This is a series that surprised me. For one of Fall’s numerous additions into the anime genre, many were of sub par quality like Blade of the Immortal (and that’s not to say they aren’t enjoyable to watch…just not your best anime to watch if you can watch others), however, Tytania was a surprise to me. For one, I didn’t check out this series until like now, because it doesn’t receive a universal good rating from all of its viewers. Let me tell you why, its one of those slow plot, politically driven series that uses a decent amount of action but not in any abundance to satisfy the average shonen fan. Ok…now for the important things.
Story: 9/10 (excellent)
After venturing into outer space, humanity has built many planetary cities. Most of these cities were affiliated to the Interstellar Federation, and it became the biggest force in the galaxy. Therefore, people believed that the Age of the Federation would last long. However, the situation changes when a clan called "Tytania" secedes from the Federation and receives the title of Lord from the Emperor of Vardhana. Tytania obtains a victory over the Federation, and they assert that the Empire cannot exist without them. Tytania puts most of the Federal Territories under its control, and they hold hegemony in the galaxy. Meanwhile, a war begins between Euria and Tytania over their respective rights and interest. From that moment on, the galaxy enters into a tempestuous period. (Wikipedia).
The Tytania family is essentially an autocratic, despotic group of powerful nobles all of the same blood that controls nearly every other aspect of the galaxy. The emperor is a mere puppet and it isn’t until a surprise defeat by Fan Hyulic does the action really start happening… centering around the noble’s aim to preserve power and Hyulic’s flight from them.
Character: 9/10 (excellent)
The characters in this complex power struggle are pretty unique and perhaps one of the strongest parts of this series. The majority of the series center around the character of Fan Hyulic and the Tytania family, with the former being your laid back, funny, and lazy ordinary guy who possesses a keen wit and shrewdness. Not surprisingly, Fan Hyulic is voiced by the same voice actor who voices Komui Lee in D. Gray-man. The Tytania family revolves around the power ambitions of each of the four dukes who vie for power among themselves and outside. The interactions between all of them, as well as the numerous support characters present hints of romance, (just hints so far mind you), taut political intrigue, and a rooting for your favorite character.
Animation: 7/10 (decent)
For a series that came out in the Fall of 2008, it doesn’t employ the best animation. Instead it seems to use a style similar to Victorian Romance Emma, or Romeo and Juliet, and essentially, old style drawings. The space battles do see bits of CG, and the characters are decently well animated. One thing for sure, everyone looks a little on the shoujo side, with huge irises… is that a obsession I wonder?
Sound: 8/10 (Great)
Sound is pretty unique, the OP is a operatic like theme which suits the haughty nobility of the Tytania family, as Fan Hyulic doesn’t even appear here. The ED is rock which suits Fan’s rebel role in the story. Overall nothing to laud at, nothing to denounce about, Tytania’s soundtrack is very decent.
Enjoyment: 9/10 (excellent)
Of course not everyone would agree with me here, for personally, my type to watch are these slightly slow moving, puzzle putting together political strivings of each character. It makes for an intellectual watch But looking for a quick action sci fi fix would not satisfy you here. Think Gundam Wing… without the gundams.
EDIT: Now that the series is over, I have to make some adjustments. First, the story was in no way well concluded, nor were the characters fully developed. It was off to such a great start, but I admit I was disappointed in the lack of characterization that the series ultimately possessed. I really had hoped for more.
