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On December 1st 2007 the first installment of what would be the true to original 7 chapter novel was screened in Japanese theatres and this time die-hard critics are not just pleased, but overwhelmed by what was but an introduction, Overlooking View. Unlike the former, Kara no Kyoukai is produced for theatre and this you very soon realise mere minutes into the show, it's simply screaming production quality. More importantly though, it's very close to roots, a pleasant surprise for fans. Chapters 2-4 closely followed the first with screenings dated December 29th 2007, January 26th 2008 and last being Saturday, May 24th 2008. Chapters 5-7 are expected to be screened during the later half of 2008. Chapter 1's DVD release hit Japanese streets May 22nd 2008 with chapter 2's expected June 25th 2008 and chapter 3's July 23d 2008. A complete 2008 DVD release date not yet confirmed. Now that said allow me to get to the actual point of this thread and take a closer look at the first chapter.
Chapter 1 : Dai Isshou - Fukan Fuukei (Overlooking View)
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Don't worry, this will be as spoiler-free as possible and for those who prefer not to see a few screenshots, now's a good time to click the back button in your browser. I'll keep this short and simple so that you guys know what's going on if your not up to the task of reading up on it yourselves. Without at least a little knowledge you'll find chapter 1 a little, strange. The very first thing to note is that Kara no Kyoukai like many Japanese tales is not told in order. Overlooking View is the introduction to the series and those who read the novel describe it as one of the poorer of the 7 chapters. Do not expect your questions answered, yet. Keep in mind there are 6 others to follow. As I mentioned earlier the TYPE-MOON universe overlap and those who watched Fate/Stay Night and Shingetsutan Tsukihime would feel oddly familiar with a number of concepts. To know exactly how much they all have in common refer to the chart below -
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As the plot will fall in place by itself with the release of every chapter I will not be noting that, at all. We can all chat about that when it's finished. With the release of every chapter I'll give the characters just the needed bit of backstory though to assist with a stand-alone view.
Ryōgi Shiki
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The girl at the center of Kara no Kyoukai. Shiki's from 1 of 4 families of the Demon Hunter Organization, the last known descendant. Just like Tohno Shiki from Shingetsutan Tsukihime she also has the unique ability, Chokushi no Magan, or Mystic Eyes Of Death Perception as it's known in English. The glasses given to Tohno Shiki in Tsukihime was formerly hers and she is said to have stronger eyes. Likewise the yellow raincoat you see her wearing in the screenshot above is the same raincoat Emiya Shirou used to conceal Saber just before her first fight with Berserker. As a child of the Ryōgi bloodline Shiki was taught and raised to have multiple personalities, one dominant and one feminine, consciously controlling both. She believes her dominant personality died in her car accident 3 years ago as she can no longer feel his presence since and now acts harsh in feminine form in an attempt to get him back. Aozaki Tohko would actually refer to her behaviour as a new third personality. Whilst she may come accross as insensitive, she is merely masking her true kind and loving self. She leads a very simplistic life and wears only but a Kimono. She also harbours feelings for Kokutō Mikiya, though she will not openly admit it. She works for Aozaki Tohko investigating the supernatural. Shiki lost her left arm. This event will be explained in the upcoming chapter 3. Aozaki Tohko crafted her the new one we see her using now.
Aozaki Tohko
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Tohko runs the business Garan no Dou acting as a puppet maker also investigating cases related to the supernatural. The building itself cannot be seen and only found by those specifically looking for her. She is actually a sorceress formerly from the London Mage's Association, and an extremely powerful one at that. Tohko mastered Rune sorcery but specializes in puppets. Her creations can imitate humans themselves. She took Shiki under her wing as she was interested in her ability. Just like Shiki she seems to switch personality at the drop of a hat, acting friendly when she's wearing her glasses and cold when she's not. Tohko is the older sister of Tsukihime's Aozaki Aoko, the woman who gave Shiki his glasses, whom he addressed as teacher.
Kokutō Mikiya
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Mikiya saw one of Tohko's dolls at an exhibition and was so amazed by it he took it upon himself to find it's maker which led him to Garan no Dou, Tokho's workplace. Impressed that he found her she offered him a job as her assistant. He is a very close friend to Shiki and seems to understand her true feelings all too well.
Fujō Kirie
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As far as this girl's concerned I'm not going to say anything. Just listen carefully what she has to say...
Kokutō Azaka
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Introduced at the end of chapter 1. She is Mikiya's younger sister, an apprentice of Tokho's, gifted in fire spells. More on her come chapter 3.
Chapter 2 : Dai ni Shou Satsujin Kousatsu (Murder Study) - Preview
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Enough for now. I will expand this entry as the rest of the chapters are released. As you can see chapter 2's focus is on Shiki and the basis for the plot. Chapter 3 will again take us back to present. I'm looking forward to seeing Fujino Asagami. A few links - Trailer (Chapter 2 : Murder Study) | Trailer (Chapter 3 : Remaining Sense Of Pain) | Trailer (Chapter 4 : The Hollowness) | Complete 7 movie preview | Official website | AniDB entry | Mirror Moon (thanks Nuke) | The Moonlit World | Baka-Tsuki | Wiki | Interview with Kinoko Nasu Crunchyroll rapes bandwidth hey so don't blame me if you find you cap gone. The translation for the novel has stalled. You can read 3 of 7 chapters over at Mirror Moon and upto chapter 5 over at Baka-Tsuki but best not wait for completion. More next month.