Here's another drinking game for those of legal drinking age, take a shot every time I say Yuki in this review; I am such a good influence.
"The Disappearance of Nagato Yuki-Chan" anime aired in 2015 and was animated by Satelight, who is most well-known for "Fairy Tail."
"The Disappearance of Nagato Yuki-Chan" originally started as a manga in 2009, ending in 2016, as a spin-off to the "The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya" Series. The manga was written and illustrated by Puyo, who also worked on the story & art for "The Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi-chan: The Untold Adventures of the SOS Brigade" Manga.
Warning: The following has spoilers for "The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya" and "The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya." If you haven't seen nor read both, I recommend doing so or reading my review(s) on both, whichever one works best for you.
The Refreshment of Yuki Nagato
"The Disappearance of Nagato Yuki-Chan" is based on the world in "The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya," with Yuki Nagato as a normal girl, Ryouko Asakura as her best friend, and with Haruhi Suzumiya & Itsuki Koizumi at a different school.
[Credit: Funimation; Animation Studio: Satelight]
I say "based on" because the spin-off has differences. For example, this is a different timeline, not a world created by altering the memories of others. Kyon is born in this world, and even meets Haruhi as the crazy bush lady instead.
Every anime NEEDS to have the crazy bush lady.
Yuki Nagato and Asakura also have different personalities compared to their altered memory counterparts. Yuki is still shy, but with more flustering reactions to stuff like holding Kyon's hand, is easily distracted, plays video games, and etc..
Ryouko Asakura however, is like a mother as she cares deeply for everyone's safety, easily angered when people mess around with their responsibilities, is the only responsible character, and more.
[Credit: Funimation; Animation Studio: Satelight]
In comparison, the original "Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya" anime Yuki was deadpan. Original anime Asakura lacked empathy and her responsible nature was only in status.
Additionally, the SOS Brigade isn't a thing in the spin-off, with the focus being on the literary club run by Yuki. In fact, there's nothing supernatural in the anime, everything has a grounded explanation. Although, that doesn't stop the anime from having over-the-top moments with its comedy.
The plot this time around is about Yuki trying to confess her feelings to Kyon. However, due to her lack of self-confidence/assertiveness, this is difficult for her to do.
While the premise may seem weak in comparison to keeping God at bay in the original anime, it's beautifully executed with engaging characters and drama. However, before delving into that, how do things differ from the manga?
Differences from the Manga
There are a surprising number of differences, but given the anime episode format, I can see why. For example, the manga is mostly colourless, that's wacky... Wait, that's most manga... Okay, bad example.
Better example: Mikuru Asahina's and Tsuruya's introduction. The duo is introduced in the school in the manga, with Tsuruya accusing Kyon of two-timing Mikuru because of his seat in the Mikuru fan club, which may or may not be doctored by Tsuruya. In the anime, they're introduced in the mall, although this interaction still happens in the manga.
Some small conversations and jokes are both cut out and added. In the anime, Asakura pushes Kyon into the laundry room to talk with Yuki after something embarrassing happens. Is it funny? No. Is it efficient? Absolutely.
In the manga, Asakura convinces him to talk to her, even saying she'll bow down on the ground for Kyon to do so. It's cute and funny.
In the same laundry room, Kyon thinking carefully about his answer to one of Yuki's questions leads to Yuki doing the same thing with trying to explain to Asakura why she wants the Christmas Party in the Literary Club room. In the anime, Kyon asks Yuki why she wants the Christmas Party in the clubroom, with Asakura overhearing Yuki's answer.
Or how the flashback story for how Yuki saved the clubroom is shown after the Christmas Party in the manga instead of during like in the anime.
I wouldn't say these differences are better or worse. While it's a shame some things got removed, the added stuff also works well. For every removed gag like Yuki getting distracted with writing her party plans by drawing romantic stuff about Kyon, there's a new gag like where Asakura melts a snowball out of anger.
The Redemption of Yuki Nagato
The Characters in the Life of Yuki Nagato
My only expectation going into this was to like Yuki and Asakura more... I came out of the spin-off liking every character more than their original anime counterparts. Every character in the spin-off is vastly more likable and interesting in comparison. I know those are fighting words, but I'm ready to fight back... WITH MY SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR!
Let's take Haruhi for example. I nearly disliked her in the original anime because she was rude, did uncomfortable things, and never got any consequences. While spin-off Haruhi is still rude, her mean behaviour is genuinely funny. What adds to the humour is that she doesn't always get her way and gets consequences, which is funny and satisfying to see.
[Credit: Funimation; Animation Studio: Satelight]
However, what makes this version of her incredible to me is that she helps her friends by giving solid advice. She's even humble about it, such as when Yuki is about to thank Haruhi for giving her confidence, Haruhi tells Yuki not to thank her. Yuki Nagato solved her own problem so Yuki should have the credit, Haruhi was just doing her own thing.
That's... Honestly admirable and mature. It's a huge contrast to the original anime Haruhi who would've likely taken credit. While this Haruhi can still be rude, she feels more... Mellowed out.
Another good example is Mikuru. While Mikuru is still bland, I find myself liking Mikuru in the spin-off because she works better with the characters.
Take the interaction between her and Yuki when Mikuru encourages Yuki to buy a matchmaking charm to increase her chances of getting with Kyon as an example. To get Yuki to buy the charm, which Yuki genuinely wants to buy, Mikuru tells her that nobody's watching. She even closes her eyes so even she's not watching.
There's no joke, it's just Mikuru being extremely sweet to Yuki. It's moments like this that make these versions of the characters shine so bright for me.
Mikuru Asahina in general is also sexually harassed far less, only in the Opening and one episode twice. While it's still horrible she's sexually harassed because anime comedy, this is a massive improvement from the original anime that had it as a recurring thing.
I could go on and on, but every character is likable from Koizumi to being more interesting now that he's in love with Haruhi, to Kyon not narrating as much & being a delinquent with a heart of gold, and to Tsuruya being a riot.
[Credit: Funimation; Animation Studio: Satelight]
However, I'd be remiss to not bring up Yuki and Asakura. Yuki Nagato is so adorable, what the h*ck? Everything she does, from her expressions, love for Kyon, shyness, flustered reactions, and more makes every scene with her a blessing. Yuki Nagato never failed to put a smile on my face.
[Credit: Funimation; Animation Studio: Satelight]
As for Asakura, for me she went from my favourite character in the series, who I only really liked, to one of my favourite characters of all time. I even have a figure of Asakura.
Also, yes, I am glad my family doesn't read Japanese. While I admit Asakura isn't as compelling with her philosophy on change like in the original anime, she makes up for it tenfold by being so loveable.
Ryouko Asakura is the "mom but not actually a mom" archetype. She's strict, caring, smart, and is refreshingly responsible in a series full of absolute mad lads. She also acts as a wingman for Yuki so Yuki can date Kyon, such as helping and encouraging her/Kyon to do stuff they wouldn't otherwise do. Kyon doesn't realize the implications.
Ryouko Asakura stands out a lot from the other characters, making for a lot of fun dynamics with each character for her. Ryouko Asakura is also relatable for me too as someone that can be strict, caring, and smart. I mean... Only smart people threaten to fight with a scientific calculator after all. However, Asakura has her faults as a person.
She's harsh/self-critical on herself when her attempt to help Yuki fails in the Valentine's Day episode. In the golden week trip arc, she tries to sabotage Yuki getting with Kyon, which she's horrible at doing by the way, due to being afraid that she'll become a third-wheel if Yuki goes out with Kyon, making Yuki & Asakura more distant.
That fear humanizes Asakura and her wingman help, since it's a genuine insecurity for any friend to have. Asakura wants what's best for Yuki, but what's best for Yuki also scares her.
This reveal settled Asakura as an all-time favourite for me, it's just... Seeing a wingman character go through these insecurities like this is something I never expected to see, but never realized I always wanted to see until seeing it. It's like a void has been filled for me, it's weird.
Onto more general things, the dynamics in the spin-off are great. They complete the cast, such as Koizumi's & Kyon's bromance, Asakura & Haruhi's friendly rivalry, and more.
The characters are also hilarious, with special mention to Yuki, Asakura, and especially Koizumi with the use of expressions and punchlines. Seriously, Koizumi is comedy gold.
The Love of Yuki Nagato
Remember when I said that I ship Yuki and Kyon in "The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya" review? Well, this anime is a goldmine of Yuki x Kyon content.
They share so many cute moments whether it's sitting next to each other, with Kyon's jacket acting as a blanket while it's snowing or looking at the stars, these two melt my heart.
[Credit: Funimation; Animation Studio: Satelight]
While Kyon doesn't have feelings for Yuki, he still acts flustered with romantic stuff. The same applies to Yuki, although her flustered reactions are more brash, like when holding Kyon's hand without protection.
I don't blame her, h*ndholding is hardcore stuff.
Like in "The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya," Yuki falls for Kyon because he helped her get a library card. However, Yuki's crush is deepened thanks to Kyon joining the literary club when it was at risk of abolishment due to needing five members.
As far as I can tell, the other two unnamed members exist in a void separated from reality for plot reasons. Either way, Kyon helped save the literary club, which means a lot to Yuki.
What also adds to the romance is the subversion of annoying romance tropes. For example, in the Valentine's Day arc, Yuki witnesses Haruhi giving Kyon chocolate on Valentine's Day, running away while dropping her chocolates for Kyon. It turns out Haruhi was just giving Kyon courtesy chocolate.
I usually despise misunderstandings like this given people of the opposite gender can do stuff/hang out without it being something romantic and the unreasonable reactions that follow from jumping the gun. Fortunately, while Yuki does misunderstand the situation, her reaction is perfectly reasonable.
Yuki ran away to give Haruhi alone time with Kyon, since she'd want the same if she was in Haruhi's shoes. She also only accidentally dropped her chocolate for Kyon, she still planned to give it to him.
That's a cool subversion, it genuinely caught me off guard. Here's another example, in episode six, Yuki thinks Kyon and Asakura were about to kiss in class when they were close to each other, which terrifies her. However, she quickly rationalizes that it must've been something else.
[Credit: Funimation; Animation Studio: Satelight]
Yuki Nagato is half-right, but it's not eye-dust related. While it's another misunderstanding, Yuki clears it up internally to herself in under a minute. Instead of being forced drama, it's a genuinely funny moment.
Yuki Nagato's avoidance of this trope makes me love her more because, sure, she's not the smartest nor the best at self-control, but she's reasonable. When she misunderstands a situation, she reacts reasonably. Misunderstandings are natural, but a poor reaction usually isn't.
The Adorableness of Yuki Nagato
From the screenshots, you can notice the art style change, colouring, and animation quality with Kyoto Animation not working on the spin-off. The art style is more modern, the colouring is soft, and the animation doesn't have the same smoothness.
[Credit: Funimation; Animation Studio: Satelight]
I'll admit the original anime surpasses the spin-off in terms of animation quality given Kyoto Animation animated the same episode eight times... They're on another level both skill-wise and mentally. However, the spin-off's art style and colouring works perfectly for its tone.
The soft colouring gives a calmer vibe which fits with the absence of supernatural elements and less high-risk plot in terms of the danger characters face. The art style also looks great. The presentation helps to make the spin-off stand out from the original anime.
[Credit: Funimation; Animation Studio for first picture: Satelight; Animation Studio for second picture: Kyoto Animation]
Although, what's most important is that the spin-off nails the adorableness factor and has those essential ripple effects.
Is life even worth living without ripple effects? The Opening and Ending, with the Ending being embedded later in the review, are solid too with bouncy visuals for the Opening and beautiful visuals for the Ending. Both songs are also catchy, with the Opening having the Japanese female VAs singing it.
The soundtrack is also good too, nothing sounds displeasing and some tracks are especially catchy. The soundtrack also has my favourite version of "We Wish you a Merry Christmas," so it's an automatic 10/10 now.
The English voice actors all return and do a fantastic job as always. While it can be jarring hearing Asakura and Yuki's voices at first, given both characters have different personalities, you get used to it. The performances compliment the new personalities.
The Real Disappearance of Yuki Nagato
Now, you might be thinking: "why is this called "The Disappearance of Nagato Yuki-Chan?" For over half the anime, you'll be left pondering that question, and I was ready to give this anime the big poopy award because I expect completely correct titles. However, when you realize... It gets you good and leads into the best arc of the anime.
While all the five arcs in the anime are fantastic, most of them are excellent for the reasons I listed above: the dynamics, characters, and more. The only thing I can add by this point is that the drama is non-world endingly great.
[Credit: Funimation; Animation Studio: Satelight]
However, the "The Disappearance of Nagato Yuki-Chan" arc stands above the rest, and in my opinion, it surpasses anything the movie or original anime does. Don't worry, I have a second scientific calculator to throw down with.
This arc starts in the after-credits scene of episode nine, with Yuki almost getting hit by a car. It's a huge tone shift from before, and this new tone won't go away anytime soon.
This becomes clear as after the accident, Yuki acts... Off. She's deadpan, she's reading books instead of playing games, and she's having no romantic moments with Kyon.
She's acting so much like Yuki from the original anime, which while cute in the original anime, here it's... Depressing seeing this once expressive girl be so devoid of emotion. The anime seems to agree, as the colouring becomes less saturated and the comedy is minimal. It's like watching a completely different anime and person, which...
Isn't that far from the truth. Yuki Nagato is experiencing dysmnesia or something like it. Someone with dysmnesia suffers disordered memories or an impairment related to their memory.
In this case, a new personality has taken form from Yuki's consciousness who has the same memories as the Yuki we've come to love in the spin-off, but not her personality.
For reference, this new personality Yuki, who acts like Alien Yuki, will be named New Yuki. The more expressive Yuki will be known as Old Yuki.
[Credit: Funimation; Animation Studio: Satelight]
New Yuki has Old Yuki's memories, but New Yuki says they aren't her memories. New Yuki is like an observer in a way, which the Ending version for this arc reflects.
New Yuki knows who Mikuru, Haruhi, Tsuruya, Old Yuki, and Koizumi are... However, she doesn't know them personally. To her, they're basically strangers.
It's as if someone else is in Yuki's body. Kyon and Asakura do their best to work around it, spend time with the New Yuki, take care of her, and so on while considering New Yuki's personality. The other characters are away during this arc.
However, while they come to care about New Yuki as much as Old Yuki, they still miss Old Yuki. It's only natural given...
The obvious. Unfortunately, this is a lose-lose situation for Kyon and Asakura. Old Yuki can only come back if New Yuki disappears. New Yuki will only stay if Old Yuki never comes back. Either way, a Yuki will disappear, and I mean disappear in the grimmest form.
While New Yuki is her own personality, with her own soul and whatnot, physically, she's just a personality. Something that only exists as a part of one's personality has no afterlife to go to. When New Yuki disappears, she's gone for good.
This is a similar case to "The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya" for when Kyon had to choose between a world with or without the SOS Brigade, each world would mean the other would be erased, and along with it, a Yuki. However, unlike the movie, the spin-off delves into the grim reality of it.
This is clear when Old Yuki's memories and feelings start coming back to New Yuki, such as Old Yuki's feelings for Kyon. This confuses New Yuki though, making her slowly realize she'll disappear. She even becomes aware of when her last day on Earth is.
She doesn't want to disappear, but she must accept the reality of the circumstances to enjoy her last day alive. In the end, she disappears with almost no regrets, as the last thing she does is confess her feelings to Kyon over the phone. She falls asleep, and the next time she wakes up, Old Yuki comes back.
The spin-off treats this as a death scene, and a tragic one at that. Both Kyon and Asakura (off-screen) cry in mourning for New Yuki. Ryouko Asakura cried so much off-screen too. New Yuki's disappearance and how Asakura & Kyon react genuinely hits hard, it's the cherry on top of one h*ck of an emotional roller coaster.
New Yuki's confession has its repercussions too, with Kyon feeling awkward around Yuki and distancing himself from her. As a result, this hurts Yuki. He doesn't know what to think of the confession, and he can't even tell who confessed what he thinks. This becomes the main conflict of the final arc, and it's an intriguing one.
It takes Haruhi's and Asakura's advice to push himself to finally tell Old Yuki how he feels about New Yuki's confession, that he bet he would've fallen in love with her. While Old Yuki doesn't hear it because of the fireworks, romance anime's biggest villain, it's shown that New Yuki did hear what Kyon said.
[Credit: Funimation; Animation Studio: Satelight]
With this, everything goes back to normal. Interestingly, as a friend pointed out, the anime ends on an Endless Eight reference. It's fitting though, given Endless Eight was the biggest cause of the original anime Yuki's actions in the movie.
"The Disappearance of Nagato Yuki-Chan" arc is a huge love letter for me because it takes one of the most compelling concepts from the movie, and gives it the expansion & depth it deserves with stellar execution. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time, and even came to love New Yuki a lot, so her disappearance hit hard.
It's surprisingly dark, ends on a bittersweet note, is compelling, and expands on Kyon & Asakura extremely well with how they view & handle the situation. This arc just gets me emotional, it's a masterpiece of storytelling in my book.
Overall (S)
"The Disappearance of Nagato Yuki-Chan" feels like a combination of everything I love: romance, comedy, drama, mystery (minor, but still present), and more. The characters are loveable and hilarious, the drama is engaging, the presentation is solid, it's adorable, the romance had me hooked, and many more elements that just makes this anime work.
Although, I see why it may be jarring to "The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya" fans. There aren't any supernatural elements, the characters act differently, the comedy is different, and the new art style is different. However, that’s why I love the spin-off, because it's so different, it solves nearly every problem I had with the original anime.
There's no overbearing Kyon narration, the cast is likable & interesting in comparison to only Asakura & Yuki from the original anime & movie because they're different, the comedy works for me, I never felt uncomfortable like with the original anime's sexual harassment towards Mikuru, and the supernatural stuff being absent works better for me.
I can't say "The Disappearance of Nagato Yuki-Chan" is perfect, but it's awesome in nearly every department. I have no hesitation declaring it one of my favourite anime of all time.
Comments