The code was pretty straightforward, really. Some stuff had to be hacked up here and there, but it works.

As you can tell by the windows being drawn, the left picture was taken on Windows XP and the one on the right is on Linux.

While only two devices are being linked here, the code actually allows an infinite number of devices to be interconnected. Naturally, there will be problems with data replication and synchronization here if multiple people try to set a value to a cell (be it the same one or a different one), but whatever.

Or has there been others? Regardless of whether other anime series has pulled this feat before, this is still really rather odd. Here, take a look at these two items in question. Yes, of course I know it’s in Japanese, but just scroll down and take a look at those prices.

What’s that? Is that a five digit number? Why yes, it looks like it says ¥60,000. For your information, sixty thousand yen roughly converts to about five hundred US dollars.

Yeah, that’s right, you heard me, I said 500 USD.

From my understanding, the specifications of this DVD set are as follows:

• all five DVDs (I believe it notes that the other DVDs will be shipped as the regular DVDs are released)
• A3 sized (297 x 420 mm, 11.69 x 16.54 in.) risograph (available in Matsuri or Aono versions), signed by Naru Nanao herself with a specific serial number, and no you can’t pick your serial number
• special telephone cards with the DVDs (in risograph form again, I believe it says?)

With five DVDs in this deal, they’re essentially asking for a hundred US dollars a pop. I think Naru Nanao’s art is great too, but I don’t know if an A3 sized and signed risograph is enough to make too many people fork out that kind of money.

How well will this sell? It’s a tough call, really. This is really a big problem I have with the Japanese releases of anime series, the timing is just plain bad. How can anyone be willing to lay down five hundred dollars when the series isn’t even over? Dude, you’re airing episode four tomorrow and you’re taking orders already? What if the ending sucks?

The first DVD ships on June 22nd right when episode 12 airs, which, according to Wikipedia, will be the last episode. This “barely” works out for shows that runs for one season but not for anything else, really. Okay, so you watch the last episode and cry manly tears on the last episode and head over to Amazon.co.jp to lay down your order but oh, of course, you can’t get the first presses / limited editions because all those psychic people that knew about the awesome ending already ordered it preemptively. Come on man, this is just low.