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Semiramis no Tenbin: Why I love it.

Clephas

Entry posted by Clephas

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I get people asking me all the time why I like this VN so much, and indeed, there is a lot about this VN that makes it a somewhat eclectic choice. The only thing that is even remotely moe is the basic visuals, and the arcs of the story range from the shocking to the creepy.

First, the biggest reason is quite simple... Kamio Ami. It is really rare for a heroine to so completely shatter pre-existing standards of what a VN/anime/manga heroine should be. Ami is the single most pragmatic, cold-blooded, and manipulative heroine I've ever come across. She also mixes that with a hedonistic side that makes her even harder to read.

The second reason is a bit more complex. This VN basically crucifies modern Japanese culture from beginning to end. It pokes holes in common Japanese preconceptions of what should be, and it outright sneers at the assumption many make that the law is there to protect people. I don't think I've ever come across a VN that so completely finds the most distasteful aspects of modern Japanese law and customs and dissects them for you to see.

If you choose to take it that way, this VN can be seen as a symbolic jab at all the things the Japanese don't want to think about when it comes to their culture, whether it is the way their law treats domestic disputes or the fact that, of all the first-world nations on the planet, they have the least effective rape-victim protections. This VN is fairly merciless, and the fact that it is represented through two character opposites at both extremes of the spectrum - Ami (realism) and Eru (law and order) - only creates a higher degree of symbolism that reminds me of the best philosophical fiction I've read in English.

Now... do you still wonder why I love this VN, or why I put it on the list of potential VNs of the Year for 2014? It isn't a kamige, but it is an impressive literary achievement. I'll be straight out and say this VN really picks its readers. Straight-out weaboo types and moege-lovers won't get into this (for different reasons), and those who want to keep their illusions about Japan will also be made to feel a little uncomfortable during the course of reading this VN. However, it is nonetheless something worth reading, for those who simply enjoy a good read.

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Wonderfullyevil

Definitely a title I'm very interested in when I can go untl'd.

Out of curiosity, do you think it would do better in terms of finding its audience as a traditional book considering its themes?

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Bolverk

It's a great vn I agree.

 

Semiramis has also a very well made made development of the protagonist. Stuck between Ami and Eru. You see the differences between their ideals/views. His more middle view ones.

 

There is also many other interesting themes in it. The morals of effecting people you are around I found rather troublesome as well. The story is extreme at parts, but none the less valid in its message.

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Chronopolis

There is also many other interesting themes in it. The morals of effecting people you are around I found rather troublesome as well. The story is extreme at parts, but none the less valid in its message.

This. There are lots of other interesting thoughts. With regards to "moral effecting people".

Human morals are full of holes that can leave you hanging. One must realize that the morality one tries to follow is one born of human culture, so is going to be inconsistent for sure. In one way of looking at it, there is no other option but to break down everything important, question everything including where your values come from and whether that is something you consciously still want to uphold, and make those case by case decisions for yourself.

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Clephas

Definitely a title I'm very interested in when I can go untl'd.

Out of curiosity, do you think it would do better in terms of finding its audience as a traditional book considering its themes?

It is hard to say...  While the narration in this one is very strong, there is also an immense amount of variation to Ami-related art.  She has more varying expressions and poses than any of the other characters, and her varying smiles are one of the reasons she is so scary. 

 

Also, it is the contrast between the paths that makes up the exploration of philosophy, to one degree or another, and by nature, split-path printed novels just don't work all that well.

 

Edit: Here is a quote, 'It is easier for an idiot to obtain happiness in most situations' ~Kamio Ami

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