Anime Review - PlanetES

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 03:30:10 +0000

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

Anime Review - Heroic Age

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 08:51:13 +0000

Genres : Adventure, comedy, romance, science fiction

Length : 26 Episodes

Year : 2007

Synopsis
Answering the call of the Golden Race, 4 other sentient races launch into space. The 4 races known as Silver, Bronze, Heroic and the Iron Race are left to explore and expand the galaxy using their own strength and intuition. Much time has passed since then the Iron Race (humans) are threatened with extinction by the dominant Silver Race, self-proclaimed successors of the Golden Race who have long since left the universe.

In order to save humanity, Princes Deianeira embarks on a long and dangerous journey to a distant planet following the prophecies left behind by the Golden Race. Upon reaching her destination, she meets a young boy with an extraordinary power. Bound by contact to protect Deianeira and humanity, the boy, known as Age, fights to help change the fate of the universe.

Other Information
Opening Theme: Angela - “Gravitation”

Review
Heroic Age for me was one of those rare mecha animes which come along every once in a blue moon. Most mecha series are somewhat rehashed versions of their own selves. They usually revolve around one all-mighty character - the chosen one, who seems to always come through when it counts due to some sappy emotional trigger. Sousei no Aquarion come to mind anyone?

Although the main character, Age does in fact loosely fit this description, the storyline centers not just around him but four others whom are all connected abiding by specific contracts. Due to these contracts, each character plays a unique role, struggling to overcome personal hardships which could ultimately lead to the total destruction of their individual race. Their personalities at times however are a little shallow and they don`t seem to evolve much throughout the series. A slight drawback in my opinion but nothing too serious.

The big issues I found is that the story seems overly confusing at the beginning and fails to explain The Silver Race`s hatred towards humanity. With that said, the animation and CGI are both excellent and the music compliments the series well. Furthermore, it has a powerful opening sequence and an engaging storyline, leaving you hanging for the next.

If you enjoyed Escaflowne, Seikai no Senki (Banner of the Stars) and the real time strategy game Homeworld (as the story line is somewhat similar), then I`d definitely recommend Heroic Age on the highest level.

Watch The Opening Cinematic

Japan Mono » Anime Series

Anime Review - PlanetES

Anime Review - Heroic Age