Horimiya Anime: Chronological Viewing's Difficulties
Although Horimiya is a well-known romcom anime, it can be challenging to view in chronological sequence. This is so since the anime's initial source material is a 4-koma webcomic. With just four panels per "chapter" of this webcomic, the comic strip-like quality is more evident than in a conventional story. This makes watching the anime in the same sequence the comics were published practically impossible.
The 4-koma Format: a Special Method of Storytelling
Popular for short, humorous tales, the 4-koma style has been around for more than a century. Its episodic structure and humorous focus—each 4-panel "chapter" emphasizes a self-contained narrative—define it. Although this style works well for lighthearted comedy, it's not always best for developing a gripping narrative arc.
How Horimiya Was Modified for Anime
The creators had to change the source material if they were to make Horimiya more interesting as an anime. To center the romantic relationship between the two main characters, Hori and Miyamura, they reorganized and simplified the plot. Since the manga offered a more coherent narrative structure than the 4-koma style, Clover Works, the studio, mostly drew on it as the basis for the anime. Many 4-koma chapters were skipped to focus on the evolution of the romantic plot.
The Value of Flexibility for a Romantic Story
Director Masashi Ishihama admitted that romantic comedies are not necessarily the most popular genre in Japan. He was driven strongly to produce an engaging romance with Horimiya. Although he drew inspiration from the 4-koma, he realized he needed to modify it for a more conventional story framework to successfully show the central romance between Hori and Miyamura.
Horimiya: The Missing Pieces: An Enhanced Faithful Translation
"Horimiya: The Missing Pieces," the second season of Horimiya, follows the 4-koma pattern of the original work rather more precisely. This season more resembles a slice-of- life anime than a romance-driven narrative. It provides more understanding of the characters and their daily life, so augmenting the first season's storyline.
Fan-Made Projects: Healing the Divide
Fan-made projects have modified the episodes of both seasons to produce a chronologically accurate mastercut. Though it's still a difficult task to negotiate the convoluted chronology, these projects let fans experience Horimiya in a more accurate portrayal of the original 4-koma order.
The Lasting Attractiveness of Horimiya
Though viewing Horimiya in chronological order presents difficulties, it is still an engaging romance with a strong humorous component. The plot catches the core of friendship, relationships, and negotiating the complexity of high school life; the characters are likable and charming. The show is evidence of the author, Hero, who skillfully combined humor and romance into a singular and fun experience.
Non-Shojo Romance Anime's Rising Popularity
Non-shojo romance shows have lately become rather popular. Among those are Kaguya-sama: Love is War, Skip and Loafer, and Horimiya itself. Although following these shows in their intended sequence can be difficult, the benefit is usually a well-written narrative with lovable characters and an interesting plot.
