Alternative TitlesEnglish: Michiko & Hatchin Synonyms: Michiko e Hatchin Japanese: ミチコとハッチン
Information
Type: TV
Episodes: 22
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Oct 16, 2008 to Mar 19, 2009
Duration:
22 min. per episode Rating:
R - 17+ (violence & profanity)
L represents licensing company
StatisticsScore: 7.901 (scored by 13059 users)
Ranked: #5922
Popularity: #547
Members: 33,251
Favorites: 420 1 indicates a weighted score
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SynopsisAfter escaping from prison, the sexy criminal Michiko rescues an abused girl known as Hatchin. The two are about as opposite as they come, but their fates become intertwined through the connection of a man from both their pasts. On the run from the police and Hatchin's abusive foster parents, the unlikely duo set out to find this man and ultimately discover their freedom.
(Source: FUNimation) |
Characters & Voice Actors
Staff
Reviews
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HybridMedia
9 of 11 people found this review helpful
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22 of 22 episodes seen
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| Overall |
10 |
| Story |
8 |
| Animation |
10 |
| Sound |
10 |
| Character |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
This show came out in October 2008……..and yet I just found out about it or know its existence 4-5 years later. I did a little research about the show and wonder a few things about it, such as it was made by Manglobe, the same production studio who brought another favorite anime of mine, Samurai Champloo, and also it was the first anime directed by a newcomer by the name of Sayo Yamamoto, who later on went to direct Lupin the Third: The Woman Called Fujiko Mine (which I heard good things about, although I don’t keep track on the franchise) and I can see it as a spiritual cousin to both Champloo & Cowboy Bebop with a Latin / Jazz flavor mixed in.
Hatchin is a girl raised by strict foster parents who has long given up her dreams of freedom. Michiko is a sexy criminal who escapes from a supposedly inescapable prison. When she suddenly enters Hana's life, these two very different women set off on a journey across a lawless land in search of a missing man from both their pasts.
Like I said, this show does have similarities to the two shows I just mentioned earlier; most likely the former considering it is a type of show where the journey of finding this mysterious man named Hiroshi and traveling to the destination is more focused than the destination itself with these wild, crazy, and charismatic characters drawn in and the cities/towns they visit along the way. It’s not really a show with a strong or overwhelming plot but it’s more entertaining and thrilling where all you need is a simple premise but make it watchable on screen. As for the other surrounding factors, the anime is based more on realism than it seems with the cities, ghettos, rivers, deserts and of course, the characters themselves.
Speaking of that, I really loved the characters of Michiko and Hatchin as to me, they are like the badass and child pairing that wouldn’t look right on the drawing board first, but it worked out. Michiko is like the female version of Mugen from Samurai Champloo with a bit of the same characteristics: A mysterious and dark past, someone who seems to be very unstoppable to anybody she faces, kind of an idiot to be around, and can be very harsh to their companion…..at first. Hatchin or “Hana” is that one character I was really rooting for to…..well….survive. I wanted to say she’s like Ed from Cowboy Bebop but she’s actually more responsible than her and also the way she gets treated in the first 2 episodes by her foster family, I instantly wanted her to leave them because personally, I would’ve left there sooner and knocking all of them out (and yes, I mean, all of them). Sure, Michiko is not actually World’s Best Parent but she would be safer with her than them. Plus, the bond between them is very mother/daughter-like but the roles would be reserved and it’s actually funnier that way. Other characters including Atsuko Jackson is the foil to Michiko mostly because she’s always trying to catch her, yet she escapes and we all know that Atsuko has a soft spot for her as well, almost like the same connection as Michiko to Hatchin, a kindred spirit as you think about it. In short, all of the characters do have their moments of clarity and rough development. Some may as innocent as you think or vice-versa, either way, they all evolve in some form.
Animation-wise, this is very scenic and gorgeous to gaze at and if this show was to ever air in HD, it would enhance the viewing pleasure. This is one of Manglobe’s best looking shows to date, even better than most current shows (although the only shows from Manglobe I saw was Samurai Champloo, Deadman Wonderland, & House of Five Leaves) and let me remind you this was made in 2008 and I know it isn’t vintage yet but it’s something more unique than the usual anime and that’s also been said before but it’s true.
Music is another department where they succeed, especially with the opening, “Paradiso” by SOIL&PIMP Sessions and this opening is very reminiscent of the classic anime opening, “Tank!” from Cowboy Bebop and speaking of that, Shinichiro Watanabe happens to be the music producer of the series, which explains that Watanabe feel I was getting from the show itself. The music was by Brazilian musician Alexandre Kassin of The +2’s and the background music is also very impressive with its blend of jazz, funk, psyche Delia & samba music. However, the ending theme wasn’t bad, I just never think of that song when it comes to this series.
Now, even though I am a dub watcher, I saw this in the sub……mostly because this is no English dub (yet). As of the time of the review was written, FUNimation will release it this year with Monica Rial as the voice of Michiko & Jad Sexton as Hatchin. There isn’t a clip of the dub released yet but the sub was an overall decent effort.
FINAL VERDICT: I have found a new anime that really piques my interest and I really love this and I’m pretty sure that when the dub comes out, I’m going to love it as well but as of now, this is definitely a show I can recommend to most newcomers of anime and experienced watchers.
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Archaeon
320 of 413 people found this review helpful
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22 of 22 episodes seen
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| Overall |
9 |
| Story |
8 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Character |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
9 |
What would you get if you crossed Thelma & Louise with City of God? You may get complete drivel, or you may, if you're very lucky, get something like Michiko to Hatchin.
Manglobe, the production company (and the brains behind), Michiko to Hatchin, have really pushed the boat out with this anime. But then again, they're no strangers to success or quality, especially as they are the company responsible for Ergo Proxy and Samurai Champloo. The series was directed by Yamamoto Sayo and is effectively her first full time at the helm of a production, and whilst this may have been a gamble on the part of Manglobe, it's one that certainly paid off as Michiko to Hatchin has a certain "fresh" quality that I haven't seen in anime in a long time (not since Cowboy Bebop in fact).
The tale is about an escaped convict named Michiko Malandro and her quest to find her lost, and supposedly dead, lover Hiroshi Morenos. In order to achieve this, she "kidnaps" a girl who is supposedly Hiroshi's daughter, initially thinking that she would know where Hiroshi is. However the world has changed during her years in prison, becoming at times more brutal and less forgiving.
The decision to set this tale in a quasi-South American (Brazilian), country was a stroke of genius as the creators and director could do things that would never have been included had the show been given a more staid setting. In addition to this, the characters themselves are able to have that little bit more "flair" about them because of the setting, something that initially detracts from some of them until one realises that the gaudiness is all simply part of that character's persona - more on that later though.
Now fans of Ergo Proxy and Samurai Champloo will know that Manglobe are able to produce some stunning visuals, and Michiko to Hatchin is no slouch in this department. From barren deserts to lush jungles, from slum shanties to sleek factories, the level of detail is excellent, and well above that of many recent titles. In addition to this, the various settings in which the story takes place have a certain realistic quality about them that belies the fact that this is an anime.
In addition to the great scenery, the characters are extremely unique and well designed, again, adding to the sense of realism about the show. The leads and immediate supporting cast are individuals to a tee, with each character possessing a certain lifelike quality that many anime would find difficult to match.
One area where the show really excels is with the animation. It's rare to see such lifelike movement in anime, and in many ways the fluidity and natural motion in Michiko to Hatchin represents a step up from that of Samurai Champloo.
Sound is another area where this show works very well. The effects are extremely well chosen and choreographed, and while some may be overwhelming, this is actually purposeful because of the situations the characters may find themselves in. The music used throughout the series is atmospheric and refreshing, and is reflective of the Latin-American feel of the show. The OP, a track called "Paraiso" by the Japanese jazz band Soil & "Pimp" Sessions, is an excellent piece that harks back to the classic "Tank!" of Cowboy Bebop fame. Unfortunately the same cannot be said of the ED, "Best Friend" by Karutetto, as it is a bit too "boy-band" for my tastes.
One of the truly great things about Michiko to Hatchin is actually the cast. Manglobe and Yamamoto took the somewhat surprising, move when they chose the actors, opting not for established traditional seiyuu but for established screen actors. However, this seemingly risky choice has paid off in spades for the series. Maki Yoko (Battle Royale II: Requiem, The Grudge), is extremely versatile as the sexy, pouting, hotheaded, and somewhat childish Michiko, whilst Ohgo Suzuka (Year One in the North, Memoirs of a Geisha), is truly excellent in the role of Hatchin as she provides a depth of character that is rare to find.
Which neatly brings us to the characters themselves. Michiko is willful, headstrong, selfish in the extreme, and very childish. Hatchin is somewhat shy and nervous, but also responsible, tidy, and hates laziness. Both leads are extremely well defined from the outset, something which is reinforced as the relationship between the two is extremely combative (the pair are effectively polar opposites). Others like the terrifying Satoshi Batista or the terrier-like (i.e. always chasing Michiko), Atsuko Jackson are also well defined from the start, and through the first few episodes it may be difficult to see how any of the characters are actually developing because of the strength of the characterizations.
One reason for this is because both Manglobe and Yamamoto decided against using normal anime practices for developing characters, and instead chose a far more realistic and subtle approach. One needs only to compare the relationship between Michiko and Hatchin (or even Michiko and Atsuko), at the beginning of the series, with their behaviour towards the end to see exactly how much they have developed as characters. An example of this is the fact that Michiko is initially very much an annoying, sexy, pouting, selfish jerk, however at the end of the series she reminds me of Balsa from Seirei no Moribito. Hatchin, Atsuko and Satoshi also undergo this extremely subtle development (you'll see how much by episode 20).
I thoroughly enjoyed this series for many reasons, the main one being the fact that this is a show that is not afraid to show the casual brutality of its setting. There will be some out there who didn't like the way the series ended, however I found the conclusion to be very much in keeping with the essence of the series, whilst at the same time being far more realistic than the endings of most other anime.
Michiko to Hatchin is a rarity in the medium, and should not be prejudged on the basis of one or two episodes. The complexity of each character, the harsh, unforgiving setting, the sometimes brutally real actions of individuals, and the extremely subtle development all serve to make this one of the best shows of 2008, and one of the best anime to appear in the last decade. At times Thelma & Louise, at times City of God, at times Laurel and Hardy, this anime possesses a style and flair that surpasses that of Samurai Champloo - a feat by any measure.
Given the quality of this series, and its previous titles, I'm rapidly becoming a fan of Manglobe. read more
Recommendations
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they both have the same coool feeling and both have a jazzy starting. Only one is a criminal escaped from prison and the other a Bounty hunter.
Same feeling, also tons of gunfights.
Both are pretty funky shows that take place in a slightly askew futuristic world. Similar music and art. Similarly wild characters and improbable situations and scenes. Nice gun fights. The babe in Michiko is similar to Fay from Cowboy Bebop--gutsy, scantily clad, nonchalantly violent.
There are adventures, good music, chases and shootouts and a little bit of drama. But is not the case, the main rhythm, rhythm was definitely one and the same.
Both shows give off the same vibe, as episodic but character driven entertainment, with high speed action, situational comedy and a tinge of melacholy. Thoroughly recommend both.
jazz, action, drama, the 5-0, and smoking hot girlies
Even though the premise is different, Michiko to Hatchin has a very similar vibe to cowboy Bebop. Both stories are wild west stories build around a futuristic 70's style universe. Where Bebop had the bounty hunter's gallivanting all over the place looking for their big payday theme; Michiko has a classic wild west bandits on the run premise. The similar feel might be because Shinichiro Watanabe was the music director for Michiko to Hatchin. But even if you don't think they're similar, I'm sure you'll enjoy Michiko if you liked Bebop.
Both are about searching for a loved one, with ties to the criminal underworld. They both have strong character designs, fluid animation and the same humour. They both also with hold information from the viewer, slowly revealing the story through flashbacks and conversation.
Both are silly without loosing the ability to deliver a dramatic message. Both use a linear narrative to tell a coherent story. Both have a strong ensemble cast. Both use quirky characters within a group dynamic to drive the story forward. Both are top notch entertainment where every episode is worth watching.
Bebop's episodic nature makes it a better standalone series and allows it to play more freely with genres and styles.
Michiiko's more continuous narrative allows for better character growth which builds deeper attachments to the various characters.
Both have a very interesting soundtrack featuring Jazz. Both have good action and plot. While the Bebop crew are bounty hunters, Michiko is looking to reunite with Hatchin's father.
Both series have a protagonist that is searching for their love. Both offer heavily individual-theme episodes while building the over-arching plot up. Michiko to Hatchin offers a bit more interaction between the main characters while Cowboy Bebop offers more themes in the ep.
Both also offer outstanding music (made by the same person).. so check it out
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I would recommend Black Lagoon the 1st and 2nd season as a similar anime to Michiko to Hatchin. Both seem to happen in some spanish territory. We can see lots of action, guns, mafia, pursuits. Michiko is quite similar to Revy. Both main characters are strong, independent women with a unique personality and complex past.
I would say Black Lagoon TV series are the best equivalent to Michiko to Harchin.
'Michiko to Hatchin' also stars a brazen and petulant young woman who's forced to team up with a timid and more down-to-earth character and end up meeting all kinds of colorful characters and experiencing the wildest adventures, most of them connected to the criminal underworld in some form.
Black Lagoon more violent, when Michiko to Hatchin is more bright and colourful, but if you are tired of the slow development of the plot, these two certainly fit your mood. Cool chick with gun is common of course.
Michiko to Hatchin and Black Lagoon can be compared on many levels. Strong female leads, non stop action, character development, and setting (among other things). Both are set in crime riddled areas of the world; Michiko to Hatchin in a South American surrounding, and Black Lagoon in South Eastern Thailand, or more specifically, "Roanapur". These settings not only allow for some of the insanity that takes place in Michiko to Hatchin and Black Lagoon to happen, but are crafted in such a way as to make the viewer believe that they are in fact real places.
However, it is within the character development, as well as the ever present theme that it is not the destination that is important, but the journey and people we meet along the way, that make these two anime great. While the pacing and premise are quite different, both will leave you asking for one thing: more.
Looking for an anime with charismatic characters? Both series have many similarities, but I will talk only Michiko (Michiko to Hatchin) and Levy (Black Lagoon). Both of these characters are women who have strong character. They are among the best female characters in anime. Strong, beautiful and sexy, they know what they want. We take pleasure to follow them in their adventures, enjoying their mood swings, anger and moments with ease. If you think about that kind of character, these animes are made for you, skip the one you have not seen if you know one of them. (Sorry for my english)
These two series here have quite a lot of similarities. Let's see..
First of all, they are both set in a criminal world where an innocent character gets involved with a main female character who has many skills including the usage of firearms, the operation of various vehicles, and is seen as a violent individual. However throughout the series, they both form a special bond.
Both series also features a lot of face paced action, drama, some comedy, as well as some emotions.
Both series also has character development that is strengthened through the bonds between the two main characters.
Both stories have a gritty and dirty atmosphere and the setting for both contain a lot of broken/desperate towns, filled with dark and depraved people. There is a hefty amount of action throughout both series too. Even in all this down and out type atmosphere both shows manage to bring some meaningful or sentimental feel to the characters situations.
Obviously, Michiko and Revy are verrry similar, and the setting is too.
Also, i feel as if the relationship between Revy and Rock is kinda similar to Michiko and Hatchin. Kinda. In a weird way.
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Opening Theme"Paraiso" by SOIL & "PIMP" SESSIONS (eps 1- 21)
Ending Theme#01 "Best Friend" by Karutetto (eps 1- 21)
#02 "Nada pode me parar agora" by Aurea Martins (Gabriel Muzak as backing vocal) (ep 22)
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loli-ai [loli-ai] (Brazilian Portuguese)
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