Before I fly off to my conference in Portugal, I got some spare time to watch Library War Episode 6. It is definitely something worth the watch! I will not spoil those as yet, but it turns out that Production I.G might have answered our wishes. No, it is not a Dojo x Kasahara romance brewing sadly, but it is something that gives us a bit of history.

I will leave it as it is, but I felt that it is perhaps one of the strangely enjoyable episodes for me. In addition, as there is a very long flashback that is broken into a few parts in the episode, I will be putting the flashback at one go for better flow.

[Skip the summary]

Episode summary

Komaki and Kasahara are in a tight situation after being chased by the Media Purification Brigade for a book of prophesy. They have gone to a second hand bookstore to retrieve this book for the library. It seems that the book is a translated book from an American author sixty years ago about the restriction of information by the government (which seems to predict the current scenario right now). A French director also made a film but they are banned. The group’s van is then flanked by the Media Purification Brigade,as they stopped the van.

Two of Komaki’s compatriots acted as lure, as Komaki and Kasahara escaped with the book. Genda’s call to Kasahara alerted the enemy, and the spotlight is on them as Komaki is shot at the foot. Kasahara screams at them, as they are not allowed to fire a shot in the streets as it is a designated neutral ground. The shot merely glazed Komaki’s ankle. Komaki simply told her to run off, and they ran off. The Library Task Force also moved out to meet the two, as Genda’s calls were continuously hung down.

When Kasahara commented about the atrocity of that gunshot, Komaki simply smiled. They finally moved to a isolated container, where Kasahara reported to Genda about the incident and Komaki’s injury. Komaki says that her injury report will worry them, and told Kasahara that complaining will not help, as they used a silencer late in the night and no civilians will report it. Their mobiles were running low on battery after that call. Kasahara asks Komaki why he is smiling over her reaction just now, and he replies that she is very similar to Dojo.

Komaki re-accounts the defense of a children’s library when the both of them are still in training for the Task Force. Due to the simple graphics of these children books, it is easy to understand and the government wished to seize control. Komaki told Kasahara about the irony and complexity of infighting within the government, which is why such conflicting rules are set. It seems amusing that no one in power wanted such a ridiculous scenario, but it is the current situation they are facing.

As the children’s library is about to open, a few kids want to go in. One of the kids sneaked in and a member of the Media Purification Brigade gave a warning shot. However, it is already against regulations to fire at civilians. Dojo screams at their actions (just like Kasahara) and charged out to attack the person who made the shot. The others followed to join Dojo under Genda’s orders. Dojo made a letter of apology, but Genda gave him a promotion instead. Genda seems to hint that giving Dojo some responsibility will help him.

At present, the Task Force arrived. They wondered what strategy to use as they are outnumbered. Tezuka asked about whether a shot was fired, and Dojo affirmed it. Later on, Tezuka is spotted using a mobile phone on their movement. Kasahara tells Komaki to escape, while she acts as lure. Komaki says that action is just like Dojo. The two of them are caught, but the book is not with them. It turns out that it is hidden at the first train that is leaving the depot.

Eventually, the two escaped with the help of the Task Force, and there seems to be a warning by their superiors to stop as a civilian reported the sound of a gunshot. Dojo asks who shot Komaki, and it turns out to be the same person in the Library’s event. Instead of punching him, Dojo simply gave him a stern warning that this will not be the end (showing his improvement). Dojo wondered if that civilian reporting is from Tezuka. It is also clear that Shibasaki spent the whole night worrying for Kasahara.

Thoughts

To me, this is perhaps one of the best set up episodes for a flashback. Usually, flashbacks (particularly extended ones) feel somewhat forced, but the flow for this made it logical. I felt that it is really due a Dojo flashback of what he did that resembles Kasahara so much. In addition, the whole episode gave a very heartwarming idea of how much Dojo has matured and blossomed into a top class lieutenant.

Komaki finally gets some focus, even though it is sad that we still don’t know much about him other than being a smiling person that enjoys the antics of the people around him. I felt that it is a little wasted that Komaki, despite appearing quite often in this episode, is not given a chance to shine at all. That, to me, is a great disappointment because two other side characters are given more attention too.

First of all, Shibasaki really shows quite a bit of herself despite the limited appearance this week. Her frentic attempts to call Kasahara over 20 times showed her deep concern of her friend, and it is clear that Shibasaki is very sensitive despite her taunting demeanour. In other words, never take someone’s exterior for granted. There’s nothing better to learn about “judging a book by its cover” here. Tezuka is also the one who saved everyone’s skins quietly, and he is really impressing me with his cool head.

In the end, I feel a bit happy that they bothered to point out the irony of such a ridiculous plot, and blame it on a realistic theme: the corruption of power. Due to the dirty infighting of the politicians, they brought their own country into a state of dispute that will make any outsider laugh. It is really sad that they presented a truth that people often do things against their will when they wish to obtain prestige, rank or power among others.

Before we criticize them for being overly silly, will we be able to think about apartheid being awful if we are part of the White majority then? Is it possible that slavery is not seen as anything that is against human rights a few hundred years ago? In an age where information might become more important, will those people with this “power” wish to control it for themselves, while others set up organizations to seize power themselves?

Let us pray not.

Kasahara Iku is an officer working under the Task Force. She has never truly buckled under the immense stress faced in her work. Kasahara is a heroine, being the only female officer who is good enough to be under the Task Force. However, her biggest challenge ever is arriving right to the doorstep of her work place.

It’s time for World War III to happen. Or in other words, her parents are coming. What kind of ammunition will she use to defend herself? By the way, the three preview shots are just so cute, huh? Oh, my fansub decided to drop Library war, but since Menclave is doing such a good job, there’s no need for another group.

[Skip the summary]

Episode summary

The others are looking at the report of Odawara in the latest copy of the Library magazine. Kasahara’s conservative parents are finally here for the visit, as Kasahara clearly freaks out. There is a real likelihood for her to be forcefully brought back, and her image in that magazine did not help. It can be shown from her stammering speech with her parents while the others looked on. Her mother is worried about a check from the Media Purification Brigade and also asked to tour the base.

Kasahara asked Dojo to make some excuses to reject the tour, but he told her that it’s impossible since they have passes. Kasahara tried to ask Dojo and Shibasaki to accompany her in the tour. Eventually, Kasahara bribed Shibasaki with a mega meal for her to tag along. Her mother quipped about the base, but Shibasaki says that the roar of a supervisor is scarier (a dig at Kasahara). At the canteen, Genda nearly leaked out the truth, but Dojo dragged him away in time.

However, Genda said he prepared housing for Kasahara’s parents. On their way to the man’s dormitory, Kasahara’s dad notices that Kasahara has a lot of trust in Dojo. Dojo is surprised, but her father said that Kasahara looked at Dojo for help first. Kasahara’s mother visited Kasahara’s room. Thanks to Shibasaki, the presence of her Task force uniform was covered up as Shibasaki’s boyfriend’s uniform. Later in the bath, her mother complimented Shibasaki’s femininity but noticed Kasahara’s scratched arm. Shibasaki can also tell that Kasahara is stressed out by the ordeal.

The next day, Tezuka asks whether she is fine. Kasahara is lining up the books when Komaki noticed that Kasahara’s mother was grabbing the magazine with Kasahara in the Inamine abduction incident. Her mother wondered about the incident, and her father told his wife to read up on earlier volumes. Kasahara tried to take the book away, but was reminded of the 2nd article of the Library Act: all users have the freedom to all the information they want.

Dojo tells her that the latest edition is hot, and Kasahara can try to distract them before they picked up on that edition. Her father also tested her, and asks why she is so incompetent, compared to Dojo and Tezuka. At that time, a man tried to escape with a book. He manages to shake off a library officer, but Kasahara manages to subdue him. However, that revealed her not-so-simple role in the Library. That night, Dojo tried to lie about Kasahara’s real job to her father. Kasahara’s father asked Dojo about Kasahara.

Dojo told him that Kasahara is poor at administration work, but is very reliable in protecting books and is an indispensable member of the Library. The next day, her parents are clearly worried, and her mother wanted her to withdraw. Surprisingly, Kasahara’s father supported Kasahara’s decision. When Kasahara told them about her reason to be here, they agreed that it’s a good reason. As they left, Kasahara cried and felt sad that she lied to them.

Thoughts

This episode is dead hilarious. Some of the comedy scenes have to be watched to laugh at. There’s really no time for me to describe them. So, I hope that you guys get to watch it soon. If anyone did not watch the first four episodes of Library War, they would have thought that this show is all about the comedy (which is a partial truth, but I digress).

It’s a very light hearted episode that gives a bit of character development for Kasahara. She is clearly growing up and has gained the confidence to face her parents truthfully. She might not grow at all as a library officer, but she has grown as a person. I really think she cries a bit too much for my liking, but it is clear that behind her strong headed character is a girl who is quite unreliable and needs tender care for growth.

In addition, Shibasaki is surprisingly getting my attention with her coy but intelligent demeanor. As much as she likes to make fun of Kasahara (a lot), she also protects her whenever it becomes somewhat dangerous. Point-in-note is the uniform where she calmly states that it’s hers. Then, she folds and tells Kasahara’s mother to keep a secret as it is her boyfriend’s clothing. I just think that she is so cool to manipulate simple-minded Kasahara, but it is not a fake friendship. Shibasaki truly cares for Kasahara. No, not in the yuri style.

On the plot this episode, I thought that her father is the type that deals with the facts. He knows that Kasahara is in good hands with Dojo. Dojo is really impressive as a superior, in any father’s eyes. I can understand why he can rest assured with Dojo around. He’s cool, he’s reliable and most of all, he cares about her daughter. There’s still no romance, damn it, but he rocks. No, I am not fanboying him. I am just stating about the plot.

So, in all, wonderful episode after some rather intense episodes. It’s not really filler, but a good way to slow down the pace a little.

Kasahara is told that she is not GOOD ENOUGH to be involved in the defense of Odawara Archival Center. She is hence assigned to protect Inamine for a funeral procession by the willful decision of Dojo. She is down due to the hurtful words of Dojo, but she decided to take this security job seriously.

She got more than she bargained for. There is now a group of suspicious people that are trying to lay their hands on Inamine in order to bargain for the Media Purification Brigade Militia.

[Skip the summary]

Episode summary

The group kidnaps Inamine to bargain for the archives secured by the Library Task Force in Odawara. Kasahara tried to escape, but the group warns that they will bomb up the funeral procession if she tried to flee with Inamine. Inamine decides to go with them. Kasahara insists to follow Inamine to protect his human rights, and the kidnappers allowed her request. Back at the headquarters, Genda realize that the group lied about the bomb.

The police also arrived to help in the investigation, along with Maki to report on the event. Kasahara tries to take care of Inamine, and reminds him jokingly to put it a good word for her. He smiled and said he would. Kasahara realizes that she has to do the best she can before the Library comes to save them. The kidnappers called the Library and Genda wished to talk to the hostages. Kasahara tells them to inform Shibasaki to cancel their appointment in Transall. She adds that the place is very expensive.

Komaki told Dojo not to worry, since Kasahara is in high spirits. The kidnappers also informed Genda to burn the archives within two hours. The police is unable to detect the source. However, after calling Shibasaki, it turns out that Kasahara’s words was a hint about their location (Tachika). The information is currently getting replicated, but Shibasaki reports that it might not be in time. Dojo decides to check on the process, while clearly worried for Kasahara.

Inamine seems to be hurting in his right prosthetic leg as he requested to remove it. Kasahara remembers about how Inamine lost the leg in the Hino’s nightmare. The removal of the leg is actually a location signal to the Library. Genda orders the Task force to move off. The police tells them that they should be in charge, but Genda says they have not gained their trust after the Hino’s Nightmare.

The police says that the area is out of the library’s jurisdiction, only for Genda to proclaim that they will purchase all the land surrounding it to make it theirs. Genda also sarcastically said that they can construct a new library. In the worst case scenario, they will pay the penalty to break their contract with the landowners. Dojo thinks about how similar Kasahara is like him, and how he hurts Kasahara due to his own fears. Kasahara wonders if her hint is enough for the Library Task Force.

Dojo makes Kasahara realize that he’s out there, and the Task forces charges in to save Inamine and Kasahara. Inamine promises to tell Dojo about Kasahara’s good job. Dojo praises her and apologizes about saying that she is not good enough. Kasahara is surprised how happy she is with his praise. She tells him that she will go beyond him, but started quarreling when Dojo picked on her. Kasahara also rejected Tezuka, as it is clear he dated her because Dojo says he can learn something from her. Kasahara also realizes that her parents will be coming over to meet her.

Thoughts

All right, despite being a really cute episode (YAY FOR Kasahara x Dojo moment), I do have some complains about the episode. For one thing, I know that the context is not really foolproof. However, Genda’s reaction to buy everything within the area to get in their jurisdiction was very unrealistic. I nearly fell off my chair when I saw it since it is like trying to suspend reality. They are really trying to make the Library so cool that they will cut steel.

One more thing that annoys me must be the Hino’s Nightmare. Yes, the police fouled up. Yes, 12 people are killed. Yes, the Library has huge hate. Let’s not forget to give the enemy some credit. It’s part of strategy that the Media Purification Brigade Militia that they beat the police. So, seriously let it rest already. I really think that the Library is totally blinded by one incident. It is a symbolic event rather than a true massacre, but it’s just over-exaggerating in the hatred for the next 20 years.

Before I start complaining how the already thin background and story is trying to go out of proportions, the main bite of the show fulfills its promise completely. The Dojo monologue is downright awesome, with him showing his insecurity and sensitivity toward Kasahara. It might not be love as yet, but it is clear that he sees a reflection of himself on her. He does not want her to get hurt because of her. However, she did now because of his decision to leave her out.

He reprimanded himself and just wanted her to be well. I must tell you all to watch that scene of monologue IMMEDIATELY because it is just about the sweetest scene I have seen for a long time. Dojo’s seiyuu, Tomoaki Maeno, really pulls off the voice of Dojo excellently. He has really impressed me with his vocal capabilities and that firm yet gentle feel. He’s giving a good display of himself, and he is also going to be in the sequel of Someday’s dreamers (which a speedsub I am in, will be handling, unless it gets licensed).

An addition thing about Toshokan Sensou in the background is about Inamine’s leg. In this rather dysfunctional future, it seems that technology has gone in such a powerful way that all digitized information can be easily tracked by either party. If you think how a mechanism as sophisticated as the prosthetic leg can be created, it is likely that the only possible way to transmit information is through books. That is perhaps why it is a battle of books. Needless to say, it is still highly surreal but who knows what the future lies?

History has told us that humans have been poor in predicting the future. Ten years ago, The Internet has been predicted as a source of political pluralization and a new age for democracy. We are now at the present. The number of voices have increased, but the influential voices remain to an elite few: the elite of popularity. The Internet is also said to free nations from the shackles of oppression, and lead to a new age of information sharing.

Is it true right now? Information control techniques have developed to cover most common users except the deviant who finds a way past such strict protocol. We know about the great firewall of China. We know how more sophisticated technology can be utilized to track every single step of a suspect. Technology is always developing. Can we really say that such drastic information control will never happen to an authoritative central government in Asia, or the world?

Do you know the feeling of anticipation for the next episode of an anime series to arrive? Do you feel the agony knowing that you have to wait for a week in order to get more of a certain anime series? Do you feel the anguish that nobody seems to know how good this series is because everyone is keen to sub Code Geass, Vampire Knight and Special A? I am experiencing these strong feelings because Library War (Toshokan Sensou) is just about one of the most visually appealing shows this season.

Nonetheless, this is a series I will definitely blog even if no one cares about it. I know it deserves to be given WAY more attention than it is getting now. To all fansubbers of Menclave, Strawberry Mint Subs and Ureshii/BSS, PLEASE SUB IT NOW, IF YOU KNOW WHAT’S A GOOD ANIME! Enough whining, it’s time for the review. I also included a link tag for those who do not want to be spoiled with the episode summary. You can click the link below in order to skip to the thoughts section. I hope this new feature will be good for anyone who does not want the summaries and yet want to comment.

[Skipping to the thoughts section]

Episode summary

Kasahara is undergoing mountain hiking exercise with the rest of the Task force. After bumping onto Tezuka, Kasahara is given a cold eye by him. Kasahara and Tezuka are actually nominated by Komaki and Genda to enter the task force. Kasahara also remembers about Asako’s comment that Tezuka is the top cadet officer. However, Kasahara wonders whether he is as good as people described. Genda asks Kasahara what she is thinking, and she asks why they are doing an exercise in the wild. Genda says that he likes it but Dojo adds that it is to prevent an incident like the Hino’s nightmare.

Tezuka is surprised at Kasahara’s ignorance, and explains that the lack of proper organization and regimentation within the Library Task Force (LTF) caused 12 deaths in Hino Library when Media Improvement Brigade Militia (MiB) invaded. the LTF is not able to save the people there in time. Tezuka adds that he wonders why Kasahara is in the Task force, but Dojo defends her. In target shooting, Kasahara only manages to hit half of the targets, while Tezuka easily hits dead center. Kasahara gained praise by Dojo through roping down the helicopter, surprising her as Dojo does not give compliments. Tezuka seems to be somewhat reluctant before getting down.

The last exercise in the wilds is to trek to the top, as the Task force is split into two. Genda warns of a roaming bear. Kasahara goes into panic mode and ignores Dojo’s assurances that there are no bears sighted before. Kasahara is drained from the trek and falls. Dojo tells Tezuka to help her as it is a team effort. Eventually, Kasahara’s team got there first. At night, Kasahara wakes up to see a bear and punches it, only to realize that it is a senior in a bear’s clothing. The next day, Asako laughs about her “bear-killing act”, and cannot imagine about Kasahara’s femininity at all.

Komaki reminds Dojo that Kasahara is really similar to him when Dojo is a trainee (in bear-killing). The two starts quarreling about the bear, with Komaki enjoys the quarrel. Kasahara, due to her lack of studying, is unable to handle the classification of books. Tezuka fully insults her incompetency. She makes an excuse that there is no time between physical and classifying training. Tezuka adds that she should take her initiative to learn since there are two break days, and says that stupid and incompetent people should just shut up.

Dojo tells him that he is taking this too far, and tells Kasahara to work on the remaining tasks. She starts to cry, but regains her composure. She continues to work when Dojo and Komaki leaves. Dojo is worried and asks Asako to take a look at Kasahara who is still working. Kasahara asks Asako to teach her in classification, and Asako warns her to prepare herself. Eventually, she is able to do it with the harsh training of Asako. The two also finds something fishy with the lack of classification for a few books. Dojo tells Tezuka to recognize and trust her more.

Asako says that all the “missing” books are in the conference room as the library merchants are here to examine it. The MiB infiltrates the library, as the LtF is in full alert to protect the basement. Asako realizes that the library merchant is in cahoots with the MiB, and warns Kasahara about it. Kasahara defies orders to rush up, and she faces resistance. Tezuka shoots a MiB member and he drops the bag filled with the books to the ground below. Tezuka is going to call backup, but Kasahara realizes that there’s no time to waste as she asks for cover. She jumps down with the rope as she knows Tezuka has fear of heights.

She manages to receive the bag and the other members from the LtF arrived in time to save her. Dojo screams at her recklessness, and she realizes that she has genuinely made Dojo worried. She apologizes but Dojo also praises her for her quick thinking in order to save the books. At night, Tezuka walks off with Kazahara, and Kazahara praises Tezuka for his good markmanship and cover. Tezuka stares at her and says he has a proposal for her. He suddenly confesses his love for her.

Thoughts

I really like Dojo now for Kasahara’s future love interest (and her prince?). Instead of being a total pain in the a**, Dojo is actually a very kind and sweet instructor. I mean, he is the type of instructor that all females will want to have. He’s a totally tsundere at that, and I know that our resident community female bunny is thinking of him that way. I really like how he is very harsh at her mistakes, but he is so cool when he protects Kasahara from the evil mouth of Tezuka. I think that it’s pretty obvious now that it is a Dojo x Kasahara pairing. Yay for sweet fierce shoujo love!

Everyone who reads my entries often will know my liking of a strong female lead. Kasahara clearly fits the criteria. I mean, how many girls can dropkick an instructor without any hesitation and punching a “bear” to oblivion? Without counting the magical girls, a normal girl is usually unable to do this. That is why I appreciate the strong-headed Kasahara. I am tired of damsel in distress girls who are made use as stupid fanservice. I do not need that to enjoy my anime. That is why Kasahara is a huge positive in this series.

The action scene at the end of this episode is exciting, and does not use any cheap thrills to fake the action. I like how they attempt to do some realistic flaking and group formations in military operations. I do not remember enough to name them (maybe Crusader can eventually fill me in on them) but it is clear that they are not going on a macho solo action hero style of action. Every single main character is not deus ex machina, and it’s through tactical skills and luck for them to survive in this gun fight. I guess I am not the kind of viewer that enjoys a hero blasting everyone into oblivion easily without a single sweat.

On the episode itself, production I.G really establishes its credibility as a top-notch animation company. It’s hard to find any fault with the fluid graphics for a weekly series. Library Wars have this good infusion style that does not fit in the shoujo or shounen genre. Instead of being lackluster, it works perfectly well as the romance has a strong sense of shoujo (two stubborn males, and a love triangle) with downright cool military action gunfights. I do not see how it is done inappropriately. Can you?

Lastly, on the lighter side of life, who thinks that Tezuka is queer? I mean, just a few days ago, Tezuka cannot wait to rip her apart (not in the dirty way) but suddenly he wants to jump on her. Ok, jumping on her might be an exaggeration, but I cannot even understand how this strange elite is thinking. Perhaps, he is doing it because he is turned on by the bear-killing act and her machoism? What do you think is the most plausible reason? I am in a loss on his motivation.

In addition, before I stop, what do you feel about the premise of information control and books in this series? Do you find it unrealistic, thought-provoking or plain boring?

This is the third series in the spring 08 season that I am very keen about. Library War plays on a rather unique storyline: the understanding of information and the use of information as a social control. In my undergraduate studies, I have been very interested in politics and the use of information. In one of my research papers, I discuss on the ban of the podcast during the Singapore General Elections, using a laboratory experiment to see the persuasion effects between using podcasts and text-based websites. Currently, on my graduate courses, I have taken a module on Information and Communication technologies.

Needless to say, the concept of Library Wars attract me a lot. I will try to add in a bit of what I have learned in my studies. I hope that it will be an enriching look, yet sticking with the ditsy style of Impz’s writing. Also, I will like to thank fellow lover of Toshokan Sensou, Usagijen, for her invaluable insights to the characters.

Episode summary

The Media Improvement project is a clause created by the government seemingly to restrict access of offensive media and the freedom of expression. From that project, the Media Improvement Brigade Militia (MIB) is born, a group that can take to task any personnel who attempts to impede the project. Iku Kasahara, then a young girl, picks up a novel that she has been waiting. A group of the MIB came to the bookstore, attempting to confiscate all the books. She notices that the book she is holding is within the pile and tries to hide it. When she struggles to hold on, a man from the Library Task Force’s Defense Group (LTF) protects her.

In present day, we see Iku running drills under the supervisor of Dojo. She collapses in exhaustion, only to be punished by Dojo. After training, she complains how Dojo is clearly picking on her. Her friend, Asako, thinks he is quite cute. However, Iku says that he is short and has a horrible character. Dojo hears it and warns her how he might take it personally during their training. Asako “betrays” her, saying that she only complimented Dojo just now. While leaving, Iku drops a letter that is addressed to her parents, telling them that she is doing fine. She tells Dojo that she will not send it back since her parents banned her from joining the LTF.

We learn more about the MIB, and the reason for their harsh measures. As a counter measure, The LTF is set up to protect these books, and bring books to protected zones. These two forces have clashed over the control of information, and it has become a militarized war. Komika asks how Dojo thinks of Iku, and it’s clear he knows about her good physical abilities. Komika asks if Dojo has made “his choice” and Dojo says he is not sure since it is not all about physical strength. In the judo ground, Iku dispatches a fellow classmate, only to be beaten flat by Dojo.

After the training, Iku complains why Doujou deliberately picks a fight. Her friend asks if that constitutes a drop kick on him, but she complains that he literally made a painful arm bar grip. Asako tells her that Dojo probably took it easy on her but is not appreciated by the wild monkey (Iku). Asako asks about Iku’s parents but Iku says she is hiding it from them. Asako also asks why she joins despite the objections and it is clear Asako has checked on Iku’s background. When Asako presses further, Iku goes to sleep to avoid the embarrassing situation. Iku joined the LTF due to that person who saved her, and thinks of him as a prince charming.

The next day, Iku discusses about her hate of studying to Komika. Komika also gives a hint to Iku on why Dojo is so harsh on her. He tells her about how training is similar to her former athletics training. Iku, while meeting Dojo, does not understand Komika’s words. A suspicious person seems to be hiding a book underneath his clothes. It seems that he is trying to cut out a swimsuit poster, and charges at Iku with a penknife when he is discovered. Iku easily floors him but is too complacent as the man charges again. Dojo took a punch for her, and easily pins down the man with handcuffs. However, he slaps her due to her complacency, saying that she should quit if she thinks she is just doing sports.

Iku is still feeling down, but Ayako tells Iku that he places her name as the officer who caught the man. As she goes to the lounge, she gets into an argument with him. She asks why Dojo puts her name and starts to cry uncontrollably, as she mumbles she does not have the right to be listed. Dojo just tells her to rest. Iku says she will not give up as she wants to be like her prince charming. The next morning, Iku goes out with Ryusuke, with Ryusuke secretly telling Iku that Dojo has been depressed that he is unable to protect Iku well.

The MIB is seemingly trying to steal books from a girl in a bookstore. Ryusuke warns her that they cannot do anything in a bookstore, only in the library. They are not justice enforcers. However, Iku rushes in, and Ryusuke calls Dojo to help. Iku warns the three MIB officers about taking the book, only to realize that her rank is too small for any enforcement duties. She faces the same situation back when she is young, only for Dojo, Komaki and Ryusuke to save her. Dojo literally screamed the living lights out of her as she acted like an idiot, just like her prince charming. Nonetheless, he told her to give the child the book. After that incident, Iku finds out that she is invited to the secret “task force”.

Impz’s thoughts

You know, without our Rabbit blogger whoring the life out of the show, I am already interested in blogging this show. Her endorsement (which is one of the few bloggers I bother listening to, though I sound elitist) just piles up to the “must watch” factor. I must say that the episode does not disappoint. In fact, it went beyond my expectations.

Using information as a storyline is a very refreshing approach for a story. It is perhaps over dramatized, but there is a hint of truth in which information is used as a form of controlling or managing social life. Let me explain. In an information society, information can now be easily be broken into digits and bits (the 1 and 0 as they say). In that case, it allows the information to be commodified in a capitalistic market. That means we consider certain information (like watching a World Cup match on pay-per-view) to have a cost.

Hence, with the increasing ability to measure and commodify the information, we are seeing a situation when technology can monitor our movement easily. That is why in times of war, the mass media is often the one that propagates pro-government values. Remember Hitler, Mussolini and their use of the mass media? Despite people using their personal view to resist such messages, they manage to bring a whole nation into a fervent war path.

In addition, books and the mass media represent values that can spread. Can democracy spread in a world where no one is able to read any books that are remotely promoting this form of ideology? In a condition where there is a fear climate, will there be a widespread of knowledge and information? The loss of talent and knowledge during the WWII is tremendous with the Holocaust, and the fact that something so stupid like a bikini babe poster has to be banned shows the amount of desperation of such times where information becomes a scarce commodity. Hence, it’s definitely not silly. All right, enough of theory, back to the show.

The first thing that catches my eye is the animation. I am not a crazy sucker for animation, and I am fine with just average. However, I am not stupid to see that graphics is great in Library Wars. The music (OP + ED) is awesome, something that many series do not have. I am quite appalled at the poor OPs by most series in this season. This makes it all worthwhile for me for such a show that I am anticipating.

The characters are also voiced by excellent seiyuus, including Marina Inoue, Miyuki Sawashiro and Akira Ishida. All of them have been excellent in bringing their characters to life. I particularly like Komaki, if only because his funny behavior seeing Iku and Dojo fighting it out all the time. I think his response is just so hilarious, considering he keeps laughing at the antics of the two. Iku is a very strong lead, and it’s good. Without a good female lead, I cannot watch a show.

So, will I recommend the show? Hell yeah! Action fans, shoujo fans should find something nice in this show. I am sure that the series will become a bit more famous at the juicy parts. Moreover, the chibi forms are used in a very good time, creating nice humor. There is something for everyone, blended in with a very eclectic mix. This show is one to catch, without a shadow of a doubt.

Rieu’s thoughts

After doing it 3-4 times, the whole sub-section audio/animation/etc stuff got kind of old, so I probably won’t be doing that for the rest of the series that are coming out this season (the few that are left). I’m much more excited to just bring you my initial impressions and reactions in whatever form my randomness decides to take.

So, Library Wars (LW). This was one show that I was interested in when I heard about it, although the only details I knew about it were the things you could read in any summary on any website/blog. I haven’t read any of the manga (didn’t know there was one until Impz informed me that he’d been reading it), and I honestly don’t understand that much Japanese.

In a sense, you can say that I watched the Library Wars RAW clueless as to what was being said and with only a basic understanding of the plot. That, readers, is why LW has managed to impress me so much with a single episode. I got excited about Nabari, then flipped my lid over Soul Eater, and right now, I’d say that LW now has a place in my Top 3 Most Anticipated shows of the season.

Why? The animation is top-notch. I like the character designs, something about the hard black edges that frame the characters really appeals to me. The chibi-ish forms and over exaggerated expressions are something found in about every anime, but LW still managed to have a subtlety distinguished style of it’s own. The music was sometimes a little repetitive, but not bad repetitive…you noticed that the same song had been playing for a while, but it wasn’t a bad song so you didn’t mind that much.

Most importantly, with the exception of 1-2 places where the focus was on scenery (ie: an overview of the city), LW had me riveted to the screen. Absolutely sucked into it’s world and characters even though the episode was relatively calm and despite the fact that I didn’t know what anyone was saying. I am surprisingly impressed and humbled, and you should definitely not miss the chance to check this series out. Oh, and did I mention that I like both the OP and the ED?