Preview: Akagami no Shirayuki-hime

Airing this summer, a historical shoujo anime by Bones.

It seems previews have something ominous about them. The synopsis and preview are more optimistic then when the series actually airs. As far as I can remember most of the shows I’ve previewed didn’t really live up to the expectations I had.

Akagami no Shirayuki-hime follows a young girl(what a surprise) called Shirayuki who has unique red hair. A prince falls in love with her and forces her to be his sex slave. Shirayuki isn’t going to let that happen and flees to the neighboring country where she meets Zen who she heals from terrible wounds. But who is Zen? Is he also a mad slave trader?

So far the synopsis leaves us in the dark for pretty much the setting. Is it based on fictional countries? Judging from the fashion style, I suppose the series is set in the middle ages, which in my opinion is always a welcome setting amongst the standard high school round up. I really enjoyed Junketsu no Maria for her sort of alternative setting.

Akagami no Shirayuki-hime is directed by Ando, Masahiro(Canaan, Hanasaku Iroha, Zetsuen no Tempest). Quite the impressive track record with one my favorite series Hanasaku Iroha. Main heroine Shirayuki is voiced by Hayami, Saori(Bakuman, Hibike! Euphonium, Hyouka).

Akagami no Shirayuki-hime has the potential to deliver a shoujo refreshing setting with a lively character. Shoujo anime feel more sincere and less rushed in terms of storytelling and character development. The shoujo genre can be a nice change of pace even for shounen veterans who long for something less bombastic. I have high hopes for the team, the studio and the setting. I’ll be looking forward to this anime series, which in all honesty I would’ve overlooked hadn’t it been for writing this preview.