout the course of the show.
One of the reasons why I really enjoyedHyouka is Eru’s influence on Oreki. At first, he wanted to pursue a low-energy life style. After being dragged into the Classic Literature Club by his older sister, he finds a very curious Eru who wants to solve mysteries. This is where his dream starts to break away because of his ability to solve any mystery perfectly and be able to explain how he came up with the solution. Eventually though her curiosity, he realized after a subtle confession that there is more to life than just saving energy. Not only that, he said her favorite line in one instance that caused his friends to become shocked.
In addition to Eru’s influence, he is also having the same effect on her. In the beginning, her curiosity was over the roof when she said her favorite and now famous catchphrase “わたし、気になります” in several instances. Eventually, he got the hang of taming her curiosity, which I find entertaining.
As a whole, the development between Eru and Oreki and using mysteries to allow interaction is the two things that make this show very memorable and unique thus far. When it’s paired with one of the gorgeous looking animation, it becomes an entertaining and memorable experience. Sure, you also have Mayaka and Satoshi, but they felt more like supporting characters that helped them solve the mystery in some way or another. Aside from that, I think the curiosity disease is getting to my mind, so I’ll leave it there.
Tomorrow: Parenting
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