Why Danganronpa IF Is So Great 

Comment question: What is your favorite AU of all time? (For any property, not just Danganronpa.)

When I first read DR IF, it made Mukuro my favorite character. Which is why I also cannot take the DR3 anime's version of Mukuro as canon.

Naegi in the true ending: let's not go to hope's peak, it is a silly place

“You all can go just give up your talents” Leon: Lmao bro say less

Celestia: Gotta give up gambling. Had a feeling my next gamble wouldn't pay off. Leon: (Sarcasm) oh no, I have to give up baseball. Daaaaarn. Makoto: I don't have a power so I don't really care. Mondo: Can't be a criminal. Gotta become Prime Minister. Japanese politicians ain't ever done bad stuff. Ishimaru: Dibs on biker. Sayaka: gonna give Country Music a shot Yamada talking to Toko: want to swap?

Wow I really wish Mukuro would have lived. I've had very verbally abusive people in my life and thay scene where Junko says goodbye really hit me hard. I had a feeling that their relationship might be toxic like this but seeing it written out is another thing enturely. I've started reading the light novels and I can wait to read If.

channel name wasnt lying, that nezumi sure does VA 😳

I think some people overlook how interesting the first game really is, from it’s entire setting to the overarching story to the deeper morals of trust and the will to keep pushing forward. It’s especially interesting to see the story be taken in fascinating little directions like this

It is interesting to me that her backup plan is apparently a hair stylist. Given that the interest she shows subjects like hair and makeup, which Junko is supposedly an expert in, seems at least somewhat genuine.

I think it was really interesting for you to talk about how this story characterizes mukuro compared to how she's characterized I'm DR3. I'll definitely need to check out IF for myself, and I CANT WAIT to see you tackle DR3 ( Oh and also v3 lol)

Oh man, I'm already crying. "This is an act of mercy." That scene was already so powerful, but you put into words why it impacted me so much. Junko and Mukuro's relationship is so heartbreaking to me; filled with abuse, but also love, albeit a twisted one. It pulls at my heart strings. And yeah, how DR3 handled it was... disappointing to say the least. Also, Kyouko/Mukuro is a GREAT ship thank you for acknowledging that. Personally, I'm partial to Mukuro/Makoto/Kyouko/Sayaka for this series, I love all sides of it. I also love Chihiro/Mukuro! They're underrated. DR:IF is great and I love how it explores Mukuro. Mukuro is one of my favorites because of it, I think how they characterize her is really good. It was amazing. I think you really articulated why; Mukuro's relationship with Junko and Makoto, and how those relationships contrast, was really the backbone of IF, I think. I honestly didn't expect you to do IF, but I'm glad you did! Despite being so short, it's one of my favorite installments of DR, along with SDR2 and DR0. Glad you could cover it!

mukuro is my favorite char in the series but i hate how she's basically kodaka's punching bag lmao, reduced to just an incestuous mess in the anime and neglected in terms of sprites

Danganronpa IF is literally borderline fanfiction, but it still has better writing than all three arcs of DR3 put together.

fuck that scrapped ending hit me hard almost wish it was kept in the game i love everyone just melancholically considering what to do with their lives now that their ambitions are out the window hits far far far too close to home for me dont really like the dream angle tho

IF is the main reason why I like Mukuro. Which is why it's a shame they changed up her personality in DR3 to be a lot more masochistic, which is not a trait I got out of IF, in fact, she says outright that she's not one.

Man, I forgot how great this story was. I remember Narita gushing about Danganronpa in the afterword of one of his novels, but I didn't realize he himself went on to write something for the franchise. You can tell he wrote IF with the passion of a real fan of the original work.

IF is my favorite piece of danganronpa media for EXACTLY the reasons you mentioned, the leon/sayaka moment and mondo riding in ON HIS EXECUTION BIKE destroyed me. beautiful video

I loved DR IF and would totally get a sequel to it. The worst part of it is that it made me wish Mukuro survived at least a bit longer into the original game.

In the scrapped ending when monokuma gives naegi the escape button and says "if you press it you will end the world, it will be true despair" and I think he saying this to the player which ending the fiction/world for you and true despair as in you will feel it cause you just ended and stopped the game you love, no more. And I just love that shit.

I love your danganronpa retrospectives so much! They actually ended up getting me more into the series and I'm now playing the games. You approach the series so well, and I really appreciate that you give warnings for and criticize the more badly handled (or even harmful) content in the games. I like listening to video essays or retrospectives while drawing and I've listened to your dr videos at least two or three times each lol, they're so eloquent and enjoyable while being informative and even giving me a new appreciation for parts of the series. Just wanted to let you know that these videos are great and you're an awesome creator!

I love how monokuma is Self aware and Makoto is mildly confused 🤣🤣

I always thought Mukuro was one of the most wasted characters in all of DR. She was SO fascinating to me in THH, I loved the mystery surrounding her and I was dying to know more about her. The anime disappointed me so much. I thought it would've been so fun if she was Junko's original nemesis while being her beloved twin, the first person to ever catch on to what Junko was trying to do, trying to stop her, only to end up losing and brainwashed during their last showdown. So much despair to be had there. But nah, let's just make her a spineless ally for absolutely no reason.

always a pleasure seeing your takes on this series. feels refreshing that there's someone that acknowledges what makes it click for so many while also not being afraid to take its bad points to task.

Before reading DR:IF: interesting character wish i learn more about her After reading DR:IF: Number one best girl ! i love her very much❤️ and i pledge my allegiance to Naekusaba forever

It's such an incredible pairing, using Umineko's BGMs for this. Just fantastic uses of each one.

I love how the script ending is like Undertale resets, keeping some memories of previous runs, allowing for different events and potentially different outcomes.

Monster is such a fitting song. I love it. Even if it is not canon, I love mukuro's redemption and depth this story gives her. I would've loved if mukuro stayed longer in the original game too, would have been so interesting to see how she would have been reacting to the events around her and how the others would've if she was revealed as a traitor. Excellent video. 😁

Togami: I am perfect Every other togami fan: yes, you are perfect

Danganronpa IF is so compelling, I wish we could have more content for an IF au because Mukuro is such an interesting character. I love your essay videos, they're so well done and great to listen too! :D

Yo. YO. DID I JUST HEAR A PARAMORE COVER?! And I thought I loved you for your Dr retrospectives and impeccable commentary already. I have that particular song on my fangan playlist already, SO happy to hear it here!!

The editing on these just keeps getting better and better.

At this point you've just convinced me I need to read everything ever written by the writer of Baccano because it seems like the only common thread I've found is that every part of fiction I ever love springs forth from their brow I was also TREMENDOUSLY disappointed to see DR3's Mukuro be the most subservient and yet excited that Junko tried to kill her - and like, I get it, DRif only works because Mukuro had blind faith followed by betrayal. But god damn, did they have to make it so Junko tries to kill Mukuro at every opportunity? In all honesty, that choice also ruins DR1 - where Mukuro basically says "It wasn't supposed to go like this" before *dying*. Like, come on. What the fuck. Anyway that's why the DR3 anime's depiction of Mukuro isn't canon thanks for coming to my TED talk

This video was great, it really solidified Mukuro as my favorite character. Hopefully one day we get a Danganronpa IF spin-off universe and see more of her. Naegi x Mukuro for life!

i really liked this video! i've been uninterested in danganronpa for a while now and you're making me want to read the light novels. are you planning on covering any of the manga or other media in the future? the pacing of reading directly and then breaking to add your own thoughts and insight makes this a lot easier to consume. (on another note: for a series that handles mental health so badly its wild to see how well the sisters relationship was conveyed)

Really sucks they had to make Mukuro a masochistic sister complex in dr3. I loved her character in the IF story...

I need to admit.. THAT NARRATIVE YOU PUT INTO THIS WAS SO FUCKING AWSOME! IT MAKES ME OMG IT FILLED ME WITH EXCITEMENT!! perfect. I have now more appreciation towards Mukuro, Gosh, THAT was an ending and god bless DANGANROPA IF because THAT WAS SO AAAAAAAAAAA GORGEOUS

Really enjoyed this one! Glad I've stuck around after my Madoka Magica phase because your stuff is great, these Danganronpa retrospectives in particular are some of my favorite analyses of games on RU-vid. The mix of breakdown and discussion is really nice and helps people unfamiliar digest the points well in addition to being a nice refresher for people who have played it before. It's also just really nice to listen to. I hope your stuff keeps getting more attention because you definitely deserve it :)

Isn't it curious how even in the little cut ending from the begging of the video, mukuro feels like a character and we can see ambitions of her outside of her sister and that's really sweet too!

[V3 Spoilers] Any y'all notice how Tsumugi never did Mukuro drag? Or even drag of Mukuro in Enoshima drag? She even did Sayaka and Impostor in Byakuya drag, who never appeared in a trial.

I feel like Mukuro doesn't get enough love. When the DR3 anime came out I was happy to see her not only animated but appearing at all outside of DR1 and not having to see her dressed like Junko. Though it IS disappointing how they decided to portray her in the anime, years back I remember reading a translated version of the IF story somewhere online before it was officially localized with DR2 and I remember loving it and loving Mukuro. I don't care whether it's "canon" or not, to me IF Mukuro is the true Mukuro Ikusaba in my opinion. I just wish she got more attention not just from the fans but from the creators of the games, not to mention I want to see more of Mukuro WITHOUT the Junko disguise. It's just a shame that IF doesn't have a continuation, it would be interesting to see how the overall story would change with everyone making it out alive. Obviously they would join Future Foundation but would Naegi be treated the same? since he wouldn't be knock as the Ultimate Hope and since Junko is alive I imagine she would cause a lot of chaos. As for Mukuro herself I doubt she would even be allowed to join the Foundation, Toko barely made it as a intern, so there is no way Mukuro is being let anywhere near their organization.(Those emails sent to Naegi in DR2 and the people you see in DR3 are a good indication on how they would react to her.)

GOD im so excited for this- i just finished reading IF and mukuro is now my favorite character!! can't wait for this to go up :)

I'm glad you talked about how Dr 3 anime and Dr IF Mukuro different.

Danganronpa IF is amazing. It alone makes Mukuro my favorite character in the series. Poor girl deserved better. Another thing I really like about IF is that it makes the concept of Ultimate Despairs somewhat more believable. By breaking down Mukuro's thoughts and emotions, it touches on how they think, how they operate, how they interact with one another, their motivations and limitations. It's easy to look at the Ultimate Despairs and see villains who are evil just for evil's sake and that's a little true. But IF shows how a person could reasonably be an Ultimate Despair, and I really like that. Also, it's a little spooky how well Paramore's Monster fits Mukuro at the end of IF.

I love Danganronpa IF, but one of my biggest problems with it is how the nurse's office is a common location used when it wasn't even unlocked in the main story at this point. It's so inconsequential to the story, as the scenes it took place in could've really happened everywhere and still had the same effect, but for some reason it always bugs me 😭

Danganronpa If would be perfect to adapt into an OVA

Mukuro's resolve always gives me chills, she's a absolute badass

Hold on I thought there was a whole bit about Makoto saving Ikusaba and ending up in the infermary, Ikusaba fighting Monokuma as the SHL soldier and Junko exposing herself At one point Mondo joined in to help Did I dream that? Was that just a fanfic?? Edit : oooooohhhh never mind.

really glad to see you posting these, i'm sure they take quite a while to make since they're always so long, but i look forward to watching each of them. keep it up!

Such an underrated aspect of the game, I just love the idea of a happy ending alternate universe. Now why can't the spin-off material take more inspiration from her characterization 😔

I missed the start of the premiere but I’ll be back to watch this later, I love drawing while listening to your retrospectives

IF is very good and I was so disappointed about the franchise after DR3 went in a completely different direction that it's a minor miracle i played V3 at all. (That one EERILY PRESCIENT line from Kirigiri though, OH WOW, I'd forgotten about that!)

So excited for this one, love your content, it’s what got me into playing the first two

Ayyyye! I'm ready for this. I just now got into the extra content of Danganronpa, so it'll be cool to hear your thoughts on this seeing as I just read the synopsis of this a few days ago.

I’m so glad I chose to read through Danganronpa IF back when I finished SDR2. It’s a great, short story that easily makes Mukuro one of the best characters. Still loving this series a whole lot and very much looking forward to how you tackle DR3! Even as much as I tend to try and accept works for what they are or are trying to do… that one was a little too much for me. I’ll be eagerly awaiting it!

The Umineko music makes this so so so much better. It really helps you get engulfed when you’re going in depth on the story

I'm screaming with your music choice. The Umineko Soundtrack is just perfect damn

Oh and that Monster cover plus editing are *chefs kiss* perfect

I've actually been wondering about your thoughts on Ultra Despair Hagakure, since it's a lot like this one; a light novel unlocked by beating a game (though in this case it's UDG) and it focuses on (predictably) Yasuhiro and (not as predictably) Kanon Nakajima, who's apparently Leon's cousin, and his Hit List target. I haven't personally read it yet, but it looks really interesting and I need to get through UDG to read it.

This is by by far my favorite ending song to one of these vids well done!!!

All this time. So many danganronpa games, artwork, spin offs and events. And we still don't have sprites of Mukuro as Mukuro. Sure, Ultimate Imposter doesn't have either, but that's kind of his thing, while we HAVE seen Mukuro without her Junko fantasy

I don't know why, but every time I watch this video, it always gives me the motivation to continue writing my own stories. it's one of the few videos on youtube that I enjoy watching over and over again.

Technically Danganronpa 2 is still possible if this version of the ending was canon cuz the Danganronpa 2 cast is still out there and can still be put into the program

The song cover/the edit at the end went hard, great work as always! c;

Ma’am I do not know you, but I came across your Danganronpa videos by happenstance. Now I feel like I warped back into 2015 where I first got into this series, and I can’t get enough. Thank you for this. 🙏🙏

why are all your voices spot fucking on omg i love it

Why NezumiVA's Danganronpa Retrospective is so Great

"Which... no comment" 😀 Ahhhh... Anyways. This is great. I read a synopsis pretty much and it didn't give the same depth to the story as this video did, so this video changed how I view IF now. It's pretty neat, a much stronger feeling than what I got from the synopsis! Also this is the first time I heard about the scrapped ending. I love finding out about all these little tidbits and increases my already solid infatuation for the series. Great video and I'm glad you covered it.

Mukuro is such an interesting character but I wish we could know more about her past beyond Junko when they were separated and worked for Fenrir and how Fenrir impacted her like she had to have some kind of friendly relationship there

what i got from this vid is that you have an amazing talent for voice acting.

Glad to see some dangaronpa IF content!

Can’t wait! I’m sure it’ll be great, I love watching them while I draw 🤌

This is the first I've heard about DR Another End, and my God, I love it. I wouldn't want it to surpass the original story, but it's just as bizarrely uplifting as I've found the rest of Danganronpa to be. I think it's because it speaks to me as someone who focused on one "dream" during my youth, only to find that it (a) wasn't likely to happen & (b) the alternatives I wound up taking were more fulfilling. Seeing the kids go through that journey and realize that their lives don't have to be that one & only path just resonated for that reason.

Need more Mukuro content, she was amazing here. Also her wielding an IV pole was peak

I just read it on my switch and loved it. The stuff she says to Makoto and those seeds were planted in the actual main game so great to see it continued here. Wish she had more screen time in the game and didn’t die so easily. Also wish she was like this in D3. I wish they had also added Zero novel to the games

Mukuro became my fav with the DR1 school mode, and IF only confirmed it Even in school mode she's shown to be capable of doubting junko instead of being a mindless follower She even mentions at one point how much she's felt inferior to her all these years and there's sadness in her words There was a real character there shame they forgot

I'm so looking forward to your v3 retrospective 😭

Monokuma: Ok, you can leave, but your talent must leave too Everyone: *Thinking what they're gonna do next* Leon: "FUCK YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH"

This is my first video of yours, and this is some great stuff

You actually made a video about it... THANK YOU!!! Despite the story's short length, it still manages to cover so much ground, and yet still feel digestible. Seriously, every Danganronpa fan needs to sit down and read this at least once. The part about Junko and Mukuro's relationship hit hard. I've personally found it a bit difficult to fully process the scope and scale of Junko's abuse, but the way you framed it in this video seriously made me go "WTF". And honestly? Their relationship being like that makes me even more devastated that IF isn't canon (besides yay Mukuro Not Dead) Anyway Mukuro is best girl, she's badass in fighting but underneath that, she's still just a regular girl with a history of being abused. She's shy, not good at talking to others, especially not good at romance, but even so she's still trying her best to figure herself out, and it's a shame she had to die before her character could develop any more like what we see here. Also her relationship with Makoto is genuinely so wholesome (naekuro shipper here). And her ""weirdness"" is incredibly endearing to me. Literally one of my favourite characters in the series. As a commenter on another video put it, I'm also satisfied that this story isn't solely the Mukuro Variety Hour. We get to see different sides to the other characters as well like the scene with Leon and Sayaka, and even Mondo. There's something super gratifying about seeing these characters show that they can be more than what they were in the original game. Finally, the way you hint at Mukuro's characterisation in DR3 makes me want to not watch it even more lmao. Still looking forward to the retrospective though, just so I can see what it's all about. All the best with that and the V3 vid! And have a great day~

Loving seeing this and in the future the dr3 anime be discussed since I have no knowledge of those. I only recently found out that Dr3 the game was non canon after getting back into danganronpa through your videos so thank for expanding my knowledge on the game and bringing back some good memories

Great video!! Quick idea about another book like this- I think the true ending would have been great if everyone said they would give up their talents and then we see them walk out and then we see them outside in the sunshine and Makoto or"Junko" saying "we were lying right?" And everyone says back-"totally!" Would be sooo funny and in line with the humor of the game

I've fallen a bit out of danganronpa recently, still have a soft spot for the series but not as much love for it as I did when I first got into it waaaaay back in the something awful forum translation days. This was a really good video on dr IF and why I loved it, dr on and a whole and of course my girl Mukuro (I once got a little Mukuro figure from one of these blind box things and I love her so much). I appreciate you looking at the series in a way that acknowledges its flaws without belittling what people enjoy about it, it reminds me why I liked it in the first place :)

So excited for this.

very uplifting mesage for such an underrated tale.

Loved this!

That was some amazing voice work. 10/10

Oh man, how didn't I never hear about this ?? amazing video, can't wait for the v3 one :D

i knew i loved mukuro before, but god you definitely helped propel her further into my heart.

THAT COVER AT THE END IS BEAUTIFUL OHMYGOSH

Great video!!! :D

I am glad to see this one covered since so few western fans get to really experience it. DR3 is gonna be a bumpy one but aw shit I can't wait to eventually get to V3.

I really liked your singing at the end of this vid!

I like how everyone was reflecting and stuff about their future paths, and celeste just starts with "i'm fucked" in a fancy way

I've played all the games and saw that animation and thought it was a fan made. I didn't know this existed, so cool

Looking forward to the video I hardly see anyone talk about Danganronpa IF

Hi NeumiVA I love this and I hope you have a good day and you are awesome

everytime i see one of these on my youtube home page i squeel in excitement i love your videos

FINALLY SOMEONE TALKED ABOUT IF

The fucked up thing here is that, in a meta sense, there theoretically was an Ultimate Despair before Junko

Great video essay