Ranked #530

Slayers

The mid 1990s were a bit of a special time for anime, kind of like a mini golden age. Akira had opened the doors to the West and, after a taking a little rest, the second great expansion of anime began to gather pace. Titles like Ghost in the Shell, Martian Successor NADESICO, Fushigi Yuugi, Golden Boy, Escaflowne, Macross Plus, Giant Robo, and the ever contentious Neon Genesis Evangelion became firm fan favourites and cemented the media's place as a viable form of entertainment in the West.

In amongst all these great shows came a fantasy series that would literally change the way studios would approach the genre for years to come. With its irreverent humour, memorable characters, and a story that was more about getting rich than going on quests, it possessed an appeal that was almost universal.

I am, of course, talking about Slayers.

The saga began as a series of light novels written by Kanzaka Hajime (with illustrations by Araizumi Rui), which were adapted for manga from 1990 onwards. In 1995 the series was then re-adapted for anime, and the rest, as they say, is history.

The series follows the adventures of the notorious Lina Inverse, a young sorceress whose name strikes fear into the hearts of, well, pretty much everyone (even though she's petrified of slugs and her older sister). She is joined in the first episode by a wandering swordsman named Gourry Gabriev, the wielder of the Sword of Light (which Lina wants for herself), who initially believes Lina to be a lost little girl and decides to become her bodyguard.

Many shenanigans ensue from that fateful meeting, and things only get worse when the pair are joined by princess and perpetual justice freak Amelia Wil Tesla Saillune, and the man with a huge chimera chip on his shoulder, Zelgadis Graywords.

The story is, at heart, a fantasy adventure that on the surface resembles many other sword and sorcery romps. The big difference though, is that Slayers doesn't take itself too seriously, mainly because of the characters themselves. Although the plot follows a pretty straightforward route through the series, there are many occasions where the narrative plays second fiddle to the comedy, especially where Lina and Gourry are concerned. Whilst there are some obvious holes in the story, the comedy more than makes up for it, and more often than not the viewer will find that they simply ignore any inconsistencies just so they can see Lina lose her temper and destroy something else.

The humour is pretty formulaic for the most part, however that doesn't mean that it's bad. The comedy sequences are actually very good throughout the series, and some of the running gags are well thought out and executed. It's strange, but there are very few comic fantasies out there, especially those of the sword and sorcery type, and most of the shows that include a degree of comedy often treat it as an afterthought to the main, and often serious, storyline. Slayers approaches things from the other direction, and the main aim of Lina and Gourry isn't to save the world, but to get as rich as possible for the least amount of effort (and we won't even mention how much food the pair can put away).

This is perhaps the main reason why the franchise has become a benchmark for the fantasy genre, and many shows will, either fairly or unfairly, be compared to Slayers. It would be fair to say that the most common question asked about almost every fantasy anime since is "Is it as good as Slayers?". The uniquely defined characters, the lack of any real "quest", the explosive humour, and the underlying tone of sheer anarchy all serve to separate this show from the rest of the pack.

It's the characters in particular that draw people into the series though. Lina Inverse is, without doubt, the most notorious female lead in fantasy anime, and one of the most well known in the entire medium. Her vivacity and explosive (and often destructive), temperament, together with her streetwise savvy and tremendously powerful magical ability, all serve to provide the viewer with all manner of entertainment. Gourry is very much like Lina in that he provides the audience with much of the physical humour whilst never becoming a part of the visual "furniture". An added bonus is that he is also a play on the stereotypical knight, being handsome, brave, strong, virtuous, and as dumb as a brick.

That said, some may find Amelia and Zelgadis to be annoying at first, but due to the combative relationship they have with both Lina and Gourry (and with each other), viewers may find themselves warming to the pair. It should also be noted that because Slayers tries to avoid the inclusion of stereotypical fantasy characters, the writers had far more freedom to make trouble for Lina and the gang to get into, and they seem to have approached this task with some enthusiasm.

As the series progresses the characters do actually develop to a degree, however this is usually masked by some action or comedy so it doesn't really get pushed to the fore. This may seem a bit odd at first, but given the nature of the plot, this method is actually better for the franchise as a whole. This may not sit too well with some viewers though, especially those who believe that character development is one of the most important aspects of a show. That said, Slayers has some particularly strong and complex characterisations, in particular Lina herself. Because of this, the series doesn't actually need any unnecessary development, and the door is left open for the characters to go off and do other things (like arguing, eating, destroying monsters/bandits/towns/mountains, trying to kill each other (only as a joke - honest), looting treasure, etc).

Given that the series is from 1995, it's actually aged pretty well. The colours are bright and bold, especially with backgrounds and settings. The characters themselves are designed to be unique and expressive, although much of this comes from their actions rather than their faces. Animation is a big plus for the show, and it's to the credit of J.C Staff and SoftX that the series has held up rather well over the years. The animation by modern standards may not be exceptional, especially as it tends to add a more cartoon-like quality to movements, but it is extremely well choreographed for it's time and genre.

Sound is another big plus for Slayers, especially the fact that the series has been dubbed into over seven different languages (including Japanese and English). In all honesty I prefer the Japanese dub, however that is no reflection on the quality of the English version, and is nothing more than a personal preference. The Japanese seiyuu are very good on the whole, and are able to express a wide range of basic emotions, as well as humour. The English cast are pretty good as well, however I did find Lisa Ortiz' voice to be a little too high pitched for my tastes.

The music is pretty decent throughout the series, and while the pieces generally work well with the on screen action, there is a degree of repetition that can become annoying for some viewers. The sound effects are well timed and choreographed, however the more complex combinations can become a little too heavy on the ears.

Even with its age and obvious flaws Slayers is an absolute joy to watch, and it's truly rare to find a fantasy series that has such memorable characters or humour. There is a certain amount of formula to the plot, however the blend of comedy and action, together with the unique take on the characters, ensure that cliches don't feel out of place in the story.

This is a series that is worth watching by, well, everyone, especially those who prefer fantasy and comedy. There are very few shows around even today that can be called comic fantasies, and most of those have the name "Slayers" somewhere in the title. read more

This is my first review, so please bear with me ^_^

Slayers, based of of the novels of the same name written by Kanzaka Hajime, is the story of a young sorceress named Lina Inverse and her 'protector' Gourry Gabriev as they travel the land in search of anything that can get them treasure. Inspired by one of the original Dungeons & Dragons campaigns, fans and players of the game can step into the series with ease as it feels just like the game. Even if your not a D&D player or a RP'er in general, the characters alone are enough to pull you in and keep you enjoying the series from beginning to end.

Story: The story, though in my opinion not the main driving force, still moves the series alone nicely and evenly. It sets up the same style all other Slayers series that come after follow, starting fairly light hearted and movie along until eventually the fate of the world is at stake. Though sometimes it does seem like they try to make it funny at a time when the humor could be left out, it doesn't effect the flow that much. The only thing I really had a problem with story wise is there are two main story arcs. The story gets going, builds up to a climatic battle, then falls back to ground zero again and has to build up some more to get back to that high point again. Though the two arcs are linked together overall, those few episodes in the middle are somewhat of a let down after all the action from the previous episodes.

Animation and Sound: The series first premiered in 1995, so the animation and sound reflect that. Though I feel this series got the short end of the stick, because other series from the same year (Gundam Wing and Evangelion to name a couple) have much better animation and sound quality. Though not as good as it probably could of been for it's time, it still doesn't take away from the overall thrill and enjoyment of the series.

Character: I said above that I felt the story wasn't the main driving force of the series, because that role is filled by the characters. Lina's short tempered and violent nature make her an instant iconic anime character. Her and her alone could make an entire series with just her misadventures and it would be a masterpiece. Throw in her 'protector' Gourry, a superb swordsman with, as Lina would say, "the brains of a jellyfish," Zelgadis, a Chimera adept with both a sword and magic, Amelia, a "Justice-Happy" princess, and Sylphiel, a ditzy shrine priestess, and you have a well rounded cast of characters that excel in both comical and serious situations.

Enjoyment: I really enjoyed this series from beginning to end, and was hooked from the first episode all the way up to the last, and couldn't wait to get more, and thankfully theres 3 sequel series, several prequel OVAs, and 5 movies to keep someone occupied for several weeks (or days if you decide to marathon them like I did)

Overall, in my opinion, one of the best series from the '90s, and a anime classic that will stand the test of time. And thankfully, Slayers Next (The second season) takes everything lovable about the first season and takes it to a whole nother level. read more

Slayers is a comedy/adventure/fantasy anime directed by Takashi Watanabe (directer of Kino's Journey and Boogiepop Phantom) and in many ways it can be seen as a parody of conventional RPG video games. it revolves around Magician Lina Inverse, and Swordsmen Gourry Gabriev as they travel around meeting new people, fighting demons and monsters, and getting into various predicaments along the way.

Story: In my opinion the best aspect of Slayers. The events flow nicely into one another and they frequently recall past events, making it feel as though nothing watched early in the series was a waste of time. Although the plot is quite linear, it is still very enjoyable. Reversely however, the atmosphere in many places is compromised by the shows non sequitur and random humor. So at times when the mood is serious, it can be quickly destroyed with a random crack about Lina's chest size. Additionally, although in many cases genuinely funny, there are alot of times when it feels like they are trying to hard in getting a joke across.

Animation: Being a few years old, the animation of Slayers reflects that. Although overly it is good. The anime has a medieval setting and the characters apperances do a good job to match the setting.There are a few parts with recycled animation, like when a character is casting a spell or attacking. On downside is that, although they have a numerous amount of magical spells, many of them have similar animations to one another. Only things like "Fireball" and "Dragonslave" get unique animation. Alot of the Shamanist spells used by Zelgadis just look like bright white light.

Sound: Nothing really spectacular about the music. Seemed to match the anime well and I enjoyed it. No major complaints.

Characters: The characters worked well with the story, but they either didn't really stand out or were fairly generic. Lina is a quick to anger and selfish female lead (think Bulma from DBZ). Gourry is your typical slow yet powerful male lead (I don't think an example is really necessary). The other characters seem pretty bland that way as well.

Enjoyment: I did enjoy it overall, however, it wasn't anything all that spectacular. There was a time during the middle where the plot lulled a little and it got a little boring, but the beginning and end were very interesting and fun to watch. check this out if you like the fantasy/adventure genre. Definatly not something to watch if you are looking for comedy primarily. read more

[Not to be confused with that hardcore badass metal band with a similar name, or a completely dissimilar good review. Down thumb and avoid!]

Bored and lonely, equipped with a resolution to not masturbate(it kills the babies), and a strong burning desire to watch some nostalgic shit, led to my chance encounter with Slayers. Let's start off with some back story first —i.e. boring shit that I ramble on about that nobody cares for—. Normally, when I try out an anime, I give it a good 2 test system. I watch the first episode to see if it has even a modicum of substance that will spark my interest. Having passed that, I then proceed to my 2nd test system, the three episode test. Well, what happened was this... You know what!? Fuck the proper English IAM an expert talk. What basically happened was this, I was drunk and tired, tired of modern anime's bullshit. So with all the powers of hipster invested in me, I began to do what I normally do, search for anime nobody now even cares for. We had two contenders. First and foremost, Urusei Yatsura. Rumiko Takehiko!???? For fucking shame Daimyo, for shame. Yes, yes I know. How the hell can you expect to be a badass anime reviewer, if you're watching crap like that on purpose. It's not like it's a new show and you're forced to watch and ridicule it, simply because everyone else loved it, and it looks like horse shit in your eyes. No watching that on purpose, it's almost like the equivalent of chopping your penis into smaller pieces (Thankfully Daimyo has a very big e-penis). I watched the first episode, and what did you know, it sucked balls—Raw man and a 1/2 balls—. Although it somewhat had a charm that newer animes didn't, it still wasn't enough to satisfy my burning desire. Then I remembered that other anime I wasn't apt to watch, Slayers. And I became fucking apt get real quick...

Story 9/10

Slayers is a long running and popular Light Novel series by Hajime Kanzaka, but if you're reading this review, you probably already fucking knew this. If not, you're a goddamn retard that should be shot on sight and on site. Your google must be more than broken you degenerate, ignorant, ass face, dipshit. Slayer and Slayers were basically the shit in the 90s. I know because I was there (OMEGA hipster points). So if you didn't know that, that makes you a cocksucker(hipster logic). However, what YOU need to know about Slayers' Story is that it's basically about an overpowered girl named Lina Inverse and her wacky adventures in medieval fantasy Japan. That's essentially, how you should think about it. I know it doesn't really make much motherfucking sense, but you'll find a strict definition of this show's plot does not necessarily do it justice. They go around adventuring and shit. It's almost like some adventure time type stuff, but not quite as goddamn campy. There's consistency in the plot of this show at least. Unlike, other shows I have reviewed in the past and commented on for diverging into too many unrelated story lines and random events. This show for the most part, sticks to the hardcore adventuring and monster killing aspect. The show tries to put in plot twists and stuff, like OMG Rezo is evil, like no WAI and all sorts of other predictable none sense, but it's just so well crafted and engineered—like a fully functional fleshlight—, that it's easy to look past these things. Personally, I found the first few episodes a bit slow and hard to get into, but the show easily picks up once the Shabranigdu arc starts. Sadly, after this arc, the show once again slows down and does not pick up its pace until several episodes later. What really gives this show bonus points, is the execution. For instance, they are far from amiable when it comes to securing the lives of characters. And while no major main characters die, if you're a side character in this show or a villain, your life is potentially forfeit. That's why I can appreciate, that despite this show's humour and generally light hearted pace, when the killings are good, the blood is fresh.

Characters 9/10

I mentioned earlier a specific character named Lina Inverse. It would be more appropriate to name her Lina Universe. The whole show revolves around her. This short-statured, short-tempered, avaricious, magical little ginger girl. I must say, she is one of the most interesting female heroines I have encountered in a long time. As the show progressed, not only was I following in love with the series, but I felt as if I was beginning to fall in love with her. Now if Daimyo ever caught the disease one 2-D vagina, Daimyo would highly consider Lina Inverse as the plague on his sweet manri soul. That being said, she's not without her own problems (much like real women). She's completely overpowered. We get the fact that she is supposed to be a magical genius, but give this bitch a toothpick and she'll shove it so deep up your ass, you'll fucking explode. We literally, get the feeling that there isn't anything she can't do. In fact, because of her, no matter how great and interesting we might find the other characters, they have no real purpose. Because anything they can do, Lina can do much better. Lina is the law and you don't fuck around with her. Even Gourry whose specialty is Swordsmanship and light sabers can't defeat her; somehow Lina ends up being that much fucking better when she uses the Light sword than him. Using all sorts of falcon punch level moves like Giga Slave and God knows what else when she proceeds to completely beat the shit out of you. In fact, the only thing that stops Lina from becoming a Mary Sue, is that her personality is intentionally flawed. The other main characters are her fan support group. Still we must at least mention them, especially, if my plan for the future of this series remains intact.

We'll start with my favorite non-Lina characters, Gourry Gabriev. This character had potential. Not to say, he didn't have his moments, but his actions were often overshadowed by Lina's greatness or his stupidity. Once again, I assume this was done intentionally, in order to add that much more credibility to Lina's awesomeness. This lucky son of a bitch had the privilege of first meeting Lina when he saves her from Bandits. That's really the only time he gets to be badass until much later in the series. I know this is completely irrelevant —but I mean what the hell is relevant in this review—, but his wikipedia entry describes him as an “unmatched swordsman” and “nigh unbeatable”. Yea we must not have been watching the same fucking series. Because the Gourry I saw, was constantly matched and beaten on numerous occasions. Unless he somehow gets a super saiyan level power up in the next few series, I highly doubt that's how he is. That is the Gourry of our ideals. We all wish him to be that badass swordsman that never loses. Shouting beams out of his light saber and shit, saving the day, being hero guys(medarotto). Unfortunately, this is Lina's Universe, not his'. He can be occasional love interest, comedic relief and plot item support. Even in critical moments, you might expect him to do something hardcore, but he's just so motherfucking passive. If a role requires a man to do, he sends it to Lina.

Next we have Zelgadis, the part human, part troll and part demon shaman they meet on their journeys. They introduce him as a bad guy, but he quickly does that whole I'm not really a bad guy type thing and switches sides. He's a pretty complex character. The first series does very little to elaborate on his character. They just chose a quick route to the story. There could have been a lot more character development done to add depth to his character. We can spend all day pondering on what might or could have been but for the sake of brevity in a very dilated review, we will move on.

If you noticed, I am commenting on the characters based on the order they were introduced in the show. I'll leave you guys to guess who comes next. Actually, I lied. I'll leave you all to shut the fuck up, read or don't read my review and be happy or angry. All right, what you need to know about Amelia, is that she's the type of girl who'd do back flips and pirouettes as she jumps up and down your cock while talking about “saving the day”. She's very clumsy, so expect a game of football, as she fumbles dick.

I always forget the names of these types of characters. These negligible characters that the world or series could do without. Syphiel aka annoying girly shy bitch. Maybe I'm cruel or something, but I kept imagining what it would be like to rape her. I mean she's so weak and defenceless. She probably wouldn't mind, right guys?

The only thing lacking about this show's characters, is that there really is no character development. I guess it's because the characters are already at a certain level, that they don't even waste time developing further. I don't think it would ultimately make a difference though, being this is Lina's Universe. There are a myriad of other side characters I neglected, but for the sake of not spoiling, as I actually do want you to watch this series yourself, I purposely omitted them. Though I must say this, Rezo probably isn't dead.

Music

7/10

Just your generic J-pop here. Some memorable scores, particularly the opening piece. Has all that cool stuff I look for in a Japanese animation. Really matches the theme of the show too. I would score it higher, but it is J-pop after all(all the kool kids listen to k-pop now). Both pieces are by Masami Okui and Megumi Hayashibara; look into it.

Enjoyment And Overall 8/10

I really enjoyed this series. Despite it's simplicity and sometimes corny dialogue. The story's execution and the characters really pulled through on this one. Like I said earlier, there were faults. Lina's role in the storyline is too great even for a main character. I think the author said he has no clear cut favorite characters, but I mean that is obviously a bullshit. He's done a ton of specials and series with just Lina as the main character. It's more than a fascination, he probably faps to her. That's like a form of incest, fapping to your own character like that. Also I felt at times that the series —much like this review— would drag on at times. All that aside, this is one of the best series I suddenly decided to watch. Almost makes me regret all the years I was ignoring it. If this website let you rate things in increments of .5, I would change this score to a 8.5. Personally, I find it closer to a 8.7 or 8.8. Not quite a 9, but definitely something you should watch once in your anime viewing lifetime. I'd give it a 9, but honestly, I can't be assed to do that, I'm not that easily impressed. I mean I love Lina to death, but I won't let her run my life, like she runs the other characters in the show. I'm a main fucking character of my own.

Notes the super sexy 10th review edition
-I need a girlfriend Q_Q
-I need a girlfriend Q_Q
-I need a girlfriend Q_Q
-I need a girlfriend Q_Q
-I need a girlfriend Q_Q
-I need a girlfriend Q_Q
-I need a girlfriend Q_Q
-I need a girlfriend Q_Q
-I need a girlfriend Q_Q
-I need a girlfriend Q_Q
-I know it's been said before, but this time, I'll honestly try to release reviews more frequently. Been busy with school, work and fapping. But the school seems to have settled down for the time being. If you see any series in my list that you'd like me to review, or have any shows that you suggest that I should watch, whether they be made of win, or fucking dragons beyond what I normally watch, feel free to leave a comment on my page.
-Daimyo is not a misogynist, he just hates bitches. Most women just tend to be bitches. Thankfully, Daimyo is an animal lover.
-Apparently, Lina's Universe expanded, seeing as she's now a character in Dota...
-The advanced last minute slacker type of guy that I am, allowed me to finish editing this before the end of the night.
-The long road to the 100th review commences...


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Note That this is only about season one, not the series as a whole.

Slayers has a decent story line going for it, dealing with sorcerers and dark lords or destruction. Its very much a magical adventure story, along with some great humor. Despite the fact that the characters are made so well and the concepts of the magic etc are there, the plot does seem lacking at times, the writers could have done a better job writing it out.

One major draw back i did find with the story, is that there are TWO climax points, which is dumb because it seems kind of hard to stay interested after the first climax happens since all the action and suspense drops back to ground level.

The art for the show is done well, but the fact that it is in older show is very apparent. Although i scored it rather high in that department because i am a fan of the hand drawn/colored style as opposed to computer enhanced style that has been the norm since the turn of the millennium.

The characters for slayers are some of the most unforgettable. In the show, we are introduced to what is possibly the most comical anime duo, that of Lina Inverse and Gourry Gabriev. These two are so full of energy and life that it almost seems impossible to not like them. As for the rest of the crew, they are all excellently made and thought out.

This show was very enjoyable to watch, i personally am a fan of the fantasy genre and Lina has a nice array of magic that is really cool to watch. Not only are the fantasy elements amazing, but the comedy is something that keeps you watching as well. The only draw back in watching, like stated before, is the roller coaster effect with the plot.

Over all a good show to watch, very entertaining, but again the plot is a little lacking. Don't be discouraged from watching though, since there are two more seasons, and trust me season two is definitely worth the wait.

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For me, Slayers was one of the most humorous series to watch. It really starts off with a bang, keeping the mood lighthearted, with plenty of enjoyable, comedic moments. Throughout the series, Lina, the main character, and Gourry, her guardian, work really well together in terms of combat and keeping the mood upbeat.

The series has a good deal of action, with sorcery, sword fighting, dragons, you name it. Although the action scenes are nothing compared to what we see in today's anime selection, it held its own seeing as it is an older series. The music in the series was appropriate for the scenes, but it definitely wasn't what I've come to expect in that department. Each character develops nicely, and you learn a good deal about them throughout the series, with enough to keep you wanting more.

I felt that the series had a pretty solid story, but this was not an anime you watch for the storyline. The real enjoyment factor would be the relationship between the main characters like Lina, Gourry, and Zelgadis. If you enjoy an anime chock full of funny, with some pretty solid action, character development, and storyline, then I think Slayers would be a good fit for you! Don't forget that there are a few continuations to the series as well if you enjoy the first.

Just as a side-note as it wasn't mentioned - the voice actor for Zelgadis was Dan Cronin up until EP. 18, which transferred to Crispin as Cronin went MIA, apparently. read more

Slayers is a really funny fantasy comedy. It's the story of Lina Inverse, the flat chested underdeveloped sorceress extraordinaire and her friends the ditzy swordsman Gourry, steadfast do-gooder Amelia and the stoic chimera man Zelgadis. This show never gets boring and fluctuates from a over the top comedy to a dramatic series on the fly. It never takes itself to seriously though and frequently breaks the 4th wall (Lina sometimes complains about her screen time, or Gourry about the episodes being too serious). It's truly one of my favorite Anime. All of the sequel series are awesome as well.

Also Prince Philionel's oxymoronic attacks are hilarious! I just can't get enough of Slayers. read more

First let me start by saying that for me, the anime that was released in the 90's, is the best shit around. It broke ground for all the new age, digitally enhanced, CG infused stuff we watch and love nowadays. It was a time where zooming in on a single cel or panning out was top of the line animation. It was a time when no one cared about character development, background music, and a quick glimps of a leading ladies underwear. It was a time where you could sit back, zone out, and just enjoy the antics that were about to unfold.

Slayers is one of the greatest anime series to be released from the 90's because it is the apitamy of 90's anime.

The story as a whole is an action, adventure saga, following Lina Inverse on a quest to become rich as fuck with as little effort as possible. She meets a sword weilding hero named Gourry with the same desires as she herself, and with this chance encounter, the most humerous, dynamic duo in anime history is formed.

As the story unfolds before the viewer, you quickly begin to realise that the plot is just as simple as the characters themself. Lina and Gourry meet, cheat, and defeat the evil-doers of the world, then treat themselves to every piece of food within a 10 mile radius. It's simple, it's beautiful, and it's a real treat to watch. Some might claim that the lack of plot makes this series an uninteresting watch. Those people are brainless retards. Whatever is lacking from the story, the humor thoughout certainly makes up for it.

Gone are the days where jokes about glutenous overeating, small breasts, and dumb jocks rule supreme. Gone are the days where facial misformations (ie. bulging eyes, huge sweat beads, a mouth taking up 95% of the face) make the viewer laugh til they pee themself. However, The Slayers capitalize on a time where jokes were funny, jokes were ongoing, and jokes were what strenghtened the plot. The interaction between Lina and her companions WERE the plot.

This being said, Lina and her travelling family might seem on the outside to be nothing more than walking jokes, however, this is not true. We get a taste a humanity out of each and every character that grace the screen. We see the hurt in thier face when one gets hurt. We see the pride in their eyes when one accomplishes something. They cry, there're determined, they fight for what they believe in, but they all do it with such low-class that we can't help but to smile at everything they do.

Lina herself is the reason that the show has become a maga-smashing hit that will last long after the Bible is forgotten. She destroys towns and still asks for payment from the mayor. She'll beat the snot out of her companions and still get them to pay for dinner. She steals from theives. She fucks up the villians who plague the Earth. She can eat more then 10 men together. She is SOOOOO loveable.

The rest of the cast all have their quirks which make you smile and root for them too. Gourry is exactly like Lina just in a dudes body. Zalgadis is rude and right to the point. Amilea is the enbodiment of truth and justice in a bumbling little girls body. Each and everyone will make you crack a grin or 10.

As for the animation, we are also talking about yet another grade A+. The use of brilliant and vibrant colors throughout is obvious. The characters are uniquly drawn with outfits and uniforms that will stand the test of time. Side note: The characters will remain in their outfits throughtout the entire series, and never change clothes. I love the 90's :) The veiwer can easily distinguish between goblins and werewolves, socerers and knights, kings and commoners. Just as much detail is spent of the backdrops as well.

The fight scenes, for animation purposes, might be a little lacking. It usually follows a bright magical spell and is followed a huge explotion. This is the only thing about The Slayers that I think could have used a bit more detail. But regardless, the spells are bad ass and the explotions are HUGE.

The music that accompinies the series is a nice piece of work as well. Usually single keyboard strokes, it sets the mood perfectly. You know when something funny is going to happen with the lighthearted little dingles and you know when trouble is near from the thudding bass. On top of that, the catchy OP and ED really keep par with the awesomeness. It's a poppy-rock song that you will find yourself humming too even after the episode is over.

I've said it before and I'll keep saying it until I turn everyone over to my side. As much as I enjoy the anime being produced today, we owe it all to our groundbreaking fore-fathers like The Slayers. There still is very few action-adventure series that focuses on humor as heavily as this title, and certainly none that come even close to being as awesome as this series. If you're on the fence about reliving the good old days or are curious about what anime was like before it became the prefabricated clones we watch today, start with The Slayers. read more

The Slayers series for me is very interesting- I don't know exactly what made me start watching it but there is some hook that just pulls you in. I would reccomend though that most people maybe start with Slayers Next instead of this, mostly because unless you are a hardcore old-school fan, it takes a while to get into (especially since Crispin Freeman~, playing Zelgadis, doesn't come in for quite a while). By the second season (next) the show has definitely gotten much better, and it starts off fresh so you don't need to have seen the first season to enjoy it or follow the plot.

But enough with that, the plot. It has a very classic medieval-magic-and-swords theme, where you follow the characters as they travel across the land in search of... well, several things. I'm bad at explaining plots so I'm going to stop there. The series is a nice mix of adventure and humor, and often has filler episodes, although I wouldn't really call them filler, because most of the show is the characters getting into amusing situations during their quest.

It's very hard to explain, but if you don't mind how cliche it feels by todays standards, you should definitely go watch it. read more

Slayers is an anime about a party of characters and their misadventures to kill bandits, get treasure and, eventually, save the world.

The story's main protagonist is one Lina Inverse whose blade is nearly as quick as her temper (overshadowed only by her ability with magic). She's considered to be witty, intelligent, the natural leader of the group and also very powerful. It's a refreshing change to see a strong female lead in an anime during a time where this was almost unheard of.

Where the show really shines through is in its cast of characters that compliment each other very well. Without rehashing what others have said so well already, I will say that of all the anime I've seen, I have yet to find characters that are so memorable. Watching the next couple of seasons is like reuniting with old friends.

As for the main story arc, it's quite good and I don't think anyone would be disappointed. The action as well, when it heats up is also most excellent. I will say that as far as big climactic end battles go, Slayers is definitely among my favorites. They're not too lengthy but not too short either. They are flashy and they are awesome.

Each season of Slayers has a story arc that is started and completed within that season. It is wrapped up nicely so if you're worried about getting into a lengthy series know that you'll be well served and satisfied by watching just one season.

One final note is that the Slayers movies are only play a minor involvement in the Slayers universe and are not nearly as good as the TV series. If, like me, you were hesitant to get into this series because you had seen one of the movies and didn't care for it, let me assure you that TV series is *WAY* better than the movies and you would do yourself a disservice to miss this.

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