Anime Review - PlanetES

October 05, 2008 | | Comments 0

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Studio : Bandai & Sunrise

Genres : Comedy, drama, science fiction

Length : 26 Episodes

Year : 2003

Synopsis
The year is 2075 and humanity has expanded it`s space capabilities and able to live beyond the Earth. Space related business has boomed but with it, so to has the amount of debris floating, locked within the Earth`s orbit. After a sudden, fatal accident involving a simple screw and a passenger ship, humanity addresses the issue to remove space debris.

The story follows the main character, Hachirota Hoshino (known as hachimaki) and rookie, Ai Tanabe`s job to clean up space, filled with danger and an opportunity to embark on mankind`s furthest journey to date - Jupiter.

Other Information
Opening Song: Mikio Sakai - “Dive in the Sky”
Closing Song 1: Mikio Sakai - “Wonderful Life”
Closing Song 2: Hitomi - “PlanetES”

Review
The synopsis I`ll admit does not do the series any favors. It sounds dull and the concept of humanity cleaning up space will probably not appeal to many. However, Planetes is in many forms an amazing series with a clever line-up of characters - ordinary people and some with a seemingly bizarre personality at times, all whom you can relate to.

The production values for the series are about the best around. Naturally, not quite as high as Studio Ghibli but certainly not too far off either. The only thing which people may find a bit of an eyesore is the actual character design. In no way are the characters drawn attractively, but I feel this decision enhances the series as its main focus is to depict the lives of the actual characters and the era they live in.

The storyline at first seems simple, yet as it progresses along with the characters, it evolves to be quite engaging and serious, retaining a superb blend of humor which ensures an easy and thoroughly enjoyable viewing. Planetes may well be my favorite series of all time.

Watch The Opening Cinematic

Watch The Trailer

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