Critical Moe Damage.

Finished Ouverture, I died and went to heaven. A few times. Suigintou is clearly the best. Can’t understand those desu-tards, Suigintou is clearly supreme.

Aside from Sugintou being teramoesu~~, Ouverture introduces us to her backstory when she first met Shinku. I must say, I can really understand the animosity between those two much more better now.

Also, Sara was kinda cute, too bad the script writers didn’t write in a “-nyo” for her. I would’ve LMAO’ed hard if they did that :).

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*(Continue on for the lowdown)*

Personally, I love how they expanded and converted each characters personality and added in nice twists as well, like Suigintou’s vampire twist ala Eva-sama from Negima. The rest are pretty good too, though Tomoe seems to feel a little like Setsuna from Negima as well. I guess the original creator of this is a Negima fan too ;).

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**Announcement: Rozen Maiden ~träumend~ OST out. Get it while it’s hot :).**Madoka(Megu’s song) alone is worth the whole album.

In a fit of rage, Shinku goes crazy and pins Suigintou to the ground, questioning her if this is what she wants. Barasuishou takes the chance to attack, causing both of them to change to a more hidden venue. Inside, Shinku continues to question Suigintou, but is ended when Suigintou takes a barrage of crystals from Bara. Defeated, Suigin’s two Roza Mysticas float to Bara and Shinku, one each. Shinku gains Suigintou’s memories of Megu and Bara’s manipulation, angering her and she faces Bara seriously.

In a final flurry of attacks, Shinku manages to beat Bara and pin her down. She tries to deal the final blow, but is interrupted by Jun. Jun persuades her to stop and Bara takes advantage of the distraction to deal Shinku a fatal blow instead. Bara gains all the Roza Mystica’s and Father rushes to congratulate her. It’s revealed that he isn’t really Rozen, but his student instead, and he created Bara to surpass Rozen Maiden’s. Angered, Jun questions why he did all this, but he gets slapped away.

Suddenly, Bara starts to crack and crumble to dust. Both her and her maker disappear in a flash of light, scattering the Roza Mystica’s. The Laplace Demon appears and comments it has been fun and leaves as sudden as he appears. Jun holds Shinku’s lifeless body and shouts, demanding Rozen to appear. Jun’s attempts succeeds and Rozen appears with four Roza Mystica’s.

Cut forward, Rozen is in his workshop, fixing Suigintou, Suiseiseki, Kanaria and Shinku. Noticing that Shinku’s awake,Rozen embraces her and says something we can’t hear. Rozen’s figure is then replaced by Jun’s and Shinku tells him about Rozen. Jun reveals that Rozen is going to continue his pursuit of Alice in other ways and the Alice Game is now unneeded. Everybody has been restored except for Souseiseki and Hina Ichigo and it’s Shinku’s responsibility over them now. Jun and Shinku then head home to Suiseiseki and Nori.

I’m not really sure on what to say about the ending. The ending did resolve most of the plotlines that had emerged in ~träumend~, but also leaves enough unsolved mysteries for a potential 3rd season, like Souseiseki and Hina’s Roza Mystica’s whereabouts. The Laplace Demon’s purpose is also subject to much debate as he seems to be the ultimate mastermind of the whole thing.

I really didn’t expect such a big twist in the end though, with the revelation of the fake Rozen and the appearance of the true Rozen to announce the end of the Alice Game. Suigintou fans also rejoice as she’s finally complete and not “junk” now. I expect, no, demand the (if will be made)3rd season to have her in the humourous situations with the rest of the gang.I’m sure a lot of fans would love it ^_-.

Overall, it was a fun watch, though I still think the last few episodes were really quite a mess, most due to the “rushed” feel of the Alice Game. Rozen Maiden deserves more situational comedy and a 3rd season, if not mainly to revive back Souseiseki and Hina Ichigo. If possible, I would like to see more of Rozen and his purpose of chasing Alice. It’s too bad the manga hasn’t been scanlated :(. Continue below for screencaps.

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The Alice Game toll climbs again as 2 more fall this episode, leaving the Alice Game in a 3 way fight between Shinku, Suigintou and Barasuishou.

Suisuiseki and Kanaria are the ones to go this episode, with both their Roza Mystica’s taken by Barasuishou in one fell swoop. Now, only the strongest three remain, and Barasuishou seems to be leading by obtaining 3 Roza Mysticas already.

Action-wise, this episode had tons of it, but not much development at all. It seems though that the whole thing seems to be part of Rozen’s plans as his expression is one of smugness. Jun’s futile efforts to stop him are just easily brushed off.

The important parts come next episode, the ending aptly titled “Alice”. It would seem the production team is ready to end this franchise, and god help me if it turns out to be another Mai-HiME styled ending. Not that I’m not a fan of total revives/resets, but please, execute it in style. However, it does seem to me that it’s heading towards a more serious and, maybe, sad ending.

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After quite a long break, Rozen Maiden resumes. The Alice Game death toll continues on this episode, as Hina Ichigo is the next to go after Souseiseki.

Continuining off the last episode, Souseiseki’s Roza Mystica is taken by Suigintou, leaving the others in a state of sadness. After bringing back Souseiseki’s souless body back home and storing it in her box, Hina Ichigo starts to show signs of degradation too, as technically, she has lost the Alice Game earlier, so her Roza Mystica is going to be removed from her body.

The rest realizing this, decide to let her spend the rest of her time with Tomoe and finally, after a few happy moments and teary thanks and farewells, Hina Ichigo’s Roza Mystica departs from her body and Shinku takes it in her at Hina Ichigo’s N-Field, which slowly turns dark and empty.

The shocker comes in right after that, as they depart from the N-Field and land in Enju, with the creepy shopkeeper revealing himself as the Laplace Demon, confirming my thoughts, with Barasuishou and Father revealing himself to the gang, ending the episode.

Next episode, aptly named **Rozengarten**, the preview shows the Alice Game in full swing, with everyone fighting in a garden, probably an N-Field. Screencaps continued.

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The Alice Game commences with this episode and quickly claims it’s first victim….

Summary

Souseiseki faces off Sugintou and Barasuishou in the Field of Doors.While back in Jun’s place, everyone tries to cheer a depressed Suisuiseki up after Souseiseki’s annoucement and subsequent disappearance. They finally decide to make some nagashi soumen(ignore everything after the 2nd paragraph :). With some help from Shinku and light comedy provided by Kanaria and Hina Ichigo, Suisuiseki finally cheers up.

That night, everyone is tired and goes to sleep early. Shinku has a nighmare involving Suigintou and wakes up in cold sweat to discover that the whole space outside Jun’s window is now a N-Field. They circle around the N-Field city and spot Suigintou and Barasuishou on a roof. Suigintou provokes Shinku but Shinku remains adamant with her stand of not fighting and runs off with Hina Ichigo, with Barasuishou in hot pursuit. Suisuiseki, who’s left behind, gets attacked by Suigintou but is saved by Souseiseki, who engages in a fight with Suigintou.

However, Souseiseki isn’t a match for Suigintou and with Suisuiseki’s help, they run off with Suigintou on thier tails. While running Suisuiseki tries to persuade Souseiseki to stop fighting but she fails. Souseiseki faces off Suigintou but finally gets defeated. With some last words to Suisuiseki, Souseiseki’s body starts to float and her Roza Mystica emerges from her body, with everyone watching, shocked….

Opinion

The series starts to take on a much more darker tone, as evidenced by the colouring of second half of this episode. The Alice Game has been started and unfortunately, Souseiseki is the unfortunate first victim of this game. I find that her death was quite sad as her emotions were manipulated by Barasuishou, instead of being truly her honest feelings for Father.

For some reason, I don’t have much to talk about this episode but it’s gonna be quite some time before episode 10 comes out thanks to Christmas and New Year’s. This episode was important, but still felt quite weak than the other episodes if compared.

The next episode seems to be about Tomoe and Hina Ichigo. Hina Ichigo doesn’t look too good from the preview given though…….

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A less eventful episode, mainly for setting up for the Alice Game.

Summary

Suigintou is in the church where Megu found her in episode 6, thinking back on the events that have happened, when Megu comes in and pleads with her to use up her life as soon as possible, as she doesn’t want to trouble her parents anymore. Sugintou replies that she knows that but her face shows otherwise….

Back in Jun’s place, watermelon is in the house and everyone’s enjoying it, except for Suisuiseki, who becomes target practice for Hina Ichigo and Kanaria :). She storms off and spots Souseiseki in the mirror room and greets her but Souseiseki runs off when seeing her.

Later, at Enju, the shopkeeper(what’s his name?!) is having a chat with Barasuishou when he spots Jun walking past. He invites him in to see Enju, the puppetmaker, in action. After “testing” him, Enju allows Jun to watch the doll-making process.

Shinku and rest are watching Kun-kun, when Suisuiseki spots Souseiseki again. She runs after her and Souseiseki asks her what would she do is the Alice Game starts. Suisuiseki is unable to answer, so Souseiseki asks her to think about it. Jun comes home at this time and lifts up Suisuiseki asking her if she’s really a doll, causing her to blush ^_^;;;.

At night, Megu is suffering again while Suigintou watches her helplessly. Barasuishou appears and tells Suigintou that the power of a Roza Mystica will be able to cure her.

Meanwhile, Jun asks Shinku about Rozen, their Father, and Shinku tells all she knows about him. Apparently all the dolls have a memory of being enveloped with warmth, kindness and tranquility of Rozen. Rozen is also apparently travelling throughout worlds, with the aim of creating the ultimate girl, Alice. Jun, however, questions about the purpose of why those who fail to reach Alice must fight each other, leaving Shinku speechless.

Souseiseki is searching for Father in the N-Field and she finally comes to a doll-making workshop where she sees an image of Rozen crying. Barasuishou appears and tells her that Father is sad that he can’t find Alice and tells her to play the Alice Game for Father’s sake. Barasuishou returns to Enju afterwards and smiles when the shopkeeper asks her if the preparations are ready.

The next day, Jun returns to Enju to watch the final stages of the doll-making process from yesterday.Jun asks Enju what happens to dolls that don’t reach his expectations and Enju shows him by destroying the failed ones with a hammer. Enju further tells him that doll-makers must have love in order to make dolls, expecially good ones.

Jun returns home, where Kanaria and Hina are fighting over who’s going to finish their shaved ice first. Souseiseki appears suddenly, declaring that she has something to say. In the mirror room, she declares that she’s aiming to be Alice, for Father’s sake. This saddens Suisuiseki a lot and she and Jun try to dissuade Souseiseki but they fail.

Opinion

The main purpose of this episode is for the setting up of the Alice Game, as seen from Barasuishou’s manipulation of Suigintou’s feelings towards Megu and Souseiseki’s love towards Father. There’s also another plot thread being explored here, with Jun meeting up with Enju and watching the doll-making process.

Well, admittedly I’m a bit out of form, after a week without internet so I’ll end it here. Besides the action’s all starting up in the next episode anyways, with Suigintou and Souseiseki facing off each other and the interesting name of the next episode, Der Tadel, or The Blame.

©2012 Kurogane's Anime Blog. All Rights Reserved.

A great episode this time, with a nice balance of character development, humour and fanservice….

Summary

Hina Ichigo, Souseiseki, Suisuiseki and Nori are making biscuits, while Shinku lazes in front of the TV. After being taunted by Suisuiseki, Shinku gets made and starts to try making cookies as well, but she’s not so good at it (^_^) ;;;. While nearby, Kanaria is on another of her attempts to get the gang’s Roza Mystica’s and decides to go for it, when Shinku opens the door and invites her in to try their cookies instead.

Kanaria accepts the offer to come in, but doesn’t dare to eat or drink anything for the fear they might’ve put something strange into it and take the chance to get her Roza Mystica. Meanwhile, Jun-kun gets bitchslapped by Shinku when he comments about Shinku’s strangely shaped cookies. Kanaria soon gets force-fed the cookies by Suisuiseki and this angers her, making her storm off while saying she’ll defeat than all.

Souseiseki catches up on Kanaria on the roof and questions her if she’s serious about the Alice Game. Kanaria replies so, and Souseiseki warns her that the Alice Game will cause someone to disappear forever. Irritated, Kanaria flies off and returns home to her mistress, Micchan. Remembering Souseiseki’s warnings, Kanaria asks Mit-chan how would she feel if she were to stop moving but before she can finish her sentence, Mit-chan goes into total shock and hugs Kanaria, saying that she can’t imagine life without her…. This strengthens Kanaria’s resolve.

The next day, Tomoe and Jun are walking home when they pass by Enju, when the shopkeeper invites them in to witness the mysterious dollmaker winding up his newest doll. While back home, it is an idylic day for Shinku and gang, when suddenly they’re disturbed by Kanaria, who’s serious this time.

Kanaria wreaks total havoc on Jun’s house with her weapon, a violin. Souseiseki, Suisuiseki and Hina Ichigo try to fight back, but fail until when Kanaria almost finishes them off, Shinku steps in and defeats Kanaria easily. Kanaria expects the worse, but only gets Shinku’s slap and ordered to clean up the mess. Everyone is visibly surprised by Shinku’s actions.

After Kanaria’s done, Shinku offers her a cup of tea and asks her why she’s so serious about this. Kanaria replies that it’s for her master, who wants to meet and play with them. That said, Shinku replies that the problem is solved. The whole gang follows Kanaria back to her master’s place and Micchan goes omega kandouteki on seeing them (^_^);;;.

They play dress-up and Micchan takes their photos in solo and in groups. After that, the gang returns to Jun’s place….:

- Souseiseki : Shinku…
- Shinku : Hm?
- Souseiseki : Why didn’t you fight?
- Shinku : There wasn’t a need for fighting.
- Souseiseki : But.. Kanaria came for the Alice Game..
- Shinku : Sou ne..
- Souseiseki : But… you still…
- Shinku : Do you wish to fight?
- Souseiseki : I…. if it’s my destiny…
- Shinku : I don’t want to lose anything anymore, that’s why, I’m not going to fight anymore….
- Souseiseki : Shinku…..

Souseiseki then returns over to her place, wondering about her conversation with Shinku, when suddenly the mirror she came from glows and Father can be seen in it, Souseiseki tries to follow in……

Opinion

Seems like my predictions for this episode came true, with the character development, humour and twist at the end, all predicted correctly :). One thing I didn’t really expect was the all fanservice with Micchan dressing them all up nicely, I really hope they go for more photo sessions with Micchan in later episodes.

That said, the tone of the show is starting to darken, starting with Suigintou’s ressurection back in episode 6 and now with Kanaria seriously attacking the gang. Speaking of that, her powers seem to be quite powerful as well, but Shinku remains the most adept of them all in fights, easily defeating her.

This episode was also quite Shinku-centric, as we see her changed a lot from the haughty yet humourously naïve lady she was in the first season, to a more humble and somewhat aloof earlier in the season, and to now, with Suigintou’s ressurection, a more determined one as well. Souseiseki also gets a fair share of airtime, as even with her reluctance to play the Alice Game, she’ll still fight, if she has to.

It’s also good to see that Kanaria’s issues are somewhat resolved. I find it quite sweet she’s in the Alice Game not to become Alice, but to survive on for her mistress, who’s really very much in love (more like obssesed) with her. Hopefully, she’ll be joining their side as well.

Finally, with the twist in the end of the episode, where Father makes an appearence finally, based on the episode preview, he seems to want to use Souseiseki and Jun as well for some kind of plan. The preview mentions that both Jun and Souseiseki and missing. The title of the next episode is “Puppenmacher” which I think means “Puppet Maker”, probably involving the Enju doll shop.

©2012 Kurogane's Anime Blog. All Rights Reserved.

Amazing episode this time, with a totally different atmosphere from the previous ones. I had difficulties believing I was watching Rozen Maiden at times. I just don’t have the energy to post a summary so if anyone wants one, read Garten’s post :).

Starting off, Suigintou’s back permanently thanks to Father and some help from Barasuishou (I think). Suigintou’s master, Megu, is also introduced as well and I finally see why Suigintou has much more popularity among Japanese fans than Shinku. Even for the first episode introducing them, I’m clamouring more of Megu and Suigintou.

To put it simply, somehow, the two of them really fit each other off, with both having the problem of being “incomplete”. There’s been some funny theories about Megu’s condition, with the most absurd one I’ve heard was AIDS, but I think that Megu’s suffering from congenital heart defects. It’s the most fitting disease I can think off, especially with her “koko ni wa ponkotsu” comment. I’m pretty surprised that she managed to survive for that long. Considering it’s quite a deadly one.

Megu’s pessimistic view of herself is really a very sad thing to see, having suffered all her life from the condition and living like a parasite, unable to do anything much apart from living. I was on the verge of tears on her conversation with Suigintou about her “lifespan”. I hope that with Suigintou, she’ll find a reason to live on.

As on the topic of Suigintou’s revival, it’s done nicely with the reason of needing her to start off the Alice Game. I guess that getting destroyed outside of the Alice Game doesn’t really count. On the other hand, I really find Father to be really quite psychotic, forcing them all in this battle royale.

While on other characters, my suspicions about the Enju shopkeeper have been confirmed with what it seems to be him as Barasuishou’s master. It now all seems that Barasuishou’s acting on Father’s commands with her reviving Suigintou and setting up the Alice Game.

Shinku also seems to still be in some trauma and still blaming herself for what happened. She positively looks glad on seeing Suigintou being revived. She’s regretting her past actions as well, and her pompous nature from the first season in somewhat gone, based on her apology to Suigintou.

After this amazing episode, I find it quite funny to see that the next episode looks like another humourous one. I speculate the next episode would be a mix of humour and character development, with probably some twist at the end.

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A pretty funny episode, on par with Rozen Maiden’s staircase war episode.

Summary

Kanaria is on her 72nd attempt to get the other doll’s Roza Mystica’s but… before she starts, she takes out her bento and proceeds to eat, only to be disrupted by a passing crow who steals her food. Kawai-sou….

Inside Jun’s house, it’s pretty much a normal day, with Souseiseki writing a letter to her Master thanking them for taking care of Suisuiseki, catching Hina Ichigo’s interest, while Jun and Shinku are in their room reading. Suisuiseki feels jealous on seeing them and storms downstairs, meeting Hina Ichigo who asks her what’s wrong. Suisuiseki immediately denies she’s jealous (yakimochi), but Hina, being Hina, interprets yakimochi literally as yaki mochi (baked mochi)

Suisuiseki then tries to help out around the house by cleaning up and making Jun’s lunch, but both end up with disastrous results. Jun is of course, mad, but after Souseiseki says they’re just doing this for him, his anger fizzles off and he comforts Hina Ichigo………. only to fan up Suisuiseki’s jealousy to a boiling point and she kicks him. Shinku, as usual, cleans up the mess left behind.

After everything calms back down, Hina Ichigo writes a letter to thank Jun and wants to mail it, but Suisuiseki fakes up a story that the postbox is a terrifying mosnter in disguise, scaring Hina. In actuality, Suisuiseki just wants to send her letter 1st ^_^;;.

Hina Ichigo tries to ask help from Shinku but she’s busy watching Kun-kun and warns Hina not to go outside as it’s full of danger. Shinku further tells Hina, that cats are the Rozen Maiden’s worst enemy, recalling back her traumatic experience with one of her previous master’s cat XD.

But, undaunted, Hina sets off on her own, encountering a cat on the way, but luckily, this one seems to be more interested in helping than eating :). With the cat’s help, Hina manages to find a postbox and tries to mail her letter, but she’s not tall enough T_T. She bravely takes a running jump and manages to latch on and mail her letter. As she falls down, she is caught by Tomoe, who’s passing by. Tomoe brings Hina home and remarks that she’s changed a lot.

While back to Kanaria, after failing her 72nd attempt, she returns to her master’s home, who’s a ningyozuki bordering on total fetish ^_^;;;. A few days later, Hina’s letter arrives for Jun, but her writing is illegible to him XD.

Opinion

A really good episode this time, focusing on Hina Ichigo surprisingly, as I had thought it would be a group episode, with the gang participating in some funny stuff ala the staircase war of last season.

Nothing much really happens, apart from bits of revelations, a juicy preview and a very humourous side of Shinku is shown, it’s the best to sit back and enjoy the antics.

Hina Ichigo, being the focus of this episode, has been changed from the selfish child of season one that almost unintentionally took Tomoe’s life, to a more cheerful, helpful(although with disastrous results ^_-) and thoughtful. I find it really touching she deliberately braved her fears, just to send a letter of thanks to Jun. It’s also good to see that Tomoe still likes Hina Ichigo.

The rest of the gang had their moments of hilarity as well, especially Shinku’s absurd fear of cats, after running in to one… very clever cat, XD. Kanaria proves to be humourous as usual, with her antics. Pity her, getting her food all stolen by the karasu-san T_T.

Also some revelations were made as well, especially regarding Kanaria’s master, who’s really a ningyozuki, looking at the amount of dolls in her house. Quite coincidentally, she’s buying stuff from Enju, the doll shop, ran by the creepy guy, whom I suspect might be the Laplace Demon in disguise.

However, what interests me the most is the preview for the next episode, with a popular character from the first season returning back, apparently. I’m just hoping it’s not gonna turn out to be another flashback episode of some kind :P. It would be good if the one I’m talking about returns permanantly.

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