Ascendance of a Bookworm OVA

DGFischer Feb 21, 2021

8.5

The neat thing about original video animation (OVA) is the ability to explore story concepts that normally won’t fit into the planned season of … say 12 episodes.  The two episodes of this Ascendance of a Bookworm set does a laudable job in developing the key characters in directions one would not expect. The two OVA would play nicely as a brief arc between the two seasons.  The first episode deals with the head-priest Ferdinand and his misgivings about the overly mature and savvy Myne.  So much so that he sets two spies on her trail.  The snoop choices are dubious, two nobles, Eustachius and Eckhard, who are to roam the downtown area for a girl they have never seen before.  They do not blend into the commoner scene in their high-class duds, so Eustachius suggests they dress down.  Eckhard’s descent into the world of the ordinary citizen is stressful for him.  Retching his guts out is part of the good clean fun of the misadventure.  But the commoners suspect the two to be up to no good, and everyone is mum about her identity and whereabouts.  The irony of this story comes at the end, when Eustachius and Eckhard, beaten and unable to discovery any juicy tidbit about Myne, walk right (unbeknownst to them, of course) by Myne and her mother as they return to the head-priest with no news (which is good news … for Myne). The second OVA deals with Myne introducing her mother and sister Turi to Corinna, the merchant guild’s master seamstress and designer.  Corinna is interested in the hair-pieces Myne and Turi have developed and is interested in selling them at her boutique.  Myne goes into super-negotiator with Corinna’s brother Benno and wears him down for a fair price for the production rights.  This was the common denominator in the two OVA’s, Myne’s key mentors in the areas of the business world and the life of the Cathedral are depicted as hard-driven men whom Myne has to learn how to handle. I was deep into the second season of Ascendance when I checked out the A of B  original video animations.  I noted the progress in animation technique right away, as the OVA used the themes and procedures of season one.  The coloration of the OVA is not as sharp as that used by Season Two: Episode Nine.  The suspicions of Ferdinand in OVA episode one did not mesh with the character as seen in Season Two.  The head priest is the protector-guide of a usually clerically-clueless Myne, and Myne’s attitudes about books and reading still baffles him.  Which means both characters still have to grow. But that’s the charm of OVA.  New glimpses into characters you thought you knew.

SEGHE Sep 15, 2023

6

"Ascendance of a Bookworm OVA" - A Cozy Reunion - 6/10 Story: 6/10 The "Ascendance of a Bookworm OVA" offers a collection of short episodes that serve as a delightful reunion with the characters from the main series. While it doesn't introduce any groundbreaking narratives or major plot developments, it succeeds in providing heartwarming and lighthearted stories that fans of the series will appreciate. The episodes focus on the everyday adventures of Myne and her friends, adding a touch of whimsy to their lives. While not as substantial as the main storyline, these episodes capture the essence of what makes "Ascendance of a Bookworm" charming. It's a pleasant extension of the series, earning a story rating of 6 out of 10. Animation: 6/10 The animation in the OVA maintains the same visual style and quality as the main series. Character designs are consistent and convey the warmth and simplicity that have become synonymous with the world of "Ascendance of a Bookworm." While there are no groundbreaking visual innovations, the animation effectively immerses viewers in the cozy atmosphere of the series. It's faithful to the source material and deserving of a rating of 6 out of 10. Sound: 6/10 Sound design in the OVA aligns with that of the main series. The soundtrack features familiar, gentle melodies that complement the series' tone and atmosphere. Voice acting remains consistent, with characters' voices reflecting their personalities. Sound effects continue to convey the sounds of daily life in the world of the story. While the audio elements don't introduce anything particularly new or exceptional, they maintain the series' auditory charm and contribute to the overall experience. Sound receives a rating of 6 out of 10. Characters: 6/10 The OVA provides fans with an opportunity to spend more time with the beloved characters from the main series. Myne's unwavering passion for books and her interactions with her family and friends continue to be endearing. While the OVA doesn't delve deeply into character development or progression, it offers glimpses into the daily lives and adventures of the characters. These moments reinforce the bonds between them and remind viewers of what makes each character unique. While it may not introduce significant growth, the character-driven charm remains intact, warranting a character rating of 6 out of 10. Overall: 6/10 The "Ascendance of a Bookworm OVA" serves as a heartwarming and cozy reunion with the characters and world that fans have come to love. While it doesn't bring forth substantial new narratives or character development, it offers enjoyable and familiar stories that capture the essence of the main series. The consistent animation and sound design maintain the series' visual and auditory charm. Considering its role as a charming extension of the main storyline, an overall score of 6 out of 10 accurately reflects the OVA's value to fans of "Ascendance of a Bookworm."

jstenneg Jan 8, 2023

8.5

Much like the main series this is a nice little story.  While it is not essential to watch between season 1 and 2, it adds to the story and is worth the time.