Tigerkinney Posted June 17, 2012 Author Share Posted June 17, 2012 Full Metal Panic! Genre: Action, Mecha, Romantic Comedy Studio: Gonzo, Director: Koichi Chagira, Writer: Shoji Gatoh, Source: Light Novels by Shoji Gatoh Original Run: January-June 2002. Episodes: 24 Plot: Sousuke Sagara is anything but your average teenage high school boy hardened by years of battle he is one of the most skilled and dedicated within MITHRIL, an international private military organization that see themselves as an elite force to fight off threats to world peace. All this changes when Sagara along with lecherous sniper Kurtz Weber and their surly commander Melissa Mao are assigned to protect the pretty high school girl Kaname Chidori, who may well be one of the much sought after 'Whispered'. Despite only being 16, Sagara has years of experience fighting of assassins, booby traps and psychopaths but he has no experience what so ever of how to act like a ordinary high schooler, being able to blend in on his assignment to protect Kaname Chidori will be the toughest challenge of his life and he'll soon learn that she's one of the most formidable people he has ever met. Animation Quality/Art Style: Gonzo did the first series of Full Metal Panic! and in general despite being a series that is now ten years old- it still stands up pretty well to today's general standards. The only real noticeable blip is the conspicuous CGI whenever the Tuatha de Danaan (MITHRIL's super advanced submarine) appears on screen. Music: The opening tune 'Tomorrow' is a soft-rock track that seems kind of cheesy at first but is admittedly quite infectious after several listens, a lot of anime theme tunes tend to have that effect after a while. Closing theme Karenai Hana (Single Dying Flower) is an understated piano led ballad, that left little impression on me at first but like the opener it grew on me. The incidental music is unintrusive but also somewhat forgettable. Opening Theme, Tomorrow: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZK05OU05Zig Closing Theme, Karenai Hana: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKbX9o_SJHM Action: If you’re looking for action, you’re not short of it- with Full Metal Panic!. The main action comes from the giant mecha operated by both the protagonists and antagonists of the series called ‘Arm Slaves’, interspersed with the standard action sequences of chases, fist fights and shoot-outs Drama: Full Metal Panic has various dramatic threads that it tries to balance amongst it’s more action and comedic focused parts. These range from Sousuke’s past as a child soldier (which serves as the backstory of why he is, how he is), Kaname realising she may not be ‘normal’ after all and of course the slow burning relationship between Kaname and Sousuke, which in turn becomes something of a love triangle with Tessa, who openly holds feelings for Sousuke herself. Comedy: Much of the comedy comes from Sousuke Sagara’s ineptness of trying to fit in as a high schooler, and Chidori’s frustration with him. Other comedic aspects are Kurz Weber’s attempts to score with the ladies and Sagara’s captain Teletha ‘Tessa’ Testarossa being a ditsy clutz (of course there is more to Tessa, than being a ditz, otherwise she wouldn’t be holding a high ranking position in a military organisation and captaining a sub). The main antagonist (Gauron) is also rather OTT as a bad guy. Moe/Kawaii: Tessa couldn’t be any more ‘moe’ if she tried - some people think she is just there to add moe factor, but to be fair she does have some character development by the end of the series and you learn why she does hold the position within Mithril that she does. The main female protagonist Kaname Chidori who falls more into the Tsundere stereotype also has her 'cute' moments. Adult Content (Fanservice etc): There's actually a fair amount of it throughout the series, without it ever really feeling noticeably over the top (I think this may be because I've seen series with much stronger and more frequent fanservice. Plenty of Kaname, Tessa and Mao scantily clad or in the nude- even the opening titles has a nude Kaname, and there’s an entire episode (apart from the flashback scenes) where the three main female protagonists are sharing a bath together. Analysis: Full Metal Panic! is a curious mix of thrilling mecha/military action and high school comedy, that on paper really shouldn't be able to mix but somehow it manages to pull it off. The action is often thrilling, but it's the comedy that really shine's here, with the relationship between the 'clueless' socially inept Sousuke Sagara and the 'feisty' Tsundere Kaname Chidori providing comedic gold. That being said despite the series being able to pull off it's unique mix, there are at times when it did become a little disjointed over it's 24 episode run- with stretches of episode dropping the series strong point the comedy and key relationship between Sagara and Kaname to the background. Though those episodes were still pretty good, Full Metal Panic! was always at its most dynamic best when Kaname and Sagara were on screen together. Closing Verdict: Full Metal Panic! provides an interesting concept, and the first series does a decent job of trying to melding together two very disparate genres Mecha Action and a high school romantic comedy. Recommended Is the Dub Any Good?: Funimation's dub is really good and the key to that is the excellent chemistry between Luci Christian and Chris Patton in the lead roles of Kaname Chidori and Sousuke Sagara . Christian delivers a performance expected of someone considered to be one of the best dub V.A's in the business, but Patton matches her high standards with a suitably dead-pan performance as Sagara, but one delivered with just enough emotion to suggest that Sagara may be socially repressed but he's not a robot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tigerkinney Posted June 17, 2012 Author Share Posted June 17, 2012 Really liking the reviews so far but some references, especially in the first piece where you keep referring to Haruhi without explaining who that is, might go over the head of people who are not real Anime aficionados or just somewhat (like me) and haven't delved in deep (yet). Fair enough point- I've got to be careful about that. Anyway Haruhi, as in Haruhi Suzumiya is the character in my avatar. I'll do the comparison shot between her and Yuri Nakamura the lead character from Angel Beats! http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQD1InHufmmPuIFNVKqFbIJSRWaGCQ4Vq7_aDbrO--5VcywbOWZhttp://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSyb5YBiAtBQdbvscPd2dKCOywvflf8Yn9JpULHNwev6UAiMhMwNw Ok not exactly the same, but both are head-strong girls who wear a ribbon in their hair, and lead a 'club'. In Haruhi's case it's the SOS Brigade, in Yuri's case it's the SSS (hmm rather similar don't you think). Anyway Haruhi first came out as Light Novel series in 2003 and got adapted into anime in 2006- Angel Beats! came out in first as a Light Novel in 2009 and then an anime (the Light Novel precedes the events of the anime) in 2010. That's why Yuri, is the 'Haruhi Clone' and not the other way round. Don't get me wrong though, as you would have seen from my review for Angel Beats! I like the series and Yuri does actually grow from being a mere clone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Final Countdown Posted June 17, 2012 Share Posted June 17, 2012 We're in total agreement on FMP--that show generally does a good job of finding a proper balance between comedy and action/drama. The 8/10 is right on the mark for me. Out of curiosity, have you seen either of the followup series? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tigerkinney Posted June 17, 2012 Author Share Posted June 17, 2012 We're in total agreement on FMP--that show generally does a good job of finding a proper balance between comedy and action/drama. The 8/10 is right on the mark for me. Out of curiosity, have you seen either of the followup series? Fumoffu and The Second Raid- Indeed I have, in fact I have all the series on Blu-Ray - All US imports, but I have multi-region player. Both of those will be my next couple of reviews. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timber Posted June 17, 2012 Share Posted June 17, 2012 A quick question. How are you watching these? Discs or online? If online, what sites are you using? I do watch some stuff from Netflix but they are light on the streaming. I know of Crunchyroll, but haven't watched anything off of them. Always curious if there's more site that i can watch some good stuff from. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tigerkinney Posted June 17, 2012 Author Share Posted June 17, 2012 A quick question. How are you watching these? Discs or online? If online, what sites are you using? I do watch some stuff from Netflix but they are light on the streaming. I know of Crunchyroll, but haven't watched anything off of them. Always curious if there's more site that i can watch some good stuff from. Most of my stuff is from buying the discs (sometimes I have to pay full whack, sometimes I've picked up some series for a bargain price). Admittedly though, I have also sometimes watched stuff online for 'free'...I know it's not really the right thing do, but sometimes it's the only way I could find a series, especially really recent stuff (though I probably should try Crunchyroll sometime-though even then it doesn't always have the anime I'm looking for at the time). Sometimes I've initially watched something online, and then if it's really good buy it on disc. That was the case with the series I just reviewed Full Metal Panic. I did join the Funimation website, with the intention to watch stuff the 'proper' way online- but that hasn't really worked out because almost anything I try to watch, cannot be viewed from my current location or country...due to the fact they don't hold the UK rights for the shows. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tigerkinney Posted June 18, 2012 Author Share Posted June 18, 2012 Full Metal Panic? Fumoffu http://www.anime-planet.com/images/anime/screenshots/fmpfumoffu1.jpghttp://www.anime-planet.com/images/anime/screenshots/fmpfumoffu2.jpg 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 http://www.anime-planet.com/images/anime/screenshots/fmpfumoffu4.jpghttp://www.anime-planet.com/images/anime/screenshots/fmpfumoffu5.jpg Genre: Comedy, Action, Romance Studio: Kyoto Animation, Director: Yasuhiro Takemoto, Writer: Shoji Gatoh, Source: Light Novels by Shoji Gatoh Original Run: August-November 2003. Episodes: 12 Plot: Fumoffu the follow up to Full Metal Panic! concentrates on Sousuke Sagara's (failing) efforts to adjust to life as a high school student at Jindai High, with his clueless antics testing Kaname Chidori's patience and leading to the pair ending up in a variety of outlandish situations. And when Kaname finds herself in some serious trouble, Sousuke takes on the guise of the butt-kicking theme park mascot Bonta-Kun. Later on Sousuke has to deal with protecting his superior officer, Captain Teletha 'Tessa' Testarossa who takes a summer vacation from MITHRIL, and just so happen's to decide to spend it by being Sousuke's new classmate at Jindai High. Animation Quality/Art Style: This is the first of the two ‘sequel’ series produced by Kyoto Animation- the characters look near enough the same, but the animation style just feels a little ‘softer’ than the original series in keeping with the lighter tone. I do not know why they switched studio's, as Gonzo didn't do a bad job with the first series- but they certainly don't lose out in quality by going to Kyoto Animation, who you could already see in their early stages as an anime studio powerhouse, clearly were going for a quality over quantity approach with their output. Music: Both the opening and ending themes are light J-Pop offerings such by Mikuni Shimokawa. They're not really my taste but are sort of in keeping with the lighter tone of this series, compared to the first series of Full Metal Panic! Ending Theme; Kimi ni fuku kaze: Action: Despite the fact that the whole military/mecha side of the FMP story is completely put aside in this series, to focus on the high-school comedy high jinx, there is still a surprising amount of action- though this time it’s definitely more of the comedic variety- with a plethora of action parodies- even to the point that FMP? Fumoffu sends up the whole Mecha genre, when Sousuke kits out the Bonta Kun suit, with an arsenal of weapons. Drama: There’s not much continuity in Fumoffu?, and little in the way of a nod to what happened in the first series. It isn’t so much a sequel to the first series as more a companion piece of stand-alone comedic adventures- apart from the two parter where the Mithril crew make a visit. We do get introduced to some new school-based characters such as the student council president and the leader of the Karate Club but they don’t really add any dramatic depth to the show- which to be honest in a pure comedy they don’t really need to. Comedy: With the mecha/military plot no longer in the mix, there is even more focus on Sousuke’s inability to properly integrate into civilian life, and Kaname’s frustration’s with having to look out for him- seeing as that often provided some of the most enjoyable moments in the original FMP, that is no bad thing. This results in plenty of ridiculous situations, that result in various degrees of hilarity- the peak of which (in my opinion) is the ‘rugby team episode’- where Sousuke turns the failing school rugby team into ‘winners’ but ends up going way overboard in his methods of achieving that goal. Moe/Kawaii: Tessa turns up for a couple of episodes when she transfers into the school- and well she’s as cute and ‘Moe’ as she was in the original series. Adult Content (Fanservice etc): There’s a beach episode, and then there’s the second part of the Tessa comes to school arc- where they go to an Onsen- the preview of that arc on the previous episode alludes to the fact that Tessa is there to provide fanservice. However, despite the actual plot of the series being pushed aside, and the potential for it to be filled with increased fanservice, I actually found it to be toned down a little bit from the first series. Analysis: Fumoffu concentrates on the comedic part of the Full Metal Panic! story, and I have to say throughout the entire series, it is consistently funny and on a laugh's per episode ratio- it has to rank up there as one of the funniest animes I have seen. That being said the unique blend between mixing comedy with thrilling action and engaging drama is what made the first series so good, and though there is still some action to a certain extent- about half of what made that special blend is missing from Fumoffu. So as much as I feel Fumoffu excels at what it does, it doesn't actually out-do the first series for me. Closing Verdict: Those who enjoyed the comedic element of the original FMP! Should enjoy Fumoffu- as it really takes those aspects to new levels of hilarity. That being said, this doesn't forward the actual plot any further and it's possible to check out the proper sequel 'The Second Raid' first before checking out Fumoffu, without missing anything. In essence Fumoffu is an entire series of 'filler/fluff' episodes but the fluff on offer here, is high quality fluff. Recommended Is the Dub Any Good?: Funimation continue to provide the dub-cast here, with the excellent Luci Christian and Chris Patton still in the lead roles. You will see from my review of the first series that I really like the dub for this series- mostly due to the superb chemistry between Christian and Patton. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Final Countdown Posted June 18, 2012 Share Posted June 18, 2012 Another good review. I'd personally dock Fumoffu about half a point because I preferred the first series for its balance between action/comedy, while as you said, Fumoffu focused mainly on comedy. There's also the fact that it doesn't advance the plot and is basically filler, which again, you mentioned. Still, I enjoyed it quite a bit, and I can definitely see giving both series the same score. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigtplaystew Posted June 19, 2012 Share Posted June 19, 2012 I watch a lot of my anime on Netflix. They have a fairly deep library for a casual like me, but to a hardcore it's paper thin.. I've gotten into a lot of stuff on there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tigerkinney Posted June 20, 2012 Author Share Posted June 20, 2012 Full Metal Panic!-The Second Raid http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQtk2myae9qjdkvd035xghWAA4sEf52aQeV46Y75YUQ3mz7kYCjhttp://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSuXdaxKCD5u06GmfSdznf-MkmY84klN5J9pwBoBloOq809B1MMtA Genre: Mecha, Action, Romance, Military Drama Studio:Kyoto Animation, Director: Yasuhiro Takemoto, Writer: Shoji Gatoh, Source: Light Novels by Shoji Gatoh Original Run: July-October 2005. Episodes: 13 (+ 1 OVA) Plot: A few months after the attempted hijacking of the Tuatha de Danaan, life appears to be back to normal for Sousuke Sagara- well as normal as can be for someone who has to juggle school, guarding Kaname Chidori and still being called out on duty for mission's by MITHRIL. Not only that but a new threat has emerged in the form of a mysterious new organisation called Amalgam, that has access to the same advanced weapons technology available to MITHRIL. Can Sousuke cope with the pressure of being able to balance piloting his Arm Slave the ARBALEST (the most advanced in MITHRIL's fleet), attending school and still being there to guard Kaname Chidori? Animation Quality/Art Style:Whilst the animation quality was far from bad in the first series that was produced by the Gonzo studio, I have to say that Kyoto Animation really upped the quality here, even from that of their own first entry into the FMP! series Fumoffu. Everything just looks more fluid and the animation of the action sequences are more impressive than ever. Music: Opening theme Minami Kaze by Mikuni Shimikowa is my favourite of all the FMP! opening/ending themes....it's not too dissimilar to the first series opener Tomorrow, but I just feel this one had a better guitar riff and resonated more emotionally. The ending theme is a reflective/downbeat ballad, that does actually work pretty well with the more serious tone this entry in the FMP series has. Opening theme; Minami Kaze: Action: We’re back to more serious action here, as opposed to the comedic FMP went down with Fumoffu- There’s the Mecha battles, but there is also more non-mecha combat- notably with the pair of twin assassins who do some pretty impressive sword wielding, and an impressive car chase involving the MITHRIL. The action here is also noticeably more 'graphic' than the first series. Drama: Perhaps more than returning the focus of Full Metal Panic! back towards being an action focused series, want sets The Second Raid apart from the first two series...is the increased focus on character drama/development. The relationship between Kaname and Sousuke certainly grows more depth beyond that of a Tsundere and her idiot 'love interest, that is mostly played up for laughs. Sousuke, who is now conflicted about his duty to Mithril and his feelings towards protecting Kaname Chidori. In turn Chidori’s feelings for Sousuke have also developed, and this is what really drives the plot of The Second Raid. Whilst the key characters Sousuke, Kaname, even Tessa were all entertaining in the original series and Fumoffu?- they all really 'grow' here and you the viewer should really come to care for them a lot more by the end of this series. Comedy: There are still glimpses here and there of the comedy that was a major part of what made up the first series of Full Metal Panic! but it's been noticeably diminished and it's clear that Kyoto Animation took the approach of splitting the sequel into a comedy focused half (Fumoffu) and an action/drama focused half with The Second Raid. Moe/Kawaii: Tessa's still there to provide the Moe dosage- but as I said she before, she is actually a much more interesting character to be dismissed as a generic moe-blob. Adult Content (Fanservice etc) : The frequency of fanservice is less than the first series, but it's noticeably stronger when it is there. For instance those twin assassins I mentioned earlier in the 'Action' analysis- they’re a pair of Chinese girls who have implied incestuous feelings for one another and there is a scene where they come out of the shower together- it’s borderline Ecchi. Analysis: Though I really liked the unique blend between comedy and action of the first series of Full Metal Panic! and Fumoffu was hilarious, I think the decision to largely drop it from The Second Raid- has helped to make it a much more focused series. The pacing of the plot is spot on for a 13 episode series, with just enough interesting plot twists along the way to keep the series interesting right up until the end. The real strength though, as I've hinted at already is the character development for all the main characters- especially Sousuke. The Villains themselves never actually feel all that threatening, despite coming across as a total psycho (Mr Gates) or are underused (the twins/Leonard). In fact Leonard the most enigmatic villain of all, barely features. Also whilst the ending brought this series to a somewhat satisfactory close, it left you wanting more- with some questions not fully answered. Closing Verdict: It does seem surprising, that after saying that Full Metal Panic!’s strongest part of it’s well judged blend between high octane action and comedy, was the comedy element of the series- that the strongest entry in the franchise should wind up being the one with the least amount of comedy. It’s all down to the fact that TSR takes the characters that were established so well in the original series and Fumoffu? to a much deeper place and puts them in a much more focused story. Sure it would have been nice to have seen a little more comedy in there, but to be honest it would have got in the way of the more serious direction this entry in the TSR story went in. It’s just a shame that no more Full Metal Panic! anime has been made thus far, because despite TSR being really strong- the ending felt incomplete, and I am fully aware that the story does continue on in the Light Novels. Recommended * A more satisfying ending and I would have been Highly Recommending FMP-TSR. Is the Dub Any Good?: The good news is that Funimation continued to do the dub for this series, the really good news is that with an even stronger script the performances of the V.A’s become even stronger. I can’t really find much fault with the dub on this one- strong cast, strong performances. ________________________________________________________ Bonus Mini- Review: OVA episode- A Relatively Leisurely Day in the Life of a Fleet Captain The OVA episode that came with the DVD/Blu-Ray release of TSR- returns to the comedic focus of Fumoffu?- Except this time we get to see the MITHRIL crew in more light hearted situations, rather than those at Jindai High. Kaname does not feature at all in this episode and the main character is Tessa. The episode is total fluff, but it is not supposed to be part of the main story, which is why it is a bonus OVA episode and I thought overall the comedic situations they got the MITHRIL crew into was pretty funny and at times down right hilarious. All in all a nice bonus episode, and it did a good job of making up for the lack of comedy in the main series and besides Tessa is really cute in this episode (so if you’re a Tessa fan - happy days all round). Recommended http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQbzkYSuLH0oKaUKw25M41FlQgY_HxHH93YumgMfzjgu-qFdfvBhttp://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSvCl25Zn3GF1yw9symdI89el5KcK9G9fmbekjys2vEWj_pfmEN Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astil Posted June 20, 2012 Share Posted June 20, 2012 <p>My suggestions would be Gurren Lagan, Code Geass, Black Butler or Puella Magi Madoka Magica.</p><p> </p><p> Actually just do Madoka. <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/cool.png.f00d2562b2c1d873a09323753efdb041.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hyde Hill Posted June 20, 2012 Share Posted June 20, 2012 <p>All for Code Geass. While kinda hard to get into at start ended up loving it and wishing there was more. Or as you are reviewing different installments would be cool to do the two different full metal alchemists.</p><p> </p><p> Or maybe do some 80s stuff like Robotech and Space Battleship Yamato.</p> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Final Countdown Posted June 20, 2012 Share Posted June 20, 2012 <p>Interesting; given what you said about FMP's comedic elements during your review of the original series, I figured you wouldn't like TSR as much due to its heavy focus on action and drama. Clearly I was wrong. But as it happens, I share your opinion. TSR was my favorite FMP series, pretty much for the reasons you stated. The episodes just flew by. </p><p> </p><p> I agree with you on the ending too, though. Hopefully there will be something more at some point, because while I really liked TSR, its ending is not really a good point to end the story altogether. I actually looked into starting up the light novel series so I could experience more of the story, but it doesn't seem that all of them have been translated into English.</p> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tigerkinney Posted June 20, 2012 Author Share Posted June 20, 2012 <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="The Final Countdown" data-cite="The Final Countdown" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="33970" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Interesting; given what you said about FMP's comedic elements during your review of the original series, I figured you wouldn't like TSR as much due to its heavy focus on action and drama. Clearly I was wrong. But as it happens, I share your opinion. TSR was my favorite FMP series, pretty much for the reasons you stated. The episodes just flew by. <p> </p><p> I agree with you on the ending too, though. Hopefully there will be something more at some point, because while I really liked TSR, its ending is not really a good point to end the story altogether. I actually looked into starting up the light novel series so I could experience more of the story, but it doesn't seem that all of them have been translated into English.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> It surprised me too that Second Raid, ended up being my favourite installement of the series- considering I felt the comedy was the strongest element of the original series.</p><p> </p><p> Sadly the English Translations of the Light Novel's only seem to cover up to what was shown in the anime series- I'm aware that the last Light Novel translated Ending Day By Day- Parts 1 and 2, are the stories that The Second Raid are based upon. It seems ashame to stop there, because as you said I too really want to experience more of the FMP! story.</p> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tigerkinney Posted June 20, 2012 Author Share Posted June 20, 2012 <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Hyde Hill" data-cite="Hyde Hill" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="33970" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>All for Code Geass. While kinda hard to get into at start ended up loving it and wishing there was more. Or as you are reviewing different installments would be cool to do the two different full metal alchemists.<p> </p><p> Or maybe do some 80s stuff like Robotech and Space Battleship Yamato.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I'm unlikely to do any 80's stuff (at least certainly for the forseeable future of this reviews thread).....right now I'm mostly concentrating on stuff from the mid 90's onwards, and even then the concentration will be more on 2000's anime.</p><p> </p><p> I also tend to favour shorter anime series more (either 12/13 episodes per season or 25/26 episodes per season).</p><p> </p><p> I'll confess here that I've not actually got round to watching Full Metal Alchemist- I have read/heard that plenty of anime fans feel it's a classic but the relatively long episode length per season (over 50 for both seasons) kind of puts me off and besides there is just more anime series that appeal to me more. </p><p> </p><p> Both Astil and yourself will be happy though- that a review for both seasons of Code Geass will be up at some point in this thread.</p> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hyde Hill Posted June 20, 2012 Share Posted June 20, 2012 Actually its not two different seasons but two different takes on the same story and yeah they are both a long one. Guess the "mainstream" three (Bleach, Naruto both, One Piece) are out of the running as well then. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Infernalmiko Posted June 21, 2012 Share Posted June 21, 2012 <p>Tiger is just a slacker. Running away from so many great long series.</p><p> </p><p> DBZ was only 291 episodes.<img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tigerkinney Posted June 21, 2012 Author Share Posted June 21, 2012 Durarara!!! http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTVp74Y126sa3YpBMtwtRv_ATAmtlXicSEOeoZ8ujdtfR528Y-Mhttp://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSm-cTzZ-kIlOKMFIq9jT-Fcw2w7MUlbY-RP9uwGhEqLGCdwf11 http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQtdj3dw4E71ADHckXgw5T4CKHXUWGyK2XbjqkgN6j7vcnPdrrIYAhttp://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSKg_oFgroM-W1UXMwSWSJZsrXgCsuEihfUt9fad4ijOa5ajV1M Genre: Supernatural Mystery, Comedy, Romance Studio: Brains Base, Director: Takahiro Omori, Writer: Noboru Takagi, Source: Light Novels by Ryohgo Narita Original Run: January-August 2010/ Episodes: 25 Plot: Mikado Ryugamine on the invite of his childhood friend Masaomi Kida leaves his mundane rural life behind to go to high school in the bustling Tokyo district of Ikebukuro. When he gets there he is warned Masaomi of many people he should not get on the wrong side of in Ikebukuro- a man with anger issues that dresses like a bartender, a conniving Information Broker and a mysterious gang called "Dollars" and if that isn't enough Mikado is witness to an urban legend on his first day in Ikebukuro: "The Black Rider" a supposedly headless rider of a black motorcycle that sounds like a horse. The story's narrative then follows a number of characters that interact with one another throughout Ikebukuro, with several plotlines and perspectives being gradually brought together to piece together a bigger picture. Animation Quality/Art Style: The same studio and even the same director that worked on Baccano!, worked on Durarara!!- so it's good to have that continuity there, as the same author Ryohgo Narita wrote both of the Light Novel series both are based on, and I think the Durarara universe is somewhat loosely interactive with the one in Baccano! All in all with it being similar in style to Baccano! - the animation quality is to a pretty good standard- the only thing that feels a bit 'off' at first is the fact that charactrers not involved in the story are greyed out- but there's actually a reason behind them doing this- and once revealed why, it was done- it actually feels quite clever, rather than just odd. Music: The first opening Uragiri no Yuuyake by Theater Brook- absolutely gets you pumped up for this series- rocking and catchy....it's how I like my anime theme tunes (as if you haven't noticed already), Second opening Complication by Rookiez is Punkd, is more downbeat in it's tone and not as energetic as the first opener- but it's not a bad song. First closer Trust Me by Yuuya Matsushita more of an urban R&B feel to it- it's not really my thing, but I must admit it's quite catchy in it's way. The second closer Butterfly by On/Off did not leave much of an impression on me at first, but like the second opener is a grower and the swirling guitar riff is pretty cool. Action: On the Wikipedia entry for Durarara!! it says it is an action series- whilst there is some action elements here and there- I wouldn't really call it an 'action' series. It's a series that is much more about the interaction between the character more than one which has any consistent focus on action. Saying that do you get the odd car/bike chase here or there and the character of Shizuo (the angry 'bartender' with incredible strength) provides some unique fight scenes. Drama: The first half is like a puzzle that is slowly put together, with several episodes being linked to a previous episode by looking at incidents from a different angle- that eventually lead up to the 'big reveal'....the second half (post the big reveal) plays out in a more linear fashion but is a little more darker and emotional than the first- with the audience now being more aware of who is who is, but the characters still somewhat being in the dark- as the series builds towards a second climax. If I was to sum up Durarara!! in one word, it would be intriguing Comedy: Much like it's sister series Baccano!- comedy can be found subtly throughout Durarara!!. Personally I found there was rarely anything side splittingly funny- to say the level of a Full Metal Panic! in Durarara but there are plenty of amusing situations that pop up throughout the show- It's difficult to put them all into context here or point everything out that could be perceived as being funny, but there is just plenty of those sort of situations throughout the series. Moe/Kawaii: Anri Sonohara has moe qualities, being a well endowed shy meganekko- but I never saw her as a 'moe blob'- plus the art style itself...doesn't exactly conjure up any thoughts of 'Moe'. Adult Content (Fanservice etc): Anri Sonohara again is the closest thing to providing fanservice, with her large bust...but she's always well covered and never plays up to the fact that she has a great figure- then again some people might actually get more turned on by that fact.....saying that I think the writers have purposely made a character who has moe/fanservice qualities but it's done in a very subtle manner. There might also be a fetishy fanservice argument for Celty-in her biker leathers, even if you never see her face. Analysis: Once again Durarara!! like its sister series Baccano! is rather non-linnear in tone at least for the first half- but it felt more focused than Baccano! right from the start even if it does take a few episodes to truly find it's feet....the build towards the big reveal at the end of the first half- moves along really well after the first few episodes and the series really grabs you. Being a series driven by the interaction of it's characters, there are some really great one's to latch onto.....the standouts being the Machivelian Izaya Orirhara and Celty who is one of the most unique characters I've come across in any anime series. After the big reveal half way through the series switches to a more linnear plot towards the actual ending- it actually loses some steam....whilst it's still pretty engaging....the way the first half was done, as though a jigsaw puzzle was being pieced together was much more intriguing. And whilst there are some characters that manage to standout amongst it's big cast, other's do struggle to make an impression. Closing Verdict: Durarara!! is a one of those series, that I kind of go back and forth on just how much I enjoyed it. It's one of those series that is equally brilliant and frustrating....I think the fact that the big reveal is made part way through the series put's that perspective into a nut-shell- in some way's its a brilliant plot-twist but unfortunately it does lead to a slightly flatter second half, that can't quite lift itself to the standards set by the series first half. Recommended Is the Dub Any Good?: You've got some pretty reliable hands (erm well voices actually) in there such as Johnny Yong Bosch (as Izaya), Crispin Freeman (as Shizuo) and Kari Wahlgren (as Celty). Izaya might well be amongst Bosch's best work, and Wahlgren is excellent as Celty. The rest of the cast are also pretty solid- so it's pretty hard to find much fault of the dub here- unless you're a stickler for the original dialogue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaysin Posted June 22, 2012 Share Posted June 22, 2012 Not sure if you're taking suggestions, but I've always liked Big O and Blue Gender. It'd be interesting to see what someone else thinks of them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tigerkinney Posted June 22, 2012 Author Share Posted June 22, 2012 Not sure if you're taking suggestions, but I've always liked Big O and Blue Gender. It'd be interesting to see what someone else thinks of them I'm not really taking any suggestions as such, but I am making note of any series that people mention in the thread. Quite a few I've actually not seen (including the two above) but for now I'm concentrating on converting over the reviews, I originally sent to my friends at work, and then there's a few series i've seen after that I need to do reviews for. So it'll be a while, before I move onto the suggestions. But I'll certainly keep the two you mentioned in mind to check out at a future date. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tigerkinney Posted June 22, 2012 Author Share Posted June 22, 2012 Welcome To The NHK http://www.anime-planet.com/images/anime/screenshots/nhk1.jpghttp://www.anime-planet.com/images/anime/screenshots/nhk2.jpghttp://www.anime-planet.com/images/anime/screenshots/welcome-to-the-nhk-1068-1.jpghttp://www.anime-planet.com/images/anime/screenshots/welcome-to-the-nhk-1068-2.jpg http://www.anime-planet.com/images/anime/screenshots/welcome-to-the-nhk-1068-5.jpghttp://www.anime-planet.com/images/anime/screenshots/welcome-to-the-nhk-1068-6.jpg http://www.anime-planet.com/images/anime/screenshots/nhk3.jpghttp://www.anime-planet.com/images/anime/screenshots/nhk6.jpg Genre: Black Comedy, Drama, Romance Studio: Gonzo, Director: Yusuke Yamamoto, Source: Novel by Tasuhiko Takemoto Original Run: July-December 2006. Episodes: 25 Plot: University drop-out Tatsuhiro Sato has been living the life of a hikikomori (shut in) for the past four years- coming to the conclusion that the decision to live his life in this way is due to some sort of conspiracy. When it seems like his life is never going to come out of this rut he meets Misaki Nakahara, a mysterious girl who claims that she is able to cure Tatsuhiro of being a Hikikomori. She presents him with a contract outlining that once a day they meet at the local park where she would provide 'counselling' to rid Tatsuhiro of his anti-social lifestyle. Animation Quality/Art Style: In a general sense the art style it-self isn't bad, and as this show is a show very much grounded in reality- the proportions of the characters seem to be more on the realistic side. However at times the animation and quality of the art does become sloppy and I'm afraid to say this is the weakest area of the series. It isn't so much that the animation/art is flat out bad, there are times where the attention to detail is rather good (see some of the screenshots above) but there are plenty of times throughout the series where the quality completely drops off. Music: I really like the opening theme 'Puzzle', it's a sort of sunny poppy number- and I just like the dissonance it has in relation to the rather darker theme of the series. The first ending theme, is just really weird and the second one isn't all that memorable. Where the series does shine in the music department, though is with the OSG score, there's some really great 'songs' all very much in an Indie Rock vein- but they actually work within the show. And lest we forget the hilariously accurate pastiche of an, annoyingly catchy theme song to the show within a show magical girl anime Puru Puru Pupururin. Opening Theme; Puzzle: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcjLT-EOrPA Action: Nothing to see here, if you've come looking for action- this is totally the wrong show. Drama: This series looks into the darker side of modern Japanese society, examining the hikikomori (shut in) problem, the 'seedier' side of Otaku cuture, depression and even internet suicide rings- hardly jolly stuff and it does get a bit heavy. But it's handled really well, and though the main characters are basically a bunch of 'screw-ups', the script is not belittling about them. All the main characters in the show are all rather multi-faceted...often showing sides of their personality that aren't particularly likeable but then actually making you sympathize with them at other times. Comedy: This show is billed as a Black Comedy, and at times it is quite funny- with the main character Sato having hallucinations, where he talks to the appliances in his house, and one episode where Yamazaki takes Sato to Akihabara, or the 'holy land' as he puts it, is flat out hilarious. But as the series progresses it gets so dark and heavy, that the 'comedy' gradually wilts away. Moe/Kawaii: Misaki the main female protagonist is quite cute in a natural sense, and there is Yamazaki's girlfriend of sorts that is sign-posted as being a 'cute' type. However this is definitely not a 'Moe' and/or ‘Kawaii’ show. Adult Content (Fanservice etc): Fanservice is there, but it's done very much with more than a pinch of irony. The fact that Sato and Yamazaki are working on a galge game (Bishojo dating game- where the goal is to 'make out' with the Bishojo) means that there would be some, but it actually doesn't stop there, such as Sato having pervy thoughts/dreams about both Misaki and his former sempai (senior) at school. Analysis: The depth of the characters and the strength of the writing is what really holds this show together- Welcome To The NHK is far from being your average 'fluff' slice of life series- it's an engaging and deep show that if the viewer is prepared to invest in characters/situations that aren't always likeable/easy they will be highly rewarded. The OSG score, throughout the show is also one of the best and most well put together I have heard in an anime series- each piece of music just seems 'spot on' for the mood of each scene. That being said Welcome To the NHK is not the anime to watch, if you're already in a down mood- because it might send you over the edge. But I wouldn't say that was a weakness as such, I would just say that this a challenging series and one you have to be in the right mood/frame of mind to watch (especially during the shows second half- which goes from being Black Comedy in tone to just 'Black'). The only real full blown weakness of the show is the in inconsistency in the quality of the animation/art. Closing Verdict: Welcome To The NHK, hold a mirror up to the seedier side of Japanese society and also just life in general. And despite some 'fantasy' dream sequences- this is very much a show about 'dealing' with reality and that alot of the time reality sucks- In that sense it can be a difficult watch, but if you're prepared to be challenged, this a series can be quite rewarding and in a way the series final episode, is quite hopeful- even if it doesn't exactly put on the rose tinted spectacles. Recommended Is the Dub Any Good?: Another good dub from Funimation, with Chris Patton (Sousuke in Full Metal Panic!) once again able to give a likeable performance as a socially awkward character- this time as the lead character Sato. Greg Ayres also puts in a strong performance as Sato's Otaku neighbour Kaoru Yamazaki, that's despite the fact that whenever I hear a part played by Greg Ayres, it instantly sounds like Greg Ayres. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tigerkinney Posted June 23, 2012 Author Share Posted June 23, 2012 Highschool Of The Dead http://www.anime-planet.com/images/anime/screenshots/highschoolofthedead1.jpghttp://www.anime-planet.com/images/anime/screenshots/highschoolofthedead7.jpg 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http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/data:image/jpeg;base64,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 http://www.anime-planet.com/images/anime/screenshots/highschoolofthedead15.jpghttp://www.anime-planet.com/images/anime/screenshots/highschoolofthedead8.jpg Genre: Zombie Apocalypse, Action, Fanservice Studio: Madhouse, Director: Tetsuro Araki, Writer: Yosuke Kuroda Source: Manga by Daisuke Sato Original Run: July-September 2010. Episodes: 12 (+ 1 OVA) Plot: A Japanese high school suddenly finds itself under attack from Zombie's (referred to as 'Them'). The survivors a small band of student's and the school nurse try to fight their way to safety, as we soon learn that the whole world is in the midst of a deadly pandemic. As the main protagonists of the story, try to survive the zombie apocalypse, they must also face the additional threats of societal collapse and face off with the possible decay of their own morality. Animation Quality/Art Style: There may be an issue with the size of the girls breasts (more on that later), but in general there is little to complain about with the quality of the animation and art style of HotD. This series looks great and it’s particularly in the fluidity of it’s action series that it is truly impressive. In more ways than one, this series is pure eye candy. Music: The self titled opening theme is pretty rocking and is a good fit for the series. Uniquely the closing theme different for each episode, apparently all from the same J-Pop artist (Maon Kurosaki) and apparently released as an accompaning album. The hodge podge of styles though, means that nothing really stands-out and sticks with you as a memorable closing theme- but none of the songs sung by Kurosaki are by no means awful either. Opening theme; Highschool of the Dead: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqHeSaAIl4c Action: It’s a Zombie action/horror story...so you’d be expecting lots of blood, with Zombie’s attacking humans and the survivors blasting the Zombie’s with whatever weapon they can get their hands on. And yes you get plenty of it, and it’s absolutely awesome in it’s execution. Particularly impressive are the skills of the character Saeko (a member of the Kendo club), who at first fights with a Kendo stick and then a Katana later in the series....her skills are OTT and frankly unrealistic and she’s involved in perhaps the most absurd yet awesome scene I have a scene, a parody of the matrix, where a bullet passes through her breasts...but hey what the hell this is a series where you need to suspend belief and just let yourself get caught up in the awesomeness of the action. Drama: There’s not much of a story here, let’s be honest the Zombie genre has been done to death and HotD doesn’t really add anything new to the formula. As ever there’s no explanation of how the out-break happened (though who really cares?!) and you get the usual test of the survivors morals and belief that they can stick together and survive. Comedy: HotD mix of OTT action and excessive fan-service, means that this is a series that can’t be taken seriously and I’m sure the original manga writer, intentions were not to write something deep and meaningful either. There is of course intended comedy, of the Harem variety with the main male character of Takashi being caught in some ridiculously pervy situation with one of the very well endowned main female characters throughout the series, in fact the humor gets so crude as one of these uber-inflated heroines, having boobs so big that they make a noise when they move. Moe/Kawaii: Nothing really 'Moe' as such here...this shows not really about the girls being cute/adorable, it's more about them providing gratuitious fanservice. Not really Moe, but more 'Kawaii' the main protagonists yet a cute young girl and her dog join up with them , these additions to the main casr then pretty much slot into the stock roles of being the generic cute kid and feisty pet. Adult Content (Fanservice etc): Call me somewhat shallow, but I will fully admit that I don’t mind a bit of fanservice, I think most of the target ‘male’ audience of this anime would admit to that. But there come’s a point where fanservice gets excessive and boy oh boy does HotD cross that line. There is barely a scene where there is isn’t a panty shot or a focus on one of the girls breasts. And the girls breasts, the breasts...are humongous....the one with the smallest must be like a DD cup, and the one with the biggest must be at least an H cup...basically they’re all equipped with porno fun bags. One such episode half way through the series, the ‘breather’ episode where the survivors find a safe house and the girls all share a bath and you see their mega-breasts in all their glory (not only that but they feel one another up), is pretty much bordeline ecchi. Analysis: You have to accept that HotD is a leave your brain at the door type of show, and what it does best- the action sequences is done very well...it's all beautifully animated and a hell of a lot of fun to watch. Apart from the been there done that story (how many more times can the 'zombie apocalypse' story be re-told in any form of media?) and some pretty generic characters (there’s the everyman leader, the bitchy one, the nerd who turns out to be a badass, the quiet girl who turns out to be a badass, the tagalong bimbo...you get the picture), the excessive fan-service renders any chance of taking this show seriously what so ever utterly obsolete. The ending is also, a bit of an non-ending....but I think this is simply a case of the anime catching up with it’s source material (the manga) and I think there are plans for a sequel series. Closing Verdict: High School of the Dead is what is is, it’s trashy fun, and I get the feeling that the creators know exactly what they were creating and the audience they were targeting at. Whilst you wouldn’t necessarily call HotD a good series, you couldn’t call it dull either and if you're looking for a fun 'no brain required' type of show and aren't offended by excessive fanservice- you could do a lot worse than check this show out. Mildly Recommended Is the Dub Any Good?: Sentai Filmworks did the dub for this one, and whilst it's not terrible- there's not really a standout performance by any of the cast and they've 'westernised' the script - with too many western pop culture references put in place of the original script. Which in my view is a bit irritating, when the entire show is set in Japan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Infernalmiko Posted June 23, 2012 Share Posted June 23, 2012 Just a few comments on HOTD. I'm quite sure the creators (Daisuke Satō and Shōji Satō) know what they were doing with this. The brothers are friends with Koushi Rikudou of Excel Saga fame, the king of Going Too Far. The characters are fairly stock, but still interesting. Kouta Hirano is pretty clearly based on Kōta Hirano, creator of Hellsing, both in appearance and love of firearms. Saeko Busujima is a Rule 63 version of Kyūzō from Seven Samurai with some deep seated issues added in. It's definitely a 'check your brain at the door' type of anime, like most zombie horror, but alot of fun. A second season was confirmed though I've not seen air dates yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tigerkinney Posted June 24, 2012 Author Share Posted June 24, 2012 Just a few comments on HOTD. I'm quite sure the creators (Daisuke Satō and Shōji Satō) know what they were doing with this. The brothers are friends with Koushi Rikudou of Excel Saga fame, the king of Going Too Far. The characters are fairly stock, but still interesting. Kouta Hirano is pretty clearly based on Kōta Hirano, creator of Hellsing, both in appearance and love of firearms. Saeko Busujima is a Rule 63 version of Kyūzō from Seven Samurai with some deep seated issues added in. It's definitely a 'check your brain at the door' type of anime, like most zombie horror, but alot of fun. A second season was confirmed though I've not seen air dates yet. Even though I only gave it 6/10- I probably would check out a second series. It's like I enjoyed it, but also thought it wasn't particularly good at the same time (I hope you understand what I mean by that), so 6/10 seems justified from my perspective. Then again I gave a fluff anime like K-On! 7/10 but I think that gets a boost from me because I like Ho-Kago Tea Time's songs and plus I mark out for 'Azu-nyan' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tigerkinney Posted June 24, 2012 Author Share Posted June 24, 2012 Solty Rei http://www.anime-planet.com/images/anime/screenshots/solty1.jpghttp://www.anime-planet.com/images/anime/screenshots/solty2.jpghttp://www.anime-planet.com/images/anime/screenshots/solty-rei-1281-1.jpghttp://www.anime-planet.com/images/anime/screenshots/solty-rei-1281-2.jpg http://www.anime-planet.com/images/anime/screenshots/solty-rei-1281-5.jpghttp://www.anime-planet.com/images/anime/screenshots/solty-rei-1281-6.jpg Genre: Science Fiction Noir, Detective, Post Apocalyptic Drama Studio: Gonzo/AIC, Director: Yoshimasa Hiraike, Source: Anime Original Original Run: October 2005- March 2006. Episodes: 24 (+1 OVA) Plot: Grumpy, Bruce Willis look-alike Roy Revant is trying to make ends meet as a bounty hunter in a broken city where thousands had died in a mysterious event called the Blast Fall.Countless people called Resembles have emerged, people whose mangled bodies have been rebuilt with high prosthetic limbs. But science cannot mend a broken heart or spirit and Roy needs a miracle to escape the rut he has been in.....one night that 'miracle' falls from the sky. At first Roy is reluctant to have anything to do with the mysterious girl (without recollection of her past) that has suddenly appeared in his life, but could 'Solty' be the key to helping him move on with his life? Animation Quality/Art Style: The animation and art style is fairly easy on the eye, without really standing out as anything special. All in all it's solid for a mid 2000's anime, without ever wowing you. Music: Opening and ending themes are both pretty solid. Opener 'Clover' by meg rock is a punchy pop-rock song and closing theme Float Beyond The Sky by Tomoe Ohmi is a soothing ballad, that is genuienly quite sweet- rather than just bland. I think both themes compliment the theme throughout the series pretty well. Opening theme; Clover: Action: There's plenty of action throughout the series (guns being fired, vehicle chases etc) but it's non a series I would say has non-stop action, there are plenty of episodes where the action element of the series barely features. Drama: Established early on you have Roy looking for his real daughter, but his relationship with Solty though thrust upon him at first, also slowly blossoms...and we see Roy gradually ‘thaw’ emotionally...the general over-arching plot line of the ‘Blast Fall’ and the company behind ‘Resemble’s etc also begins to un-ravel and it’s basically one of those stories which starts of fairly ‘small’ but blows up into something much bigger. Comedy: The early part of the series, is definitely more comedic /lighter in tone....you’ve got a farcical pool episode and one such early episode scene, has Kasha (the bratty short pint) who is the daughter of Roy’s boss teaching Solty how to eat a burger. Gradually though the comedy gets faded out, as the plot becomes more deeper/serious. Moe/Kawaii: Despite of her stupid 'Broccoli' hair Solty's personality is so cute, that she is someone who can certainly be considered Moe. There's also a team of all female futuristic cops that try as they might to look bad-ass- end up coming across a bit 'Moe' as well. Adult Content (Fanservice etc): The 'Proceed' transformation sequence, for the elite ‘cop’ team in charge of catching criminals in the city, can be seen as a form of fanservice and the makers of this series did seem rather keen on shots of Solty’s backside. But all in all , I would put this in the category of ‘mild fanservice’. This is a Gonzo series after all, and they're pretty much the kings of providing 'mild fanservice'. Analysis: I'm going to tackle the weaknesses first here with this series , that's because the first half of the series isn't that great- it's watchable but it just feels like it's going through the motions and can't seem to decide if it's a futuristic cop show, with a 'baddie of the week' format or a slice of life comedy and it just doesn't seem to mesh all that well...... But then about half-way through (following a key plot twist) it kicks the lighter comedy aspect to the kerb, and the plot becomes just so much more engaging. It truly does grow into something much 'bigger' than you first thought and by the end it's certainly worth sticking wth. In fact I would say the second half of the series, feels like a completely different show in terms of the quality and growth of the plot. Closing Verdict: Solty Rei is a series that you will need patience to stick with, the first half is an awkward blend of ‘baddie of the week’ detective series, ‘Moe’comedy and family drama all set in a ‘Blade Runner-esque’ futuristic setting, and the blend comes up with something that can only be considered average at best. But half-way through the series suddenly steps up about a trillion gears, by becoming more serious in tone and focusing on the key plot and by the end it's a series that's certainly worth sticking with. Mildly Recommended Is the Dub Any Good?: I thought both Christopher Sabat and Carrie Savage did good jobs with the lead roles of Roy Revant and Solty. All in all, even with having to deal with the medicore material of the series first half, the Funimation dub cast still manage to put in another solid performance Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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