The Strike Witches OVA is a stark exception.
In my opinion, this pilot episode of sorts is actually better than the main Strike Witches series, far better really, and I'll explain why.
The first 30 seconds of the Strike Witches OVA are some of the most awesome moments I've ever seen in any anime. The blue sky, saturated with white clouds, is penetrated by a rising and bright yellow sun. An epic orchestra is building up to a climax. As a blast of brass and drums sound, the brave lasses of the 501st Joint Fighter Wing come gloriously into view, each Witch gettng a little face-shot so that the viewer can get an idea of who the characters are. The roar of their mighty Striker Units fills your ears, almost as if the Witches have flown out of the sceeen and just blazed right past you. They ride hopefully on into the horizon until they disappear from sight. The Strike Witches logo then appears and slams onto the screen in a fancy manner, as an ear-splitting rifle report signals stars to appear. The insruments that have been playing all the while give one last victorious "umph!" right as the words "Strike Witches" clashes onto the screen.
And this is all within 30 seconds. My hair stands on end and I get chills every time I see it. I deeply wish this was the canon opening for the actual Strike Witches series, because the actual opening to me is quite boring, bland, and uncreative. The show would be so much better if it was.
The rest of the show is also pretty amazing. The biggest difference between this OVA and Strike Witches 1-12 is the art. It is not as flashy or fleshed-out, but I think it looks better. The "lesser" quality of the art is appealing to me. It's kind of kawaii in it's own unique way. Sometimes, the characters are shabbily drawn in a QUALITY style. But this is appealing in its own regard.
Another thing this OVA has that I wish was in the main series is Yoshika's tiny pet dog. He only appears for a second, but he's pretty cute and could have made Strike Witches 1-12 even better. But alas, he it not, instead being confined to the OVA and the manga.
The Strike Witches' hairstyles are also different. Yoshika, the main character's hair, is the most noticable, as it looks vaguely like cat-ears. Again, I wish the designers kept this look in the main series.
There is also a distinct lact of fan-service in the Strike Witches OVA, especially when compared to the amount found in the main series. This might be a good thing, as it leaves more room for creative writing and pointful scenes. Not that some fan-service is a bad thing, just too much of it is, and Strike Witches really is pushing the "too much" button.
The plot of the OVA is a summary of the Strike Witches world, showing the day-to-day lifes and struggles of the Strike Witches. The OVA plays out like a regular Strike Witches episode and gives the viewer a generalization of what Strike Witches is all about.
I can hardly say enough good things about this anime. it is what Strike Witches should be, and sadly could have been. Either way, this OVA and Strike Witches are great animes worth watching.
