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Toshokan Sensou

Inside Information on Toshokan Sensou: A ‘Deep Frying’ Prequel Part 2

By usagijen ⋅ March 19, 2008 ⋅ Post a comment

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This is a tale of a girl, in search for her prince charming…

…the prince who saved her from the clutches of ~~evil~~ the Media Improvement Brigade, who so inspired her to enter the same Library Task Force he’s in. She was so dumbfounded by his heroic deed that she even forgot what he looked like, and she wasn’t even able to ask for his name lol. fail~!

NOTE: The images I posted here are from both the shoujo and the shounen versions, so it might seem a bit confusing. In the shoujo version, Iku is blonde, while in the shounen version, she’s a brunette. There isn’t much difference in these two versions however, aside from the distinct art-style difference, as well as some shoujo-ey stuff added in the shoujo version. Judging from the first 4 chapters of both versions, both remain quite faithful to the novel, with the shounen version sticking more closely to the novel’s style of writing.

She goes by the name of Iku Kasahara, one of the rare breed of women who aims to be part of the Library Task Force’s Defense Group, the unsung heroes in the forefront of danger who fight against the Media Improvement Brigade Militia. This is however, unknown to her parents, who actually thought she’s going to join the safer General Affairs Department instead. Iku might seem like a GAR toughie on the outside, but she’s actually a crybaby. She’s rash yet dense, and a bit immature, but I believe we’ll see her character develop as the series goes :3

The Contenders for the ‘Prince’ Title

Candidate #1: Atsushi Doujou

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The perfect example of a leader. Strict and hot-tempered (the latter one seems to apply only in his dealings with Iku xD) He’s actually a softie tsundere, yet despite his deredere mode, he still remains expressionless (or so that’s what’s mentioned in the novel, otherwise in the manga we see him all flustered XD).

Candidate #2: Mikihisa Komaki

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At first glance he might seem like the perfect ‘prince’ character that Iku’s looking for, but then he’s less GAR and heroic than the supposedly prince Iku met. We might be in for more surprised in the later episodes of the series, however, since he’s the type who can be dead serious if the situation calls for it. His gentlemanliness makes Iku blush, but I see him as nothing else but a support character at this point (supporter of Iku x Doujou, or something else)

Candidate #3: Hikaru Tezuka

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In the same batch/class as Iku, and was also accepted into the Elite Task Force together with her. This haughty genius however, greatly disapproves of Iku, finding her unfit to become part of the Special Task Force. This disapproval doesn’t come a surprise, considering how much of a slacker Iku is in terms of studying Whether his impression of Iku will change, we’ll just have to see~

The Iku x Doujou Antics

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this brings back memories for Iku~ though we still don’t know if Doujou is indeed the real ‘prince’

Among the three contenders, I’m ALL FOR DOUJOU! I’ve mentioned this before, but I find their antics and banter priceless~! They’re a great match for each other, except in height And, where have you seen a [potential] couple brawl like this:

(Shoujo version)

(Shounen version)

XDDDD

To explain a bit about what happened here: Doujou volunteers to be Iku’s judo sparring partner, and Iku scoffs at how he’s belittling her abilities, when she supposedly has the height advantage. Doujou had the last laugh however, as he wins against Iku without a struggle. Doujou scoffs back at Iku, Iku gets pissed, and the next thing we know, she gives him a surprise drop kick from behind Doujou fights back and gives her the punishment she deserves looool.

Afterword

Obviously, this isn’t all there is to Toshokan Sensou. I just highlighted the stuff which make me fangirl giddy Aside from this, do expect some intense action, political espionage, and whatnot, as the series gets more serious later on.

I’m just happy we have a kickass heroine in this show. And mind you, fighting for books and media freedom is a worthy cause, despite how lame others might find it. And with the character dynamics of Toshokan Sensou, this is certain to be an enjoyable watch (except for the cynical people perhaps)! Here’s a few more pimping pics before I end this post:

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w00t! I can’t wait to see this in its animated glory! 8D

Iku decides to follow the footsteps of her prince, a rash decision which ended up with another bout of argument with his superior Doujou

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A glimpse on Iku’s roommate, Shibasaki :3

Discussion

24 comments for “Inside Information on Toshokan Sensou: A ‘Deep Frying’ Prequel Part 2”

This is Library Wars, right? Looks interesting. It was on my tryout list but this gives me a much better idea of what it’s about… espionage + a**kicking + romance = win!

I’m confused about her hair tho. Is it dark or is it a lighter color? There’s a shojo and a shounen version? *puzzled*

(I need to get off your blog — I’m being a big motormouth for some reason. Silence and lurking and then BIG EXPLOSION OF GARRULOUSNESS. Sorry. )

Posted by apexantapex | March 19, 2008, 2:27 am
>.

Posted by Extrange | March 19, 2008, 2:34 am
Hmm. I find myself wanting to watch this. It sounds like a version of Read or Die, retooled for the 21st century and with more sparkles.

Posted by IKnight | March 19, 2008, 4:13 am
… your blog hates me, Jen. As I was saying, This will fill the void in my heart left by Full Metal Panic. ( I have a thing for active and strong girls as Iku)

Posted by Extrange | March 19, 2008, 5:09 am
@apexantapex I got confused about the hair color too… Apparently, there is a shoujo and shounen version with the former having Iku as blonde, whereas the shounen version opted to give her darker hair. Of course, I vote for the shoujo version (haha!)

I wonder if BONES could do a shoujo version… ah~

Posted by Seleria | March 19, 2008, 10:00 am
Ah, I haven’t seen such a feisty short-haired heroine since… Escaflowne. So far what you’ve highlighted seems like a winning combination to me, and knowing Production I.G.’s record, I wouldn’t be surprised to see this win hard. Thanks as usual for the great coverage. (:

Posted by Owen S | March 19, 2008, 8:10 pm
@apex: hehehe, sorry for the confusion. I added a bit of a note on that one now
the novel is so popular it spawned a shoujo and a shounen version, simultaneously running in different magazines. That’s how well-loved it is
and don’t worry about being chatty all of a sudden, it’s always nice to hear more comments!! =DD

@IKnight: I haven’t watched ROD, but based on my impression of it, I think Toshokan Sensou wins in terms of the character dynamics department. Toshokan Sensou seems to be a more realistic take on the Library War aspect, while retaining its fun and spark of romance
@Extrange: It’s either because of the forbidden ‘<’, or something else I don’t know o_O

I love kickass girls too~ I actually think that’s what enticed me to watch the show initially. Then I learn about the fun bantering and romance, and I went ecstatic This will also serve as an FMP-filler for me, until that long wait for the 4th season is over~!

@Seleria: hmmm~ As much as I love BONES for Ouran, I actually think PIG is perfect for the kind of show Toshokan Sensou is. As for a shoujo version… that’d be hard, considering there’s not much difference between the shounen and the shoujo. And in the end, the ultimate source will still be the novel.

a spinoff Toshokan Sensou series is coming out however~ I’m so curious as to what that’s going to be about! If this show gains enough popularity, we might just see that animated as well 8D

@Owen: Hitomi of Escaflowne will be put to shame by the appearance of Iku! Aside from being less emo, Iku is more feisty, more boyish, and overall fun!

Posted by usagijen | March 20, 2008, 12:58 am
I was looking forward to this show primarily because Inoue Marina was voicing the lead character (since I freaking love her). Supporting evidence points to Production I.G. and the ‘Noitamina’ time slot. Now that I know all this stuff, I’m *really* looking forward to it.

Posted by JKTrix | March 20, 2008, 4:02 am
Ooh, you just ramped up my excitement for this series x10 Thanks!

Posted by Senna | March 20, 2008, 7:34 pm
Please, no, no comparison with ROD. I’m afraid I didn’t even manage to finish that anime (although I did watch the OVA) because it bored the stuffing out of me.

And Usagijen, I’m totally for Doujou and Iku too. I don’t know anything more about this anime other then what you have said here, but… by virtue of hair color (I do so love anime guys with black hair, and the accompanying sort of character/stereotype/archetype).

As an aside, interesting contrast between the shounen and shoujo manga, though. Their styles are very distinct, now that you’ve put them side by side.

Posted by Briar | March 20, 2008, 9:38 pm
Hmmm…this anime/manga or w/e seems interesting. I would really like to read both version of the manga since both seem very entertaining

And you said this was going to be an anime?? I could’ve sworn it was already o.0

Posted by Tomochii-Chan | March 21, 2008, 2:48 am
Omg I’ve been waiting for this post. You just made my day. ^^ I’m anticipating this one more than Code Geass.

Iku sounds like the character I’m going to like. I love tomboy anime girls, they are the real rare breeds among countless moe moe lolis and bishoujo.

And omg Doujou is a male tsundere!!! *does happy dance* Another one to add to my list w00t

Your campaign for promoting the love for Toshokan Sensou is working great!!! *sends in application to join the Spread the love Of toshokan Sensou brigade.

Posted by faye | March 21, 2008, 2:05 pm
w00t! my pimping powers are working!!

@Briar: haha, gotta love dark-haired tsundere guys He’s at par with Sousuke’s GARness, and isn’t as lacking in common sense lol.

as for the mangas, I’m surprised they chose different hair colors for the characters. I like the blonde Iku better~ though I think a darker hair color will suit her personally, which is probably why Production I.G. made her a brunette

@Tomochii-Chan: it’s just going to be shown this Spring!

@faye: w00t! *gladly accepts faye into the Toshokan Sensou lovers gang*

Posted by usagijen | March 21, 2008, 4:59 pm
Heh, the sparring page looks priceless! If they are anywhere near (or even more) Koizumi and Otani of LoveCom in the bickering aspect with the love-hate antics, I’m sure to enjoy this series come Spring. I’m Doujou x Iku all the way! ^_^

Romance comedy kicka$$ moments good storyline is always a win for me! Good thing I had this on my to-watch list beforehand, thanks to Prod’n IG and usagijen’s fangirlism!

Posted by hazy | March 23, 2008, 12:11 pm
@hazy: hehehe, the love-hate antic is there, and I immensely enjoy their bantering, probably even more than Risa-Otani’s, to some extent

I just hope my fangurlism for this will last for loonnggg, so I can have ideas on what to post about each episode when it airs! :3

Posted by usagijen | March 23, 2008, 9:27 pm
first of all, thank you for the background information on TS

I was wondering if the manga (shounen or shoujou) is available on the net for reading -
i would really aprecciate if some1 has a link to the scanlation or the raws (don’t care).

secondly, im wondering if the fansub is out yet?

Posted by kana | April 13, 2008, 11:23 pm
@kana: np~ though hmm… I don’t think it’s available for online reading o_O the fansub still hasn’t come out too, methinks. It’s still in progress.

Posted by usagijen | April 14, 2008, 8:58 am
Thanks usagijen! I found some raw images (shounen version) - but only five chapters.

Posted by Kana | April 14, 2008, 6:57 pm
thankksss~~me so happy. oww, both anime n manga so great>_

Posted by YUCCA | May 1, 2008, 5:42 am