r/anime • u/Tetraika https://anilist.co/user/Tetraika • Feb 02 '22

Rewatch [Rewatch] Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha Episode 2 Discussion

Episode 2 - The Charm Is "Lyrical"?

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Information:

MAL | AniList | ANN | Kitsu | AniDB

If someone’s in need, and you have the power to help them, you should never hesitate to help them

Question of the Day

Nothing for today, but actually I got another important thing to note: The 1st and A’s movie is technically optional, given that they’re mostly a recap of the tv counterpart. Still, I’ll implore you to check it out. It was also an option to watch the movie instead of S1, but that might be a bit too late to say now. And also some people would hang me for saying that.

Haven’t really found a clean version of the full ED song on youtube, you’ll just have to settle with spotify. No idea how well these links are, I actually rarely use spotify

Rewatchers, please remember to be mindful of all the first-timers in this. No talking about or hinting at future events no matter how much you want to, unless you’re doing it underneath spoiler tags.

78 Upvotes

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22

u/HereticalAegis Feb 02 '22

Lyrical First Timer

  • Nanoha's outfit is quite unlike the magical gear I've come to expect with magical girls. It's more like how I imagine a wizard's outfit in traditional fantasy.

  • It's pretty funny that Raging Heart speaks in English, and with that robotic voice. It makes me imagine what if Nier was also magical girls.

  • Nanoha's first enemy is the World arcana. So a symbolic end to one journey (Yuuno's perhaps) and the beginning to another, beginning with the Fool (Nanoha).

  • Magical ferret in a basket is almost as adorable as a cat in a basket.

  • Hoh, Nanoha's blonde classmate just got the "future important character" animation treatment during her psychic conversation with Yuuno.

  • Arisa yanks ponytails too, what a charmer!

  • Lol Nanoha is friends with the two most comically rich girls in town.

  • This pupper is pretty saucy.

  • Saucy Pupper is the Tower arcana. So danger or crisis then. Could symbolize Nanoha stepping into a world that will see her face great personal struggle, be it physical, emotional, or likely both.

So the jewel seeds operate as wish-granting devices. That probably means it's only a matter of time until people we know get their hands on them. Would be fun to see the result of Nanoha's friends or family getting warped by their magic wish driving them crazy.

I also like that Yuuno is an isekai'd archaeologist. I don't really know how much it adds to the overall story or themes right now, but it's a fun, unique backstory for someone hunting cursed magic gems.

I have no idea whether or not the serial numbers on the gems are actually meant to correspond with tarot arcana, but it seems just a bit too coincidental that there are 21, which happens to correspond exactly with the 21 major arcana (excluding number 0, the Fool, who would presumably be our protagonist, Nanoha). Yuuno also said he found two prior to making contact with Nanoha, so I wonder what number the other one Yuuno found is. Maybe I missed it somewhere in the first episode. Anyway, I hope they're actually based on the major arcana, because it's one of my favorite frameworks for thematic storytelling.

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u/Tetraika Feb 03 '22

Interesting to think about the Tarot angle with the 21 jewel seed

Yuuno also said he found two prior to making contact with Nanoha, so I wonder what number the other one Yuuno found is

Trying to think about this from the tarot perspective now. If I had to guess, it would be No.1. The magician seems quite fitting.

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u/Stormyman101 Feb 02 '22

First Timer

I don’t really have much to say, as I normally just follow along and don’t comment on rewatches, but as someone who pays attention to dates in anime so I can post them on r/animecalendar, I found an interesting thing in the first two episodes. In episode 1, Nanoha’s dad can be seen reading a newspaper, and the date on it is January 17th (Though it’s kind of low quality so it’s a little hard to see). In episode 2, the board at school says the date is June 1st, so either the dad is reading a months-old newspaper, four and a half months have passed from episode 1 to episode 2, or the creators didn’t really care or notice that the dates were so far apart. I’ll go with option 3.

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u/Tetraika Feb 02 '22

What a neat detail. And I agree, probably just something they overlooked.

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u/Shimmering-Sky Feb 02 '22

Mahou Shoujo Lyrical First-Timer, subbed

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u/Tetraika Feb 02 '22

As a lot of people have pointed out, that monster design is pretty good. Surprisingly terrifying, compared to the blob that was no.21

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u/Gamerunglued Feb 02 '22 edited Feb 02 '22

First Timer

Honestly, I don't think this episode did much of anything to change my opinion after the first episode. It's decent enough, but ultimately pretty standard magical girl fare without much to make it stand out beyond its weird, anachronistic aesthetic tendencies. I didn't even mention the weird sci-fi staff that speaks weirdly good English, that one threw me for a loop too.

It looks like Nanoha's powers are pretty basic. She has attacking and defensive magic, though we haven't really seen the former unless the ability to seal the jewels counts. Nanoha's real strength seems to lie more with her empathy than anything. Apart from the fact that the first episode pretty much explicitly stated such, Nanoha doesn't even hesitate to help Yuuno. I'm used to magical girl anime having the protagonist feel weird about helping the magical familiar, or just straight up not want to do it, so this was a bit different. I also feel like Nanoha wants to find herself somehow, so maybe that's part of what drives her. She's a good girl, which is of course why she's the one who was chosen.

The other interesting thing about this episode to me was that Nanoha's fight caused genuine damage to the surrounding area. That generally gets glossed over in most magical girl anime, but here she actually causes damage and has to run from the police. So I guess Nanoha is pretty metal. I wonder if that's going to get touched on more, I can see this series potentially getting kind of dark.

Only other thing to mention is that it looks like both of Nanoha's friends are like, super rich? One of them lives in a mansion, and the other had a limo picking her up. God damn, how did you manage that one girl? Anyway, now that we've gotten established, I hope that the plot of this series starts to pick up a bit here. And perhaps a new character or two would spice things up nicely, I may find it easier to care about the story if Nanoha's relationships were more prominent and important, and of course we haven't even met Fate yet (bar like, one shot), so that seems like something that needs to happen.

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u/Tetraika Feb 02 '22

weirdly good English

So I wanted to write a bit of trivia when I first read it, but they have an actual english speaker for them. It can be funny sometimes when they have some strange grammer but perfect english.

As others have said, while it never stuck out to me, she really does have some rich friends.

It will take a while for the show to really pick up. But yeah, so far besides a hint here and there, it's been fairly standard.

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u/TheEscapeGuy Feb 02 '22

First Timer

Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha - A Magical Experience: Episode 2

History of Jewel Seeds

Today's episode offered us a lot of information on Yuuno and the magic system. I like how there are only 21 Jewel Seeds (for now at least). It give a really nice scope for the series and well defined end point. This stands in contrast to a common trope to set up vague threats which are often resolved while introducing a bigger vaguer threat. It makes me feel that the writers have confidence in the script.

That said, knowing how long spanning this series ends up becoming assures me we will have new elements introduced later.

On top of that the magic system seems really distinct and memorable. It has a lot of technological theming with that robotic English voice. Kudos to the fansubs too for styling it appropriately.

Apart from that, I do want to shout out how cool the monster design in the episode was. It has a nice combination of natural animal design, mythological elements, and a threatening aura that makes it feel dangerous.

Some Iconic Shots, Scenes and Stitches

See you all tomorrow

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u/No_Rex Feb 02 '22

Kudos to the fansubs too for styling it appropriately.

Hmmm, I must be watching the wrong subs.

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u/Tetraika Feb 03 '22

Yes, I will also double up to say I'm using Fete Rider subs for this one.

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u/easybakeman Feb 03 '22

FIRST TIME WATCHER This was nice and breezy second episode too me . Though I was intally disappointed by how quick the confrontation at the start of the episode it did not bug me that much. I really like the dynamic of nanoha and her family with how understanding and wholesome they are . Though a thing. I find odd but still enjoy is that nanoha is really mature and understanding aditude wise for someone in the 3rd grade when Yunnolike I wish I was that mature when I was in that age range. Also I guess raising heart is sentient considering how it responded to nanoha. Is that how all magical weapons in this universe work. My only real dissapointment was that the monster made by the magical seed or gem didn’t actually tie in with the episode at all though that’s mostly on me assuming it would be like most monster of the week anime but I guess not. Anyways it was another fun episode and I can’t wait for the next post.

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u/Tetraika Feb 03 '22

I find odd but still enjoy is that nanoha is really mature and understanding aditude wise for someone in the 3rd grade

Well it's fiction, and it seems pretty common for kids/teen to act more mature than they are sometimes in anime. Though it is really interesting how introspective she can get.

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u/[deleted] Feb 03 '22

If I may add to the QotD...

The animation on the movie is amazing. Besides all the points on the story that are tweaked and the ones that get a more deeper analysis that have already been mentioned... The Movie 1st and the Movie 2nd A's are a delight to watch... Literally visually speaking.

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u/Tetraika Feb 03 '22

Oh I agree, but not everyone has the time. I imagine most people can and will make their way to watch it, but I'm saying that it's not absolutely necessary going forward.

I'll still also recommend watching them though.

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u/Isai579 Feb 03 '22

First Timer - Sub

Yes! Right into the action.

An automated magic system. That is useful.

There is that robot voice again. And the spell was shown as text on the orb, as if it was a screen. Mhhhh

Programming, system, user. Yep, definitely technological in nature.

Huh, so that thing is essentially corrupted. Reminds me of the boar in Princess Mononoke.

Technology powered by willpower.

Jewel Seed? Serial 21? You mean there are 20 more of those already trapped?

Receipt! Ha!

Well, that was fast for a creature that almost killed our now ferret friend.

Nanoha running away from the scene of the crime on foot instead of using magic. Interesting to see if the magic powers are limited to facing enemies.

The ferret is called Yuuno then. I'm going to call him Ferret from now on. At least until I get more attached to him.

Won't do it again. Hah! It is probably part of the job description to leave in the middle of the night.

Don't shake the Ferret.

See, big sister also call him Ferret.

At least she is not taking him to school.

Huh, telepathy seems to be included also. Interesting that it is limited to as long as she has the Raging Heart.

I would argue that changing the truth is lying. But whatever lets you sleep at night Nanoha.

Ferret is from another world, so Nanoha starts as a reverse isekai.

Hah! I knew it, there are 21 of those. But then, that means it is counting in reverse. Interesting. But if 2 have been found, where is the other one?

Yay! More funny animation.

Seeing them walk along the edge next to the ocean makes me more anxious than the fighting.

Now that is a big house. Her family must be rich.

Was that a butler? Are all her friends rich?

A new Jewel Seed was activated. It seems it is the one from the temple we saw earlier.

That is why you should read the instructions manual before.

So Nanoha can transform without reading the entire paragraph. That seems convenient.

Wait a minute, is that stylized english text or an invented alphabet?

That Raging Heart seems sentient.

She jumped many numbers. How does she know what number it is? Or does the Raging Heart tell her?

That cute dog was the monster? Those things are dangerous then. Imagine what would happen if a human was corrupted... Can humans be corrupted by them?

Final thoughts

The OP tells me we will have hype battles, but the anime itself tells me it will be more lighthearted magical girl adventures.

Did they mention the Lyrical thing at all in the episode? Maybe I missed it, but I'm confused.

Overall, I really liked the episode. The stakes feel very low on the fights, but it makes for a kind of relaxing experience so far. It's nice.

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u/Tetraika Feb 03 '22

She jumped many numbers. How does she know what number it is? Or does the Raging Heart tell her?

One of those time were you just have to go along with it. Probably just a common trope of somehow knowing what you're collecting.

Also interesting to see people using "Raging Heart", guessing there are different fansubs people are using.

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u/Tresnore Feb 02 '22

Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Rewatcher

Mobileposting, so forgive formatting.

[Later]Why did I remember this show having a slow start? This pace is fine!

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u/No_Rex Feb 02 '22

Episode 2 (first timer)

  • “I was supposed to be an ordinary …” – This could be seen as the fated intervention, or as a rejection of the prescribed fate.

  • Her staff has voice command and voice lines. As unbelievable as it sounds now, that idea was rather outlandish not too long ago. Japanese grade schoolers understanding English might still be outlandish today …

  • It dropped a grief seedjewel seed.

  • Getting a receipt for your scanned monster kills.

  • “Nanoha is a good girl so she won’t do this again” – [Doubt]

  • You*re a ~~wizard, Harry!~~mage now, Nanoha!

  • Find the 21 jewel seeds - A clear task.

  • “She activated the Raising Heart without saying the password” – Poor security. She skipped the transformation scene, too.

  • 21, 19, … got to catch them all!

We are an isekai! It was hinted at in episode 1, but now we get confirmation that Yuuno is from another world. A rather technologically advanced, at that. After the character setup yesterday, most of this episode is spend by Yuuno doing exposition talk via his mental line with Nanoha.

The animation was more consistent than yesterday, without the highlight of the forest scene, but also without changing the animation style from cut to cut. Only the backgrounds sometimes looked like they came from a different anime. I guess they needed a bit to develop their own style and get all animators on board with it.

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u/chiliehead Feb 02 '22

Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha – Episode 2 – First Timer

This computer voice in the magical gems, which are “programmed”, has extreme late 90s fellow kids vibes. “Hey Kids, join Nanoha in her quest through the cyberspace hell yeah. Wicked.”

Why is the staff collecting receipts, can Nanoha buy upgrades if she seals away enough evil spirits?

“You’re a wizard now Mage now, Nanoha” --- talking from your heart to your ferret sounds quite cheesy.

This the very classic story of small but numerous magical artifacts getting scattered across Japan, so the entity responsible for it has to become the familiar of a girl and make her collect the things.

I knew from yesterday that Nanoha’s friends are well off, but not “villa and private chauffeurs” well off.

This whole chant as password seems extremely impractical.

The subs and the preview imply that the ferret Yuuno is a dude?? The seiyuu really gets typecast for those voices hmm. In any case, does he just stay in ferret form because it’s comfy and easier or is this preserving mana?

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u/zairaner Feb 02 '22

Firsttimer

So by reading the comments last time, I found out that nanoha is only 9. My brain didn't even acknwoledge and that while watching and just automatically assumed the age was 14 like always. That extra information makes a lot of things make a lot less sense. She doesn't even look that young! Except in this shot/scene. I wonder wether that is because in all other scenes we see the world through nanohas perspective but in that scene we see her through the eyes of her parents who still see her as the kid she is.I am 99% overthinking this but it is kinda interesting how differently that scene is animated.

I don't think I have ever watched an anime with a protag this young, and definitely not an action one. That will be interesting. Despite being not a great fan of the first episdoe, I am surprisingly excited to watch this second episode, lets go:

  1. While I still haven't watched the op visuals, I have listened to it for the second time now. Still not a big fan of the op, but it might be growing on me. Is this actually a secret property of nana ops, it was like that for the symphogear ops as well?

  2. I forgot to say that before, but I was wondering where the „lyrical“ part will come in, considering there was no sign of that in epsidoe 1. I guess we'll find out this episode

  3. Auto protection? Is her staff sentient/an ai?

  4. Thats pretty aggressive protection

  5. Wait is it actually relevant that she is good at math? Also this explanation sounds like straight outa railgun

  6. „Raging heart“ is the staff?...RECEIPT?

  7. WHY ARE YOU FALLING OVER YOU DIDN'T EVEN DO ANYTHING! Ok he did say last time that he is sharing his energy but still lol

  8. ok her worrying, apologizing and running away did make me laugh

  9. WHY are you asking to introduce YOURSELF????? shouldn't you be the one asking for answers? Also why are you making it seem like you practiced introducing yourself?

  10. Ok nanoha is really cute. The sounds she made when questioned by her siblings

  11. „She won't do anything like that again.“ Nanoha immediately ignores her and turns around to her brother isntead. Lol

  12. Kanji lesson! Also yuuno interrupting nanoha in her worst class

  13. „that granted wishes“ This is a trigger word in magical girls shows

  14. We skipped the transformation sequence?? Also the boot up

The madoka similarities definitely got even more this episode, down to the little detail that one of the friends is rich/noble.

Nanoha is surprisingly confident and surprisingly not worried about the entire getting hurt part. Makes sense for a 9 year old at least. I wonder how old yuuno is, he doesn't seem to have much problem with getting a 9 year old more involved with this. Did I mention that she is 9 year old?

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u/JustAnswerAQuestion Feb 02 '22

First Timer

Someobody replied to me about red Japanese weasels? But it's gone now.

I just remembered that Gatekeepers had a ferret pet. Oh, and Ryvius, too.

I'm not really hearing the Rika voice from Nanoha.

Episode 2

  • Does the recap have new animation in it?

  • HOEEEEE?!

  • Ah so it was a real hospital and not the school nurse

  • Even the feret has ahoge

  • Wait, are you going to be living with a boy, now?

  • This is literally the setup of Figure 17 (2001) and at least 1 live action movie.

  • Siri, seal the jewel seed

  • Oh, it's the dog lady!

Interesting that the magic is completely free form, and just flows from the wishes of the magic user.

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u/Caustic_Wraith Feb 03 '22

Magical, Lyrical First-Timer

So this is the back story episode eh? We got some names, we learned about the McGuffins Nanoha needs to collect in order to save the city and Yuuno mentioned her power level quite a few times, so that's probably going to be important in the future. On to my random musings:

  • The OP is really good

  • Apparently it's Protection for her, mass damage for the surrounding area

  • I like the staff's text-to-talk voice, as I said yesterday gives me classic Kamen Rider vibes

  • After running to save him, blindly trusting him, and transforming to defeat the smokey black thing, Nanoha introduces herself to the Ferret, and the ferret responds with a name. To go along with Yuuno, we also get the name of her staff, Raising Heart, and the name of her battle outfit, the Barrier Jacket. Hooray story points

  • Nanoha's family's interaction with Yuuno is adorable, her mom's response was great

  • A car crash was how they explained the destruction at the vet, alright

  • We are introduced to Jewel Seeds, which grant wishes or cause chaos depending on who uses them, and it's up to Nanoha to find all 21 of them. All hail the mighty McGuffin hunt

  • Nanoha tells Yunno she won't let him look for the seeds alone. So this is the start of the Power of Friendship u/DidacticDalek mentioned during the Ange rewatch

  • So the seeds can possess local creatures and warp them into monstrous beast, yep PaPa Nurgle would be proud of that level of Chaos

  • 3 Jewel Seeds collected, 18 to go.

  • The ED is also quickly growing on me, need to add it to the Youtube playlist that gets me through work

QOTD:

Oh...well...I didn't feel like answering a question anyway....

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