As you may know, there were some news about the remake of Ai no Kusabi (which got cancelled in 2009 due to production issues). Thanks God, another company bought the license and they finally go on with the project, and first OVA was released yesterday. Aarinfantasy aarinfantasy.com/forum/forum.p… uploaded the RAW version (with Chinese subtittles) very fast and I immediately watched it.
Don't proceed further if you don't want spoilers!!!
I honestly didn't have too high expectations for the animation itself, but it was actually pretty good regarding we are talking about BL. It could be better, that's sure, but I think it's fair enough to make me enjoying it. And most important: Not making me feeling awkward while watching it (you know most of BL have choppy and lame animations... OTL).
I like how they are managing the story. It may be confusing for the ones that didn't read the novels (at least that's what I've heard from friends that never read the novels, just watched the original OVAs), but quite nice for the ones that really wanted to see Rikki x Mimea action and more hints for Daryl. This remake seems to be a more detailed adaptation of the novels, at least that's my feeling. Let's hope this to be more than just 4 unfinished OVAs *prays*
I loved the "pet-ring" scene before Iason releases Rikki, because when reading the novels I didn't totally get how Iason controlled Rikki's ring through his own hand ring. I expected something... more "mechanical", but the fact that he uses his ring just by touching it (like iPhones!! LOL) makes more sense than my "prehistoric" thinkings XD
Seiyuus did a wonderful job. I miss original Iason's voice but everyone looked perfect here, much better than those "new" drama cds they released in 2008 (I know they're the same seiyuus but I didn't like Iason's tone... maybe it's because I got now used to it?...).
Raoul re-design looks better too in my opinion; older and more mature, still very elegant.
Same goes for Mimea, which I didn't expect to have those white-purple short hairs. How can she be so cute?? When reading the novels and listening to the drama cds I didn't feel really sorry for her, but when watching this episode, I couldn't avoid to have gooseflesh ;_;
I felt kinda dissappointed with the design of the main characters, though. They look more refined and delicate here, and I would prefer them to be as strong and rude as the old OVAs )= I also prefered first Iason's hairstyle; this one is more "normal".
End of the spoilers
In short: Not in the quality of the original OVAs (it's too early to say something like that though), but definitely worth and very recommended.
I don't think this is gonna be Togainu no Chi 2 as many of us where afraid of XD This is definitely BL oriented, with not really explicit sex scenes for the moment, but very nice soft ones, enough to calm our thirst.
You wanna watch it?
English subs are not out yet, either RAW versions in high resolution. However, if you're like me and cannot wait anymore, I suggest you to join Aarinfantasy forum (it's 100% free guys) aarinfantasy.com/forum/forum.p… and go to this thread in the Anime Download section: aarinfantasy.com/forum/f55/t10…
I think there will be decent subs shortly (maybe a week or so). Also, if you know Japanese, purchase the DVD or Blu Ray! Remember that we will get more than only 4 episodes of Ai no Kusabi if DVD/Blu Ray sales go fine!! If not, they will drop the project T_T
Nothing else to say... enjoy!!
