The curtain has finally fallen on the anime adaptation of Eku Takeshima’s Whisper Me a Love Song, a yuri manga that has captivated many with its sweet, albeit sometimes awkward, portrayal of first love. The series, which aired from April to December 2024, concluded with episodes 11 and 12, aiming to tie up the various romantic threads woven throughout the narrative. But did the finale strike the right chord, or did it falter in its final performance?
A Tale of Two Romances
Whisper Me a Love Song centers on the burgeoning relationship between Himari Kino, a bright-eyed freshman, and Yori Asanagi, a cool and collected senior and vocalist for the band SSGIRLS. Himari’s initial “love at first sight” confession is misinterpreted by Yori as romantic, setting the stage for a journey of self-discovery and the exploration of genuine feelings. The series also explores the complex dynamic between Aki, Yori’s best friend and fellow band member, and Shiho, the band’s former vocalist.
Himari and Yori’s Crescendo
The central romance between Himari and Yori is the heart of the story. Himari’s initial admiration for Yori’s singing gradually blossoms into romantic love, while Yori strives to understand and nurture Himari’s feelings. The finale sees them reaffirm their love for each other, concluding their journey with a sense of mutual understanding. While the anime captures the sweetness of their relationship, it has been noted that the anime does not fully explore the depths of their relationship, and some viewers found their relationship did not evolve much after the initial stages. The anime’s conclusion for the pair is a satisfying, if somewhat predictable, resolution.
Aki and Shiho’s Discord and Resolution
The secondary romance between Aki and Shiho arguably provides more emotional complexity. Their history is fraught with misunderstandings and unspoken feelings, adding a layer of dramatic tension to the series. Shiho, who had previously left the band on bad terms, struggles with her feelings for Yori and her past with Aki. The finale brings a much-needed resolution, with Aki confessing her evolving feelings for Shiho and expressing a desire to start anew. This subplot, with its exploration of past mistakes and the possibility of reconciliation, resonates more deeply with some viewers than the primary pairing. Shiho is also pushed to confront her past actions, which leads to her making amends and expressing her desire to be more than friends with Aki, bringing their story to a hopeful conclusion.
The Anime Adaptation: A Mixed Performance
While the manga is widely praised, the anime adaptation has faced its share of criticism. The pacing of the anime has been described as uneven, with some episodes feeling rushed while others drag, undermining the story’s momentum. The animation quality has also been inconsistent, with some scenes lacking the visual polish expected of a modern anime. The anime’s visual style at times has been compared to a visual novel instead of a full fledged anime series.
Missing Notes and Delayed Release
One of the major criticisms was the anime’s decision to skip certain key events from the manga, most notably the summer festival arc, which included a highly anticipated kiss scene. This omission left some viewers feeling disappointed and questioning the adaptation’s faithfulness to the source material. Furthermore, the final two episodes experienced a significant delay, being released six months after the rest of the series, which diminished any remaining hype and momentum the show had built up. This lengthy delay was a point of frustration for many fans.
Strengths in Music and Character
Despite its shortcomings, the anime has its bright spots. The opening theme, “Follow Your Arrows,” and the ending theme, “Giftee,” are well-received and contribute to the series’ overall atmosphere. The character designs, featuring vibrant colors and expressive animations, are also noteworthy and align with the visual style of the manga. The anime does make an effort to explore the different forms that romantic relationships can take which provides the series with more depth beyond a simple “gay” or “straight” narrative.
Final Verdict: A Sweet Tune with Some Sour Notes
Whisper Me a Love Song’s finale attempts to wrap up its two main romances and conclude the narrative in a satisfying manner. The anime does deliver on its promise of sweet yuri romance and provides a hopeful end for both couples, however it suffers due to inconsistent animation, uneven pacing, and omissions of key scenes from the manga. While the conclusion is heartwarming, and the secondary romance offers a deeper emotional impact, some viewers may find the anime as a whole to be a somewhat mediocre adaptation of a beloved manga. Ultimately, the series does not fully live up to the high expectations set by its source material, and falls short of elevating the girls’ love genre in the way many had hoped. For fans of the manga, the anime provides a visual accompaniment to the story, but it might not capture the full depth and nuance of the source material. Despite its flaws, the finale provides a conclusion to the story, and many viewers may find it a worthwhile watch. The manga series remains ongoing, and those who felt disappointed with the anime are encouraged to explore the source material.
