Search - Chobits - Darkness Descends (Vol. 3) on DVD

Chobits Gains Character Depth In "Darkness Descends"

Chon-ny | 07/22/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The first two volumes of "Chobits" were spent introducing characters, the idea of Chobits as a legendary free-will Persocon series, and giving time for Chi to learn basic interaction and living skills. "Darkness Descends" is the first volume to begin fleshing out characters and creating more tension around the rumor that Chi may be a Chobits.To recap, "Chobits" follows 18-year-old farm boy Hideki Motosuwa, who happens to find a uniquely powerful Persocon (human-like robots that have achieved cellphone-like status and popularity) in the trash; she can only say "Chi" at first (thus her name) but begins to learn new words and ideas at a tremendous rate. Hideki and his various friends spend their time working, studying and trying to find out who and where Chi is from.Hideki's co-worker Yumi, a high-schooler with size E cups, is the first character to gain depth in this volume. She invites him to a movie, and while the two have fun, Yumi's attitude and comments seem to suggest she has something against Persocons. This will be a common attitude throughout the series, expressed by many other characters. Additionally, Chi decides to buy Hideki a porn mag he doesn't have yet, and stumbles across the sequel to a fairy tale book he had bought for her earlier. Chi's character also gains more depth, as she begins to associate with the main character of the book, a vaguely veiled Persocon wandering lonely in a city full of happy, un-alone humans. We begin to wonder whether she is capable of emotional pain.Hideki also runs into boy genius Minoru, who has been intensely researching Chi's past, even posting her information on a BBS (Internet message board). A mysterious e-mail returns with an intriguing photo attached: a Persocon seemingly identical to Chi, hooked up to several wires, her arm covering the first letter of a word that reads "__H O B I T." This volume also contains two lighter-color stories: one involving innocent Hideki's stressing out over having to teach Chi how to take a bath; another, a well-directed semi-thriller that has Hideki believing that the knife-wielding female ghost of an urban legend actually lives below him on the first floor. Finally, Yumi's dad lends Hideki a DVD player (which also plays video games) with the hopes that he watches some erotic videos on it. Instead, he runs into Minoru who invites him to play an online adventure game. Hideki, Chi, neighbor Shinbo and his Persocon Sumomo all jump into the game--but Chi is nowhere to be found. Not to spoil anything, but Chi's entrance into the game continues to raise more questions about just what she is capable of. The Yumi and horror stories are standouts in this series. In Yumi's case, music, close-ups and clever cutbacks to Chi all alone in the apartment do well to raise the tension about exactly how Yumi feels about Persocons, with the music perfectly emphasizing the feeling of sadness. The horror story is done so cleverly that it could very well stand on its own: the mood is spine-tingling, and heart-pounding, although the viewer knows that little may come of Hideki's superstitions. It's still quite nerve-racking if you suspend disbelief and allow yourself to be absorbed into the story.One of the more solid overall anime series, "Chobits" has an intriguing story, very modern art, and a soundtrack that at times can rival any music in any series. Again, feminists and those with young children may not want to take on this series, unless you're prepared to focus more strongly on the issues of identity and relationships. Not a robots, powerups and swordfights series, but a thoroughly entertaining one."

Kawaii and Funny!!!

L. Mintah | USA | 10/23/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Chobits: Vol. 3, Darkness Descends contains episodes 9-12 in the ongoing stroy of Hideki and his super-kawaii Persocom named Chi. This volume is packed with lots of enjoyment for viewers. There are several laugh-out-loud moments. I especially love the big-brother relationship Yumi's father has with Hideki. Their exchanges in the last episode are comedic timing genius, and reminiscent of vaudeville!

The sinister Black Chi makes her first appearance in this volume.

Episode 9 - Chi Buys - Chi takes her first paycheck from the bakery and goes off to buy something for herself at Hideki's urging. But she wants to buy him a gift, too. She goes back to the bookstore, and purchases a porn mag for him. Chi also finds the second book of the "Town With No People." As Hideki and his neighbor friend Shimbo are taking a bath at the local bathouse, they discuss how Hideki will teach Chi to bathe herself. (Good thing these Persocoms are waterproof, huh?) Of course Hideki is terrified of the prospect. Much humor ensues as Hideki and Chi take a trip to the bathouse.

Episode 10 - A disturbing photo of someone or something who looks just like Chi hooked up to connections along her spine is e-mailed anonymously to the young boy genius Minoru. Chi looks at the photo and says it is not her, to Hideki's profound relief. Hideki is asked to a movie by Yumi. As they are out, Chi reads her new book. She is drawn deep into the strange book, and encounters the mysterious Black Chi. We also see more of Yumi, and it is touchingly true that even someone so attractive herself can be made insecure by the eternally beautiful and perfect Persocoms. Also in this episode, we learn the true story behind Minoru's special Persocom.

Episode 11 - Chi Confirms - In the wonderful Japanese tradition of telling ghost stories in the summer, Hideki and his friends investigate the mysterious "Apartment 104" of a scary story that is haunting Hideki, leaving him paranoid and unable to sleep. Scary AND super-funny!

Episode 12 - Chi Plays - Yumi's dad lends Hideki a DVD player so he can enjoy some porn DVD's. Instead of porn, he ends up playing an online role-playing game. Chi is supposed to play, but where does she go once the game starts? There is a real WOW moment in this episode, as Hideki gets a glimpse of Chi's true power."

A Fun Anime

Roy W. Latham | Fremont, CA USA | 07/11/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There is not much novel in the boy-meets-robot plot, but the standard theme is so well done it seems completely fresh. This volume includes a video game sequence, one of those "fantacies inside an anime" that is often a sign that the authors are running low on plot material. But, wonder of wonders, they pull it off, making it both funny and advancing the overall story line. The series is still going strong with the third volume.This is a good light-hearted anime for those unfamiliar with the genre, as well as for otakus."

Mostly fillers...

Christine M. Chapin | Cleveland, NY United States | 07/16/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"but good fillers none-the-less. No real serious developments yet, but we do learn a little more about Chi's past, as Minoru receives a strange picture of her on the internet. Hideki goes on his first date with Yumi, and there are a few interesting surprises. This series is just so cute and funny. Chi buys Hideki a present (a porno magazine that he doesn't have yet, lol), and then when Hideki gets freaked out by a spooky murder story, he begins to think that a murderous spirit is downstairs in the apartment below him. Which makes for a very entertaining episode. Then there's the virtual reality game Hideki borrows so he can play with Chi, and because he's never played a game like this before, he has no idea what he's doing, so Shinbo and Sumomo come help him out. But when they start the game, Chi is nowhere to be found! This really is a great series that everyone will enjoy!!"