Aozora Shoujo-tai

Title: 801 T.T.S. Airbats - A Lighthearted Dive into Aviation Comedy

Rating: 7/10

801 T.T.S. Airbats, directed by Akiyuki Shinbo and based on the manga by Shimizu Toshimitsu, takes a unique approach to the military genre by infusing it with a comedic and slice-of-life twist. Released in 1994, this OVA (Original Video Animation) series provides an entertaining yet somewhat niche experience for viewers interested in a blend of aviation, humor, and light-hearted storytelling.

**Storyline (6/10):**
Set in an alternate reality where the Tokyo Metropolitan Police maintains an all-female air squadron, 801 T.T.S. Airbats follows the misadventures of the charmingly eccentric pilot Isurugi Takuya and his squadmates. The series adopts ... a largely episodic format, focusing on the day-to-day challenges faced by the Airbats and their interactions both on and off duty.

While the premise is unique and the comedic elements add a refreshing touch to the military setting, the overall narrative lacks a strong central plot. The episodic nature can lead to a somewhat disjointed viewing experience, with individual episodes feeling like standalone comedic sketches rather than contributing to a cohesive overarching story.

**Characters (6/10):**
801 T.T.S. Airbats introduces a quirky and diverse set of characters, each with distinct personalities and quirks. Isurugi Takuya's carefree and flirtatious nature provides much of the comedic energy, while the other members of the Airbats contribute their own dynamics to the group. The character interactions are enjoyable, and their camaraderie is a highlight of the series.

However, the characters often remain within the bounds of their established archetypes, with limited exploration of deeper character development. While this fits the lighthearted tone of the series, it may leave viewers wanting more substantial growth from the cast.

**Animation and Art (7/10):**
801 T.T.S. Airbats showcases animation typical of its 1990s era, with a somewhat dated aesthetic. The character designs and backgrounds capture the charm of the manga but may not meet the visual standards of more contemporary anime. The animation quality is serviceable for the genre, especially considering the series' comedic focus.

The aircraft sequences, while not groundbreaking, effectively convey a sense of flight and motion. The art style complements the comedic tone, and the series successfully balances its military elements with a lighter, more humorous aesthetic.

**Soundtrack (7/10):**
The soundtrack of 801 T.T.S. Airbats complements its comedic atmosphere. The opening theme, "Niji o Mitsukero," and the ending theme, "SORA," provide catchy and upbeat tunes that suit the overall tone of the series. While the music may not be particularly memorable, it enhances the viewing experience and contributes to the series' light-hearted vibe.

**Impact and Legacy (7/10):**
801 T.T.S. Airbats holds a place in anime history as a unique blend of military and comedy genres. While it may not have achieved the same level of widespread recognition as other series, it has garnered a niche following among fans of aviation-themed anime and those seeking a more humorous take on military life.

**Conclusion:**
801 T.T.S. Airbats offers an entertaining and niche viewing experience, particularly for fans interested in the unusual combination of military aviation and comedy. While the series may not reach the heights of other classics, its charm, unique premise, and humor earn it a solid 7/10 rating. Viewers seeking a lighthearted diversion with a touch of aviation flair may find enjoyment in this nostalgic gem from the 1990s anime landscape.

I've never been a very objective person. There are plenty of things out there that are 'Objectively Bad' or 'Objectively Mediocre', well according to most 801 T.T.S. Airbats would objectively be somewhere under the 7-10 mark, the MAL rating is currently 6.51/10. Well, screw whatever objective scores anyone gives this show, I enjoyed the hell out of Aozora Shoujo-tai! I'm not one to indulge in romcoms very often so I can forgive a lot of the tropes and what-not. Airbats was a very enjoyable watch, I loved all of the characters and was happy to see all of them get their own time to shine. ... Despite being a romcom, Aozora Shoujo-tai is a comedy first and a romance second, the love triangle that forms never unnecessarily gets in the way, nor does it ever get incredibly serious. The only bad thing about this anime for me was that it was very clearly unfinished, the 7 episodes that exist are great and all of the characters really get their moments, but the love triangle never gets resolved, and right at the end of the 7th episode, a new relationship begins to form between two of the supporting characters, yet there are no episodes to explore said relationship afterward. The anime is clearly unfinished, but what's there was very enjoyable.

A show about a squad of female fighter pilots training to become good enough to not get banned by the JASDF (Japanese Air Self Defense Force - yes, this is also a military ad in some ways) - count me in! The detailed drawings of all things mechanical, the concept of the show itself and even the visual character design is great, but sadly the writing is abysmal. Because it was the "style of the time", they had to include a love triangle with the super-lame male protagonist, which forces all the female characters go head over heel about that dude for absolutely no reason ... at all. That was a good way to ruin an otherwise solid show. I wonder if the manga is better?