Novel Review: The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya

The Melancholy of Haruhi SuzumiyaAuthor: Nagaru Tanigawa
Yen Press
224 Pages (paperback ed.)

Meet Haruhi - a cute, determined girl, starting high school in a city where nothing exciting happens and absolutely no one understands her. Meet Kyon ­­- the sarcastic guy who sits behind Haruhi in homeroom and the only boy Haruhi has ever opened up to. His fate is now tied to hers. Meet the S.O.S. Brigade - an after-school club organized by Haruhi with a mission to seek out the extraordinary. Oh, and their second mission? Keeping Haruhi happy . . . because even though she doesn't know it, Haruhi has the power to destroy the universe. Seriously. (Source: Yen Press)

Find me an otaku who was around for 2006 and doesn't know the name Haruhi Suzumiya. You can't. It is impossible. Her image has become synonomous with popular anime. The 'Hare Hare Yukai' dance was a staple at conventions for years. The red armband with the SOS Brigade characters on it could be found everywhere. And yet - over seven years later, and I'm just now reading the light novel that launched a phenomena and created the fictional juggernaut that is Suzumiya-san.

It's too bad I really, really don't like Haruhi Suzumiya.

AMV Of The Week: No Hesitation

This week’s AMV was the second-place runner up for Kawakon 2012's AMV contest, based on the Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya film. If there was a third place fan vid, they haven’t put it up on YouTube yet! Anyhow, it’s a lovely video set to a rather beautiful Imogen Heap song. Plus, look at all the Yuki! I love her so.

AMV: No Hesitation (2.0)

Author: yodizzle

Music: Imogen Heap's "The Moment I Said It"

Warnings: Spoilers for the Haruhi film. Occasionally flash of bright lights. Blood and images of violence in one portion.

AMV Of The Week: Skittles

This week’s AMV is rather famous isn’t it? It’s also the second Haruhi Suzumiya-related AMV in a row – whoops? Still, thanks to a kind YT user reuploading Koop’s crowning AMV achievement, I can share this stellar Haruhi fan vid with all of you, containing some of the best and most creative editing/effects I’ve seen yet.

AMV: Skittles

Author: Koopiskeva
Music: “Candy Pop” by Heartsdales featuring SOUL'D OUT
Warnings: Slight spoilers for the first season of Melancholy. Has a lot of fast clips and some Haruhi-grade risqué fan service, and quite a bit of Haruhi-on-Mikuru action.

AMV Of The Week: She's Just Oblivious

This week’s AMV is a tribute to one of the most well-known anime characters in recent years – Haruhi Suzumiya.  While one of the most popular protagonists, she is also one of the most mysterious and strange, which probably only adds to her appeal. I’ve found an AMV perfectly tuned to her abstract personality and I’m sure many Haruhi Suzumiya fans will agree that the song is very fitting.

AMV: She’s Just Oblivious

Author: silvermoon377
Music: “Sharada” by Skye Sweetnam
Warnings: Slight spoilers for the first season of Melancholy.