Heartwork: Symphony of Destruction

Heartwork ~Symphony Of Destruction~ , released in English as Heartwork:Love Guns, sometimes known simply as Heartwork (ハートワーク, Hātowāku), was originally an erotic video game that later had a H anime adaptation by Active Software, which consists of three OVA episodes.^[1] The series is directed by Bucifer and Tomohiro Koyama as the character designer.

Story

In the past, police have discovered that a gun that was used in several murder cases had a "curse" to it, and whoever wields the said weapon is unable to hold back any wild or dangerous intentions, which usually end up with someone getting hurt. With this as the root of the story, there comes Yuu Asakura, a student at a university. One fateful day, he rushes at a train station, when he accidentally bumps into a man with a briefcase. Unintentionally, Yuu and the man swapped their briefcases (which appear fairly similar in color and design) as he runs for the train. Just as the doors behind him close, the man he bumped into earlier stood beyond the door and raised the briefcase that was supposedly his to show it to him. However, it was already too late and the train has already started moving.

Soon thereafter, Yuu returns home, where in a short period of time, he discovers a gun, some money and a mysterious videotape all encased inside the briefcase that belonged to the man. Recorded inside the tape was an assassination order and some background information on the target. Yuu was also informed of a backup partner with the codename "Angel" and where she could be found. Without further thinking, Yuu unofficially takes on the job with the gun as his only weapon of choice.

Along the story, Yuu's innocence is shattered as he travels into the world of murder, sex and violence. Although the show includes a few bloody scenes, many of said crimes tend to end up with sexual abuses or activities.

OVA production and cast

The work was directed and written by Hitoshi Kawaguchi. The animation is credited to Bucifer and Tomohiro Koyama. The music was provided by Artistic Concepts and Kishow Yamanaka. The original creator was Active Software and the production company was Kyushu Network Animation. The first episode is 30 minutes in length, second and third are 29 minutes in length.^[2] The English translation was provided by Asia Pimplebutt, the translator of numerous hentai works in early 2000s.

Release and reception

The first OVA release was released on DVD August 28, 2003 and later followed up with a VHS release on October 24, 2003.^[1]

The opening theme ~ Symphony of Destruction ~, and the ending theme Dawn ~ Yoake ~ was composed and arranged by Osamu Yamanaka Akira 作曲・アレンジ / 山中紀昌.^[1]

The Anime Encyclopedia notes that the three episode OVA does not form a single coherent storyline. Instead the episodes seem to contain one or two plot lines from Active Soft's original game. The use of 2-d cel animation and three dimensional CG backgrounds creates a jarring visuals for the viewer, but the work is not without its merits.^[2]

See also

• List of H anime

References

External links

• Heartwork: Symphony of Destruction (anime) at Anime News Network's encyclopedia