COMPILER: Shadow Chapter Review: Dark Charm and Deep Storytelling

"COMPILER: Shadow Chapter": A unique sci-fi comedy that combines computer jargon and gags

■Overview of the work

"COMPILER Shadow Chapter" is an OVA released by King Records on March 5, 1994. It is based on a sci-fi comedy manga by manga artist Kia Asamiya, directed by Yasushi Murayama, and produced by Animate Film and Studio Fantasia. Although it is a short work of 30 minutes, it is notable for its use of computer terminology in the character names and settings, which was rare at the time. It is also full of comedy elements, with parodies of manga, anime, and special effects scattered throughout.

■ Story

Compiler and Assembler come from the Electric Dimension to conquer the Earth. They start conquering the Earth like a game, but fail. They end up living with the Igarashi brothers Nachi and Yoshi, who first discovered them, but one day, assassins from the "Den Dimension" attack them in an attempt to eliminate them. Compiler and Assembler try to overcome this crisis together with the Igarashi brothers, but...

■Character Introduction

compiler

The main character of this work. A beautiful woman from the Electric Dimension, Routine has the ability of destruction. She has a free-spirited personality and enjoys life on Earth. Her name comes from the computer term "compiler," and she is responsible for converting programs into machine code. Her actions are often unpredictable, often surprising the Igarashi brothers.

assembler

Like the compiler, she is a beautiful girl who came from the electric dimension. She is a routine with the ability to create, and is called the "electric god routine". She has a pure heart and continues to love Yoshie even after the game is disabled and partners become meaningless. Her name comes from the computer term "assembler", and she is responsible for converting low-level programs into machine code. Her kindness and creativity are important elements of the story.

Yoshiko Igarashi

The second son of the Igarashi family. The complete opposite of his older brother Nachi, he has a quiet personality and longs for a normal life. Although he is confused by the sudden appearance of the compiler and assembler, he grows as he lives with the girls. Shuku's name is pronounced "Shuku" and he is an important character in depicting the daily life of the Igarashi brothers.

Nachi Igarashi

Yoshiko's older brother is an optimist who believes that anything is fine as long as it's fun. He enjoys the extraordinary life created by the Compilers. Igarashi Nachi's name is pronounced "Nachi" and his optimistic personality brings brightness to the story. He supports Compiler and Assembler's life on Earth and fights alongside them as their friend.

■Cast

Compiler: Naoko Matsui Assembler: Yuko Mizutani Yoshiko Igarashi: Nozomu Sasaki Nachi Igarashi: Koichi Yamadera

■ Staff

・Original Story: Kia Asamiya・Director: Yasushi Murayama・Script: Yasushi Murayama・Character Design: Yuji Moriyama・Chief Animation Director: Yasuhiro Oshima・Art Director: Yoji Nakaza・Music: Toshiyuki Omori・Sound Director: Jun Watanabe・Production Cooperation: Studio Fantasia・Production: Animate Film

■ Theme songs and music

The opening theme "I WAS BORN TO FALL IN LOVE" was written by Arimori Satomi, composed and arranged by Nakazaki Hideya, and sung by Okui Masami. The ending theme "FULL UP MIND" was also written by Arimori Satomi, composed and arranged by Nakazaki Hideya, and sung by Okui Masami. These songs are important elements that liven up the atmosphere of the work.

■ Related works

"COMPILER: Shadow Chapter" had a sequel, "COMPILER: Light Chapter", and even an event called "COMPILER FESTA" was held. Through these works and events, fans were able to enjoy further adventures of compilers and assemblers.

■ Appeal and evaluation of the work

"COMPILER: Shadow Chapter" is unique in that it uses computer terminology in the character names and settings within the sci-fi comedy genre. This attempt was rare at the time, and it gave viewers a fresh surprise. It is also full of comedy elements, with parodies of manga, anime, and special effects sprinkled throughout, making it a work that is highly entertaining and funny.

The individuality of the characters is also one of the charms. The free-spiritedness of the compiler, the purity of the assembler, and the contrasting personalities of the Igarashi brothers enrich the story. In particular, the relationship between the compiler and the assembler plays an important role in depicting friendship and trust.

The music also adds to the appeal of the work. The opening and ending songs sung by Masami Okui capture the hearts of viewers and deepen the worldview of the work. The work also brings together the talents of the staff, including director Yasushi Murayama and character designer Yuji Moriyama.

■ Recommendation points

"COMPILER: Shadow Chapter" is recommended for people who like science fiction comedies and those who are interested in computer terminology. It is also a work that can be enjoyed by people who like gag anime and parodies. It will be a valuable work especially for those who want to know about the anime culture of the 90s.

In addition, it is also recommended for those who are attracted to the personalities and relationships of the characters. The friendship between Compiler and Assembler and the interaction with the Igarashi brothers will provide viewers with emotion and laughter. In addition, the theme song sung by Masami Okui is also an important element that enhances the appeal of the work.

"COMPILER: Shadow Chapter" is a short but dense work that will give viewers a lot of laughter and emotion. Please give it a watch.