Super GALS! Kotobuki Ran

Upon first hearing about "Super Gals, " I remember thinking to myself: What could this be about, super hero females that save the world from destruction? Hahaha, but no it is actually far from it!

Story: 8/10
Despite the story and characters taking place in Japan, they actually give off a much more "American" style of flavor. The story is all based around life as a teenage gal in Shibuya in the late 90’s, so you know its all going to be about the platform shoes and loud accessories. Now there is no over all plot to this series, it ranges between slice of life, action and ... comedy. Basically we watch 17 year old Ran Kotobuki (main character) living life as head of all Shibuya’s turf. Its kinda interesting actually, because while she does run the show in town, she isn’t in any particular gang. Or neither is anyone else (with the exception of two) for that matter, as it is more implied or referred to. Having an actual title that acknowledges gang activity, probably wasn’t in their best interest to do. Anyway, as the story progresses she ends up having two school members; who later become her most trusted friends, join her in the mean streets of Shibuya. Despite this title not taking itself series in the very least, (its all about the over the top comedy) there is actually great chemistry between the characters, as love triangles and rivalries abound. And can range from the girls defending their turf from outsiders, to helping one another with family affairs, to just having fun by the pool side. One good thing can really be said about the story, the enjoyment comes from no one character alone, as they all have their own antics that keep the story entertaining. Still, as I said before there is no over all plot, and it soly derives from a plot by plot basis. The ending to this is okay, but since there really is no over all story going anywhere, the only difference between the first and last episode is the new characters they actually meet. Super Gals contains little in the way of offensive material, other than bad language which mostly comes from Ran herself.

Art: 8/10
I swear this is one of the most colorful titles I have ever seen in an anime. While the characters and environment just scream sharp, colorful, and well detailed distinctness. Some viewers may find it a bit too much on the eyes, as its all one big bright rainbow of colors and flashy loud outfits, which can be seen as a negative. Over all its great in the art department and defiantly gives detail to every piece of background it can, I just feel they may have gone over board a bit with the color scheme.

Characters: 9/10
Truly, Super Gals greatest heart comes from its characters, all of which are lovable in their own way! Considering this is definitely an over the top comedy anime, you may be surprised that the characters themselves know how to act series and calm when they want to, in fact many scenes have the girls going through some inner turmoil in their lives, whether it be their love life, family problems, situations at school and so on. They really do a fine job of taking you through many touching moments along with the comedy. Which you honestly don’t see that often in titles like these. You’ll also be pleased that all the characters are given their own unique personalities, from crazy, to moody, to strait faced.....its all here in one package. That along with great back stories that play every few episodes, you really get to connect with them and feel what they feel! While I don’t feel it ever reached its utmost potential, the characters are no doubt lovable and fun to watch!

Soundtrack: 7/10
Certainly different than most music tracks you’ll hear in an anime, as its all about a mix of Disco and techno styled par par, which play throughout the episode in the background! And once again it ranges from a loud hyperactive opening j-pop theme, to a suttle closing where the girl are in the rain seeming to contemplate life. While its definitely a mixed bag as to whether the whole par par disco theme is actually a good thing, most will agree that it fits with the anime style. Some of the actually voices in the Japaneses version, seemed to not match their personalities as well as they did in the dub. Which is pretty rare. Its an overall good soundtrack, but does have some negative things that hinder it as well.

Bottom Line: 9/10
While Super Gals won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, its excellent for those of us that are looking for a good laugh, and love the over the top comedy mixed with tender moments. Which truly is this title’s strongest feature. Seriously, I both laughed and cried (don’t tell anyone) while going through this anime. However, for those who prefer an actual plot with there viewings, or maybe prefer a more toned down comedy title, it would be best to avoid Super Gals, as it contains none of those two whatsoever! But if you dig this style of humor and sincerity in your series, then it is truly a satisfying experience!

I like the manga, but somehow I'm not quite satisfied with the anime. I don't know, maybe its the sub's quality that translate everything like Ganguro become Tan Face etc etc...

Sometimes maybe the term should be left the way it is.

The only thing that make me keep watching was Tatsukichi's 'Ookii' (his monkey expression is priceless) and the Junior Detective....

So sorry to say, the manga are better.....

OMG I had to resist the urge from beating my head in with a freaking hammer after watching this series not only was it the same old thing I've seen a million times before but with the added craptastic bonus of getting to experience the whole shallow teen with a big heart...uh let's get this over with.
Story- As I've said I've seen this a million times before it isn't the first time I've seen and for the love of kittens I wish it would finally be the last but it just won't be.
Art- I hated the art
Sound- I did not like the sound and especially ... did not like the voice acting (even though the actors did a dang good job of imitating what they had to be).
Character- I really hated the characters in this story honestly I think this was the aspect I hated the most about the series even if time was spent so you could understand why a character was a certain way.
Enjoyment- Suffice to say I would've had more fun breaking my fingers with a hammer and soaking my feet in corrosive acid than watching this series. I've never regretted my policy of not dropping anime unless I can't find the episodes more than when I was watching this show.
Overall- I disliked this anime immensely the only way I would ever watch it again was if somebody paid me a lot of money to do so while I was in some sort of hypnotic state where I actually enjoy this kind of generic crap. I only suggest you watch this if you have a lot of time to burn and don't mind banging your head on a table enough to where you are stupid enough to enjoy this kind of crap.