Fall 2003
Fullmetal Alchemist
BonesEdward Elric, a young, brilliant alchemist, has lost much in his twelve-year life: when he and his brother Alphonse try to resurrect their dead mother through the forbidden act of human transmutation, Edward loses his brother as well as two of his limbs. With his supreme alchemy skills, Edward binds Alphonse's soul to a large suit of armor.
A year later, Edward, now promoted to the fullmetal alchemist of the state, embarks on a journey with his younger brother to obtain the Philosopher's Stone. The fabled mythical object is rumored to be capable of amplifying an alchemist's abilities by leaps and bounds, thus allowing them to override the fundamental law of alchemy: to gain something, an alchemist must sacrifice something of equal value. Edward hopes to draw into the military's resources to find the fabled stone and restore his and Alphonse's bodies to normal. However, the Elric brothers soon discover that there is more to the legendary stone than meets the eye, as they are led to the epicenter of a far darker battle than they could have ever imagined.
The Anime Critic’s Reel: An Exploration into Fullmetal Alchemist
Dark yet thought-provoking and filled with thematic richness – that’s Fullmetal Alchemist for you. The iconic series, penned by Hiromu Arakawa, plunges into a world that merges alchemy, science and magical realism. We’re introduced to two likeable and complex protagonists: the Elric brothers, Edward and Alphonse, who dabble in taboo alchemy to bring their deceased mother back to life. But in their rigmarole, they end up paying a hefty price as dictated by the Law of Equivalent Exchange—a core principle in this universe—that states, “to obtain, something of equal value must be lost”.
Edward loses his left leg while Alphonse loses his whole body. Determined to restore what they lost and wiser from the experience, the brothers take the path of state alchemists, journeying through various trials while seeking the mythical Philosopher’s Stone—a substance rumored to overrule the Law of Equivalent Exchange. However, the longer they journey, the deeper they plunge into a web of political intrigue, military corruption, and moral dilemmas.
Story and Characters: Depth Beyond Depth
How they manage to intertwine a profound narrative with an array of unforgettable and nuanced characters is the allure that sets Fullmetal Alchemist apart. Its ability to switch between light comedic moments and high-stakes drama is done seamlessly, maintaining an appropriate balance that keeps viewers engaged.
Much of its appeal draws from the Elric brothers’ exploration of the concepts of loss, guilt, and existentialism. The narrative’s ability to humanize these brothers and their struggles, resonates with viewers, making the Elric brothers some of the most beloved characters within the anime genre.
Animation and Art: Bringing a Fantastic Universe to Life
Fullmetal Alchemist’s animation, courtesy of Studio Bones, adds an extra layer of appeal. The characters designs are impressive, they’re expressive and detailed. The overall art retains its rich colour palette regardless of the scene’s tone—be it a gritty fight sequence with sparks flying or serene moments of contemplation under a sunset.
Sound: Tonal Masterpiece
The voice-acting is equally noteworthy. Standout performances include Romi Park as Edward and Rie Kugimiya as Alphonse, both of whom convey an impressive range of emotions. Musically, the anime bestows aural gems, with each piece serving the atmosphere it’s accompanying.
Conclusion: An Alchemical Blend of Brilliance
Fullmetal Alchemist is a shining example of a well-paced, thoughtfully woven narrative, enriched by multi-dimensional characters that leave indelible impressions. It’s a series that will not only entertain you with packed action sequences and moments of humor, but will also provoke introspection, encouraging viewers to ponder over the often grey nature of morality, life, and loss.
Whether it’s to rent, buy or stream, I’d say a resounding ‘yes’ to Fullmetal Alchemist. It’s not just a display of stunning animation, layered characters, and compelling storytelling. Rather, it’s a piece of art that will be remembered for years to come, deserving of a space not just in your anime collection, but also in your heart.
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Gungrave
MadhouseBrandon Heat and Harry MacDowel, two friends so close they could be called brothers, receive an abrupt and violent reminder one fateful day of how appallingly merciless the world around them can be. Their whole lives before then were simple and easygoing, consisting largely of local brawls, seducing women, and committing petty theft to make a living and pass the time. What they failed to realize is that in this cruel world, happiness is fleeting, and change is inevitable.
Enter Millennion, the largest and most infamous mafia syndicate in the area, which accepts Brandon and Harry into their ranks and starts them at the bottom of the food chain. Harry has ambitions to ascend the ranks and one day replace Big Daddy as the supreme leader of Millennion, while Brandon only wishes to support his friend and appease Big Daddy who has taken custody of the woman Brandon loves.
Based off the third-person shooter video game under the same name, Gungrave is an epic story of friendship, betrayal, and avarice that spans the course of several years, ultimately tying back to the gripping and foreboding first episode, all the while building up to the story's thrilling conclusion.
Hey there, Otakus and welcome to another thrilling review here at our beloved anime hub! Get ready to immerse yourself in a world rife with heart-stopping scenarios and a slate of unforgettable characters. Today, we’re taking a rollercoaster ride down one incredibly captivating series: Gungrave.
Meet the World of Gungrave
Based on the title popularized by the PlayStation2 game, Gungrave is a rich, dynamic, and exciting series that traverses the thin line between life, death, and redemption. Through the eyes of the deadman reviving mercenary Beyond the Grave, we witness the unravelling of a suspenseful story of comradery, betrayal, and the unforgiving underworld.
Set in a city controlled by criminal syndicates, the story first introduces us to street orphans Brandon and Harry. The two build a bond stronger than blood through shared hardships, dreams and unfaltering loyalty. When they join Millennion, the most influential mafia syndicate, their lives take a drastic turn, and the choices they make become their binding chains. As the duo rises through the ranks, the stakes get perilously higher, leading to tragic circumstances.
Diving Deeper: The Gungrave Review
In the realm of anime, Gungrave stampedes in like an unstoppable bull, demanding full attention and rightfully so! From its early parts setting the foundation of a friendship through to its high-octane action sequences and the tumultuous downfall, Gungrave is a compelling spectacle that will clutch at your heartstrings and never let go.
The series’ ability to deliver such a profound narrative without interrupting the flow of action scenarios is remarkable. With Hong Kong action movie vibes, Gungrave dishes out fervent, well-orchestrated gunfights that send adrenaline tearing through your veins. Each bullet fired is a masterpiece of animation, exuding a grim elegance that’s painstakingly detailed and raw.
Between the chaos, the emotional depth explored in Gungrave is not to be overlooked. As each chapter progresses, we witness the evolving dynamic of Brandon and Harry’s bond—a poignant horse pill that’s both their strength and weakness. The bond they share lays the groundwork for a narrative with unprecedented emotional depth in an action anime.
When it comes to the characters of Gungrave, the series shines in its realism and relatability. The characters are not only well-designed but imbued with a triumphant complexity that evolves convincingly, eliciting a range of emotions from the viewer. Notably, Beyond the Grave is not your typical trigger-happy antihero but a tragic figure burdened with the consequences of his past.
In short, Gungrave is an anime overflowing with passion, intrigue, and adventure. It’s a poignant tale that hauls you into its world and leaves lasting memories embroidered with extraordinary action scenes, powerful storytelling, and unforgettable characters.
So, whether to rent, buy, or stream Gungrave? Well, with an impact this tremendous, Gungrave is undoubtedly an anime experience you’d want in your collection. It’s an unmissable spectacle—tailor-made for witnessing again and again.
Final Verdict
With its heart-wrenching storyline, breath-taking animations, and emotional depth, Gungrave is a gem waiting to be discovered. So grab your popcorn and brace yourself for an unforgettable journey into the world of Gungrave. It’s more than an anime—it’s a masterful experience!
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Planetes
SunriseIn 2075, space travel is no longer just a dream, but an everyday reality for mankind. Advancements in science and technology have led to the colonization of the moon, the commercialization of outer space, and the formation of large space corporations. Ai Tanabe, an upbeat woman whose interests lie in the cosmos, joins Technora Corporation as a member of their Debris Section, a department dedicated to the removal of dangerous space junk between the orbits of the Earth and Moon.
However, Ai soon discovers how unappreciated her job is. As the laughingstock of Technora, the Debris Section is severely understaffed, poorly funded, and is forced to use a dilapidated spaceship nicknamed the "Toy Box" for debris retrieval. Undeterred, Ai perseveres and gradually becomes acquainted with the strange personalities that make up the Debris Section's staff, such as the bumbling but good-natured chief clerk Philippe Myers; the mysterious and tight-lipped temp worker Edelgard Rivera; and the hotheaded and passionate Hachirouta Hoshino, who longs for a spaceship to call his own.
Planetes is an unconventional sci-fi series that portrays the vastness of space as a backdrop for the personal lives of ordinary people—people who may have been born on Earth, but whose hopes and dreams lie amongst the stars.
A Dusting of Reality: Welcome to ‘Planetes’
In the grandeur of space, each scrap of waste poses a potential hazard amidst the abyss. With ‘Planetes’ we take a detour from the usual kinetic energy-packed, large-scale conflicts to plunge into a captivating reality set in the year 2075. Space debris poses a very real peril to spacecrafts, and the story orbits around the lives and trials of the Debris Section of Technora Corporation. The employees of this underappreciated department are tasked with collecting the hazardous waste that litters space.
The plot focuses on an eccentric duo – a self-centered yet talented Hachirota “Hachimaki” Hoshino and a lunar-born idealist named Ai Tanabe. As the series progresses, it paints an intricate portrait of these characters and their professional and personal lives, weaving into it strands of comedy, drama, psychological depth, and a touch of romance. ‘Planetes’ triumphs in its exploration of human nature and its struggle under the immense, boundless gaze of the cosmos. It’s an elaborately woven tale set against a mesmerisingly detailed, scientifically accurate backdrop of space.
Review: A Stellar Dive into the Cosmos
‘Planetes’ is a delightful surprise. It’s a unique blend of science fiction and human drama that manages to ground itself despite its celestial setting. Instead of resorting to alien invasions or epic space-warfare, it chooses to orbit its narrative around the dirges and triumphs of men and women who are essentially janitors in space. The attention to detail is awe-inspiring; ‘Planetes’ takes painstaking efforts in maintaining scientific accuracy even as it weaves the personal lives of its characters. Every bit from the portrayal of weightlessness to the display of planet surfaces is mindfully designed.
The characters are critically one of its strong points. Hachirota and Ai are polar characters whose chemistry fuels the series. The other secondary characters also get their arcs, each given a fitting back story, evolving throughout the series. The character development in ‘Planetes’ is nothing short of brilliant. Each character’s journey deepens the character pool and adds flavour to the increasingly engrossing narrative.
The show’s pacing could be a deal-breaker for some, as ‘Planetes’ takes its time to establish the characters and their stories. But patience brings reward as the slow pacing allows for a well-rounded development and a deeper understanding of each character. ‘Planetes’ may not have your heart at hello, but give it time, and it masterfully reels you in.
Though ‘Planetes’ may not dazzle with flashy animation, its visual narrative is astounding. It captures the vastness of space, the fine detail in ships, and even the stress experienced by characters under zero-gravity with great precision. Paired with a soundtrack that is ambient and fitting to its themes, ‘Planetes’ transports the viewers to a future that feels so real it’s uncanny.
In conclusion, ‘Planetes’ is like floating debris – it might not catch your attention amidst the shining stars and grand galaxies but give it a closer look, and you realize its extraordinary nature. It’s a must-watch for those seeking an anime that champions character-driven narratives underlined by psychological depth and balances them with the cosmic setting. In terms of streaming or buying, I would recommend a buy; ‘Planetes’ is the kind of series you might want to revisit once every few years for its intricate character narratives, balance of light humour and heavy themes, and overall exceptional storytelling. It’s a hidden gem worth adding to your collection.
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Sakigake!! Cromartie Koukou
Production I.GTakashi Kamiyama is your typical mild-mannered high school student—polite, aloof, and pacifistic, with a slightly above-average IQ. But would your average high school student really enroll himself at the infamous Cromartie High School, known as a breeding ground for the toughest delinquents out there?
Apparently so, as that is exactly what Takashi does, though for reasons he'd rather leave unmentioned. However, one thing is for sure: the "hard-boiled rabbit in a den full of hungry lions" is never going to have another dull day. And how could he, now that he's surrounded by mohawked punks, obnoxious robots, and… gorillas? And was that Freddie Mercury riding a horse down the corridor? Follow Takashi as he earnestly dedicates his new high school life to better his school's reputation while his classmates are hellbent on wreaking havoc.
Anime Review – Sakigake!! Cromartie Koukou
Step into a world where absurdity rules, and the strange and surreal become everyday occurrences, and you’ll find yourself in the heart of Sakigake!! Cromartie Koukou (or Cromartie High School). As our hero, Takashi Kamiyama, willingly enrols in Cromartie High School, infamous for being populated by delinquents, we know we are in for a wild ride.
Unlike his peers, Takashi is distinctive for being completely ordinary in this sea of kooky characters. The school’s students are nothing short of a veritable smorgasbord of eccentricity – from a gorilla to a robot that doesn’t know he’s a robot, to the kind-hearted delinquent with a deep, sensitive soul. Throw in some weird traditions, obscure references to pop culture, unexpected musical numbers, and you get a show that’s comedic gold.
Anime Overview
The anime relies heavily on absurd humor, unexpected punchlines, and genuinely eccentric characters, that somehow never lose their charm. From absurd situations to the sheer unexpectedness of their actions, the characters drive the offbeat comedy. There’s no over-relying on tropes or cliches; instead, you’ll find yourself laughing at the randomness of it all.
Audience Engagement
For a show that prides itself on its unconventional narrative, Sakigake!! Cromartie Koukou manages to keep its viewer engaged and invested. Its charm lies in its unpredictability. You never know what’s coming next, but you’re guaranteed it’ll be anything but mundane. It’s the sort of series that will appeal to those who relish in the weird and the wonderful, those who like their anime a tad off the beaten path.
Conclusion
All in all, Sakigake!! Cromartie Koukou is one anime that dares to be different and succeeds with flying colors (or should I say, a flying gorilla). It’s an unconventional, bizarre, and downright hilarious ride through the hallowed halls of Cromartie High School that anime fans won’t want to miss. Whether you rent, buy, or stream this show, be prepared for an avalanche of laughter. Bearing in mind its zany, non-sequitur humor, it might not be to everyone’s taste. But, for those who like their comedy unexpected and their characters absurdly charming, then Cromartie High School might just be the perfect school for you. Enjoy the chaos, my friends!
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