Eucliwood Hellscythe (Kore wa Zombie Desu ka?) vs. Seraphim (Kore wa Zombie Desu ka?)A tornado of leaves encircles these supernatural beings, curving the long, blue-white hair of the necromancer around to meet the rich black of the kyūketsu-ninja. Resigned to a life she cannot control, Yuu sighs: cruelty is her bitter friend, sadness her constant companion. Alone for centuries, but for the fear and power that haunted her, she, alone, understands the pain Seraphim feels, the loneliness and worried panic locked behind the vampire's stoic face. She sees the sensitive heart protected by the proud, haughty demeanor that it hides behind, the heart that was willing to give up everything it knew for her. And as they are forced against each other by the cruel world they are both all too familiar with, Eucliwood can empathize with Sera's inability to bring herself up to raise her Hiken Tsubamegaeshi against the gentle, child-like figure of the one who saved her life, the one who taught her to feel love for the very first time, the one who is her friend. Yet as quiet, sapphire eyes meet over-bright emerald, both know, no matter what the outcome, they've come too far together, shared too much, to ever turn against one another.
Huang Lingyin (IS <Infinite Stratos>) vs. Victorique de Blois (GOSICK)With a fiery personality, Huang Lingyin is the mirror opposite of Victorique de Blois. China's IS representative is always quick to talk and slow to listen. With the physical characteristics of a fang-tan and the personality of a genki girl, Lingyin always strives to be the best among her peers. On the other hand, Victorique is the reserved type of girl who prefers to observe others from the sidelines. With the help of her Wellspring of Wisdom, this intelligent Golden Fairy is able to solve any mystery given to her in a flash. Today, we get to see which is more powerful: the physical strength of an IS, or the analytical ability of the Wellspring of Wisdom.
Gokō Ruri (Kuroneko) (Ore no Imōto) vs. Charlotte Dunois (IS <Infinite Stratos>)Kuroneko has managed to skillfully blend into the shadows when it comes to confronting her seiyū sisters, but on the home stretch of the slippery slope that is the HanaKana Wars, Charlotte refuses to let her hide any longer. Both are mirror-image shy, quiet girls, but don't let their soft-spoken meekness fool you; under their reserved demeanors lie fervent passions and iron wills. Whether it's Ruri's passion for role-playing, love for anime, and faithful dedication to her beloved
Maschera, or Char's passion for IS, love for Ichika, and refusal to give him up to her classmates, both girls embody the essence of the Order of the Lotus: beautiful, gentle, and soft on the outside, resilient and strong within. These two newcomers have fought their way up the charts, knocking aside veterans and fellow newcomers alike to become favorites for the Postseason. As these Hanazawa Kana characters face off, will the purple of the fallen Tenshi-nyan blanket the sky? Or, will the gold of the French IS pilot glow victorious?
Shana (Shakugan no Shana) vs. Tōsaka Rin (Fate/stay night)Crimson is the colour that signifies both Shana and Tōsaka Rin. Her eyes and hair turn red, as Shana unleashes her fury upon the crimson denizens, hell-bent on protecting the balance and order between the worlds. Tsundere in nature, it took her a while before she realised her true feelings toward the main protagonist. Torn between her feelings and the duty bound to her, Shana continues to struggle both physically and emotionally. Rin, on the other hand, predominantly wears a red shirt. Picked as one of the masters in the fifth Holy Grail war, she is a talented magus. She tried to summon a knight spirit, but the spell went awry and instead summoned a different servant instead. While she is slightly tsundere in nature, it also took her awhile until she realised her feelings. As the 'Nietono no Shana' clashes with the ‘Unlimited Blade Works,’ will Shana be able to ‘colour’ Tōsaka Rin’s body with blood, or will her opponent smear her crimson-red instead?
Akiyama Mio (K-ON!) vs. Shinonono Hōki (IS <Infinite Stratos>)Two tall and beautiful bishōjo voiced by Hikasa Yōko take to the stage today as Hōkago Tea Time bassist, Akiyama Mio, takes on fourth-generation IS pilot, Shinonono Hōki. Physically, these two are very much alike; their long hair and model-like figures leave others in awe. But, their personalities couldn't be any more different. Mio is shy and constrained, often cringing at the thought of scary stories or being in the spotlight. As for Hōki, she has a tomboyish personality, regularly practicing kendo and wielding the strength to possibly take down a grown man. However, the determinations of these two maidens are equal. Both have the desire to be the best at what they do—whether it be playing the bass or practicing kendo. In the end, which one will you vote for? Is Mio with her shy personality the one for you, or does Hōki's physical strength impress you more?
Suzumiya Haruhi (Suzumiya Haruhi no Yūutsu) vs. Nakamura Yuri (Angel Beats!)It is a universal truth that stubborn, headstrong leaders clash. When one fights the injustice and cruelty of the almighty Kami-sama, and the other is the very god she fights, this clash will undoubtedly spiral to truly epic proportions. Embittered by the harsh world, Nakamura Yuri carries the burden of her three younger siblings on her conscience, blaming herself and her powerlessness for their untimely deaths, the shattering of her once-happy world. Oblivious to the power she controls, Suzumiya Haruhi lives a whimsical, joyful life tailored to her ideals, a life dedicated to fun, excitement, and her friends, whether they be aliens, espers, time-travellers&mdashor just a certain cynic. Both the embodiments of abundant love, these two determined girls are dedicated to their followers, seeking to do the best for their friends in every way. But before they can fully enjoy the wonders of a happy life, a score must be settled. Will Yuri and the SSS triumph over the betrayal and pain of their difficult lives and finally reach peace? Or, will Haruhi's SOS Brigade fulfill her expectations and put everyone back in their rightful places?
Katsura Hinagiku (Hayate no Gotoku!) vs. Hirasawa Yui (K-ON!)As the cheers of the audience shake the rafters at her introduction, Hinagiku glances over her shoulder at her ever-faithful, adoring Student Council Trio, awed into rare silence that their little prank had turned their friend into a household name. Turning, in hopes of glimpsing that certain unfortunate butler she knew was watching, the flash of light reflecting off her pink hair catches the eye of her opponent in the wings directly opposite: none other than the lead vocalist of the world-renowned Hōkago Tea-Time. Hirasawa Yui smiles; the Seitokaichō may have been able to sing her way past her sister, but there's no way Hina can win against her. Yui effortlessly tunes her guitar, confident her greater experience and dual-ability to both play and sing simultaneously will sway the competition in her favor. But in trading her shinai for a microphone, Hinagiku has discovered a new talent, and her triumph onstage in the last two rounds has only helped to enrich it. As the musician showdown comes to its final, let the music begin!
Yui (Angel Beats!) vs. Aisaka Taiga (Toradora!)Infinite energy, sheer stubborn will, and passion for life: Taiga and Yui mirror one another, embodying all three. Yet for both, there lie sensitive, broken hearts behind their strength. They exude confidence and independence, but their fragile souls quietly await the people ready to heal them, restore them: the ones who will love them. Life has been harsh for both of them. Difficult parents forced Taiga from home; difficult classmates forced her to hide behind a glowering frown, her pain invisible behind the fear she incited. Time ticked on for Yui, unable to move without assistance, to meet and make new friends, simply awaiting death—silent in her pain lest she burden her family more. Still, neither Taiga, nor Yui, let it dampen their spirits, and their waiting paid off. Today, as they race neck-and-neck towards the necklace they've both been biding their time for, will Ryūji's gentleness and tender care for the bokken-wielding tsundere give her the support she needs to triumph? Or, will Hinata's readiness to do anything and everything for the lively genki-girl give her the courage and peace she needs to move ahead?
Kōsaka Kirino (Ore no Imōto) vs. Aragaki Ayase (Ore no Imōto)Kirino has always known that the day her best friend finds out the truth behind her secret hobby, all hell will break loose. That day has come. If there is one thing Aragaki Ayase hates more than the lewd habits of otaku, it is lying; and now, she finds out her dearest friend and idol has lied to her repeatedly about her love for such games. Betrayed and hurt, the blue-haired model knows she must break her silence and confront her fallen friend, restoring the perfect, straight-A role model she's always known. But Kirino knows Ayase is ill-informed on the true nature of anime, has been biased by the media, and can't understand the happiness she feels as Kirino sings along to the
Stardust Witch Meruru theme song. Herself hurting at the blatant rejection of her imōto-love games, Kirino mirrors the pain Ayase feels, feeling as guilty for lying as Ayase feels devastated. As their inevitable confrontation takes place, can Kirino show her honest, upright friend the joy she feels as she navigates the routes of her beloved younger-sister-centered eroge? Or, will Ayase be able to bring her two-faced friend to honesty and see life her way?
Fate Testarossa (Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha) vs. Hiiragi Kagami (Lucky ☆ Star)Topaz 1, 2008. Winner's Round 3, 2008. Diamond 9, 2009. Topaz 4, 2010. Back and forth, these twin-tail veterans fought with every broken limb they had to offer. In 2008, Fate Testarossa wrecked havoc along with Bardiche in their first and second encounters, proving to her and to her competition why she is considered the strongest girl in the running. Hiiragi Kagami was not going to let this embarrassment slip so easily. In the 2009 final match of the Regular Season, Kagami was able to place all the stops and finally claimed her first victory against her. Kagami demonstrated a highly competitive attitude and stopped at nothing to get a victory. It all seemed well until 2010, when Fate was able to pummel her opponent once more, revenge for what happened the previous year. The score stands 3-1, and these two warriors take the stage once more. With both characters knowing each other well enough, it will only take a single flaw to determine who the winner will be. Can Fate knock down her competitor for the fourth time, or will Kagami obtain her second win against her?
Kasugano Sora (Yosuga no Sora) vs. Holo (Spice and Wolf)Sora lies in her bed, unmoved. Something is wrong inside her, but she does not know what it is. She looks out the window and notices a figure sitting on the plains. Because she emits a sense of forlornness, maybe she can tell her what this feeling is inside her heart. Sora leaves her home, walks up to the woman, and gasps. She is not shocked by the inhuman physique; rather, there is something else much more bothersome. It is if this stranger has been alone for many years, watching people from afar and seeing how much they have changed, while forgetting that they owed her so much in their previous lives. She is not angry, but sad that the memories of the current society does not remember whom to thank for all this time. Clearly, there is no way to calmly and politely ask a personal question. It seems as if the only way to make her talk is to wake her up.
Mineva Lao Zabi (Mobile Suit Gundam) vs. Kō Shūrei (Saiunkoku Monogatari)
미네바 라오 자비 (기동전사 건담) 대 홍수려 (채운국이야기)If one wishes to test a man's character, give him power. Seeking the power to bring positive change to their worlds, Kō Shūrei and Mineva Lao Zabi struggle with gender and political discrimination. Born into the well-respected, yet impoverished Kō clan, Shūrei supports her family by working odd jobs as an accountant, teacher, and musician while nurturing her dream to become a government official. Defying societal norms, she finally entered the male-dominated imperial court. Hoping to better herself and her country, she is met with indifference from politicians who seek only the prestige of her name, not her ability. Heir to the fallen empire of Zeon, Mineva shoulders the dignity and responsibility of the Zabi legacy by projecting a prideful front that masks a kind, dedicated, and righteous individual. Witnessing human tragedies from the on-going conflicts between Zeon and the Earth Federation, she strives to restore peace to the solar system, even if doing so means defying the imperialistic agenda of her family and the anachronistic ideals of her people. Armed with their wit and charisma, and tempered by the unfair circumstances they have faced, Shūrei and Mineva are natural leaders. Today's match honors their pride, beauty, and success.
예술은 사회의 본질을 보여준다고도 하지만 사회가 나가야 할 목표를 보여주기도 합니다. 애니도 예외가 아닙니다. 그러면 이번 경기에 나온 두 여성은 아시아 사회내의 여성상과 지위의 현 위치를 보여주는 것일까요, 발전 가능성을 보이는 것일까요, 아니면 현실과 아무 관계없는 꿈나라 이야기일까요? 두 인물 모두, 공주와 같은 지위와 권위를 가졌지만, 자신을 억압하려는 사회를 거스르고 주체적으로 미래를 개척할 수 밖에 없는 처지에 놓여있습니다. 둘다 형식적인 힘이 아닌 사회를 실질적으로 변혁하려는 힘을 원합니다. 그렇지만 미네바의 경우 당장 큰 전쟁이 일어날 수 있는 상황이라서 힘을 기를 여유 없이 맹목적으로 돌진하게 됩니다. 이에 비해 수려는 상대적으로 나라가 평화로운 상태라서, 주변 사람들에게 더 큰 도움을 주기 위하여 필요하면 자제하면서 천천히, 그러나 꾸준히 힘을 기르면서 나아가고 있는 차이를 보입니다. 과연 두 인물의 차이는 닥쳐있는 현실때문만일까요, 아니면 두 인물 내면의 본질적인 차이때문일까요? 어느 나라에서는 미네바와 같은 강행이 더 필요하고 다른 어디에서는 수려와 같은 적응이 더 필요할까요? 이 시범경기가 여러분에게 많은 복잡한 것들을 생각할 기회가 되었으면 좋겠습니다.
