Review - The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya - Series 1

The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya - Series 1

Studio: Kyoto Animation
Distributor: Beez Entertainment
Volumes - 4 + Complete Box Set
Episodes - 14
Released: May 2008

Since The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya was aired in Japan back in 2006, the series has become a global hit, and has since spawned various character singles, games, a second series, and a movie.

The series is based on the Haruhi Suzumiya light novels by Nagaru Tanigawa, originally published in the Japanese light novel magazine, The Sneaker.

Kyon, the narrator of the series, is just your normal average high-schooler. Having once believed in aliens, time-travellers and espers, he has come to realise the harsh reality of the world that none of these exist. But all this changes when he meets Haruhi Suzumiya, a girl who is anything but normal. Haruhi is only interested in aliens, time travellers and espers, and has varying eccentricities.

Indeed, all of her classmates from junior high know of this, so when Kyon successfully converses with her on a regular basis, those classmates start to get curious. After confessing that she found all the school's club activities boring, Kyon pushes her to create her own club, the now infamous SOS (Spreading excitement all Over the world with Suzumiya haruhi) Brigade, which Haruhi creates as a means to seek out the mysteries of the universe.

And so, the first volume concerns with the setting up of the club. Don't think that it's just a long-winded set-up, oh no, for there's plenty of excitement to be had. Don't worry, I won't spoil it for you, but rest assured when you meet that *ahem* moment in episode 2, you're sure to be laughing out loud.

And what a bunch of misfits the club seems to be. We have the eccentric and excitable Haruhi, the extremely normal Kyon (whose name is actually a nickname - we never find out his real one), the former one-and-only literature club member Yuki Nagato, the undeniable cute and well-endowed Mikuru Asahina, and Itsuki Koizumi, the mysterious transfer student.

Each character is defined well with their own personality, even if they are, well, anime staples. The characters do change over the course of the series, with Kyon, so sceptical about his situation at the beginning, gradually accepts the way the world works. And even though Haruhi says she isn't interested in that stuff, there are a couple of hints in the series that indicate a future romantic relationship between the two characters. Although anything like this is hidden by the fact that Haruhi "chose" Kyon, who she relies upon and trusts the most. This is said many times by Koizumi, Yuki and Mikuru.

The quality of the animation itself is top notch and very well presented, with almost always something happening in the scene. Still frames are kept to a minimum, but when used they are used effectively, for example allowing you to concentrate on Kyon's narration on an important point. Human movements are natural and smooth, which makes everything that much more believable.

The second volume continues on the main "Melancholy" arc, and contains some stunning sequences. I did first watch this online, and seeing that sci-fi-esque battle scene blew me away. The conclusion to episode six is pretty stunning, and also refers to an earlier point, which I can't directly reference due to spoilers. Episode 7 then gives a kick of comedy, but the threat from the previous episode is still very much present.

Even when we approach the more stand-alone episodes, there is never a dip in quality. And it's in the final volume of this series where we can really have some fun, with the SOS brigade playing the computer club's self-devised game, and then getting to experience Aya Hirano's impressive vocals (in the subtitled version) in Live Alive.

Indeed, the music from the series has proven very popular; and contributes some my personal favourite opening and ending songs from any anime. The ending theme, Hare Hare Yukai, is certainly a cultural phenomenon, with many convention goers performing the infamous dance which goes with the song. There have been opening and ending singles released for both series, as well as numerous character singles, showing how popular the music is.

The dub is very decent, one of the best dubs I've heard in my opinion. Wendee Lee actually comes very close to the tone that Hirano uses for Haruhi. Typically the character voices in the dub are very close to that of the sub, so it's up to you which you watch. I'd say try the dub first as it is easier to focus on the animation, then try the subtitles, which are fairly decent also. They do make sense and follow what is going on, but I can't comment beyond that as I obviously can't speak Japanese.

The plot of the whole thing goes along at a fair pace that keeps you entertained, and finishes off with the slightly calmer Someday In The Rain  written by the original creator Tanigawa especially for the anime. Still, it's a nice point to finish off on that will leave you feeling satisfied but at the same time wanting more.

The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya doesn't give anything new, but it doesn't need to. It takes what is already available and puts them all in a highly entertaining package. Hilarious, exciting and gripping, this is one fantastic anime series that is well worth picking up.

+ Superb animation that is well presented
+ Voice acting is excellent in the sub, very good for the dub, and subtitles seem OK
+ Characters are well built and show good progression over the course of the series
+ Great mix of comedy, fanservice, adventure sci-fi etc...
- Possibly too eccentric at times for newcomers

9/10