Ranked #3805

Glass no Kantai: La Legende du Vent de l'Univers

Glass Fleet Or (glass no Kantai) is a space opera that depicts the "galaxy in revolution" against the Holy Emperor, Vetti. Opposing Vetti's tyranny is the People's Army, headed by the enigmatic revolutionary Michelle. Eventually Michelle will seek to enlist the aid of Cleo, captain of a mysteriously powerful glass battleship, and his crew. Throughout the series, the bitter rivalry between Cleo and Vetti becomes increasingly important as the core element of the story.

The visuals and character art are good in some parts and just atrocious in others, as the galaxy is populated with vast "Territorial Vessels" or floating landmasses, numerous vessels and fleets enter galactic battle but the animation is so sub par, that you feel as though your watching a cheap science fiction movie from the early 80's. The character designs how ever is where the art really shines, some of them all have very unique appeal, as does the battle ships and many other planetary area's they visit across the galaxy. The many outfits is something to really recognize in this series, each and everyone has their own design for every character.

However, there was a lot that I did not like about this series. The three main characters (Vetti, Cleo, and Michelle) are all completely self-absorbed, though they may try to justify this to themselves. It becomes readily apparent in the first episode that Michelle is in fact a woman, and when we later learn the reason for this deception. Cleo's only goal in life is to conquer the galaxy, though for what purpose we never really find out. At numerous points in the series, he tells other characters that he really doesn't care whether they follow him or not, and intones that his "wind of destiny" is carrying him to a final outcome. In reality, he is an arrogant, stubborn fool who would be totally lost without the skills of his crew to support him. And Vetti, a really nasty piece of work, seems to care for no one, casting aside or eliminating anything that stands between himself and his goal of immortality.

Other characters are imbalanced and eccentric to the point of annoyance as well. Noe, the encryption genius, is a whiny little boy who becomes completely useless when he loses his glasses, which is often and annoying. The weapons specialist whose name I forget at the moment has the ferocity and testosterone-pumped aggression of a grizzly bear, and the mental capacity of a five-year-old. Towards the middle of the series, one character is thrown into a prison cell with a dozen perverted "lifers" who initially try to do some nasty stuff to her, but then somehow become her best buddies later on in the series.

This is also a series without moral compass or honor, as the final outcome demonstrates all too admirably. Throughout the series, Vetti has an intimate (sexuality is implied) relationship with Ralph, Vetti's consort and bodyguard, who is a young boy. Vetti is flagrantly promiscuous and manipulative, obsessing over and then casting aside his "love" interests, including at one point Michelle. After his numerous atrocities, murders, and sins, Vetti becomes the one to unite and rule the galaxy.

If you like happy endings, this series is not for you. If you believe that evil should be punished and good should triumph, this series is not for you. If you're looking for some ideas for a creative enterprise and don't really expect too much else of value, this might be for you. I can't say I'm glad I watched it (about halfway through I just wanted it to end, and had to alternate episodes with another anime to maintain my sanity), but there are some interesting designs in this series, so I'll keep it as a reference.

How ever if your hoping for something along the lines of an epic space opera that dives deep into politics and strategic war battles like Legend of the Galactic Heroes or Crest of the star then this series surely is not it. It tries to hard to fit many different stories intertwined together and ultimately does not carry the weight of what the plot is trying to portray. read more

Glass no Kantai (Glass Fleet) is an odd anime. Combining elements of space opera and medieval Europe, its strength is in its strong characterization of its three main characters.

The story is set in an alternative universe, in which self-proclaimed Emperor Vetti seeks nothing but power over others; the handsome lone wolf Cleo - who carries the blood of the overthrown royal family - seeks to bring down Vetti; and the rebel aristocrat Michel Volban seeks to establish a people's republic. Michel eventually teams up with Cleo, and the main story unfolds from there.

Each of these three men harbors a major secret concerning their identity; and some adult themes are explored starting around episode 11 or so. Despite the general adventure theme look of the anime at first, it's really not for younger kids.

The production design is interesting and eye-catching, particularly the medieval-inspired costumes. There are strange anomalies, like the fact that apparently humans in this alternative universe don't need atmospheres on their planets in order to breathe(!).

I rented Glass no Kantai because I'm an Akira Ishida fan. He plays Vetti, the villain, with a much lower and deeper voice than he normally uses - and it's very sexy too. ;)

If you're an Akira Ishida fan, or if you like the "different" animes, the ones that don't quite fit neatly into any one category - you might like Glass no Kantai. read more