Review of Shakugan no Shana: Season I
With the enigma of Haruhi Suzumiya's character, ※Noiji Itō's other lead heroine, by design, is a firecracker: she's strong-willed, intuitive, and a badass fighter. In the concept of parallel dimensions, Shana is the centripetal force, freeing the souls of slaves to the "Crimson Denizens"! That premise and her iconic personality alone, was enough to get me to give this series a watch-through! ※Ms. Itō sure knows how to attach herself to good projects! ⚠️ This review will have spoilers ⚠️ —Story/Characters I have always been drawn to stories where a lone warrior fights the treacherous, supernatural entities to release humans as their slaves! That's why I loved "VampirePrincess Miyu" so much, as a teenager. There was just so much at stake, when the possibility of mortal death was readily on the table! The first episode of Shakugan no Shana has Yūji's pretty and kind classmate completely lose her soul, leaving her body, walking around as an empty husk! Something that was ultimately traumatic and irreversible! Right off the bat, they get you invested in a story that has high-stakes, where lives can be lost!
Unfortunately the adaptation veers off that trail, that is, until the very end... where the ante is suddenly cranked up to 200%! Which is a shame, because the ghost-lore that is incorporated within the mythos of the "Torches" — the concept of it is really fascinating, that memories are residual in the corporeal reality, until their flame is extinguished and then the person is wiped from all mortal memory! While I did like Shana and Yūji as a couple, I felt like the story zoomed-in more on that aspect and the love-triangle with Kazumi, rather than incorporating more of the cool aspects of the world. Though, seeing Shana try to uncomfortably integrate into Yūji's class was amusing and allows for cutesy, moe moments to happen! It was like the moments where InuYasha left the feudal era and tried to act normal in modern-day society!
—Technical
Luna's Favorite Works by Each Respective Creator = ✅
Takashi Watanabe (director), notable works:
* Abashiri Ikka
* Boogiepop wa Warawanai
* Casshern: Robot Hunter
* Dangerous Jiisan Ja
* Fortune Quest L
* Fūūn Ishin Dai☆Shogun
* Groove Adventure Rave ("Rave Master")
* Heavy Object
* Hidan no Aria
* Ichiban Ushiro no Daimaō
* Ikkitōsen
* Jigen Sengokushi: Kuro no Shishi — Jinnai-hen ("Black Lion")
* Lost Universe
* Miracle Giants Dōmu-kun
* Mutekiō Tri-Zenon
* Sanctuary
* Shin Hokuto no Ken
* Slayers ✅
* Slayers Next ✅
* Slayers Try ✅
* Slayers Revolution
* Slayers Evolution-R
* Starship Operators
* Taboo Tattoo
* Uchū Kaizoku Mito no Daibōken ("Space Pirate Mito")
* Ys ✅
* Ys: Tenkū no Shinden — Adol Christine no Bōken ✅
Commentary: I can't say that I'm a big fan of Mr. Watanabe's directing. The only shows that I truly like by him have strong characters ("Slayers") or a solid story ("Ys"). The animation in his productions can be choppy and looks low-budget. Shakugan no Shana (Season One) suffers from this, but it isn't as horrendous as some of his other shows; I'm assuming, because J.C. Staff allotted him with more expenditures and a more talented animation staff. Passable work on Shakugan no Shana, but the characters and story carry the anime more than the visuals or screenplay. Extra commentary on Mr. Watanabe's style is his issue with conveying dark or night-shaded scenes, the climactic battle against Hectate was less riveting, because it was hard to tell what was going on; I had the same issue with the lighting in "Boogiepop wa Warawanai"!
I watched "Shakugan no Shana (Season One)" with the Canadian dub, so I will list the Japanese seiyū, but comments will be on the performances of the English voice actors. Ocean Productions, Inc. localized the entire first season of Shakugan no Shana, under Geneon, and then Funimation acquired the rights, so the other three series have an entirely different vocal cast. I also included the Western animation parts because you'll see talents that worked on shows like "Ed, Edd n Eddy" and "X-Men: Evolution" mixed into the fray!
Rie Kugamiya as Shana, notable roles:
* Yūhi Katagiri, Akaneiro ni Somaru Saka
* Astarotte Ygvar, Astarotte no Omocha!
* Maya Jingu, Burn Up! Scramble ✅
* Drew, ēlDLIVE
* Flora Skybloom, Basquash!
* Nemu Kurotsuchi and Karin Kurosaki, Bleach
* Ikuto Noguchi, Digimon Savers
* Aguri Madoka, Dokidoki! PreCure ✅
* Rose, Dragon Crisis
* Happy, Fairy Tail ✅
* Alphonse Elric, Fullmetal Alchemist ✅
* Hotaru Imai, Gakuen Alice
* Sophia Hennes, Garo: Vanishing Line
* Masako Hara, Ghost Hunt
* Kagura, Gintama ✅
* Chaba, Gokicha!!
* Vyrn, Granblue Fantasy the Animation ✅
* Hasuta, Haiyore! Nyaruko-san
* Nagi Sanzenin, Hayate no Gotoku! ("Hayate the Combat Butler") ✅
* Alice Liddell, Gekijōban Heart no Kuni no Alice: Wonderful Wonder World
* Aria Holmes Kanzaki, Hidan no Aria
* Alexandrite, Hōseki no Kuni ✅
* Yukimura Sanada, Hyakka Ryōran: Samurai After
* Hoihoi-san, Ichigeki Sacchū!! Hoihoi-san
* Sukuna Gojō, K ✅
* Kurumi Hazuki, Kaitō Tenshi Twin Angel: Kyun Kyun☆Tokimeki Paradise!! ("Twin Angel: Twinkle Paradise")
* Mika Kujin, Kanamemo ✅
* Ning Fu, Ken En Ken: Aoki Kagayaki ("Xuan Yuan Sword Luminary")
* Diao He Liao, Kingdom
* Mari Kikui, Koiken!: Watashitachi Anime ni Nacchatta!
* Mami Mihashi, Konbini Kareshi
* Tio, Konjiki no Gash Bell!! ("Zatch Bell!") ✅
* Rokumon, Kyōkai no Rinne
* Koto, Kyōsō Giga
* Kaoru Daichi, Ladies versus Butlers!
* Kōya Sakagami, Loveless ✅
* Alisa Bannings, Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha ✅
* Daisuke Komori, Major
* Sena Kuroi, Mangaka-san to Assistant-san to The Animation
* Tōko Matsudaira, Maria-sama ga Miteru ✅
* Yuni, Mewkledreamy
* Mimi, Rin: Daughters of Mnemosyne ✅
* Nena Trinity, Kidō Senshi Gundam 00
* Nostradamus, Monster Strike
* Suzume Imamura, Munto
* Miharu Rokujō, Nabari no Ō
* Harley Quinn, Ninja Batman
* Kotora, Nyanbo!
* Ringo Kinoshita, Otogi Jūshi Akazukin ("Fairy Musketeers")
* Isabella Yamamoto, Paradise Kiss
* Rise Kujikawa, Persona 4
* Koboshi Uematsu, Pita Ten
* Meika Daihatsu, Punch Line
* Melona, Queen's Blade ✅
* Angela Balzac, Rakuen Tsuihō ✅
* Atsumi Miyagawa, Recorder to Randoseru ✅
* Mikan Katsuragi, Rental Magica
* Rizel Iwaki, Rizelmine
* Airi Yukifune, Robotics;Notes
* Mizore Shirayuki, Rosario to Vampire
* Yūki Kataoka, Saki ✅
* Thomas Dō, Santa Company
* Ulith, Selector Infected WIXOSS
* Yuzuki, Sengoku Night Blood
* Melty Do Granite, Shining Hearts: Shiawase no Pan ✅
* Momo Akanegakubo, Shokugeki no Sōma ✅
* Mametchi, Tamagotchi
* Iori Minase, The iDOLM@STER ✅
* Taiga Aisaka, Toradora! ✅
* Shannon, Umineko no Naku Koro ni ✅
* Kamyu, Utawarerumono ✅
* Kagura, Onmyōji: Heian Monogatari
* Louise Françoise Le Blanc de La Vallière, Zero no Tsukaima ("Familiar of Zero")
* Mio Tsukushi, Zettai Karen Children
Tabitha St. Germain as Shana, notable roles:
Eastern Animation
* Roberta, Black Lagoon ✅
* Pachi, Card Wang: Mix Master
* Alexa, Chō Robot Seimeitai Transformers Micron Densetsu
* Naomi Misora, Death Note ✅
* Chibi, Dragon Drive ✅
* Ranpha Franboise, Galaxy Angel (only in Season Four)
* Flay Allster and Haro, Kidō Senshi Gundam SEED ✅
* Hilda Harken and Haro, Kidō Senshi Gundam SEED Destiny ✅
* Pucca, Pucca
* Mafura-chan ("Pashmina"), Tottoko Hamtarō ✅
* Kaede Minami, Wagamama☆Fairy Mirumo de Pon!
Western Animation
* Dandelion, Barbie
* Nokama, Bionicle ✅
* Cheer Bear, Care Bears: Adventures in Care-a-lot ✅
* Shirley Stygimoloch, Spikey Stygimoloch, Keenan Chirostenotes, Mrs. Conductor the Troodon, Patricia Paleobatrachus, Minnie Microraptor, Mikey Microraptor, Angela Avisaurus, Mrs. Deinonychus, Arlene Archaeopteryx, Cindy Cimolestes, Sonja Styracosaurus, and Stephie Styracosaurus — Dinosaur Train
* Nazz, Ed, Edd n Eddy ✅
* Pepeline, Felidae
* Maria Hill and Technovore, Iron Man: Armored Adventures
* Martha and Mariela Lorraine, Martha Speaks
* Mistaké, Lego Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu
* Matha, Max & Ruby
* Penny Plutonium, ¡Mucha Lucha! ✅
* Rarity, Princess Luna ("Nightmare Moon"), Bon Bon, Cup Cake, and Derpy Hooves — My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic ✅
* Kala, Voltron Force
* Danielle Moonstar, X-Men: Evolution ✅
Commentary: Years before I got around to finishing the first season of Shakugan no Shana, I watched the first seven episodes in Japanese, and let me say, Ms. Germain gives a really accurate portrayal of how Shana is supposed to talk. The only real difference is that Ms. Germain's voice is more of a nasally cute, and Ms. Kugamiya's voice is more youthful and high-pitched by comparison. I was really impressed though, Ms. Germain did a great job with the role!
Satoshi Hino as Yūji Sakai, notable roles:
* Tōma, Amnesia
* Hiro Iokawa, Asatte no Hōkō.
* Mari Tachibana, Back Street Girls: Gokudolls
* Akito Takagi, Bakuman. ✅
* Botasky, Cat Shit One
* Ryō Sayama, Code Geass: Akito the Exiled
* Ryō Asuka, Cyborg 009 VS Devilman ✅
* Albert Heinrich ("004"), Cyborg 009: Call of Justice ✅
* Noiz, DRAMAtical Murder
* Kamui, Gintama
* Daichi Sawamura, Haikyū!! ✅
* Ao and Sōsuke Inukawa, Hakkenden
* Naozumi Tsuchida, Hanamaru Yōchien
* Kōkin Shūyu, Ikkitōsen
* Haruto Fuwa, Imōto sae Ireba Ii. ✅
* Seiji Komatsu, Itoshi no Muco
* Kyōjurō Rengoku, Kimetsu no Yaiba ✅
* Kō'ichi Sanada, KimiKiss Pure Rouge
* Reiji Myōga, Kiniro no Corda: Blue♪Sky
* Hetian Ji, Kitsune no Koe
* Ikuto Sonomura, Kuro to Kin no Akanai Kagi.
* Kinjirō Sakamachi, Mayo Chiki!
* Ryo Magami, Mazinkaiser SKL
* Kyōya Tategami, Metal Fight Beyblade
* Kō'ichi Aizawa, Nabari no Ō
* Sai, Naruto: Shippūden
* Nitaro, Nitabō
* Riken Yoshinokazura, Otome Yōkai Zakuro
* Momonga, Overlord ✅
* Shō Iwaizumi, Rail Wars! ✅
* Kineshi Hairo, Saiki Kusuo no Ψ-nan ✅
* Yūri Mito, Tayutama: Kiss on My Deity
* Shiage Hamazura, Toaru Majutsu no Index
* Tōya Kamijō, Trick or Alice
* Hayato Shinkai, Yowamushi Pedal
* Rei Shingetsu, Yū☆Gi☆Ō!
* Matsukichi, Yurumates
* Saito Hiiraga, Zero no Tsukaima
Kristen Ayre as Yūji Sakai, notable roles:
* Cloud Van Giruet, Erementer Gerad
Commentary: I never watched the "Erementer Gerad" dub, so I had never heard Mr. Ayre's voice before his role as Yūji Sakai. Yūji sounds kind of awkward at the start of the show, but as it progresses, it seems like he really warms up to the role and does a really good job with the character!
Ayako Kawasumi as Kazumi Yoshida, notable roles:
* Atoli, .hack//G.U.
* Aoi Sakuraba, Ai Yori Aoshi ✅
* Moffle, Amagi Brilliant Park ✅
* Nanoca Flanka, Aoi Umi no Tristia
* Yuriko Aoki, Bakuman. ✅
* Mai Shinomiya, Battle Spirits: Brave
* Anego, Dai Mahō-Tōge ✅
* Harumi Fudō, Dororon Enma-kun Meeramera ✅
* Fear, DT Eightron
* Fō, Fate/Grand Order ✅
* Saber ("Artoria Pendragon"), Fate/stay night ✅
* Kiriko Hattori, Fūūn Ishin Dai☆Shogun
* Sara Halifa, Gallery Fake
* Ruriko Ikusawa, Gate Keepers
* Kanako Ōno, Genshiken ✅
* Tazusa Sakurano, Ginban Kaleidoscope
* Kei, Girls und Panzer ✅
* Gendōmaru, Gintama
* Miharu Sena Kanaka, Girls Bravo
* Tomoko Nomura, Great Teacher Onizuka
* Elle, Groove Adventure Rave ("Rave Master")
* Mishio Manami, Haja Kyosei G Dangaiō
* Watatsuki no Yorihime, Hifū Katsudō Kiroku: The Sealed Esoteric History ✅
* Nono Ichinose, Hitohira
* Matsuri Sakuragi, Ichigo Mashimaro ("Strawberry Marshmallow") ✅
* Liliane, Kaibutsu Ōjo
* Chikane Himemiya, Kannazuki no Miko
* Chizuru Minamoto, Kanokon
* Hikari Hoshino, Kono Minikuku mo Utsukushii Sekai
* Kurau Amami, Kurau Phantom Memory ✅
* Tomomi Saikyō, Ladies versus Butlers!
* Mahoro Andō, Mahoromatic ✅
* Shizuru Hibara, Mokke
* Miroku, Monster Strike
* Kaede Shiranui, Ninin ga Shinobuden ("Ninja Nonsense") ✅
* Megumi Noda, Nodame Cantabile ✅
* Asami Onohara, Okusama wa Joshikōsei (TV)
* Mizuka Nagamori, One: Kagayaku Kisetsu e
* Ayumi, Otogi Story Tenshi no Shippo
* Alice and Will of the Abyss, Pandora Hearts ✅
* Rikotto, Parol no Miraijima
* Miu Nomura, Piano (TV)
* Mikan Natsu, Potemayo ✅
* Yuki Azuma, Princess Nine: Kisaragi Joshikō Yakyūbu
* Elmina, Puchi Pri*Yucie
* Leina Vance, Queen's Blade ✅
* Melfina, Seihō Bukyō Outlaw Star ✅
* Lafiel Abriel, Seikai no Monshō ("Crest of the Stars") ✅
* Miyuri Tsujidō, Seikon no Qwaser
* Hanayo, Selector Infected WIXOSS (series)
* Kurumi Matsumoto, Seraphim Call
* Shion Yasuoka, Shion no Ō
* Chikage, Sister Princess
* Kiriko Mamiya, Skull Man ✅
* Otoha Sakurano, Sky Girls
* Sara Werec, Sōkō no Strain
* Sara Mudo, Tenshi Kinryoku ("Angel Sanctuary") ✅
* Nanao Akita, Terra Formars
* Akari Kamigishi, To Heart ✅
* Saki Tenjōin, To LOVEる ✅
* Gerda, Yuki no Joō ("The Snow Queen") ✅
* Tōko Mishima, Yume Tsukai
* Shizuno Misaki, Zegapain
* Henrietta de Tristain, Zero no Tsukaima
* Erika Kuramoto, Zettai Junpaku♡Mahō Shōjo
* Leena Toros, Zoids
Chantal Strand as Kazumi Yoshida, notable roles:
Eastern Animation
* Penril and Poy, Card Wang: Mix Master
* Feldt Grace, Kidō Senshi Gundam 00
* Lacus Clyne, Kidō Senshi Gundam SEED and Destiny ✅
* Ching, Pucca
* Ruri Sarasa, Tokyo Underground
* Ribon-chan ("Bijou"), Tottoko Hamtarō ✅
Western Animation
* Kelly, Barbie ✅
* McKenna, Care Bears: Adventures in Care-a-lot ✅
* Valerie Velociraptor, Dinosaur Train
* Pink Sunsparkle, StarSong, and Tiddlywink — My Little Pony
* Diamond Tiara and Spoiled Rich, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic ✅
* Gemini Stone, Pi, and Bernard — Sabrina: The Animated Series
* Nibbles, Tom and Jerry Tales
* Wolfsbane, X-Men: Evolution ✅
Commentary: Ms. Strand did wonderfully with Kazumi Yoshida! She depicts her doting and very feminine, which fits her personality. Wonderful work! I really enjoyed her as Lacus Clyne in the English dub of Kidō Senshi Gundam SEED, too!
Shizuka Itō as Wilhelmina Carmel, notable roles:
* Haruka Morishima, Amagami SS
* Irina Jelavić, Ansatsu Kyōshitsu ("Assassination Classroom") ✅
* Nana Mishima, Area no Kishi
* Shōko Nogami, Asatte no Hōkō.
* Hildegard, Beelzebub ✅
* Valkyrie, Bikini Warriors
* Minako Aino, Bishōjo Senshi Sailor Moon Crystal
* Amanda Werner, Blassreiter
* Takao, D-Frag!
* Lenalee Lee, D.Gray-man
* Naoto Fuyumine, Dogs: Bullets & Carnage
* Nadie, El Cazador de la Bruja
* Flare Corona, Fairy Tail
* Luviagelita Edelfelt, Fate/stay night ✅
* Suiren Kōshū, Getsumen To Heiki Mina
* Theoria, Ginga Kikōtai Majestic Prince
* Kei Enomoto, Hatsukoi Limited.
* Hinagiku Katsura, Hayate no Gotoku! ("Hayate the Combat Butler") ✅
* Momoka Kurumi, HeartCatch PreCure! ✅
* Frolaytia Capistrano, Heavy Object
* Akeno Himejima, High School DxD ✅
* Iori Yoshizuka, I''s Pure
* Fujiko Etō, Ichiban Ushiro no Daimaō
* Nanami Ota, Iron Man
* Koko Hekmatyar, Jormungand ✅
* Shinra Kuonji, Kimi ga Aruji de Shitsuji ga Ore de
* Misa Kakizaki, Mahō Sensei Negima!
* Christiane Friedrich, Maji de Watashi ni Koi Shinasai!
* Rei Hasekura, Maria-sama ga Miteru ✅
* Yukari Satō, Mudazumo Naki Kaikaku: The Legend of Koizumi
* Tatiana Vishneva, Nodame Cantabile
* Tōko Sumikaze, Occultic;Nine ✅
* Ryōko Ōkami, Ōkami-san to Shichinin no Nakama-tachi ("Okami-San and Her Seven Companions")
* Bel, Pokémon Best Wishes!
* Yayoi Kunizuka, Psycho-Pass ✅
* Alice L. Malvin, Pumpkin Scissors
* Liliana, Queen's Blade
* Manami Kuroha, Rental Magica
* Sumika Nagai, Sagashita no wa Ōeya, Mitsuketa no wa Mirai
* Hisa Takei, Saki ✅
* Sakurako Kujō, Sakurako-san no Ashimoto ni wa Shitai ga Umatteiru
* Benitsubasa, Sekirei
* Akiha Tōno, Shingetsutan Tsukihime ✅
* Rindō Kobayashi, Shokugeki no Sōma ✅
* Belial, Sin: Nanatsu no Taizai ✅
* Eika Ichijō, Sky Girls
* Chitose Akiyama, Softenni
* Shinon Kōzuki, Starship Operators
* Hanna-Justina Marseille, Strike Witches ✅
* Bellows, Suisei no Gargantia ✅
* Mifuyu Kisaragi, Tayutama: Kiss on My Deity
* Bōta and Darry Adai, Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann ✅
* Michelle K. Davis, Terra Formars
* Ran, Texhnolyze ✅
* Tamaki Kōsaka, To Heart 2 ✅
* Kaori Kanzaki, Toaru Majutsu no Index ✅
* Melda Deitz, Uchū Senkan Yamato 2199 ✅
* Shiori Tsuzuki, Witchblade ✅
* Kozue Takanashi, Working!! ✅
* Himawari Kunogi, xxxHOLIC
* Ai Kaminari, Yatterman
* Alōette, Yoru no Yatterman
* Maiko Okamoto, Young Black Jack
* Kotona Elegance, Zoids Genesis
Anna Cummer as Wilhelmina Carmel, notable roles:
Eastern Animation
* Nozomi Daichi, Chikyū Bōei Kazoku
* Vanilla H, Galaxy Angel
* Miriallia Haww, Kidō Senshi Gundam SEED ✅
* Mea, Popotan
* Miyuki Kuroi, Rockman.EXE
Western Animation
* Princess Starglo, Care Bears: Share Bear Shines ✅
* Strawberry Shortcake, Strawberry Shortcake's Berry Bitty Adventures ✅
* Thumbelina, Barbie Presents: Thumbelina
* Virginia "Pepper" Potts, Iron Man: Armored Adventures
* Star Light and Heart Bright, My Little Pony ✅
* Dawn, The Barbie Diaries
* Caprice, Barbie: Princess Charm School
Commentary: Ms. Cummer as Wilhelmina Carmel was good, it didn't stand out as much as some of the other performances, but I guess that's good because a) she's playing a maid character and b) the other anime role that I saw her in (as Miriallia Haww in "Kidō Senshi Gundam SEED" notably) is very much the girl-next-door type of role, so I suppose that she's really good at playing sweetly demure characters with less of a presence! Wonderful work, though!
Mamiko Noto as Hectate, notable roles:
* Karen Minamino, AIka
* Fiona, Allison to Lillia
* Mayumi Fujimiya, Aquarian Age
* Felicità, Arcana Famiglia
* Azusa, Azusa Otetsudai Shimasu!
* Alice Gehabich, Bakugan Battle Brawlers
* Saya Irino ("Black★Gold Saw"), Black★Rock Shooter ✅
* Makie Otono-Tachibana, Blade of the Immortal
* Takami Komoda, Bokura no ✅
* Lilica Evette, Burn Up Scramble
* Kotomi Ichinose, Clannad ✅
* Satomi Anzaki, Dear Boys
* Yukihime, Dororon Enma-kun Meeramera ✅
* Jil, Druaga no Tou: The Aegis of Uruk ✅
* Yuka, Elfen Lied
* Mavis Vermillion, Fairy Tail ✅
* Satellizer el Bridget, Freezing
* Alex Benedetto, Gangsta.
* Yukinari Sasaki, Girls Bravo
* CAL-141, Halo Legends
* Mitsuki Ikuta, Hit wo Nerae!
* Aya Tōjō, Ichigo 100%
* Ana Coppola, Ichigo Mashimaro ("Strawberry Marshmallow") ✅
* Rin, InuYasha ✅
* Ai Enma, Jigoku Shōjo ✅
* Ayano Satō, Joshikōsei: Girl's High
* Neiro, Kaiba ✅
* Aoi Kannazuki, Kaibutsu Ōjo
* Kōta Oyamada, Kanokon
* Fujino Asagami, Kara no Kyōkai ✅
* Sawako Kuronuma, Kimi ni Todoke ✅
* Kyoko Asahina, 北へ。 ～Diamond Dust Drops～
* Emi Kizaki, Kurogane no Linebarrels
* Nodoka Miyazaki, Mahō Sensei Negima!
* Einhart Stratos, Mahou Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha ViVid ✅
* Ōka Sayama, Manyū Hikenchō
* Shimako Tōdō, Maria-sama ga Miteru ✅
* Yuri Takikago, Mawaru Penguindrum ✅
* Rin Asogi, Rin: Daughters of Mnemosyne ✅
* Anna Liebert, Monster ✅
* Shizu Murasume, TO LOVEる ✅
* Tsukiko Sagi, Paranoia Agent ✅
* Inia Sestina, Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse ✅
* Narue Nanase, Narue no Sekai
* Akira Sakura, Shadow Star Narutaru ✅
* Moriko Morioka, Recovery of an MMO Junkie ✅
* Saeko Okuyama, Niji-iro Hotaru: Eien no Natsuyasumi
* Haruka Nogizaka, Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu
* Ririka Nishizono, Occultic;Nine
* Fūka Yamagishi, Persona 3
* Tomoe, Queen's Blade ✅
* Nayu Hasegawa, Rō-Kyū-Bu! ✅
* Aria, Saint Seiya Omega
* Yakumo Tsukamoto, School Rumble
* Iona Urazoe, Selector Spread WIXOSS
* Kenshin Uesugi, Sengoku Collection
* Limone, Simōn
* Matsuri Shihō, Sola ✅
* Yuki Sōya, Taishō Baseball Girls
* Noel Hiiragi, Tansu Warashi.
* Aisa Himegami, Toaru Majutsu no Index ✅
* Esther Blanchett, Trinity Blood ✅
* Benten, Uchōten Kazoku ✅
* Rinko Jerrard, The Law of Ueki
* Masane Amaha, Witchblade ✅
* Kotori Monō, X ✅
* Hazuki Azuma, Yami to Bōshi to Hon no Tabibito ✅
* Kaori, Yojōhan Shinwa Taikei ✅
* Megumi Hasegawa, よみがえる空 -Rescue Wings-
* Tiffania Westwood, Zero no Tsukaima
* Kotone Sasaki, Zettai Junpaku♡Mahō Shōjo
Brenna O'Brien as Hectate, notable roles:
Eastern Animation
* Pan, Dragon Ball Z
* Reverie Metherlence, Erementer Gerad
* Rin, InuYasha ✅
* Nono, Popotan
Commentary: The only other role that I've heard Ms. O'Brien is as Rin in "InuYasha" — this role is very similar to that one. Her portrayal of Hectate is very kiddish-sounding and shy. Outstanding job!
Hitomi Nabatame as Margery Daw, notable roles:
* Nanao Ise, Bleach
* Noi, Blue Dragon: Tenkai no Shichi Ryū
* Kanade Sakurai, Candy Boy ✅
* Kiri Kikyō, Canvas 2: Niji-iro no Sketch
* Sena Aoi, ChäoS;HEAd ✅
* Mana Aida, Dokidoki! PreCure ✅
* Bazett Fraga McRemitz, Fate/kaleid liner Prisma☆Illya
* Kanade Yūki, Fortune Arterial: Akai Yakusoku
* Kei Kishimoto, Gantz ✅
* Erika Itsumi, Girls und Panzer ✅
* Kanade Jinguji, Gokujō Seitokai
* Yukiji Katsura, Hayate no Gotoku! ("Hayate the Combat Butler")
* Raynare, High School DxD ✅
* Sphene, Hōseki no Kuni ✅
* Nobue Itō, Ichigo Mashimaro ("Strawberry Marshmallow") ✅
* Unchō Kan'u, Ikkitōsen ✅
* Eriko Takahashi, Joshikōsei: Girl's High
* Momoko Orizuka, Kenkō Zenrakei Suieibu Umishō
* Sonken Chūbō, Kōtetsu Sangokushi
* Rokumon, Kyōkai no Rinne ("RIN-NE")
* Yuna Miyama, Maburaho
* Eriko Torii, Maria-sama ga Miteru ✅
* Rina Tachibana, Mushi-Uta ✅
* Miki Onimaru, Muteki Kanban Musume
* Cryska Barchenowa, Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse ✅
* Niboshi, Nyamen
* Reiko Shirai, Ōyasan wa Shishunki!
* Saori Makishima, Ore no Imōto ga Konnani Kawaii Wake ga Nai ✅
* Shizuru, Princess Connect! Re:Dive ✅
* Kagura, Prism Ark
* Hime Petit, Prism Magical: Prism Generations!
* Shizuka, Queen's Blade ✅
* Liru, Renkin 3-kyū Magical? Pokān ✅
* Matsuri, Rocket Girls
* Mikoto Suō, School Rumble
* Uzume, Sekirei
* Arcueid Brunestud, Shingetsutan Tsukihime ✅
* Akira Tōdō, Special A
* Shizuma Hanazono, Strawberry Panic ✅
* Fanatio Synthesis Two, Sword Art Online ✅
* Yuma Tonami, To Heart 2 ✅
* Eirin Yagokoro, 東方 Niji Sōsaku Dōjin Anime: Musō Kakyō ✅
* Vivienne Ōtori, UG☆Ultimate Girls
* Minami Yūri, VitaminX Addiction
* Akane Ryūzōji, Walkure Romance
* Kazusa Tōma, White Album 2 ✅
* Ryoko Yakushiji, Yakushiji Ryōko no Kaiki Jikenbo
* Feena Fam Earthlight, Yoake Mae yori Ruriiro na: Crescent Love
* Misa Anehara, Yoku Wakaru Gendai Mahō
Janyse Jaud as Margery Daw, notable roles:
Eastern Animation
* Tae Shimura, Gintama° ✅
* Aira, Green Legend Ran ✅
* Kyala, Hightlander: The Search for Vengeance ✅
* Kanna and Kagura, InuYasha ✅
* Tachikoma, Kōkaku Kidōtai: Stand Alone Complex — The Laughing Man ✅
* Kuromitsu, Kurozuka
* Akemi Roppongi, Maison Ikkoku ✅
* Mocchi, Monster Farm: Enbanseki no Himitsu ✅
* Mariko Ozono, Rockman.EXE
* Bloodberry, Saber Marionette R ✅
* Eriya, Tenkū no Escaflowne ("The Vision of Escaflowne") ✅
* Keno Inuzaka, The Hakkenden
* Felicia, Vampire Hunter ("Night Warriors: Darkstalkers' Revenge") ✅
* Siu Lan, Xiao Qian
Western Animation
* Harley Quinn, Martha Wayne, and Catwoman — Batman: Black and White
* Eunice and Windy, Dragon Tales
* Sarah and Lee Kanker — Ed, Edd n Eddy ✅
* Tina and Computer Agent, G.I. Joe Extreme
* Phoebe, Littlest Pet Shop
* Spike and Mom, Monster Mash
* Dragonfly, Zebrina Twins, and Ham Hands — ¡Mucha Lucha! ✅
* Mrs. Trotsworth, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic ✅
* Leila Leigh and Bosley, Sabrina: The Animated Series
* Lizard Woman, Spider-Man Unlimited
* Celia, Mailei, and Sachi — Street Fighter (1995)
* Sherkie, Tom and Jerry Tales
* Snarf, Trollz ✅
* Taryn, Riley's Friend, and Amy — X-Men: Evolution ✅
Commentary: I have really enjoyed Ms. Jaud in every anime role that I've seen her in, she typically plays the more sultry women or is someone who often falls under the bishōjo-archetype niche, and I get a kick out of her playing two of the Kanker sisters in "Ed, Edd n Eddy"! Ms. Jaud as Margery Daw was one of the best performances in the show, she was able to convey her emotional complexities really well! Amazing performance!
I blame most of the issues that I had with Shakugan no Shana on the directing, and that includes the choice to make the dialogue overwrought with exposition. It is a trope that usually plagues light novel adaptations, but there are loopholes and techniques that the production staff can use to keep from stumbling. Despite the pitfalls in the production and adaptational drawbacks, the premise and characters in Shakugan no Shana are still really strong and this strength comes through with their array of colorful personalities. I give the first season a 5/10!
Rating: ★★★☆☆