Featured Matches - ISML 2010 Double Elimination
Day 1 - Preliminary Round
#1 Shana vs. #16 Senjōgahara Hitagi
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"Will he still love me in the morning?" Give Senjōgahara Hitagi a lot of credit — in the Regular Season finale where only the winner makes the Postseason, Hitagi pulled off an incontestable win over Tōsaka Rin, earning a berth in one of the most dangerous postseason brackets ever seen to date. Squeaking into the top sixteen brings not only comfort but also discomfort — she now faces the daunting task of toppling a Saimoe legend in five-time Necklace-winner Shana, a feat that only one person has been able to pull off since Shana's heartbreaker loss in last year's championship match. All stats and signs point to Hitagi easily losing, but it's never that easy, as there are always intangibles that could affect the outcome of the match. Can the ill-stricken Hitagi pull off one of the biggest upsets in Saimoe history, or will Shana simply be too much for her to handle? |
#8 Saber vs. #9 Suzumiya Haruhi
"I am not going to lose to you again." Five months and fourteen days... How time flies since these two last met each other at the beginning of Regular Season. Their last encounter in Aquamarine 1 was one of the season's closest matches; Haruhi would never forget such a surprising loss. After facing veterans, newcomers, and rivals throughout the remaining 48 matches, Saber and Haruhi find themselves with the same win-loss record here at the start of the Postseason. Because of her victory over Haruhi, Saber earns 8th place while Haruhi receives 9th. Even without that tiebreaker, Saber would still be placed above Haruhi, which the latter finds even more surprising since she has always been at the top in previous ISML years. Now, these two will fight for the right to claim the Heavenly Tiara. Along with her elegance, beauty, and strength, Saber has enough momentum to challenge Haruhi once again. But Haruhi, with her cheerfulness, leadership, and unpredictable personality, will do whatever to takes to get back at Saber at the first race to the Tiara. With these two maidens' prides at stake once again, will history repeat itself, or will it be rewritten? |
#5 Aisaka Taiga vs. #12 Sanzen'in Nagi
"No offense, but you won't ever be as good as she is." It's about time that Sanzen'in Nagi worked hard to earn something rather than buy it. Two years removed from being one seed short of making the 2008 Postseason, and also losing by one vote to the eventual #16 seed earlier that year, the 2007 Saimoe Japan finalist can finally prove her past runs were no fluke by showing a good result in ISML 2010. However, she can't expect to be complacent and still pull off a win here, as she will have to go against Aisaka Taiga, the latest competitor to win both Saimoe Japan and Korea Best Moe in the same year. As a newcomer who took many by surprise, Taiga has arguably improved her game, shown her adding a Topaz necklace to her trophy case. She is certainly a sleeper pick to write history by becoming the first to win all three major events, and Nagi obviously can't possibly rely on bribery to win. Will Nagi follow the advice of a certain butler to win the Kugimiya showdown, or will Taiga begin her run at history tonight? |
#4 Misaka Mikoto vs. #13 Sengoku Nadeko
"My heart is still pounding..." Misaka Mikoto has probably made one of the biggest improvements in ISML history. In 2009, Mikoto finished in 42nd place with 23 wins and 40 losses (37% overall performance). At the time she had appeared in only a few episodes in Toaru Majutsu no Index. This year, with the help of Toaru Kagaku no Railgun, an anime that was primarily focused on her, Mikoto's popularity soared, allowing her to finish 4th with 46 wins and 3 losses (94% overall performance). With this momentum, Mikoto could be the wildcard that will affect who will win the Tiara. Facing her today is another girl who seeks her golden moment, Sengoku Nadeko, who would like nothing more than to prove that she is just as capable of winning the Tiara as everyone else. Lower-seeded girls have tended to do something out of the ordinary: Two years ago, a 12th-seeded girl defeated big names in the losers' bracket and came out in 4th place overall. Last year, an 11th-seeded girl came out as that year's ISML champion. With Bakamonogatari ending later than Railgun, Nadeko may still have enough power to do the impossible &mash; similar to what has happened in the past two years. With so much at stake today, will the ace of Tokiwadai start off with a bang, or will the snake slither past her first? |
#3 Akiyama Mio vs. #14 Hirasawa Yui
"This is one performance where I have to give it everything I got." Once again, these two band members of Afterschool Tea Time will square off against each other; however, it is not about the Amethyst Necklace anymore. It is about the top prize ISML has to offer: the Heavenly Tiara. Akiyama Mio is this year's top rookie. Her losses to Taiga and Hinagiku have only helped her grow, teaching her that nothing goes according to plan. Although she is back to square one in the Postseason, her hard-working demeanor will allow her to achieve greatness. The problem with this is her starting opponent, Hirasawa Yui. Yui can be seen as a sweets lover, a daydreamer, and a slacker. However, it is usually at the last minute when she is able to do something no one would expect her to do. Even so, this is one match where she has to have a decent start in order to go far in the rankings, so there is no time to slack off. The stage known as "Double Elimination" is set. These two are not performing with each other, but against each other. Only one girl will make it to top; who will be that girl? |
#6 Nagato Yuki vs. #11 Fujibayashi Kyō
"If only my life were so much different..." In ISML's short history, the preliminary round is usually never kind to the lower seeds, as only one time in sixteen attempts has a lower seed advanced to the winner's bracket. However, for that one time that lower seed advanced, the girl who pulled it off eventually became the ISML overall champion, and she did it from the #11 seed. So for one-time necklace-winner Fujibayashi Kyō, karma might be on her side as she looks to avoid starting off on the loser's bracket for the first time in her career. However, this match could be her hardest first round match yet — she's facing two-time necklace-winner Nagato Yuki, the alien lifeform who has the powers of the sun and moon at her disposal. And while Kyō may not be afraid to tell it like it is whenever she can, there's a saying that "you never mess with the quiet one." Can Kyō be able to pull off the same feat that last year's champion did, or will Yuki finish her off before she even gets started? |
#7 Nakano Azusa vs. #10 Sakagami Tomoyo
"It's time to raise my potential to a whole new level." The final round of Topaz seems so far away, and yet these two challengers remember their first encounter like it was yesterday. Tomoyo is making her third appearance in the Top 16, and she is more than determined to succeed this time. While her final ranking in the Regular Season has diminished from year to year, she has still managed to hold a Top-10 ranking through hard work and experience. Only a first-round loss each Period and a tough loss to Haruhi during Ruby has kept her from building on her success. Azusa made positive impacts on her career as early as Topaz, when she defeated a Top-16 opponent in Fujibayashi Kyō, and she looks forward to pulling off another upset. While she suffered a setback by losing to Tomoyo in the Topaz finale, she held her head high that day knowing that the margin of loss was only 14 votes. The experience she took from that match has led to victories against other stronger opponents as the season progressed, including Nagato Yuki and Suzumiya Haruhi in Diamond Period; this momentum leaves other Contestants feeling fortunate to have faced this young rookie in the early parts of the season. Today's Topaz 7 rematch can go a long way in determining who has the best chance at winning the Tiara. Can the veteran defeat her young opponent and finally realize her dream of reaching the top, or does the rookie have enough experience to finally beat the student council president and become an instant star in ISML? |
#2 Katsura Hinagiku vs. #15 Hiiragi Kagami
"I find myself standing here once again..." These two former champions will give it whatever they have to obtain the spotlight once again. Although defending Tiara champion and 2007 Korean Best Moe champion Katsura Hinagiku is placed second in the overall statistics, she is probably the one with the most to worry about. Not only does she have to worry about tough competitors such as Shana and Akiyama Mio taking her Tiara away, she has to worry about anti-votes as well. Never in any major moe tournament has a girl been able to successfully defend their championship title, mainly because the majority wish to see a new face. If Hinagiku wishes to win the Tiara once again, she needs to have a large amount of support from her fans. The same can be said for Hiiragi Kagami, who barely kept her spot in the Top 16 throughout the Regular Season. The 2008 Anime Saimoe Tournament champion needs to find that hidden strength of hers if she wants to walk out of ISML as the new Tiara champion. Defeating the defending Heavenly Tiara holder would mean that everyone has an equal chance of winning the Tiara regardless of their current rankings. As the last matchup of the Preliminary Round unfolds, will Hinagiku be able to defend her title, or will Kagami start the downfall of Hinagiku's reign as champion? |
Ranka Lee (Macross Frontier) vs. Sheryl Nome (Macross Frontier)
ランカ・リー (マクロス フロンティア) vs. シェリル・ノーム (マクロス フロンティア)
In what could be their last ISML appearance, these two pop idol singers will square off one more time against each other. Sheryl Nome seems to have a slight advantage in this match because her vote totals were higher than Ranka's in every preliminary match. Of course, that is to be expected from the beautiful and famous pop idol singer whose songs were at the top of the music charts and cannot be missed by those who live in the galaxy. However, one should not count out Ranka Lee at all when it comes to singing. This lively, cheerful rising singer would do whatever it takes to pursue her singing career and talent. She is sometimes noted as the Lynn Minmay of 2008 as both girls worked at a Chinese restaurant and participated in a local beauty pageant. Through her singing, she was able to use her voice to help save the Frontier and defeat an incoming invasion to her home planet. She was also able to cure Sheryl, who, in turn, was also able to use her voice to stop an incoming invasion. Today, these two girls will not only fight each other against love and singing, but also in popularity. As these two girls warm up in the first exhibition match of the Double Elimination, who will gain the spotlight and rock the stage? |
Tachibana Kanade (Angel Beats!) vs. Nakamura Yuri (Angel Beats!)
立華 かなで (エンジェル ビーツ!) vs. 仲村 ゆり (エンジェル ビーツ!)
Probably future 2011 candidates for the Regular Season and possibly the Double Elimination, Tachibana Kanade and Nakamura Yuri will get their first taste in the ISML community. At first, both characters started off as enemies: the angel wishing to end all disturbances in and around the school while the leader of SSS wishing for the freedom for students to do as they please. But as the story progressed, both girls found companionship and joined forces to save their world from a new destructive force. If any similarities can be made between them and the current top 16 girls, Kanade would be related to Nagato Yuki and Yuri would be related to Suzumiya Haruhi. While both characters are doing well in Korean Best Moe thus far, only Kanade was able to make it past Round 1 in Anime Saimoe Tournament; Yuri ended up defeated by Shana. Although they have not faced each other yet, today will be a good day to see which girl would fare well not only in ISML 2011 but also in many more saimoe tournaments to come. As the first newcomer exhibition match unfolds, will the angel take her first steps to victory, or will the SSS leader mark her territory here today? |
Thanks to hinakatbklyn, minhtam1638, and Momento10 for contributing today's match previews.
Day 2 - Winners' Bracket 1
#1 Shana vs. #9 Suzumiya Haruhi
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"I won't ever be like you." Two days ago, Haruhi got her payback against Saber for the unexpected 70-point upset in the regular-season opener, being the only bottom-8 seed this year to advance to the winners bracket. She must put that victory behind her now, as tonight she faces an even more personal battle against the most dangerous competitor in this tournament. It's been two years since Haruhi had the upper hand against Shana, but times have changed since then: either Shana is actually better than she was last year, or this could finally be the time that the deity leading the once-empowered SOS Brigade is finally showing her own cracks in the system. If Haruhi wants to grab the elusive Tiara, she will have to pull off even more tricks off her sleeve. Will Haruhi stop Shana in her tracks, or will she find herself in the losers' bracket once again? |
#5 Aisaka Taiga vs. #4 Misaka Mikoto
"I didn't come this far just to lose here." Coming into this match, our next two challengers have faced each other only twice. With a difference of 813 votes, Aisaka Taiga had no problem winning her match last year against Misaka Mikoto. Mikoto evened the score this year by winning her rematch in the final round of Aquamarine with a final tally of 3507-3173 — a much closer margin of 334 votes. Since then, Mikoto has beaten nearly all of her opponents during the regular season and added a Ruby necklace along the way. Although she was unable to beat the three opponents that finished the season ahead of her, she kept her matches close; 178 votes separated her from the defending champion Hinagiku Katsura during Topaz, she came as close as 314 votes to the #1 seed Shana during Sapphire, and lost by a much closer margin of 162 votes during Emerald to a challenger who was still unbeaten at the time, Mio Akiyama. Taiga has also managed to earn herself a necklace during her campaign to the postseason by winning Topaz. While she was unable to beat Mikoto this year, she made a huge statement by handing Mio her first loss of the regular season during Ruby. One of these two challengers will not be eliminated with today's loss, but it will be much more difficult to win the Tiara. Will Taiga's claws be strong enough to eliminate her opponent, or will lightning strike twice and the Railgun continues to reach for the top. |
#3 Akiyama Mio vs. #6 Nagato Yuki
"It's one difficult match after another..." Now that these girls have won their preliminary matches, they are one step closer to become the bearer of the Heavenly Tiara. However, as the winners continue to advance, the competition increases, and this match is no exception. Akiyama Mio is considered a favorite for winning the Tiara. With a high vote difference in her match against Hirasawa Yui, Mio looks to continue on with this large momentum; nonetheless, one should never count out a veteran such as Nagato Yuki. Yuki has always given more than 100% in any match-up that she is placed in, and in a match with so much at stake like this, she cannot afford to lose her composure. The last time they met was at Aquamarine 7, where Mio would defeat Yuki to become the Aquamarine Necklace winner. After many months since they first fought, will Mio be able to prove that the victory was no fluke, or will Yuki get her revenge after what happened five months ago? |
#7 Nakano Azusa vs #2 Katsura Hinagiku
"I'm sorry, but I have to continue forward." The stakes could not be higher in this arena today. Second guitarist Nakano Azusa seems to be doing well for herself with the major victory over Sakagami Tomoyo. If she can continue this pace, she may be able to become the Tiara champion in due time; however, her victory looks nothing compared to student council president Katsura Hinagiku, who has ripped through her competition. Hinagiku has proven that there is a reason why she won the Tiara last year. Azusa seems to always get a short end of the stick, whether it be with her friends or within the ISML community. It is about time for Azusa to do something profound, and that is to defeat the defending Tiara winner at this time. Can Azusa perform such a feat, or will Hinagiku use this match as a stepping stone to proceed to the next winner bracket round? |
Minase Nayuki (Kanon) vs. Tsukimiya Ayu (Kanon)
水瀬名雪 (カノン) vs. 月宮あゆ (カノン)
Veterans Minase Nayuki and Tsukimiya Ayu will square off in today's exhibition. Nayuki is a kind, carefree girl who is good at housework and sports; however, she is usually seen dozing off whenever she feels like it and is quite an airhead. Ayu is somewhat opposite of Nayuki; although she is a poor cook and stubborn, she will do her best to help those who are in need and troubled. In 2008, Nayuki defeated Ayu, sending a clear message that it is everyone for herself when it comes to ISML. In 2009, Ayu had her revenge and defeated Nayuki, reaffirming the reason why she is the main heroine of their series. With the score at 1-1, will Nayuki outshine Ayu like before, or will Ayu knock Nayuki down once again? |
Kotobuki Tsumugi (K-ON!) vs. Tainaka Ritsu (K-ON!)
琴吹紬 (けいおん!) vs. 田井中律 (けいおん!)
Had Mio and Yui not faced each other and won their match-ups, there could have been an early K-ON! reunion in the ISML community. Even so, the last main cast of K-ON! will go head to head to see which is the more dominant girl. Kotobuki Tsumugi is a well-mannered, rich girl who is usually seen in the clubroom preparing sweets and tea. Because she is from a wealthy family, many places and normal activities that are considered common to civilians are extraordinary for her. Many of the K-ON! cast wondered as to how she lived in the past. Unlike Tsumugi, Tainaka Ritsu is a wild, outgoing girl who will give over 100% at anything she does. This counteracts with her laziness, seeing that she rarely does any work and wishes to have fun all the time. As these two girls prepare to face off, will the keyboardist capture the hears of the voters, or will the drummer send a clear message as to why she is the president of the Light Music club? |
Kinoshita Hideyoshi (Baka to Test to Shōkanjū) vs. Takanashi Kotori (WORKING!!)
"There are no more than 18 female characters in the matches today." Kinoshita Hideyoshi and Takanashi Kotori make their International Saimoe League debut in today's match. Kinoshita Hideyoshi is one of the members of the "idiot" class in Baka to Test to Shōkanjū, Class F. Due to his appearance, Hideyoshi is often mistaken as being a girl. However, considering one of his male friends collects candid pictures of him and his female friends see him as a serious threat to their attempts to hook up with the male lead, perhaps it's not so much people mistakenly believing he's a girl as it is people flat out ignoring the fact that he's a guy. When a friend is in trouble, Takanashi Souta from WORKING!! puts on a dress and becomes Takanashi Kotori! While crossdressing in Kotori mode, Takanashi gains the special ability to not get hit by his androphobic friend when he is close to her and to be able to enter stores that sell cute merchandise without attracting strange stares. While we may have trouble determining what gender these two are from just a glance, we still need to determine who will win this match. In this battle between traps, will it be Hideyoshi or Kotori who comes out on top? |
Thanks to hinakatbklyn, minhtam1638, Momento10, and Team Rocket Elite for contributing today's match previews.
Day 3 - Losers' Bracket 1
#16 Senjōgahara Hitagi vs. #8 Saber
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"Strength is only relative; it all depends on how I see myself." The Double Elimination debut of both Saber and Senjōgahara Hitagi had a rocky start, as experience paved the way to victories for both of their opponents. Now both competitors are in a must-win situation just to breathe another day. Hitagi may be under additional pressure, being one of the very few DE competitors who has lost to Contestants outside the Top 16. And with the worst VD and VF scores from the Regular Season, Hitagi will have to find strength in order to pull an upset tonight. Still, Saber could be at a disadvantage herself, as one misstep against an underdog could cost her a shot at the Tiara. Ask the defending champion Katsura Hinagiku, who is still waiting for the winner of this match. Can Hitagi become the first #16 seed to pull off a DE victory, or will Saber prove to be too much for her? |
#12 Sanzen'in Nagi vs. #13 Sengoku Nadeko
"Don't underestimate me because of my age." Now that the Losers' Bracket has begun, there is no time to act like a child; one more loss could spell the end of her race to the Heavenly Tiara. Sanzen'in Nagi has waited two years for the opportunity to be a part of the Postseason; she certainly would not want to waste any minute of it. Nagi will need to put her game face on when she steps inside the ring today. Newcomer Sengoku Nadeko shares similar feelings of not wanting to exit the tournament so early. Nadeko needs to put in more than 100% into this match if she wants to continue to the next round. The competition cannot be any more intense: will the game otaku be able to walk to the light once again, or will the snake perform something cunning and slither past her? |
#14 Hirasawa Yui vs. #11 Fujibayashi Kyō
"I wish to stay here longer." One of these girls has to walk away from the chase to the Tiara after today, and it will not be an easy sight. For Hirasawa Yui, this tournament means quite a lot to her. Although there are other girls representing K-ON! who are doing very well, Yui does not want to be the one slowing them down. She wishes to be with her friends for as long as possible; thus, this is her motivation to continue forward. The tournament means everything to Fujibayashi Kyō as well. After two years in the ISML community, Kyō does not seem to be losing to age just yet; however, with K-ON! still airing, she may have a hard time winning this match. For the past two years, she has neither won a championship title nor ever come close to it. She wishes to do whatever it takes to grasp onto that victory and into the competition once again. As the Double elimination match continues, will Yui continue to move on with the rest of her friends, or does Kyō have enough strength to move on to the next round? |
#10 Sakagami Tomoyo vs. #15 Hiiragi Kagami
"I promise you, this time won't be like the last time." It is hard to see girls who were once considered the "Elite 7" fall so far after two years. Since ISML's inception in 2008, Sakagami Tomoyo and Hiiragi Kagami would always be seen somewhere in the Top 8: Tomoyo, 7th in 2008, 3rd in 2009; Kagami, 3rd in 2008, 8th in 2009. This year, they find themselves in the bottom half of the Top 16 and are already in the first round of the Losers' Bracket. Age does not seem to be hurting Tomoyo that much, since she has still managed Top 10, so we may continue to see her in the Top 16 for a few more years. Kagami, however, has taken a major hit this year, falling to an uncomfortable 15th seed. If this drastic decline continues, our voters may not be able to see her in DE next year. This will be their second time facing each other in DE since 2009 when Tomoyo defeated Kagami by less than 300 votes. With two girls who are eager to do anything to stay in this competition for as long as possible, voters need to decide carefully who they want to see continuing to the next round to face Suzumiya Haruhi come Sunday and who they would have to see departing. Can the student council president take the next step to the next round, or will the twin-tailed tsundere punish her for what happened last year? |
Chidori Kaname vs. Teletha Testarossa
Today's challengers each follow different paths yet share a common bond, in more ways than one. Teletha Testarossa with her serious but calm attitude leads a submarine into battle at a moment's notice; living a normal life is unfortunately not an option. Chidori Kaname, however, has no problem expressing her opinions and also lives a normal everyday life, unaware of the troubles that she is about to experience firsthand. They may not share much on the outside, but both share a hidden ability that very few know about. While they haven't spent too much time in Saimoe, they both made an appearance in the first Saimoe tournament back in 2002 and both earned first-round victories. Both want to prove to their opponent and maybe their shared love interest that they are better than the other. Will Teletha lead the way to victory over her opponent, or will Kaname use all of her abilities to win her match? |
Ryūgū Rena (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni) vs. Suiseiseki (Rozen Maiden)
竜宮レナ (ひぐらしのなく頃に) vs. 翠星石 (ローゼンメイデン)
Another veteran vs. veteran match is happening in today's exhibition arenas. Ryūgū Rena is a cheerful, childish girl who has a soft spot for things she finds cute. However, this covers a dark side of her where, when taunted, she will turn into a hysterical, bloody killer. Suiseiseki is a stubborn girl who wishes for things to go her way and who orders people around. Nonetheless, she only does this to get attention, since she can suddenly become melancholic or quiet for unknown reasons. In 2008, Rena defeated Suiseiseki, pointing out that she will not be defeated by some doll. In 2009, Suiseiseki obtained her revenge and defeated Rena, making her wish that she never said those words. With a 1-1 tie, will Rena take Suiseiseki home, or does the 2006 dual champion believe that Rena is not worth her time? |
Thanks to hinakatbklyn, minhtam1638, and Momento10 for contributing today's match previews.
Day 4 - Losers' Bracket 2
#2 Katsura Hinagiku vs. #8 Saber
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"There can be only one!" Saber deserves credit for advancing to the Double Elimination despite having little new Fate/stay night material; it is a testament to her unwavering popularity among anime fans. But for all that Saber has achieved to date in her third consecutive appearance in ISML, her campaign for the Tiara is now at risk as she takes on Katsura Hinagiku, whom Saber has not been able to defeat this year. On the other side, 2010 has not been entirely a bed of roses for Hakuō Academy's student council president, who experienced an end to her unbeaten run in the Regular Season by longtime rival Shana and a second-round Double Elimination loss at the hands of Nakano Azusa. On paper, this should be comparatively easy match for Hinagiku, and a breather is exactly what she is looking for as she picks herself up in preparation for a tougher challenge against potential-opponent Nagato Yuki as well as the loser of the Misaka Mikoto vs. Shana match. Whatever fate has in hand for Saber at the end of today's match, she can still be proud of her performance that has defied the sands of time — the bane of many characters of the past, present, and future standing in the same square circle that is International Saimoe League. |
#6 Nagato Yuki vs. #12 Sanzen'in Nagi
"Will intellect lead me to my victory ... or my demise?" Fortunate to survive the first match of the Losers' Bracket, Sanzen'in Nagi still has a long way to go in the race to the Tiara. The cheerful, rich girl knows she must start strategizing for the next round rather than playing video games or watching TV. Even if both she and Nagato Yuki are veterans of ISML, Yuki is the one with more experience in ISML Double Elimination. While her loss to Akiyama Mio was unfortunate, Yuki can still catch up to Tiara via the Losers' Bracket. She has traveled this path once in 2008, and she has the potential to do it again here in 2010. Nagi can seal a similar fate if she can defeat Yuki here, pushing forward through the rankings toward the championsihp match. Can the game otaku perform such a feat, or is the alien too much for her to handle? |
#14 Hirasawa Yui vs. #5 Aisaka Taiga
"Past performance does not guarantee future results." When the cards are all out on the table and a single mistake means being sent home, the only way forward is to go all out, pray for the best, and let luck take its course. Both contestants are no strangers to this scenario as it was under such circumstances when they met as finalists in Saimoe Japan 2009 with Taiga beating Yui to the finish line by a slim 54-vote margin. This time around, Yui is banking on recent K-ON!! episodes to give her the boost needed to avenge that loss. As for Taiga, the second-year Double-Elimination participant goes into her second-round match beaming with confidence knowing that she had a 420-vote lead over Yui back in Ruby 4 as well as the distinction of being the first person to hand K-ON!'s top player, Akiyama Mio, her very first loss in the Regular Season. Regardless, there is no letting up of vigilance on Taiga's part as the Regular Season this is not, and Yui has been known to raise her game under life-or-death situations, be it getting a perfect score in her make-up test or turning the tables on her previous round's opponent, Fujibayashi Kyō. So will Taiga maintain the status quo or will Yui emerge triumphant and edge one step closer to reuniting with her other K-ON! teammates? |
#10 Sakagami Tomoyo vs. #9 Suzumiya Haruhi
"The past isn't something you should be taking lightly." Sakagami Tomoyo and Suzumiya Haruhi: two names that helped personify and shape ISML to what it is today. In 2008, Haruhi became the first contestant to win consecutive necklaces, and she set a very impressive winning streak that is still talked about today. That winning streak could have gone further if not for Tomoyo, the 2009 Aquamarine Necklace holder who finally let Haruhi taste defeat in Emerald 9, starting a heated rivalry between the two. It is interesting that, although these two girls have done so much during their ISML careers, they have never faced each other in a Double Elimination. Today that opportunity has finally arrived, and the stakes could not be any higher; just one fatal mistake could spell doom to one of these girls. In the past DE tournaments, Haruhi has never passed Losers' Bracket 2 and would always be ranked 9th in the consolation matches, whereas Tomoyo has made it as far as Losers' Bracket 6. As these two veterans square off in what could be the most dangerous match in ISML history, will the goddess who holds the power of the raging fires shatter her curse and proceed to the next round, or will the student council president who holds the power of the calming waters make her opponent fall to her own Endless Eight? |
Korone (Ichiban Ushiro no Daimaō) vs. Hattori Junko (Ichiban Ushiro no Daimaō)>
ころね (いちばんうしろの大魔王) vs. 服部絢子 (いちばんうしろの大魔王)
코로네 (언젠가는 대마왕) vs. 핫토리 준코 (언젠가는 대마왕)
Two more new faces, Korone and Hattori Junko, make their debut in today's exhibition match. Coming from the Liladan race of androids, Korone expresses no emotions except when required and displays a rather perverse curiosity regarding human biology and relationships (as well as an equally perverse sense of humor to boot). The one accessory that she always has by her side is a small handbag that is connected to hammerspace, where a multitude of items can be stored and retrieved given any situation. As for her rival, hailing from a conservative warrior clan that has served the ruling empire for generations, Hattori Junko holds firmly to her sense of justice and righteousness and will act accordingly to those beliefs. Personality-wise, however, she has a tendency to jump to conclusions and let emotions get the better of her, resulting in many embarrassing moments. As this match heats up, will Korone gain the upper hand through technological superiority, or will Junko's swordmastery and conviction bring her victory? |
Hiiragi (Hanamaru Yōchien) vs. Hinagiku (Hanamaru Yōchien)
柊 (はなまる幼稚園) vs. 雛菊 (はなまる幼稚園)
히이라기 (하나마루 유치원) vs. 히나기쿠 (하나마루 유치원)
Today we see two very young ladies from Hanamaru Kindergarten, Hiiragi and Hinagiku. Despite their appearances, you would be surprised to know that they are not at all childish. Hiiragi is one year younger than Hinagiku, but never underestimate Hiiragi for her age. With sleepy eyes, Hiiragi captures your attention from the very first minute: her somewhat expressionless face and eccentric, quirky behavior quickly tells you that she is unique. Having an astronomer for a father, Hiiragi reads a lot and possesses knowledge that even surpasses an adult's as a result, which often saves Anzu and her friends from various troubles. Hinagiku, on the other hand, may not be as knowledgeable as Hiiragi, but she is certainly a surprise to behold as well. With her hair cutely tied up with a big ribbon, Hinagiku warms your heart with a gentle smile. In addition, Hinagiku is very respectful and mature, ready to be a classy lady any minute. That's not all there is to these two young ladies, though. Hiiragi often shows her adorable side, blushing whenever she's embarrassed and cosplaying as cute animals. Hinagiku has also shown determination to fight for the one she loves. Hiiragi and Hinagiku are both quite adorable with much appreciative qualities, but unfortunately there can be only one winner in this match set in Hanamaru Kindergarten. Who will it be? 오늘 하나마루 유치원에서는, 매우 어린 두 숙녀들이 출전합니다. 히이라기와 히나기쿠. 이 둘은, 겉으로는 단순한 유치원생이지만 실상은 겉보기와는 전혀 다릅니다. 히이라기는 히나기쿠보다 한 살 더 적지만, 그녀의 나이만 보고 그녀를 무시할 수만은 없습니다. 약간 졸린듯한 눈과, 무표정, 그리고 상상 외로 4차원스러운 히이라기의 행동이 그녀가 얼마나 독특한지를 보여주는데요, 천문학자인 아버지의 영향으로 (지금보다도 더) 어릴때부터 책을 읽어온 그녀는 어른보다도 더 방대한 지식을 가지고 있습니다. 히나기쿠는 히이라기만큼 똑똑하지는 않지만, 그녀 나름대로 히이라기와는 다르게 아이답지 않은 면을 보여줍니다. 귀엽게 큰 리본으로 반 묶은 머리와 함께 따스한 미소를 가지고 있는 히나기쿠. 언제라도 성숙한 여인이 될 준비가 되어있는 히나기쿠는 매우 예의바르고 어른스럽습니다. 하지만, 아이같지 않은 면을 보여주는 이 둘에게도 귀여운 점이 많이 있는데요. 히이라기는 가끔씩 부끄러울때마다 볼을 붉히며, 또한 자주 동물 옷을 입고 코스프레를 하는등 여러모로 사랑스러운 캐릭터입니다. 또한, 히나기쿠도 단순히 착하고 예의바른 면 외에도 자신의 사랑을 위해 노력하는 모습도 보여줍니다. 히이라기와 히나기쿠 둘 다 매우 귀엽고 사랑스러우며, 단순히 어린아이라고는 생각할 수 없는, 칭찬할 만한 점이 많이 있지만, 안타깝게도 오늘 하나마루 유치원에서 승자가 될 수 있는것은 단 한명뿐! 과연 누구일까요? |
Asakura Ryōko (Suzumiya Haruhi no Yūutsu) vs. Isayama Yomi (Ga-rei: Zero)
"There is a limit to the number of happy days one has." Characters from Suzumiya Haruhi no Yūutsu appearing in ISML have been a mixture of strong and weak in terms of their performance. Asakura Ryōko is debuting in exhibition today, and she hopes to show everyone that she is one of the strong. Ryōko is the AA+ cute and competent class representative of class 1-5. Though she normally puts on a cool exterior, inside she is a person willing to do whatever it takes to reach her goals. Going against the orders of her superiors, she takes exceptional measures in order to change a declining situation. Isayama Yomi has appeared in other ISML matches before this one. Although she has made a strong effort, she has not yet been able to advance beyond the preliminary rounds. Yomi lost her parents at a young age and trained to become an exorcist to assist her foster father. She is good-natured and well liked by those around her. Unfortunately the actions of people conspiring against Yomi cause those happy days to come to an end, and Yomi resorts to an extreme measure to regain her lost happiness. Both Ryōko and Yomi are both willing to fight to the end to get what they want, and in this battle today both of them will have to fight hard to claim victory. Will the victor be Asakura Ryōko or Isayama Yomi? |
Thanks to hinakatbklyn, imbehindyou, Kiopi, Momento10, and Team Rocket Elite for contributing today's match previews.
Day 5 - Winners' Bracket 2
#1 Shana vs. #4 Misaka Mikoto
[ Show more... ]
"This is one battle I cannot fight alone." For the four challengers who have yet to lose a match in DE, the competition for the Heavenly Tiara could not be any more fierce. Shana may have finished the Regular Season in first place two years in a row and won a record three necklaces this year, but she realizes that she still has to keep winning in order to claim the Tiara, which had slipped from her grasp in the previous two years. So far, she has had no trouble winning her first two postseason matches against Hitagi and Haruhi, but a challenge awaits in Misaka Mikoto today. Mikoto had a much tougher hill to climb than Shana in DE so far this year. While she had little trouble beating Nadeko, she defeated Taiga by a close margin of 29 votes. Mikoto lost to Shana during their Regular-Season match in Sapphire 7, but Shana had to earn the victory in that battle. It is an elemental clash between fire and electricity; only one of these elements can continue forward. Will the Flame Haze burn through her opponent again, or will the Railgun shock her opponent and the world by upsetting the #1 seed and continue her climb to the top? |
#3 Akiyama Mio vs. #7 Nakano Azusa
"Let us continue smiling till the end." Having sent "ISML Elite" Sakagami Tomoyo and defending-Tiara-bearer Katsura Hinagiku to the Losers' Bracket, Nakano Azusa now faces fellow club member and graduating senior, Akiyama Mio. While the match format allows for Mio and Azusa to meet again after today, the road to reunion is an extremely difficult one, paved with strong rivals by the name of Shana, Katsura Hinagiku, Misaka Mikoto, and Aisaka Taiga. Such is the significance of their second meeting, being their possible last for ISML 2010. Will Azusa give her senior one more unbeaten run as what could potentially be her final graduation present, or will Mio step aside and let her beloved junior advance to further heights? Regardless of what lies ahead, to quote from American writer Richard Bach: "Don't be dismayed at goodbyes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or lifetimes, is certain for those who are friends." |
Fujibayashi Kyō vs. Senjōgahara Hitagi
"It will be over soon..." Before these two girls can say goodbye to ISML, there are still two more matches in the rankings spotlight. Although the odds were against her, Senjōgahara Hitagi should be proud to have participated in this year's Double Elimination. Even veterans have trouble making it this far into the competition, and she made it in her first year in Saimoe. Because she may never get a chance like this again, she should cherish the moments and times that she had within the ISML community. After a surprising loss to Yui, Elite-7 member Fujibayashi Kyō would also have to say an early goodbye in DE. Like Hitagi, a repeat appearance in 2011 is unknown, but she can always hope that her fans will continue to support her as always. Here in these closing matches, can the self-proclaimed tsundere prove that her time in DE was not in vain, or will a book-throwing tsundere show why she is an is still considered a force to be reckoned with? |
Sengoku Nadeko vs. Hiiragi Kagami
"Let me make the most of my final moments." These two girls should be proud to have been a part of DE. Although the quest for the Tiara is over, two more matches remain to determine final rankings. Sengoku Nadeko seemed to lack the support she had during the Regular Season; the decline of voters has eventually brought her here to these closing stages. Age has perhaps taken a lot of fight out of Hiiragi Kagami. After losses to veterans Hinagiku and Tomoyo, Kagami was forced to pack up her belongings and start heading home. Before leaving DE, though, they still have some more chances to prove that they still have the fire and momentum to win running within their veins. Does the snake still have her youthful energy to win this match, or will the twin-tailed tsundere prove that, despite her age, she still has the "it" factor? |
Asakura Nemu (D.C. ~Da Capo~) vs. Shirakawa Kotori (D.C. ~Da Capo~)
朝倉 音夢 (～ダ・カーポ～) vs. 白河 ことり (～ダ・カーポ～)
아사쿠라 네무 (D. C. 다카포) vs. 시라카와 코토리(D. C. 다카포)
Two veterans from the Anime Saimoe Tournament Asakura Nemu and Shirakawa Kotori will square off against each other in their debut match in ISML. Nemu is a kind-hearted girl who will help those who are troubled but who gets easily jealous of other girls who get close to the person whom she likes. Nemu is a terrible cook; some of the things she makes are considered dangerous to eat. Only a few years later is Nemu able to accept those who have romantic feelings for her love interest and cook a delicious meal. Kotori is a school idol who has the ability to read people's minds. Because many people only see her as an idol, Kotori rarely chats or hang out with friends and longs for someone who is able to see her for who she is, beyond the public image. When she found her ideal friend, Nemu's love interest, she slowly opens up to more people and develops feelings for him. Instead of fighting for love, these two girls will fight each other for popularity. Will Nemu captivate the voters with her caring heart, or is Kotori's charm enough to win over the voters? |
Thanks to hinakatbklyn, Kiopi, and Momento10 for contributing today's match previews.
Day 6 - Losers' Bracket 3
#2 Katsura Hinagiku vs. #6 Nagato Yuki
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"I've gone too far to lose it all." In one week, the road to the Heavenly Tiara transformed into a war between two highly popular animation studios, JC Staff and Kyoto Animation. Hinagiku has not been in the Losers' Bracket since 2008, so she may be feeling some pressure this year just one loss away from elimination. As the defending Tiara bearer, she knows she must at least make it to the Championship Round to have a true chance at protecting her title. Her opponent for today has survived the Losers' Bracket once before; Nagato Yuki must pull all the stops here if she wishes to go through to the next round. If she is able to knock out Hinagiku, not only will a new champion in 2010 be certain but also the momentum boost will likely help Yuki clear the Losers' Bracket once again to reach the Championship Round. Only one of these girls will continue writing the history book of ISML; will it be the student council president or the silent alien? |
#5 Aisaka Taiga vs. #9 Suzumiya Haruhi
"This moment...it means everything to me." After a close victory over Tomoyo, Suzumiya Haruhi has finally and officially broken her curse and advances to the next round. However, as the lowest-ranked remaining Contestant at #9, Haruhi must bulk up for the ensuing competition that will be fiercer than anything that she has ever experienced. Her challenge today is facing the girl with whom she has had quite a history: Aisaka Taiga. Taiga shocked the world in 2009 by becoming the second person to defeat Haruhi, a feat that many thought was impossible to do. In 2010, she made certain that it was was no fluke by defeating Haruhi once again in Emerald 1. These two girls now face each other for the third time, but a loss here will mean the end of ISML 2010 for one of them. Can the SOS Brigade leader show that the third time's the charm, or will the palmtop tiger remind her why she is the 2009 dual champion? |
13th Place Match
Hiiragi Kagami vs. Fujibayashi Kyō
"I didn't expect to see you here." After close victories in their previous matches, Hiiragi Kagami and Fujibayashi Kyō now stand against each other in the fight for 13th place. This year's DE was a rough one for both of these girls; considered to be among the Elite 7, they never anticipated to be leaving the competition so soon. We will see them again in the ISML 2011 Preliminaries, but they will need their fans' support more than ever to carry them into next year's Regular Season. Today, with one more match to go, can Kagami outsmart her opponent and claim victory, or will Kyō shatter her with her strength? |
15th Place Match
Senjōgahara Hitagi vs. Sengoku Nadeko
"Don't think that you've won just yet." Neither of these girls wants to go home empty-handed or placed last in Double Elimination, but somebody today will have to accept that fate. This is their final match in DE, and it is a chance to settle the score between them once and for all. Sengoku Nadeko is considered the favorite to win, for she has already defeated her opponent once in Emerald 7. But the margin was only 24 votes, so Senjōgahara Hitagi should not be counted out so quickly. DE has proven to have shocking results and unexpected victories; thus, even Hitagi can do the unexpected – upsetting Nadeko. Only one animal is going to survive this fight; will it be the crab or the snake? |
Minase Akiko (Kanon) vs. Kamio Haruko (AIR)
水瀬秋子 (Kanon) vs. 神尾晴子 (AIR)
미나세 아키코 (Kanon) vs. 카미오 하루코 (AIR)
Battles between two of the finest artworks by studio KEY, Kanon and AIR, continue for years. Today the spotlight shines on two mothers, Minase Akiko and Kamio Haruko. Akiko, Nayuki's mother, is a very easy-going lady who is always seen smiling. She has raised her daughter alone but has done so with utmost care. Akiko is extremely good at cooking; however, her special homemade jam is quite deceptive. Haruko has also raised her daughter, Misuzu, alone, but she is a very outgoing and forthright mother. Like Akiko, the identity of her job is unkonwn, but she unconditionally supports her daughter nevertheless. Haruko is a heavy drinker; every night, she holds up a bottle of rice wine, teases Yukito, and forces him to drink. Although Haruko cares about Misuzu so much, Haruko could not show her concern very easily because to Misuzu's mysterious illness. Here comes two great mothers defending their pride and their families. Will you order Akiko's homemade jam or Haruko's rice wine? 多年来，围绕着KEY的两部经典作品-Kanon和AIR之间的争论多不胜数。今天，新一轮的斗争就将在世萌的舞台上进行。然而，这次的主角们却是两位母亲。分别是来自Kanon的水濑秋子和AIR的神尾晴子。水濑秋子是水瀬名雪的妈妈。她独自一人把名雪养大成人。令人难以想象的是她女儿居然连她的年龄和职业都不清楚。秋子整天都以微笑待人，是一位和蔼可亲并且聪慧的母亲。她似乎天生就是一名好厨师。尽管平时会烧美味可口的菜肴，但是她有时候会做一种橙色的看上去很美味的果酱。喂，别在流口水了。吃下去后果会很严重的。另一方面，神尾晴子也是一位单亲妈妈。跟秋子一样，晴子的职业也是个谜。她下午出去上班。半夜就会喝得烂醉摇摇晃晃开着摩托车回来。每次回家都会把摩托车撞进车库里。与秋子不同的是，她性格异常豪爽，经常会大摇大摆地拿起一瓶米酒叫上往人一起喝。有的时候她甚至往睡着了的往人口里灌酒。很难令人把晴子和好妈妈联系在一起。其实她是非常关心观铃的。受制于观铃的病，晴子不可以对观铃太过于亲密，否则她们俩就不能生活在一起。最后，在观铃去世前一天，晴子终于第一次也是最后一次履行了母亲的义务。现在这两位母亲站在世萌这个舞台上，在为 Kanon和AIR的尊严而战。那么您呢？要来点秋子的特制果酱还是晴子的米酒呢？ |
Kuronuma Sawako (Kimi ni Todoke) vs. Shindō Chihiro (ef - a tale of memories)
黒沼爽子 (君に届け) vs. 新藤千尋 (ef - a tale of memories)
쿠로누마 사와코 (너에게 닿기를) vs. 신도 치히로 (ef - a tale of memories)
These two girls have similar stories on how they became who they are today. For Kuronuma Sawako, it was her close friends who helped her show her true self to other people. Sawako was given the nickname "Sadako" because of her outward appearance and people's misunderstandings. Because people mistakenly feared her, she was rarely able to make friends. Only a few people were able to see past her appearance and find the hard-working, kind-hearted girl who always gives more that 100% in anything that she does. These special friends gave Sawako the strength to bring out the truth and have others see her the same way her closest friends do. For Shindō Chihiro, it was her lover who helped her obtain her dream and her life. After a tragic accident in the past, Chihiro suffers from a terrible condition that limits her memory to only the past thirteen hours. Because of this, she was not able to perform many activities that a regular person could do. After a fateful encounter, Chihiro was able to fulfill her dream of writing her first novel, which was an allusion to how she views her life. Because she felt that the longer she stays with her lover, the more she would hurt him. Chihiro forced herself to forget about her lover but ended up unable to do so, and thus realized her true feelings for him. Sawako and Chihiro have done so much to become who they are; today we recognize their accomplishments in this match. |
Thanks to Midst and Momento10 for contributing today's match previews.
Day 7 - Losers' Bracket 4
#1 Shana vs. #2 Katsura Hinagiku
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"At the end of this day, one shall stand and one shall fall." It is a high-stakes, winner-takes-all game today reminiscent of ISML 2009's championship match with the only difference being that the Tiara is still far from reach. If all the matches that have transpired in Double Elimination rounds were anything to go by, it is obvious by now that the position of favorite and underdog is as unpredictable as the fickle finger of fate. Nevertheless, all of these mean nothing for these two top-tier rivals, as Shana and Hinagiku go all out fighting tooth-and-nail to keep their hopes for the ultimate prize afloat. For Shana, it is also the perfect opportunity to avenge the 11-vote loss to Hinagiku in the championship match last year. For Hinagiku, it is the chance to reaffirm her postseason dominance and repay her Ruby 7 loss this year. When flames of the battle recede and the dust settles, who will be the one to rise from of the ashes? |
#5 Aisaka Taiga vs. #7 Nakano Azusa
"Those who play with cats must expect to be scratched." In a field dominated by higher-ranked rivals, 7th-seed Nakano Azusa must pull out all the stops in order to avoid elimination. However, her task has just gotten tougher as she faces an opponent of unwavering tenacity going by the name of Aisaka Taiga. For the Palmtop Tiger, a win will put her one important step closer to the Tiara, which she needs to complete a triple-crown achievement, the other two being the 2009 Saimoe and 2009 Best Moe tournaments. While Taiga's reputation and achievements are indeed fearsome, Azusa's confidence nevertheless remains steadfast knowing that, unlike their first encounter in Aquamarine 4, her recent rise in strength and performance to date is enough to should give her a fighting chance in today's match. So when the timer ends and the votes are counted, will Taiga move one match closer to her dreams or will Azusa chalk up another milestone victory to her resume? |
Saber vs. Hirasawa Yui
"You can hurt me, but you can't stop me..." Both Saber and Yui had challenging regular seasons, but the hard work paid off resulting in appearances in the postseason. The challenges only got stronger, though, as each of their victories in Losers' Bracket 1 were decided by small margins while their losses were much larger. The pressure became too great, and today they begin the path to exiting Double Elimination. But these ranking matches are still important and are still chances at claiming victories. Saber's victory over Yui in Aquamarine 4 may be an indicator to some, but Yui has much improved her moe charms since March. Will Saber repeat her early-season win, or will Yui bring forth new strength and energy?你能使我受伤，但是你不可能阻挡我。Saber和平沢唯都在常规赛中遇到很多困难。虽然Saber贵为第一分组的种子选手，她却遭遇到来自第二组的三千院凪和中野梓的阻击。另外一方面，尽管平沢唯是2009年日萌的亚军，但是她在常规赛的开始阶段甚至一度身处在第19位。由于两人的低迷状态，她们实力受到不少的质疑。然而情况并没有因淘汰赛的到来而改善，Saber和平沢唯双双在淘汰赛败组第二轮就早早被淘汰出局。如今两人只剩下最后的两场比赛。想必她们之中没有一个想要以告负而草草结束2010年世萌的赛事。现在两位在常规赛中跌跌撞撞走过来的选手在最后的 9到12名的排名赛中相遇。在常规赛中，Saber曾经在蓝宝石3轻松击败状态低迷的平沢唯。如果您要是认为Saber又将会轻松胜出，那就错了。经过了一年的洗练和轻音第二季的强势回归之后，平沢唯的实力有了一定的升幅。这场比赛将会重现Saber的胜利还是以平沢唯成功复仇告终呢？ |
Sakagami Tomoyo vs. Sanzen'in Nagi
"He will welcome me with open arms... right?" These two girls have had very rigorous matches and should be proud to have made it this far. Sakagami Tomoyo struggled against her peers and rivals in the postseason; unable to overcome Haruhi by a close margin, another member of the Elite 7 is now on the path home. Even so, Tomoyo should not put her head down, for her career in the ISML is not over yet. Sanzen'in Nagi, after two years of hard work, finally earned her chance to become a part of DE. With fierce and unpredictable outcomes, luck was not on her side during her final match against Yuki. Nevertheless, with the accomplishment of appearing in DE this year, she can stay proud while packing her bags to go home. Before any of these girls can leave the scene completely, though, they must go though a set of matches to determine their ranks. Does the student council president still have the fight left within her, or will the game otaku quickly pave her way to the top of her group? |
Kirishima Shōko (Baka to Test to Shōkanjū) vs. Kannagi Noël (So Ra No Wo To)
Although this is the first ISML match for both characters, Shōko and Noël have previous saimoe experience from their Anime Saimoe Tournament matches earlier this year. Kirishima Shōko is a quiet high-school genius who is willing to do anything in the pursuit of the one she loves. Whether it be knocking him out with a taser or putting him in an arm lock, she does what she can to maximize the time they spend together. Shōko is highly possessive and will go as far as poking out her boyfriend's eyes if he looks at another girl. Even so, it's clear just how much she values their relationship when Shōko displays the lengths she is willing to go to in order to keep a childhood promise she made with him. Kannagi Noël is the quiet genius mechanic of Platoon 1121. She has a strong fondness for machines and spends much of the day half-asleep due to spending long nights trying to restore a tank. Although she doesn't talk much, she's a friendly person who is well liked by the other members of her platoon. Beneath Noël's exterior lies a person who is still deeply troubled by events from her past. Having once been betrayed by the people she trusted, she finds solace through working with machines that cannot betray her. In this battle between prodigies of few words, will it be Kirishima Shōko or Kannagi Noël who comes out ahead? |
Akashiya Moka (Rosario + Vampire) vs. Maaka Karin (Karin)
赤夜萌香 (ロザリオとバンパイア) vs. 真紅果林 (かりん)
This exhibition match features a challenge between two beautiful vampires. Akashiya Moka is a kind-hearted, cheerful school idol who would do anything to make those around her safe and happy. Ironically, she was originally a cold and sadistic girl who prided herself on her power. Because of family reasons, Moka was forced to be given a rosary to put her to sleep and reveal a fake personality. Nonetheless, Moka cares about her friends dearly, almost to the point of sacrificing herself to help them stay alive. Maaka Karin is an energetic and outgoing "reverse vampire"; instead of drinking the blood of other people, she creates blood and has to inject it to other people or suffer a heavy nosebleed. Along with being unharmed by sunlight, she is also immune to many common vampire weaknesses such as garlic and crosses. Although there is hate between vampires and human, Karin treasures every minute of her life doing common, daily activities with friends and classmates while hiding her secret vampiric life. Only one of these lovely vampires will prove her strength over the other; who will it be? |
Clarisse (Lupin III) vs. Lum Invader (Urusei Yatsura)
클라리스 (루팡 3세: 칼리오스로의 성) 대 라무 인베이더 (우루세이 야츠라)
Thieves of Hearts — This exhibition match features 2 of the most memorable girls from late 1970s and early 1980s. Clarisse is credited by some to have started the concept of moe, and this claim is backed Clarisse's consistent appearance in the Top 5 of many anime polls until the late 1980s. Lum hails from the considerably underrated series Urusei Yatsura. Her popularity led to many cameo appearances or parody references in other manga and anime series. One example is Touch, where an autographed picture of Lum was used in a business transaction. Clarisse made well-known the reddish medium-length hair and facial design common among heroines designed by Miyazaki Hayo; she could have also influenced the hair colors of other future heroines such as Shirakawa Kotori and Lacus Clyne. Clarisse's demeanor also served as a template for model-citizen-type heroines like Asakura Minami. Lum's influences stemmed from the concepts of her character design rather than her physical appearance and actions. Her power of flight symbolizes a female's freedom to do what she wants and to desire for the things previously withheld from her. Instead of losing her heart to a boy, she is actively seeking to steal his heart. Her power over electricity makes her a person to be feared, not someone who is constantly in fear of her life. Her normal dress is a bold tiger-striped bikini, another potential symbol of freedom and youth. Her character revolutionized the acceptable tolerances for main-heroine design in anime; designers became free to realize more dramatic visions of future heroines. Lum arguably possesses a yandere streak, being very possessive and ready to deal punishiments at a whim. Today, who will the voters choose between these two contrasting characters, one who symbolizes composure of nobility, and the other who symbolizes the unbridled beauty of freedom? 모에의 진화 — 이 두 인물은 70년대 말과 80년대 초를 대표하는 여주인공들이다. 클라리스는 모에 개념의 시초라고 할 수도 있는데, 그 증거로 80년대 후반까지 이루어졌던 애니 여성 인물 인기 투표에서는 클라리스가 대부분 5위 안에 있었다. 라무가 등장한 우루세이 야츠라는 하렘 애니의 시초이며 여성 성우의 입지를 바꾼 역사적인 작품으로, 라무는 수없이 많은 다른 작가들의 작품에서 비슷한 형태로 복제되거나 패러디로 사용되거나 인용되었다. 유명한 예를 들자면, 또 하나의 신화적 작품인 터치에서 주인공 우에스기 타츠야가 루미코(우르세이 야츠라의 작가)의 사인이 있는 라무 그림 한장에 권투부에서 야구부로 팔려가기도 했다. 미야자키 하야오 작품의 전형적인 외모인 중간 정도 길이의 붉그스름한 머리 카락과 소박한 얼굴의 클라리스는 후의 시라카와 코토리와 라크스 클라인 같은 빨간 머리나 분홍색 머리의 단정한 여주인공을 유행시킨 장본인 일지도 모른다. 그 외 여러면을 보아 클라리스는 아사쿠라 미나미 같은 소위 모범생형 여주인공의 원형이라고도 할 수 있다. 라무는 시각적이기 보다 개념적인 부분에서 혁명을 가져 왔다고 할 수 있다. 이동과 사고의 제약을 계속 받는 클라리스와 달리 라무는 실제로든 정신적으로든 마음대로 '비행'을 할 수 있으며, 주인공에게 마음을 뺏기는 것이 아니라 역으로 남자 주인공의 마음을 뺏으려는 인물이다. 또한, 라무의 전기 충격 능력은 그녀를 약한 피해자가 아닌 타인에게 공포를 주는 존재로 군림할 수 있게 하며, 애용하는 복장도 긴팔 긴치마에 살을 거의 다 감춘 클라리스와 다른 과감한 호랑이 줄무니 수영복이다. 라무의 여러 특징은 실제로 일본 애니에서 여주인공에게 기대되는 시각적 묘사적 한계뿐 아니라 정신적, 성격적 한계를 파괴하였고, 그 덕으로 후에 더욱 특이하고 색다른 유형의 여주인공들이 등장하게 해 주었다고도 할 수 있다. 심지어 남자 주인공에 대한 집착과 사소한 바람기에 대한 강한 징벌때문에 얀데레 특징까지 가졌다고도 할 수 있다. 여러분은 고귀한 절제의 아름다움을 보여주는 클라리스와 속박없는 자유의 아름다움을 보여주는 라무, 이렇게 대조적 모습을 보이는 두 인물중 누구를 고를 것이 매우 궁금하다. |
Thanks to Kiopi, maglor, Midst, Momento10, and Team Rocket Elite for contributing today's match previews.
Day 8 - Winners' Bracket 3
#4 Misaka Mikoto vs. #3 Akiyama Mio
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"The Tiara... is almost within my reach." It's not shocking that both of these girls are assured a Top 3 finish... at least, not today. A year ago, it would have been thoroughly surprising. Misaka Mikoto licked her wounds after finishing the ISML 2009 Regular Season with a 23-40 record, while Akiyama Mio was still in disbelief after her shocking first-round exit in the J-Saimoe tournament thanks to Minami Kana. Since then, both girls started performing at another level. Mio turned her intensity up to 11, as she pulled in the most nominations of any girl during the nomination phase, easily won her qualification group, and amassed a 47-2 regular-season record. In fact, she is still in the running to do in a single season what no girl has ever done in their careers: win all three major moe titles (ISML, Korea Best Moe, and J-Saimoe). Meanwhile, Biribiri finished 12-1 in the 2009 Relegation Tournament, dominated her qualification group in 2010, and finished 46-3 in the Regular Season. When these two met on the last day of Emerald Period, Mio pulled out a 162-vote win. But Mikoto has some history on her side as well, as she was the one who sent Shana to the elimination side of the bracket. The other girls who have accomplished that feat – Fate Testarossa in 2008 and Katsura Hinagiku in 2009 – both went on to become ISML champions that year. |
9th Place Match
Sanzen'in Nagi vs. Hirasawa Yui
"Allow me to live this day to my fullest." Sanzen'in Nagi and Hirasawa Yui have come a long way in their ISML careers. After two years Nagi was finally able to make it to DE. Nagi, who barely missed the DE in 2008, has been able to prove her worth when it comes to matches in the Postseason. Being able to defeat Tomoyo is never an easy task, yet she won that match with few votes to spare. A similar story can be said about Yui, who also overcame a tough CLANNAD opponent in Kyō. Yui also showed her strength, dedication, and determination in the upset against Saber. Both girls have little to be disappointed about, but the smiles should still wait for one more match. In the race for 9th place, will the game otaku receive her well-deserved spot, or will the guitarist be the one to move forward? |
11th Place Match
Saber vs. Sakagami Tomoyo
"I place everything on the line tonight." Both Saber and Sakagami Tomoyo have fought as valiantly as they could throughout the Postseason; however, they were unsuccessful at achieving success and now find themselves in the race for 11th place. Saber has come a long way to make it this far into the competition. After two unsuccessful years, she was finally able to participate in Double Elimination here in 2010. She fought against many strong opponents and added many milestones to her memorable career. In Tomoyo's case, it seems as though age has gotten the best of her. With new material coming and going and old material forgotten in time, it is hard for veterans who were considered the Elite 7 to fall so far in so little time. Still, the fire still rages on in Tomoyo as she sets off for her final match in DE. The last time these two met was in Amethyst 1 when Saber defeated Tomoyo by 158 votes. Now that they face each other once again in DE, can the higher-ranked warrior prove what she is still capable of, or will the student council president have enough strength to make it to 11th place? |
Inami Mahiru (WORKING!!) vs. Taneshima Poplar (WORKING!!)
伊波まひる (WORKING!!) vs. 種島ぽぷら (WORKING!!)
이나미 마히루 (워킹(로동)!!) vs. 타네시마 포프라 (워킹(로동)!!)
Possible candidates for the ISML 2011 main event, Inami Mahiru and Taneshima Poplar will square off against each other in their ISML debut to have a glimpse of where they could possibly stand in future competition. Mahiru is a shy girl who is afraid of men to the point of punching them if they get too close to her. Nevertheless, she is a hardworking girl who gives more than 100% on her job and even tries to cure her androphobia with the help of her friends. Poplar is a cheerful, carefree girl who is willing to help her friends in any way she can; however, few have asked her to do hard labor because of her small size and structure. Thus, it is her dream to grow taller to help friends with work that she couldn't do originally. Will Inami be able to win this match through hard work and dedication, or will Poplar charm the voters first with her optimism and petite form? |
Busujima Saeko (Highschool of the Dead) vs. Kumashiro Maya (Seikimatsu Occult Gakuin)
毒島冴子 (学園黙示録) vs. 神代マヤ (世紀末オカルト学院)
부스지마 사에코 (학원묵시록) vs. 쿠마시로 마야 (세기말 오컬트 학원)
This exhibition match features two intelligent girls who think before they act in any given situation. Busujima Saeko is the club president of her school's kendo club. Beautiful and proper, Saeko is loyal to those whom she respects and helps her friends whenever they are in trouble. Sometimes, Saeko would have an inner conflict with her normal self and a sadistic side that she tries to suppress. She does not want people to be aware that she enjoys hurting people due to her past experiences. Kumashiro Maya is a student who took over her school as principal after her father died. Maya is highly informative about the supernatural and the occult; ironically, she denies the fact that she loves the occult due to her past experiences with it. Her father, the previous president of the school, secluded his wife and his daughter due to his over-interest in the supernatural. Because of her father's behavior towards her, Maya has hated the occult ever since. Still, this does not stop her in informing friends about monsters and how to get rid of them. As these two face on head-to-head against each other, will the swordswoman knock her opponent out of the competition, or will the occult girl push her aside by her own means? |
Index Librorum Prohibitorum vs. Shirai Kuroko (Toaru Majutsu no Index)
禁書目録 (とある魔術の禁書目録) vs. 白井黒子 (とある魔術の禁書目録)
인덱스 (어떤 마술의 금서목록) vs. 시라이 쿠로코 (어떤 마술의 금서목록)
Before their reappearance on the airwaves in October, these two characters will battle again for the favoritism of their fans. Index is a nun who is able to store and recall many books in her memory. She was originally forced to reset her personal memories each year because her brain did not have the capacity to store them and survive. But when this this claim was found to be false, her friends were able to save these memories from being lost. Shirai Kuroko is a member of Judgement, a police force that patrols the city and apprehends criminals. She has the ability to teleport herself and other objects within a certain radius. Although she is hard-working, she can sometimes be rash and shameless whenever she has lewd fantasies of Mikoto in her mind. As another intra-series match rolls through, will the ravenous nun break through the match with her impenetrable defense, or will the perverted teleporter use her skills to obtain what she desires? |
Princess Sapphire (Ribbon no Kishi) vs. Yumeno Sally (Sally the Witch)
사파이어 공주 (사파이어 왕자) 대 유메노 셀리 (요술공주 세리)
Who are these girls? Today's generation may not be aware, but their parents are more likely to recognize them. Ribbon no Kishi began 1953 and Sally the Witch began in 1966, though both of them did have a remake film in 1990s. They are classics which have had significant impacts in the development of anime to today. Princess Sapphire challenged the gender status quo in the 1950s and led to a revolution of the shōjo manga genre where a female lead actively advances the plot through her actions rather than just tolerating with hardships thrown her way. Proactive characters like Shana, Saber, Sakagami Tomoyo, and Katsura Hinagiku may have developed as a result of this early influence. Sally the Witch is of no less importance. It was the very first magical-girl manga and anime series in Japan and established many patterns and characteristics to be used in almost all future series of its genre. Its international success gave Japanese companies a great feel for the interests of foreign markets. Traits of Yumeno Sally can be found in diverse characters as Shana, Tōsaka Rin, Fate Testarossa, and many others. Sally is very responsible and thoughtful, while Princess Sapphire loves adventure and taking risks; Sapphire is also conflicted between physically beating up her adversaries and acting meek and tame like a proper lady. If Sapphire acts like a rebellious girl struggling for her freedom, Sally acts like someone destined to rule both men and women, and she does. Please consider finding out more about these two worthy characters who are the foundations upon which most of our heroines are built. 여러분들뿐 아니라 여러분의 부모님들 마저 사파이어 왕자(공주)와 요술공주 세리를 알 것 입니다. 여러분의 부모님 세대가 지금 사회의 정치와 경제의 핵심이라는 것을 생각하면 이들이 지금 애니에 많은 영향을 주었다는 것은 당연하게 느껴질 수 있을 것 입니다. 사파이어 왕자는 1953년에 처음 만화에 나와서 그당시 여성의 권리에 대한 논쟁에 부채질을 한 애니라 할 수 있습니다. 사파이어 공주는 고전처럼 운명이 던져준 고난을 극복하는 해결사적인 여주인공이 아닌, 본인이 직접 사건을 만들고 그 사건을 이용하여 자신이 생각하는 정의를 실천하는 여자 주인공 이었습니다. 이런 능동적인 여성의 모습은 동양 사회에서 받아들이기 힘든 모습이었다는 것을 생각하면 이 만화가 얼마나 위험을 무릅쓰고 그려진 만화인지 생각할 수 있습니다. 사파이어 공주가 없었으면 샤나, 세이버, 사카가미 토모요, 카츠라 히나기쿠 같은 능동적인 여주인공들이 지금처럼 많이 있을 수 없다고 생각합니다. 세리공주는 사파이어 왕자와 달리 처음부터 마법의 나라의 최고 권력자가 될 사람인 것을 알고 이에 맞게 행동하는 인물입니다. 그렇지만 나름 정상적인 어린시절을 보내기 위해서 자신의 정체를 감추고 지구에 온 여주인공이지요. 요술공주 세리는 마법소녀물의 첫 작품으로써 이후 모든 마법소녀물에 영향을 주었을 뿐 아니라, 극중 여러 요소는 일본 애니에서 마법사가 등장하는 거의 모든 작품에서 찾을 수 있을정도로 광범위하게 영향을 주었다고 할 수 있습니다. 그리고 일본 애니 초기 국제적 성공 사례가 되어서 일본 애니계가 국제 시장과 취향을 의식하게 만든 작품이라고도 할 수 있습니다. 마지막으로 이 두 신화적 인물들의 차이를 살펴 봅시다. 사파이어 왕자는 두려움 없이 위험한 상황에 뛰어드는 인물이며, 상황 해결을 위해서 상당히 어려운 일도 마다하지 않지만 적을 직접 상대하여 싸우고 싶어하면서도 공주처럼 연약하고 순종적으로 살고 싶어하기도 하는 모순된 소원을 가진 인물입니다. 세리는 예의 바르고 정중하며 사례가 깊고 책임감이 많은 모범생이라 할 수 있습니다. 사파이어 왕자가 자유를 얻기위해서 저항하고 있는 반항심 많은 소녀라면, 세리는 한 나라의 모든 남자와 여자위에 군림하게 될 운명을 가진 사람처럼 행동한다고 할 수 있습니다. 요즘 애니의 거의 모든 여주인공들의 기초라고 불릴 수 있는 이 두 인물들에 대하여 여러분들 나름대로 조사하여 보시면 흥미로운 사실들을 발견 할 수 있을 것입니다. |
Thanks to amdrag, maglor, and Momento10 for contributing today's match previews.
Day 9 - Losers' Bracket 5
#1 Shana vs. #7 Nakano Azusa
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"It all comes down to this..." Almost three weeks have passed since the beginning of Double Elimination; the Top 16 have now shrunk to the four best contestants that this year's contest has to offer. Shana, who holds a record of five necklaces in her ISML career, has still not won a championship title such as the Heavenly Tiara. With an immense background and history, it is about time that Shana finally gets what she deserves. Azusa, the fresh newcomer in ISML, may not have done major things like Shana has, but she is still a force to be reckoned with. With the remaining K-ON! material focusing on Azusa, she could very well be on par or even stronger than Shana. Azusa must give it everything she has if she wants to continue her pursuit to the Heavenly Tiara; at the same time, Shana must not underestimate her opponent and fight with just as much strength as any major match. With the Tiara just inches away from their fingertips, will the Flame Haze show her opponent the way back home, or will the new club president march on to victory? |
7th Place Match
Nagato Yuki vs. Suzumiya Haruhi
"Please ... don't make me do this." After watching their fans go through one of the most talked-about, puzzling, and surreal story arcs in anime history, it is perhaps fitting that the loser of this match will finish the year in eighth place. Few girls could go through Endless Eight and come out as strong as these two have. Suzumiya Haruhi's regular season record of 41-8 is nothing to sneeze at, but the Brigade Leader's expectations were higher, as she suffered only seven defeats in her first two seasons combined. Still, she recovered nicely and won twice in a postseason for the first time to claim, regardless of today's result, her highest career ISML finish. For Nagato Yuki, this result will be her worst, as it will be her first finish outside of the Top 4. However, the fact that it took two of the top three seeds to eliminate her should give the Data Interface some comfort. Haruhi may be Yuki's boss in the SOS Brigade, but it's Yuki who's been in charge of this ISML rivalry. Yuki holds a 4-1 advantage in their ISML matchups, including victories which sent Haruhi to the elimination bracket in 2008 and 2009. Will Haruhi make things a little less lopsided, or will her postseason match with Yuki end in melancholy for the third straight year? |
Suminoe Ako (Kiss×sis) vs. Suminoe Riko (Kiss×sis)
住之江あこ (Kiss×sis) vs. 住之江りこ (Kiss×sis)
스미노에 아코 (키스x시스) vs. 스미노에 리코 (키스x시스)
With both of the Suminoe twins falling in the first round of this year's J-Saimoe tournament, it will be the ISML stage where the next chapter of their sibling rivalry will be written. Although both the elder Ako and the younger Riko want victory today from the voters, the prize they really want is one the League cannot provide: the affections of brother Keita (It's not by blood, so it's OK!). To win his heart, both of these girls have gone to lengths that, for modesty's sake, cannot be described on this website. If they believe that victory can sway Keita's decision, you can rest assured that they will stop at nothing to obtain it. |
Morishima Haruka (Amagami SS) vs. Tanamachi Kaoru (Amagami SS)
While ISML has been the setting of many heated CLANNAD rivalries over the past 3 years, today it will set the opening stage for what could be another highly contested bishōjo intra-series rivalry between two of the main heroines from Amagami SS. Morishima Haruka is admired by many for her beautiful looks, cheerfulness, and confidence — amassing many fans for her very public appearances. When it comes to love, however, she can become very fragile having to rely on her best friend for advice — traits she shares closely to student council president Sakagami Tomoyo. In contrast, Tanamachi Kaoru helps her friend with their love confessions and is outspoken about her opinion if she disagrees with others. Yet, she is quite insecure about her own feelings for the ones she loves — traits she shares similarly to class rep Fujibayashi Kyō. Will it be the stunning upperclassmen or the reliable friend who wins the hearts of voters today? |
Maka Albarn (Soul Eater) vs. Yōko (Inukami!)
マカ=アルバーン (ソウルイーター) vs. ようこ (いぬかみっ!)
마카 알반 (소울 이터) vs. 요코 (이누카미!)
These two girls are the type that would put their lives on the line for the sake of someone whom they are close to. Maka Albarn is a student who collects evil human souls and witch souls to transform her partner, a human that could transform into a scythe, into a Death Scythe. Strong-willed and righteous, Maka would do whatever to takes to save and protect her friends who are in a precarious position. Maka tries her hardest to help those in need and to fend off those who try to harm them. Sometimes, she can be easily angered whenever her partner is doing something silly or flirting with other girls. Yōko is a wolf spirit that helps her partner evil spirits. Mischievous and cunning, Yōko is usually seen toying with her partners feeling for him, which results in vanishing clothes and exposing himself to the public. Nevertheless, she is very loyal to him and will do anything to make sure that her partner is unharmed because of her. As these two girls face off in their ISML debut, will the scythe meister defeat her opponent with her skill, or will the wolf spirit toy with her and prove that she is not worth her time? |
Belldandy (Aa! Megami-sama) vs. Honda Tōru (Fruits Basket)
베르단디 (아! 나의 여신님) 대 혼다 토오루 (Fruits Basket)
Belldandy probably is the first to grow into the role of the gentle, motherly savior protagonist with her angelic mercy and charm. Though if Belldandy were to be considered a harem-anime heroine, the next person to accept the savior role would be Honda Tōru. While the two characters share many characteristics because of their main role in the plot, the way they bring about the salvation of others is very different. Most strikingly, Belldandy can create solutions via her supernatural talent, while all Tohru can do is to help others accept themselves, a crucial step for them to solve what is plaguing their soul. A good comparison is that Tohru is like Mizunashi Akari, while Belldandy is like Alicia Florence from ARIA. Perhaps the result of this match may show whether people are hoping for a comforter who is divine and radiant, or meek and humble. 모 성의 모습으로 세상을 도와주거나 구원하는 여성들은 선사시대 이야기부터 있었을 것으로 추정됩니다. 여러 신화와 전설에서 세상의 어머니나, 어머니이면서 여신으로 세상을 보살피는 존재들이 있었고, 그 중 가장 유명한 예가 그리스도교에서의 성모 마리아라고 볼 수 있습니다. 이렇게 연민과 자애로 주변사람들의 아픔을 치유하는 존재는 애니에도 오랬동안 존재하였지만, 여성적인 구원자로서 역할이 가장 큰 특징으로 자리 잡은 유명한 인물은 아마 베르단디가 처음일 지도 모르겠습니다. 실제로 베르단디는 처음은 성스러운 구원자로서 모습보다는 남성 독자들의 환상을 만족해 줄 소위 하렘계 애니의 완벽한 여성으로서 모습이 더 강했습니다. 그렇지만 작품의 중반부터 통상적인 하렘물 보다 소위 '치유계' 적인 분위기가 강조 되면서 구원자로의 역할이 중요시 되게 됩니다. 그런데 만약, 처음 '설계'부터 구원자 역할이 배정된 유명한 여주인공의 시초를 찾으라면 어쩌면 혼다 토오루를 지명해야 할 지도 모릅니다. 토오루와 베르단디 둘 다 자비와 이해심을 통하여 주변 인물 마음속의 어두움을 없애 주는 존재로 서로 많은 공통점을 가지고 있지만 다른 점들도 꽤 많습니다. 베르단디는 다재다능한 천사로 인간으로써 불가능한 일들을 할 수 있지만, 토오루는 매일 살아가기도 힘들어 하는 평범한 어린 여자애입니다. 베르단디는 대면한 난관을 해결할 방법을 쉽게 파악할 수 있는 지적능력을 가지고 있지만 토오루는 자신의 한계때문에 해매고, 불안해 하는 연약한 아이입니다. 둘다 순진하고, 좀 얼빠진 면들이 있지만, 베르단디는 사회가 간직한 어두움을 쉽게 초월해 버릴 수 있지만, 토오루는 사회 질서가 내포한 악 때문에 힘들어 하고 괴로워 하는 약자입니다. 과거에 토오루에게 자신의 어두움에서 구원을 받은 '능력자' 친구들이 지켜주지 않았으면 얼마나 끔찍한 일을 당했을 지 알기 힘듭니다. 베르단디는 천상미인이지만 토오루는 내면의 아름다움과 따뜻함에 비해 외면적 미모가 보잘것 없는 걷보기에는 평범한 아이입니다. 베르단디의 겸손은 초월자의 자신감을 기반으로 한 겸손이고, 토오루의 겸손은 자신을 포함한 불안전한 인간에 대한 이해를 바탕으로 한 겸손입니다. 이미 풍족한 지식과 능력을 소유하여서 이를 베풀면서 만나는 사람들을 구원해주는 능력자인 베르단디에 비해, 가지고 있는 것이 없는 토오루는 대면하는 사람들의 이야기를 들으면서 그들이 자신의 상처를 어떻게 바라보는 지 이해하고, 받아들이고 포용하여 결국 그들 자신 스스로 구원을 향해 나갈수 있게 하는 조력자입니다.또 하나의 치유계 작품 아리아에서 비유하자면 토오루는 미즈나시 아카리에 더 가깝고, 베르단디는 아리시아 플로렌스에 더 가깝다고 할 수 있습니다. 사람들이 상상하는 모성적인 구원자의 모습과 특징은 매우 다양할 것으로 생각됩니다. 이 둘의 비교를 통하여 사람들은 화려하면서 포근한 해결자와, 미천하고 약하지만 같이 극복하려 노력하는 지지자, 이 두 상반된 모습에서 어느쪽에 더 깊은 감명을 받는 지 알 수 있을 것 같습니다. |
Thanks to amdrag, maglor, Mandarin, and Momento10 for contributing today's match previews.
Day 10 - Losers' Bracket 6
#1 Shana vs. #4 Misaka Mikoto
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"This is my second chance. To reach the top, I will not hold back." One challenger has already earned her spot in the final match for the Tiara; today's match will decide the other finalist. Like last year, Shana is in the finals of the losers' bracket, but her path this year has been much more difficult — facing last year's champion, Katsura Hinagiku, and the talented rookie, Nakano Azusa, whom she defeated by a mere 56 votes. Shana now faces the girl who knocked her out of the winners' bracket two weeks ago. Misaka Mikoto's latest victory was over Shana by a narrow margin of 155 votes. After a tough defeat in the winners' bracket finals to Akiyama Mio, she has been lying in wait for her second chance to defeat her, and the obstacle to surpass has ended up being Shana again. Does the Railgun have enough electricity to stall the Flame Haze twice in a row and see her first ISML championship match, or will Shana get her fiery revenge and win a second chance at a Saimoe title? |
5th Place Match
Katsura Hinagiku vs. Aisaka Taiga
"This is our final moment? How befitting." It seems as if there is a sense of déjà vu in the air. Last year, former champion Fate Testarossa was sent to the 5th Place Match with Fujibayashi Kyō; however, she lost that battle and finished 6th. Could the same thing be happening to former champion Katsura Hinagiku? Hinagiku may be beautiful and mature, but it was not enough for her to continue onto the competition and defend the Tiara. Still, she has a large worldwide fanbase willing to support her anytime, especially here in her final appearance this ISML season. While Hinagiku had one Saimoe title in 2009, Aisaka Taiga got herself two. While seeking her first ISML crown, Taiga became the second person to end Suzumiya Haruhi's long winning streak and the first person to end Akiyama Mio's. Two champions of 2009 will fight for 5th place; it does not get any better than this. Will Hinagiku claim victory, or can Taiga confirm the trend of sending former champions to 6th place? |
Katsura Kotonoha vs. Saionji Sekai
Today's exhibition match pits two girls from School Days, a series famous (or infamous?) for its ending. As Sakakino Academy's student council president, Katsura Kotonoha (who is in no way related to student council president Katsura Hinagiku) is known for being calm and quiet. But many question her performance under stress, and that will surely be tested today against a potential romantic rival. Her opponent, Saionji Sekai, is generally friendly but has shown flashes of being manipulative to get what she wants. Which girl will be able to score a victory and avoid a 'bad end'? |
Oikawa Tsurara vs. Ōkami Ryōko
"A wolf in sheep's clothing or a sheep in wolf's clothing?" At first glance, Oikawa Tsurara looks as normal as any high school girl. With her charming looks and polite demeanor, it would not be surprising for a male or two to fall for her. As for Ōkami Ryōko, her tomboyish attitude and fierce looks make her a rather difficult person to approach by anyone other than her friends. As a result, she is often wrongly perceived as a delinquent by non-acquaintances and is a frequent target of school thugs in the area. Away from prying eyes, however, these two individuals possess attributes far removed from the public persona that they wear in everyday life. Tsurara is in fact a yōkai called Yuki-Onna (lit. snow woman), capable of controlling the icy elements. Her reason for disguise is born out of great concern for her master's well-being whom she shows extreme loyalty and over-protectiveness. Unlike Tsurara, Ryōko's decision to put on a strong and fierce front is a more personal decision, driven by traumatic events of the past. Seeking strength in solitude, she one day hopes to become strong enough to be independent and to avoid being betrayed again; though, underneath that tough exterior lies an innocent shy girl with a fondness for cute animals and who enjoys indulging in girls' romance novels. So which side of our two competitors today will capture the hearts of many? |
Princess Peach (Mario) vs. Princess Zelda (The Legend of Zelda)
If the belief that behind every great man stands an even greater woman rings true in the world of video games, then this match features the two women who prove it. While their appearances in animation have not been very memorable, Princesses Peach and Zelda make up for it through their charm and influence in the land of Nintendo. Peach is well respected and admired by the Mushroom Kingdom, though she may hold the record for the most times being kidnapped. Despite oftentimes being the damsel in distress, she has demonstrated the strength and determination to hold her own, rescuing her friends in Super Princess Peach. Zelda is known for her sheer beauty and wisdom, governing those in the land of Hyrule and protecting her citizens from the dark forces of Ganondorf. While she has needed Link to save her and Hyrule on numerous occasions, she has proven her own ability to fight in both Ocarina of Time and Twilight Princess. While battles between the two occur very often in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, today they embrace the ISML stage. Will magic mushrooms and fire flowers rule the day, or will it be the might of the Triforce? |
Kawasumi Mai (Kanon) vs. Ryōgi Shiki (Kara no Kyōkai)
"Because I am the one who hunts demons." Both girls in this exhibition match are seasoned ISML competitors. In 2009, Mai finished the regular season with a 31-32 record in 35th place. Shiki didn't fare as well, finishing with a 9-54 record in 55th place. Unfortunately, neither Mai nor Shiki advanced from the preliminary rounds this year. Kawasumi Mai is a seemingly normal female high school student of few words. However, when night falls, she brandishes her sword and takes on the role of a demon hunter to cleanse her school of evil. Because of her silent nature, Mai is often misunderstood to be a delinquent, but she is a very kind person who cares deeply for the few friends she manages to make; one of her main drives is a promise she made with a childhood friend many years ago. Ryōgi Shiki is a teenage girl who was born into a family of demon hunters. She posses the ability known as Mystic Eyes of Death Perception which allows her to see the lines of a target's death. Using even a simple knife, if she slices along the lines, the things she can't cut are next to none. Normally, Shiki acts in a reserved and quiet manner; however, in combat she will fearlessly and relentlessly pursue her target even after she loses an arm. After coming out of a coma, Shiki undergoes a search for her past self and the alternate personality she used to have. Two female demon hunters battle, but only one can come out on top. Will it be Kawasumi Mai or Ryōgi Shiki who cuts down her opponent and claims victory? |
GinRei (Giant Robo) vs. Sayla Mass (Mobile Suit Gundam)
긴레이 (자이언트 로보) 대 세이라 마스 ( 기동전사 건담 )
Sayla Mass owes her popularity to being the female with most screen time in a very iconic and historic anime series. Both Sayla and GinRei are sisters of the archrival in their series, but GinRei is more renowned for her very attractive appearance. In the 1990s, GinRei could be considered one of the sex symbols of anime, as she represented the more mature and sensual possibilities of female characters in contrast to more child-like personalities such as Tsukino Usagi of Sailormoon. While GinRei always maintained the delicate balance between composure and angst, Sayla started out as being confused and impulsive, though eventually growing into very composed state of mind. Sayla is also notable for becoming more dependable in an ever increasing number of responsibilities entrusted to her, while GinRei maintains her prime role of infiltration and espionage. So will a stern beauty or a hot spy win the affections of voters today? 실제로 90년도 후반까지는 애니에서 가장 널리 알려진 장르는 메카계열이었을 것이며, 이 메카 계열에서 제일 유명한 여성들이라면 린 민메이, 이브, 마징가의 사야카, 그리고 여기 거론하는 세이라 마스와 긴레이일 것 이다. 세이라 마스의 경우 그 금발머리와 미모, 그리고 강적의 여동생으로 유명하지만, 역사상 가장 중요한 애니라고도 불리우는 첫 건담시리즈에서 여성 인물 중 가장 등장시간이 많다는 것 하나만으로도 조명을 받을만 하다고 생각된다. 실제로 앞에 말한 특징들은 이전의 메카물 여성인물에게도 보이지만, 건담의 큰 상업적 성공때문에 결국 세이라 마스가 그 이후에 이러한 특징을 유행시켰다고 할 수 있다. 세이라 마스는 고전적 메카계 여성의 특징인 수동성에서 벗어나 독립적이고 자주적인 모습을 보이고, 남자인물들의 보조적 역할에서 벗어나 지적이고 능동적인 역할을 수행한다. 이러한 세이라 마스의 영향은 세라 비렉, 세이버, 리자 호크아이, 쿠사나기 미코토 같은 인물에게서 찾아볼 수 있으며, 간접적으로는 사토 세이, 이스루기 노에, 아테나(하야테처럼!)에서도 볼 수 있다. 특히 하야세 미사(마크로스)는 독립적인 성격과 말투나 통신장교로서 위치를 볼때 세이라 마스의 직접적 후계자라고 할 수 있다. 긴레이의 경우 아야나미 레이와 호시노 루리가 등장하기 전에는 90년대 메카물의 여주인공을 대표하였다고 할 수 있었다. 긴레이는 메텔이후 잠시 사그라 들었던 주인공의 누나같은 보호자 유형을 대중적으로 재등장시켰다. 세이라 마스처럼 적의 여동생이었지만, 긴레이는 관능적인 몸매로 더 유명하였다. 몸매 못지 않게 다양한 머리 모양, 특히 포니테일로 유명하였으며, 중국 전통 여성복을 다시 유행시켰다는 평 도 듣고 있다. 근래에는 긴레이와 비슷한 유형은 빈약한 몸매를 가진 여주인공과 대조되는 풍만한 몸매의 조연이나 악역으로 많이 등장하지만, 귀여운 여성이 대세였던 애니에서 육감적인 여성의 묘사가 더 화려하게 된 점은 주목할 필요가 있다고 생각된다. 직접적이기보다 간접적이긴 하지만 긴레이의 영향을 찾을 수 있는 인물로서 키리하라 미사키, 은혼의 카구라, 사카이 치구사, 후루카와 사나에, 홍 메이링, 사카모토 미오, 레비, 코우사카 타마키, 그리고 '카나안'에 등장하는 여러 인물들을 들 수 있다. 언젠가 다시 유행할 수 있을 소위 누님형 여성들, 그중 여러분은 자주적이며 지적인 금발 여성이 더 마음에 드시는지, 아니면 거절하기 힘든 육감적인 여성이 더 마음에 드시는지 궁금합니다. |
Thanks to amdrag, hinakatbklyn, Kiopi, maglor, Mandarin, Momento10, and Team Rocket Elite for contributing today's match previews.
Day 11 - Championship Round
#3 Akiyama Mio vs. #4 Misaka Mikoto
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"I made it." With a sudden defeat in Round 1 of AST 2009 and a poor performance in ISML 2009, hardly anyone thought that these two girls would be able to survive this year's ISML. These opinions all changed during the Preliminary Period of ISML 2010, where both Mio and Mikoto ripped through their respective groups with perfect scores in each round. Such a performance was only a sample of the destructive force that they brought once the Regular Season began. Their unexpected rivalry started as early as Aquamarine 7, where Mikoto appeared to have won the Necklace after defeating Taiga, but Mio edged out with help from her defeated opponents. Their first direct encounter occured during Emerald 7 with Mio emerging as the victor, but the margin of loss was slim, giving Mikoto hope that she can challenge Mio later on. Mio had the Ruby Necklace all to herself but ended up losing a close match and her unbeaten record to Taiga during Ruby 7. Mikoto took full advantage of the situation and claimed the Necklace in the end. In the challenging Postseason, Mio had little trouble winning against Yuki and her bandmates Yui and Azusa. Mikoto's road was much tougher with close wins against Taiga and Shana (twice). Mio and Mikoto clashed again in the third round of the Winners' Bracket with Mio making a strong statement like she did in Emerald 7, but Mikoto has not given up and will not let her past defeats stop her. Today they stand on ISML's grandest stage, a few steps away from the prized Heavenly Tiara. Between the Ace of Tokiwadai, Misaka Mikoto, and the bassist and vocalist Akiyama Mio, only one can become the 2010 ISML Champion. It all comes down to this. |
Shinku vs. Suigintō (Rozen Maiden)
真红 vs. 水银灯 （蔷薇少女）
신쿠 vs. 스이긴토 (로젠메이든)
真紅 vs. 水銀燈 (ローゼンメイデン)
At the start of last year's postseason, both Shinku and Suigintō were razor sharp and ready to claim the Heavenly Tiara. While Shinku was only the 15th seed, she had a 25-2 record in the last three Periods of the Regular Season, upsetting many higher-ranked challengers along the way and also winning the Diamond Necklace. Suigintō had a better standing as the 5th seed and was a favorite in the eyes of many; she held the Amethyst Necklace in hand and a 46-2 record over her last 48 matches. The dolls' momentum stopped quickly, unfortunately, as Suigintō's first round win over Asahina Mikuru was the only postseason win for Rozen Maiden. After falling short in qualifying for the 2010 Regular Season, both girls today are ready to make a statement that 2011 will mark the return of the Rozen Maidens. 這場比賽要是放在一年前，這將會是一場矚目的大戰。但在2010年世萌例行賽並未有真紅或者水銀燈的身影。真红去年是15號種子，而水銀燈更加高居第五位。真紅在最後階段與黑馬之態發威，連勝12場。她不但以25勝2敗的優異成績收官例行賽，而且更憑藉著對例行賽中排名第二位的涼宮春日，第五的水銀燈，第七的長門有希和實力強勁的三千院凪的勝利贏得了她個人第一條鑽石項鍊。另外一方面，曾經惜敗於真紅的五號种子水銀燈，憑藉著薔薇少女的粉絲們有力的支持進入到季後賽。與真紅一樣，她手中也握著一條項鍊。在2009紫水晶階段，水銀燈毫無懸念地擊倒了2008年萌王菲特和Clannad的女主角：古河渚獲得了紫水晶項鍊。她并且在最後48場比賽僅惜败于夏娜和真紅从而取得了46勝。水銀燈一度成為薔薇少女的粉絲們衝擊萌王的期望。但人算不如天算，這些愛麗絲娃娃的賽事並沒有跟人們所預期的一樣。儘管水銀燈在第一輪擊倒朝比奈實玖瑠，但是因後勁不足而輸給了最後排在第五位的藤林杏。後來到敗部區不幸被朝比奈實玖瑠復仇，止步十二強。真紅則神奇不再，連續輸給涼宮春日和逢坂大河屈居第十六位。儘管2010的資格賽中这五位来自蔷薇少女的女孩们全部折戈而歸，但真紅、水銀燈皆已準備好回歸2011的例行賽。在此之前，兩人要先在2010年的舞台中碰面。這次是真紅再續神奇擊敗水銀燈？還是水銀燈成功復仇，捍衛前五號种子的名譽呢？ 오늘 첫번째 번외경기는 작년에 인상깊은 퍼포먼스를 보여주었던 로젠메이든의 두 인형들, 신쿠와 스이긴토의 대결입니다. 작년 정규시즌에서 각각 15위, 5위라는 뛰어난 성적을 보여줬던 이 두 캐릭터들은 안타깝게도 더블엘리미네이션 토너먼트에서는 큰 힘을 쓰지 못하고 각각 16위, 12위로 2009년 국사모 시즌을 마감했었습니다. 2010년 국사모 본 리그에는 올라오지 못하였지만, 신쿠와 스이긴토는 매우 인기있는 캐릭터로, 최근 애니메이션에서 가장 유명한 라이벌중 하나라고 할 수 있습니다. 빛나는 금발 트윈테일과 푸른 눈, 그리고 붉은 드레스를 입은 신쿠는, 아버지 "로젠"을 매우 사랑하는 도도하며 긍지높은 로젠메이든 제 5돌입니다. 그녀의 심볼중 하나인 장미처럼 신쿠는 매우 아름답지만 그녀를 만만하게 보다가는 장미 가시에 당해버릴 것입니다. 하지만, 겉으로는 다가서기 힘든 인상을 풍겨도 속으로는 배려심이 깊은 신쿠는 주인공 쥰의 파트너로서 히나이치고, 스이세이세키, 소우세이세키 등등과 함께 활약하며 스이긴토와 대립하고 있습니다. 스이긴토는 찰랑거리는 은빛 머리카락, 매혹적인 붉은 눈, 그리고 고스로리 스타일의 아름다운 검은 드레스를 입은 로젠메이든 제 1돌로, 등 뒤의 검은 날개를 펄럭이는, 마치 "검은 천사"같은 캐릭터입니다. 신쿠처럼 아버지 "로젠"을 무척이나 만나고 싶어하는 인형으로, 놀라울정도의 강인함과 집념을 보여줍니다. 겉으로는 주로 빈정대거나 상대방을 도발하는 듯한 태도를 보이지만, 실제로는 로젠에게 인정받고 싶다는 뚜렷한 목표를 가지고 누구보다도 더 노력하는 인형입니다. 또한 스이긴토는, 오베르튜레의 슬픈 과거사나, 가끔가다 그녀의 미디움 메구를 걱정하는듯한 모습을 보여주는 등 시간이 지날수록 새로운 면모와 깊은 캐릭터성을 보여주는데요. 앨리스를 목표로 하는 신쿠와 스이긴토는, 도도함과 강인함 등, 실제로는 비슷한 점이 많기에, 예전의 사건만 아니었더라면 친구가 되었을지도 모르지만, 결국은 라이벌이 되어 로젠의 사랑과, 또한 이 번외경기에서의 승리를 위해 겨루고 있는데요. 과연 이 번외경기에 승리하여 앨리스가 되기 위한 첫걸음을 내딛는건 신쿠일까요, 아니면 스이긴토일까요? |
Kiriya Nozomi vs. Serizawa Fumino (Mayoi Neko Overrun!)
"There is only one piece of happiness on the plate. Wishing for too much is selfish, I know but..." Both Serizawa Fumino and Kiriya Nozomi are newcomers to the Saimoe scene, though as of today they will have made appearances in all three major tournaments. Fumino is a prime example of the tsundere archetype, having a strong tendency to say the exact opposite of what she actually means, especially when flustered. Although her childhood was far from ideal, she manages to persevere to become the person she is today with the help of the male lead, Takumi. Fumino is often violent, but she cares very deeply for the people around her. Nozomi is a quiet, mysterious girl with a cat-like demeanor who shows up one day at the Stray Cats Patisserie. With nowhere else to go, she ends up moving in with Takumi. Like Fumino, Nozomi has also had a difficult past. Even when surrounded by people who care about her, Nozomi still worries that she is just getting in the way and that she should leave and go away. It's through her connection with Fumino and her friends that Nozomi finally starts to believe that she belongs where she is. Nozomi and Fumino are normally good friends, but they can be rivals, too, especially today. When the day is over, which girl will come out on top? |
Kasumi vs. Hikari (Pokémon)
카스미 "최이슬" vs. 히카리 "나빛나" (포켓몬스터)
"Satoshi, I will show you how far I've come since we first met." Over the decade, Pokémon has polarized its die-hard fans over which heroine reigned supreme above all the others. Today, ISML sets the stage to find resolution in this rivalry. Kasumi, the Cerulean City Gym Leader, was once a girl who possessed a quick temper, little patience, and an inferiority complex towards her sisters. However, as she travelled with Satoshi and Takeshi through the Kanto and Johto regions, she was able to develop a kinder and more sensible attitude towards others — proving she can be dependable when she was most needed, being the loving caretaker of Togepi and using her Water Pokémon with expertise. Hikari, on the other hand, was a girl that often lacked confidence in herself and had a difficult time handling her Pokémon. But after competing in numerous Pokémon contests and being runner-up in the Grand Festival, she was able to realize that she has the capability to achieve her dreams like her mother and gain a better understanding of her individual Pokémon. While these girls have mostly concluded their appearances in the Pokémon anime with the onset of the new Pokémon Best Wishes series, will the Water Pokémon expert sink her opponent or will the rising Pokémon contest star outshine her competitor?오늘 네번째 번외경기에서는 온 세상에 널리 알려진, 아동용 애니메이션의 정상, 포켓몬스터의 히로인들이 출전합니다. 카스미는 맨 처음의 오리지널 포켓몬스터에 등장하는 블루시티의 체육관 관장이고, 히카리는 다이아몬드/펄 시리즈에 등장하는 신참 포켓몬 트레이너입니다. 사토시를 만나기 전의 카스미는 성질이 급하며, 그녀의 언니들에게 열등감을 가지고 있고, 벌레라면 무조건 질색하고 보는 소녀였습니다. 하지만 사토시, 타케시와 함께 관동, 성도지방 여행을 다니면서 많은것을 배워, 상대방을 좀 더 친절하게 대하며 배려할 수 있는 사람으로 성장합니다. 남들이 의지할 수 있는 소녀가 되어, 마치 아기같은 토게피를 상냥히 돌보며, 그녀의 물포켓몬으로 적들을 당당히 물리치는등 포켓몬스터의 히로인으로 대활약하며 멋진 모습을 보여줍니다. 카스미에 비해 아직 신참인 히카리는, 유명한 코디네이터인 엄마와는 다르게 포켓몬을 잘 다루지 못하여 자신의 능력을 믿지 못하던 소녀였습니다. 하지만, 그녀도 사토시 일행과 함께 여행을 다니면서, 여러 포켓몬 콘테스트에 참여하고, 좋은 성적을 거두며, 끝에가서는 자신도 포켓몬과 함께 잘 활약할수 있다는것을 깨닫으며, 포켓몬들에 대해 좀 더 이해하게 됩니다. 포켓몬 트레이너뿐만이 아니라 코디네이터로의 재능도 보여준 관록의 카스미와, 떠오르는 샛별 코디네이터 히카리의 대결. 과연 이 포켓몬 대결에서 승리하는것은 누가 될까요? |
Furukawa Sanae (CLANNAD) vs. Sakai Chigusa (Shakugan no Shana)
"I want to prove to my daughter that anything is possible." The two mothers in today's match prove that first impressions can be very deceiving. Sanae, a woman infamous for her bakery creations, is often seen running through the neighborhood after someone negatively criticizes her bread. But she bakes with good intentions, usually to cheer up her daughter, Nagisa, when she is feeling down. Chigusa is also known for her kindness — advising Shana about personal matters where Alastor is unable to explain and treating Shana as if she were her own daughter. But what might be surprising is that both these mothers possess a high level of intelligence than they often let on. Sanae helped her son-in-law reconcile with his daughter after many years of abandonment and separation by organizing a rather clever plan for the two to go on a train trip together, while Chigusa has earned praise for her wisdom from the Crimson Lord after sharing a phone call with him where he posed as Shana's guardian. A win today for either of them would be an accomplishment they will greatly accept in demonstrating to their daughters that they can achieve anything they desire. But regardless of which of these lovely ladies wins today, both can be happy with what their daughters (namely Nagisa and Shana) and granddaughter (namely Ushio) have achieved in ISML this year. |
Miyazawa Yukine (CLANNAD) vs. Sonohara Anri (Durarara!!)
Miyazawa Yukine is a quiet and warm-hearted girl who often stays in the library reference room. She knows many spells, one of which granted the (accidental) wish of the main character, Tomoya, to be trapped with Kyō in a storage shed. In contrast to Yukine appearing to be a weak female, she has a lot of gangster friends. These friends were originally friends of Yukine's brother, who died in an accident while saving one of his friends. Admiring her brother, Yukine tried to act as his replacement and help those gangster friends be successful. While she was not accepted at first, Yukine eventually gained their trust and became indispensable to them. In the group, Yukine found out her importance and thus reached her goal — to help her friends like her brother. Sonohara Anri is a quiet and timid yet callous girl. Believing she can't change anything, she usually hides from her problems and hopes for them to eventually fade away. Anri is unable to love, because of a traumatic childhood experience where her mother killed her abusive father with "Saika" — a blade of cursed love. Lacking love, Anri is able to control "Saika," but she is able to start understanding love after becoming the leader of "Saika-children" and protecting other people with the blade. Both Yukine and Anri have been taking care of people around them. Will Yukine the spellcaster snatch a win or will Anri the skilled swordswoman claim victory today? |
Alicia Testarossa (Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha) vs. Hirai Yukari (Shakugan no Shana)
"We're all the main characters of our own story." Alicia Testarossa and Hirai Yukari both appear in their first ISML match today. Alicia is a kind, caring, and cute young girl. She normally has a bright and cheery demeanor and gets along with everyone around her. She is a daughter many people would probably wish they had. In both appearance and personality, Alicia can be seen as Fate Testarossa's prototype. Alicia would unfortunately meet an early end because of a tragic accident; this accident would end up affecting the lives of Fate, Nanoha, and all of the people around them. Hirai Yukari is just an ordinary high school girl you can find anywhere. She has hopes, dreams, friends, and even a secret crush — her classmate Ike. Yukari is upbeat and talkative and is willing to help people in need. However, in just a single moment, everything changed for her. After an encounter with a monster that eats the power of existence, she is left as a shell of who she once was, just barely clinging on to the rest of her fading existence. With the assistance of Sakai Yuji, Yukari manages to spend to rest of her time with Ike before she fades not only from the world but from everyone's memories as well. In the end, part of Yukari does manage to live on in the form of Hirai "Shana" Yukari. Although both Alicia and Yukari have limited amounts of screen time, they both definitely existed and played a role in their respective series. Their contributions should never be forgotten. In this battle today, just one of them will get a chance to take the spotlight if only for a brief moment. Will it be the mage Alicia Testarossa or the torch Hirai Yukari? |
Arcueid Brunestud (Tsukihime) vs. Tsukino Usagi (Bishōjo Senshi Sailormoon)
알퀘이드 브룬스터드 (월희) 대 츠기노 우사기 (세일러 문)
Tsukino Usagi is one of the most recognizable anime heroines in the world; the international popularity of her series has stayed with fans as they grew older and has attracted many new fans through the years. Usagi made the balance of cute, immature, and merciful qualities a prime requisite for the new breed of moe characters. It is likely that the success of Sailormoon kept the mahō shōjo genre alive in the anime world. Arcueid is from one of the most famous Visual Novel series. She helped to restore the importance of giving power, depth, and composure to anime heroines. Unlike other female leads, she made stern decisions when needed. Her beauty accentuated her sad situation, and her powers made her despair more poignant. Today, will the voters choose sparkling champagne or fine and dark red wine? 츠기노 우사기는 세일러 문 애니가 전세계적으로 보급된 덕으로 한때 일본 애니를 대표하던 인물이었습니다. 세일러 문 애니가 널리 방영된 이유중 하나가 우사기의 행태가 매우 일반적인 10대 소녀를 닮았기 때문입니다. 그렇지만 우사기는 남달이 동정심이 강하고 남을 위한 의지를 좀처럼 꺽지 않는 인물로써, 우사기의 이런 대조적인 모습이 처음에는 철부지같은 모습을 주로 보여주다가 여러 좋은 면들을 독자들이 발견하게 하여 인물에 대한 평을 바꾸게 하는 인물 발전 유형이 다른 많은 애니에 퍼지게 됩니다. 알퀘이드는 소위 미소녀 게임중 가장 유명한 게임중 하나의 여 주인공입니다. 우사기가 여주인공의 좀 모자란 면들이 있는 것을 유행시켰다고 하면, 알퀘이드는 여주인공이 깊이, 능력, 그리고 침착함을 갇는 것을 다시 유행시킨 존재입니다. 많은 주인공들과 달리, 필요시 엄격하거나 극단적 판단을 내려서 행동하는 인물이었지만, 이런 결단력, 그녀의 미모, 그리고 엄청난 그녀의 힘이 오히려 그녀의 실수와 슬픔과 절망을 더 빛나게 해 준 것을 주목할 만 합니다. 그래서 여러분은 탄산음료 한잔이 좋습니까, 아니면 고품격 적포도주 한잔이 좋습니까? |
Thanks to amdrag, fujibayashi, hinakatbklyn, maglor, Mandarin, Midst, Momento10, and Team Rocket Elite for contributing today's match previews.