First thoughts coming into this show is adaptation. After all, the show is based off of a light novel of the same name. The show isn’t unique or a solitary premise considering the idea of traveling and adventure. But what rains this show with wonders is the progress as an adventure to capture and deliver its message. Communicating that message takes effort but thankfully, this show aces through that with its story, characters, and abstractions. What the show offers is a bit more than just an odyssey but story value and integrity.
The journey our characters are part of takes place in a fantasy world where a past war resulted in various circumstances. In retrospect, the show identifies itself with its premise and follows it through with clever usage of historical events. These include the 200-year war that ended 5 years ago as well as the death of Emperor Arthur Gaz, a prominent figure of the past. Now in present time, his daughter Chaika seeks not revenge but a way to give him a proper funeral. It’s safe to say that such ambitions would create controversy. By controversy also means opposition and resistance so naturally, Chaika often finds herself in danger. That is until her fateful meeting with Toru Acura and his foster sister Akari that she sees as hope to bring purpose in her journey.
Mysterious yet reliable, Chaika is a riddle in this show. As the titular character, she is both a wizard and prominent figure in this fantasy world as various factions seeks her out in attempt to avert another war. Her encounter with the Acura siblings can be interpreted as fate or one of those classic ‘red string’ folklores. But of course, there isn’t any romance built from that in the beginning as their first encounter is also a bit peculiar. The reason being is that an abnormal unicorn attacks them out of nowhere and took their teamwork to bring down the beast. Odd as it all seems, the show has a surprising charm when it pulls this off elegantly. Despite being total strangers, they function well as a team and already has a potential as a group. Joining them as well is Akari, a girl with an unorthodox personality with her words and actions. Together, they make up a formidable trio when put together as a unity for their ability to accompany each others’ abilities. This is evident throughout the show as they are able to survive and escape death during compromising situations. All the way, the show also adapts itself as a cat-and-mouse scenario as Chaika becomes a person of interest for capture by the Gillette Corps.
Despite the premise and idea of the show being straightforward, it is also bounded by mysteries. Besides that though, we get an approach to identify and characterize the characters. Although a small group, they generate charm through their relationship building. The construction mainly details between Toru and Chaika as neither is similar but strangely provokes thought when putting the two together. It’s not a romance tale per se but rather a story of journey. And throughout that journey, we find out more about all three of the main characters with various flashbacks. These flashbacks not only tell the characters of their pasts but also reasons as to why they are as of today in the present. But more importantly is how the show puts this all together effectively to mark this group as entrancing towards the audience. That’s where the charm comes in as Chaika appreciates Toru and Akari to be more than just business partners. They become allies, friends, and even family-like throughout their journey. Specific events shows their progress and how they rely on each other for survival. Toru, a young warrior with skills he thought would be useless in the present world, suddenly now finds himself with purpose. With that in mind, it makes their journey all the more worth and something to truly treasure. The journey becomes more important than the destination.
As the show progresses, one could also realize the strange phenomenon going on. One prominent feature involves Chaika and her identity, as to who she really is and her purpose. Hints and foreshadowing are drawn out throughout the show as we find out more about her origins. One other aspect of the show that ties with this is a series of impersonation attempts that makes the whole concept more complicated as other characters tries to pass themselves off as “Chaika”. Character identity isn’t just an attribute though, as the show also has more emotional scenarios involving other characters such as the tragic Fredrica. Despite this, the show’s mystery can also be staggering when it comes to execution. Some bits of the show feels predictable while other parts are resolved relatively quickly despite the built-up. And while the series isn’t infamous to plot twists, the way it is executed isn’t spellbinding enough to seduce the audience into taking them by heart.
What I do take to heart though is the well-executed comedy. Whether it’s Chaika’s way of speech with her sentence fragments, Akari’s borderline yandere behavior, or Fredrica’s “murderous” gags, the show does itself appropriately to balance the mood. There’s hardly any explicit fan service either as the show focuses more on plot rather than substance. What we get from this show also involves a building chemistry between the three main characters. It’s the kind of relationship that expands beyond than just companionship and business. It gets personal and build itself piece by piece, all the while by maintaining decent balance with its story. The structure and setup holds itself together as the show never staggers off from their journey. Whether its character focusing or plot direction, the show stays honest with sincerity. The show’s magic mechanics are also explored with aesthetics whether it’s Chaika’s abilities with her large gun or other various spells.
While the show stays consistent and delivers promise, there are bits that can steer people away from appreciating this adaptation. One problem is adaptation as the show does omit parts from the light novel to condense material for this one cour season. Also, the comedy delivery can be a mixed flag that fall into the cliché hole. The incest innuendos does not hide itself and often or not portrayed repetitively. Even when it seems genuine, the show plays it off as a joke often with Akari’s poker face and trollish behavior. Speaking of which, Akari herself is more of a comic relief with underdeveloped traits and aspects. One could see her as both a child and warrior with her personality that can be difficult to appreciate when both traits fused into one entity. And finally, the antagonists of the show is underwhelming with their motivations. Hardly any of them are explored in depth when it comes to characterization. In general, the show delivers more of a story oriented product rather than a character-centric theater.
While the show looks simple on the surface by artwork, there is actual decent amount to take in by fantasy standards. There is exceptional mileage with character designs to make the characters look distinctive. This is especially true for Chaika and the weapon she carries on her back. Not to mention, her eyebrows and albino hair stands out to show her as the titular character. She can look adorable while being badass all the same time. Similarly, Toru and Akari are designed to fit their personalities, almost like polar opposites. Elsewhere, the fantasy world is designed marvelously with its landscapes and structures. It looks convincing with the architectures and overall style with its natural backgrounds. The monsters and beasts of the show also gives off a mystical vibe but at the same time also demonstrates ferocity to stir up fear. Fan service is minimal with action taking more of its place along with some bits of violence. Thanks to Studio Bones, the action is well coordinated whether it’s swordsplay, magic duels, or the sharpshooting curtsey of Chaika. In essence, the artwork ultimately captures the Old World feeling fitting for its fantasy genre.
To describe the soundtrack, I would say it’s clean and precise. Set by fantasy standards, the OST does itself well for action oriented scenes, emotional drama, or the more humorous displays from our characters. The more you listen to the soundtrack, the more you will get out of it with its stylish charm. And speaking of charm, Chaika is the epitome of that in this show with her personality. Aside from her broken speech patterns, she has more a serious and childish side as being naive. Her voice mannerisms captures the very essence of that. Similarly, Akari’s sisterly relationship with Chika and borderline yandere behavior with Toru are also drawn out with her tone. It’s comedic and contagious just like most of the conversational dialogues. Furthermore, the OP and ED songs are fluid with consistency and sets a fantasy show by example.
Hitsgui no Chika is a superior example of how a fantasy show should be portrayed as. Despite some general tropes we can see and draw similarity with, the show decorates itself with tolerable lighthearted comedy. Its small yet distinctive character cast sheds light with their development. And although some bits of the adaptation fails to cover every solid detail, it ultimately steers its direction with consistency in terms of its premise and story. All in all, this show is a great chunk of fantasy recreation with appreciable ideas. With season 2 in the horizon, it would be a shocking truth to not check it out.
