The story of Skull Man is an oh-so important one, the character is not only one of the first anti-heroes in anime history, whose design would later be the inspiration for the titular hero in Kamen Rider, but this series contains crucial subtext about Japan's political affairs. Shōtarō Ishinomori's Skull Man is a tale for the ages, it has the same gravitas as some of the most profound literary classics, though, sadly, is not as known in English-speaking countries as much as it should be.
⚠️ This review of Skull Man will contain spoilers ⚠️
—Story/Characters
Until I watched this series, I had only seen Shōtarō Ishinomori's "Android
...
Kikaider"! The "Kikaider" story is one of the first things that really got invested in anime. I caught it on Adult Swim in elementary school (during fifth grade), and I even remember being in tears by the last episode of the OVA series, the very night that "FLCL" first aired on the network! I really love that show, Jiro will always have a special place in my heart, and I still feel a surge of emotions when I hear the opening theme: "Theme of Gemini"!
With that being said, Skull Man's continuity is linked to Cyborg 009's, and despite having only seen miscellaneous episodes of the 2003 version during Cartoon Network re-runs, I was still able to be completely absorbed in the piercing plot line of Skull Man. There are some allusions to events in Cyborg 009, that I will mention the further down we go into this review, but it isn't until the end of the last episode that the big reveal happens. I'm not sure if I would have had a more passionate reaction to the ending if I had been a Cyborg 009 fan, but the strife that Hayato Mikogami is forced to undergo to get there was enough to leave me flabbergasted.
The narrative starts out with the aforementioned main character returning the the town he grew up in ("Ōtomo City"), to research the correlation in a chain of mysterious murders and the cloaked suspect, Skull Man! There, he encounters a quirky girl ("Kiriko Mamiya") that he befriends and also reunites with a childhood friend from his old orphanage, Yoshio Kanzaki, who has become a Catholic priest in the time that they spent apart. In a beautifully choreographed reveal, after the narrative becomes rife with various complexities, Hayato learns that his childhood friend, Yoshio, is actually the eponymous Skull Man and who had become a vigilante after serving as a chaplain in the Vietnam War.
After Yoshio's passing, Hayato takes the mantel of Skull Man and finds the truth of the wicked city to be much worse than he originally imagined! The noir mystery morphs into a full-out battle against the nefarious "Ōtomo Group" — partnered with a multinational corporation, known as Brain Gear! Hayato learns through coded Nietzschean quotes and revelations left by his late friend, Yoshio, the philosophy between good and evil.
The puppet-masters of the town are not above controlling political figures and the police, as well as performing horrific human experiments and committing covert crimes, to exploit the people of the town. After witnessing such treachery, Skull Man becomes BLACK GHOST... a radical terrorist leader in Cyborg 009, who also is the biological father to Joe Shimamura! It seems very similar to Darth Vader's role in "Star Wars"! The story ends with the Skull Man forfeiting his own humanity, for the greater good, and during some chilling final shots, the plot reveals that corruption and the brainwashing of civilians is still flourishing in Ōtomo City! It's a bittersweet ending, because it was nice to see Hayato on his death throes, still living — but, it's unclear what is left of his soul.
—Technical
Luna's Favorite Works by Each Respective Creator = ✅
Takeshi Mori (director), notable works:
* Edokko Boy: Gatten Tasuke
* Gekkō no Pierce: Yumemi to Gin no Bara no Kishidan
* Gunsmith Cats ✅
* Hikyō Tanken Fam & Ihrlie ✅
* Kyō kara Ore wa!!
* Melty Lancer
* Otaku no Video ✅
* Ranma ½: Akumu! Shunmin Kō
* Ruri-iro Princess
* Sentō Yōsei Shōjo Tasukete! Mave-chan
* Stratos 4
* The Snack World
* Vandread
Commentary: Mr. Mori knows how to make some scenic and eye-catching animation shots, his work on "Gunsmith Cats" is enough evidence to prove his valor, on that front! Amazing work, Skull Man was riveting from start to finish!
Good Seiyū Work = ✅
Really Enjoyed the Seiyū's Performance = ✅ ✅
One of Luna's Favorite Performances OF ALL TIME = ✅ ✅ ✅
Hiroshi Tsuchida as Skull Man, notable roles:
* Perkins, Cat Shit One
* Gena, Cheburashka
* Ganesha, Dungeon ni Deai wo Motomeru no wa Machigatteiru Darō ka ("Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?") ✅
* Rashid Saluja, Magi (series)
* J.J. Sexton, Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt
* Raido Namiashi, Naruto (series) ✅
* Kōichirō Iketani ("Cole"), Initial D
* Goro Kumagaya, Offside (TV)
* Capote, One Piece
* Doctor Platane, Pokémon XY and XY&Z
* Grisha Yeager, Shingeki no Kyojin ✅
* Ukyō Samonji, Shirogane no Ishi: Argevollen
* Gunter, Star Ocean: Anamnesis
* John Titor, Steins;Gate ✅
* Keigo Ōnishi, Texhnolyze ✅✅✅
* Susumu Yamazaki, Uchū Senkan Yamato 2199 ✅✅
* Daikichi Kawachi, Usagi Drop ✅✅✅
Commentary: His baritone-like inflection as the masked anti-hero is similar to his role as Keigo Ōnishi in "Texhnolyze" — every time I think of that character, the last four episodes and the part he plays in it, are crystal clear in my mind! Mr. Tsuchida was an incredible Skull Man!
Makoto Yasumura as Hayato Mikogami, notable roles:
* Johnny Beppu, Aikatsu! ✅✅✅
* Shu Satomura, Bakegyamon
* Terumichi Nishida, Detroit Metal City ✅✅✅
* Kento Yamada, Koneko no Chi: Ponponra Daibōken ("Chi's Sweet Home")
* Ken Mayumura, Major (series)
* Spring Mustache, One Punch Man (series) ✅
* Shōji Suyama, Ōkiku Furikabutte ("Big Windup!")
* Yōsuke Fukazawa, Over Drive
* Koron-kun, Pururun! Shizuku-chan (series)
* Fumihiko Matsumaru, Rec ✅
* Shōzō Tadokoro, Rinne no Lagrange (series)
* Zorube, Saiki Kusuo no Ψ-nan (series) ✅
* Ryūhei Suga and Hayato Tani, School Rumble
Commentary: I would compare the role as Hayato Mikogami to Mr. Yasumura's performance as Fumihiko Matsumaru in "Rec", because of how unfettered and carefree the character comes across as, from the start. I think the more comedic voice was privy in showing the transformation within Hayato, over the course of a meager thirteen episodes. Great job!
Ayako Kawasumi as Kiriko Mamiya, notable roles:
* Atoli, .hack//G.U.
* Aoi Sakuraba, Ai Yori Aoshi ✅✅✅
* Moffle, Amagi Brilliant Park ✅✅
* Nanoca Flanka, Aoi Umi no Tristia
* Yuriko Aoki, Bakuman. ✅✅
* Mai Shinomiya, Battle Spirits: Brave
* Anego, Dai Mahō-Tōge ✅✅
* Harumi Fudō, Dororon Enma-kun Meeramera ✅✅✅
* Fear, DT Eightron
* Fō, Fate/Grand Order ✅✅
* Saber ("Artoria Pendragon"), Fate/stay night ✅✅✅
* Kiriko Hattori, Fūūn Ishin Dai☆Shogun
* Sara Halifa, Gallery Fake
* Ruriko Ikusawa, Gate Keepers
* Kanako Ōno, Genshiken ✅✅
* Tazusa Sakurano, Ginban Kaleidoscope
* Kei, Girls und Panzer ✅✅✅
* Gendōmaru, Gintama
* Miharu Sena Kanaka, Girls Bravo
* Tomoko Nomura, Great Teacher Onizuka
* Elle, Groove Adventure Rave ("Rave Master")
* Mishio Manami, Haja Kyosei G Dangaiō
* Watatsuki no Yorihime, Hifū Katsudō Kiroku: The Sealed Esoteric History ✅✅✅
* Nono Ichinose, Hitohira
* Matsuri Sakuragi, Ichigo Mashimaro ("Strawberry Marshmallow") ✅✅✅
* Liliane, Kaibutsu Ōjo
* Chikane Himemiya, Kannazuki no Miko
* Chizuru Minamoto, Kanokon
* Hikari Hoshino, Kono Minikuku mo Utsukushii Sekai
* Kurau Amami, Kurau Phantom Memory ✅✅
* Tomomi Saikyō, Ladies versus Butlers!
* Mahoro Andō, Mahoromatic ✅✅
* Shizuru Hibara, Mokke
* Miroku, Monster Strike
* Kaede Shiranui, Ninin ga Shinobuden ("Ninja Nonsense") ✅✅
* Megumi Noda, Nodame Cantabile ✅✅
* Asami Onohara, Okusama wa Joshikōsei (TV)
* Mizuka Nagamori, One: Kagayaku Kisetsu e
* Ayumi, Otogi Story Tenshi no Shippo
* Alice and Will of the Abyss, Pandora Hearts ✅
* Rikotto, Parol no Miraijima
* Miu Nomura, Piano (TV)
* Mikan Natsu, Potemayo ✅✅
* Yuki Azuma, Princess Nine: Kisaragi Joshikō Yakyūbu
* Elmina, Puchi Pri*Yucie
* Leina Vance, Queen's Blade ✅✅
* Melfina, Seihō Bukyō Outlaw Star ✅✅✅
* Lafiel Abriel, Seikai no Monshō ("Crest of the Stars") ✅✅✅
* Miyuri Tsujidō, Seikon no Qwaser
* Hanayo, Selector Infected WIXOSS (series)
* Kurumi Matsumoto, Seraphim Call
* Shion Yasuoka, Shion no Ō
* Chikage, Sister Princess
* Kazumi Yoshida, Shakugan no Shana
* Otoha Sakurano, Sky Girls
* Sara Werec, Sōkō no Strain
* Sara Mudo, Tenshi Kinryoku ("Angel Sanctuary") ✅✅
* Nanao Akita, Terra Formars
* Akari Kamigishi, To Heart ✅✅✅
* Saki Tenjōin, To LOVEる ✅✅✅
* Gerda, Yuki no Joō ("The Snow Queen") ✅
* Tōko Mishima, Yume Tsukai
* Shizuno Misaki, Zegapain
* Henrietta de Tristain, Zero no Tsukaima
* Erika Kuramoto, Zettai Junpaku♡Mahō Shōjo
* Leena Toros, Zoids
Commentary: Yes, the goofball sidekick to Hayato has Saber's voice ("Fate/stay night")! Her cadence is very charming, I felt myself being drawn in by her charisma, despite her design looking like a monkeyish Son Gokū type of girl, with a beret. Absolutely amazing performance, as always!
Masayuki Katō as Yoshio Kanzaki, notable roles:
* Kiyomasa Senji, Deadman Wonderland ✅✅
* Demiurge, Overlord ✅✅
* Chōhi Gundam, SD Gundam Sangokuden Brave Battle Warriors
* Mammon, Shakugan no Shana III
* Matoma, Shigofumi ✅✅✅
* Kenji Makabe, Uchū Kyōdai ("Space Brothers") ✅✅
Commentary: I would compare Mr. Katō's performance as Yoshio to his role as Kenji Makabe in "Uchū Kyōdai", because he has the same kind of sedate, forthright demeanor in both shows! Very powerful performance, and in my opinion the MOST captivating voice acting role in his entire filmography!
The ending of Skull Man had a very powerful effect on me, we had bought the standard DVD set from Sentai Filmworks on a whim, and this series became a favorite in the sleepless night that I consumed it. It's a shame that it never got a BD remaster, because, as you would expect from Studio Bones, the animation and visual direction is top-notch! And it doesn't fall into the usual pratfalls that Bones' writers typically stumble into, with the storyline becoming a damp line of toilet paper mid-way through! The halfway points of series like "Star Driver", "Wolf's Rain", and "Gosick" (etc.) were weaker than the first and last episodes, but Skull Man stays consistent in its delivery! I rate Skull Man a solid 7/10!
Rating: ★★★★☆
Jan 31, 2021 Recommended
The story of Skull Man is an oh-so important one, the character is not only one of the first anti-heroes in anime history, whose design would later be the inspiration for the titular hero in Kamen Rider, but this series contains crucial subtext about Japan's political affairs. Shōtarō Ishinomori's Skull Man is a tale for the ages, it has the same gravitas as some of the most profound literary classics, though, sadly, is not as known in English-speaking countries as much as it should be.
⚠️ This review of Skull Man will contain spoilers ⚠️ —Story/Characters Until I watched this series, I had only seen Shōtarō Ishinomori's "Android ...
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Jan 30, 2021
Mahou Yuugi 2D
(Anime)
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Not Recommended
Mahō Yūgi is a comedy series that could only exist in the early ’00s: the screwball humor, the blatent sexuality, and the pop-culture brand of surrealism seems to have been a staple in comedy, during that era of anime! But, while Renkin 3-kyū Magical? Pokān established itself as somewhat of a cult classic, Mahō Yūgi came away without much of a devoted following. Unlike the aforementioned series ("Magical Pokān"), Magical PLAY feels empty and the characters are cardboard, despite their striking designs!
⚠️ This review of Mahō Yūgi Tobidasu!! Hanamaru Daibōken will be spoiler-free ⚠️ —Story/Characters The comparison between "Magical Pokān" and "Magical Play" is kind of an ... odd coincidence, because the director of Pokān, Ken'ichi Yatani, directed the second and third OVA installments of Tenchi Muyō! Ryōōki — while the director of "Magical Play" directed the first OVA of the Tenchi Muyō! franchise. Part of me suspects that there may have been a sort of rivalry going on between the two of them, because both shows are highly referential, have a colorfully designed main cast (with an obligatory gyaru in both series), and are magical girl shows. Though, the definition of the word is used in a broadest sense of the term! Probably the most interesting use of pragmatism is the use of their animal companions, Padudu has a fish cloak and MyuMyu wears a... living cat bikini? The cat bikini helps her win in eating contests, doubles as a bungee wire, but if it gets exhausted, she's left buck naked! Ketchup and Mustard were entertaining, they reminded me a lot of Mihoshi and Kiyone ("Tenchi Muyō!"), and it's no wonder, when you look at the director's history in the industry! I really enjoyed how both of them would just be chilling at the station, and something ludicrous would stir them from their repose! Nonononn and Purilun have a heated rivalry (tilting towards a ho-yay relationship) though, it doesn't get nearly enough of the spotlight. It was something that I thought was genuinely interesting, but it gets delayed until the subsequent episodes, and instead of getting a gratifying finale... we are treated to some of the word 3D computer graphic in anime history! It was like "Xavier Renegade Angel" levels of second-rate CG! It was like the animators decided to give up on making a moe series, and did a copious amount of drugs instead! It's a shame that this show ended so poorly, because I thought some of the humor was actually funny! —Technical Luna's Favorite Works by Each Respective Creator = ✅ Hiroki Hayashi (director), notable works: * Battle Programmer Shirase * Bubblegum Crisis Tokyo 2040 * El Hazard: The Magnificent World ✅ * Explorer Woman Ray * Gall Force 2: Destruction (co-director) * Katayoku no Khronos Gear * Tenchi Muyō! Ryōōki (first season) ✅ Commentary: Mr. Hayashi directed Mahō Yūgi like an experimental Tenchi Muyō! — there are similar story and comedy beats in the production. The facial expression are choreographed identically to shots in El Hazard. The character Purilun even has a cloak that is indistinguishable from those worn by the Jurai royal family. I think I made my point, Mahō Yūgi has a similar comfort food, fantasy feel to its predecessors! Great job with the visual direction, Mr. Hayashi! Good Seiyū Work = ✅ Really Enjoyed the Seiyū's Performance = ✅ ✅ One of Luna's Favorite Performances OF ALL TIME = ✅ ✅ ✅ Ai Tokunaga as Padudu, notable roles: * Miki Noda, GA: Geijutsuka Art Design Class * Viola, Kiddy Grade * Cheko, Pugyuru * Maho Yumeno, Saki ✅✅ * Tsubomi Moroboshi, UG☆Ultimate Girls Commentary: I haven't seen many of her roles, I want to hear what she sounds like as Viola, because I initially watched "Kiddy Grade" with the English dub Ms. Tokunaga voices very cute and endearing characters, I remember Maho ("Saki") fitting that role, and despite Padudu's (often idiotic) simplicity — she comes off as endearing! Wonderful acting! Ryōka Shima as Pipin, notable roles: * Hibari Hanakoganei, Akihabara Dennō-gumi * Yūki Kurama, G-On Riders * Fumitsuki Nanakorobi, Happy☆Lesson Commentary: I haven't seen Ms. Shima's other roles, though Akihabara Dennō-gumi has been sitting in my bucket list forever! Her role as Pipin is not very memorable, but is good enough with the quality of the script. Nice work! Kazusa Murai as MyuMyu, notable roles: * Chiharu Nitta, Boys Be... * Kazumi Takiura, Devilman Lady ✅ * Nemu, Haibane Renmei ✅✅ * Marina, Pokémon (series) * Ribbon-chan ("Bijou"), Tottoko Hamtarō ✅✅ Commentary: I really enjoyed MyuMyu's character, I would say, along with Ketchup and Mustard's buddy cop routine and Padudu's silliness, that she had the best performance in the series. Though, Purilun (seiyū: Yuko Minaguchi) had a very pretty voice, too. Ms. Murai was able to have the dualism of making MyuMyu both attractive and cunning in her interpretation of the character. Amazing job! Nanae Katō as Mustard, notable roles: * Chika Yurikasa, Asagiri no Miko * Mikiharu Kawaguchi, Bakegyamon * Croket, Croket * Noramimi, Noramimi * Ahiru Arima, Princess Tutu ✅✅✅ * Domino, Shakugan no Shana * Miki, Shugo Chara! Commentary: The more hot-blooded side of the buddy cop duo, Ms. Katō has a voice that is both distinct and adorable, like with Ahiru ("Princess Tutu"). Incredible work! Ryoko Nagata as Ketchup, notable roles: * Mimiko Katsuragi, Black Blood Brothers * Éclair, Kiddy Grade * Wina Lightning, Last Exile (series) ✅ * Noel, Mermaid Melody: Pichi Pichi Pitch * Rouge, Power Stone * Takako Nakanishi, Suzumiya Haruhi no Yūutsu ✅ * Fūka Esumi, Yoiko Commentary: I haven't seen many of her roles, I want to hear what she sounds like as Éclair, because I initially watched "Kiddy Grade" with the English dub. Ms. Nagata is the blue oni side of the buddy cop duo and she is very sensible, it reminds me of her role as the trustable Wina ("Last Exile"), though the character herself has a similar aura to Kiyone ("Tenchi Muyō!"). Great work, Ms. Nagata has a very calming presence! Yuko Minaguchi as Purilun, notable roles: * Mercelida Ygvar, Astarotte no Omocha! * Sayaka Murakami, Bio Hunter * Hotaru Tomoe, Bishōjo Senshi Sailor Moon ✅✅✅ * Apricot, Bosco Daibōken * Ringo, Casshern Sins ✅✅ * Midori Yamabuki, Dr. Slump * Pan, Dragon Ball GT * Videl, Dragon Ball Z * Klose Rinz, Eiyū Densetsu: Sora no Kiseki the Animation * Linaly Klauser, Final Fantasy ✅ * Key Mii, Greed * Hoshimi Kimizuka, Maps * Yakumo Shindō, Mushrambo * Musse, One Piece * Yaone, Saiyūki ✅ * Farah Oersted, Tales of Eternia ✅ * Girl, Tori no Uta ✅✅ * Hinoto, X/1999 ✅✅ * Yawara Inokuma, Yawara! Commentary: Ms. Minaguchi typically plays pretty female characters, and Purilun is no exception to that rule. Though her presence in this series is thin as a paper wall, she still has an irresistibly charming voice! Fantastic job, as always! Tomo Saeki as Nonononn, notable roles: * Satoshi Imamiya, Abenobashi Mahō☆Shōtengai ✅✅ * Salt, Chicchana Yukitsukai Sugar ("A Little Snow Fairy Sugar") * Cō Erhard, Di Gi Charat (series) * Akatsuki, Ojamajo Doremi (series) * Mondo Ōya, Rokumon Tengai Mon Colle Knights * Janny Mann, Sol Bianca: Taiyō no Fune Commentary: I really only know Ms. Saeki from "Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi." It seems that she is typecast mostly as little boy characters and that makes sense, seeing as Nonononn is very masculine. Great work! Conclusively, this show is very forgettable, apart from the indelible design work — penned by Kiyohiko Azuma, creator of "Azumanga Daiō" and "Yotsuba&!". From what I could gather, from trackinga few sources down, "Magical Play" seemed to have a more receptive audience in the US then in Japan, I would wager that it was because ADV promoted it heavily around the height of Azumanga Daiō's popularity! I remember seeing advertisements for it plastered all over issues of various Newtype USA magazines, though now, ADV has relinquished the rights and it is in Sentai Filmworks' care! I give Mahō Yūgi a 4/10, and the 3D special a 2/10! ※Mahō Yūgi is streaming on Hulu, if you have any interest in checking it out. Rankings: 2D ★★☆☆☆ 3D ★☆☆☆☆
Reviewer’s Rating: 4
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Jan 29, 2021 Recommended
Despite using "devil" in the prefix of the name and the "-man" suffix, this manga is not about Satanism, nor is it about superheroes! The generic moniker is used on the cover of a story that is a classic tale of good versus evil, right versus wrong, it also personifies the outlook of Japanese citizens, after their loss in World War II. Think about the battle with Silene as an example of wartime commentary, and boy, is it a hard-hitter! Devilman (1972) is a story that you'll be thinking about for years!
※Bonus: The hulking omnibus of Devilman's hardcover edition, distributed by Seven Seas, is gorgeous ... and I would suggest checking it out for old and new Devilman fans alike! ⚠️ This review of Devilman: The Classic Collection will contain spoilers ⚠️ —Story/Characters Akira Fudō is a hapless lad, a pure-hearted young man, who gets led into the underworld by his old pal, Ryō Asuka, who is not good — though, when his identity as Satan is revealed, it's apparent that he still has the heart of a human. Through the slivers of dark panels, we see Akira's face become wrought with fear, as he makes his transformation and inherits the spirit of the most powerful demon to ever exist, Amon. The club scene is a living example of the old adage, "if you stare too long into the abyss, it stares back" — since Akira encounters such treachery and evil, like a mirror, his inner demons stare back at him. Thus, he is able to become Devilman and becomes somewhat possessed by the spirit of Amon. It's interesting foreshadowing, when you think that the naïve Akira transformed into Devilman because of shock and fear. Juxtapose that with the apocalypse, where hoards of humans are acting like demons, because they feel fear from the existence of demons. In the manga version, demons like Agwell and Gelmar are not given the same levity as the other demons are, they are painted as farcical villains — while Akira is coming into his own as Devilman. It's more of a stereotypical hero scene, where Miki begins to fawn all over Akira, because he's become strong and isn't the wimpy guy that she knew from before. There's also a group of school delinquents that Akira has beef with, but they turn out to be pretty decent characters, defying their yakuza-like archetypes! The plot first gets really dark when Jinmen is introduced. In most anime adaptations, Jinmen's captures the disembodied head of Akira's mother (and sometimes his father, too) and carries it on his shell, but in the original manga (and "Devilman VS Cyborg 009"), it is a young neighborhood girl, named Sachiko. I actually prefer the latter as a plot device, because Sachiko is a very sweet little girl, and I think that's more emblematic of the cruelty of demons, rather than the whole "Batman" shtick, where the demon killed his parents! Being able to ruthlessly kill a child is a very evil thing to do, and it doesn't seem as contrived, when used as a plot device. After Jinmen, Akira defeats Sirene, who hopelessly lusts after Amon's power. Check out my "Devilman: Yochō Sirene-hen" review for a more detailed analysis of her character. And then the apocalypse begins, in a fourth-wall breaking moment, Akira appears out of the shadows and warns the readers that the story is about to get very dark. Ryō Asuka remembers his identity as Satan, it is implied that Psychogenie (or "Psycho Jenny") is a demon that had the ability to alter Ryō's memories and so, Ryō realizes that his entire life as a human has been a lie, and he's actually Satan. With that, he pulls a ※Fūma Monō ("X/1999") and reveals footage of Devilman to the public, thus beginning the apocalypse, by casting the world into a pit of pure pandemonium. ※Fūma ("X/1999) may have been based off of Ryō in some capacity, because CLAMP actually used to distribute Akira ✕ Ryō dōjinshi, before they made it big. Fūma and Kamui's childhood bromance is suspiciously similar to Akira and Ryō's story! The world becomes a stage for a massive witch hunt, and people with torches start killing innocent people in cold blood, suspecting everyone of secretly being a demon. The first scene to really tug at my heartstrings, is when Akira (as Devilman) searches for Miki's missing parents and they have been tortured to death in an experimentation facility, he then says, "And you call yourselves human?" That really struck a chord with me, and then to lay on the melancholy mood further, Devilman returns to Miki and finds that people have murdered her and are barbarically hoisting her dismember head up on a stake! Miki Makimura: the typical, girl-next-door character — was even killed and accused of being a demon. The most honest and forthright character in the whole series! Feeling devastated, Devilman finds the resolve to gather a tribe of Devilmen (after the apocalypse, demon forcefully fuse with human vessels and give them a similar affliction to Akira) to wage a war against Satan, and his followers! The Devilmen that followed Akira were hybrids that were still able to remain human, due to a pure heart, this is kind of a surprise with characters like Mikiko Kawamoto — who is shown to be a rebellious hoodlum. But, like the good-hearted gangsters from before, Gō Nagai seems to like the trope of hood rats becoming reformed characters. In the end, after several years of a catastrophic battle, that has destroyed the entire world; Satan and his clan are victorious and Satan weeps over the ruinous planet, next to Akira's corpse, because ※they had fallen in love with him. It then reveals that God has forced Satan to relive the same reality over and over again, to punish them for their disobedience. ※Referring to them as a "they" because Satan is a hermaphrodite in Devilman. If you think of things spiritually, Satan didn't really triumph in the end, though he won the war. They killed the only person that they had ever loved and they are left with an empty world, that may as well be Hell. In the end, God wins and Satan is left in a never-ending cycle of despair. I think that the ending was also supposed to be a commentary on the second World War, the Allies won, but they didn't really win, because the world was left in ruin and innocent people were murdered in the process. Devilman is truly a deep story. —Technical Luna's Favorite Works by Each Respective Creator = ✅ Gō Nagai (creator), ※notable works: * Abashiri Ikka * Akuma Kishi ✅ * Bakuratsu Kyōshitsu * Barabanba * Barabanba 2 * Cinderella Knight * Cutie Honey * Cutie Honey Tai Devilman Lady * Cutie Honey: Tennyo Densetsu * Dante Shinkyoku ("The Divine Comedy") * Devilman Lady * Devilman Saga ✅ * Dokuro no Yakata ("Gō Nagai's Horror Story Collection — Skull Manor") * Dororo to Enma-kun * Dororon Enbi-chan * Dororon Enma-kun ✅ * Fullmetal Lady * Gakuen Taikutsu Otoko * Gekiman! * Gekiman!: Mazinger Z-hen * Getter Robo * Getter Robo Anthology: Shinka no Ishi * God Mazinger * Great Mazinger * Grendizer Giga * Hanappe Bazooka * Harenchi Gakuen * Harenchi Golfer Jūbee * Iyahaya Nantomo * Jūshin Liger * Kamasutra * Kekkō Kamen * Kikōshi Enma * Kuro no Shishi ("Black Lion") * Lovely Angel * Maboroshi Panty * Maeda Toshiie * Magokko Kinta * Maō Dante ✅ * Maō Dante (2002) * Maō Dante Tai Getter Robo G * Maro * Mayonaka no Senshi * Mazin Saga * Mazinger Z * Memory Glass * Mist Story * Mugen Utamaro * Nagai Gō Ecchi Manga Selection * Neo Devilman * Oira Sukeban * Omorai-kun * Oni: 2889-nen no Hanran * Rambo Sensei * Salacia: Waga Hakugin no Mermaid * Shin Devilman ✅ * Shin Mazinger: Shōgeki! H-hen * Shin Violence Jack * Shuten Dōji * Silene-chan * Supeope Chūgaku ("Space Opera Chūgaku") * Super Saiyūki * Susano Ō * Tantei Jimusho H.G * Teito Onna Kisha Den — Sharaku * Tenkū no Inu * Tetsu no Shōjo Jun ("Iron Virgin Jun") * This is Daisuke * UFO Robo Grendizer * Violence Jack * Violence Jack: Demons in a War-Torn Land * Violence Jack: Jigoku Machihen * Wakabaka-sama * Z Mazinger ※These are just the works which he did BOTH the art and story, there are a plethora of other stories in which he only wrote the story or just did the art. Commentary: Mr. Nagai's art LOOKS like what a '70s manga would typically look like, there are some aspects that have aged well and others that haven't, some of the faces during the beginning of the collection are drawn comedically, despite the situation being serious. I would say that Nagai is proficient at drawing Akira as Devilman and the creature designs, than the actual humans! Although, Akira's iconic winged bottom lashes are still a staple to his design... to this day! I really loved when Devilman would get angry or anguished, and Mr. Nagai would distort the line work, and almost give the character an avant-garde kind of feel to him! You can tell from Mr. Nagai's nuance in artistic expression and style, that he was an apprentice to the late Osamu Tezuka! Incredible work, even the panel layouts are very eye-catching! Conclusively, "Devilman: The Classic Collection" is a must-buy classic series. Even if you aren't usually interested in an antiquated manga collection, the philosophical message of the story and the prolific characters are still important in our contemporary culture! The original Devilman, some of the other off-shoot series are mostly about shock value, sex, and gore — is about holding on to a sense of righteousness and dignity, even if you are forced into the role of a devil. I rate "Devilman: The Classic Collection" a solid 8/10! Rating: ★★★★☆
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Jan 26, 2021
Devilman Lady
(Anime)
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Not Recommended
The narrative in "Devilman Lady" is too much of a prototypical brain baby, basically, it's an idea that couldn't really take root. And I don't blame any of the staff for its failings, they did the best they could with the original source material. It must have been a challenge to make an age-appropriate product out of comic that I dropped after the first chapter, because there was nothing but gruesome rape scenes and pedophilia. Everything obscene that you could possibly imagine was in the first chapter of the manga! So, to try and then adapt it into a more distinguished product, is just insane!
⚠️ ... This review of Devilman Lady will contain spoilers ⚠️ —Story/Characters As stated in the opening paragraph, the manga completely disgusted me! I never thought that something as utterly repulsive as the "troll scene" in Kentarō Miura's "Berserk" look like child's play! It's difficult enough to be a MAN and be a diehard Gō Nagai fan, but to be a woman and read all of his works, requires a proclivity towards self-hatred. "Why," I asked myself after being traumatized by the first chapter of the manga, "does the female character in Devilman have to be sexually assaulted by a demon to gain her powers? Why does Akira turn into Devilman after attending a disco?" Luckily, there's only one rape ※scene that comes to mind in the anime, and it isn't shown in graphic detail. ※If you still plan to watch it, but are triggered by those types of scenes, it happens at the end of Episode 25: "God" (神). This series got a running start for me, it was stoking my nostalgia, giving me "Boogiepop Phantom" vibes! Everything was good. I liked the dynamic that the protagonist, Jun Fudō, had with her domineering compatriot, Ran Asuka. I'm a little girl on the inside, so the "monster-of-the-week" theme was never a real detractor! It was always, like, what neat design is this creature going to have in the next episode, will it be spooky? What powers will it have? Will it use them to deceive humans? (etc.) If a core cast in strong enough, this formula can be used as a lens for the audience to watch a character develop, that is otherwise veiled in mystery, or to see the growth of someone just coming into their powers, and watch how they will react to an onslaught of threats. With the tragic deaths of a couple of people that were close to Jun, it works well with creating an element of suspense in one or two episodes. But, the central bulk of the series felt like there was just a checklist of demons that they needed to mark off, with no real development between Jun and Ran (or even individually). The biggest twist is when Ran reprises Ryō Asuka's role as Satan and betrays Jun. But, that just seems like an echo of similarities and references to Ryō's rise to prominence, in the manga. There's nothing fresh about this series, it's just a collection of tired clichés, but with demon-fighting lesbians! The excuse you would have to watch this series is a) if you're an insanely obsessed "Devilman" fan, like I used to be, or b) you don't care about the narrative, you just want something with a certain aesthetic and a gothic mood! —Technical Luna's Favorite Works by Each Respective Creator = ✅ Toshiki Hirano (director), notable works: * Angel Heart * Baki * Bōken! Iczer 3 * Daimajuu Gekitō: Hagane no Oni * Haja Kyosei G Dangaiō * Haja Taisei Dangaiō * Iczer-Girl Iczelion * Kakugo no Susume ("Apocalypse Zero") * Kikō Sennyo Rōran * Kyūketsuhime Miyu (OVA) ✅ * Kyūketsuhime Miyu (TV) ✅ * Magic Kaito * Meiō Project Zeorymer * Rayearth ✅ * Tatakae!! Iczer-1 ✅ Commentary: Though, many of Mr. Hirano's shows are middling, I'll give it to the man — he sure knows how to create a mood, if we compare it to his work on the ※"Kyūketsuhime Miyu" franchise and the "Tatakae!! Iczer-1" chronicles, the milieu is more on the gothic side! Though I wasn't a fan of the "Devilman Lady" anime, I really have to applaud the animation staff for making it much more palatable than the manga, which is... as I have mentioned before, just porn! Some of the framing and angling of certain scenes make them lean on being an aesthetic lavish, though the story is a hot mess; one of strongest displays of his talents (as a director) was during the climax of Aoi Kurosaki's arc: "Shark" (鮫). That episode was both injected with auteurism and it also made me want to curl up under a warm blanket, with my feet snug in a pair of fluffy slippers! From what I have seen of his filmography, even if his animations aren't considered "good" all the time, they always have a unique, artistic flair to them. I would dive into his catalog, if you're itching for a stylish horror show! ※Interesting Tidbit: The director of both the OVA and TV series of Kyūketsuhime Miyu" (or "Vampire Princess Miyu") is married to the creator of the series, Narumi Kakinōchi! Chiaki Konaka (※script — eps 1 to 5, 8, 12, 18, 25 to 26), notable works: * Air Gear * Alice in Cyberland * Armitage III ✅ * Astro Boy: Tetsuwan Atom (eps 1 to 3, 14) * Bubblegum Crisis Tokyo 2040 (eps 1 to 8, 11 to 12, 15 to 16, 19 to 20, 23 to 26) * Digimon Adventure 02 (ep 13) ✅ * Digimon Tamers (eps 1 to 3, 7, 13 to 14, 23 to 24, 34 to 35, 41, 44 to 45, 49 to 51) ✅ * Fushigi Mahō Fun Fun Pharmacy * Futari Ecchi * GR: Giant Robo * Hellsing (eps 1 to 6, 8 to 9, 11 to 13) ✅ * Inuki Kanako Zekkyō Collection: Gakkō ga Kowai! * Kino no Tabi: The Beautiful World — Byōki no Kuni — For You * Kōkyōshihen Eureka Seven (eps 16, 30) * Kyūketsuhime Miyu (TV) — ep 20 ✅ * Mahōtsukai Tai! (OVA) — eps 2 to 6 ✅ * Mahōtsukai Tai! (TV) — eps 1, 7, 10, 13 * Malice@Doll * Mononoke (eps 3 to 5, 8 to 9) ✅ * Narutaru: Mukuro Naru Hoshi Tama Taru Ko (eps 1 to 3) * Parasite Dolls ✅ * Princess Tutu (eps 4, 9, 22, 23) ✅ * RahXephon (eps 11 to 12, 17 to 18, 24 to 25) ✅ * RahXephon: Tagen Hensōkyoku ✅ * Serial Experiments Lain ✅ * Shinreigari * Shishō Series * Tetsuwan Birdy (OVA) — eps 1 to 3 * Texhnolyze (eps 1 to 4, 6, 12, 20 to 22) ✅ * The Big O (eps 1 to 4, 7, 14 to 26) ✅ * Totsuzen! Neko no Kuni Banipal Witt ("Catnapped") Commentary: Mr. Konaka is very prolific for his thought-provoking scripts, his insignia is left all over the episode titles — the single-symboled morphemes, like "Beast" (獣) and "Blood" (血), bring to mind the eerily uttered title cards from "Serial Experiments Lain" (i.e. "Weird" and "Psyche"). While I am not the biggest fan of every single thing that he's work on, most of the series the he's done innocuous episodes for, like "RahXephon" and "Hellsing", has made me scratch my chin and say, "So, that's why those were my favorite episodes!" Incredible script writer, I hope that he and Yoshitoshi ABe are able to resume the production of "Despera" in the near future! ※The two other script writers were Kenji Konuta (script for "Aoharu x Kikanjū") and Keiichi Hasegawa (script for "SSSS.Gridman"). Good Seiyū Work = ✅ Really Enjoyed the Seiyū's Performance = ✅ ✅ One of Luna's Favorite Performances OF ALL TIME = ✅ ✅ ✅ Junko Iwao as Jun Fudō (or "Devilman Lady"), notable roles: * Ceres, Ayashi no Ceres ✅ * Valencia Tachibana, Blue Seed 2 * Tomoya Daidōji, Cardcaptor Sakura (series) ✅✅✅ * Hikari Amagi, Chō Kōsoku Gran Doll ✅✅✅ * Kaizō Katsu, Katte no Kaizō * Tokiko Mima ("Key"), Key the Metal Idol ✅✅✅ * Sally S. Ford, Macross 7 * Akane Aikawa, Mahōtsukai Tai! (series) ✅✅ * Akane Higurashi, Mai-HiME * Akane Soir, Mai-Otome * Hikari Horaki, Neon Genesis Evangelion and Evangelion Rebuild ✅✅✅ * Mima Kirigoe, Perfect Blue ✅✅ * Yui Kano, Psycho Diver: Mashō Bosatsu * Tomoe Yukishiro, Rurōni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan — Tsuioku-hen ("Samurai X: Trust and Betrayal") ✅✅✅ * Annette, Shin Kaitei Gunkan * Layla, Shinkai Densetsu Meremanoid * Lefina Enfield, Super Robot Taisen OG (series) * Mint Adnade, Tales of Phantasia * Sayuri Yumoto, Tamako Market and Tamako Love Story ✅✅ * Mayuka Masaki, Tenchi Muyō! Manatsu no Eve ✅ * Serika and Ayaka Kurusugawa, To Heart ✅✅ * Haruna Otō, Working (series) ✅ * Kotori Monō, X/1999 ✅✅ Commentary: Ms. Iwao is an INCREDIBLY talented voice actress and has done some of her best work, playing emotionally complex women! While "Devilman Lady" is not deep by any means, it has a dense mood and her talents in suspense roles fits very well in the slot that's provided to her! Hands down, Jun Fudō was the strongest female character in the series... aside from Ran Asuka, not many lived long enough to have a lasting impression. Amazing performance in a second-rate series! Kaoru Shimamura as Ran Asuka, notable roles: * Diamond, Gall Force: New Era ✅ * Sakuya Ōkōchi, Kaikan Phrase Commentary: From what I have seen of this actress, the casting as the female Ryō Asuka in "Devilman Lady" was the most robust role in her répertoire. Rest in peace, Ms. Shimamura, even though you had a small window of time to shine in the industry — you will always be commemorated through your work as Ran Asuka! Kazusa Murai as Kazumi Takiura, notable roles: * Chiharu Nitta, Boys Be... * Nemu, Haibane Renmei ✅✅ * Marina, Pokémon (series) * Ribbon-chan ("Bijou"), Tottoko Hamtarō ✅✅ Commentary: I thought that Jun Fudō's supermodel rival, Kazumi Takiura, was the weakest link in the main cast. But, regardless, of a character that is shallow as a kiddie pool... Ms. Murai has a really cute voice, therefore the surplus character is forgettable, but tolerable. Great job! This series had a lot of promise, going into the first few episodes, but my excitement waned when everything fell away, into a slushy slog of monotony! That's a legitimate issue with more "old school" Japanese animation titles that I don't hear talked about too often, with full-length series, they would often dump a lot of money into animating the first volume (or two) of a collection, and then the production team would get lazy, because the consumers had already shelled out $30, even up to 100,000¥ (around $92 USD), per volume! That's the upside to streaming, if corners are cut in a production, the fans will usually have more of an option to boycott a studio or will stop supporting the franchise. There's more variety, so it isn't how it used to be, where people would just settle with whatever cool thing they could grab off the shelf! "Devilman Lady" is something that you would get stoked to find at a video rental store and watch during a stormy weekend, more atmosphere than actual staying power in its story, and because of the flaws outweighing the positive aspects, I rate the "Devil Lady" TV series a 3/10! Rating: ★★☆☆☆
Reviewer’s Rating: 3
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Jan 26, 2021
Amon: Devilman Mokushiroku
(Anime)
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Mixed Feelings
If I hadn't read the original manga before watching "Amon: Devilman Mokushiroku" — I probably wouldn't have been able to find much value in the narrative. The designs are all very attractive but the animation is subpar and the plot points that deviate from the source material, are what you would see in the script of a professional wrestling tournament. We’re also treated to blood, gore, and more gore! As someone who has watched all of "Midori: Shōjo Tsubaki" — I can say, in good conscience, that this is one of the grittiest things that I have ever seen.
⚠️ This review of Amon: Devilman Mokushiroku ... will contain spoilers ⚠️ —Story/Characters In 2015, I had a really strange obsession with Devilman (a "phase"), and because of that, I have watched all of the anime adaptations and read nearly every comic continuity that has been published — with that being said, I have read the whole series of the "Amon: Devilman Mokushiroku" manga and watched the OVA a couple of times. I was really shocked when I picked up the manga, because save for a similarity in landscapes, the introduction of the Amon character, and the framing in the battle between Amon and Satan... the anime version isn't really that similar to the manga! It's more of a mishmash of Gō Nagai's original ending and some aesthetic similarities to "Amon Apocalypse"... though, it's probably better that way, because the manga is a cluttered trash heap. Even the iconic final scene is an homage to "Shin Devilman" and is something that never once transpires in the actual "Amon Apocalypse" manga! I see "Amon Apocalypse" as a promotional ad for the Devilman universe, it's like a "don't you want to know what happens next"-type of ordeal, while a salesperson does a jig at the end of a commercial. In series prior to the Amon saga, it was just a fact that Akira Fudō and Amon had fused and became the same entity, but in later publications, Amon became a divergent figure. Part of me thinks that this is so companies could sell action figures of the more muscular, red Devilman — but, who knows! Gō Nagai in the late '90s (early '00s) was really strange. During that era, in the Devilman installments alone, we got a pornographic female equivalent to Akira and then, there is the mirthless retelling of the apocalypse! The main three things that the "Amon Apocalypse" did right: 1. Made the most meaningful Miki Makimura death in Devilman's animated history. 2. Included one of my favorite, more obscure, characters from the manga: Mikiko Kawamoto. 3. Emphasized the importance of Ryō Asuka's anguish over their love for Akira Fudō. The main three things that the "Amon Apocalypse" did wrong: 1. I did not want to see demon child get mercilessly cannibalized by Amon, that scene was just tasteless schlock! 2. The fight scene with Devilman VS Amon in the end was really corny. The blurring fists and "G.I. Joe: Action Hero" sound effects made it difficult to take the scene seriously. 3. I would have liked to see the demon tribes that chose the side of Devilman actually have a meaningful presence in the story. They just kind of stand there, like pretty-looking window ornaments. —Technical Luna's Favorite Works by Each Respective Creator = ✅ Hiroshi Kōjina (animation director), notable works: * Area 88 (TV) * Grenadier: Hohoemi no Senshi ✅ * Hunter x Hunter (2011) ✅ * Kiba * Kyūketsuki Sugu Shinu * Majin Tantei Nougami Neuro * Rainbow: Nisha Rokubō no Shichi'nin ✅ Commentary: Mr. Kōjina is pretty good director from what I've seen, though he is only cited as a minor "animation director" and not attributed to the role of "chief" — I couldn't find a "chief" director, so from what I was able to dig up, I assume that it was a collaborative effort. Though some of the shots, particularly with action sequences, were choppy — there were actually some very riveting scenes, particularly with Satan and Miki Makimura. I thought the decision to do distant, landscape shots was artful and enhanced the mood in some instances! While "Amon: Devilman Mokushiroku" seems to walk the tightrope between being mediocre and bad, it does deserve visual appreciation in some of the compositional layouts. I particularly admired the character designs in this one, but I wasn't able to find the artist accredited to the designs, only the famous monster designer — Yasushi Nirasawa, known for his work on "Godzilla" and "Kamen Rider"! While the adaptation wasn't the best "Devilman" production to date, it was way better than the source material, and outclassed series like "Devilman Lady" and "Devilman: Crybaby" — regardless of the excessive gore and shock value, that acted as derivatives in the enjoyment of the film! Great job, Mr. Kōjina! Yasushi Nirasawa (creature design), notable works: * A-Rank Thunder Tanjōhen * Beast Warriors * Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within * Godzilla: Final Wars * Godzilla Knight Garo * Golden Knight Garo * Guilstien * Kamen Rider Blade * Kamen Rider Decade * Kamen Rider Den'ō * Kamen Rider G * Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger * Kamen Rider Kabuto * Iron Man: Rise of Technovore * Monster Hunter: Frontier G * Shin Megami Tensei IV * Soulcalibur ✅ * Space Truckers * Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust ✅ Commentary: Mr. Nirasawa excelled in apocalyptic settings, take his design-work on "Shin Megami Tensei IV" and "Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust" as prime examples of this. His monster designs look putrid and wiry, stretched out, like they were born out of a nuclear reactor! I think the look of the purple variant of Devilman really suited the dour and blood-soaked milieu of the Devilman apocalypse. Incredible designs, and please rest in peace, Yasushi Nirasawa, you will be missed! ※The original designs from the "Amon: The Darkside of Devilman" manga were adapted and altered from the original source material. The manga artist goes under the moniker of Yū Kinutani. Good Seiyū Work = ✅ Really Enjoyed the Seiyū's Performance = ✅ ✅ One of Luna's Favorite Performances OF ALL TIME = ✅ ✅ ✅ Shinji Takeda as Akira Fudō (or "Devilman"), notable roles: * None Commentary: Mr. Takeda is a man who wears many gloves, he has dabbled in film acting industry, as well as in television acting, voice acting, saxophone performing, and has even had a short stint a puppeteer! His performance as Akira Fudō didn't grab the grail from Show Hayami's Devilman, but I would say that his version was my second favorite (if you're not including Tomokazu Seki's cameo as Akira Fudō in "Shin Cutey Honey"). Fantastic work with the character, especially with an installment that is metaphorically the ghoulish, putrified husk of the Devilman franchise! Tomokazu Seki as Ryō Asuka (or "Satan"), notable roles: * Jōji Gōda, Akane Maniax ✅✅ * Meito Anizawa, Anime Tenchō, Lucky☆Star, Hayate no Gotoku, Anime Tenchou x 東方Project, and Miyakawa-ke no Kūfuku ✅✅ * Micky Simon, Area 88 (TV) * Sanzō, Asobot Senki Gokū * Manji, Blade of the Immortal (2008) * Tsubasa Ōzora, Captain Tsubasa: Road to 2002 * Tōya Kinomoto, Cardcaptor Sakura ✅✅✅ * Go Saotome, Change!! Getter Robo: Sekai Saigo no Hi * Tokio Oshima, Chikyū Shōjo Arjuna ✅ * Hiromu Shinbo, Chobits ✅✅ * Katana, Coyote Ragtime Show * Toki, DD Hokuto no Ken (2013) * Ryo Tobishima, Dengeki Oshioki Musume Gootaman R: Ai to Kanashimi no Final Battle ("Butt Attack Punisher Girl Gautaman R") * Suneo Honekawa, Doraemon (2005) — and all of the films after "Movie 26" ✅✅ * Hadlar, Dragon Quest: Dai no Daibōken (2020) * Junpei Ryuzōji, Elf wo Karu Mono-tachi * Dee Laytner, Fake * Caster ("Gilgamesh") and Caster ("Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart"), Fate/Grand Order: Zettai Majū Sensen Babylonia ✅✅✅ * Archer ("Gilgamesh"), Fate/stay night (series) ✅✅✅ * Kyō Sōma, Fruits Basket (2001) ✅✅✅ * Sōsuke Sagara, Full Metal Panic! (series) ✅✅✅ * Chichiri and Kōji, Fushigi Yûgi ✅✅ * Rentarō Futaba, Futakoi Alternative * Mepple, Futari wa PreCure (series) ✅ * Andrea Cavalcanti, Gankutsuō ✅✅✅ * Sword, Garo: Vanishing Line * Reiji Kageyama, Gate Keepers (series) * Dean Honos, Geisters: Fractions of the Earth * Sōichiro Tanaka, Genshiken ✅✅ * Takeshi Tatsumi, Giant Killing * Pluto Batō, Gintama (Season Five) * Eduard Markgraf von Sekt Braunschweig, Ginyū Mokushiroku Meine Liebe * Shū'ichi Shindō, Gravitation ✅ * Kunio Murai, Great Teacher Onizuka * Haru Glory, Groove Adventure Rave * Brandon Heat, Gungrave ✅✅ * Ichirō Miyata, Hajime no Ippo ✅ * Ryunosuke Ibuki, Hakuōki (Season Three) ✅✅✅ * Big Brother, Halo Legends * Tenma Morimura, Harukanaru Toki no Naka de * Masahiko Kutani, Himiko-den * Kazuna Takashiro, Hitsuji no Uta ("Lament of the Lamb") * Ken Washio ("Gatchaman"), Infini-T Force ✅✅ * Keisuke Takahashi, Initial D (series) * Jiro, Jinzō Ningen Kikaider the Animation ✅✅✅ * Sakuma, Joker Game ✅ * Jun Kitagawa, Kanon ✅ * Gram River, Kenran Butō Sai: The Mars Daybreak * Ren Uesugi, Kimi ga Aruji de Shitsuji ga Ore de * Maze, Maze☆Bakunetsu Jikū * Marco Ikusaba ("Seventh"), Mirai Nikki ✅ * Domon Kasshu, Mobile Fighter G Gundam ✅✅✅ * Izāku Jūru ("Yzak Joule"), Mobile Suit Gundam SEED ✅ * Ikumi Oze, Mugen no Ryvius * Hajime Sugoroku, Nanbaka ✅✅ * Tōji Suzuhara, Neon Genesis Evangelion and Evangelion Rebuild ✅✅ * Sasuke, Ninin ga Shinobuden * Shin'ichi Chiaki, Nodame Candible ✅✅✅ * Lucci Rob, One Piece * Kanji Tatsumi, Persona 4 * Kenji ("Tracey Sketchit"), Pokémon (series) * James Griffith, Psychic Force * Shinya Kōgami, Psycho-Pass ✅✅ * Ginei Morioka, Rosario to Vampire * Virgo Fudō, Saint Seiya Omega ✅✅✅ * Ryūki Shi, Saiunkoku Monogatari * Shizuma Kusanagi, Samurai Girl Real Bout High School * Mitsunari Ishida, Sengoku Basara * Ken'ichi Shirahama, Shijō Saikyō no Deshi Ken'ichi * Akira Fudō, Shin Cutey Honey ✅✅ * Go Arisaka, Shin Kaitei Gunkan * Mars, Shin Seiki Den Mars * Yotarō, Shōwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjū (series) ✅✅✅ * Sōjirō Agata, SKET Dance * Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic: Night of the WereHog * Tadashi Daiba, Space Pirate Captain Herlock: Outside Legend — The Endless Odyssey * Ashton Anchors, Star Ocean EX * Itaru Hashira ("Daru"), Steins;Gate (series) ✅✅✅ * Kō, Strange+ * Kei Fujitani, Stratos 4 * Shoji Tokairin, Taiho Shichau zo (series) * Masataka Takayanagi, Tenjō Tenge ✅✅ * Van Fanel, Tenkū no Escaflowne and Escaflowne ✅✅✅ * Rumina Asagi, Tokyo Underground * Tsuyoshi Maki, Top Secret: The Revolution * Eiji Shinjo, Tōshinden * Luka Bloom, Ultraviolet: Code 044 * Bart Garsus, Vandread * Joe, Viewtiful Joe * Ken Hidaka, Weiß Kreuz (series) * Kamui Shirō, X/1999 ✅✅ * Kuraki Fuzuchi, Yakumotatsu * Whisper, Yōkai Watch * Eikichi Machimiya, Yowamushi Petal (series) * Enjin Hiizumi, Yozakura Quartet Commentary: Gilgamesh ("Fate/stay night") is Ryō Asuka in this version of Devilman! There are only two main scenes with Ryō in the film: when he stabs Akira in the back, by broadcasting his identity as a demon to the entire world and thus casting humanity into chaos, and the other is when he has transformed into Satan, and is speaking with Psychogenie (or "Psycho Jenny") while staring up at the moon, with a forlorn expression. Mr. Seki's version of Ryō Asuka is the most somber, out of the ※four existing iterations of the character! ※List of Different Ryō Asuka Performances: 1. Yū Mizushima (voice of Toshio Ōtomo in "Creamy Mami" and Clow Reed in "Tsubasa Chronicle") is the Ryō Asuka in Umanosuke Iida's Devilman OVA series and "CB Chara Gō Nagai World" 2. Tomokazu Seki is the Ryō Asuka in Amon: Devilman Mokushiroku 3. Satoshi Hino (voice of Kyōjurō Rengoku in "Kimetsu no Yaiba" and Momonga in "Overlord") is the Ryō Asuka in the "Cyborg 009 VS Devilman" OVA 4. Ayumu Murase (voice of Shōyō Hinata in "Haikyū!" and Rui Ninomioya in "Gatchaman Crowds") is the Ryō Asuka in "Devilman: Crybaby" Note: I'm really surprised that Akira Ishida (voice of Kaworu Nagisa in "Neon Genesis Evangelion") hasn't played the character of Ryō Asuka yet, his voice would be perfect for the role. Especially, since it's been confirmed by the staff at GAINAX, that Kaworu is directly based off of Ryō. Atsuko Enomoto as Miki Makimura, notable roles: * Aina, .hack//G.U. (series) * Otone Hokke, Akahori Gedō Hour Rabuge * Sanae Nakazawa, Captain Tsubasa: Road to 2002 * Emi Sendō, Cardfight!! Vanguard (series) * Yuki Aoyama, Chance Triangle Session ✅✅ * Yukine Miyazawa, Clannad ✅✅ * Chiara Ferina, Element Hunters * Mai Mishō ("Cure Egret"), Futari wa PreCure: Splash☆Star * Nanna Aihara, Ginsoukikō Ordian * Otose, Gintama (series) ✅✅ * Triela, Gunslinger Girl: Il Teatrino ✅ * Aine Yukimura, Kaikan Phrase * Yukino Miyazawa, Kareshi Kanojo no Jijō ("His and Her Circumstances") ✅✅ * Misaki Suzuhara, Kidō Tenshi Angelic Layer ✅ * Kurumi, Kōtetsu Tenshi Kurumi (series) ✅✅ * Sally, Line Offline: Salaryman * Emeraldes, Maetel Legend ✅ * Alice Jinnai, Major S4 * Rinna Charat, Panyo Panyo Di Gi Charat ✅ * Kurumi and Hinata, Pokémon (series) * Marci Satome, Ryūsei Sentai Musumet * Sophia Esteed, Star Ocean: Anamnesis ✅ * Shizuru, Weiß Survive R Commentary: Similar to the case of Ryō Asuka, Miki Makimura doesn't have an incredibly versatile script in the movie, but her part in it, is one of the most crucial aspects. In tone with the film, she is the most somber Miki, we see her voicing saccharine sentiments to Akira and flashbacks after the short scene of her alive, in the midst (and after) of her brutal death. She is a sweet, yet sad phantom in Akira's mind — Ms. Enomoto's acting is on point, despite her only other slightly sad roles being Yuki Aoyama ("Chance Triangle Session") and Emeraldes ("Maetel Legend"). Great job! Akio Ōtsuka as Amon, notable roles: * Lion, Africa no Salaryman * Zōroku Kashimura, Alice to Zōroku * Kunimitsu Tange, Ayane-chan High Kick! * Tōta Kijima, Bakuen Campus Guardress ✅✅✅ * The Skull Knight, Berserk ✅✅✅ * Kurō Hazama ("Black Jack"), Black Jack ✅✅✅ * Jirō Sōzōsuke Shunsui Kyōraku, Bleach ✅ * Daitetsu Kunikida, Blue Seed * All For One, Boku no Hero Academia ✅ * Geronimo Jr. ("005"), Cyborg 009: The Cyborg Solider ✅ * Kenzo, Darkside Blues ✅✅ * Rider ("Alexander the Great"), Fate/Zero ✅✅ * Nemo, Fushigi no Umi no Nadia ✅✅✅ * Batō, Kōkaku Kidōtai (series) — "Ghost in the Shell" ✅✅ * Gwendal von Voltaire, Kyō kara Maō! * John Estes, Mad★Bull 34 * Magma, Magma Tenshi * Ekubo, Mob Psycho 100 * Avavel Gato, Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memories * Montana Jones, Montana Jones * Moominpappa, Mūmindani no Suisei * Toshimi Konokawa, Paprika ✅✅ * Valgas, Power Stone * Zaxon, Sōsei Kishi Gaiarth * Regal Bryant, Tales of Symphonia ✅ * Demitri Maximoff, Vampire Hunter ("Darkstalkers' Revenge") ✅✅ Commentary: Mr. Ōtsuka's delivery was so commanding and evil, that I legitimately felt afraid after first watching "Amon Apocalypse"! The level of brutality and menace that seeps onto the screen, can only be comparable to his performances as Demitri Maximoff ("Vampire Hunter") and Tōta Kijima ("Bakuen Campus Guardress"), though The Skull Knight ("Berserk") is up there, too! Truly chilling performance! I would summarize the totality of this film-length OVA in one sentence: an atrocious gore-fest that pays homage to the original manga's apocalypse in a respectful way, and has cool designs, but is on par with some of the other throwaway, shock value OVA series of its time. Aside from some really memorable moments, I can't say that like this Devilman installment all that much, but I prefer it to the "Devilman: Crybaby" apocalypse. The ambiance is just more dense and the characters are more honorably rendered. Since it took eighteen years to produce a new Devilman installment, I don't expect the ending to be given its due diligence any time soon (if ever). So with that, I rate "Amon: Devilman Mokushiroku" a 5/10, though it's teetering on a 4/10. Rating: ★★★☆☆
Reviewer’s Rating: 5
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Jan 25, 2021
Devilman: Yochou Sirene-hen
(Anime)
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Recommended
While the first installment of Devilman was mostly centered around Akira Fudō's ascension (or "descent") into his powers, "Yochō Sirene-hen" is more of a look into the psyches of the pure-blooded demons that seek him out, because of the latent spirit that he possesses, that of the insidious, Amon! This volume of the series is more profound because it portrays demons in a very human way, they have similar souls to those who are broken, or have fallen away from God. "Yochō Sirene-hen" gets a little more psychological and deep than the primitive power fantasy of "The Birth" episode!
⚠️ This review of Devilman: Yochō Sirene-hen ... will contain spoilers ⚠️ —Story/Characters I didn't enjoy "Yochō Sirene-hen" as much on my first viewing, because there's some really risqué shots of Miki Makimura. It's so overtly sexual, that even though the animation is impressive, it distracts from the whole fight with Gelmar! I would say that it was probably the weakest part of the OVA, even though Miki's nudity was important in a way, because it kept interspersing scenes of her bathing with images of Sirene, bitter and agonizing over Amon. The nudity showed both of these women laid bare, and while Sirene's heart is cold and bitter as she stands in the rain — Miki is surrounded by warm colors and is more chaste with her feelings for Akira Fudō. Though, I thought it was a little bit excessive to have Akira's blood spray all over Miki's nude body, when he is torn out of his home by the bird-like Sirene! The only interpretation that I could get from that is... it being a sexual euphemism! Before Akira battles against Sirene, he has to suffer the inhuman torment of Jinmen. To this day, I think that Jinmen is among one of the scariest cartoon villains! When I was reading the "Devilman Tai Yami no Teiō" ("Devilman VS Hades") manga, even apart from the original story, Jinmen's appearance had shivers crawling up and down my spine! The idea of a pure evil demon turtle that swims in a sewer with screaming human heads on his shell is a big "no"! Maybe the iteration of the Penguin in "Batman Returns" had too heavy of an influence on my childhood, but animalistic creatures swimming in a sewage system gives me the willies! That's part of the reason that "Yochō Sirene-hen" was so great: Jinmen is subjectively the most terrifying Devilman villain and Sirene is the most misguided, not to mention that she's beautiful and iconic in her appearance! Jinmen is degenerate soul that tortures humans, because it's the only thing that is able to bring his pitch-black soul joy, as opposed to Sirene, an "Übermenschen" figure that solely feels satisfaction from the desire to defeat the strongest demon, Amon, to claim the throne as the most powerful creature in Hell. Both can be reflective of how single-minded and greedy corrupted humans can become. At the end of "The Demon Bird" OVA, even though Kaim decapitated himself, so that she could use his corpse as vessel to defeat Devilman — Sirene is able to have a pure look of elation on her face, because nothing (no life) is more important to her than her own triumph. I won't explain why this is significant, but the dichotomy between Ryō Asuka and the demons is important, as the plot progresses. The idea of what it means to be human, or what one becomes when they completely forfeit their humanity. The last shot of Sirene's effigy of a corpse, is an elegy for a soul led astray. One who confuses a lust for power and the feeling of love. Her complexity versus the simplicity of Akira's childhood friend, Miki. The deterioration of humans (into debased monsters) is what Devilman is all about — Go Nagai's plot declares that you don't have to be born a folklorish monster, in order to become a demon. —Technical Luna's Favorite Works by Each Respective Creator = ✅ Umanosuke Iida (director), notable works: * CB Chara Go Nagai World ✅ * Devilman: Yochō Sirene-hen ✅ * Hellsing (2001) ✅ * Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team (eps 6 to 11) ✅ * Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team — Miller's Report * Tide-Line Blue * Towa no Quon 1: Utakata no Kaben Commentary: Brilliant director, Mr. Iida had a real eye for saturating colors together and has used color theory to his advantage throughout his filmography. Along with the wonderful key animation shots in all of his productions, he also is good at using a striking color imbalance to make the audience feel something, depending on what he was trying to convey mise en scène! Mind-blowing choreography in each respective installment of the OVA series, I don't think anyone has done Devilman better than Mr. Iida! Legendary work on the OVA series, rest in peace, Umanosuke Iida, you will be missed! An irreplaceable visionary! Kenji Kawai (music composition), notable works: * 009 Re: Cyborg * A-Ko: The Versus * Akachan to Boku * All That Gundam * Bakuretsu Hunters * Barakamon ✅ * Biohazard: Vendetta * Blue Seed * Burn Up! ✅ * Busō Chūgakusei: Basket Army * CB Chara Go Nagai World ✅ * Chibi Neko Tomu no Daibōken: Chikyū wo Sukue! Nakama-tachi * Corrector Yui * Cosmos Pink Shock * Cyborg 009: The Reopening * Dragon Fist * Esper Zenon * Eyeshield 21: Maboroshi no Golden Bowl * Fate/stay night ✅ * Fate/stay night Movie: Unlimited Blade Works ✅ * Fūjin Monogatari * Geisters: Fractions of the Earth * Girlfriend (Kari) * Gosenzo-sama Banbanzai! ✅ * Groove Adventure Rave * Gunparade March: Arata Naru Kōgunka * Hakuouki Movie 2: Shikon Soukyū * Hana no Asukagumi! 2: Lonely Cats Battle Royale * Higashi no Eden ✅ * Higurashi no Naku Koro ni ✅ * Hime-chan no Ribbon * Hyper Police * I: Wish You Were Here * Iczer-Girl Iczelion * Innocence ✅ * Jinki:Extend * Joker Game * Jūsenshi Gulkeeva * Kidō Keisatsu Patlabor ✅ * Kōkaku Kidōtai ✅ * Kurogane Communication * Kyūketsuhime Miyu ✅ * Mahō Senshi Louie * Maison Ikkoku ✅ * Majū Senshi Luna Varga * Maroko * Mermaid Forest OVA * Metal Fighter Miku * Mezame no Hakobune * Mob Psycho 100 * Musekinin Kanchō Tylor * Kidō Senshi Gundam 00 * Mutekiou Tri-Zenon * No Guns Life * Oira Uchū no Tankoufu * Ranma ½ ✅ * Ryūō no Oshigoto! * Sayonara no Asa ni Yakusoku no Hana wo Kazarō ✅ * Seirei no Moribito * Servamp * Shōka * Shōmetsu Toshi * Starship Operators * Subete ga F ni Naru * Tachiguishi Retsuden * Taiho Shichau zo The Movie * The Sky Crawlers * Tōken Ranbu: Hanamaru ✅ * Towa no Quon * Twilight Q * UFO Princess Valkyrie * Vampire Princess Miyu ✅ * Wakaba*Girl * World Trigger * Xi Avant * YAT Anshin! Uchū Ryokō * Zetsuai 1989 Commentary: Mr. Kawai haunting score for "Devilman" is on par with his work in "Vampire Princess Miyu", Studio Deen's "Fate/stay night", and "Higurashi no Naku Koro ni"! Such a prolific composer in the industry! He creates a wonderful atmosphere for both OVA installments! Wonderful work! Good Seiyū Work = ✅ Really Enjoyed the Seiyū's Performance = ✅ ✅ One of Luna's Favorite Performances OF ALL TIME = ✅ ✅ ✅ Show Hayami as Akira Fudō (or "Devilman"), notable roles: * Ayanami, 07-Ghost * Takashi Sugurono, 7 Seeds * Gail, A-Ko: The Versus * Baron Riks, Akai Kōdan Zillion * Tenzen Yakushiji, Basilisk: Kōga Ninpō Chō * Doctor Kiriko, Black Jack 21 ✅✅ * Sōsuke Aizen, Bleach ✅✅ * Shion, Boku no Chikyū wo Mamotte ✅✅✅ * Kei Katsuragi, Chōjikū Seiki Orguss * Klein Sandman, Chōjūshin Gravion * Ichiya Vandalay Kotobuki, Fairy Tail * Tokiomi Tōsaka, Fate/stay night ✅✅ * Adalbert von Fahrenheit, Ginga Eiyū Densetsu ✅✅ * Rommel, Gundam Build Divers * Lord Gremory, High School DxD * Nobutsuna Naoe, Honō no Mirage * Jakurai Jinguji, Hypnosis Mic: Division Rap Battle ✅✅ * Vanilla Ice, JoJo no Kimyō na Bōken * Ashram, Lodoss-tō Senki ✅✅ * Maximilian Jenius, Macross ✅✅ * Makoto Yamamoto, Musekinin Kanchō Tylor * Yasha-ō, RG Veda ✅✅ * Mitsuhide Akechi, Sengoku Basara * Masami Eiri, Serial Experiments Lain ✅✅✅ * Vector Prime, Transformers Galaxy Force * Nicholas D. Wolfwood, Trigun ✅✅✅ * Kazutaka Muraki, Yami no Matsuei ✅ Commentary: I absolutely LOVE Mr. Hayami's voice and by far, he has been the greatest Akira Fudō in all of the anime adaptations! He IS Devilman to me! He has such a powerful, masculine voice! I would compare his performance as Akira Fudō to his roles in "Boku no Chikyū wo Mamotte" ("Please Save My Earth") as Shion and in "Trigun" as Nicholas D. Wolfwood! Truth be told, he was my favorite actor in "Serial Experiments Lain" — his performance as the megalomaniacal, Masami Eiri, is both horrifying and the peak of excellence! Amazing work! Yū Mizushima as Ryō Asuka, notable roles: * Toshio Ōtomo, Creamy Mami ✅✅ * Chang Changku, Cyborg 009 VS Devilman * Shukumaru, Fire Tripper ✅ * Isamu Kurogane, Hyaku Jūō Go Lion ✅ * Shō Fukamachi, Kyōshoku Sōkō Guyver * Luigi, Super Mario Bros. * Clow Reed, Tsubasa Chronicles ✅✅ Commentary: Mr. Mizushima has a particular voice that calls forth the image of "handsome", when you hear it! He has a very commanding presence; so much so, that I ended up paying more attention to his character in "Creamy Mami" than to the lead love interest! I would compare his performance as Ryō Asuka to his characterizations of Toshio Ōtomo (in the aforementioned "Creamy Mami") and Clow Reed ("Tsubasa Chronicles"), both are more of his bishōnen-archetype roles! Great job! Jun Kōyamaki as Miki Makimura, notable roles: * none Commentary: Ms. Kōyamaki isn't credited to any other anime role, that I could find, but she has acted in live action roles (under the stage name: "Makoto Sumikawa"). I have conflicting information on whether she was Marina in "Anderson Dōwa: Ningyo-hime" or not — some sources have Ms. Kōyamaki credited in the role and others have Fumie Kashiyama listed. She is known for her live action roles in shows like "Kamen Rider Black RX" and "Jikū Senshi Spielban" — her career was more centered around television dramas, with a foot slightly dipped into the anime pool. Her version of Miki Makimura is the best, in my opinion, she gives off the aura of a wholesome, everyday girl... this characterization of Miki even reminded me of some of the pure-spirited Ghibli girls, like Nausicaä. Great job, it's a shame that she didn't get a chance to voice in more anime productions! Yoshiko Sakakibara as Sirene (or "Silene"), notable roles: * Reika Ryūzaki, Ace wo Nerae! 2 — originally voiced by Masako Ikeda * Meichi Yuri, Akuma no Riddle ✅✅ * Queen Nehellenia, Bishōjo Senshi Sailor Moon SuperS and Sailor Stars ✅✅✅ * Sybel, Black Magic M-66 * Azusa Matsudaira, Blue Seed * Sylia Stingray, Bubblegum Crisis ✅✅ * Mitsuko Asatani, Cat's Eye ✅✅✅ * Silene ("Sirene"), CB Chara Go Nagai World ✅✅✅ * Miran, Chōjikū Seiki Orguss 02 ✅ * Silene ("Sirene"), Devilman: Yochō Sirene-hen ✅✅✅ * Frederica Greenhill, Ginga Eiyū Densetsu ✅✅✅ * Aila Mu, God Mazinger * Integra Fairbrook Wingates Hellsing, Hellsing and Hellsing Ultimate ✅✅✅ * Sesshōmaru's Mother, InuYasha: Kanketsu-hen * Princess Airfield, Kantai Collection ("KanColle") ✅✅✅ * Shinobu Nagumo, Kidō Keisatsu Patlabor * Project 2501, Kōkaku Kidōtai 2.0 ("Ghost in the Shell 2.0") * Haman Karn and Mōar Pharoah, Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam ✅✅✅ * Jōshū Kasei, Psycho-Pass (series) ✅✅ * Karura-Ō, RG Veda * Flore, Rokushin Gattai GodMars * Medea, Saint Seiya Omega ✅✅✅ * Tomiko Asahina, Shinsekai yori ✅✅ * Feb Fall, Sol Bianca: Taiyō no Fune * Tekka's Maki-chan, Sore Ike! Anpanman * Lady Armaroid, Space Cobra ✅✅✅ * Misaki Kamiki Jurai, Tenchi Muyō! (series) ✅✅ * Antoinette, The Humanoid: Ai no Wakusei Lezeria * Aoi, Tide-Line Blue * Her Majesty the Queen, Otama, and Ogin — Urusei Yatsura ✅✅✅ * Elle de Rosenbach, Urusei Yatsura Movie 1: Only You ✅✅ Commentary: Ms. Sakakibara is THE perfect fit for Sirene. The downcast, jaded ice queen with an aura that has a complete and utter thirst for power. The two characters that I would compare the performance to is Ms. Sakakibara's acting as Haman Karn ("Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam") and Queen Nehellenia ("Bishōjo Senshi Sailor Moon"), both are icebound vixens with sad backstories. I would even go so far as to say that Haman Karn's relationship with Char Aznable (or "Quattro Bajeena") is similar to Sirene's dynamic with Amon, though Sirene worships Amon and desperately struggles to defeat him, as a show of veneration for him. Impeccable performance, as always! S-tier seiyū! Unshō Ishizuka as Kaim, notable roles: * Luchamaster, Air Master ✅✅ * Dino Golzine, Banana Fish ✅ * Narrator, Berserk (2016) ✅✅ * Gerd Frentzen, Blassreiter ✅✅ * Kaguraba Raihō Gramstahl, Chaos Dragon: Sekiryū Seneki * Hideo Harada, Chihayafuru ✅✅ * Gene Smilas, Code Geass: Akito the Exiled * Jet Black, Cowboy Bebop ✅✅✅ * Ginzō Nakamori, Detective Conan ✅✅✅ * Mr. Satan, Dragon Ball (series) ✅✅✅ * Katoran, Eve no Jikan * Kei Munakata, eX-Driver * Keiichi Akagi, Flag * Van Hohenheim, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood ✅✅✅ * Kogoro Hachisuka, Gad Guard ✅✅ * Job Truniht, Ginga Eiyū Densetsu ✅✅ * Heiji Kozenigata, Gintama (series) ✅✅ * Father Miyata, Hajime no Ippo ✅✅ * Bunta Fujiwara, Initial D * Joseph Joestar, JoJo no Kimyō na Bōken ("Pt. 3 and 4") ✅✅✅ * Lehm Brick, Jormungand ✅✅ * Patrick, Kekkai Sensen * Void, Kenpū Denki Berserk (1997) ✅✅✅ * Guld Goa Bowman, Macross Plus * Asterote Reighe ("Aster"), Maze☆Bakunetsu Jikū * Sergei Smirnov, Mobile Suit Gundam 00 * Meran and Yonem Kirks, Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn ✅✅ * McMurdo Barriston, Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans ✅✅ * Chris Jefferson, Moonlight Mile * Zabuza Momochi, Naruto ✅✅ * Don Wei, Oban Star-Racers * Borsalino and Kōshirō, One Piece * Ryōtarō Dōjima, Persona 4 * Yukinari Ōkido ("Professor Oak") and Narrator, Pokémon (series) ✅✅✅ * Father Leonhart, Shingeki no Kyōjin ✅ * Gen Fudō, Sōsei no Aquarion * Dr. Gel, Space☆Dandy * Sylvester Asimov, Terra Formars * George Gomez, Tetsuwan Birdy Decode ✅✅ * Bogie, The Third: Aoi Hitomi no Shōjo * Donovan Baine, Vampire Hunter ✅✅ * Violence Jack, Violence Jack: Hell's Wind-hen ✅ * Quent Yaiden, Wolf's Rain ✅✅✅ * Shūjirō Hongō, Yomigaeru Sora: Rescue Wings Commentary: Mr. Ishizuka as Kaim only a has a few lines in the span of the OVA, but for the short amount of time he spent in the spotlight, we are quickly able to gather his feelings of blind adoration for Sirene and her calamitous beauty! I would compare his role as Kaim to his performances as Zabuza Momochi ("Naruto") and Quent Yaiden ("Wolf's Rain"), because in these roles, we're able to see a more vulnerable side of his character, tragic as it may be! Great performance, rest in peace, your talents will be missed in the industry! Takeshi Aono as Jinmen, notable roles: * Kami and Piccolo Daimao, Dragon Ball (series) ✅✅ * Hadler, Dragon Quest: Dai no Daibōken * Issei Dōjin, Giant Robo the Animation: Chikyū ga Seishi Suru Hi ✅✅ * Gengai Hiragi, Gintama (series) ✅✅✅ * Pablo, Golgo 13 ✅✅ * Kiba, Green Legend Ran ✅✅ * Rihaku, Hokuto no Ken ✅✅ * Joe Kuruma, Hurricane Polymer and Shin Hurricane Polymer * Vanilla Ice, JoJo no Kimyō na Bōken (1993) * Gran Hansen, Kagaku Kyūjo-tai TechnoVoyager * Mihawk Dracule, One Piece * Gambling King, Ranma ½ ✅✅ * Daimaru Nakajima, Tsiho Shichau zo (series) * Deathzaras, Tatakae! Chō Robot Seimeitai Transformers Victory * Katsuhito Masaki ("Yōshō") and Nobuyuki Masaki, Tenchi Muyō! (series) ✅✅✅ * Tsutomu Kita, Toki no Tabibito: Time Stranger * Shirō Sanada, Uchū Senkan Yamato ✅✅✅ * Mad Saurus, Violence Jack: Evil Town * Sugoroku Mutō, Yū☆Gi☆Ō (1998) ✅✅ * Osmond, Zero no Tsukaima Commentary: Mr. Aono makes an absolute spine-tingling rendition of Jinmen! Many of the roles that I love him as, like Yōshō ("Tenchi Muyō!") and Shirō Sanada ("Uchū Senkan Yamato") are more genial and stoic, so I had no idea that he had this kind of dimension to his acting! Mr. Aono made Jinmen one of the most skin-crawling villains of all-time! Amazing performance, rest in peace, Takeshi Aono, you will be missed! I wish Mr. Iida had adapted the rest of the manga, the man had a strong vision, and did exceptionally well with the animation of the source material for Go Nagai's "Devilman"! Having the bittersweet conclusion to Sirene's imaginary triumph, may have been more powerful than what may have come from trying to adapt the war against Satan, that spanned for years and years! Sirene's fate was swift and vigorous, and I would even say that her demise may be even stronger in this version than it is in the original manga! "Yochō Sirene-hen" gets a solid 8/10! Rating: ★★★★☆
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Jan 24, 2021
Devilman: Tanjou-hen
(Anime)
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This is the volume of Devilman that sparked an on-going obsession with the franchise! This brutal, beautiful, and utterly phantasmal addition to the continuity is a wild ride from start to finish! It's a great way to introduce Go Nagai's most famous narrative, and to this day, Umanosuke Iida outshines many modern, sakuga directors with his wash of color and experimentation! If you have the stomach for violence and gore, "The Birth" is a must-see for any anime fan!
⚠️ This review of Devilman: Tanjō Hen will contain spoilers ⚠️ —Story/Characters This anime starts off in the realm of the ethereal, showing groves of gossamer fairies in the ... wake of the prehistoric era! And then that plot device, gets shown later, when the blithely naïve Akira Fudō gets chided into putting on an ancient relic (it makes me wonder if the character "Frank" from "Donnie Darko" was inspired by the demon relic's design)! And then the audience is tour de force'd into watching a group of angelic beings being brutally ripped apart. That and the scene with Ryō Asuka's father going off the deep end, instantly got my adrenaline pumping. "The Birth" is a like a pulpy, '80s car-ride — where, along with Akira being taken along at knife point by his old friend, Ryō — we, with fresh eyes, are experiencing all of these new things (along with the innocent, Akira)! Sadly, despite both of the OVA installments being absolutely stunning, Miki Makimura doesn't get as much of a presence as I would have liked. In "The Birth", she's just the kind-hearted girl in the scenario and in "The Demon Bird", she's more of a glorified fanservice spectacle, though her presence does have an interesting purpose in the groundwork for that installment! Masaaki's "Crybaby" replicates the Satanic sacrifice disco (with 200% more LSD in the mixture), but I still found the scene in "The Birth" OVA to be more poignant and gripping... especially, since there is the scene at the end where the bereaved Akira has transformed back into a mortal and is cradling Ryō's lifeless body! The first OVA also does a really great job at making Ryō appear as both a horrible psychopath, which is used to foreshadow later events, and also invokes sympathy, because his father was deeply submerged in the deepest darkness. While I prefer "The Demon Bird" for a variety of reasons, the likes of which I'll explain in that review, "The Birth" is one of the best "origin story" animations that I have ever seen. The shot composition is genius in the way that it flops between the demon realm and the human world, to ultimately have Akira struggle with his own inner-demons! Much like Marvel's "Spider-Man" — Akira Fudō is less of a grandiose superhero and more of a person that gets thrown into the fray, and has to constantly struggle to salvage his humanity out of a pit of constant turmoil and trauma! —Technical Luna's Favorite Works by Each Respective Creator = ✅ Umanosuke Iida (director), notable works: * CB Chara Go Nagai World ✅ * Devilman: Yochō Sirene-hen ✅ * Hellsing (2001) ✅ * Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team (eps 6 to 11) ✅ * Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team — Miller's Report * Tide-Line Blue * Towa no Quon 1: Utakata no Kaben Commentary: Brilliant director, Mr. Iida had a real eye for saturating colors together and has used color theory to his advantage throughout his filmography. Along with the wonderful key animation shots in all of his productions, he also is good at using a striking color imbalance to make the audience feel something, depending on what he was trying to convey mise en scène! Mind-blowing choreography in each respective installment of the OVA series, I don't think anyone has done Devilman better than Mr. Iida! Legendary work on the OVA series, rest in peace, Umanosuke Iida, you will be missed! An irreplaceable visionary! Kenji Kawai (music composition), notable works: * 009 Re: Cyborg * A-Ko: The Versus * Akachan to Boku * All That Gundam * Bakuretsu Hunters * Barakamon ✅ * Biohazard: Vendetta * Blue Seed * Burn Up! ✅ * Busō Chūgakusei: Basket Army * CB Chara Go Nagai World ✅ * Chibi Neko Tomu no Daibōken: Chikyū wo Sukue! Nakama-tachi * Corrector Yui * Cosmos Pink Shock * Cyborg 009: The Reopening * Dragon Fist * Esper Zenon * Eyeshield 21: Maboroshi no Golden Bowl * Fate/stay night ✅ * Fate/stay night Movie: Unlimited Blade Works ✅ * Fūjin Monogatari * Geisters: Fractions of the Earth * Girlfriend (Kari) * Gosenzo-sama Banbanzai! ✅ * Groove Adventure Rave * Gunparade March: Arata Naru Kōgunka * Hakuouki Movie 2: Shikon Soukyū * Hana no Asukagumi! 2: Lonely Cats Battle Royale * Higashi no Eden ✅ * Higurashi no Naku Koro ni ✅ * Hime-chan no Ribbon * Hyper Police * I: Wish You Were Here * Iczer-Girl Iczelion * Innocence ✅ * Jinki:Extend * Joker Game * Jūsenshi Gulkeeva * Kidō Keisatsu Patlabor ✅ * Kōkaku Kidōtai ✅ * Kurogane Communication * Kyūketsuhime Miyu ✅ * Mahō Senshi Louie * Maison Ikkoku ✅ * Majū Senshi Luna Varga * Maroko * Mermaid Forest OVA * Metal Fighter Miku * Mezame no Hakobune * Mob Psycho 100 * Musekinin Kanchō Tylor * Kidō Senshi Gundam 00 * Mutekiou Tri-Zenon * No Guns Life * Oira Uchū no Tankoufu * Ranma ½ ✅ * Ryūō no Oshigoto! * Sayonara no Asa ni Yakusoku no Hana wo Kazarō ✅ * Seirei no Moribito * Servamp * Shōka * Shōmetsu Toshi * Starship Operators * Subete ga F ni Naru * Tachiguishi Retsuden * Taiho Shichau zo The Movie * The Sky Crawlers * Tōken Ranbu: Hanamaru ✅ * Towa no Quon * Twilight Q * UFO Princess Valkyrie * Vampire Princess Miyu ✅ * Wakaba*Girl * World Trigger * Xi Avant * YAT Anshin! Uchū Ryokō * Zetsuai 1989 Commentary: Mr. Kawai haunting score for "Devilman" is on par with his work in "Vampire Princess Miyu", Studio Deen's "Fate/stay night", and "Higurashi no Naku Koro ni"! Such a prolific composer in the industry! He creates a wonderful atmosphere for both OVA installments! Wonderful work! Good Seiyū Work = ✅ Really Enjoyed the Seiyū's Performance = ✅ ✅ One of Luna's Favorite Performances OF ALL TIME = ✅ ✅ ✅ Show Hayami as Akira Fudō (or "Devilman"), notable roles: * Ayanami, 07-Ghost * Takashi Sugurono, 7 Seeds * Gail, A-Ko: The Versus * Baron Riks, Akai Kōdan Zillion * Tenzen Yakushiji, Basilisk: Kōga Ninpō Chō * Doctor Kiriko, Black Jack 21 ✅✅ * Sōsuke Aizen, Bleach ✅✅ * Shion, Boku no Chikyū wo Mamotte ✅✅✅ * Kei Katsuragi, Chōjikū Seiki Orguss * Klein Sandman, Chōjūshin Gravion * Ichiya Vandalay Kotobuki, Fairy Tail * Tokiomi Tōsaka, Fate/stay night ✅✅ * Adalbert von Fahrenheit, Ginga Eiyū Densetsu ✅✅ * Rommel, Gundam Build Divers * Lord Gremory, High School DxD * Nobutsuna Naoe, Honō no Mirage * Jakurai Jinguji, Hypnosis Mic: Division Rap Battle ✅✅ * Vanilla Ice, JoJo no Kimyō na Bōken * Ashram, Lodoss-tō Senki ✅✅ * Maximilian Jenius, Macross ✅✅ * Makoto Yamamoto, Musekinin Kanchō Tylor * Yasha-ō, RG Veda ✅✅ * Mitsuhide Akechi, Sengoku Basara * Masami Eiri, Serial Experiments Lain ✅✅✅ * Vector Prime, Transformers Galaxy Force * Nicholas D. Wolfwood, Trigun ✅✅✅ * Kazutaka Muraki, Yami no Matsuei ✅ Commentary: I absolutely LOVE Mr. Hayami's voice and by far, he has been the greatest Akira Fudō in all of the anime adaptations! He IS Devilman to me! He has such a powerful, masculine voice! I would compare his performance as Akira Fudō to his roles in "Boku no Chikyū wo Mamotte" ("Please Save My Earth") as Shion and in "Trigun" as Nicholas D. Wolfwood! Truth be told, he was my favorite actor in "Serial Experiments Lain" — his performance as the megalomaniacal, Masami Eiri, is both horrifying and the peak of excellence! Amazing work! Yū Mizushima as Ryō Asuka, notable roles: * Toshio Ōtomo, Creamy Mami ✅✅ * Chang Changku, Cyborg 009 VS Devilman * Shukumaru, Fire Tripper ✅ * Isamu Kurogane, Hyaku Jūō Go Lion ✅ * Shō Fukamachi, Kyōshoku Sōkō Guyver * Luigi, Super Mario Bros. * Clow Reed, Tsubasa Chronicles ✅✅ Commentary: Mr. Mizushima has a particular voice that calls forth the image of "handsome", when you hear it! He has a very commanding presence; so much so, that I ended up paying more attention to his character in "Creamy Mami" than to the lead love interest! I would compare his performance as Ryō Asuka to his characterizations of Toshio Ōtomo (in the aforementioned "Creamy Mami") and Clow Reed ("Tsubasa Chronicles"), both are more of his bishōnen-archetype roles! Great job! Jun Kōyamaki as Miki Makimura, notable roles: * none Commentary: Ms. Kōyamaki isn't credited to any other anime role, that I could find, but she has acted in live action roles (under the stage name: "Makoto Sumikawa"). I have conflicting information on whether she was Marina in "Anderson Dōwa: Ningyo-hime" or not — some sources have Ms. Kōyamaki credited in the role and others have Fumie Kashiyama listed. She is known for her live action roles in shows like "Kamen Rider Black RX" and "Jikū Senshi Spielban" — her career was more centered around television dramas, with a foot slightly dipped into the anime pool. Her version of Miki Makimura is the best, in my opinion, she gives off the aura of a wholesome, everyday girl... this characterization of Miki even reminded me of some of the pure-spirited Ghibli girls, like Nausicaä. Great job, it's a shame that she didn't get a chance to voice in more anime productions! Conclusively, "The Birth" straddles the line between corporeal existence and the otherworldly. For anyone itching to get into the Devilman franchise — I would NOT suggest "Crybaby" but instead, would recommend "The Birth" to get you started! It gives a really solid introduction to Akira Fudō, Ryō Asuka, and Miki Makimura — and it is also a treat for the eyes! You can probably tell from my passionate diatribe that I'm going to rank "The Birth" a 7/10, it is truly emotionally captivating and stunning in its delivery! Rating: ★★★★☆
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Jan 23, 2021 Not Recommended
If you are already an established fan of the Devilman franchise, be warned, this series does not follow the narrative of the original story... at all. You should go into this story expecting more of a monster-of-the-week, "Kamen Rider"-like story, as opposed to a philosophical look at the dichotomy between good and evil. This show has not aged very well, and perhaps, is far too zany for its own good!
⚠️ This review of Devilman (1972) will contain light spoilers ⚠️ —Story/Characters This is the fifth installment of the Devilman series that I consumed in a long list: the first was Devilman: Tanjō Hen ("The Birth"), second was ... Yochō Sirene-hen ("The Demon Bird"), third was CB Chara Go Nagai World, and the fourth was reading the original manga. So, by the time that I ordered the Discotek release of this series off of eBay, I was already entrenched in the franchise! I didn't really know what to expect from the cover, Devilman looks less like a monster and more like a man wearing a stag-beetle helmet with kabuki make-up... but the answer is: goofy, it is plain absurdity, this show is not a Devilman series at all, but more like what ※"Space Black Knight" is to "Mobile Suit Gundam"! ※"Space Black Knight" is a bootleg rip-off of the original Gundam series, where a cheaply rendered version of Char Aznable gets unmasked and is actually Amuro Ray. I would suggest looking into it, if you want a quick laugh. Akira Fudō doesn't undergo much of a life-altering change in this iteration, he just demon whips the followers of Ghandi! Yes, this is something that actually happens. If there's a positive development to any given character, it would be to Miki Makimura — in other versions of the story, there is small moments of playful banter between her and Akira, but this series showcases her "comic strip"-like frivolousness and that was refreshing to see. We only see her transform into an Olive ("Popeye") in the manga, so it's refreshing to see her be a part of Akira's life in a more meaningful way. Which reminds me, the most pivotal character in the manga, Ryō Asuka, does NOT exist in this anime! The episodic writing varies from episode to episode, sometimes it can be entertaining (in a trippy way) and other times, it's just boring and monotonous, tacking a poorly rendered "filler" monster at the end of each segment. The designs that aren't lifted from Nagai's manga usually look really corny! For example, in Episode 21 — Devilman battles a demon that looks like a red color variant of the Michelin "Tire Man"! Believe me, there are some really stupid-looking monster designs in this! There also doesn't seem to be a consistent continuity with what Devilman's utility belt does, Akira will shout "Devil Beam" and the command will account for several different attacks! It doesn't make any sense, at all! There's a new character that becomes a reoccurring (love interest?) third wheel to Akira and Miki's budding romance! She's a demon named Lala, and while her voice is very cute, she was entirely useless to the story. It felt like she only existed to be a complete idiot and get in the way of their pre-established love affair. It wasn't a very well orchestrated plot point, but nothing in the story really has any staying power after a single episode. Even as an obsessed "Devilman" fan, it was difficult to immerse myself in any of it, I think I mostly zoned out when things hadn't gone completely bananas because (aside from more of a focus on Miki Makimura) none of the characters were the ones that I had grown to love; everything seemed to have been modeled to fit a televised time slot, rather than do anything in the story justice! —Technical Luna's Favorite Works by Each Respective Creator = ✅ Tomoharu Katsumata (director), notable works: * Anderson Dōwa: Ningyo-hime ✅ * Captain Future * Cutey Honey ✅ * Dai Yamato Zero-gō * Daikū Maryū Gaiking * Daisōgen to Hakuba ("The Princess and the White Horse") * Entaku no Kishi Monogatari: Moero Arthur * Ginga Nagareboshi Gin * Hashire Melos * Kagayake! Yūjō no V Sign * Magnerobo Ga-Keen * Mazinger Z ✅ * Nagagutsu Sanjūshi * Ningen Kakumei * Saint Seiya: Meiō Hades (series) * Saleryman Kintarō * Uchū Senkan Yamato: Kanketsu-hen ("Space Battleship Yamato: The Final Chapter") * UFO Robo Grendizer * Waga Seishun no Arcadia ("My Youth in Arcadia") * Yamato yo Towa ni ("Be Forever Yamato") * Yukiguni no Ōji-sama * Yume Senshi Wingman Commentary: I grew up watching "Anderson Dōwa: Ningyo-hime", a.k.a. the anime version of "The Little Mermaid", so I have a sense of nostalgia for Mr. Katsumata's work! From what I've seen in "Cutey Honey" and "Waga Seishun no Arcadia", his biggest problem is nailing the pacing and keeping plots from feeling tiring and repetitive, which is why his directing on a shorter project like "Anderson Dōwa: Ningyo-hime" may have been more optimal with his style of composition! I would say that the screenplay was okay, the scriptwriting is probably what plummeted this series down to the level of awful for me! Good Seiyū Work = ✅ Really Enjoyed the Seiyū's Performance = ✅ ✅ One of Luna's Favorite Performances OF ALL TIME = ✅ ✅ ✅ Ryō'ichi Tanaka as Akira Fudō (or "Devilman"), notable roles: * Amon, CB Chara Go Nagai World ✅✅ * Rō Kaioshin and Dr. Briefs, Dragon Ball Kai and Dragon Ball Super * Cancer Death Mask, Saint Seiya ✅✅✅ * Rocky Andrew, Taiyō no Kiba Dagram * Kentarō Takaoka, Tiger Mask (1969) and Tiger Mask W (2016) ✅ Commentary: Mr. Tanaka makes Akira Fudō seem like less of a friendly wimp, before his fusion with the spirit of "Devilman" and more of a harsh, mecha pilot protagonist — since, he emits the same kind of energy as Koji Kabuto in the first "Mazinger Z" cartoon! He's incredibly talented at what he does, and I love him as Cancer Death Mask in "Saint Seiya"! Incredible work! Sumi Sakai as Miki Makimura, notable roles: * Midori Hayakawa, Attack No. 1 * Yukihime, Dororon Enma-kun ✅✅ Commentary: Ms. Sakai voices Miki in a way that is, so far, my favorite iteration of her! She's stubborn, gutsy, and on the spicy side! The spiritual progenitor to characters like Frau Bō ("Mobile Suit Gundam") and Akane Tendō ("Ranma ½"), she did a wonderful job as both Miki Makimura and the original Yukihime ("Dororon Enma-kun")! Great job! Hiroshi Matsuoka as Demon General Zannin, notable roles: * Zenmaijikake ("Gizmo"), Anime Oyako Gekijō and Personal Computer Travel Tanteidan * Geronimo Jr. ("005"), Cyborg 009 (1968) * Muten-Rōshi ("Master Rōshi"), Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball GT ✅✅✅ * Jam Oji-san ("Uncle Jam"), Sore Ike! Anpanman (series) Commentary: Mr. Matsuoka as Demon General Zannin is one of the more memorable roles in the series! He has such a ghastly eminence! I have only ever heard him in the Japanese dub of "Dragon Ball Z" as Master Rōshi, but he was superb in this show, too! Rest in peace, Mr. Matsuoka, your presence will be greatly missed! Kōsei Tomita as Gelge, notable roles: * Daemon Abashiri, Abashiri Ikka * Dr. Hell, CB Chara Go Nagai World, Mazinger Z, and Mazinkaiser ✅✅ * Danbei Hayami, Cutey Honey ✅ * Jirokichi Suzuki, Detective Conan ✅✅ * Doraemon, Doraemon (1973) ✅ * Professor Saotome, Getter Robo * Ayanoroji Mashumaro, Hana no Kakarichō * Bakabon no Papa, Heisei Tensai Bakabon * Oyaji Hige, in every Osamu Tezuka adaptation ✅✅✅ * Doctor Watson, Meitantei Holmes ("Sherlock Hound") ✅✅ * Sniff, Mūmin * Hakka Don, SF Saiyūki Starzinger * Yohei Hayami, Shinkai no Kantai: Submarine 707 * Bouleuse Gotho, Sōkō Kihei Votoms * Gandal, UFO Robo Grendizer * Dr. Oedo and Tamaga, Wakusei Robo Danguard Ace Commentary: Mr. Tomita's role of a bumbling lackey fits well with other characters that he's played: Dr. Hell ("Mazinger Z") and Danbei Hayami ("Cutey Honey") being a couple of prime examples! His roles range from incompetent crony, to doddering old man, to reticent sidekick! Mr. Tomita had a very expressive voice to fit with his lively, cartoonish roles! Rest in peace, Mr. Tomita, your voice will be missed! Hidekatsu Shibata as Zenon, notable roles: * King Enma, Dororon Enma-kun ✅ * Igneel and Narrator, Fairy Tail ✅✅ * Geese Howard, Fatal Fury: Legend of the Hungry Wolf * King Bradley, Fullmetal Alchemist (2003) and Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood ✅✅✅ * Backbeard, Gegege no Kitarō (1985) and Gegege no Kitarō (2007) * Gregor von Muckenberger, Ginga Eiyū Densetsu ✅ * Bill, Ginga Nagareboshi Gin * Count Mecha, Ginga Tetsudō 999 ✅✅ * Baron Ashura, Mazinger Z (1972) and Mazinkaiser ✅✅ * Degwin Sodo Zabi, Mobile Suit Gundam (movie) ✅✅ * Hiruzen Sarutobi, Naruto ✅ * Monkey D. Dragon and Calgara, One Piece * Guilty, Saint Seiya ✅✅✅ * Mars, Saint Seiya Omega ✅✅✅ * Ching Tao, Shaman King * Daitetsu Minase, Super Robot Wars OG (series) * General Hengel, Tentai Senshi Sunred * Mr. X, Tiger Mask (1969) and Tiger Mask W (2016) ✅✅ * Captain Dan, Wakusei Robo Danguard Ace Commentary: Mr. Shibata has a legendary villain voice, this man's timbre can shake the temerity of any weak-spirited mortal! That's just how much of a prolific actor this guy is! I would compare his role as the main demon ("Zenon") to his performances as King Enma ("Dororon Enma-kun") and Baron Ashura ("Mazinger Z")... such a godly rendition of the Zenon character is wasted on such a silly show! I'm waiting for there to be a tit-for-tat retelling of the "Devilman" story with this version of Zenon incorporated into the script! That would be incredible! Amazing performance! This show is really defective, when compared to the source material. I may have enjoyed it more if I wasn't already so invested in the manga and those beautifully animated OVA adaptations! The 1972 adaptation deracinates the story of any of the original solemnity and catharsis on morality, and how human history can repeat itself, and strips the marrow so much that it makes the original ※"Casshern" series look like the best anime ever made, by comparison! Devilman (1972) gets a 3/10! ※I really did like the original "Casshern" (1972) series, but I rated it a 6/10. Rating: ★★☆☆☆
Reviewer’s Rating: 3
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Jan 23, 2021
ViVid Strike!
(Anime)
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Not Recommended
This is a "Lyrical Nanoha" series without the titular character, Nanoha Takamachi, and Fate Testarossa. Though their daughter Vivio is still carrying their legacy like a torch, without those two, this just isn't a "Nanoha" series! In "ViVid Strike!" the magical element is mostly ameliorated and the show becomes a series about little girls brawling in a boxing ring! Yes, this might as well be the moe version of "Ashita no Joe"!
⚠️ This review of ViVid Strike! will contain light spoilers ⚠️ —Story/Characters The main conflict of the series is between two childhood friends that are foils of one another. One is a fiery, determined girl ... and the other, in their separation has her heart icebound by a series of traumatic events. I won't go into spoilers about it here, but Rinne gets bullied so badly that it ends in an absurdly violent scene that is comparable to certain moments in series like "Blood-C" and "Higurashi no Naku Koro ni" because of the hardcore brutality. And the aggressor of that situation doesn't get arrested or expelled from school? Okay, because that's believable! So, those unfortunate events lead to Rinne Berlinetta becoming a Fate Testarossa proxy, they even have twin ribbons in their hair! Despite the introduction of more cute girls, like in the original "ViVid", there's only enough characterization to care about Fūka and Rinne (and there is a nice fight scene with Einhart Stratos and Vivio in the season finale). Since Einhart is practically the only character that I care about in the "ViVid Strike!" series, her acting as a mentor to Fūka was a nice change of pace, like "StrikerS" it seems like the subsequent generations of girls learn from the main characters of seasons passed! —Technical Luna's Favorite Works by Each Respective Creator = ✅ Junji Nishimura (director), notable works: * Bakuon!! ✅ * Basilisk: Ōka Ninpōchō * Bermuda Triangle: Colorful Pastrale * D-1 Devastator * Dog Days' (Season Two) and Dog Days'' (Season Three) * Dr. Typhoon * Fūjin Monogatari * Glasslip * Hamelin no Violin Hiki * Kishin Dōji Zenki and Kishin Dōji Zenki Gaiden: Anki Kitan (OVA) * Koitabi: True Tours Nanto * Kyō kara Maō!! (Season One, Season Three, and OVA — "Kyō kara Maō! R") ✅ * Nurarihyon no Mago * Pro Golfer Saru (series) * Ranma ½ (eps 70 to 143) ✅ * Saga-ken wo Meguru Animation * Samurai Deeper Kyō * Senkaiden Hōshin Engi * Simōn * Taiho Shichau zo: The Movie ("You're Under Arrest: The Movie") * True Tears ✅ * Urusei Yatsura — Assistant Director ✅ * Vlad Love Commentary: Mr. Nishimura is a really big hit or miss. His work on "Ranma ½", "True Tears", and "Urusei Yatsura" was impressive, but he also did series like "Glasslip", "Samurai Deeper Kyō", and "Bermuda Triangle: Colorful Pastrale" — I'm sure you got the idea if you know ANYTHING about "Glasslip"! I would say that "ViVid Strike!" is more middling, but it leans on the spectrum of bad. There are certain shots and fight scene choreography that shows his finesse in the industry, so I mostly blame the script writing or the lack of inventiveness in the later volumes of the "ViVid" manga. For what he could accomplish, I think that Mr. Nishimura did a pretty good job with this series! Good Seiyū Work = ✅ Really Enjoyed the Seiyū's Performance = ✅ ✅ One of Luna's Favorite Performances OF ALL TIME = ✅ ✅ ✅ Inori Minase as Fūka Reventon, notable roles: * Itsuki Nakano, 5-tōbun no Hanayome ("The Quintessential Quintuplets") ✅ * Maya, Animegatari * Hibiki Iga, Basilisk: Ōka Ninpōchō * Uki Yamazoe, ChäoS;Child ✅✅ * Mo Ritika Tzetzes Ura, Comet Lucifer * Ruruka Andō, Danganronpa 3 ✅ * Hestia, Dungeon ni Deai wo Motomeru no wa Machigatteiru Darō ka ("Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?") ✅✅ * Meiza Endust, Endro * Hidomi Hibajiri, FLCL Progressive ✅ * Lico, Futago no Mahōtsukai Lico to Gli * Mirai Nazukari, Futsū no Joshikōsei ga [Locodol] Yattemita. * Tapris Sugarbell Chisaki, Gabriel DropOut ✅✅ * Yuki Takeya, Gakkōgurashi! ("School-Live!") ✅✅✅ * Chino Kafū, Gochūmon wa Usagi Desu ka? ("Is the Order a Rabbit?") ✅✅ * Renkin Arthur, Hangyukusei Million Arthur * Nagisa Aizawa, Jitsu wa Watashi wa ("Actually, I am...") * Aries Spring, Kanata no Astra ("Astra Lost in Space") ✅ * Ciel Kirahoshi, Kira☆Kira☆PreCure A La Mode ✅✅ * Jun Naruse, Kokoro ga Sakebitagatterunda. ("The Anthem of the Heart") ✅✅✅ * Reines El-Melloi Archisorte, Lord El-Melloi II Case Files: Rail Zeppelin Grace Note ✅✅ * Suzune Tanahashi, Love Lab * Mana Asuha, Luck & Logic * Ayana Sakanagi ("Swim Swim"), Mahō Shōjo Ikusei Keikaku ("Magical Girl Raising Project") ✅✅ * Aurora Suya Rhys Kaymin, Maōjō de Oyasumi ("Sleepy Princess in the Demon Castle") * Merc, Merc Storia: Mukiryoku no Shōnen to Bin no Naka no Shōjo ("Merc StoriA: The Apathetic Boy and the Girl in a Bottle") * Shakirov, Military! * Chamille Kitora Katjvanmaninik, Nejimaki Seirei Senki: Tenkyō no Alderamin ✅✅ * Akane Segawa, Netoge no Yome wa Onnanoko ja Nai to Omotta? ("And you thought there is never a girl online?") ✅ * Chidori, Nobunaga no Shinobi ✅ * Mashiro Amatsuki, One Room: Second Season * Moka Mihime, Ragnastrike Angels * Meteora Österreich, Re:Creators ✅ * Rem, Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu ✅✅ * Great Mazinger, Robot Girls Z * Saori Kidō, Saint Seiya: Saintia Shō ✅ * Shōko Makinohara, Seishun Buta Yarō wa Bunny Girl Senpai no Yume wo Minai ("Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai") ✅ * Carol Malus Dienheim, Senki Zesshō Symphogear ✅ * Chito, Shōjo Shūmatsu Ryokō ("Girls' Last Tour") ✅✅✅ * Somali, Somali to Mori no Kamisama ("Somali and the Forest Spirit") * Noel, Sora no Method * Mari Tamaki, Sora yori mo Tōi Basho ("A Place Further Than The Universe") * Kahoru Suzuhara, T7S Longing for Summer Again and Again: Harukaze * Yume Tzubakuro, Toji no Miko ✅✅✅ * Chizuru Takano, Tsurezure Children * Nekone, Utawarerumono: Itsuwari no Kamen ✅✅ * Senri Teshima, W'z ✅✅ Commentary: Ms. Minase has a wonderful voice, I've already talked about her talents in depth in my "Senki Zesshō Symphogear GX" review, but she is a very enigmatic actor. Her breath of finesse can make a simple character seem more extraordinary, and I would say that this is definitely the case with Fūka Reventon's character! I would compare this bold, hard-hitter to her characterization, while voicing Hestia ("Dungeon ni Deai wo Motomeru no wa Machigatteiru Darō ka") and Nekone ("Utawarerumono: Itsuwari no Kamen"), since both of the characters break her usually subdued typecasting shell and are more boisterous or exuberant! Incredible work! Yui Ogura as Rinne Berlinetta, notable roles: * Hermit, .hack//Quantum * Gunmaken, 47 Todōfuken R * Alma V, Aru Zombie Shōjo no Sainan ("Calamity of the Zombie Girl") * Rom, Chōjigen Game Neptune ("Hyperdimension Neptunia") ✅ * Minori Gakesaka, Dogeza de Tanondemita * Tomo, Fumikiri Jikan * Onna Shinkan ("Priestess"), Goblin Slayer ✅✅ * Tsukiko Tsutsukakushi, Hentai Ōji to Warawanai Neko. * Katase, High School DxD ✅✅ * Mayuki Hiiragi, Hinako Note * Zashiki Warashi Niko, Hōzuki no Reitetsu ✅✅ * Homare Kagayaki ("Cure Étoile"), Hug tto! PreCure ✅✅✅ * Hikari Sakurada, Jōkamachi no Dandelion * Aya Ōgai, K: Seven Stories * Yūko Shionji, Kamisama no Memochō ("Heaven's Memo Pad") ✅✅ * Amatsukaze, KanColle Movie ✅✅ * Sana Futaba, Magia Record: Mahō Shōjo Madoka☆Magica Gaiden (TV) ✅✅✅ * Uori Mukae, Ongaku Shōjo (TV) * Kyōka, Princess Connect! Re:Dive ✅✅✅ * Tia Kleis, Regalia: The Three Sacred Stars * Hinata Hakamada, Rō-Kyū-Bu! (series) ✅✅✅ * Hiyori Kotobuki, Saikin — Imōto no Yōsu ga Chotto Okashiinda ga. * Toki Onjōji, Saki Achiga-hen: Episode of Side-A ✅ * Mana Namori, Schoolgirl Strikers: Animation Channel * Alice Kurobane, Shadowverse (TV) * Beelzebub, Sin: Nanatsu no Taizai ✅✅✅ * Relia, Star Ocean: Anamnesis * Tomalin, Teekyū (series) ✅✅ * Ayaka Kamine, Tsurezure Children * Isht Karin Orte, UQ Holder * Kokona Aoba, Yama no Susume (series) ✅✅✅ * Azumi Kagamihara, Z/X: Ignition Commentary: Ms. Ogura has been famous for having an incredibly adorable voice, being typecast as mostly mascots and archetypal loli characters, so her more edgier performance comes as a surprise! I would compare the role as Rinne Berlinetta to Homare Kagayaki ("Hug tto! PreCure") and Sana Futaba ("Magia Record: Mahō Shōjo Madoka☆Magica Gaiden"), because both of these characters are still very lovable, but they have a darker side to them! Amazing performance, as always! Mari Nakatsu as Sieglinde Jeremiah, notable roles: * Erika Takato, Ginga e Kickoff!! * Quincy, Jūgo Shōnen Hyōryūki: Kaizokujima de! Daibōken * Kinue Atago, Saki Zenkoku-hen ✅✅ * Nanami Aoyama, Sakura-sō no Pet na Kanojo ✅✅✅ Commentary: Ms. Nakatsu has a very refreshing voice (it seems that she has settled down, married, and posts about her son regularly), though she seems to have retired from the industry earlier than most other voice actors! I really loved her as Nanami Aoyama ("Sakura-sō no Pet na Kanojo"), so it's a shame! Great job! Kanae Itō as Miura Rinaldi, notable roles: * Kokone Kurisu, Aikatsu! * Eris, Asobi ni Iku yo! ✅✅✅ * Rikka Amatsuka, Baby Princess 3D Paradise 0 [Love] * Sena Kashiwazaki, Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai ("Haganai: I don't have many friends") ✅✅ * Midori, Divine Gate * Sturm, Granblue Fantasy ✅ * Ohana and Satsuki Matsumae, Hanasaku Iroha ✅✅✅ * Akane and Homare Kinesaki, High School Fleet ✅✅ * Amethyst, Hōseki no Kuni (TV) ✅✅✅ * Elucia de Lute Ima, Kami nomi zo Shiru Sekai ✅✅ * Tairikuōkami ("Gray Wolf"), Kemono Friends ✅✅✅ * Tsubaki Hibino, Kyō — Koi wo Hajimemasu * Fumino Serizawa, Mayoi Neko Overrun! * Nana Astar Deviluke, To LOVEる ✅✅✅ * Nobuna Oda, Oda Nobuna no Yabō * Carrot, One Piece ✅✅✅ * Erika Shinohara, Ōkami Shōjo to Kuro Ōji ("Wolf Girl & Black Prince") * Ringo Akai, Ōkami-san to Shichinin no Nakama-tachi * Haruka Niimi, Photokano * Meganee Akai, Hye In, and Kaname Chris — Pretty Rhythm (series) * Airi, Queen's Blade (series) ✅✅✅ * Amil Manaflare, Shining Hearts: Shiawase no Pan ✅ * Sanae Nagatsuki, Shinryaku! Ika Musume ("The Squid Girl") * Amu Hinamori, Shugo Chara ✅✅ * Asuna Harukaze, Softenni * Mihoshi Akeno, Sora no Manimani * Kanon Kanase, Strike the Blood * Yui, Sword Art Online ✅✅✅ * Mari Mizukoshi, T.P. Sakura ~Time Paladin Sakura~ Jikū Bōeisen * Kōme Suzukawa, Taishō Yakyū Musume. * Ruiko Saten, Toaru Kageku no Railgun (series) ✅✅ * Tsubasa Sonokawa, Tsubasa to Hotaru * Mitomo Rokuya, Yumekuri Commentary: Ms. Itō is one of my favorite Japanese voice actresses, she brings such a charming presence to each and every role that she plays! Though the character of Miura doesn't really stand up to the stronger presences of Fūka and Rinne, her performance makes the void characterization an enjoyable spectacle to behold! I would compare her performance as "Miura Rinaldi" to her more youthful sounding characters like Yui ("Sword Art Online") and Nana Astar Deviluke ("To LOVEる"), while her older form is more of an Airi ("Queen's Blade") or Eris ("Asobi ni Iku yo!")-type of role! Fantastic and talented seiyū! Kaori Mizuhashi as Vivio, notable roles: * Purple Thorn, Accel World ✅ * Taeko Minazuki, Ai Yori Aoshi ✅ ✅ * Ai Aino, Aria the Animation * Minami Shimada, Baka to Test to Shōkanjū ✅ * Altines, Busō Shinki * Len, Carnival Phantasm ✅ * Pepper, Chicchana Yukitsukai Sugar ("A Little Snow Fairy Sugar") * Ayumu Aizawa, Circlet Princess ✅ * Vivian Jones, Eikoku Koi Monogatari Emma ✅ ✅ ✅ * Sara Shirogane, Futakoi * Chika Ogiue, Genshiken ✅ ✅ ✅ * Michiru Matsushima, Grisaia no Kajitsu (series) ✅ * Miyako, Hidamari Sketch ✅ ✅ ✅ * Kasumi Haruno, Kasumin * Akane Suzumiya, Kimi ga Nozumu Eien ("Rumbling Hearts") ✅ ✅ ✅ * Haruto Mizushima, Kin'iro no Corda: Blue♪Sky * Mifuyu Kiba, Koi to Senkyo to Chocolate * Yūno Scrya, Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha —series ✅ ✅ ✅ * Mami Tomoe, Mahō Shōjo Madoka★Magica ✕ Magia Record: Mahō Shōjo Madoka☆Magica Gaiden (TV) ✅ ✅ ✅ * Laharl, Makai Senki Disgaea ✅ ✅ * Janet van Dyne ("Wasp"), Marvel Disk Wars: The Avengers * Tio Plato, Minna Atsumare! Falcom Gakuen * Ōgi Oshino, Monogatari —series ✅ ✅ * Pikaia, Pikaia! * Fel, Prism Ark * Mimika, Puka Puka Juju * Elina Vance, Queen's Blade (series) ✅ ✅ ✅ * Meiru Sakurai, Rockman.EXE ("Megaman.EXE") * Yagyū, Senran Kagura ✅ * Agnes Bōlange, Shukufuku no Campanella ✅ * Aya Fujisaki, To LOVEる ✅ Commentary: Fate and Nanoha's daughter have the same voice actress as Nanoha's ferret companion, Yūno Scrya, from the ※first series! Ms. Mizuhashi has a talent of making the child version of Vivio impossibly adorable, while the adult version can kick some major butt! I would compare her voice as child Vivio to her roles as Michiru Matsushima ("Grisaia no Kajitsu") and Akane Suzumiya ("Kimi ga Nozumu Eien"), because they're more youthful-sounding, whereas Vivio's older self can be comparable to roles like Mami Tomoe ("Mahō Shōjo Madoka★Magica") and Miyako ("Hidamari Sketch"). Great job with the character! ※He's in all the other iterations, too, but he's more of a pivotal character in the first arc. Mamiko Noto as Einhart Stratos, notable roles: * Karen Minamino, AIka * Fiona, Allison to Lillia * Mayumi Fujimiya, Aquarian Age * Felicità, Arcana Famiglia * Azusa, Azusa Otetsudai Shimasu! * Alice Gehabich, Bakugan Battle Brawlers * Saya Irino ("Black★Gold Saw"), Black★Rock Shooter ✅✅✅ * Makie Otono-Tachibana, Blade of the Immortal * Takami Komoda, Bokura no ✅ * Lilica Evette, Burn Up Scramble * Kotomi Ichinose, Clannad ✅✅ * Satomi Anzaki, Dear Boys * Yukihime, Dororon Enma-kun Meeramera ✅✅✅ * Jil, Druaga no Tou: The Aegis of Uruk ✅ * Yuka, Elfen Lied * Mavis Vermillion, Fairy Tail ✅✅✅ * Satellizer el Bridget, Freezing * Alex Benedetto, Gangsta. * Yukinari Sasaki, Girls Bravo * CAL-141, Halo Legends * Mitsuki Ikuta, Hit wo Nerae! * Aya Tōjō, Ichigo 100% * Ana Coppola, Ichigo Mashimaro ("Strawberry Marshmallow") ✅✅✅ * Rin, InuYasha ✅✅ * Ai Enma, Jigoku Shōjo ✅✅ * Ayano Satō, Joshikōsei: Girl's High * Neiro, Kaiba ✅✅✅ * Aoi Kannazuki, Kaibutsu Ōjo * Kōta Oyamada, Kanokon * Fujino Asagami, Kara no Kyōkai ✅✅✅ * Sawako Kuronuma, Kimi ni Todoke ✅ * Kyoko Asahina, 北へ。 ～Diamond Dust Drops～ * Emi Kizaki, Kurogane no Linebarrels * Nodoka Miyazaki, Mahō Sensei Negima! * Ōka Sayama, Manyū Hikenchō * Shimako Tōdō, Maria-sama ga Miteru ✅✅✅ * Yuri Takikago, Mawaru Penguindrum ✅✅✅ * Rin Asogi, Rin: Daughters of Mnemosyne ✅✅✅ * Anna Liebert, Monster ✅✅✅ * Shizu Murasume, TO LOVEる ✅✅ * Tsukiko Sagi, Paranoia Agent ✅ * Inia Sestina, Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse ✅✅✅ * Narue Nanase, Narue no Sekai * Akira Sakura, Shadow Star Narutaru ✅ * Moriko Morioka, Recovery of an MMO Junkie ✅ * Saeko Okuyama, Niji-iro Hotaru: Eien no Natsuyasumi * Haruka Nogizaka, Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu * Ririka Nishizono, Occultic;Nine * Fūka Yamagishi, Persona 3 * Tomoe, Queen's Blade ✅✅ * Nayu Hasegawa, Rō-Kyū-Bu! ✅✅✅ * Aria, Saint Seiya Omega * Yakumo Tsukamoto, School Rumble * Iona Urazoe, Selector Spread WIXOSS * Kenshin Uesugi, Sengoku Collection * Limone, Simōn * Matsuri Shihō, Sola ✅✅✅ * Yuki Sōya, Taishō Baseball Girls * Noel Hiiragi, Tansu Warashi. * Aisa Himegami, Toaru Majutsu no Index ✅ * Esther Blanchett, Trinity Blood ✅✅ * Benten, Uchōten Kazoku ✅✅✅ * Rinko Jerrard, The Law of Ueki * Masane Amaha, Witchblade ✅✅ * Kotori Monō, X ✅✅ * Hazuki Azuma, Yami to Bōshi to Hon no Tabibito ✅✅ * Kaori, Yojōhan Shinwa Taikei ✅✅ * Megumi Hasegawa, よみがえる空 -Rescue Wings- * Tiffania Westwood, Zero no Tsukaima * Kotone Sasaki, Zettai Junpaku♡Mahō Shōjo Commentary: Ms. Noto gives Einhart Stratos the same bright-eyed, ingénue-type of demeanor as Renge has in "Non Non Biyori"! Her character is so charismatic and mesmerizing to watch, her staple lines of introducing her name, brought joy to A-1's somewhat "botched" production of the show! I would compare this role to her other voices in "Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse" as Inia Sestina, and "Ichigo Mashimaro" as Ana Coppola! She's now known for playing mostly sexy characters, but her brief stints as more cute characters really worked for her, as well. Amazing performance, as always! Misato Fukuen as Corona Timil, notable roles: * Eri Shinkai, AIka R-16: Virgin Mission and AIka Zero * Asuka Kurashina, Ao no Kanata no Four Rhythm ✅✅✅ * Konta Tsukino, Bakukyū Hit! Crash B-Daman * Misao Amano, Battle Programmer Shirase * Chibiusa and Black Lady, Bishōjo Senshi Sailor Moon: Crystal * Tearju Lunatique and Eve, Black Cat (TV) * Nene and Nono Motoe, Blood-C * Himiko Toga, Boku no Hero Academia ✅✅✅ * Rika Shiguma, Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai ("Haganai: I don't have many friends") * Ivan Whisky ("001"), Cyborg 009: Call of Justice * Iria Fukumune, Dakara Boku wa, H ga Dekinai. ("So, I Can't Play H!") ✅ * Yin, Darker Than Black (series) ✅✅ * Patty Lowell, Devil May Cry * Saki Mikajima, Durarara!! (series) ✅ * Anzu Kadotani, Girls und Panzer ✅✅✅ * Rinne Amagane, Hells * Natsume and Nakayama, Hidamari Sketch ✅ * Iggy, JoJo no Kimyō na Bōken Part 3: Stardust Crusaders ✅✅✅ * Utao Kuga, Kamisama Dolls ✅✅ * Ayumi Matsuoka, Kyochū Rettō * Mahmu Yuzuki, M3: Sono Kuroki Hagane * Hikage Miyauchi, Non Non Biyori ✅✅✅ * Langley, Pokémon: Best Wishes * Kurumu Korono, Rosario to Vampire * Misora Hibiki, Ryūsei no Rockman ("Megaman Star Force") * Miyuki Hoshizora ("Cure Happy"), Smile PreCure ✅✅✅ * Seri Tatekami, Sōkyū no Fafner: Dead Aggressor * Eruka Frog, Soul Eater * Yoshika Miyafuji, Strike Witches ✅✅✅ * Edna, Talea of Zestiria ✅ * Momoe Okonogi, Tasogare Otome x Amnesia * Konjiki no Yami ("Darkness"), To LOVEる ✅✅✅ * Maika Tsichimikado, Toaru Kagaku no Railgun (series) ✅ * Shiruku Koharuno, UG☆Ultimate Girls * Hime Yarizakura, Yozakura Quartet Commentary: Ms. Fukuen gave a performance that was similar to her role in Smile PreCure (as Miyuki Hoshizora "Cure Happy"), because despite the series leaning on the ledge of lower quality, her cute, zestful acting made Corona the second best character, after the supreme best girl of the ViVid series: Einhart Stratos! I would compare her delightful persona in this show to her role as Konjiki no Yami ("To LOVEる"), though less on the kūdere side — she still plays a character that is the trifecta of adorable, attractive, and a strong fighter! I would also compare her to Asuka Kurashina ("Ao no Kanata no Four Rhythm"), because her genki-energy metaphorically drips through the screen. Ms. Fukuen is a great seiyū and gets far too little recognition in English-speaking countries for the fantastic work that she does! Eri Kitamura as Rio Wezley, notable roles: * Yui, Angel Beats! ✅ * Koharu, Bakumatsu Gijinden Roman * Sawako Machida, Bernard-jō Iwaku. ✅ * Saki Yūtenji, Bihada Ichizoku * Kagari Izuriha ("Chariot"), Black★Rock Shooter ✅✅✅ * Saya Otonashi, Blood+ ✅ * Anji Zo, Bloodivores * Mina Ashido, Boku no Hero Academia ✅ * Liliana Kranjčar, Campione! Matsurowanu Kamigami to Kamigoroshi no Maō ✅ * Rimi Sakihata, ChäoS;HEAd ✅ * Kirika Ueno, C³ * Uni, Hyperdimension Neptunia * Yuka Mochida, Corpse Party * Jessica Kaios, Danball Senki W * Adélaïde Grand Marnie, Dog Days * Mairu Orihara, Durarara!! * Aquarius, Fairy Tail ✅✅ * Miki Aono, Fresh PreCure! ✅ * Seira Hoshikawa, Genei wo Kakeru Taiyō * Darjeeling, Girls und Panzer ✅✅✅ * Mahiro Yasaka, Haiyore! Nyaruko-san * Saitō ("Bea"), Hakumei no Tsubasa ✅ * Renko Usami, Hifū Katsudō Kiroku: The Sealed Esoteric History ✅✅✅ * Saya Takagi, Highschool of the Dead ✅✅ * Okō, Hōzuki no Reitetsu ✅✅ * Myōsai Kakōe, Ikkitōsen * Kitsunemen no Onna, Kiitarō Shōnen no Yōkai Enikki * Rin Kokonoe, Kodomo no Jikan ✅✅ * Yui, Koharu Biyori * Hibiki Sakata, Kuma Miko * Dōji Yase, Kyōsō Giga * Tatiana Wisla, Last Exile ✅✅ * Anna Rochefort, Le Chevalier D'Eon ✅✅ * Mitty, Made in Abyss ✅✅✅ * Kotone Oribe, Magical Suite Prism Nana * Sayaka Miki, Mahō Shōjo Madoka★Magica ✅✅ * Kanade Suzutsuki, Mayo Chiki! * Karen Araragi, Monogatari (series) ✅✅ * Eve Neuschwanstein, Needless * Iori Wakabayashi, Oji-san to Marshmallow * Rie Maezono, One Off * Arashi Nikaidō, Onii-chan dakedo Ai sae Areba Kankeinai yo ne! * Nao Takanashi, Onii-chan no Koto nanka Zenzen Suki ja Nai n da kara ne!! * Chisato Mizusawa, Osake wa Fūfu ni Natte kara * Miu Takanashi, Papa no Iukoto wo Kikinasai! * Sunao Moriyama, Potemayo ✅✅ * Alleyne, Queen's Blade ✅✅✅ * Akane Senri, Rewrite ✅✅ * Tsunehisa Amago, Sengoku Collection * Homura, Senran Kagura ✅✅ * Cerberus, Shingeki no Bahamut ✅✅ * Lucifer, Sin: Nanatsu no Taizai ✅ * Kureha Suminoya, So Ra No Wo To * Kotone Sawanatsu, Softenni * Aki Shiina, Sunohara-sō no Kanrinin-san ✅ * Juri Han, Super Street Fighter IV ✅✅ * Kirie Kanoe, Tasogare Otome x Amnesia * Hamyuts Meseta, 戦う司書 The Book of Bantorra * Tony, Terra e... (TV) ✅✅ * Bimajo, Time Bokan 24 * Ami Kawashima, Toradora ✅ * Chiester 410, Umineko no Naku Koro ni ✅✅ * Yachiyo Todoroki, Working!! ✅ * Nene Odagiri, Yamada-kun to 7-nin no Majo (TV) * Leopard, Yoru no Yatterman * Bahamut, Zettai Bōei Leviathan Commentary: Ms. Kitamura did a great job at making the least memorable member of the new quartet have a bold presence, in the face of the other cute girls. I would compare the role of "Rio Wezley" to her performances as Karen Araragi in the "Monogatari" series, boyish and can pack a mean punch, and Yui ("Angel Beats"), single-fanged characters unite! Her pep and cuteness helps animate the series, with the rest of the girls! Great job! Conclusively, this series is another fighting shōnen-style, action series — just like the original "ViVid"... except that this one has a rivalry, but the magical girl transformations and combat sequences just err more on the side of extreme, every girl has an adult form (inherited from an ancient spirit) now and the fighting is more aggressive. If you're looking for a mindless fighting series with cute girls, then this might be your cup of tea. But, it was less of what I look for in a compelling story (aesthetically appealing as it may be), so ultimately I rate "ViVid Strike!" a 3/10! Rating: ★★☆☆☆
Reviewer’s Rating: 3
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Jan 18, 2021
Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha ViVid
(Anime)
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Not Recommended
Going into the first ViVid series, I was really excited! This was before "ViVid Strike!" aired, so I was expecting this side story to be a one and done deal. I thought the idea of a short, slice-of-life that focused on Vivio's life with her two mothers would be both heartwarming and a nice change of pace from the darker atmosphere in "StrikerS", but it was less of a "Today's Menu for the Emiya Family" and more like a championship face-off, with an even larger cast, that have minimal characterization and are impossible to have any emotional investment in!
⚠️ This review of Mahō Shōjo Lyrical ... Nanoha ViVid will be spoiler-free ⚠️ —Story/Characters Since Fate and Nanoha are never really shown at all, only enough to give a nod to the returning viewers, the main "yuri" romance (the guiding light of "ViVid") is the flirty friendship between Vivio and Einhart Stratos! The little sprinklings of Corona and Rio are cute, but it's difficult to really have a stake in their characters by comparison, especially since Vivio was so important in the previous ("StrikerS") series! Many of the characters that had distinctive personalities in "StrikerS" are shaved down and given off-model faces, similar to what you would see in the "Kanon" anime adaptation. I blame the difference in mood to the replacement in directors, Keizō Kusakawa (the mastermind behind "A's", "StrikerS", and the reanimated films) was replaced by Yūki Itō (※director of the first "Granblue Fantasy" adaptation). The reappearing cast members from "StrikerS" or the Belkan Knights from "A's", just feel... plastic, like all of their memorable traits were reinstalled in a layer of drywall. ※If you have seen that series, you'll know that the man is not very good with pacing and maintaining a coherent story! Einhart Stratos is the patron saint of the series, her bombastic and delightful ambience was the best part of the series. Though I knew Vivio from the "StrikerS" series, there wasn't a lot of emotional complexity or intrigue to her character (until "ViVid Strike!"), she felt like just another generic magical girl spin-off like Sasami Kawai (an alternate universe variant of Sasami Masaki Jurai from "Tenchi Muyō") and Illya von Einzbern ("Fate/kaleid liner Prisma☆Illya"), this character archetype is used so often, that I'm sure that Madoka Kaname's character in "Mahō Shōjo Madoka★Magica" was meant to be a spoof of it. To condense the bulk of my argument against this series, if you want fanservice and magical, loli characters that know kung-fu, then this is a show that you might find enjoyment from. Regardless, it strays away from Keizō Kusakawa's ironclad vision of sci-fi, dark subplots, and technical magic at its finest. It feels like a husk of its former self. Luna's Favorite Works by Each Respective Creator = ✅ Yūki Itō (director), notable works: * Granblue Fantasy the Animation Commentary: Mr. Itō might be my least favorite director at A-1 Pictures. He completely sucked the substance out of both the "Nanoha" franchise and the "Granblue Fantasy" adaptation. I hate to be rude in my commentary, but I haven't been a fan of his work. The best thing that he did was the first two episodes of "Granblue Fantasy" and the character splash in the last episode. That's really all. Good Seiyū Work = ✅ Really Enjoyed the Seiyū's Performance = ✅ ✅ One of Luna's Favorite Performances OF ALL TIME = ✅ ✅ ✅ Yukari Tamura as Nanoha Takamachi, notable roles: * Michiru, Air * Mine, Akame ga Kill ✅ * Mayu Watanabe CG-3, AKB0048 ✅ ✅ * Remon Yamano, Ano Natsu de Matteru ("Waiting in the Summer") ✅ ✅ * Asuha Tōhara, Astarotte no Omocha! * Chihaya Ikaruga, Asu no Yo'ichi! ("Samurai Harem") * Yamada, B-gata H-kei * Koko Ninna-Nanna, Bōkyaku no Senritsu * Fear Kubrick, C³ * Honey Kisaragi, Cutey Honey Universe * Sakura Kisaragi, Da Capo * Kaoru Tsunashi, Danna ga Nani wo Itteiru ka Wakaranai Ken ("I Can't Understand What My Husband Is Saying") * Nia, DearS * Dōnyatsu, Dōnyatsu * Moro, Dotto Koni-chan * Hikaru Saitō, Futarigurashi * Chiharu, Fūun Ishin Dai☆Shogun * Ranpha Franboise, Galaxy Angel ✅ * Saki Hanano, Gintama ✅ * Rino Rando, Gokujō Seitokai * Io Euclase, Granblue Fantasy the Animation ✅ ✅ * Rika Furude and Frederica Bernkastel, Higurashi no Naku Koro ni ✅ ✅ ✅ * Rika Furude and Ōka Furude, Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Rei ✅ ✅ ✅ * Ruru Amour, Hug tto! PreCure * Ai, I: Wish You Were Here * Iori Minase, iDOLM@STER Xenoglossia —stand-in for Rie Kugamiya * Maiko Tamaki, Interlude * Tabane Shinonono, IS: Infinite Stratos ✅ ✅ ✅ * Rinne Ohara, Island ✅ * Haruka Minazuki, Kaitō Tenshi Twin Angel * Mai Kawasumi, Kanon ✅ ✅ * Tomari Kurusu, Kashimashi: Girl Meets Girl * Togame, Katanagatari ✅ ✅ * Nui Harime, Kill la Kill ✅ ✅ * Komaki Asagiri, Kujjibiki Unbalance * Excel, Kurokami the Animation * Elizabeth Midford, Kuroshitsuji ("Black Butler") ✅ ✅ * Yotsuba, Kyokugen Dasshutsu Adv: Zennin Shibō Desu Prologue * Choco, Last Period: The Journey to the End of the Despair ✅ * Finis, Last Song * Midori Sugiura, Mai-HiME * Lu Amano, Miami Guns * Ink Nijihara, Moetan * Nightingale, Monster Strike * Shuri Wakatsuki, Myself;Yourself ✅ * Muromi-san, Namiuchigiwa no Muromi-san * Tenten, Naruto ✅ * Jibril, No Game No Life ✅ ✅ * Ringo Kinoshita, Nōrin ✅ ✅ ✅ * Kanako Kurusu and Meruru, Ore no Imōto ga Konnani Kawaii Wake ga Nai ✅ ✅ ✅ * Masuzu Natsukawa, Ore no Kanojo to Osananajimi ga Shuraba Sugiru ("Oreshura") ✅ ✅ ✅ * Akazukin, Otogi Jūshi Akazukin * Zesshi Zetsumei, Overlord II ✅ * Misha, Pita Ten * Clala, Quiz Magic Academy: The Original Animation * Priscilla Barielle, Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu ✅ ✅ * Kanami Yuta, s.CRY.ed ✅ * Chiyo Yumehara, Saiki Kusuo no Ψ-nan ✅ * Hayari Mizuhara, Saki Zenkoku-hen ✅ * Beatrix Brehme, Schwarzesmarken ✅ * Eva-R, Seikon no Qwaser * Tiriel, Shakugan no Shana ✅ * M4 SOPMOD II, Shàonǚ Qiánxiàn ("Girls' Frontline") ✅ * Ellis Valentine, Shinkon Gattai Godannar!! * Kazane Shishidō, Sora wo Kakeru Shōjo * Suzuha Amane, Steins;Gate (series) ✅ ✅ ✅ * Saku Tōyama, Tantei Opera Milky Holmes * Ai Kunugi, Teizokurei Daydream ("Ghost Talker's Daydream") ✅ * Frederica Bernkastel, Umineko no Naku Koro ni ✅ ✅ ✅ * Michiru Munakata, Uta-Kata ✅ ✅ * Hisako Ichiki, X-Men * KōRyū, AnRyū, and TenRyūJin — Yūsha-Ō GaoGaiGar Final Commentary: Ms. Tamura is an incredibly talented seiyū; as a testament to their legendary performances in the "Lyrical Nanoha" franchise, both she and Nana Mizuki (voice of "Fate Testarossa") received honorary voice actor Nendoroids, that Good Smile Company released after the original production of the Nanoha Takamachi and Fate Testarossa figures! Their collection performances (in the first two series particularly), are just that monumental! I would compare Ms. Tamura's role in "Lyrical Nanoha" to her roles as Michiru Munakata ("Uta-Kata") and Io Euclase ("Granblue Fantasy the Animation"), though Ms. Tamura is one of the most versatile voice actresses, when it comes to the variety of characters that she's voiced over the years! Fantastic work with the character! Nana Mizuki as Fate Testarossa, notable roles: * Nanase Kotobuki, "Bungaku Shōjo" * Allison Whittington and Lillianne Aicasia Corazón Whittington-Schultz, Allison to Lillia * Akiko, Aoi Bungaku Series * Oboro Iga, Basilisk * Kururu, Binzume Yōsei * Saya Kisaragi, Blood-C * Angelise Ikaruga Misurugi, Cross Ange: Tenshi to Ryū no Rondo * Misaki Kirihara, Darker Than Black: Kuro no Keiyakusha * Nanami Takatsuki and Ricotta Elmar, Dog Days * Hannah, Dragon's Dogma * Sieglinde Baumgarde, Dragonaut: The Resonance * Cisqua, Erementar Gerad * Wrath, Fullmetal Alchemist ✅ ✅ * Bi Fei, Gin no Guardian * Lydia Carlton, Hakushaku to Yōsei * Tsubomi Hanasaki, HeartCatch! PreCure! ✅ ✅ ✅ * Yu Minamoto, Ichigo 100% * Kotoko Aihara, Itazura na Kiss * Tsugumi Shibata, Jigoku Shōjo ("Hell Girl") ✅ ✅ * Sora Yamato, Jikū Tantei Genshi-kun * Tiz, Jū Ō Sei * Yin Fu, Ken En Ken: Aoki Kagayaki * Roya, Kiba * Yuno Rukina, Kiss Dum: Engage Planet * Alois Trancy, Kuroshitsuji II ✅ ✅ * Janice Quatlane, Layton Kyōju to Eien no Utahime ("Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva") * Nyamo Naamo, Love Hina * Sayaka Mizushiro, Magical Canan ("Magical Kanan") * Fate and Alicia Testarossa, Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha ✅ ✅ ✅ * Hotaru Shirakawa, Memories Off * Mizuki Hibara, Mokke * Magaret Liones, Nanatsu no Taizai ✅ * Hinata Hyūga, Naruto ✅ ✅ * Kaho Serizawa, Natsu-iro no Sunadokei ("Hourglass of Summer") ✅ ✅ * Shinobu, Ninin ga Shinobuden ✅ ✅ * Ann Takamaki, Persona 5 ✅ ✅ * Rue Kuroha, Princess Tutu ✅ ✅ * Yufa, Ragnarök the Animation * Rin Ogata, RideBack ✅ ✅ * Moka Akashiya, Rosario to Vampire * Pandora, Saint Seiya: The Lost Canvas ✅ ✅ ✅ * Tsubasa Kazanari, Senki Zesshō Symphogear * Mave, Sentō Yōsei Shōjo Tasukete! Mave-chan * Nana Suzuki, Shichinin no Nana * Kanon Seena, Shining Tears X Wind * Utau Hoshina, Shugo Chara! * Morinas, Simōn * Aria, Sister Princess * Suzu Edogawa, Tactics * Colette Brunel, Tales of Symphonia the Animation ✅ ✅ ✅ * Sylvette Suede, Tegamibachi ✅ ✅ * Neju Na Melmas, Tenchi Muyō! GXP * Chizuru, Tokyo Marble Chocolate * Sunao Konoe, Tsuyokiss * Matsuki Akino, Wakaokami wa Shougakusei! ✅ ✅ * Maria, Witchblade * Rina Ogata, White Album ✅ ✅ ✅ Commentary: The one word that I would use to describe Nana Mizuki as Fate Testarossa is: heartfelt. Ms. Mizuki is able to alter her glass masks between the abused, little girl to the fiercely, cold magic user in a matter of seconds; despite Fate's fractured persona, the performance came off as organic and natural, and nothing seemed forced. I would say that this was Ms. Mizuki's "career-defining" role, and the adulation and recognition that the character receives is well-deserved! Compelling character! Kaori Mizuhashi as Vivio, notable roles: * Purple Thorn, Accel World ✅ * Taeko Minazuki, Ai Yori Aoshi ✅ ✅ * Ai Aino, Aria the Animation * Minami Shimada, Baka to Test to Shōkanjū ✅ * Altines, Busō Shinki * Len, Carnival Phantasm ✅ * Pepper, Chicchana Yukitsukai Sugar ("A Little Snow Fairy Sugar") * Ayumu Aizawa, Circlet Princess ✅ * Vivian Jones, Eikoku Koi Monogatari Emma ✅ ✅ ✅ * Sara Shirogane, Futakoi * Chika Ogiue, Genshiken ✅ ✅ ✅ * Michiru Matsushima, Grisaia no Kajitsu (series) ✅ * Miyako, Hidamari Sketch ✅ ✅ ✅ * Kasumi Haruno, Kasumin * Akane Suzumiya, Kimi ga Nozumu Eien ("Rumbling Hearts") ✅ ✅ ✅ * Haruto Mizushima, Kin'iro no Corda: Blue♪Sky * Mifuyu Kiba, Koi to Senkyo to Chocolate * Yūno Scrya, Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha —series ✅ ✅ ✅ * Mami Tomoe, Mahō Shōjo Madoka★Magica ✕ Magia Record: Mahō Shōjo Madoka☆Magica Gaiden (TV) ✅ ✅ ✅ * Laharl, Makai Senki Disgaea ✅ ✅ * Janet van Dyne ("Wasp"), Marvel Disk Wars: The Avengers * Tio Plato, Minna Atsumare! Falcom Gakuen * Ōgi Oshino, Monogatari —series ✅ ✅ * Pikaia, Pikaia! * Fel, Prism Ark * Mimika, Puka Puka Juju * Elina Vance, Queen's Blade (series) ✅ ✅ ✅ * Meiru Sakurai, Rockman.EXE ("Megaman.EXE") * Yagyū, Senran Kagura ✅ * Agnes Bōlange, Shukufuku no Campanella ✅ * Aya Fujisaki, To LOVEる ✅ Commentary: Fate and Nanoha's daughter have the same voice actress as Nanoha's ferret companion, Yūno Scrya, from the ※first series! Ms. Mizuhashi has a talent of making the child version of Vivio impossibly adorable, while the adult version can kick some major butt! I would compare her voice as child Vivio to her roles as Michiru Matsushima ("Grisaia no Kajitsu") and Akane Suzumiya ("Kimi ga Nozumu Eien"), because they're more youthful-sounding, whereas Vivio's older self can be comparable to roles like Mami Tomoe ("Mahō Shōjo Madoka★Magica") and Miyako ("Hidamari Sketch"). Great job with the character! ※He's in all the other iterations, too, but he's more of a pivotal character in the first arc. Mamiko Noto as Einhart Stratos, notable roles: * Karen Minamino, AIka * Fiona, Allison to Lillia * Mayumi Fujimiya, Aquarian Age * Felicità, Arcana Famiglia * Azusa, Azusa Otetsudai Shimasu! * Alice Gehabich, Bakugan Battle Brawlers * Saya Irino ("Black★Gold Saw"), Black★Rock Shooter ✅✅✅ * Makie Otono-Tachibana, Blade of the Immortal * Takami Komoda, Bokura no ✅ * Lilica Evette, Burn Up Scramble * Kotomi Ichinose, Clannad ✅✅ * Satomi Anzaki, Dear Boys * Yukihime, Dororon Enma-kun Meeramera ✅✅✅ * Jil, Druaga no Tou: The Aegis of Uruk ✅ * Yuka, Elfen Lied * Mavis Vermillion, Fairy Tail ✅✅✅ * Satellizer el Bridget, Freezing * Alex Benedetto, Gangsta. * Yukinari Sasaki, Girls Bravo * CAL-141, Halo Legends * Mitsuki Ikuta, Hit wo Nerae! * Aya Tōjō, Ichigo 100% * Ana Coppola, Ichigo Mashimaro ("Strawberry Marshmallow") ✅✅✅ * Rin, InuYasha ✅✅ * Ai Enma, Jigoku Shōjo ✅✅ * Ayano Satō, Joshikōsei: Girl's High * Neiro, Kaiba ✅✅✅ * Aoi Kannazuki, Kaibutsu Ōjo * Kōta Oyamada, Kanokon * Fujino Asagami, Kara no Kyōkai ✅✅✅ * Sawako Kuronuma, Kimi ni Todoke ✅ * Kyoko Asahina, 北へ。 ～Diamond Dust Drops～ * Emi Kizaki, Kurogane no Linebarrels * Nodoka Miyazaki, Mahō Sensei Negima! * Ōka Sayama, Manyū Hikenchō * Shimako Tōdō, Maria-sama ga Miteru ✅✅✅ * Yuri Takikago, Mawaru Penguindrum ✅✅✅ * Rin Asogi, Rin: Daughters of Mnemosyne ✅✅✅ * Anna Liebert, Monster ✅✅✅ * Shizu Murasume, TO LOVEる ✅✅ * Tsukiko Sagi, Paranoia Agent ✅ * Inia Sestina, Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse ✅✅✅ * Narue Nanase, Narue no Sekai * Akira Sakura, Shadow Star Narutaru ✅ * Moriko Morioka, Recovery of an MMO Junkie ✅ * Saeko Okuyama, Niji-iro Hotaru: Eien no Natsuyasumi * Haruka Nogizaka, Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu * Ririka Nishizono, Occultic;Nine * Fūka Yamagishi, Persona 3 * Tomoe, Queen's Blade ✅✅ * Nayu Hasegawa, Rō-Kyū-Bu! ✅✅✅ * Aria, Saint Seiya Omega * Yakumo Tsukamoto, School Rumble * Iona Urazoe, Selector Spread WIXOSS * Kenshin Uesugi, Sengoku Collection * Limone, Simōn * Matsuri Shihō, Sola ✅✅✅ * Yuki Sōya, Taishō Baseball Girls * Noel Hiiragi, Tansu Warashi. * Aisa Himegami, Toaru Majutsu no Index ✅ * Esther Blanchett, Trinity Blood ✅✅ * Benten, Uchōten Kazoku ✅✅✅ * Rinko Jerrard, The Law of Ueki * Masane Amaha, Witchblade ✅✅ * Kotori Monō, X ✅✅ * Hazuki Azuma, Yami to Bōshi to Hon no Tabibito ✅✅ * Kaori, Yojōhan Shinwa Taikei ✅✅ * Megumi Hasegawa, よみがえる空 -Rescue Wings- * Tiffania Westwood, Zero no Tsukaima * Kotone Sasaki, Zettai Junpaku♡Mahō Shōjo Commentary: Ms. Noto gives Einhart Stratos the same bright-eyed, ingénue-type of demeanor as Renge has in "Non Non Biyori"! Her character is so charismatic and mesmerizing to watch, her staple lines of introducing her name, brought joy to A-1's somewhat "botched" production of the show! I would compare this role to her other voices in "Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse" as Inia Sestina, and "Ichigo Mashimaro" as Ana Coppola! She's now known for playing mostly sexy characters, but her brief stints as more cute characters really worked for her, as well. Amazing performance, as always! Misato Fukuen as Corona Timil, notable roles: * Eri Shinkai, AIka R-16: Virgin Mission and AIka Zero * Asuka Kurashina, Ao no Kanata no Four Rhythm ✅✅✅ * Konta Tsukino, Bakukyū Hit! Crash B-Daman * Misao Amano, Battle Programmer Shirase * Chibiusa and Black Lady, Bishōjo Senshi Sailor Moon: Crystal * Tearju Lunatique and Eve, Black Cat (TV) * Nene and Nono Motoe, Blood-C * Himiko Toga, Boku no Hero Academia ✅✅✅ * Rika Shiguma, Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai ("Haganai: I don't have many friends") * Ivan Whisky ("001"), Cyborg 009: Call of Justice * Iria Fukumune, Dakara Boku wa, H ga Dekinai. ("So, I Can't Play H!") ✅ * Yin, Darker Than Black (series) ✅✅ * Patty Lowell, Devil May Cry * Saki Mikajima, Durarara!! (series) ✅ * Anzu Kadotani, Girls und Panzer ✅✅✅ * Rinne Amagane, Hells * Natsume and Nakayama, Hidamari Sketch ✅ * Iggy, JoJo no Kimyō na Bōken Part 3: Stardust Crusaders ✅✅✅ * Utao Kuga, Kamisama Dolls ✅✅ * Ayumi Matsuoka, Kyochū Rettō * Mahmu Yuzuki, M3: Sono Kuroki Hagane * Hikage Miyauchi, Non Non Biyori ✅✅✅ * Langley, Pokémon: Best Wishes * Kurumu Korono, Rosario to Vampire * Misora Hibiki, Ryūsei no Rockman ("Megaman Star Force") * Miyuki Hoshizora ("Cure Happy"), Smile PreCure ✅✅✅ * Seri Tatekami, Sōkyū no Fafner: Dead Aggressor * Eruka Frog, Soul Eater * Yoshika Miyafuji, Strike Witches ✅✅✅ * Edna, Talea of Zestiria ✅ * Momoe Okonogi, Tasogare Otome x Amnesia * Konjiki no Yami ("Darkness"), To LOVEる ✅✅✅ * Maika Tsichimikado, Toaru Kagaku no Railgun (series) ✅ * Shiruku Koharuno, UG☆Ultimate Girls * Hime Yarizakura, Yozakura Quartet Commentary: Ms. Fukuen gave a performance that was similar to her role in Smile PreCure (as Miyuki Hoshizora "Cure Happy"), because despite the series leaning on the ledge of lower quality, her cute, zestful acting made Corona the second best character, after the supreme best girl of the ViVid series: Einhart Stratos! I would compare her delightful persona in this show to her role as Konjiki no Yami ("To LOVEる"), though less on the kūdere side — she still plays a character that is the trifecta of adorable, attractive, and a strong fighter! I would also compare her to Asuka Kurashina ("Ao no Kanata no Four Rhythm"), because her genki-energy metaphorically drips through the screen. Ms. Fukuen is a great seiyū and gets far too little recognition in English-speaking countries for the fantastic work that she does! Eri Kitamura as Rio Wezley, notable roles: * Yui, Angel Beats! ✅ * Koharu, Bakumatsu Gijinden Roman * Sawako Machida, Bernard-jō Iwaku. ✅ * Saki Yūtenji, Bihada Ichizoku * Kagari Izuriha ("Chariot"), Black★Rock Shooter ✅✅✅ * Saya Otonashi, Blood+ ✅ * Anji Zo, Bloodivores * Mina Ashido, Boku no Hero Academia ✅ * Liliana Kranjčar, Campione! Matsurowanu Kamigami to Kamigoroshi no Maō ✅ * Rimi Sakihata, ChäoS;HEAd ✅ * Kirika Ueno, C³ * Uni, Hyperdimension Neptunia * Yuka Mochida, Corpse Party * Jessica Kaios, Danball Senki W * Adélaïde Grand Marnie, Dog Days * Mairu Orihara, Durarara!! * Aquarius, Fairy Tail ✅✅ * Miki Aono, Fresh PreCure! ✅ * Seira Hoshikawa, Genei wo Kakeru Taiyō * Darjeeling, Girls und Panzer ✅✅✅ * Mahiro Yasaka, Haiyore! Nyaruko-san * Saitō ("Bea"), Hakumei no Tsubasa ✅ * Renko Usami, Hifū Katsudō Kiroku: The Sealed Esoteric History ✅✅✅ * Saya Takagi, Highschool of the Dead ✅✅ * Okō, Hōzuki no Reitetsu ✅✅ * Myōsai Kakōe, Ikkitōsen * Kitsunemen no Onna, Kiitarō Shōnen no Yōkai Enikki * Rin Kokonoe, Kodomo no Jikan ✅✅ * Yui, Koharu Biyori * Hibiki Sakata, Kuma Miko * Dōji Yase, Kyōsō Giga * Tatiana Wisla, Last Exile ✅✅ * Anna Rochefort, Le Chevalier D'Eon ✅✅ * Mitty, Made in Abyss ✅✅✅ * Kotone Oribe, Magical Suite Prism Nana * Sayaka Miki, Mahō Shōjo Madoka★Magica ✅✅ * Kanade Suzutsuki, Mayo Chiki! * Karen Araragi, Monogatari (series) ✅✅ * Eve Neuschwanstein, Needless * Iori Wakabayashi, Oji-san to Marshmallow * Rie Maezono, One Off * Arashi Nikaidō, Onii-chan dakedo Ai sae Areba Kankeinai yo ne! * Nao Takanashi, Onii-chan no Koto nanka Zenzen Suki ja Nai n da kara ne!! * Chisato Mizusawa, Osake wa Fūfu ni Natte kara * Miu Takanashi, Papa no Iukoto wo Kikinasai! * Sunao Moriyama, Potemayo ✅✅ * Alleyne, Queen's Blade ✅✅✅ * Akane Senri, Rewrite ✅✅ * Tsunehisa Amago, Sengoku Collection * Homura, Senran Kagura ✅✅ * Cerberus, Shingeki no Bahamut ✅✅ * Lucifer, Sin: Nanatsu no Taizai ✅ * Kureha Suminoya, So Ra No Wo To * Kotone Sawanatsu, Softenni * Aki Shiina, Sunohara-sō no Kanrinin-san ✅ * Juri Han, Super Street Fighter IV ✅✅ * Kirie Kanoe, Tasogare Otome x Amnesia * Hamyuts Meseta, 戦う司書 The Book of Bantorra * Tony, Terra e... (TV) ✅✅ * Bimajo, Time Bokan 24 * Ami Kawashima, Toradora ✅ * Chiester 410, Umineko no Naku Koro ni ✅✅ * Yachiyo Todoroki, Working!! ✅ * Nene Odagiri, Yamada-kun to 7-nin no Majo (TV) * Leopard, Yoru no Yatterman * Bahamut, Zettai Bōei Leviathan Commentary: Ms. Kitamura did a great job at making the least memorable member of the new quartet have a bold presence, in the face of the other cute girls. I would compare the role of "Rio Wezley" to her performances as Karen Araragi in the "Monogatari" series, boyish and can pack a mean punch, and Yui ("Angel Beats"), single-fanged characters unite! Her pep and cuteness helps animate the series, with the rest of the girls! Great job! Conclusively, I would say that the most "vivid" part of this installment in the "Nanoha" franchise is the voice acting, the story is just your standard shōnen series... but, with magical girls and adult transformations. This would probably be a franchise that would air alongside "Beyblade" in a Saturday morning cartoon block, if there weren't so many sexual shots. I give "Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha ViVid" a 3/10, not the worst Nanoha show though, since I enjoyed it more than the Detonation OVA. Rating: ★★☆☆☆
Reviewer’s Rating: 3
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