Ranked #108

Kaiba

::QUICK REVIEW::
Story: 9 (Great amnesia story, love the sci-fi elements)
Art: 10 ("I DO" yelled Sam, "I do like green eggs and ham!")
Sound: 7 (overly silent at times, but dialog helps lot)
Character: 9 (So simple yet very complex, a must see)
Enjoyment: 10 (Felt like a 3-hour summer blockbuster movie)
Overall: 45/50 = 9 (Everyone must experience this)


::FULL REVIEW::
People always try to be above others. It's because they can't be happy unless they have people below them. This show creates a whole universe around this concept and other unconventional ideals. From the anime description and genre choices for this show, and even the database picture the normal anime viewer might be a little turned off from this show. At first glance for me I quickly turned it away as I thought it was aimed toward children. Despite showing an R+ rating I also notice ratings are usually 20% correct in the MAL database.

But after pushing it aside for about two weeks, I finally decided to give it a shot and boy will you be surprised. Right off the start, you're heart will start racing as you follow the story of the main character. A after waking up from a daze, blade runner 'esque chase quickly follows. After the action, the main character appears to be very lost, which I'm sure most of you will feel the same way he does. This also starts a unique connection and experience between the viewer and the main character. This is where the show really starts.

One thing I'm sure most people will notice is the art style. You will either love it or hate it but don't let the artwork turn you away from this show. After an episode or two you will most likely appreciate the level of originality this art style brings to the plate. After i have seen over 100+ series in a three month span, this was a very welcome change to the orthodox anime styles. Dont let the simple look fool you as well, there are more than enough small details to pay attention to throughout. From the tiny memory pellets to an overcrowded storage room. Everything looks very thought out and amazing. Often you'll probably think to yourself, how the hell does Misaaki and Nobutaka make this ***t up?

Another false assumption was that the characters were mostly children since they have a simple child like look to them. But they are very much mature adults. The characters are are all so very likable and I owe a lot of that to the art style and the small details that they do or don't leave out. The even greater point is how Masaaki Yuasa goes to great depths to control the viewers emotions with the use of these characters. One minute, you'll hate a character, then the next you'll feel sorry for them, then you'll feel frustrated because this is almost an emotional roller coaster. Rest assured, this is a good kind of frustration (if there is such a thing).

Defintiely "don't judge this book by its cover." This point of view story was rather an interesting one and the science, technology, and hierarchy surrounding this universe was very captivating experience. There are quite a large number of allusions and ideals in every episode that got me reflecting on what I have just experienced (which I absolutely love). I can't really compare this to any other anime show. If i had to compare the story to something, it like a telling of a blade runner/ matrix story in the eyes of Dr. Seuss.

A great way to close this epic show would be a quote from Dr. Seuss' Yertle the Turtle:
"You hush your mouth!" Howled the Mighty King Yertle.
"You have no right to talk to the world's highest turtle.
"I rule from the clouds, over land, over sea!
There is no nothing, NOTHING, that's higher than me!" read more

Director Masaaki Yuasa brings to his viewers yet another completely original and enthralling series. Kaiba presents audiences with a genuinely pleasing experience and pulls off the impossible with ease.

The story is driven by two things: Main plot progression, and setting the scene. The main plot is full of twists and turns, action and romance, lightheartedness and death; you name it, it's there. Kaiba's engaging story never loses its grip and continuously keeps audiences on their toes. A complex and absorbing story is but one of the many positives of this series.

In a different light, Kaiba puts an importance on setting the scene. There is a large focus on presenting the audience with a surreal environment. This is accomplished by exploring the odd actions of the characters and by exploring the many mysterious settings of this far-out world. During the first half of Kaiba, the primary focus is on "setting the scene", and cleverly executed it was, but at a cost -- It is during the first half of this series that we find the weakest material. This material is neither excellent nor poor, but instead is "necessary". In fact, in order to fully enjoy the second half of this series, the first half must remain. But make no mistake, this all-encompassing story will leave you wanting more and will have you re-watching Kaiba over and over again...just as a story should.

Another favorable aspect of Kaiba is its animation. Fitting for this Sci-Fi adventure is its innovative abstract art; abstract art at its finest, in fact. The alien animation enhances the atmosphere in which Kaiba is trying to bring forth -- A through and through eerie and uncanny world. This series is not artistically challenged in the least.

Just as everything else is done as it should be, the music and sound are no exception. Kaiba incorporates a masterful musical score into the mix. The musical score further sets the eerie mood; Kaiba just wouldn't be "Kaiba" without it. And to point out, this makes for one outstanding soundtrack.

Characterization is impressive overall in Kaiba. It feels as though every single character or creature in the entire series is likable and is a joy to watch. The characters feel realistic in every sense, and their actions are just as believable. However, many characters feel somewhat underdeveloped as a result of the short length of the series.

Plain and simple, Kaiba brings to the table a magnificent story, attractive animation, terrific music, and a suitable eerie environment -- A must see animated series. read more