FEATURE: Aniwords – Durarara!! and Unhidden Monsters

In its 50+ episode run, particularly in the twenty or so episode that have made up Durarara!! x2, Durarara!! has demonstrated a rather impressive ability to maintain a largely impregnable nature, both in terms of plot and character motivations. While the outlines of the character beats and story movements are at least accessible, plunging into the depths of why certain characters act certain ways or (heaven forbid) where the story is actually going, if anywhere, is a venture most watchers of the show will admit is challenging and perhaps even impossible. I'm no exception to this kind of general bafflement with the contortions of the show, having been fooled time and time again into thinking I'd finally seen where Durarara!!'s...

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Epitome of Eighteen Histories 7: Sonohara Anri Episode

Raira Academy. Career Guidance Room. “Sonohara. You’re not furthering your education?” A few months into her second year of high school. In her first career guidance session in Raira Academy, Anri received this question from the teacher who was head of her year. In the teacher’s hand was the survey form for her career aspirations, from Anri’s homeroom teacher. “Yes… I’m thinking of working once I graduate high school.” “I see… That’s a waste… With your results, the school could put forth recommendations to even the better-ranked universities.” The teacher glanced at the staff-use laptop, where Anri’s results were displayed. She had achieved perfect 10’s across the board several times since her first term in the school, and by that alone one could say she was a role model for excellence. On...

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