And Now For Something Completely Different

Back in February 2014, I penned a writing about how aesthetic and directing decisions played a role in the impact of a show -- namely, Hyouka. Here, the idea is similar but instead of of a full analysis of a show's artistic approaches, the emphasis will be on a single frame. What can be captured in a single frame, as opposed to scenes, or entire episodes. And instead of full few-page reviews, a paragraph or two per frame will suffice.

For this first "image analysis" post, I will actually look at two separate airing shows by different studios: Anne Happy by Silver Link, and Kuormukuro by P.A. Works. In my mind, both studios tend to make visually impressive shows (though admittedly both have failed to do so as well in some shows). So, without further ado, two images await careful review.

 Image 1: Opening Frame of Anne Happy Episode 1

Opening up with this perspective paints the city as scarcely bigger than the surrounding rural farming area. Portraying tall office buildings as themselves tiny creates a partial birds-eye view, allowing the viewer to watch over everything -- there is a great sense of suspense in that any part of this grand landscape the main story could begin.  A brilliant watercolor aesthetic perpetuates this feeling of hopefulness -- the main visible colors are whites, purples, blues, and greens creating a soft fuwafuwa look. The attention to detail is also astounding, from the large buildings, to the houses, to the mountains. Overall, a very eyecatching opening visual.

Image 2: Opening Frame of Kuromukuro Episode 1

Blizzard-coated lands, barren trees, sword-wielding mechas battling for domination. An absence of green on the trees creates a dismal appearance, throwing focus onto the shadow-colored robots, the subjects of our awe. White streaks of snow, saturated with the dim glow of nighttime create harsh conditions that makes the fight seem more harrowing, and dead center. A flash of blue briefly illuminates the surroundings but not to a degree that rescues visibility. Orange sparks reveal that attacks land with impact and ferocity -- this mecha battle, carried out among eternal snow, is a life-and-death affair, and only the victor can walk away.