Sekai Seifuku: Bouryaku no Zvezda

Asuta Jimon, a runaway, is wandering the streets at night when he has a chance encounter with a young girl collapsed beside her tricycle. After he offers her some food, she is moved by his kindness and asks him to join her organization, offering him a face mask and a sweet bun. In need of a place to stay, Asuta decides to play along and accepts her offer, adopting the nickname "Dva."

Little does Dva know, this cute girl is Kate Hoshimiya, the leader of Zvezda, a secret organization bent on world conquest. However, he soon realizes the true weight of her words as peculiar happenings rope him deeper into Zvezda and its eccentric members—the samurai-like vanguard Itsuka Shikabane, tech-genius Natalia "Natasha" Vasylchenko, troublesome Yasubee "Yasu" Morozumi, ex-gangster Gorou Shikabane, and multi-purpose robot Roboko Tsujii.

With "White Light," a powerful organization of justice, and the entire Japanese government against them, can Zvezda really dominate all humanity and let their light shine throughout the world?

[Written by MAL Rewrite]

Hoshimiya, Kate Main

Kuno, Misaki Japanese

Shikabane, Itsuka Main

Ise, Mariya Japanese

Vasylchenko, Natalia Main

Hanazawa, Kana Japanese

Jimon, Asuta Main

Hanae, Natsuki Japanese

Shikabane, Gorou Main

Hirota, Minoru Japanese

Tsujii, Roboko Main

Yamazaki, Erii Japanese

Morozumi, Yasubee Main

Toriumi, Kousuke Japanese

Komadori, Renge Supporting

Ichimichi, Mao Japanese

Shirasagi, Miki Supporting

Kotobuki, Minako Japanese

Shikabane, Tsubaki Supporting

Kobayashi, Sanae Japanese

Kananiwa, Kozue Producer

Maeda, Toshihiro Producer

Furukawa, Shin Producer

Kashiwada, Shinichirou Producer

Reviews

Mar 29, 2014

Stark700

Recommended

Many kids have big dreams these days. Some wants to win an Olympic Gold Medal for their country. Some wants to date a supermodel. Some wants to become an astronaut when they grow up. But how many kids out there wants to conquer the world? Perhaps not many in the real world but there’s one little girl who really wants to make that dream into a reality. Her name is Kate Hoshimiya. She may be small but has a big dream as leader of the Zvezda, a secret society. Their goal? World conquest.

A trip into this show is one that will first strike you out ... as bizarre at first. It’s not just the way the premise is crafted but the execution. Even the first episode extravagantly brings its gags in various forms such as jelly bobs, military tanks, mecha, and a loli dressed like if she’s planning to go to a Halloween party. But despite the silliness of the setup, the show maintains somewhat of a serious vibe. Taken for granted, we learn that no one has yet successfully conquered the world. Now, we have this young girl that tries to take on the impossible.

Standing no taller than a middle school grader, Kate comes off as a young girl full of energy. Perhaps what strikes her character out the most is her commanding way of leading people. Believe it or not, she doesn’t actually suffer from delusions (as in the ‘chuunibyou’ case). Kate’s ambitions are real that are fueled by her words and actions. More importantly is the fact that Kate has followers collectively formed as a group by the name of Zvezda. The series details their journey and trials of conquests that ranges from a variety of subjects. They don’t mess around as the conquests they complete usually require effort that is perhaps surpassed by a normal human is capable of. During their journey, we also meet Asuta Jimon, a young boy that coincidentally runs into Kate during one of her days in life.

Unlike the other members of Zvezda, Asuta has no superpowers of his own. Yet, he is useful for his cooking skills. After all, you can’t fight on an empty stomach. His first encounter with Kate is not only bizarre but comes off as abrupt. Rather than hiding her identity, Kate reveals her goals and who she is. Normally, it would be uncommon for overlords to give out sensitive information. Yet, Kate not only reveals her identity but boasts about her greatness with a large ego. In essence, Kate serves as more of a super villain. Despite this, she does treat her subordinates with respect. She also tends to avoid violence unless a task requires it or something catches her mind in a bind of frustration. But most importantly, she holds together the group through their single-minded task – to conquer the world. You have to wonder how serious this show takes the trope as the story becomes molded with amateurish tactics, lack of common sense, and logic defilement. For what it’s worth, the show is comedic. There’s really no emphasis on a key purpose to the story besides the simple concept of world conquest. Rather than going on with complex plans, the author decides to write this show’s story like an open textbook. Each page tells the story of Kate and her conquests.

An organization as it is, Zvezda composes of no more than seven members. Unlike Asuta, they have their own superpowers that matches their character styles. Some of them fits with the classic stereotypes such as the mad scientist (Natasha), Yasu (super soldier), or Roboko (the brains). Their superpower ranges in wide degrees and collectively does make a force to be reckoned with. Yet, there are some silly gadgets to take notice of. One for instance is their hideout that is initially designed like a playhouse as a “super villain base”. (it even says “Zvevda Secret Society” on the outside!) Then, there are the outfits the characters wear when they go on missions. They are flamboyant and even Kate has to wear an ornamental cape to make a point for herself. We also find out that some of the characters has unusual closeness among its group members while others tend to be oil and water. In retrospect, Zvevda is an organization that we like to feel attached to. Their members, ambitions, and missions they set to carry out shows their attributes as well as clearly pointing their strengths and weaknesses.

Yet as the story progresses on, we find out about opposition against Zvevda. Taking on the name of “White Light”, they are group that stands out as the adversaries. It’s really silly with this setup reflexively if we look closer. It makes it look like the White Light are the bad guys going up against Zvevda. Caught up in the middle is Asuta. And to make matters worse, we learn that some of White Light’s members are acquitted with Asuta in the school norm. There’s a curiosity that should spark to viewers for cases of identity. In which case, Asuta would become a scapegoat because he is in one group that is portrayed as the “super villains” while the good guys (White Light) opposes their goals. As ridiculous as the concept is portrayed, there’s a certain attractiveness with this setup marked with silliness. It should be taken in as granted for a joke rather than something to take by heart.

Having action also means fighting and battles. Whether it’s at home, school, or out in the open world, most of the core characters demonstrates various degree of combat experience. Yet, some of these weapons are so risible that it makes you wonder if it’s all just a big prank in the end. Nonetheless, there are some weapons that are menacing enough to strike fear such as Itsuka’s sharp sword or Natasha’s crafty inventions. Then, there’s absurdity coming from Asuta for his normalcy. Perhaps he’s just too normal and can’t ever conform 100% with Zvevda. More necessary comes with the fact that he needs to acquire superpowers of his own. In the end, Asuta is no more than just a cook despite his ways to help the group. But if we talk about bizarre, action takes it a near imaginative level with its gags and stylish yet artistic way of coordinating its action scenes.

The show comes together other aspects with its formulation. Comedy wise, the show nailed it with its colorful dialogues, gags, and characters. However, do watch out for repetitiveness as some jokes can quickly grow old and stale. One particular episode also plays off as a campaign that may actually be offensive to a certain group of viewers despite being advertised as a parody. On the other hand, mystery becomes a rather weak point. There’s a lack of characterization with nearly all the characters. Thus, do not expect powerful flashbacks or development. Rather, don’t even expect story depth. The show itself is one big wisecrack. Despite being in directed by Tensai Okamura (Darker than Black, Ghost in the Shell, Wolf Rain), the show will feel very different. But being different isn’t necessary faulty. It just takes time to get used to because this show has a contagious fun odor that will catch your attention.

Artwork doesn’t take itself as substantial credit. Instead, it comes off as more goofy and amateurish. But nonetheless, we get a classic feeling of the superhero (or perhaps maybe super villain) atmosphere. The parts that stands out the most in regards to visuals is the way characters are designed. Flamboyant, exuberant, and conspicuous are just a few words that describe our characters’ outfits. The way Kate is designed gives us a way to appreciate her intentions for someone so small yet with a huge ego At the same time she can come off as a brat with her kiddy outfit. On the other hand, there are characters dressed in ways that gives them more a menacing look such as Itsuka’s eyepatch or Gorou’s skullface. Then, there are the obnoxious bits of fan service such as Natasha’s loosely dressed lab coat and even Kate’s outfit herself. But in retrospect, most aspects come together in union. The backgrounds stand out as average. A-1 Works strikes out controversially for some series in the past but here only comes as something just tolerable.

The soundtrack is above moderate in terms of consistency on most parts. But more noticeable is the way characters speak with their diverse mannerisms. Kate for instance has an egoistic way of speech so naturally, expect some words of narcissism to come out of her mouth. Other characters display their personalities with their voices such as Itsuka’s hot-blooded personality, Renge’s innocence, Miki’s elegance, or Roboko’s wisdom. The OST mixes in tune with a combination of rock and rapid pace during action scenes. During more humorous sequences, it attaches a more goofy tone. The OP and ED song are more childish but does make its point.

By the time you finish this show, you’ll feel like a kid again. It’s not just a Halloween party you attended where you dress up and look like someone else. Rather, it’s what you’re doing with yourself and the goals you choose to follow. But being a kid is something we’ve all gone through but for Kate, she has goals beyond what any single child can dream for. Ultimately, this show isn’t something to take for granted like an action packed motion picture. Rather, it’s the fun that never ends that will set yourself to freedom.

Reviewer’s Rating: 7

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Nov 24, 2014

BanjoTheBear

Mixed Feelings

(This has been adapted from my reddit thread)

In our world, there are many different types of rulers. From Presidents to Prime Ministers, from Kings to Queens, people of power are able to maintain great influence over life itself. Most of the time, these leaders hold moral ideals, wanting peace over war. Yet others have one goal in mind: to conquer the world. World Conquest Zvezda Plot is a story of such conquering, spearheaded by a little girl, a young boy, and the rest of Zvezda squad.

STORY

World Conquest Zvezda Plot begins with Asuta coming across a little kid named Kate. After a small altercation, Asuta (now ... known as "Dva") is recruited into Zvezda, a group of people determined to conquer the world.

Conquest goes about telling its story in a rather clever way. In most cases, instead of outright revealing the information through explanations or visuals, the show often uses indirect speaking as a way to give the audience insight into the world without having it spoon-fed to them. Using this tactic causes the viewers to actually have to "connect-the-dots" in order to understand who the characters are, why the world is the way it is, and where things will be headed. Now, the show does utilize flashbacks in order to get the more difficult details across, but for the most part, the writing itself was done rather nicely.

In regards to what actually goes on, the over-arcing plot is rather lackluster. The problem is that the goal itself is not only too vague but too large in scope. Meaning, it's difficult to understand what exactly the purpose is of what they are doing. On a smaller scale, however, the show does at least a fair job of showcasing a slice-of-life-ish portrayal of a fantastical world. Filled with strange creatures, transformations, and tons of udo, most episodes have simpler goals in mind that help to flesh out not only the characters but the world itself. At the same time, the missions are often unique and filled with comedic moments between the cast and the environments housing them. The humor isn't anything great, but the snide quips from Asuta or the overzealous nature of Plamya when it comes to Kate is usually good for a laugh or two.

A large problem with Conquest is the ending. At this point, it has done a very nice job of setting up the overall tension and despair that contrasts with the previous events. However, when all is said and done, the contrived plot points, role-reversals, and underwhelming antagonist leave the series on an unfortunate low-note. Coupled with the fact that the story sets itself up for further shenanigans down the road, you are left with a vast feeling of emptiness. Not that things are just getting started, but rather that they have yet to be completed.

ANIMATION

The overall art and animation for Conquest is actually pretty darn good.
Starting with the art, the show loves to use a wide variance of colors. The ball-like creatures, the characters' clothing, and the locations themselves are rife with many different colors that make everything pop. The backgrounds aren't so much colorful as they are detailed. The Zvezda base comes to mind as do the underground ancient ruins.

Above all else, the character designs are top-notch. Each character has a "transformation" that allows them to become their more powerful selves. These costumes contain the same level of detail as the backgrounds do. Goro's skull mask and military gear, Plamya's eye-patch, helmet, and coat, and Um's Halloween coloring and witch-like outfit are the standouts, but easily help to demonstrate how unique each of them look. Even when not in their strong attire, their regular selves also contain some level of detail to make them contrast with everyday civilians.

The show also does well in the actual animation department. The fights are easy to follow and nicely choreographed, and the characters contain both fluid movements and varying facial expressions. The CG isn't the best, but it doesn't feel over-bearing or terribly out of place.

CHARACTERS

The characters in Conquest are "characters" themselves, but I'll at least talk about some of my favorites.

Itsuka, aka "Plamya," is a young woman who is strong-willed, straight-forward, and at times simple-minded. In a lot of ways, she reminded me heavily of Asuna of SAO fame due to her interesting character design, swordplay, and general bad-assery. Plamya appears difficult to approach, but her conviction to protect the squad is evident. Her character serves to demonstrate that dedication and hard work may not come easy, but the payoffs in the end more than make up for the trouble one goes through.

Garo, aka "Chief," seems like the tough, parental type. Instead, he's more like the silent guardian. Among the whole cast, he surprisingly seems the most out of place with his stature and past, but it's slowly revealed why such a man follows such a girl. He actually has some of the best action sequences in the show to make up for his lack of humor. Chief represents something that we all hope to do, and that is upholding the ideals we hold true to our heart.

Easily the best character from the anime, Kate, aka "Venera," is literally a child. The leader of Zvezda, her strange ability to unite random people from across the land to work towards a common goal is unprecedented. She's loud, demanding, and sometimes sleepy. On top of all this, her best friend is a stuffed pink rabbit. For all intents and purposes, she is a baby girl whose dreams are seemingly too grand to be feasible. And that's what makes her shine. Sure, she's cute, sure, she has an adorable way of talking. But what she isn't is being afraid to dream big, to go for the impossible. That despite the troubles one may face, they can always be conquered.

If it isn't evident by now, what Conquest does right with its characters is having them serve as messages for personal growth, for personal conquest. Dva is about understanding one's place in the world, Um tells us it's not about being constricted to the past but anticipating the future, etc. The characters' themselves may be slightly trope-y with some of their character quirks, but almost all characters are. Instead, their most important aspects are not the way they look, how they talk, or what they do, but the ideas that they share with us.

One final note is that some of the characters, comparatively, do not have their backgrounds fleshed out enough. Some do and some don't. It's a mixed bag that is sadly not divided evenly between the cast. Furthermore, as a main character, Dva is rather weak. He provides most of the comedy, but that's just about it. When the show is progressing, one isn't looking for Dva's next scene but rather what the rest of Zvezda squad is doing.

SOUND

The OP is interesting. At first, it's not that good. It seems rather plain or generic, given the unique atmosphere that the show tries to portray. However, after a few episodes (roughly half-way through), the piece becomes at least average. It's nothing worth listening to on a daily basis, but the beginning, middle, and ending sequences are well done. If anything, the OP feels like lost potential.

The ED reminded me a bit of Humanity Has Declined's, with its soft vocalist and perhaps out-of-place visuals. This one doesn't have the same "oomph" attached to it that Humanity Has Declined does, but it does at least remind one of a lullaby, coinciding with Kate's nature.

The rest of the soundtrack is sadly quite forgettable. The only prominent "piece" is the bell chimes that go off during the screen transitions.

Finally, in regards to VA work, Misaki Kuno does an above average job in her role as Kate. Her voice has that little kid quality to it that is tough to nail. Plus, it's rather unique, making it stand out more than usual.

ENJOYMENT

When it comes to watching this one, it's difficult to like it right away. It seems rather similar to other shows out there in the anime world, and to an extent that is a correct statement. The show's excitement and urge to watch it never really settled in until about three-quarters of the way through. The action was fine, the comedy was there, it just never had much of a hook or draw to entice me further.

Each episode is more or less set-up (at least in the beginning) to give us some indication of who the characters are. This is done in conjunction with the indirect world-building explained earlier. It works decently well, but causes a lot of the scenarios to become somewhat repetitive. Some instances are vastly different from what occurred before, but many of the same jokes and outcomes happen time and again.

The ending itself is sadly left open, the romance elements at play are teased at but never really take off, and even with the clever storytelling there are some parts that are just never explained. World Conquest Zvezda Plot doesn't really do anything new or exciting, but if you need a fun little show with the added bonus of slick visuals, then this one wouldn't be a bad place to start.

SUMMARY

Story: Bad, nice indirect story-telling with contrived ending

Animation: Great, art is detailed, character designs are unique, actual animation is well done

Characters: Fine, each provides an underlying "message"

Sound: Fine, okay OP and ED, bad soundtrack, decent VA work

Enjoyment: Fine, some fun and laughs for the whole experience

Final Score: 5/10

Reviewer’s Rating: 5

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Mar 30, 2014

Asfaria

Not Recommended

Sekai Seifuku tells the story of an eternally young girl attempting to conquer the world with her group called Zvesda, and a boy named Asuta who gets caught up in it all. Hoshimiya Kate, for reasons that are never explained, is a girl who seems to never age while everyone around her does. She, though a reason is never really given, wants to conquer the world and fights against other organziations who try to foil her plan. As you may have already guessed, my main issue with this anime is that they don't explain hardly anything. Characters are given quick backstories that don't make much ... sense and the plot is full of filler and doesn't really go anywhere until the last three or so episodes.

The show begins with a high school boy named Jimon Asuta who ran away from home. He is struggling to get food to eat but is determined to make a living on his own and avoid anyone knowing that he has run away. Though, the only person he ever talks to and cares about hiding his situation from is his crush, Renge. Renge is also hiding a secret. She is a member of the group called "White Light" who fights against evil, which is mainly Zvesda. The members of White Light wear masks and uniforms that hide their identity from each other even though it should be blatantly obvious who they all are considering their unique hairstyles still show..... But moving on, Asuta ends up running into a conflict between Zvesda and White Light, is recruited into Zvesda against his will, and now has a place to stay even if it might cause him to lose his life in the process. All of the other members are "quirky" to say the least, and White Light is out to kill all of the members of Zvesda, and Asuta has to adjust to this new lifestyle whether he wants to or not.

The story is very generic for the most part and uninteresting. The characters are all generic except for Kate, and none of them get enough time to develop very much. Asuta is about as unoriginal as a main protagonist can get. He's good at cooking and randomly saving the day but nothing else. Kate is a bit unique, but the anime does a horrible job of explaining anything about her mission or why she's been 7 years old in both mind and body since many of the older characters were kids. The rest of the main characters consist of a scientist, a tsuntsun swordswoman, an ex-gang member and his underling (who is just a terrible comedic relief character with absolutely no redeeming qualities), and a female robot.

The one part of the story I did really enjoy was the anti-smoking (cigarattes, not marijuana) aspect. The one episode completely about anti-smoking is the best one by far, even if it does show how Yasubee is a horrible character which no one should ever trust (seriously, he switches sides out of nowhere and it's just plain stupid how everyone forgives him anyway, especially Gorou). Though it was never explained at all how the villain's smoke powers were even possible in the show's universe.

The animation is good, but some of the character designs are very.... fanservicy. Mainly Kate's (give a 7 year old a revealing outfit, why not?) and Natalia. Aside from that, the character designs still aren't great, but they're not terrible. The scenery in the show is also average, and the action scenes aren't anything too interesting with only decent choreography. The use of CG for larger monsters and weapons also becomes a bit annoying and clashes with the regular animation. The soundtrack is mostly unmemorable with the OP being the only good song.

While I did enjoy some parts of Sekai Seifuku, nothing much really happened. It's just going from point A to point B with a lot of filler in the middle and a few mediocre flashbacks to try and make you feel more attached to the characters that never have anything too bad happen to them anyway. The drama in this show just falls flat and the comedy is only occasionally funny. If not for the anti-smoking episode and some of the few good character interactions, the story would have had nothing unique or good about it. I just never even began to like any of the characters in this show or care if anything bad happened to them. Because of that and all of the other problems, I just could not come to like Sekai Seifuku.

Reviewer’s Rating: 3

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