Anime and the Visual Novel

This book describes the thematic and structural traits of a recent and popular development within the realm of anime: series adapted from visual novels. Visual novels are interactive fiction games in which players creatively control decisions and plot turning points. Endings alter according to the player’s choices, providing a motivation to replay the game and opt for alternative decisions each time. Pictorial sumptuousness, plot depth and subtle characterization are vital aspects of the medium. Anime based on visual novels capitalizes on the parent games’ attributes, yielding thought-provoking yarns and complex personalities.

Dani Cavallaro has written widely about literature, cultural theory, and anime. She lives in London.

Dani Cavallaro
Format: softcover (6 x 9)
Pages: 268
Bibliographic Info: filmography, notes, bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2010
pISBN: 978-0-7864-4427-4
eISBN: 978-0-7864-5818-9
Imprint: McFarland

Preface      1

1. Anime and the Visual Novel: Theoretical Approaches      7

2. Parallel Worlds      33

3. Returns to the Past      78

4. Epic Exploits      132

5. Journeys of Self-Discovery      194

Filmography      247

Chapter Notes      255

Bibliography      257

Index      261