#yes5

Still

While Nozomi’s awakning doesn’t really have the sort of climactic punch that Splash Star’s has, I still prefer it over Futari Wa because at least here it plays into the overarching theme of the anime- you do NOT diss dreams in front of Nozomi, ever. That is one of the least smart things one can do. And the whole sequence does have enough tension to more or less carry it despite being less energetic than the sequence in Splash Star. 

Like this isn’t the mot imposing design in the world, but it works for what it is and the music and direction manage to do a good enough job of making him feel threatening, even if this isn’t exactly Northa or Joker level ominous villain design. 

The voice acting helps too, it’s subdued and silky smooth but it has this sort of eerie quality to it that just kinda works. 

I do think it says a lot about what a sweet dork Nzoomi is that her reaction upon meetin a fairy that can turn itno an adult dude is just “HOW CUTE MY NAME IS NOZOMI WHAT’S YOURS”

IT BEGINS

This whole trait is something that is hardly unique to Nozomi, and is hardly unique to the heroines of Yes, it’s a pretty common trait among Magical Girl protagonists. But it is definitely worth noting that Nozomi’s incredibly strong beliefs about what is right and wrong, and willingness to stand by them, while it can be slightly aggravating, is definitely a major strength she ends up having, and is something that often helps keep the team together. 

Rin, meanwhile, appreciates Nozomi’s support but honestly cares far more about Nozomi being able to find that thing to call her own that she can really acheive something in. Both of them have this sort of symmetry to their relation with the other, where they care deeply about the other person and just don’t really pay attention to themselves, and it’s sweet.