You know, if there’s one show currently airing that I’m genuinely sad to see coming to an end, it’s Canvas 2. The show wasn’t even on my radar when it first premiered, but after reading positive comments on a number of anime blogs way back when, I decided to give it a try. I’ve been hooked ever since. In fact, it’s probably the only current show I anxiously await new episodes of. Who’d have thought?
I’m not entirely sure what makes Canvas work so well. It doesn’t seem to rely heavily on its bishoujo game origins, that’s for certain. Sure, there are cute girls galore (just watch the OP), but, with the exception of Elis, they’re little more than supporting characters. The adults receive far more attention, especially in later episodes. Hiroki and Kiri are the real stars.
In fact, recent episodes dealing with Hirkoi and Kiri’s “will they, or won’t they?” relationship have been delightfully soap operaish. It’s like Kiminozo without the angst. Or Da Capo without the incest. Sometimes, it’s nice to watch relatively normal people working through normal problems. That very normalcy, I think, is what helps Canvas stand out from the crowd. How ironic.
Of course, no matter how much fans hope for an Elis x Hiroki ending, I think it’s been fairly obvious for some time now that the show’s cruising toward a Kiri x Hiroki ending. Of course, if it were up to me, it’d be Kana x Hiroki all the way. Hiroki passed up a sweet (illegal) opportunity there.
I must be one of the few who doesn’t like Elis at all. I don’t really understand why people like/love her so much. I’m happy that Kiri and Hiroki will be together instead of the unnatural relationship of Elis and Hiroki.
I’ll second the Hana x Hiroki pairing ;) I don’t really care for Elis that much as well… Haven’t been keeping up with the show recently so I’ve missed a lot, though ?|?|?
I agree with both of you. Elis isn’t that great. I really hope that Kiri and Hiroki can get it together. I want their relationshio to flourish. Canvas 2 is one of those series that everyone overlooked at first because it looked like a typical harem onii-chan series.
I’m surprised. I didn’t know Elis x Hiroki pairing has so little support. Personally Elis has the most character development in the series. From a spoilt brat who had openly shown her displeasure of Kiri (~ ep 9?) to someone who is able to restrain displaying her fears of losing onii-chan and cordially face Kiri (Xmas ep), Elis has grown much indeed. I’m still hoping for a Elis X Hiroki ending (even thought that’s near impossible) because choosing Elis means going down the artist path which I believe is where Hiroki’s heart lies. (Conversely Kiri embodies the teaching path.)
Canvas2’s a mixed bag for me. While I like the quiet realism, the plot’s a little too bland for my taste. Sure, it’s still very enjoyable but I often wonder if it could have been better. :)
I like Elis as a character… not so much as a love interest for Hiroki. In my opinion, she was never truly in the running for Hiroki’s love, and I think she came to realize that fairly early on in the series. Any love she has for him now is platonic… he is her cousin/guardian/mentor, after all. He’s the most important person in her life, so it’s only natural she cares deeply for him. And it’s only natural that she wants to help him overcome his personal issues (as he’s helped her to overcome her own).
Of course, I’m sure the game has at least one Elis x Hiroki ending. I’d be curious to know how it plays out.
Oh, and I don’t think Hiroki choosing Kiri necessarily means abandoning a life of art for a life of teaching. It’s possible to do both, after all.
I think what’s her name girl is Sumire, the supposed to be diva of her school. The trouble is, that her singing is worse than mine. Her rendition of Soprano line of W. A. Mozart’s Ave Verum Corpus ( K. 618, it is supposed to be 4 part choir, Organ orchestra piece with no vocal solo part. I can provide you with the full music score if you want one ) showed no interpretation and I can safely claim all of the female member of my current choir ( Lafayette Chamber Singers ) and most of my former choir ( Myungdong Cathedral Choir ) has better vocal quality. She actually is quite a good character dealing with issues that many solists faces, but her singing is just terrible. I guess I can’t expect most anime producers to show an understanding of classical music like the producers of ‘ Legend of Galactic Hero ( Superb use of Carl Nielsen’s 4th symphonies )’ and ‘v Gundam: Char’s Counter Attack ( Great original orchestra pieces ).’ did.
If that is not Sumire, than it is the vice president of the Art Club, a character not well developed in Anime series, but I believe she has her moments in the game.
I agree with Jeff, they made Hiroki - Kiri ending quite obvious from early on. And anyone who doesn’t see it now is simply an Elis fanboy. ;) Knowing this show’s roots I originally feared this would be an uninspiring harem show, but fortunately Canvas has steered clear of that course. This is, as mentioned above, more choosing the route of “KGNE without the angst”. I’m also happy with where this is headed so I’ll offer no alternatives to Hiroki x Kiri (though if I were in Hiroki’s boots I’d go for that principal lady ;).
NOOOOOOOO! The Fool Hiroki! Sumire totally destroying that song may be forgiven, but that the ending of 24th episode ( final ), Jettai Yurusanakucha (? ), ???? ????, You shall never be forgiven, etc. I wish to go on, but I must stop. Goros! ( Die Fool ! )