Yuugen Kaisha

This is a wild, funny OVA that manages to pack one hell of a punch in just 4 episodes. Richly animated, cleverly written, and wreathed with a world of magic and monsters in the heart of Tokyo, I'd say that Phantom Quest Corp is one of the quintessential 90s anime, even if it feels more like a high-production 80s anime. Then, to add to all of this, it is surrounded by weird random facts and quirks, like how the woman who sings the intro theme and voices the main character, Rica Matsumoto, would soon go on to be the VA ... for Ash Ketchum, or how according to the special extra episode 'File 00', they got the actual real-life 49th Priest of Enkozen Temple, Mudo Oda, to do some kind of voice work on the OVA as well. Beginning with the story, it's a simple yet effective formula that is highly episodic in its execution. Each episode is its own self-contained story regarding the supernatural, which works really well with the pacing and tone of the show. I enjoy how various tropes are covered from both the Western and Eastern traditions, coupled with unique and imaginative spins on how these encounters with the beyond would look like in the bustling metropolitan life of mid-90s Japan. All in all, the relatively simple story formula is perfect for this title, and embodies its most essential characteristic- fun. The whole anime just feels so fun, like a night out on the town, even with the crazy stakes and the bizarre esoteric encounters. However, in the case of this anime, the story is really just a backdrop to its strongest aspect- the art.

The art for this anime is positively magnificent, representing the zenith of 90s anime in its latest and most developed incarnation. It is aligned with itself and its themes in every way, from the vibrant, saturated color palate, to the painstakingly detailed backgrounds, and the brilliant character designs, the art provides Phantom Quest Corp its own unique identity. Even the animation quality, with the seamless composition of fight scenes, and even the way characters interact with the everyday world, never fails to impress. It captures the warm, living essence of the style which defined that era of anime, and even on this merit alone I'm shocked that more people haven't heard of it. It is an aesthetic powerhouse, eye candy from start to finish. Even the architectural design applied to various interiors, like their headquarters, the tea house, and the hospital, all bear a level of detail and aesthetic harmony that most people would simply overlook, and probably do. Yet, this anime has gone the extra mile, and fulfilled its vision down to the last detail.

The sound is also good, with strong, characteristic voice work and an OST which oscillates between smooth 90s jazz and frenetic citypop.

The characters are similarly strong, with a fun dynamic and chemistry within the cast that further lends the show this general sense of high-spirited wellbeing. Of the cast, my favorite characters have to be Ayaka Kisaragi and Kozu Karina. Ayaka is this unique blend of Buffy and Scully, with this streak of sardonic humor and persistent bad habits, paired with a passion for justice and a badass lipstick lightsaber. Meanwhile, Kozu plays the role of disheveled yet tireless cop perfectly, and contrasts well to the fiery temperament of the protagonist, especially in matters of comedy. Overall, Phantom Quest Corp is a real hidden gem, and one which anybody would enjoy, especially if you're particularly into 90s anime or 90s paranormal media, because this is where that particular venn diagram overlaps.

To me this is a top tier show.
The characters are fun and well written, the english dub is solid even though I usually don't like dubs, the opening and ending themes slap, and the plot is fun and camp. I always enjoy a femal main character who has himbo energy like this. Honestly, all the characters have himbo energy. The animation is fun and bouncy, and the outfits are great. the ridiculousness of whats going on with no explanation suspends the viewers disbelief enough that you'll go along with whatever. All in all, purely for the entertainment factor when combined with a solid 8 ... in all other fields, I give this a ten.

Rate a 6
English Dubbed
Genres in order of percentage of appearance: Light Comedy.Action and Romance

Story
-The introduction song is a bit off putting. Starts out slow, then comes upbeat and finished slow. In a way it describes the timeline of the show but doesn't really work. When you listen to it you will find it ends just fine on the last upbeat note. Even has a nice final picture at that point to go with it. While the reaming slow portion of the introduction song and art is entertaining and nicely done just isn't needed.

- Introduction to the show makes sense. It is the same general type ... you would see on most action tv shows. Such as Csi or Law and order. Where the camera focuses on the event in the surrounding area that will end up building into a long nights work so to phrase. While it may be nice to start with screen showing the main character or characters it is not generally about them but the people they help. Which makes sense when you think about it. Otherwise the movie would come off rather selfish.

-While each episode has it's own story some elements still remain the same. Such as characters postions with each other and personal matters the characters have. Such as debt.

-Conclusion going back to what i mentioned before ends off slow. While the artist/writer(s) could have a comical ending you can tell from the art alone they want to you not to laugh but get into touch with all your emotions including laughter.

Art
no issues on anything upsetting appearance or transitions.

Sound- no complaints

Character- while it appears that some of the characters need a better build on information the story works well without it. Understand, the idea of characters is to lead you along with the story. In a sense they are your tour guide for the adventure. While one can go and on and on on what one character's personal matters are such as college degree or upbringings; Unless it builds on the orignal plot why should i care? Not to be rude but it boring otherwise.

Enjoyment: If you want to take a moment of your time and watch an semi old moderate in length short television anime then watch this. While the humor is light it doesn't have off putting bits: gore, heavy plot, light plot, high insight, low insight, bad art.... you get the idea.