This is an anime series where two, adult female characters actually ※tie the knot, and then they raise an adopted child! Despite this series breaking conventional norms and being a full thirteen episodes longer than the two series prior, the plot had a lot of problems, and perhaps, the world building got a little bit too out-of-hand... after all, there are now over THIRTY reoccurring characters to keep up with, not to mention over TWENTY antagonists that are thrown in the fray! This is like the weirdly named extensive cast in U.C. Gundam's continuity, except if many of them weren't as colorfully designed and had
...
drab personalities!
※This isn't explicitly stated in the script, but there is official art of them in wedding dresses together. Not to mention that they're living together intimately and are raising a daughter. How much more subtext do you need?
⚠️ This review of Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS will contain light spoilers ⚠️
—Story/Characters
The first half of the series had me hyped: all of the old characters are ten years older and taking a group of younger characters under their wing, AND they're raising an orphaned child as their own! After Fate Testarossa's acquired adoration for conventional, little girl things, i.e. stuffed animals and dresses, after the end of her first arc — I kind of expected her to be the more traditional, stay-at-home mother figure; but, NANOHA actually ends up taking that position, while Fate is more work oriented! I mean, I guess it isn't like Nanoha is any less feminine than Fate, she just has the most broken power level and skill set in the universe!
This installment has an atmosphere that screams what if the "Muv-Luv" militia had magic powers, instead of mech suits! Some of the skills that were used as final attacks in the first two seasons, like Nanoha's Starlight Breaker, are now used more conventionally, like instead of charging up to fire a huge laser beam at a bad guy, Nanoha will just use it to blast through walls. She could be a magical girl firefighter, with that level of practicality! Despite Hayate having god-like abilities in "A's", she seems to be more designated to the role of an office worker in this season.
I thought the plot point with Vivio being a clone of "Sankt Kaiser" and being used as a vessel to activate the Saint's Cradle was kind of lame; it seemed like forced drama to have Fate and Nanoha become attached to her, and then have her kidnapped and used as a damsel. The inheritance of all of that power also seemed translucent with its attempt to make the all-powerful Nanoha and Fate's daughter have a way to somehow adopt a portion of their magnanimous abilities, despite not actually being related to them! Maybe, I've just consumed too many other fictional stories, but I kind of rolled my eyes at that point, because it appeared to be thinly veiled, sequel bait.
More than anything this series felt like an extended universe bookend, that was saying "here's references to the previous series with the characters that you liked all grown up, now we'll dump a bajillion more girls and effeminate boys for you to fawn over in the up-coming sequels"! It reminds me of all of the Marvel crossovers! I get that this franchise is acting as an enterprise, by branching out and showing off how cool the world is, but can we just get one really good story with a few new characters? Not a gaggle of generic background characters, that each have their own individual backstory in the canon, I mean, even the 東方Project girls were released in a series of individual game installments!
Luna's Favorite Works by Each Respective Creator = ✅
Keizō Kusakawa (director), notable works:
* Action Heroine Cheer Fruits
* Ahiru no Sora
* Aho Girl
* Akuma no Riddle ✅
* Asura Cryin' (series)
* Campione!: Matsurowanu Kamigami to Kamigoroshi no Maō
* Dog Days (Season One) ✅
* Fūka ✅
* Genei wo Kakeru Taiyō ✅
* Happy Sugar Life ✅
* Inukami! ✅
* Inukami! The Movie: Tokumei Reiteki Sōsakan Karina Shirō!
* Jūō Mujin no Fafnir
* KanColle Movie ✅
* Kantai Collection: KanColle ✅
* Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha A's ✅
* Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha: The Movie 1st ✅
* Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha: The Movie 2nd A's ✅
* Mondaiji-tachi ga Isekai kara Kuru Sou Desu yo? ✅
* Rō-Kyū-Bu! ✅
* Rō-Kyū-Bu! SS ✅
* Rō-Kyū-Bu! Tomoka no Ichigo Sundae ✅
* Sekirei
* Sekirei: Pure Engagement
Commentary: Mr. Kusakawa is less celebrated than he should be; the man can direct some very visually striking animation scenes — if you haven't watched the "Kantai Collection" film, I would suggest giving it a try, it is a gorgeous, hour-long slice of animation! I would say that his lack of popularity with English audiences is partially due to his focus on leading very niche projects, that are more popular with the "moe otaku" crowd, rather than appealing to your everyday, run-of-the-mill, anime-watching normie. The original GAME for "Kantai Collection" has never even received an international release, and I doubt that it would garner much of a following if it did, since "Azur Lane" has already wormed its way into the hearts of EN players! Despite being a very talented director, he doesn't normally land projects with highly-skilled animators or writers; that's the whole reason why "Akuma no Riddle" sunk! And he is typically designated to lower budget studios, but when he is granted a large sum of expendable income, like with the repackaged "Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha" films, his finesse really shows! Keizō Kusakawa is an incredible director, I would suggest "Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha," "Rō-Kyū-Bu!", or "Kantai Collection" as an entry point into his shows ("Mondaiji-tachi ga Isekai kara Kuru Sou Desu yo?" is pretty dang enjoyable, too)! The fight scenes are polished in the film and the emotional scenes brought me to tears, so kudos to Mr. Kusakawa and his animation team for the amazing amount of strife that they put into the project!
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!
Kana Ueda as Hayate Yagami, notable roles:
* Paladin, Bikini Warrior
* IF, Chōjigen Game Neptune, localized as "Hyperdimension Neptunia" ✅✅
* Rin Tōsaka, Fate/stay night ✅✅✅
* Momo Kawashima, Girls & Panzer ✅✅✅
* Chikage Izumi, Hagure Yūsha no Aesthetica, localized as "Aesthetica of a Rogue Hero"
* Yūko Morigaya, Hina Logi: From Luck & Logic
* Neon Nostrade, Hunter x Hunter (2011) ✅✅✅
* Hazumu Osaragi, Kashimashi: Girl Meets Girl
* Yuiko Hawatari, Loveless ✅✅
* Yumi Fukuzawa, Maria-sama ga Miteru, localized as "Maria Watches Over Us" ✅✅✅
* Kurumi Momose, Paniponi Dash!
* Anastasia Hoshin, Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu, localized as "Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World-" ✅
* Honami Takase Ambler, Rental Magica
* Luna Shirogane, Ryūsei no Rockman, localized as "Megaman: Star Force"
* Saki Miyanaga, Saki ✅✅✅
* Fumika, Shigofumi ✅✅✅
* Heidemarie W. Schnaufer, Strike Witches: The Movie ✅✅
* Kareha Suzuka, TOKKÔ
Commentary: Ms. Ueda is known for having a very youthful, yet mature presence. This is the character of Hayate Yagami in a nutshell, she is very naïve and pure because of her age, but her terminal illness has given her an emotional complexity that makes her wise beyond her years. I would compare her role is "Nanoha A's" to her roles as Fumika ("Shigofumi") — I will avoid going into spoilers here, though this explaining the character of Fumika is difficult without stepping into a minefield of them, but put simply, she is a Shinigami that lost her mortal life at a young age and has seen a lot of things... there, I simplified it to the best of my ability, now go watch "Shigofumi"! I would also compare her performance as Hayate Yagami to Neon Nostrade ("Hunter x Hunter"), if you know how brutal the world of Hunter x Hunter, you would know that a cute girl would simply not just exist within that realm, and Saki Miyanaga (the titular character of "Saki"), she comes off as boyish and unsophisticated, but she's actually a mahjong genius! Incredible performance!
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.
Chiwa Saito as Subaru Nakajima, notable roles:
* Konoha Inōe, "Bungaku Shōjo"
* Yona, Akatsuki no Yona ✅ ✅
* Aika S. Granzchesta, Aria the Animation
* Schierke, Berserk (2016) ✅ ✅ ✅
* Miina, Brave Story
* Sigyn Erster, Break Blade
* Paya Livingston, Dai Mahō Tōge ✅ ✅
* Yuki Saegusa, Dance in the Vampire Bund
* Aoi Asahina, Danganronpa 3 ✅ ✅
* Neneko Izumi, DearS
* Nanoha, Double Circle
* Chloe von Einzbern, Fate/kaleid liner Prisma☆Illya ✅ ✅
* Kirie Kojima, Girls Bravo
* Inugami, Gugure! Kokkuri-san ✅ ✅
* Tatenashi Sarashiki, IS: Infinite Stratos ✅ ✅
* Chroniko, Kaiba ✅ ✅ ✅
* Tama Hitotsubashi, Kamichu!
* Chitan Tsubōchi, Katte ni Kaizō
* Kemeko, Kemeko Deluxe!
* Natsumi Hinata, Keroro
* Kokoro, Kokoro Toshokan
* Riko Aida, Kuroko no Basket ✅ ✅
* Lavie Head, Last Exile ✅ ✅ ✅
* Nureha, Log Horizon ✅ ✅ ✅
* Homura Akemi, Mahō Shoujo Madoka★Magica ✅ ✅ ✅
* Louise Halvey, Kidō Senshi Gundam 00
* Hitagi Senjōgahara, Monogatari (series) ✅ ✅
* Ayame Akimo, Mōsō Kagaku Series: Wandaba Style
* Nancy Lee, Ninja Slayer From Animation
* Adele Roland, Nishi no Yoki Majo: Astraea Testament
* Rebecca Miyamoto, Paniponi Dash!
* Anita King, R.O.D -The TV- ✅ ✅
* Kotori Kanbe, Rewrite ✅
* Komachi, Samurai 7
* Tsurugi Yagami, Sasami-san@Ganbaranai ✅ ✅ ✅
* Chihiro Uomi, Seitokai Yakuindomo
* Imu, Senran Kagura ✅
* Mao, Shining Teas X Wind
* Honoka Mutsu, Stella Jogakuin Kōtō-ka C³-bu
* Francesca Lucchini, Strike Witches ✅ ✅ ✅
* Hazuki, Tsukuyomi: Moon Phase ✅
* Tenko, Ueki no Hōsoku
* Futaba Yoshinaga, Yoshinaga-sanchi no Gargoyle
* Miku Miyama, Zettai Shōnen
Commentary: Ms. Saito has become a very famous voice in the industry, her voices as Homura Akemi ("Mahō Shoujo Madoka★Magica") and Hitagi Senjōgahara ("Bakemonogatari") are the roles you can mention to the majority of people, and they'll be able to identify her voice! Ms. Saito's voice in "StrikerS" is very spirited and tomboyish, I would compare her performance in this series to Tatenashi Sarashiki ("IS: Infinite Stratos") and Francesca Lucchini ("Strike Witches"), both are energetic girls with masculine energy, though Tatenashi tends to be more on the promiscuous side! Great voice actress, to my surprise, I actually preferred Subaru over the other new protagonist, Teana, despite the fact that the MAI NAKAHARA plays her character!
Mai Nakahara as Teana Lanster, notable roles:
* Rena Kunisaki, .hack/Legend of the Twilight Bracelet ✅
* Chitose Nanbu, Amaenaide yo!!, localized as "Ah My Buddha"
* Hatsune Otonashi, Angel Beats! ✅✅✅
* Akagi, Azur Lane ✅✅✅
* Felli Loss, Chrome Shelled Regios
* Nagisa Furukawa, Clannad ✅✅
* Chisa Yukizome, Danganronpa 3: The End of Kibōgamine Gakuen ✅✅✅
* Thanast Useim Ruki Miu Sia Nostal Ren Naguregyug ("Miu"), DearS ✅
* Haruka Niekawa, Durarara!! ✅
* Juvia Lockser, Fairy Tail ✅✅
* Reika Rikudō, Fate/Apocrypha ✅✅
* Rena Ryūgū, Higurashi no Naku Koro ni, localized as "When They Cry" ✅✅✅
* Watashi, Jinrui wa Suitai Shimashita, localized as "Humanity Has Declined" ✅
* Karin Hanazono, Kamichama Karin ✅
* Nanami Yasuri, Katanagatari ✅
* Mai Tokiha, Mai-HiME ✅
* Yui Takamura, Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse ✅✅✅
* Anna Aoi, Chōjūshin Gravion
* Aono Morimiya, Sola ✅✅✅
* Nagisa Aoi, Strawberry Panic ✅✅
* Morgan, Tears to Tiara ✅
* Reimu Hakurei, 東方 Niji Sōsaku Dōjin Anime: Musō Kakyō ✅✅✅
* Morgan, Tears to Tiara ✅
* Yashirō Shimogamo, Uchōten Kazoku, localized as "The Eccentric Family" ✅✅✅
* Yuzuha, Utawarerumono ✅✅✅
Commentary: The feminine sharp-shooter, as Ms. Nakahara is with all of her other great roles, she delivers with Teana Lanster! I would compare her role as the more pragmatic and thoughtful of the two girls in the buddy cop duo, to Reimu Hakurei ("東方Project"), Reimu is honest and pragmatic to the point of being seen as a jerk, and Yui Takamura ("Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse"), the First Lieutenant in Japan's Imperial Royal Guard that also descends from a distinguished, samurai family... meaning that she's a hard cookie to crack! Amazing performance, as always!
Mikako Takahashi as Caro Ru Lushe, notable roles:
* Hitomi, Appleseed VIII
* Louise Bubby, Chocolate Underground
* Tuile, Chōjūshin Gravion ✅
* Leerin Marfes, Chrome Shelled Regios
* Ayaka, Crystal Blaze
* Sakura Mizukami, D-Frag!
* Rebecca Anderson, Dog Days (series) ✅
* Reverie Metherlence, Erementar Gerad
* Nanami Moriyama, Fate/kaleid liner Prisma☆Illya 2wei Herz! ✅
* Suzuha Amanosuzu, Future Card Buddyfight (series)
* Tsu Terakado and Sadaharu, Gintama (series) ✅✅✅
* Yuzu Koyama, Girls und Panzer ✅✅
* Rushuna Tendō, Grenadier: Hohoemi no Senshi
* Ayumi Yamada, Hachimitsu to Clover ✅✅✅
* Rika Akiba, Hanbun no Tsuki ga Noboru Sora ("Looking Up At The Half-Moon") ✅
* Ayumu Nishizawa, Hayate no Gotoku!
* Shirayuki Hotogi, Hidan no Aria
* Elena and Eeta, Hunter x Hunter (2011) ✅✅
* Hakugen Rikuson and Teni Shizen, Ikkitōsen (series)
* Sayo Tomoe, Keitai Shōjo
* Izumi Makihara, Kemeko Deluxe!
* Rosalie Claudel, Mai-Otome and Mai-Otome Zwei
* Ayako Takasu, Mamoru-kun ni Megami no Shukufuku wo! ("Venus to Mamoru!")
* Chisato Tanuma, Maria-sama ga Miteru (series) ✅✅✅
* Nyami, MonHun Nikki Girigiri Airō Mura G
* Saya and Saizō, Peace Maker Kurogane
* Nowi, Queen's Blade (series) ✅✅✅
* Adelicia Ren Mathers, Rental Magica
* Kuniko Hōjō, Shangri-La ✅✅
* Jun Shiomi, Shokugeki no Sōma ✅✅
* Rodoreamon, Simōn
* Kusuha Mizuha, Super Robot Taisen OG the Animation (series)
* Tsubasa Watatsumi, Tactical Roar
* Sakuno Ryuzaki, Tennis no Ōji-sama
* Akiho Sairenji, To LOVEる✅✅
* Patchouli Knowledge ("Pachurī Nōreji"), 東方 Niji Sōsaku Dōjin Anime: Musō Kakyō ✅✅✅
* Rita Sior, Wellber no Monogatari: Sisters of Wellber
* Montmorency Margarita la Fère de Montmorency, Zero no Tsukaima (series)
Commentary: Ms. Takahashi can wear a variety of glass masks, ranging from the subdued and cynical to the face of a spirited, young girl! In this anime, it is the latter, as she plays the adorable, young Caro Ru Lushe! I would compare the role to her voices in "Queen's Blade" as Nowi and "Hunter x Hunter (2011)" as Elena and Eeta! Great work!
Marina Inōe as Erio Mondial, notable roles:
* Kyōko Kōda, 3-Gatsu no Lion ✅
* Tsukasa Kiryu, Akaneiro ni Somaru Saka
* Chloe Morisu, Akanesasu Shōjo
* Valt Aoi, Beyblade Burst
* Momo Yaoyorozu, Boku no Hero Academia ✅
* Yozora Mikazuki, Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai ("I Don't Have Many Friends")
* Narvi Stryze, Break Blade
* Tsubasa, Busō Shinki Moon Angel
* Ibuki, Chaos Dragon: Sekiryū Seneki
* Meguru, Chōjikū Robo Meguru
* Kakeru Todoroki, Chōsoku Henkei Gyrozetter
* Cossette d'Auvergne, Cossette no Shōzō ✅
* Ami Kawamura, Danbell Senki
* Nana, Darling in the FranXX ✅
* Tōka Yatogami, Date A Live ✅ ✅ ✅
* Tagiru Akashi, Digimon Fusion
* Chiffon Fairchild, Freezing
* Mutsuki Uehara, Gakuen Utopia Manabi Straight!
* Mina Tsukuda, Getsumen To Heiki Mina
* Asaemon Ikeda, Gintama
* Iba Himuro, Gokujō!! Mecha Mote Iinchō
* Haruka Nanase, Hagure Yūsha no Aesthetica
* Rei Miyamoto, High School of the Dead ✅ ✅
* Kirihime Natsuno, Inu to Hasami wa Tsukaiyō ("Dog & Scissors")
* Laura Bodewig, IS: Infinite Stratos ✅ ✅ ✅
* Natsuru Senō, Kämpfer
* Monaka Noguchi, Kite Liberator
* Inaho Enoki, Kyochū Rettō
* Sakura Mamiya, Kyōkai no Rinne (TV)
* Mio Tsuzuki, Loups=Garous
* Matsurika Shinōji, Maria†Holic ✅ ✅ ✅
* Kana Minami, Minami-ke
* Sodachi Oikura, Monogatari series ✅ ✅ ✅
* Iroha Tsuchiura, Onii-chan no Koto nanka Zenzen Suki ja Nai n da kara ne!! ("Because I Don't Like My Big Brother At All!!")
* Makina Sakamaki, Plastic Nee-san ✅
* Yūta Iridatsu, Punch Line
* Rio Rollins Tachibana, Rio: Rainbow Gate!
* Chiri Kitsu, Sayonara Zetsubō Sensei ✅✅✅
* Rebecca Randall, Seikoku no Dragonar ("Dragonar Academy")
* Tsukiumi, Sekirei
* Alicia Melchiott, Senjō no Valkyria ("Valkyria Chronicles")
* Pheles, Shakugan no Shana
* Armin Arlert, Shingeki no Kyōjin ✅ ✅
* Kyōko Mogami, Skip Beat! ✅
* Nao Midorikawa ("Cure March"), Smile PreCure ✅ ✅
* Rakuta Koga, Suteki Tantei Labyrinth ("Fantastic Detective Labyrinth")
* Yōko Littner, Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann ✅ ✅
* Iku Kasahara, Toshokan Sensō ✅
* Jessica Ushiromiya, Umineko no Naku Koro ni ✅ ✅ ✅
* Yumiko Miura, Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Comedy wa Machigatteiru. ("My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU") ✅ ✅
* Shigeru Kanmuri, Yakitate!! Japan
Commentary: Ms. Inōe usually plays beautiful, young women but, in "StrikerS", she plays a little boy! The only other little boy role that I can recall seeing her in, is when she voices Armin Arlert in "Shingeki no Kyōjin", and I would say that the inflection that she uses with the two is quite similar, since they are effeminate and can be feisty, when they get angered. Incredible work!
Conclusively, the main problem with "StrikerS" is that it was too ambitious and didn't have a linear direction. I usually don't mind stories like this terribly much, after all I'm a fan of franchises like 東方Project and Kantai Collection, I like shows with a lot of characters, but each character has to have a memorable arc and a time to shine; you can't just garbage pile THAT many character onto us and expect us to care about ANY of them. Apart from the returning cast members, the only people that I actually did have an investment in is a) the original cast and b) Subaru and Teana — the other characters just gravitated around them, like trash orbiting around a planet! I give "Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS" a 4/10, I enjoyed parts of it, but it was too overzealous and tried to do too much, instead of sticking to a core component of a single narrative!
Rating: ★★☆☆☆
Jan 17, 2021 Not Recommended
This is an anime series where two, adult female characters actually ※tie the knot, and then they raise an adopted child! Despite this series breaking conventional norms and being a full thirteen episodes longer than the two series prior, the plot had a lot of problems, and perhaps, the world building got a little bit too out-of-hand... after all, there are now over THIRTY reoccurring characters to keep up with, not to mention over TWENTY antagonists that are thrown in the fray! This is like the weirdly named extensive cast in U.C. Gundam's continuity, except if many of them weren't as colorfully designed and had
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Reviewer’s Rating: 4
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Jan 16, 2021
Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha A's
(Anime)
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Like the tribulations of Fate Testarossa and her reclamation of her own identity and individual mortality, another young girl is struggling; Hayate Yagami, a nine-year-old girl that is a wheelchair-using orphan, whose health is slowly withering away from a terminal illness. "Nanoha A's" expands beyond the tragedy of one character and makes this girl the edifice, to a group of arcane being's sentient emotions! This series expounds upon the magical lore in the "Nanoha" universe, as well as brings the franchise to a total verklempt of a climax!
⚠️ This review of Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha A's and Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha A's: The Movie 2nd ... will contain spoilers ⚠️ —Story/Characters The feeling that this series gave me, was like something out of a Grimm Brother's fairytale; an unfortunate girl accidentally unlocks a mythical book full of mysterious, humanoid pages! The Delphic-type of cartoon imagery gave "Nanoha A's" a specific type of look, I would say that it was even more of a distinctive, visual identity than was seen in the first series; despite the concept being something relatively fresh for the time that it aired! Such a dense, gothic atmosphere is something that I've only ever seen in series like "Dantalian no Shōka" and "Dream Hunter Rem"! Since I went in detail about the heavy, mystic vibe that this series has going... I guess it's about time to examine the character and story writing! Much of the entertainment that I got from the characterization of the Belkan Knights was a) their collective, nurturing feelings towards their master, Hayate Yagami and b) the aforementioned Knights' attitude towards Nanoha and Fate, like they're outsiders to their secluded, little slice of life! I've always found rivalries like that rather interesting! Not to mention, Fate's specific foil relationship with Signum (they are both coldly chivalrous and honor-bound)... as well as the hot-blooded, Vita's on-going enmity towards the egoless, Nanoha! The orchestrators of this particular arc sure did known how to stage an interesting battle! It's difficult to know whether to credit the original creator ("Masaki Tsuzuki") or the director ("Keizō Kusakawa") for setting things up in such an engrossing way! I also found it fascinating how the Belkan Knights sort of had to juggle a double life of acting normal around Hayate, and also secretly opening up the Book of Darkness against her wishes, so that they can fight to preserve her existence! When the story would switch perspectives between them fiercely casting aside their emotions to duke it out with the heroes, versus their more friendly, laid back nature at home... it was really unique and fascinating to watch! It made the eventual summoning of Reinforce I feel like more of a culminating build-up towards her inevitable, rapturous awakening! The framing of this event really makes it seem as though the great harpazzo was going to rain down, if the girls weren't able to save the day! This series had some serious stakes! In the case of "Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha A's" (TV) versus "Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha A's: The Movie 2nd" — I have them ranked equally, because each of them have their strengths and weaknesses! For example, the plot in the TV series is more tightly written, the film feels rushed by comparison. To get the maximum emotional effect from "A's"... you would have to watch the television series. But, on the other hand, "Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha A's: The Movie 2nd" has better visuals and ties together some gaping plot holes from the original TV airing! I would suggest watching both, and if you aren't willing to, pick your poison! Luna's Favorite Works by Each Respective Creator = ✅ Keizō Kusakawa (director), notable works: * Action Heroine Cheer Fruits * Ahiru no Sora * Aho Girl * Akuma no Riddle ✅ * Asura Cryin' (series) * Campione!: Matsurowanu Kamigami to Kamigoroshi no Maō * Dog Days (Season One) ✅ * Fūka ✅ * Genei wo Kakeru Taiyō ✅ * Happy Sugar Life ✅ * Inukami! ✅ * Inukami! The Movie: Tokumei Reiteki Sōsakan Karina Shirō! * Jūō Mujin no Fafnir * KanColle Movie ✅ * Kantai Collection: KanColle ✅ * Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha: The Movie 1st ✅ * Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS ✅ * Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha: The Movie 2nd A's ✅ * Mondaiji-tachi ga Isekai kara Kuru Sou Desu yo? ✅ * Rō-Kyū-Bu! ✅ * Rō-Kyū-Bu! SS ✅ * Rō-Kyū-Bu! Tomoka no Ichigo Sundae ✅ * Sekirei * Sekirei: Pure Engagement Commentary: Mr. Kusakawa is less celebrated than he should be; the man can direct some very visually striking animation scenes — if you haven't watched the "Kantai Collection" film, I would suggest giving it a try, it is a gorgeous, hour-long slice of animation! I would say that his lack of popularity with English audiences is partially due to his focus on leading very niche projects, that are more popular with the "moe otaku" crowd, rather than appealing to your everyday, run-of-the-mill, anime-watching normie. The original GAME for "Kantai Collection" has never even received an international release, and I doubt that it would garner much of a following if it did, since "Azur Lane" has already wormed its way into the hearts of EN players! Despite being a very talented director, he doesn't normally land projects with highly-skilled animators or writers; that's the whole reason why "Akuma no Riddle" sunk! And he is typically designated to lower budget studios, but when he is granted a large sum of expendable income, like with the repackaged "Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha" films, his finesse really shows! Keizō Kusakawa is an incredible director, I would suggest "Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha," "Rō-Kyū-Bu!", or "Kantai Collection" as an entry point into his shows ("Mondaiji-tachi ga Isekai kara Kuru Sou Desu yo?" is pretty dang enjoyable, too)! The fight scenes are polished in the film and the emotional scenes brought me to tears, so kudos to Mr. Kusakawa and his animation team for the amazing amount of strife that they put into the project! 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! Kana Ueda as Hayate Yagami, notable roles: * Paladin, Bikini Warrior * IF, Chōjigen Game Neptune, localized as "Hyperdimension Neptunia" ✅✅ * Rin Tōsaka, Fate/stay night ✅✅✅ * Momo Kawashima, Girls & Panzer ✅✅✅ * Chikage Izumi, Hagure Yūsha no Aesthetica, localized as "Aesthetica of a Rogue Hero" * Yūko Morigaya, Hina Logi: From Luck & Logic * Neon Nostrade, Hunter x Hunter (2011) ✅✅✅ * Hazumu Osaragi, Kashimashi: Girl Meets Girl * Yuiko Hawatari, Loveless ✅✅ * Yumi Fukuzawa, Maria-sama ga Miteru, localized as "Maria Watches Over Us" ✅✅✅ * Kurumi Momose, Paniponi Dash! * Anastasia Hoshin, Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu, localized as "Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World-" ✅ * Honami Takase Ambler, Rental Magica * Luna Shirogane, Ryūsei no Rockman, localized as "Megaman: Star Force" * Saki Miyanaga, Saki ✅✅✅ * Fumika, Shigofumi ✅✅✅ * Heidemarie W. Schnaufer, Strike Witches: The Movie ✅✅ * Kareha Suzuka, TOKKÔ Commentary: Ms. Ueda is known for having a very youthful, yet mature presence. This is the character of Hayate Yagami in a nutshell, she is very naïve and pure because of her age, but her terminal illness has given her an emotional complexity that makes her wise beyond her years. I would compare her role is "Nanoha A's" to her roles as Fumika ("Shigofumi") — I will avoid going into spoilers here, though this explaining the character of Fumika is difficult without stepping into a minefield of them, but put simply, she is a Shinigami that lost her mortal life at a young age and has seen a lot of things... there, I simplified it to the best of my ability, now go watch "Shigofumi"! I would also compare her performance as Hayate Yagami to Neon Nostrade ("Hunter x Hunter"), if you know how brutal the world of Hunter x Hunter, you would know that a cute girl would simply not just exist within that realm, and Saki Miyanaga (the titular character of "Saki"), she comes off as boyish and unsophisticated, but she's actually a mahjong genius! Incredible and moving performance in "Nanoha A's"! Asami Sanada as Vita, notable roles: * Kazuki Kazusano, Amaenaide yo!! ("Ah, My Buddha") * Kurumi Tokisaki, Data A Live ✅ ✅ ✅ * Di Gi Charat, Di Gi Charat ✅ ✅ ✅ * Louis Fort Drake, Ginga Tetsudō Monogatari ✅ * Sawako Yamanaka, K-On!! ✅ ✅ ✅ * Mari Nishino, Kono Minikuku mo Utsukushii Sekai ("This Ugly Yet Beautiful World") * Chizuko Ōe, Mahoromatic ✅ * Vita, Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha (series) ✅ ✅ ✅ * Kanako Miyamae, Maria†Holic ✅ ✅ ✅ * Reisuke Hōjō ("Fifth"), Mirai Nikki ✅ * Ai Kamui, Mutekiō Tri-Zenon * Shiina Tamai, Narutaru: Mukuro Naru Hoshi Tama Taru Ko ✅ * Jun Sakurada, Rozen Maiden (series) ✅ ✅ ✅ * Matoi Tsunetsuki, Sayonara Zetsubō Sensei ✅✅ * Jay, Wonderful Days Commentary: Vita has been in my favorite character list on the @EggheadLuna "MyAnimeList" profile page, since its conception, so warning: I am very partial towards this character and her seiyū! Ms. Sanada portrays this character as a spitfire that is slightly tsundere in her affection towards Hayate, I would compare the performance to Ms. Sanada's roles as Sawako Yamanaka ("K-On!!") and Kanako Miyamae ("Maria†Holic"), both are very excitable and fiery, though Ms. Yamanaka's flame is hidden for a large portion of the show, because she has to at least PRETEND to be a professional in the field of teaching and as the girl's club advisor! It's kind of funny, too, because Sawako was my favorite girl, other than Ui, from "K-On!!" — I picked Mugi as my favorite out of the main cast, but in all actuality, I found the side characters much more interesting! Very talented voice actress, every role that is in enthralls me, regardless of how serious the character is! Kaori Shimizu as Signum, notable roles: * Alice Hayashi, Ａ・ＬＩ・ＣＥ * Kumi Kawamura, Alien 9 ✅ * Boogiepop and Tōka Miyashita, Boogiepop wa Warawanai ("Boogiepop Phantom") ✅✅ * Nozomi Daichi, Chikyū Bōei Kazoku * Kuon Ginga, Gokujō Seitokai * Chihaya Kisaragi, iDOLM@STER Xenoglossia —stand-in for Asami Imai * Noriko Nijō, Maria-sama ga Miteru ✅✅ * Nonoha Itō, Phi Brain: Kami no Puzzle * Akira Takano, School Rumble * Ekuryua Naurh, Seikai no Senki ("Crest of the Stars") ✅ * Sylphid, Sentō Yōsei Shōjo Tasukete! Mave-chan * Lain Iwakura, Serial Experiments Lain ✅✅✅ * Lō Rōx, Shinkon Gattai Godannar!! * Yuko Miyabe, Strange Dawn * Shizuha Doi, Stratos 4 * Lamia Loveless, Super Robot Taisen OG the Animation Commentary: Signum is the "Saber" (from "Fate/stay night") in Nanoha's expansive universe, she's so forbearing and knightly! It's kind of funny that she voices both Tōka Miyashita ("Boogiepop") in "Boogiepop Phantom" and Lain Iwakura in "Serial Experiments Lain" — she's like the queen of stoicism! Ms. Shimizu did a nice job acting as this character, she seems to be very good at those types of performances! Ryōka Yuzuki as Shamal, notable roles: * Minagi Tōno, Air * Tokiko Tsumura, Busō Renkin * Yukino Sakurai, Candy Boy * Takako Shimizu, Chobits ✅✅✅ * Satsuki Kiryūin, Kill la Kill ✅✅✅ * Ino Yamanaka, Naruto ✅✅ * Tetsuko, Oh! Super Milk-chan, localized as "The Super Milk-Chan Show" ✅ * Charlotte Hazelrink, Princess Lover! * Cattleya, Queen's Blade ✅ * Marie, Sister Princess * Akio Fudō, Trinity Seven * Erurū, Utawarerumono ✅✅✅ * Arashi Kishu, X (TV) ✅✅ * Shizuka Hiratsuka, Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Comedy wa Machigatteiru, localized as "My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU" ✅✅✅ Commentary: Ms. Yuzuki is very talented at portraying anime girls that have traditionally demure, bishōjo-like temperaments! I would compare her performance in "Nanoha A's" to Erurū ("Utawarerumono") and Cattleya ("Queen's Blade"), because she plays a more subdued and effeminate character! Great work! Kazuya Ichijo as Zafila, notable roles: * Fō Lafine, B'tX (series) * Ritsuro Yoshinari, Boku wa Konomama Kaeranai ("I Shall Never Return") * Raō, DD Hokuto no Ken (2013) ✅✅ * Greyfass, Jūsenshi Gulkeeva * Jin Ōya, Kirameki☆Project * Shirō Amakasu, Me gumi no Daigo: Kajiba no Baka Yarō * Machahiko Kondō, Sexy Commando Side Story: Amazing! Masaru * Ken Masters, Street Fighter Zero the Animation * Hiroyuki Fujita, To Heart ✅ * Motomi, Togainu no Chi ("Blood of the Reprimanded Dog") Commentary: Mr. Ichijo's filmography is interesting, he received acclaim for his role as Hiroyuki Fujita in the original "To Heart" and then most of his other roles are either archetypal bishōnen characters or parts in shōnen-ai (or yaoi) OVAs! That is a strange plot progression, if I've ever seen one! The character of Zafila has the least amount of presence or spoken lines, out of the Belkan Knights, but his character still comes across as extremely caring and sympathetic towards Hayate's struggles! Great job! Sanae Kobayashi as Reinforce I, notable roles: * Pi, .hack//GU * Mai Minase, .hack//Liminality * Shamrock, .hack//Quantum * Ennis, Baccano! * Tōne Requiem, Bōkyaku no Senritsu ("The Melody of Oblivion") ✅✅ * Cha-Che, Buzzer Beater * Allen Walker, D. Gray Man ✅ * Suzanna Bluestein, Divergence Eve ✅✅ * Namie Yagiri, Durarara!! * Asuka Atsukawa, E's Otherwise ✅ * Lucy, Elfen Lied ✅ * Justeaze Lizrich von Einzbern, Fate/Aprocrypha ✅✅ * Ao, Freedom * Maya Kitajima, Glass no Kamen (2005) ✅✅✅ * Kitten, Gravity Daze the Animation * Kumi Mashiba, Hajime no Ippo * Rahzel Anadis, Hatenkō Yūgi * Akira Tōya, Hikaru no Go ✅✅✅ * Satsuki Kitaōji, Ichigo 100% * Miyuki Tanokura, Kaze no Youjinbō * Ogin, Kyōgoku Natsuhiko: Kōsetsu Hyaku Monogatari * Catherine Glass, Macross Frontier ✅✅✅ * Sara Nome, Macross Zero * Madlax, Madlax * Madara and Reiko Natsume, Natsume Yūjinchō ✅✅✅ * Kiyori Miki, Nodame Cantabile * Kotaru, Papuwa * Yuzuriha Crane, Saint Seiya: The Lost Canvas ✅✅ * Chun Hyang, Shin Angyo Onshi * Yakumo Yūrakutei (child ver.), Shōwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjū ✅✅✅ * Christopher Thorndyke, Sonic X * Kanon Memphis, Sōkyū no Fafner: Dead Aggressor ✅ * Reika Ko, Sōsei no Aquarion * Ilia Silvestri, Star Ocean: Anamnesis * Physis, Terra e... (TV) ✅✅✅ * Lilith, Yami to Bōshi to Hon no Tabibito ✅✅ * Asuka Tenjōin, Yū-Gi-Ō! Duel Monsters GX ✅ Commentary: Ms. Kobayashi is an unsung talent in the industry, many of her roles are downright incredible, and her role as Reinforce I doesn't detract from that title! "Nanoha A's" (TV) has very a choppy, children's show-type of aesthetic, but Reinforce's harrowing performance had me glued to the screen! She is an incredibly strong character, with a great voice! I would compare the character to Reiko Natsume ("Natsume Yūjinchō"), because Reinforce I is also a misanthrope, that is distrusting towards humans... and Yakumo Yūrakutei (child ver.) in "Shōwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjū"... another pensive character, that has his heart closed off! Absolutely amazing job with the character! Yukana as Reinforce II, notable roles: * Yuri Tanima, Ai Tenshi Densetsu Wedding Peach * Mina Nakanotani, Air Master ✅ ✅ * Ai Nanasaki, Amagami SS * Mayumi Kino, Ao no 6-gō ("Blue Submarine No. 6") ✅ ✅ * Kongō, Aoki Hagane no Arpeggio: Ars Nova ✅ ✅ * Azusa Noyami, Azuki-chan * Aki Hino, Bakegyamon * Rinslet Walker, Black Cat (TV) * Měilíng Lǐ, Cardcaptor Sakura ✅ ✅ * Kotoko, Chobits ✅ ✅ * Chocolat Aikawa, Chocolat no Mahō * C2 ("C.C."), Code Geass ✅ ✅ * Eriko Nanao, Dragon Crisis * Teletha Testarossa, Full Metal Panic! ✅ ✅ * Honoka Yukishiro, Futari wa PreCure ✅ ✅ * Kanako Ōno, Genshiken ✅ ✅ * Tama, Gugure! Kokkuri-san ✅ ✅ * Big Sister, Halo Legends * Fuyumi Irisu, Hyōka ✅ ✅ * Kanna, InuYasha ✅ ✅ * Cecilia Alcott, IS: Infinite Stratos ✅ ✅ ✅ * Reinforce II, Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha A's ✅ ✅ ✅ * Mashiro Blan de Windbloom, Mai-Otome * Four Murasume, Kidō Senshi Zeta Gundam: A New Translation ✅ ✅ ✅ * Mirai Ozora, Moldiver * Mika, Otogi Story Tenshi no Shippo * Amane, Phantom of the Kill: Zero kara no Hangyaku * Shia, Pita Ten * Selma Scheele, Power Dolls * Mica Minzuki, Rakushō! Hyper Doll * Gemini Paradox and Integra, Saint Seiya Omega ✅ ✅ * Chinori, Sci-Fi Harry ✅ * Kazehana, Sekirei * Mirai Kaname, Shin Megami Tensei Devil Children * Takane Shishidō, Sora wo Kakeru Shōjo * Tear Grants, Tales of the Abyss ✅ * Natsumi Hayamiya, Tetsuwan Birdy * Felicia, Vampire Hunter * Kūgen Tenko, Wagaya no Oinari-sama. * Yuzuriha Nekoi, X/1999 ✅ ✅ Commentary: Reinforce II isn't really a character until the very end of "Nanoha A's" but, Yukana did a wonderful job at making her cute and perky, departing from her initial cynicism and becoming a reformed character! Great seiyū! To conclude my review, I think that "Nanoha A's" has the strongest narrative in the series, though the film didn't quite surpass the TV series like the film version of the first season did! Without the "Nanoha A's" story in the continuity of the franchise, I don't think I would be as attached to the characters, to the degree that I am. If you've watched the first series or first FILM, "A's" is an essential watching experience! I give "Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha A's" (TV) a 7/10 and "Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha A's: The Movie 2nd" a 7/10, as well. Rankings: Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha A's ★★★★☆ Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha A's: The Movie 2nd ★★★★☆
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Jan 15, 2021
Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha
(Anime)
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Mixed Feelings
The "Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha" is very unique, some might say that it was genre-bending at the time of its release. Before "Lyrical Nanoha" made its debut, the only place that you could really expect to find magical girls and spaceships in the same continuity would be on a videotape... playing an obscure, '90s OVA. This series made the idea of arcane magic having a scientific equation more of a mainstream idea, and lead to more technologically-enhanced mahō shōjo shows, like "Senki Zesshō Symphogear" and "Vividred Operation"!
⚠️ This review of Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha and Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha: The Movie 1st will contain spoilers ... ⚠️ —Story/Characters Right off the bat, I would suggest skipping to the film version of Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha, if you don't want to commit to a full-length series. I, myself, watched the TV version of the "Lyrical Nanoha" story first, and aside from the catchy melody of the opening theme ("Innocent Starter") — the film retelling is better in every way: better animation quality and a cohesive visual direction, deleted scenes that make the series more poignant, and ※superior audio quality, plus it trims some of the episodic fat off of the runtime of the series! ※I watched the Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha: The Movie 1st BD and the 2K visuals are mind-boggling! Especially, the reframing of the last battle between Nanoha and Fate was really, really good! The movie adaptation is like a video game that has less fetch quests! So now, let's dive into the narrative of the first "Lyrical Nanoha" series! Nanoha Takamachi is an average girl that gets granted magical powers by an inter-dimensional ferret. Yes, that's actually the plot. Like the story of "InuYasha" (except exponentially shorter), Nanoha and her rival, Fate Testarossa, battle to collect "jewel seeds" — Fate engages in conflict on behalf of her evil scientist of a mother ("Sailor Moon S" inspired?) while Nanoha is trying to help her talking, ferret friend (who is part of a Time-Space Bureau). Along the way, Fate and Nanoha begin to fall and love, and Fate — knowing only a life of physical abuse and neglect, begins to question what she's really fighting for. It turns out that Fate is a clone of her mother's ("Precia Testarossa's") real daughter, and that she had made Fate in a desperate attempt to replace her deceased daughter, Alicia, but while a human body can be cloned, a soul cannot. This leads to Precia forcing Fate to fight deadly battles in order to collect the "jewel seeds" and form the Philosopher's Stone, so that she can resurrect her daughter from the dead! She doesn't have any feeling of love or affection for Fate, but Fate sees her as a mother, because she's the only family that she's ever known. There's a dream scene with Fate, in Episode 12: "When Our Fate is Sealed" — while in the "Garden of Time," Fate imagines a life where her and Alicia are both living as sisters, and Precia is what one would imagine to be a normal mother. In the film version of this scene, I cried like a baby, it was so sad! The story ends with Precia's plot being foiled and her loudly declaring that she never loved Fate. Another very sad moment. And then a woman ("Lindy Harlaown") working for the Time-Space Bureau decides to adopt Fate. Living in separate dimensions, Fate and Nanoha exchange ribbons to remember each other by, ahem, like the last episode of "Mahō Shōjo Madoka★Magica"! Akiyuki Shinbō's fingerprints are all over this plot, without the grimdark edge of Gen Urobuchi looming over! For an anime that is an alternate universe, spin-off of an eroge series ("Triangle Heart")... it has a really good scenario and a cast of memorable characters, despite that! Luna's Favorite Works by Each Respective Creator = ✅ Akiyuki Shinbō (director of "Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha"), notable works: * 3-Gatsu no Lion (series) * Arakawa Under the Bridge (series) ✅ * Cossette no Shōzō * Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko * Detatoko Princess * Fate/Extra: Last Encore * Ginga Ojō-sama Densetsu Yuna: Shin'en no Fairy ✅ * Hidamari Sketch (series) * Katteni Kaizō * Kōfuku Graffiti * Kubikiri Cycle: Aoiro Savant to Zaregototsukai * Mahō Sensei Negima!: Mō Hitotsu no Sekai * Mahō Sensei Negima!: Shiroki Tsubasa Ala Alba * Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha ✅ * Mahō Shōjo Madoka★Magica ✅ * Mahō Shōjo Madoka★Magica (film series) ✅ * Maria†Holic (series) ✅ * Mekakucity Actors * Metal Fighter Miku * Monogatari (series) ✅ * Natsu no Arashi! (series) * Negima?! * Nisekoi (series) * Ojōsama Sōsamō * Paniponi Dash! * Sayonara Zetsubō Sensei (series) ✅ * Shihaisha no Tasogare * Shin Hurricane Polymar * Shina Dark: Kuroki Tsuki no Ō to Sōheki no Tsuki no Himegimi * Soredemo Machi wa Mawatteiru * Soreyuke! Uchū Senkan Yamamoto Yohko (series) * Tenamonya Voyagers * The SoulTaker: Tamashii-gari * Triangle Heart: Sweet Songs Forever * Tsukuyomi: Moon Phase * Uchiage Hanabi, Shita kara Miru ka? Yoko kara Miru ka? ("Fireworks") Commentary: Mr. Shinbō's work on the first installment of "Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha" is less of a reflection of his contemporary resume (with Studio Shaft), and more similar to his work on past ventures, like "Galaxy Fräulein Yuna"! There are semblances of his distinctive style, especially in areas that are given more financial leeway, like with the OP and first episode storyboards. Some of the intimate facial shots would later become an iconic, Shaft staple, and some of the "transformation scene" techniques — with all of their glitz and polish, were then, later reinvented in Mr. Shinbō's more famous magical girl series, ※"Mahō Shōjo Madoka★Magica"! Mr. Shinbō paved the granite walkway for the franchise; he and his team made the first series a success, so that the successors could have a chance to shine! I personally thought that Mr. Keizō Kusakawa handled the series better (with the films and A's), but Akiyuki Shinbō was pivotal for the show to gain traction! Iconic director, great job with the first season! ※Kind of strange when you think about it, because Nanoha and Fate have a similar dynamic to Madoka Kaname and Akemi Homura in "Mahō Shōjo Madoka★Magica"! Keizō Kusakawa (director of "Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha: The Movie 1st"), notable works: * Action Heroine Cheer Fruits * Ahiru no Sora * Aho Girl * Akuma no Riddle ✅ * Asura Cryin' (series) * Campione!: Matsurowanu Kamigami to Kamigoroshi no Maō * Dog Days (Season One) ✅ * Fūka ✅ * Genei wo Kakeru Taiyō ✅ * Happy Sugar Life ✅ * Inukami! ✅ * Inukami! The Movie: Tokumei Reiteki Sōsakan Karina Shirō! * Jūō Mujin no Fafnir * KanColle Movie ✅ * Kantai Collection: KanColle ✅ * Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha A's ✅ * Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS ✅ * Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha: The Movie 2nd A's ✅ * Mondaiji-tachi ga Isekai kara Kuru Sou Desu yo? ✅ * Rō-Kyū-Bu! ✅ * Rō-Kyū-Bu! SS ✅ * Rō-Kyū-Bu! Tomoka no Ichigo Sundae ✅ * Sekirei * Sekirei: Pure Engagement Commentary: Mr. Kusakawa is less celebrated than he should be; the man can direct some very visually striking animation scenes — if you haven't watched the "Kantai Collection" film, I would suggest giving it a try, it is a gorgeous, hour-long slice of animation! I would say that his lack of popularity with English audiences is partially due to his focus on leading very niche projects, that are more popular with the "moe otaku" crowd, rather than appealing to your everyday, run-of-the-mill, anime-watching normie. The original GAME for "Kantai Collection" has never even received an international release, and I doubt that it would garner much of a following if it did, since "Azur Lane" has already wormed its way into the hearts of EN players! Despite being a very talented director, he doesn't normally land projects with highly-skilled animators or writers; that's the whole reason why "Akuma no Riddle" sunk! And he is typically designated to lower budget studios, but when he is granted a large sum of expendable income, like with the repackaged "Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha" films, his finesse really shows! Keizō Kusakawa is an incredible director, I would suggest "Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha," "Rō-Kyū-Bu!", or "Kantai Collection" as an entry point into his shows ("Mondaiji-tachi ga Isekai kara Kuru Sou Desu yo?" is pretty dang enjoyable, too)! The fight scenes are polished in the film and the emotional scenes brought me to tears, so kudos to Mr. Kusakawa and his animation team for the amazing amount of strife that they put into the project! 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 and Alicia 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, by far, the greatest performance in the first series! Kaori Mizuhashi as Yūno Scrya, 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 and Vivio, 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: Ms. Mizuhashi does a wonderful job at making Yūno Scrya an adorable and likable, little boy-type of character (there are less of those than one might think)! It's kind of odd, because she goes on to voice major sex symbols in the anime collective, like Mami Tomoe ("Mahō Shōjo Madoka★Magica") and Elina Vance ("Queen's Blade")! I would compare her role as Yūno to Laharl ("Makai Senki Disgaea")! Great performance! Natsuko Kuwatani as Arf, notable roles: * Himiko Kudō ("Lady Poison"), GetBackers * Kyaia Furan, Isekai no Seikishi Monogatari ("Tenchi Muyo! War on Geminar") * Tweedledee, Kiddy Grade * Alister Agrew, Last Exile * Kanako Urashima, Love Hina Again * Michiru Mamiya, Magikano * Yue Ayase, Mahō Sensei Negima! (series) * Ryōko Asakura, Suzumiya Haruhi no Yūutsu ✅✅✅ * Suiseiseki, Rozen Maiden (series) ✅✅✅ * Satomi Kanbara, Saki (series) ✅ * Kasuga, Sengoku Basara * Karen, Sister Princess * Hina Kusunose, True Love Story * Silvia, Viewtiful Joe * Yae Shinatsuhiko, Yozakura Quartet * Sae Kawano, Yurumates (series) Commentary: Ms. Kuwatani is vastly underrated and should be getting more roles, although I don't know if she's still apart of the voice-acting industry. I would compare her role as Arf to Ryōko Asakura ("Suzumiya Haruhi no Yūutsu") and Satomi Kanbara ("Saki"), since her character in "Lyrical Nanoha" an anti-hero that is both loyal beyond belief and ferociously protective over Fate. Great job! Mikako Takahashi as Chrono Harlaown, notable roles: * Hitomi, Appleseed VIII * Louise Bubby, Chocolate Underground * Tuile, Chōjūshin Gravion ✅ * Leerin Marfes, Chrome Shelled Regios * Ayaka, Crystal Blaze * Sakura Mizukami, D-Frag! * Rebecca Anderson, Dog Days (series) ✅ * Reverie Metherlence, Erementar Gerad * Nanami Moriyama, Fate/kaleid liner Prisma☆Illya 2wei Herz! ✅ * Suzuha Amanosuzu, Future Card Buddyfight (series) * Tsu Terakado and Sadaharu, Gintama (series) ✅✅✅ * Yuzu Koyama, Girls und Panzer ✅✅ * Rushuna Tendō, Grenadier: Hohoemi no Senshi * Ayumi Yamada, Hachimitsu to Clover ✅✅✅ * Rika Akiba, Hanbun no Tsuki ga Noboru Sora ("Looking Up At The Half-Moon") ✅ * Ayumu Nishizawa, Hayate no Gotoku! * Shirayuki Hotogi, Hidan no Aria * Elena and Eeta, Hunter x Hunter (2011) ✅✅ * Hakugen Rikuson and Teni Shizen, Ikkitōsen (series) * Sayo Tomoe, Keitai Shōjo * Izumi Makihara, Kemeko Deluxe! * Caro Ru Lushe, Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS and Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha ViVid ✅✅ * Rosalie Claudel, Mai-Otome and Mai-Otome Zwei * Ayako Takasu, Mamoru-kun ni Megami no Shukufuku wo! ("Venus to Mamoru!") * Chisato Tanuma, Maria-sama ga Miteru (series) ✅✅✅ * Nyami, MonHun Nikki Girigiri Airō Mura G * Saya and Saizō, Peace Maker Kurogane * Nowi, Queen's Blade (series) ✅✅✅ * Adelicia Ren Mathers, Rental Magica * Kuniko Hōjō, Shangri-La ✅✅ * Jun Shiomi, Shokugeki no Sōma ✅✅ * Rodoreamon, Simōn * Kusuha Mizuha, Super Robot Taisen OG the Animation (series) * Tsubasa Watatsumi, Tactical Roar * Sakuno Ryuzaki, Tennis no Ōji-sama * Akiho Sairenji, To LOVEる✅✅ * Patchouli Knowledge ("Pachurī Nōreji"), 東方 Niji Sōsaku Dōjin Anime: Musō Kakyō ✅✅✅ * Rita Sior, Wellber no Monogatari: Sisters of Wellber * Montmorency Margarita la Fère de Montmorency, Zero no Tsukaima (series) Commentary: Ms. Takahashi has the same weird juxtaposition as Kaori Mizuhashi (voice of "Yūno Scrya"), where she starts out playing the role of a little boy character and then transitions into more, well, provocative roles! I would compare her role as Chrono Harlaown to Elena and Eeta ("Hunter x Hunter"), Yuzu Koyama ("Girls und Panzer"), and Nowi ("Queen's Blade")... since those characters are more boyish and androgynous than the rest. Great work! Aya Hisakawa as Lindy Harlaown, notable roles: * Skuld, Ah! My Goddess ✅✅✅ * Mune-Mune, Abenobashi Mahō☆Shōtengai ✅ * Shana T, Al Caral no Isan * Megumi Hisakawa, Alien 9 ✅ * Miyuki Haneda, Aozora Shōjo-tai ("801 T.T.S. Airbats") * Minamo Kurosawa, Azumanga Daiō * Rei Kon, Bakuten Shoot Beyblade ✅✅ * Ichino Yanagida, Battle Athletess Daiundōkai ✅✅ * Ami Mizuno, Bishōjo Senshi Sailor Moon ✅✅ * Kissu, Bōken Ō Beet ("Beet the Vandel Buster") * Hassan, Byston Well Monogatari: Garzey no Tsubasa ("Garzey's Wing") * Keroberos, Cardcaptor Sakura ✅✅✅ * Carol Mudagolas, Carol * Marina Oki, Cosmo Warrior Zero * Aimi Koenji, Dark Cat * Bulma, Dragon Ball Super * Yuki Sōma, Fruits Basket (2001) ✅✅ * Yae, Ganbare Goemon ("Legend of the Mystical Ninja") * Maki Umezaki, Geobreeders * Serena, Gin'iro no Olynssis: Tokito * Becky Farrah, Gunsmith Cats ✅✅ * Yuri Tsukikage ("Cure Moonlight"), HeartCatch PreCure ✅✅✅ * Palutena, Hikari no Megami ✅ * Layla B. Simmons, Idol Project * Yōko Nakajima, Jūni Kokuki ("The Twelve Kingdoms") * Chris, Kōryū Densetsu Villgust ("Armed Dragon Fantasy Villgust") * Kanako Shijo, Kōryū no Mimi: Mina no Shō * Lindy Harlaown, Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha ✅✅ * Sumire Kasugano, Mahōtsukai Sally 2 * Yōko Mano, Mamono Hunter Yōko * Shizuka Nakamoto, Marriage: Kekkon * Vinca, Mushrambo * Chloe, Noir * Kappii, Ontama! * Claudia McCunnen, Phantom: Requiem for a Phantom ✅ * Hardy Newland, Power Dolls * Takius, Ragnarök the Animation * Haruka Shitō, RahXephon ✅✅ * Shizuka Nakamoto, Sailor Victory * Mira Ackerman, Shinkon Gattai Godanner!! * Miki Kaoru, Shōjo Kakumei Utena ✅✅ * Ryōko Balta, Tenchi Muyō! GXP * Midori Saejima, Tenshi Nanka ja Nai * Tomoko Hoshina, To Heart ✅✅ * Kaoru Niimi, Uchū Senkan Yamato 2199 ✅✅✅ * Hinoto, X ✅✅ * Ororo Munroe, X-Men Commentary: Unlike Precia Testarossa, Lindy Harlaown is the likable mother — in "The Wizard of Oz" terms, the Good Witch of the North, as opposed to the Wicked Witch of the West. Her voice is very sweet and is similar to any young-looking, attractive mother in anime (the "ara ara ma"-type). I would compare Ms. Hisakawa's role as Lindy Harlaown to Kaoru Niimi ("Uchū Senkan Yamato 2199") and Pautena ("Hikari no Megami"). Both are voluptuous, older women that are on the side of good — that's the only reason that I excluded Claudia McCunnen from "Phantom: Requiem for a Phantom"! Fantastic work! Rei Igarashi as Precia Testarossa, notable roles: * Kanzeon Bosatsu ("Merciful Goddess"), Gensōmaden Saiyūki (series) ✅ Commentary: Ms. Igarashi doesn't seem to have had many other roles, her performance in Gensōmaden Saiyūki is similarly as husky and cold, as her role as the antagonist in "Lyrical Nanoha"! Great performance, albeit not very sympathetic, except for when Fate's backstory is revealed! Conclusively, this series is still hailed highly today because, even now, there isn't anything quite like it. Not only is there a canonical, yuri romance but there are themes of child abuse, dimensional travel, and it ponders the philosophical question of whether human cloning should ever be an ethical option for the bereaved. The "Lyrical Nanoha" anime is a ground-breaking series that everyone should try, at least once, that is... if little girls duking it out with magical powers and well-choreographed sakuga scenes is your thing! I give Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha (TV) a 6/10 and Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha: The Movie 1st a solid 8/10! Rankings: Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha ★★★☆☆ Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha: The Movie 1st ★★★★☆
Reviewer’s Rating: 6
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Jan 12, 2021
Space Cobra
(Anime)
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Mixed Feelings
"While I was living a life filled with thrills, I desperately wanted a normal, quiet life. But when I have a normal life, I wanted the world of thrills." —Cobra
The character of Cobra has a nose like Barney Rubble ("The Flintstones"), the guile of Han Solo ("Star Wars"), with the charisma of James Bond! Like Leiji Matsumoto's Captain Harlock, Cobra doesn't swear an allegiance to anyone, other than to suit his own causes (and often times, for the sake of a seductive damsel). This spaghetti-Western space adventure is a strange, yet very pleasing power fantasy — from start to finish! ⚠️ This review will contain light ... spoilers ⚠️ —Story/Characters I mentioned in the intro paragraph that Cobra fights for himself and no one else, and the manga creator, Bu'ichi Terasawa states that he wanted to make a "samurai"-like space odyssey. This isn't usually done with manga adaptations, but allegedly, Mr. Terasawa was given permission from Osamu Dezeki to not only be in charge of the script, but also to arrange the arcs in the narrative to suit his fancy! I thought that was pretty incredible, since manga artists are usually more hands-off with the animated versions of their stories! With that being said though, I slightly prefer the film-version of "Space Cobra" ("Space ADVENTURE Cobra") to the TV series, because a) it had higher production values, and b) the series kind of jumps the gun and introduces the Crystal Bowie arc right off the bat, and Crystal Bowie is the most interesting villain! So, the second half of the series wasn't nearly as strong! The static-electricity villain, Salamander, couldn't contend against the gold-boned enigma of the pure-evil, Crystal Bowie! Not even by a long shot. This has a similar brand of brutal to something like "Hokuto no Ken" and "Saint Seiya" — where there are very deadly events that Cobra is forced to participate in: in Episode 28 ("Cobra's Angry Revenge"), there is a threat to be infected with a deadly strain of dysentery, in another story arc, starting in Episode 16 ("To Hell! Rug-Ball!"), Cobra competes in a deadly sport that is a combination of American football and baseball. There's also jet-powered skateboards and magnetic roller-skates skirmishes! Not only that, but Cobra has "Wolverine"-syndrome bad, because almost woman that he gets involved with, ends up dead! But, he always has Lady Armaroid with him, so I guess it's all okay? I think out of many heroines from the '80s, Lady might be the most badass (along with vixens like Haman Karn from "Zeta Gundam"). Usually, female characters from that time are more passive and tactical, but Lady is a fighter! She was probably my favorite character out of the bunch because of her loyalty to Cobra, her combat capabilities (though she does play the role of a damsel, herself, a couple of times), and gynoids are just really cool. Luna's Favorite Works by Each Respective Creator = ✅ Osamu Dezaki (director), notable works: * Ace wo Nerae! * Ace wo Nerae! (1979) * Ace we Nerae! 2 * Ace wo Nerae!: Final Stage * Air the Movie * Ashita no Joe ✅ * Ashita no Joe (Movie) * Ashita no Joe 2 ✅ * Ashita no Joe 2 (Movie) * Black Jack (eps 1-10) * Black Jack the Movie * Bōken-tachi Gamba to Nanbiki no Nakama * Burning Blood * Clannad the Movie * Eiyū Banka Kōshi-den * Gamba no Bōken * Genji Monogatari Sennenki * Golgo 13 ✅ * Golgo 13: Queen's Bee ✅ * Hakugei Densetsu * Ie Naki Ko * Ie Naki Ko (Movie) * Kaitei Chōtokkyū: Marine Express ("Undersea Super Train: Marine Express") * Karate Baka Ichidai * Kasei Yakyoku * Lupin III: Bye Bye Liberty — Kiki Ippatsu! * Lupin III: Harimao no Zaihō wo Ō!! * Lupin III: Hemingway Paper no Nazo * Lupin III: Napoleon no Jisho wo Ubae * Lupin III: Russia yori Ai wo Komete * Manga Sekai Mukashibanashi ("Manga Fairy Tales of the World") * Mighty Orbots * One Pound Gospel * Oniisama e... ✅ * Shin Ace wo Nerae! * Shuranosuke Zanmaken: Shikamamon no Otoko ("Sword for Truth") * Sōryūden * Space Adventure Cobra ✅ * Takarajima * Tetsuwan Atom: Atom Tanjō no Himitsu, Ivan no Wakusei — Robot to Ningen no Yūjō, Kagayakeru Hoshi — Anata wa Aoku Utsukushii, and Uchū no Yūsha * Tezuka Osamu no Kyūyaku Seisho Monogatari: In the Beginning * Tottoko Hamtarō Movie 1: Ham-Ham Land Daibōken * Tottoko Hamtarō Movie 2: Ham-Ham Hamūja! Maboroshi no Princess * Tottoko Hamtarō Movie 3: Ham Ham Grand Prix Aurora Tani no Kiseki — Ribon-chan Kiki Ippatsu! * Tottoko Hamtarō Movie 4: Hamtaro to Fushigi no Oni no Emon Tō * Ultraviolet: Code 044 * Versailles no Bara ✅ * Yuki no Jō (TV) ✅ Commentary: I'm not the biggest fan of Mr. Dezaki, but I can appreciate his work and see him as a staple in the industry (as you should). The "Cobra" franchise is something that I consider to among some of his greatest achievements, along with his adaptations of Riyoko Ikeda's publications! He is the master of the dramatic freeze frame, and has a very romantic slant to the projects that he chooses to adapt. Mr. Dezaki was the one that made Cobra's iconic "Psychogun" so memorable, since he slowed down the frames and animated the recoil and smoke to accentuate the impact of the weapon. Legendary director, great work on this project! Good Seiyū Work = ✅ Really Enjoyed the Seiyū's Performance = ✅ ✅ One of Luna's Favorite Performances OF ALL TIME = ✅ ✅ ✅ Nachi Nozawa as Cobra, notable roles: * Jin Munakata, Ace wo Nerae! 2 * Deimos, Deimos no Hanayome: Ran no Kumikyoku ✅✅✅ * Hyakkimaru, Dororo to Hyakkimaru * Masumi Hayami, Glass no Kamen * Alexander Anderson, Hellsing (2001) ✅✅✅ * Taka, Kaisei Yakyoku ✅✅✅ * Doctor Victor Frankenstein, Kyōfu Densetsu Kaiki! Frankenstein * Dr. Hasford, Macross Zero * Sasurai-kun, Sasurai-kun * Hans Axel von Fersen, Versailes no Bara ✅✅ * Raphael, Wata no Kuni Hoshi ✅✅✅ Commentary: I absolutely adore Mr. Nozawa's voice, it is so distinctive and manly! His role as Cobra reminded me of his roles as Taka ("Kaisei Yakyoku") and Raphael ("Wata no Kuni Hoshi"). He has a very commanding presence, an incredibly talented actor! He passed away in 2010, and will be missed by everyone who has enjoyed his delightful performances, over the years. Rest in peace! Yoshiko Sakakibara as Lady Armaroid, 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 * 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 incredible. Her character archetype is usually cold and sensual. I would compare her role as Lady Armaroid to Silene ("Devilman: Yochō Sirene-hen") and Sylia Stingray ("Bubblegum Crisis). Incredibly talented seiyū! Kiyoshi Kobayashi as Crystal Bowie, notable roles: * Talos, Crusher Joe ✅ * Dr. Sid, Final Fantasy: The Sprits Within * Adrian Rubinsky, Ginga Eiyū Densetsu ✅✅ * Mohammed Avdol, JoJo no Kimyō na Bōken (1993) * Daisuke Jigen, Lupin III ✅✅✅ * Levih Rah, Makai Toshi Shinjuku ("Demon City Shinjuku") * Gregore Garosh, Sōkō Kihei Votoms * Violence Jack: Jigoku Gai-hen ✅ * Bem, Yōkai Ningen Bem Commentary: Mr. Kobayashi makes such a menacing villain, when he's playing Crystal Bowie! He's most famous for playing Daisuke Jigen ("Lupin III"), and he has only recently retired from the role of Jigen. Amazing work with what he does! Gara Takashima as Dominique Royal, notable roles: * Hild, Aa! Megami-sama * Diana Barry, Akage no Anne * N'duhlle Gilford, Ao no 6-gō ✅ * Eri Kisaki, Detective Conan ✅✅✅ * Lady Lynx, Giant Gorg ✅✅✅ * Eva Friedel, Memories * Alice Miller, Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team — Miller's Report * Plakia Lexshue, Seikai no Monshō ("Crest of the Stars") ✅ * Lebia Mavelick, Silent Möbius ✅ Commentary: I really loved Ms. Takashima as Lady Lynx ("Giant Gorg"), that character was the most enjoyable to me in that series! She's also really great as Ran's mother in "Detective Conan"! She usually plays headstrong, yet alluring women — strong performance! Toshiko Fujita as Jane Royal, notable roles: * Enrico Pocchini, Ai no Gakkō Cuore Monogatari * Sharaku Hosuke, Akuma Tō no Prince: Mitsume ga Tōru * Bonobono, Bonobono ✅ * Rui Kisugi, Cat's Eye ✅✅✅ * Tom, Chibi Neko Tomu no Daibōken: Chikyū wo Sukue! Nakama-tachi * Taichi Yagami ("Tai Kamiya"), Digimon Adventure (series) ✅✅✅ * Dorimogu, Dorimogu Daa!! * Dai, Dragon Quest: Dai no Daibōken * Genki Horiguchi, Ganbare Genki * Kokiden no Nyōgo, Genji Monogatari Sennenki ("Millennium Old Journal: Tale of Genji") * Chigusa Tsukikage, Glass no Kamen (2005) ✅✅✅ * Rena, Hi no Tori 2772: Ai no CosmoZone * Ikkyū, Ikkyū-san * Hiroshi Tateno, Jigoku Sensei Nube * Yuki Oda, Junk Boy * Steven, Kaze no Naka no Shōjo: Kinpatsu no Jeanie * Elizabeth Murray, Kaze no Shōjo Emily * Eiichi Kite, Kiteretsu Daihyakka * Meme, Meme Iroiro Yume no Tabi * Pierre, Nagagutsu wo Haita Neko * Linlin Charlotte ("Big Mom"), One Piece * Maraich Juschenfe, Patalliro ✅ * Pipi, Pipi Tobenai Hotaru * Alfredo Martini, Romeo no Aoi Sora ✅✅✅ * Eris, Saint Seiya: Jashin Eris * Hilda, Seihō Bukyō Outlaw Star ✅ * Rally Cheyenne, Silent Möbius ✅ * Jane Royal, Space Cobra ✅ * Mother, Uchū Kazoku Carlvinson ("Space Family Carlvinson") * Tamao Inokuma, Yawara! * Makie, Youjū Toshi ("Wicked City") Commentary: Ms. Fujita's performance as Jane Royal is comparable to her performances as Rui Kisugi ("Cat's Eye") and Rally Cheyenne ("Silent Möbius"). Great job! Conclusively, "Space Cobra" can feel very rinse-repeat with its indefatigable machismo, but Mr. Terasawa always has some fun little trip wires to get the audience invested — whether it be science magic, psychedelic telepathy, or laughable absurdity — it stands alone with its iconography and apathy towards being anything other than pure entertainment! I would suggest this series to people who are a fan of Kazuo Koike's works or Buronson (a.k.a. Yoshiyuki Okamura)! I give "Space Cobra" a 5/10! Rating: ★★★☆☆
Reviewer’s Rating: 5
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Jan 11, 2021
Meitantei Holmes
(Anime)
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Mixed Feelings
To condense the content of this review into a single sentence: if you enjoyed "Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro" then you will be able to fully immerse yourself in this series, as well! The style of direction in this series is very similar to that film, as well as the scenic designs! And if you're a fan of the original Sherlock Holmes, all the better! "Meitantei Holmes" is a warm-hearted collection of episodic stories revolving around the most famous fictional detective, diurnally living in an anthropomorphized world!
⚠️ This review will be spoiler-free ⚠️ —Story/Characters Probably the weakest link in this series is its continuity. Towards the ... beginning of the series, Professor Moriarty takes the beautiful Mary Hudson (part of the ※triad of Sherlock's companions) hostage, and falls madly in love with her modest and virtuous demeanor. This plot point seemed very interesting, especially since Sherlock seems to be quite taken with her as well, but this progression is completely nixed after a couple of episodes that vaguely hint at it. While often being the case in televised programming, other shows are still able to be more tactful with keeping true to the prior character progressions. ※ I assume she's a shoe-in for Irene Adler. Sadly, this series has no real character development. Something will be hinted at or shown to be canonical in one episode, but then, the next segment will completely ignore what had happened a mere episode earlier! It's ingratiating, because it feels as though there's no real growth happening. An example of where an episodic formula works really well in one of my all-time favorite shows, "Galaxy Express 999"! Most of the characters that they meet along their galactic journey are never seen again and Maetel has a nearly impenetrable poker face, so the lead male character, Tetsurō, is shown undergoing a considerable evolution from wanting to escape impoverishment through immortality, and then accepting his mortality and being fine with his fragility and human limitations. The characters in "Meitantei Holmes" are like morsels of bean paste, in comparison to that! Luna's Favorite Works by Each Respective Creator = ✅ Hayao Miyazaki (director), notable works: * Gake no Ue no Ponyo * Ghibli ga Ippai Special Short * Hoshi wo Katta Hi ("The Day I Bought a Star") * Howl no Ugoku Shiro * Kaze no Tani no Nausicaä ✅ * Kaze Tachinu ("The Wind Rises") ✅ * Kemushi no Boro * Koro no Dai Sanpo ("Koro's Big Day Out") * Kujiratori ("The Whale Hunt") * Kurenai no Buta ("Porco Rosso") ✅ * Kūsō no Sora Tobu Kikaitachi * Lupin III: Cagliostro no Shiro ✅ * Majo no Takkyūbin ("Kiki's Delivery Service") ✅ * Mei to Koneko Bus * Mimi wo Sumaseba ("Whisper of the Heart") ✅ * Mirai Shōnen Conan * Mirai Shōnen Conan: Kyodaiki Gigant no Fukkatsu * Mizugumo Monmon * Mononoke Hime * Nandarō ("What is it?") * On Your Mark ✅ * Pandane to Tamago-hime ("Mr. Dough and the Egg Princess") * Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi ("Spirited Away") ✅ * Sora Iro no Tane ("The Sky-Colored Seed") * Tenkū no Shiro Laputa ("Castle in the Sky") ✅ * Tonari no Totoro ("My Neighbor Totoro") ✅ * Yadosagashi ("House Hunting") Commentary: Mr. Miyazaki doesn't need an introduction, he is large reason why Japanese animations have become so much of a respected medium in the western hemisphere of the world. Simply put, "Meitantei Holmes" is visually stunning: the fluid animation, the expressive character motions, the gorgeous backdrops with an inventive configuration of shots. This series has Ghibli-tier production levels, but TMS Entertainment has a lot of clout to its name, too. After all, I mean, look what they've done with the "Lupin III" and "Detective Conan" franchises! Legendary director, his work is more than worthy of the praise it gets, though Isao Takahata needs more adulation, as well. Good Seiyū Work = ✅ Really Enjoyed the Seiyū's Performance = ✅ ✅ One of Luna's Favorite Performances OF ALL TIME = ✅ ✅ ✅ I watched "Meitantei Holmes" with the English dub, so I will list the Japanese seiyū, but comments will be on the performances of the English voice actors. Taichirō Hirokawa as Sherlock Holmes, notable roles: * Carlos Rivera, Ashita no Joe ✅ ✅ ✅ * Curtis Newton, Captain Future * Ken'ichi Kurokawa, Mezzo DSA * Phoebus Abel, Saint Seiya * Mamoru Kodai, Uchū Senkan Yamato ✅ Larry Moss as Sherlock Holmes, notable roles: * None Commentary: Mr. Moss is mostly known for being in live musicals and working as an acting coach. I am not familiar with his other productions, but his portrayal of Sherlock HOUND is very true to what one would imagine the real Sherlock Holmes to sound like: prudent and inquisitive, a little bit grumpy on occasion. Amazing work! Kōsei Tomita as Doctor Watson, 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 ✅ ✅ ✅ * 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 Lewis Arquette as Doctor Watson, notable roles: * Doctor Onishi, Akira — in the "Streamline" version of the English dub * Mr. Cilia, As Told By Ginger Commentary: Mr. Arquette is a famous actor, but doesn't many other voicing credits, aside from side character voices! Out of the main cast, he doesn't stand out terribly much, but he comes across as a very subdued and logical companion to his dear friend, Sherlock Holmes. Great job! Yōko Asagami as Mary Hudson, notable roles: * Mayu, Arei no Kagami: Way to the Virgin Space * Akemi Itō, Chōjin Densetsu Urotsukidōji * Saeko Nogami, City Hunter ✅✅ * Harulu Ajiba, Densetsu Kyojin Ideon ✅ ✅ ✅ * Alois Cogez, Flanders no Inu * Layla Mineri, Ginga Reppuu Baxingar * Machiko Valencia, Ginga Senpū Braiger * Birdy Shaw, Ginga Shippū Sasuraiger * Claire, Ginga Tetsudō 999 ✅✅✅ * Kanna Yūki and Layla Destiny Shula, Ginga Tetsudō Monogatari ✅✅ * Chiiko Komori, Majokko Tickle * Nami Shimaoka, Marine Snow no Densetsu * Ellie Kusumoto, Metal Skin Panic MADOX-01 * Belfy, Mori no Yōki na Kobito-tachi: Belfy to Lillibit * Nell, Sasurai no Shōjo Nell * Yuki Mori, Uchū Senkan Yamato ✅✅✅ Patricia Parris as Mary Hudson, notable roles: * Alice, Disney's Alice in Wonderland ✅✅✅ * Cinderella, Disney's Cinderella ✅✅ * Lady, Disney's Lady and the Tramp ✅✅✅ * Daisy Duck, Mickey's Christmas Carol and Totally Minnie ✅✅ * Nora, Pete's Dragon * The Blue Fairy, Disney's Pinocchio ✅✅✅ * Kanga, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh ✅✅✅ Commentary: Beautiful voice, I had no idea that Ms. Parris had starred in such high profile Disney roles, but it's no wonder. Mary Hudson in "Sherlock Hound" is a paragon of femininity and grace, not unlike her casting as The Blue Fairy in "Pinocchio" and Cinderella in the Disney version of the tale! Incredible acting! I was utterly bewitched by her loveliness! Chikao Ōtsuka as Professor Moriarty, notable roles: * Piemon and Apocalymon, Digimon Adventure ✅ * Tao Pai Pai, Dragonball * Goemon Ishikawa XIII, Lupin III ✅ * Professor Moriarty, Meitantei Holmes ✅ * Boshu, Legendary Gambler Tetsuya * Flip, Little Nemo * Ivo Robotnik, Sonic X ✅ * Tora, Ushio to Tora Hamilton Camp as Professor Moriarty, notable roles * Greedy Smurf and Harmony Smurf, The Smurfs ✅✅ * Fenton Crackshell and Gizomoduck, DuckTales ✅✅ * Little Brother Bear, Yogi's Great Escape ✅✅ * Dracula, Scooby-Doo and the Reluctant Werewolf ✅✅ * Mr. Gruber, Paddington Bear * Mountie and Chief Beetlebreath, Chip n' Dale: Rescue Rangers ✅ * Weesel, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles ✅ * Ayam Aghoul, Disney's Aladdin ✅✅✅ * Chihuahua, All Dogs Go to Heaven 2 ✅ * Pig, Dr. Dolittle ✅ * Merlin, Disney's House of Mouse ✅ * Principal, Dexter's Laboratory ✅ * Country Dirt Knome, The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy ✅ Commentary: Despite being a mischievous devil of a character, Mr. Camp is able to make Moriarty both dogged and sympathetic. The performance reminded me of King K. Rool in "Donkey Kong Country" — he's a similar type of evil-doer. Impeccable work! Mayumi Tanaka as Polly, notable roles: * Jean, Anime Sanjūshi * Senaca, Arion * Wataru Ikusabe, Chō Mashin Eiyūden Wataru (series) * Liú Mǎoxīng, Chūka Ichiban! * Kappei Sakamoto, Dash! Kappei * Yajirobe and Kuririn, Dragon Ball (series) ✅✅✅ * Daiya Tsuwabuki, Gaiking: Legend of Daiku-Maryu * Yū Tagami, Giant Gorg ✅ * Giovanni, Ginga Tetsudō no Yoru ✅✅✅ * Hanpeita Tsukuda, Gu-Gu Ganmo * Ken Taiga, Jūshin Liger * Sanpei, Kappa no Sanpei * Nekomaru, Kidō Shinsengumi Moeyo Ken * Gen Tokishima, MAPS: Densetsu no Samayoeru Seijin-tachi * Elmony, Master of Epic: The Animation Age * Lassie, Meiken Lassie * Mojackō, Mojackō * Lillibit, Mori no Yōki na Kobito-tachi: Belfy to Lillibit * Papuwa, Nangoku Shōnen Papuwa-kun * Kirimaru Settsuno, Nintama Rantarō * Monkey D. Luffy, One Piece ✅✅✅ * Chibita, Osomatsu-kun (1988) ✅ * Kanna Kirishima, Sakura Taisen ✅✅ * Mit-sah, Shiroi Kiba White Fang Monogatari * Hinotama Kozō, Sore Ike! Anpanman * Pazu, Tenkū no Shiro Laputa ✅ * Luckyman, Tottemo! Luckyman * Musuke Satō, Two Down Full Base * Ryūnosuke Fujinami, Urusei Yatsura ✅✅✅ * Susumu Sugita, Wonder Beat Scramble * Koenma, Yū☆Yū☆Hakusho ✅✅✅ Note: Polly's English voice is uncredited. Conclusively, although this series follow a standard, formulaic pattern of episodic stories — it's still a deeply wholesome and passion-filled project, brimming with breathtakingly beautiful sequences. Much of Hayao Miyazaki's love for mechanical design and aircraft machinery shines through in this series, like it did in films like "The Wind Rises" and "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind"! It isn't visually jaw-dropping in each and every episode, like it in his later Ghibli productions, but it still has a unique style all its own! "Sherlock Hound" is a 6/10, and a recommendation for any fan of Hayao Miyazaki's other animations! Rating: ★★★☆☆
Reviewer’s Rating: 6
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Jan 10, 2021 Not Recommended
This OVA is one of the strangest things that I have ever seen. Period! Despite the single sentence descriptor of it online, there is a lot to unpack. There are "They Live"-inspired aliens that masquerade as humans, golden headbands that unlock the potential of human consciousness (and thus, imbue the wearer with psychic powers), and an expansive sea of stars that is at risk of being utterly obliterated by the "Big Bang"! This is like if "Space Runway Ideon" took another hit of LSD and wandered into the dementia category! "Nayuta" is just THAT insane!
⚠️ This review will contain spoilers ⚠️ —Story/Characters Synopsis: Sci-fi tale of a ... young girl who acquires ESP powers. The description above is the official synopsis on MyAnimeList, but boy, that doesn't even reach the surface of the matter! So, Nayuta is introduced as a below intelligence girl, who is perhaps too naïve for her own good, I mean she thinks that all flying aircrafts can be classified as UFOs, after all! After her brief show of stupidity in the classroom, she meets a mysterious foreigner boy (with his sickly mother) and he has a peculiar-looking, golden headband. And then, after taking her to the hospital with Nayuta, she is apparently murdered by the evil, green people (more formerly referred to as the "Azadd") and they, then, disappear into a dimensional wormhole! Then, after the little boy ("Kiro") teleports into Nayuta's room, she takes pity on him and lets him stay at her parents house, and apparently they aren't phased by this at all. He even teleports food at the dinner table, but they don't seen to care! Nayuta, herself, doesn't even seem worried about mysterious reptilian people killing his parents! Y'know, just a normal everyday thing happening there! She then steals his golden headband while he's sleeping and wears it school? And, it's literally the same thing as the "They Live" sunglasses, where now, she can see the green people — camouflaged as humans! She then encounters a psychic ("Ryōtaro"), while getting cornered by hordes of the Azadd, and he rescues her... but then, she spits out her tongue at him and gets on a moped with an alien, disguised as her teacher, and he is forced to save her again? The character writing in this OVA makes little to no sense! Ryōtaro then takes Nayuta back to his dingy apartment and teleports underground, where the rest of the psychics are taking refuge. There's this one guy who's bald and is wearing a tank-top with hearts on it, with white trousers, and the gold headband is resting on his bald head, and he is the best design in this whole show! That was a freakin' incredible, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure-tier design, right there! Their leader is a silver-haired woman, that seems to be like six or seven feet tall, and she telepathically gives Nayuta an exposition-laden timeline of their history with the Azadd. In this spiel, it is implied by the show that UFOs are a government psy-op for drones, that are used to killed aboriginal people in jungles. So, that was a plot point. She then gets an epiphany that her family might be in danger and her intuition is right, her house is on fire. For some reason, Ryōtaro rides a moped across a pond to reach them! But, I digress! Nayuta finds out that her parents have been killed by a bishōnen with a tunic the length of a mini-skirt, and it is later revealed that the man is an adult version of Kiro. This confused me, because he's wearing his own golden headband, but Nayuta stole his before she went to school that day? So, did the Azadd give him another one? It is then revealed that he was abducted by the Azadd and weaponized against Earth's people, and he states that he wasn't the one who killed her parents. Nayuta activates her psychic powers and escapes, meeting up with the other psychics. Kiro then kills all of them, except for Ryōtaro, with ease... wait, what was that spiel about not being a cold-blooded killer? Nayuta then gets shot, but doesn't die for some reason, ※even though it was same laser beam gun killed the other psychics? Huh? And then, after Nayuta is transported away, Ryōtaro teleports himself into a funhouse mirror (don't ask why this is in a space ship) and kills Kiro, along with himself, by blowing up the entire ship. ※ It is implied that Kiro gives her some of his life force, but it doesn't really make sense. Ryōtaro, existing as a "non-corporeal being" (this is the phrasing that the subs used), fuses with Nayuta and cohabitates with her, from within her body. The silver-haired leader of the psychic renegades then appears and is killed after Nayuta escapes, discovering before her death that Kiro has a clone replica in a glacier, cryostasis shell. After getting randomly stabbed by a unicorn and seeing an illusion of her dead parents, Nayuta then discovers the secrets of the universe and faces off, in a final battle against Kiro. Then, all of them end up fusing souls and wander into the vast expanse of the galaxy, in search for a way to save Earth from its inevitable destruction! If that's sounds convoluted as all heck, it's because it is! It's hard to explain how I felt while watching it, partially dumbfounded, and the other half of me was charmed by Akio Sugino's pretty design aesthetics. If someone ever tells you that retro is better than modern shows, then I suggest sitting them down and showing them "Nayuta"! This OVA is a hot mess, if I've ever seen one! Luna's Favorite Works by Each Respective Creator = ✅ Masami Hata (director), notable works: * Aesop's World * Anime TV de Hakken! Tamagotchi * Chirin no Suzu ✅ * DT Eightron * Elmer no Bōken: My Father's Dragon * Gokū no Daibōken * Hello Kitty no Alps no Shōjo Heidi II: Klara to no Deai ("Hello Kitty, the Girl of the Alps: Bond with Clara") * Hello Kitty no Minna no Mori wo Mamore! ("Hello Kitty and Friends: Protect the Forest") * Hello Kitty no Papa Nante Daikirai ("Hello Kitty and Friends: I Hate You, Papa") * Hello Kitty no Shiawase no Tulip ("Hello Kitty and Friends: The Tulip of Happiness") * Hello Kitty no Shōkōjo ("Hello Kitty and Friends: A Little Princess") * Hello Kitty no Yume Dorobō ("Hello Kitty and Friends: The Dream Thief") * Hello Kitty: Mahō no Mori no Ohime-sama ("Hello Kitty and Friends: The Sleeping Princess") * Ike! Ina-chuu Takkyūbu * Kero Kero Keroppi no Bikkuri! Obakeyashiki ("Keroppi and Friends: The Haunted House") * Kero Kero Keroppi no Boku-tachi no Takaramono ("Keroppi and Friends: Our Treasure") * Kero Kero Keroppi no Bokura no Ohimesama ("Keroppi and Friends: The Waiting Princess") * Kero Kero Keroppi no Bōken: Pink no Kinoko ("Keroppi and Friends: Find the Pink Mushroom") * Kero Kero Keroppi no Christmas Eve no Okurimono ("Keroppi and Friends: The Christmas Eve Gift") * Kero Kero Keroppi no Dai Bōken ("Keroppi and Friends: The Big Adventure") * Kero Kero Keroppi no Daibōken: Fushigi na Mame no Ki ("Keroppi and Friends: Jack and the Beanstalk") * Kero Kero Keroppi no Ganbare! Keroppōz ("Keroppi and Friends: Let's Play Baseball") * Kero Kero Keroppi no Gulliver no Bōken ("Keroppi and Friends: The Adventures of Gulliver") * Kero Kero Keroppi no Kero Kero House no Himitsu ("Keroppi and Friends: The Frog's Secret House") * Kero Kero Keroppi no Kyōryū ga Deta ("Keroppi and Friends: The Data on Dinosaurs") * Kero Kero Keroppi no Robin Hood ("Keroppi and Friends: Robin Hood") * Kero Kero Keroppi no Sanjūshi ("Keroppi and Friends: The Three Musketeers") * Kero Kero Keroppi no Sora Tobu Yume no Fune ("Keroppi and Friends: The Great Flying Ship of Dreams") * Kero Kero Keroppi no Sora wo Tobetara ("Keroppi and Friends: Flight on the Aeroplane") * Kero Kero Keroppi no Tomodachi ni Narō yo ("Keroppi and Friends: Let's Be Friends") * Kero Kero Keroppi no Tomodachi wa Mahōtsukai ("Keroppi and Friends: Magician Friends") * Kero Kero Keroppi no Yowamushi-ōji no Daibōken ("Keroppi and Friends: The Adventures of the Coward Prince") * Kiki to Lala no Aoi Tori ("Kiki and Lala's Blue Bird") * Kiki to Lala no Habatake! Pegasus ("Kiki and Lala in The Fluttering Pegasus") * Kiki to Lala no Hakuchōza no Ohime-sama ("Kiki and Lala in The Princess of the Cygnus Constellation") * Kiki to Lala no Hansel to Gretel ("Kiki and Lala's Hansel and Gretel") * Kiki to Lala no Hoshi no Dance Shoes ("Kiki and Lala's Starlit Dancing Shoes") * Kiki to Lala no Ohimesama ni Naritai ("Kiki and Lala in We Wanna Be Princesses") * Kiki to Lala no Papa to Mama ni Aitai ("Kiki and Lala in We Love Mamma and Pappa") * Little Nemo ✅ * Nezumi Monogatari: George to Gerald no Bōken ("Mouse Story: The Adventures of George and Gerald") * Sirius no Densetsu ("The Sea Prince and the Fire Child") ✅ * Stitch! * Stitch!: Itazura Alien no Daibōken * Super Mario Brothers: Peach-hime Kyūshutsu Daisakusen! ("Super Mario Brothers: Great Mission to Rescue Princess Peach") * Tezuka Osamu Monogatari: Boku wa Son Gokū * Yōsei Dick ("Hobberdy Dick") * Yōsei Florence ("A Journey Through Fairyland") Commentary: Mr. Hata makes some really gorgeous-looking films, but the script-writing is always a little bit questionable on all of them! I can't say that I'm particularly a fan of his work, the highest rankings that I've given his films have been a 6/10 to both "Little Nemo" and "Chirin no Suzu" but, man does director know how to create a dense atmosphere! I spent most of the run-time of "Nayuta" scratching my head, because nothing really seemed logical or made any sense, but it felt more profound than it actually was... BECAUSE Masami Hata was the one pulling the levers behind the Oz curtain! Inventive director that needs a better screenwriting team! Akio Sugino (character design), notable works: * 11-nin Iru! ("They Were 11") ✅ * Ace wo Nerae! (1979) ✅ * Ace we Nerae! 2 * Animation Kikō: Marco Polo no Bōken ("Marco Polo's Adventures") * Arrow Emblem Grand Prix no Taka * Ashita no Joe ✅ * Ashita no Joe 2 ✅ * Black Jack (1993) * Black Jack the Movie ✅ * Black Jack: Futari no Kuroi Isha * Bocchan * Boku no Son Gokū * Burning Blood * Cat's Eye (Season One) ✅ * Cobra the Animation ✅ * Daikū Maryū Gaiking ("Dino Mech Gaiking") * Genji Monogatari Sennenki ("Millennium Old Journal: Tale of Genji") * Gensei Shugoshin P-hyoro Ikka OVA * Ginga Eiyū Densetsu ✅ * Ginga Tetsudou 999 (Movie) * Golgo 13: Queen Bee ✅ * Hakugei Densetsu * Hi no Tori ✅ * Hiroshima ni Ichiban Densha ga Hashitta * Ie Naki Ko ("Nobody's Boy: Remi") * Jetter Mars * Jungle Taitei Movie (1997) ✅ * Kasei Yakyoku ✅ * Kumi to Tulip * La Seine no Hoshi ("Star of the Seine") * Mighty Orbots * Mori no Densetsu: Dai Ni Gakushō * Onii-sama e... ✅ * Osamu to Musashi * Oshin * Reporter Blues * Riki-Ō 2: Horobi no Ko * Sabu to Ichi Torimono Hikae * Shuranosuke Zanmaken: Shikamamon no Otoko ("Sword for Truth") * Space Adventure Cobra ✅ * Space Cobra ✅ * Space Fantasia 2001 Nights * Takarajima * Takarajima (Movie) * Ultraviolet: Code 044 * Urikupen Kyūjo-tai * Versailles no Bara ✅ * Yuki no Jōu (TV) ✅ Commentary: Mr. Sugino is a legendary character designer! If you watch a few minutes of the Nayuta intro, those designs are instantly distinguishable! Amazing work, though sometimes he isn't attached to the best projects, ahem! "Sword for Truth"! Good Seiyū Work = ✅ Really Enjoyed the Seiyū's Performance = ✅ ✅ One of Luna's Favorite Performances OF ALL TIME = ✅ ✅ ✅ Minako Fujishiro as Nayuta, notable roles: * none Commentary: Ms. Fujishiro's only other anime credit is singing an insert song in Kimagure Orange☆Road, after some digging, it seems as though she starred in one of the live-action "Sukeban Deka" films as well! I found a couple of credits to jidaigeki ("period drama") films in her répertoire, but there isn't much about her online! And, as one would expect, her performance does sound amateurish (especially compared to Akira Kamiya, see below for more info), but in experimental OVAs like this, I find the everyday (albeit, crude) approach to girl-next-door character is... kind of refreshing. Another example of this is Nagisa Kanō in "Tatakae!! Iczer-1" — the lack of polish to the voice made her seem like more of a believable high school girl. The dialogue and characterization for Nayuta could have been better, but besides occasional pitches of shrillness in her articulation, the acting was pretty solid. Great job, her short stint in the entertainment industry seemed good, while it lasted! Akira Kamiya as Kiro, notable roles: * Lane Tadatos, 11-nin Iru! ✅ * Athos, Anime Sanjūshi ("The Three Musketeers") * Kō'ichi Yamano, Babel Nisei * Kyusaku Natsume, Bannō Bunka Neko-Musume (series) * Sō'ichi Tomoe, Bishōjo Senshi Sailor Moon S ✅✅ * Mamoru Daichi, Chikyū Bōei Kazoku * Chirin, Chirin no Suzu ✅✅ * Ryō Saeba, City Hunter (series) ✅✅ * Sanshirō Tsuwabuki, Daikū Maryū Gaiking * Kogorō Mōri, Detective Conan — Rikiya Koyama has reprised the role ✅✅✅ * Doctor Chichibuyama, Doctor Chichibuyama * John Kyosuke Hiba, Dog Solider * Garlic Junior, Dragon Ball Z Movie 01: Ora no Gohan wo Kaese!! — stand-in for Shigeru Chiba * Muscat Tyler, Elf 17 * King Arthur, Entaku no Kishi Monogatari: Moero Arthur * Jimmy Orion, Gasshin Sentai Mechander Robo * Ryōma Nagare, Getter Robo (series) — Hideo Ishikawa has reprised the role for the newer series, i.e. Shin Getter Robo and Change!! Getter Robo: Sekai Saigo no Hi * Gai Daido, Getter Robo Go * Elizabeth, Gintama Movie 2: Kanketsu-hen (Yorozuya yo Eien Nare) — stand-in for Shinji Takamatsu * Roi Kuran, Haja Taisei Dangaiō * Makimura, Hi no Tori: Uchū-hen ("Phoenix: Space Chapter") ✅✅ * Kenshirō, Hokuto no Ken — the role has been reprised by Hiro Shimono, Takehito Koyasu, and Katsuyuki Konishi ✅✅✅ * Shizune Mejiro, Igano Kabamaru * Zorori, Kaiketsu Zorori: Mahōtsukai no Deshi * Suguru Kinniku, Kinnikuman (series) — Toshio Furukawa has reprised the role * Isamu, Kōya no Shōnen Isamu * Akira Tosaka, Kyūkyoku Chōjin R * Ashram, Legend of Crystania and Lodoss-tō Senki ✅✅ * Roy Focker, Macross ✅✅ * Shun Mitaka, Maison Ikkoku ✅✅ * Claude, Mirai Keisatsu Urashiman * King Arthur, Moero Arthur: Hakuba no Ōji * Nyarome, Mōretsu Atarō (1990) * Que, Mujigen Hunter Fandora ✅ * Kiro, Nayuta ✅✅ * Indra, Otaku no Seiza * Nao, Outlanders ✅ * Siegfried Dubhe and Algol Perseus, Saint Seiya ✅✅ * Lord Calvert, Slayers Gorgeous * Kyōichirō Jin, Sukeban Deka ✅✅ * Seki Ray Shiroe, Terra e... * Dandan, Time Travel Tondekeman! * Kazuya Ryuzaki, Tōshō Daimos * Shutarō Mendō, Urusei Yatsura ✅✅✅ * Takuma Ichimonji, Wakusei Robo Danguard Ace * Shinnosuke Kazamatsuri, Yawara * Akira Hibiki, Yūsha Raideen * Shin Fubuki, Zero Tester Commentary: For some reason MyAnimeList has Kiro listed under the name of "Jiro" but, I went back and re-listened to the audio, and the characters are quite clearly saying "Kiro"! But, with that out of the way, Mr. Kamiya's performance (as always) was splendid! His timber has such a powerful presence, and so, with that... he was able to become the perfect anti-hero for this rather convoluted, philosophical drug trip! He can switch between the glass masks of being maniacal to sympathetic, in a matter of seconds! Very talented voice actor! "Nayuta" is the anime for you, if you're looking for something that is a really out-there, "LSD watch" with attractive character designs and settings; the writing is pretty off the wall, as you can probably see by my description of the series, but it's enjoyable in the same way that watching "Garzey's Wing" or "Yōsei Ō" is. Watching this hour-long film is like having a surrealistic daydream and waking up, feeling utterly confounded. If that's your thing, then I would certainly suggest giving it gander, but ultimately, I give it a 3/10! Rating: ★★☆☆☆
Reviewer’s Rating: 3
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Jan 9, 2021
Uchuu Kaizoku Captain Herlock
(Anime)
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"I fight for no one's sake, only for something deep in my heart." —Captain Harlock
"Uchū Kaizoku Captain Harlock" is less of a fantastical space adventure like "Galaxy Express 999" — and more of a grounded, political space drama that holds no bars with its direct message of fighting corruption. Captain Harlock and his motley team of disenfranchised space denizens take on Earth's oppressors! This series is very shrewdly written and wise — it is a romanticist's view on how to make the world right again after a liberation movement, and it is an ever-applicable statement to our current times! ⚠️ This review will contain light ... spoilers ⚠️ —Story/Characters According to Leiji Matsumoto, he "was never a stickler for continuity" — so, the 1978 anime adaptation of Captain Harlock takes place within the same reality as the "Mystery of Arcadia" film. I find the invasion and incumbent oppression forced upon the earthlings by the Mazone to be eerily similar to a future that all of us might be gravitating towards, you see, the people of earth in the "Captain Harlock" anime are lackadaisical and have robots doing all of their work for them, so when a totalitarian regime sets in, there is no human will to stop it from happening... isn't that what social media and technological advancements have become for many of us? All of the crew of the Arcadia gather together under their collective strengths: Kei Yuki, Tadashi Daiba, Tochiro Oyama, Doctor Zero, ※Mayu Ōyama, Yatteran, and Chief Engineer Maji — live against the system and are able to cohabitate in their own little, utopian microcosm. They live under the flag of righteousness and don't have allegiance to anyone, other than to each other and the outcasts of society. It's difficult to imagine a rebel faction like theirs working so harmonically in real life, but quixotic legion of do-gooder pirates is part of Leiji Matsumoto's dream of something that could only ever exist in fiction. But, a beautiful dream to have, nonetheless. ※ Note: I won't give anything away about what happens, but Mayu's backstory is a real tearjerker. Think Chroniko ("Kaiba") levels of sadness! Harlock and Miime's relationship is something that I heavily ship, even though all they do is drink and Harlock listens to her play her harp. I'm pretty sure that Edmund Dantes and Haydée in ※"Gankutsuō" were loosely based off of these two! Miime and Haydée even have the similar backstory of being saved by their aforementioned male counterpart, and therefore, dedicating their life to them! ※ Note: Yes, I have read the original novel for "The Count of Monte Cristo" so, I know that Haydée has a similar role in the classic, book version, too! Though, it wasn't conveyed as being to the level of "Harlockian" as it is in the anime adaptation. Matsumoto's construction of "Captain Harlock" was said in an interview to be a rebuilding of valor that was lost during the second World War. Harlock is chivalrous to all woman, fair to all of his enemies, and a safe haven to those who have been abused and forgotten by their venal society. As Panglossian as such a person may be, something that is far from mortal capability — like the immutable kindness of Kenzō Tenma in Naoki Urasawa's "Monster" — we can all ascribe to be more like Harlock: a flowering ideal, inconceivably honorable, and a companion to the weak of heart. —Technical Luna's Favorite Works by Each Respective Creator = ✅ Rintaro (director), notable works: * 48x61 * Deimos no Hanayome: Ran no Kumikyoku ("Bride of Deimos") ✅ * Down Load: Namu Amida Butsu wa Ai no Uta ("Download: Devil's Circuit") * Final Fantasy * Ganbare Genki * Genma Taisen * Ginga Tetsudō 999 (Movie) * Hi no Tori: Hōō-hen ("Phoenix: Karma Chapter") ✅ * Hi no Tori: Uchū-hen ("Phoenix: Space Chapter") ✅ * Hi no Tori: Yamato-hen ("Phoenix: Yamato Chapter") ✅ * Hoshi no Ko Chobin * Jetter Mars * Jungle Taitei * Jungle Taitei (1989) * Jungle Taitei (Movie) * Kamui no Ken * Kaze no Matasaburō * Kujakuō * Lupin VIII * Manie-Manie: Meikyū Monogatari ("Neo Tokyo") * Metropolis ✅ * Mūmin * Osamu to Musashi * Sabu to Ichi Torimono Hikae * Sayonara Ginga Tetsudō 999: Andromeda Shūchakueki * Shin Kujakuō ("Spirit Warrior") * Teito Mongatari ("Doomed Megalopolis") * Tetsuwan Atom: Uchū no Yūsha ("Astro Boy: The Brave in Space") * Tezuka Osamu Monogatari: Boku wa Son Gokū ("The Tale of Osamu Tezuka: I'm Son Goku") * Uchū Kaizoku Captain Herlock: Arcadia-gō no Nazo ("Space Pirate Captain Harlock: Riddle of the Arcadia Episode") * Wagahai wa Neko de Aru ("I Am a Cat") * Wanpaku Ōmukashi Kum Kum * Wanpaku Tanteidan ("Boy's Detective Team") * X Densha de Ikō ("Take the X Train") ✅ * X/1999 ✅ * X² Double X * Yona Yona Penguin Commentary: Rintaro's discography is very hit-or-miss for me, I thought works like X Densha de Ikō ("Take the X Train") and Deimos no Hanayome: Ran no Kumikyoku ("Bride of Deimos"), and there were productions of his that I didn't like so much, like, Teito Mongatari ("Doomed Megalopolis") and Down Load: Namu Amida Butsu wa Ai no Uta ("Download: Devil's Circuit"). Though, out of the assortment of mixed bag hits, the "Uchū Kaizoku Captain Harlock" anime adaptation takes the cake! Slow-paced meditative scenes, thoughtful character moments, and intense action sequences; Rintaro is a visionary director that deserves all of the accolades and praise that he gets, even if some of his works exist — just for the sake of existing! Extra: The swelling operatic score in the anime was performed by non other than the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra! Good Seiyū Work = ✅ Really Enjoyed the Seiyū's Performance = ✅ ✅ One of Luna's Favorite Performances OF ALL TIME = ✅ ✅ ✅ Makio Inōe as Captain Harlock (or Herlock), notable roles: * William Albert Adley, Candy Candy ✅ * Hideki Horiguchi, Ganbare Genki * Ryū, Genshi Shōnen Ryū * Phoenix, Honey Honey no Suteki na Bōken * Goemon Ishikawa XIII, Lupin III (series) — in all of the older "Lupin III" series, save for season one; Mr. Inōe passed away in 2019 and the role has been reprised by Daisuke Namikawa ✅ ✅ ✅ * Slegger Law, Mobile Suit Gundam — Tessyo Genda was the original voice in the TV version ✅ Commentary: Mr. Inōe is more predominantly known for being the most famous iteration of Goemon Ishikawa XIII in the "Lupin III" franchise, and his performance as Harlock isn't much different. A powerful presence with a strong, stoic sense of righteousness — this enigma rings clearly, like the peal of bell. Unfortunately, Mr. Inōe passed away in 2019, but his strong timber still echos the voices of the oppressed lower caste, that his characters respectively sought to defend. Incredible job with the character, rest in peace! Noriko Ohara as Miime ("Mimay"), notable roles: * Sindbad, Arabian Nights: Sindbad no Bōken (TV) * Hiyoshi Gō, Chō Denji Machine Voltes V * Nobita Nobi, Doraemon (1979) — voiced Nobita until Doraemon (2005), the role was reprised by Megumi Ōhara ✅ ✅ ✅ * Serge Battour, Kaze to Ki no Uta Sanctus: Sei Naru Kana ✅ ✅ ✅ * Emmanuelle Poirot, Lupin III: Part II ✅ ✅ ✅ * Claudia La Salle, Macross ✅ ✅ ✅ * Sebastian, Meiken Jolie * Conan, Mirai Shōnen Conan * Majo, Time Bokan * Doronjo, Majo, Atasha, Mirenjo, Mun-Mun, and Mūjo — Time Bokan: Revival * Shira Etō, Tokimeki Tonight ✅ ✅ ✅ * Oyuki, Urusei Yatsura ✅ ✅ ✅ * Wansa, Wansa-kun Commentary: Noriko Ohara has an absolutely lovely voice; it's weird because I originally heard her as Nobita in "Doraemon" (who is a little boy, if you haven't watched it), but all of her female roles exude an aura of utter pulchritudinous-ness! For example, Emmanuelle Poirot ("Lupin III: Part II") plays a very minor role, but my image of her is very crisp and clear — I watched the series in its entirety a few years back, but I still have fond memories of watching that character interact with Lupin! Her presence is a very subtle, but beautiful one! Ms. Ohara is a one-of-a-kind performer! And that is why Miime is best girl, among other various reasons! Chiyoko Kawashima as Kei Yuki and Mayu Ōyama, notable roles: * Jimsa, Andromeda Stories * Setsuna Meiō ("Sailor Pluto"), Bishōjo Senshi Sailor Moon (series) — Ai Maeda has reprised the role ✅ ✅ ✅ * Tony, Tera e... * Hikaru Makiba, UFO Robo Grendizer Commentary: I have only seen Ms. Kawashima as Setsuna Meiō in "Sailor Moon" — while I'm writing this, I have seen the Terra e... TV series, but not the original OVA, so I cannot comment on any of her other performances. As Kei Yuki, she's a side character, but when she is shown, she's very likable and sweet. Great job! Akira Kamiya as Tadashi Daiba, notable roles: * Lane Tadatos, 11-nin Iru! ✅ * Athos, Anime Sanjūshi ("The Three Musketeers") * Kō'ichi Yamano, Babel Nisei * Kyusaku Natsume, Bannō Bunka Neko-Musume (series) * Sō'ichi Tomoe, Bishōjo Senshi Sailor Moon S ✅✅ * Mamoru Daichi, Chikyū Bōei Kazoku * Chirin, Chirin no Suzu ✅✅ * Ryō Saeba, City Hunter (series) ✅✅ * Sanshirō Tsuwabuki, Daikū Maryū Gaiking * Kogorō Mōri, Detective Conan — Rikiya Koyama has reprised the role ✅✅✅ * Doctor Chichibuyama, Doctor Chichibuyama * John Kyosuke Hiba, Dog Solider * Garlic Junior, Dragon Ball Z Movie 01: Ora no Gohan wo Kaese!! — stand-in for Shigeru Chiba * Muscat Tyler, Elf 17 * King Arthur, Entaku no Kishi Monogatari: Moero Arthur * Jimmy Orion, Gasshin Sentai Mechander Robo * Ryōma Nagare, Getter Robo (series) — Hideo Ishikawa has reprised the role for the newer series, i.e. Shin Getter Robo and Change!! Getter Robo: Sekai Saigo no Hi * Gai Daido, Getter Robo Go * Elizabeth, Gintama Movie 2: Kanketsu-hen (Yorozuya yo Eien Nare) — stand-in for Shinji Takamatsu * Roi Kuran, Haja Taisei Dangaiō * Makimura, Hi no Tori: Uchū-hen ("Phoenix: Space Chapter") ✅✅ * Kenshirō, Hokuto no Ken — the role has been reprised by Hiro Shimono, Takehito Koyasu, and Katsuyuki Konishi ✅✅✅ * Shizune Mejiro, Igano Kabamaru * Zorori, Kaiketsu Zorori: Mahōtsukai no Deshi * Suguru Kinniku, Kinnikuman (series) — Toshio Furukawa has reprised the role * Isamu, Kōya no Shōnen Isamu * Akira Tosaka, Kyūkyoku Chōjin R * Ashram, Legend of Crystania and Lodoss-tō Senki ✅✅ * Roy Focker, Macross ✅✅ * Shun Mitaka, Maison Ikkoku ✅✅ * Claude, Mirai Keisatsu Urashiman * King Arthur, Moero Arthur: Hakuba no Ōji * Nyarome, Mōretsu Atarō (1990) * Que, Mujigen Hunter Fandora ✅ * Kiro, Nayuta ✅✅ * Indra, Otaku no Seiza * Nao, Outlanders ✅ * Siegfried Dubhe and Algol Perseus, Saint Seiya ✅✅ * Lord Calvert, Slayers Gorgeous * Kyōichirō Jin, Sukeban Deka ✅✅ * Seki Ray Shiroe, Terra e... * Dandan, Time Travel Tondekeman! * Kazuya Ryuzaki, Tōshō Daimos * Shutarō Mendō, Urusei Yatsura ✅✅✅ * Takuma Ichimonji, Wakusei Robo Danguard Ace * Shinnosuke Kazamatsuri, Yawara * Akira Hibiki, Yūsha Raideen * Shin Fubuki, Zero Tester Commentary: Akira Kamiya is a very iconic voice in the industry, from his role of Kenshirō in the original "Fist of the North Star" to his defining role as the original voice of Detective Conan's alcoholic, womanizing Dad ("Kogorō Mōri")! Personally, my favorite role of his has been Shutarō Mendō ("Urusei Yatsura"), that character had a lot of flaws and issues, but Mr. Kamiya was able to convey them naturally and with a comedic cadence, that fit in with the show's milieu. In "Uchū Kaizoku Captain Harlock" — his character stands out less than some of the rest, but is able to come across as believable teenage boy, that is suffering through trials of war and hardship! Very talented seiyū, wonderful work in this series! Rihoko Yoshida as Emeraldes, notable roles: * Queen Badiane, Bishōjo Senshi Sailor Moon SuperS: Sailor 9 Senshi Shūketsu! Black Dream Hole no Kiseki ("Sailor Moon SuperS the Movie: Black Dream Hole") ✅✅ * Teto, Kaze no Tani no Nausicaä ✅✅✅ * Miwa Uzuki, Kōtetsu Jeeg * Machiko Mai, Maicching Machiko-sensei ("Miss Machiko") ✅ * Megu Kanzaki, Majokko Megu-chan ("Little Meg the Witch Girl") * Tickle Komori, Majokko Tickle * Mirai, Mama wa Shōgaku 4 Nensei * Monsley, Mirai Shōnen Conan * Maria Grace Fleed, UFO Robo Grendizer * Kurama, Urusei Yatsura ✅✅✅ * Rosalie Lamorlière, Rose of Versailles ✅✅ * Lisa, Wakusei Robo Danguard Ace Commentary: Ms. Yoshida has a very husky, mature woman type of voice — this type of casting choice is exemplified best in her roles as Queen Badian ("Sailor Moon SuperS the Movie: Black Dream Hole") and as Kurama ("Urusei Yatsura"). Queen Emeraldas is a tough, ice queen like some of Ms. Yoshida's other prolific roles! She has a very commanding presence and has a very distinct voice, to the point, that when I first watched "Maetel Legend" — Atsuko Enomoto's portrayal of the character didn't originally register with me! Talented seiyū, it's a shame that she choose to retire in 1998! There are not long-running television anime series that can pull off such a tight ending. I personally preferred "Galaxy Express 999" to the "Uchū Kaizoku Captain Harlock" series, but the latter had a much more satisfying conclusion. Leiji Matsumoto's "Harlock" saga will continue to have an important place in the annals of Japanese animation's history, because its brave and unabashed take on standing up to tyranny! "Uchū Kaizoku Captain Harlock" earns a 7/10 ranking and a place among the must-see anime classics! Rating: ★★★★☆
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Jan 8, 2021 Recommended
If Lupin III and Inspector Zenigata started dating, their relationship would look a little bit like this anime! Hitomi Kisugi and her sisters must constantly pull the wool over her boyfriend (the police detective) Toshio Utsumi's eyes, to keep her heists after famous paintings a secret. Comedic hijinks and suspense-filled drama ensues, as the girls try to juggle living as cat burglars and running a café together!
⚠️ This review will have light spoilers ⚠️ —Story/Characters This show is intensely pleasurable to watch from start to finish! With that being said, the main gripe that I had about the logic in the series is that the girls never ... wear masks when they commit their burglaries! The male lead, Toshio, sees them on a daily basis, so he KNOWs what they all look like; and they, in turn, are all aware that his is the main detective on their case... but, I guess, who cares... they're just going to wear spandex, aerobics outfits and rob museums, I suppose? Another thing, their café is called "Cat's Eye" and then they put "Cat's Eye" on their calling card! I also remember incidents where Hitomi speaks to Toshio remotely, through a two-way radio, and he's like "this person sounds oddly familiar, it couldn't be my childhood friend slash girlfriend, could it?" If you can suspend your disbelief and enjoy the series, deep-down, it's a charming '80s show about a trio of girls trying to find their biological father. Not to mention that Hitomi and Toshio's relationship is incredibly sweet, despite the fact the she coyly dangles her alternate identity in front of his face! And he's just too darned naïve to pick up on it! Despite my grievances with some plot incongruencies, there are some really well-thought out missions and technological devices that the police use to try and ensnare them! Not to mention that when Yoshiko Sakakibara's character ("Mitsuko Asatani") makes her entrance into the scene, she has a leg up on the rest of the investigators because she actually has the mind to suspect the three sisters, not only that, but Mitsuko is actively trying to hit on Toshio! It creates a love-triangle situation that could be classified in the "Betty and Veronica" (Archie Comics) category of rivalry, since Hitomi is the more friendly and outgoing childhood friend, while Mitsuko is more brainy, cunning, and the show makes a point of how pretty she is without her huge, goggle-like glasses! —Technical Luna's Favorite Works by Each Respective Creator = ✅ Yoshio Takeuchi (director), notable works: * 2001 Nights ✅ * Ashita Genki ni Nare!: Hanbun no Satsumaimo ("Tomorrow Will Become Better!: Half a Sweet Potato") * Astro Boy (2003) ✅ * Bakuten Shoot Beyblade (2002) ✅ * Bakuten Shoot Beyblade the Movie: Gekitō!! Takao vs. Daichi * Boku no Bōkūgō ("My Air Raid Shelter, My Bomb Shelter") * Dokonjou Gaeru (script) * Gamba no Bōken (script) * Gozonji! Gekkō Kamen-kun * Hare Tokidoki Buta (script) * Herlock Saga: Nibelung no Yubiwa * Hoero! Bun Bun (script) * Ippon Bōchō Mantarō * Jungle Taitei Movie (1997) ✅ * Kaiketsu Zorori: Mahōtsukai no Deshi * Kizuoibito ("Wounded Man") * Kyomu Senshi Miroku * Lupin III: Part III (episode director) ✅ * Night Head Genesis * Nobody's Boy: Remi — Assistant Director * Oishinbo (series) ✅ * Scarecrow Man * Shin Megami Tensei Devil Children * Soliton no Akuma * Space Cobra (chief animation director) ✅ * Space Fantasia 2001 Nights * Tako ni Natta Okaasan * Toki no Tabibito: Time Stranger * Treasure Island (1978) * Versailles no Bara: Seimei Aru Kagiri Aishite Commentary: Mr. Takeuchi is the definition of a veteran industry worker, he has dipped his fingers in so many projects, but among the ones I have seen, I would say that Cat's Eye is his magnum opus. The perspective shots, the comedic timing, the framing of each scene, all of it is extremely well executed. There wasn't a time, while watching Cat's Eye, that I thought that something looked sloppy or amateurish, and that's a difficult feat to accomplish in a seventy-three episode series! Amazing work — an under-appreciated director, storyboard artist, and screenwriter! Toshimichi Okawa (screenwriter), notable works: * Buzzer Beater 2nd Season * City Hunter ✅ * Golgo 13 (TV) ✅ * Kaitō Saint Tail ✅ * Kōhū Ōja Mushiking Super Battle Movie: Yami no Kaizō Kouchū ("Mushiking: The King of Beetles SUPER BATTLE MOVIE — Altered Beetles of Darkness") * Lupin III: Green vs. Red * Lupin III: Nusumareta Lupin ("Stolen Lupin") * Lupin III: Part III ✅ * Lupin III: Sweet Lost Night — Mahō no Lamp wa Akumu no Yokan * Lupin III: The Last Job * Tetsujin 28-gō Commentary: Despite the episodic formula of this series, Mr. Okawa manages to make the writing in each episode "snappy" and charming! I would compare it to his work on "City Hunter," the writing most adroitly compares to that project — there was even a cameo appearance with the "Cat's Eye" girls in the ※"City Hunter the Movie: Shinjuku Private Eyes"! Fantastic scripts! ※Note: Both "Cat's Eye" and "City Hunter" take place in the same universe, so their casts will often intersect with one another. "Angel Heart" on the other hand, takes place in an alternate universe, but shares the same mangaka ("Tsukasa Hōjō") with "Cat's Eye" and "City Hunter"! Good Seiyū Work = ✅ Really Enjoyed the Seiyū's Performance = ✅ ✅ One of Luna's Favorite Performances OF ALL TIME = ✅ ✅ ✅ Yoshito Yasuhara as Toshio Utsumi, notable roles: * Noera, California Crisis: Tsuigeki no Jūka * Ryu Yamaki, Chōjin Locke * Gō Tsunami, Gowapper 5 Gordam ("Goliath the Super Fighter") * James Coleman, Great Pretender * Jūza, Hokuto no Ken ✅ * Okita Sōji III, Lupin III: Part II ✅ * Takeru Seizan, Miracle Psychicer Seizan * Danji Hiiragi, Mirai Robo Daltanias ("Future Robo Daltanius") * Don Jirochō, Monkey Punch no Sekai: Alice * Otto Heckel, Monster ✅ * Scarecrow, Oz no Mahōtsukai (1986) * Aoshi Shinomori, Rurōni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan ✅ ✅ * Kaji Isshū, Tentō Mushi no Uta * Mōri Etō, Tokimeki Tonight ✅ ✅ Commentary: The bumbling cop boyfriend to the mysterious cat thief. Mr. Yasuhara does a great job at making Toshio Utsumi both a doofus and intensely understandable as a character. I would compare his role in "Cat's Eye" most to his portrayal of Ranze's father ("Mōri Etō") in Tokimeki Tonight, her can come off as a blundering fool, but he really cares about his family and daughter — the same can be said for Toshio's relationship with the "Cat's Eye" girls! Great job! Keiko Toda as Hitomi Kisugi, notable roles: * Daichi Meguru, Arei no Kagami: Way to the Virgin Space * Kate Lee Jackson, Bavi Stock * Karala Ajiba, Densetsu Kyojin Ideon ✅ ✅ ✅ * Aki Ross, Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within * Kitarō, Gegege no Kitarō (1985) * Chigusa Tsukikage, Glass no Kamen: Sen no Kamen wo Motsu Shōjo * Teatine, Healin' Good♡PreCure ✅ ✅ * Nana Ichinomiya, Hi no Tori: Uchū-hen ✅ ✅ ✅ * Sophia, Kaze no Na wa Amnesia ("A Wind Named Amnesia") * Valcuria, Kyōshoku Sōkō Guyver * Osono, Majo no Takkyūbin ("Kiki's Delivery Service") ✅ ✅ ✅ * Matilda Ajan, Mobile Suit Gundam ✅ ✅ * Mamiya Mugen, Mugen Shinshi: Bōken Katsugeki-hen ("Dream Dimension Gentleman") * Kaoru Orihara, Oniisama e... ✅ ✅ * Ayame Hayami, Sengoku Kitan Yōtōden ("Chronicle of the Warlord Period") * Hajime Amamori, Shin Taketori Monogatari: 1000-nen Jōu ✅ ✅ * Anpanman, Sore Ike! Anpanman (series) * Iczer-2, Tatake!! Iczer (series) ✅ ✅ * Shiela, Wizardry Commentary: Ms. Toda has such a beautiful voice! Hitomi steals the show with the amount of charisma that her actress pours into the character, though Rui is a close second! I would compare her performance in "Cat's Eye" to her roles as Karala Ajiba ("Densetsu Kyojin Ideon") and Matilda Ajan ("Mobile Suit Gundam"), because boy, is she a babe! Incredible work! Toshiko Fujita as Rui Kisugi, notable roles: * Enrico Pocchini, Ai no Gakkō Cuore Monogatari * Sharaku Hosuke, Akuma Tō no Prince: Mitsume ga Tōru * Bonobono, Bonobono ✅ * Tom, Chibi Neko Tomu no Daibōken: Chikyū wo Sukue! Nakama-tachi * Taichi Yagami ("Tai Kamiya"), Digimon Adventure (series) ✅✅✅ * Dorimogu, Dorimogu Daa!! * Dai, Dragon Quest: Dai no Daibōken * Genki Horiguchi, Ganbare Genki * Kokiden no Nyōgo, Genji Monogatari Sennenki ("Millennium Old Journal: Tale of Genji") * Chigusa Tsukikage, Glass no Kamen (2005) ✅✅✅ * Rena, Hi no Tori 2772: Ai no CosmoZone * Ikkyū, Ikkyū-san * Hiroshi Tateno, Jigoku Sensei Nube * Yuki Oda, Junk Boy * Steven, Kaze no Naka no Shōjo: Kinpatsu no Jeanie * Elizabeth Murray, Kaze no Shōjo Emily * Eiichi Kite, Kiteretsu Daihyakka * Meme, Meme Iroiro Yume no Tabi * Pierre, Nagagutsu wo Haita Neko * Linlin Charlotte ("Big Mom"), One Piece * Maraich Juschenfe, Patalliro ✅ * Pipi, Pipi Tobenai Hotaru * Alfredo Martini, Romeo no Aoi Sora ✅✅✅ * Eris, Saint Seiya: Jashin Eris * Hilda, Seihō Bukyō Outlaw Star ✅ * Rally Cheyenne, Silent Möbius ✅ * Jane Royal, Space Cobra ✅ * Mother, Uchū Kazoku Carlvinson ("Space Family Carlvinson") * Tamao Inokuma, Yawara! * Makie, Youjū Toshi ("Wicked City") Commentary: Sadly, I think Ms. Fujita's casting as Rui Kisugi is her best sultry, adult woman role. She was absolutely amazing as Chigusa Tsukikage ("Glass no Kamen"), but she's an old lady in that series and the only other S-tier roles that I've seen her as, are her little boy ("shōnen" archetype) performances! Ms. Fujita did a really awesome job in "Cat's Eye," despite that! Chika Sakamoto as Ai Kisugi, notable roles: * Tora Kiso, 3 Chōme no Tama ("Tama and Friends") * Minoru Enoki, Akachan to Boku * Peruru, Bishōjo Senshi Sailor Moon SuperS: Sailor 9 Senshi Shūketsu! Black Dream Hole no Kiseki ("Sailor Moon SuperS: Black Dream Hole") ✅✅✅ * Kō Yaten, Bishōjo Senshi Sailor Moon: Sailor Stars * Sanae Nakazawa, Captain Tsubasa (series) * Zhī Láo, Chūka Ichiban! * Kuro-chan, Cyborg Kuro-chan * Agumon, Digimon Adventure and Digimon Adventure tri. ✅✅✅ * Shoutmon, Digimon Xros Wars ✅ * Fukuo Fuchida, Fuku-chan * Nuriko, Fushigi Yûgi ✅✅✅ * Kyōsuke Jin, Gekitō! Crush Gear Turbo * Yoni, Genmu Senki Leda ✅ * Campanella, Ginga Tetsudō no Yoru ✅✅✅ * Kaoruko Hanasaki ("Cure Flower"), HeartCatch PreCure! ✅✅✅ * Hajime-chan, Heisei Tensai Bakabon * Ken Oyanagi, JoJo no Kimyō na Bōken Part 4: Diamond wa Kudakenai ✅ * Bakumaru, Jūni Senshi Bakuretsu Eto Ranger * Shun Kisaragi, Koko wa Green Wood * Kentarō Ichinose, Maison Ikkoku ✅ * Muka Muka, Muka Muka Paradise * Norakuro, Norakuro-kun * Stelly, One Piece * Chokkaku, Ore wa Chokkaku * Pikachu, Pokémon (Season One) ✅✅✅ * Devi, Puzzle & Dragons Cross * Ranpō, Ranpō * Specter, Saru Getchu: On Air * Ashibe Ashiya, Shōnen Ashibe * Tendonmon and Chibizō-kun, Sore Ike! Anpanman (series) * Chinmi, Tekken Chinmi * Akari Toki, The Samurai * Mei Kusakabe, Tonari no Totoro ✅✅✅ * Tsuruhime, Tsuruhime Ja! * Ginger, Urusei Yatsura ✅✅ * Yocchan, Yocchan no Biidama * Ryōhei Hachiya, Zukkoke Sannin-gumi: Zukkoke Jikū Bōken Commentary: Ms. Sakamoto's performance as Ai Kisugi wasn't my favorite of hers, especially with some of the knock-out roles that it has to contend against! But, it was very good, Ai is energetic, spunky, and a tad on the rebellious side! Great job! Yoshiko Sakakibara as Mitsuko Asatani, 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 ✅✅ * 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, Space Adventure Cobra, and Cobra the Animation ✅✅✅ * 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 has the most gorgeous "ice queen" voice! Ms. Asatani, despite being a perpetual butt-monkey to the girls and Toshio (she constantly throws a wrench in BOTH the burglar's and police's plans), comes off as very likable — because of her seiyū's lush acting talents! Amazing voice actress, wonderful job with the role! "Cat's Eye" is the best "jewel heist"-type of show that I have ever seen — there's inventive writing, great shot composition, a colorful cast of enjoyable characters, a cute romance, and a high level of suspense... in many of the episodes Toshio and the police squad come very close to identifying the trio of sibylline siblings! The motivation for the art robberies was really compelling, too, and a gave an extra layer of intrigue to each sister. Refreshing, '80s romp that is an intensely fun experience! I give "Cat's Eye" a solid 7/10 and suggest giving it a try! Rating: ★★★★☆
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Jan 7, 2021
Soratobu Yuureisen
(Anime)
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Mixed Feelings
I initially stumbled onto this series because of the reference to the film in Moyoco Anno's biographical manga about her husband, "Insufficient Direction"! It was cited there as an early influence for the famous Neon Genesis Evangelion director, so — of course, I had to give this feature a try! I originally expected a spooky, mystery scenario... but the narrative somehow manages to spiral around, and ends up punching you in the face with the message that big companies are bad and don't care about your health!
⚠️ This review will contain spoilers ⚠️ —Story/Characters This film is not what you will expect it to be. We start ... out with a seaside manor ghost story, starring a vengeful phantom, and then that arc suddenly ends with a suspiciously green soda that is turning people into human-crustacean mutants, followed up by a flamboyant finale battle, that is reminiscent to something out of a tokusatsu TV special! It's wild, apparently one sip of Boa juice turns its innocent consumers into a horde of mindless crab people! The plot actually is able to effectively pull it off, and the corporate executives turn out to be the reason behind Captain Phantom's murder, and is presented, in the end, as a vigilante against an oppressive system, rather than just a menacing bone man! Captain Phantom is a very iconic anti-hero of his time, along with Tatsunoko's "Casshern"! While there is the basic message of "big companies rob the people of their money and health" — there is a split consensus of whether this movie actually has a good message, and here's why... the most obvious interpretation is to show the exploitation of capitalist marketing, but the second reading of the film is a little bit more sinister, you see, the greedy manufacturers of the soda are called "Golem" and after reading a little bit into the usage of the word, a "Golem" is a derogatory word against Jewish people, so there is a slight "Zionist conspiracy" slant to the narrative. According to Moment Magazine, "the golem is a highly mutable metaphor with seemingly limitless symbolism. It can be a victim or villain, Jew or non-Jew, man or woman — or sometimes both. Over the centuries it has been used to connote war, community, isolation, hope, and despair." I had no idea that the innuendo was in the film, until after I had finished watching it and took a deeper look into the "Golem" thing, so while I was watching it, it just seemed like a run-of-the-mill kid's film, similar to an episode of "Scooby Doo" or something! It had underwater bases, giant squids, a giant robot (designed by none other than Ghibli's "Hayao Miyazaki"), and kids beating the baddies with the power of resourcefulness and optimism. Since it was originally released in 1969, the antisemitic innuendoes wouldn't be too out of the question. It would be a shame if that were a case though, this film has such a unique mood and it was genuinely captivating for what it was! —Technical Luna's Favorite Works by Each Respective Creator = ✅ Hiroshi Ikeda (screenwriter and director), notable works: * Dōbutsu Takarajima ("Animal Treasure Island") * Hustle Punch * King Kong: 001/7 Tom Thumb * Mogura no Motoro * Mahōtsukai Chappy — Episode Director * Mahōtsukai Sally — Episode Director * Ōkami Shōnen Ken Commentary: I have only watched a few episodes of "Mahōtsukai Sally" and seen a couple of clips of "Dōbutsu Takarajima," so I can't really comment on Mr. Ikeda's overall directing skills, but I thought the atmosphere and some of the animation techniques in Soratobu Yūreisen were impressive, especially for the time that it came out! Great job! Extra: Hayao Miyazaki worked on the key animation for this film. Good Seiyū Work = ✅ Really Enjoyed the Seiyū's Performance = ✅ ✅ One of Luna's Favorite Performances OF ALL TIME = ✅ ✅ ✅ Masako Nozawa as Hayato Arashiyama, notable roles: * Polly Harrington, Ai Shōjo Pollyanna Story * Chico, Anime 80-nichikan Sekai Isshū * Blink and Kakeru Shiki, Aoi Blink * Rascal, Araiguma Rascal * Asura Asura * Dukemon, Digimon Savers and Digimon X-Evolution * Guilmon, Digimon Tamers ✅ ✅ * Hiroshi, Dokonjō Gaeru * Doraemon, Doreamon (1973) ✅ ✅ * Enma, Dororon Enma-kun ✅ ✅ * Son Gokū, Son Gohan, Son Goten, and Son Gokū Jr. — Dragon Ball (series) and Dr. Slump ✅✅✅ * Shen-Long Belvedere, E's Otherwise ✅ * Gamba, Gamba no Bōken (series) * Kitarō, Gegege no Kitarō (1968 to 1972) ✅✅ * Oyaji Medama, Gegege no Kitarō (2018) ✅✅ * Kentsu Norton, Ginga Hyōryū Vifam * Tetsurō Hoshino, Ginga Tetsudō 999 ✅✅✅ * Gaudi, Hatara Kids Mai Ham Gumi * Huckleberry Finn, Huckleberry no Bōken * Hiroshi Suzuishi, Hyakujū-Ō GoLion ("Voltron: Defender of the Universe") ✅ * Iczel, Iczer-Girl Iczelion ✅ * Daizaemon Kaze, Inakappe Taishō * Tarō Kaibutsu, Kaibutsu-kun (1980) * Isamu, Kaitei Sanman Mile * Musashi, Karakuri Kengō Den Musashi Lord * Kenta Ikegami, Maicching Machiko-sensei ("Miss Machiko") ✅ * Green, Midori no Neko * Willi, Mitsubachi Maya no Bōken * Kureha, One Piece * Teppei Uesugi, Ore wa Teppei * Elekid, Pokémon: Pikachu Tankentai ✅ * Hiroshi, Shin Dokonjō Gaeru * Jim Hawkins, Takarajima * Tom Sawyer, Tom Sawyer no Bōken * Sanpei Mihira, Tsurikichi Sanpei * Kintaro, Urusei Yatsura ✅✅ * Poppo, What's Micheal? Commentary: The main kid is voiced by none other than Son Gokū's ("Dragon Ball") seiyū! While her performance as Hayato Arashiyama is one of her earlier roles and comparatively plain, compared to some of her signature characters, Ms. Nozawa is able to give the leading character an energetic enigma and adds a sense of child-like wonder to the ambiance of the film! Amazing talent! Gorō Naya as Captain Phantom, notable roles: * Willibald Joachim von Merkatz, Ginga Eiyū Densetsu ✅✅✅ * Leonard Dawson, Golgo 13 ✅ * Nosferatu, GS Mikami: Gokuraku Daisakusen!! ✅✅✅ * Professor Yamanōe, Jetter Mars * Lord Yupa, Kaze no Tani no Nausicaä ✅✅✅ * Kōichi Zenigata, Lupin III ✅✅✅ * Emperor Xul, Rokushin Gattai GodMars ✅ * Narrator, Shinzō Ningen Casshern ✅✅ * Adam Robinson Jr. — Space Fantasia 2001 Nights * Narrator, Uchū Majin Daikengō * Jūzō Okita, Uchū Senkan Yamato ✅✅✅ Commentary: Mr. Naya is one of my favorite voice actors of all time, to the point where it's often hard to watch the new "Lupin III" adaptations, because no one can replicate HIS version of "Zenigata"! It's impossible! Unfortunately, Mr. Naya passed away in 2013, so he wasn't able to reprise his roles as Jūzō Okita in "Uchū Senkan Yamato 2199," or as Kōichi Zenigata, in any of the newer "Lupin III" sequels. His presence was by far the strongest in this movie, though the mysterious phantom didn't get as much spotlight as he ought to have had, despite being the titular character! Incredible seiyū, rest in peace! Overall, this is a coveted classic by those who grew up watching the film — I personally wasn't one the people who saw it air on its ※ETB time slot, but this film is like comfort food! It's a big, gooey slice of nostalgia-flavored pizza for those who like monster movies like Godzilla and some of the older Osamu Tezuka animations. Despite many of the controversies about what may or may not have been an anti-Jewish sentiment in this film, I felt a specific joviality towards it — that I only really feel towards classic films that have a wholesome and spirited milieu to them, so I will rate Soratobu Yūreisen a 5/10! ※ETB is a Columbian telecommunications broadcast network. Rating: ★★★☆☆
Reviewer’s Rating: 5
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Jan 6, 2021
Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei
(Anime)
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Mixed Feelings
This anime is a rare amalgam of slapstick humor, shameless otaku pandering, all within the haze of Kafkan antimonies! Rarely have I ever I seen an author speak so honestly about such normal day-to-day circumstances through the mouthpiece of a character — the side personalities themselves are collectively an exemplar of their respective archetypes, basic to the formula of anime stereotypes; but unlike their progenitors, they orbit around the anomalous Nozomu Itoshiki, and diurnally, his perspective on the odd quirks of their cartoon world, that then manifests itself into something fresh and new: the incognizant meta-narrative! Nozomu Itoshiki more or less in a Franz Kafka
...
paradox, where he doesn't realize that he, himself is a cartoon character — and instead, acts as the narrative spectator!
⚠️ This review will be spoiler-free ⚠️ —Story/Characters Before I ever picked up the anime adaptation of Sayonara Zetsubō Sensei, I was a diehard fan of the manga. I used to pick up a volume of it from library every month, shortly after the release date. The library system that I cohabited near, during that time, was in an urban dwelling, so a book request would take twenty or so borrowers before it fell into the hands of the orderer, so what I would do with this series, is request it weeks in advance — as soon as the listing was available! Reading the manga became a tradition, or a ritual of sorts for me — Nozomu Itoshiki's cooky, anecdotal view of despair made my own misgivings about certain failings of living in a lower caste seem small, with that, I was delivered from my suffering — with a swift punchline! After reading through numerous volumes, filled with Kōji Kumeta's simple yet skillful drawings, I can say that this series considerably brightened my life. Using this character as my own spokesman for a disenfranchised look at society, made some sad days fall in line! I devoured the whole manga series as quickly as it was released, it was like a zephyr passing by so softly, but on the wings of a speedy breeze — it was marked as completed before I even realized it. So, naturally, I sought out the anime adaptation. It wasn't the same kind of incredible experience for me, but an adaptation with moving pictures and a spoken narrative never is. The anime isn't bad by any means, there are: Kenji Ōtsuki's raw vocals for the opening song, an S-tier voice cast, and a production budget that allowed Shaft to go above and beyond with their auteurist vision! It was wonderful! Save for Shaft's intimate, overly erotic shots and some awkward transitions, the anime version of "Sayonara Zetsubō Sensei" was probably the best that it was ever going to be! So, what was missing? I personally believe that Itoshiki's Kafka-esque revelations are better dissolved in the reader's own introspective mind. Don't get me wrong, it was a very well-put-together production... on all fronts, but some series just aren't the same and will never be the same in a different medium! Like, I felt that Naoki Urasawa's profundity in "Monster" was lost in the anime adaptation, though the art style is very similar, you could even say it was "aped" from the source material. I ended up enjoying many of the anime-only references, too, like when the last episode had an entire skit dedicated to "Lupin III" — I would actually love to see an anime OVA with Kaere Kimura pretending to be "Fujiko Mine" and Nozomu Itoshiki in the role of "Goemon Ishikawa XIII"! That kind of mind-blowing satire would be too heavenly to ever exist! —Technical Luna's Favorite Works by Each Respective Creator = ✅ Akiyuki Shinbō (director), notable works: * 3-Gatsu no Lion (series) * Arakawa Under the Bridge (series) ✅ * Cossette no Shōzō * Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko * Detatoko Princess * Fate/Extra: Last Encore * Ginga Ojō-sama Densetsu Yuna: Shin'en no Fairy ✅ * Hidamari Sketch (series) * Katteni Kaizō * Kōfuku Graffiti * Kubikiri Cycle: Aoiro Savant to Zaregototsukai * Mahō Sensei Negima!: Mō Hitotsu no Sekai * Mahō Sensei Negima!: Shiroki Tsubasa Ala Alba * Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha ✅ * Mahō Shōjo Madoka★Magica ✅ * Mahō Shōjo Madoka★Magica (film series) ✅ * Maria†Holic (series) ✅ * Mekakucity Actors * Metal Fighter Miku * Monogatari (series) ✅ * Natsu no Arashi! (series) * Negima?! * Nisekoi (series) * Ojōsama Sōsamō * Paniponi Dash! * Sasami-sam@Ganbaranai ✅ * Shihaisha no Tasogare * Shin Hurricane Polymar * Shina Dark: Kuroki Tsuki no Ō to Sōheki no Tsuki no Himegimi * Soredemo Machi wa Mawatteiru * Soreyuke! Uchū Senkan Yamamoto Yohko (series) * Tenamonya Voyagers * The SoulTaker: Tamashii-gari * Triangle Heart: Sweet Songs Forever * Tsukuyomi: Moon Phase * Uchiage Hanabi, Shita kara Miru ka? Yoko kara Miru ka? ("Fireworks") Commentary: One of the most notable avant-garde anime directors to date — I tend to have a preference for his style or his focus on dutch angles with a corneal emphasis, when there's humor involved. Getting his start with adaptation of moe-game franchises (like "Galaxy Fräulein Yuna" series) makes ecchi one of the man's strong suits as well. With that being said, "Sayonara Zetsubō Sensei" (along with the "Monogartari" series) is the strongest franchises that Shinbo has ※adapted! Very prolific director! ※Nisekoi didn't meld as well with the absurdist, pop-surrealistic style of Shaft. Good Seiyū Work = ✅ Really Enjoyed the Seiyū's Performance = ✅ ✅ One of Luna's Favorite Performances OF ALL TIME = ✅ ✅ ✅ Hiroshi Kamiya as Nozomu Itoshiki, notable roles: * Choromatsu Matsuno, Osomatsu-san ✅ ✅ ✅ * Kō Ichinomiya, Arakawa Under the Bridge ✅ ✅ * Mephisto Pheles, Blue Exorcist ✅ * Koyomi Araragi, Monogatari (series) ✅ ✅ ✅ * Edogawa Ranpo, Bungō Stray Dogs ✅ ✅ * Kōji Minamoto, Digimon: Frontier ✅ * Izaya Orihara, Durarara!! ✅ * Shinji Matō, Fate/stay night ✅ * Mikhail Blanc, Macross Frontier ✅ ✅ ✅ * Yūta Takemoto, Hachimitsu to Clover ✅ ✅ * Ittetsu Takeda, Haikyū!! ✅ ✅ * Kakushi Gotō, Kakushigoto: My Dad’s Secret Ambition * Seijūrō Akashi, Kuroko’s Basketball ✅ ✅ ✅ * Tieria Erde, Kidō Senshi Gundam 00 * Takeshi Natsume, Natsume Yūjin-chō ✅ ✅ ✅ * Yato, Noragami ✅ * Law Trafalgar, One Piece * Saiki Kusuo, The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. ✅ ✅ ✅ * Levi, Shingeki no Kyojin ✅ ✅ Commentary: Mr. Kamiya is a very talented actor — he specifically seems to have a talent for conveying the expressions of misanthrope's intellectual witticism. So, choosing him to be Nozomu Itoshiki, the despairing basket-case, was the best choice for the character. Mr. Kamiya fits the role like a glove, just as he fit in the roles of Koyomi Araragi ("Monogatari") and Saiki Kusuo ("The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.") — he would have even excelled at other cerebral Shaft roles, like Rei Kiriyama ("March Comes In like a Lion") and Boku ("Zaregoto"), if the chance had arisen. It's difficult to compare the character of Nozomu Itoshiki to any of Mr. Kamiya's other characters, just because the man is a special kind of specific egghead — a type of overthinking pessimist that is specific to Kōji Kumeta's imaginative inner-ramblings! The character is an incredible scion of cynicism and Hiroshi Kamiya was the right choice for the role! For sure! Ai Nonaka as Kafuka Fūra, notable roles: * Kanade Takatsuki, Asura Cryin' * Binchō-tan, Binchō-tan * Hororo, Binzume Yōsei * Beauty, Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo * Fūko Ibuki, Clannad ✅ * Mika Inamori, Gakuen Utopia Manabi Straight! ✅ * Kana Iriya, Iriya no Sora, UFO no Natsu * Tokino Akiyama, Kujibiki♥Unbalance * Konoka Konoe, Mahō Sensei Negima! * Kyōko Sakura, Mahō Shoujo Madoka★Magica ✅ ✅ * Ichijō, Paniponi Dash! * Rika Kagura, Platonic Chain * HK416, Girls' Frontline ✅ ✅ * Tama Yagami, Sasami-san@Ganbaranai ✅ * Hajime-chan, Shinya! Tensai Bakabon * Shima Katase, Uchū no Stellvia * Koyomi Morishita, Yoku Wakaru Gendai Mahō Commentary: Ms. Nonoka is a ray of sunshine in her roles, she exudes a certain enigma that quickly gets consumed in a ball of flames, while also exuding wholesome and seiso (清掃, "pure") air. The character of Kafuka Fūra is as big of anomaly as her suicidal teacher, Nozomu Itoshiki — and Ms. Nonoka is able to find the sweet spot between the "Rubix cube"-type of complexity and a certain saccharine youthfulness, from her performance as Kafuka Fūra! I can't really compare any of her other roles to this one, I suppose the closest would probably be Tama Yagami ("Sasami-san@Ganbaranai"), but that character is still a mile away from Kōji Kumeta's unique vision. Excellent performance! Marina Inōe as Chiri Kitsu, notable roles: * Kyōko Kōda, 3-Gatsu no Lion ✅ * Tsukasa Kiryu, Akaneiro ni Somaru Saka * Chloe Morisu, Akanesasu Shōjo * Valt Aoi, Beyblade Burst * Momo Yaoyorozu, Boku no Hero Academia ✅ * Yozora Mikazuki, Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai ("I Don't Have Many Friends") * Narvi Stryze, Break Blade * Tsubasa, Busō Shinki Moon Angel * Ibuki, Chaos Dragon: Sekiryū Seneki * Meguru, Chōjikū Robo Meguru * Kakeru Todoroki, Chōsoku Henkei Gyrozetter * Cossette d'Auvergne, Cossette no Shōzō ✅ * Ami Kawamura, Danbell Senki * Nana, Darling in the FranXX ✅ * Tōka Yatogami, Date A Live ✅ ✅ ✅ * Tagiru Akashi, Digimon Fusion * Chiffon Fairchild, Freezing * Mutsuki Uehara, Gakuen Utopia Manabi Straight! * Mina Tsukuda, Getsumen To Heiki Mina * Asaemon Ikeda, Gintama * Iba Himuro, Gokujō!! Mecha Mote Iinchō * Haruka Nanase, Hagure Yūsha no Aesthetica * Rei Miyamoto, High School of the Dead ✅ ✅ * Kirihime Natsuno, Inu to Hasami wa Tsukaiyō ("Dog & Scissors") * Laura Bodewig, IS: Infinite Stratos ✅ ✅ ✅ * Natsuru Senō, Kämpfer * Monaka Noguchi, Kite Liberator * Inaho Enoki, Kyochū Rettō * Sakura Mamiya, Kyōkai no Rinne (TV) * Mio Tsuzuki, Loups=Garous * Matsurika Shinōji, Maria†Holic ✅ ✅ ✅ * Kana Minami, Minami-ke * Sodachi Oikura, Monogatari series ✅ ✅ ✅ * Iroha Tsuchiura, Onii-chan no Koto nanka Zenzen Suki ja Nai n da kara ne!! ("Because I Don't Like My Big Brother At All!!") * Makina Sakamaki, Plastic Nee-san ✅ * Yūta Iridatsu, Punch Line * Rio Rollins Tachibana, Rio: Rainbow Gate! * Rebecca Randall, Seikoku no Dragonar ("Dragonar Academy") * Tsukiumi, Sekirei * Alicia Melchiott, Senjō no Valkyria ("Valkyria Chronicles") * Pheles, Shakugan no Shana * Armin Arlert, Shingeki no Kyōjin ✅ ✅ * Kyōko Mogami, Skip Beat! ✅ * Nao Midorikawa ("Cure March"), Smile PreCure ✅ ✅ * Rakuta Koga, Suteki Tantei Labyrinth ("Fantastic Detective Labyrinth") * Yōko Littner, Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann ✅ ✅ * Iku Kasahara, Toshokan Sensō ✅ * Jessica Ushiromiya, Umineko no Naku Koro ni ✅ ✅ ✅ * Yumiko Miura, Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Comedy wa Machigatteiru. ("My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU") ✅ ✅ * Shigeru Kanmuri, Yakitate!! Japan Commentary: Ms. Inōe strikes again, with another amazing role under her belt! Despite Kafuka Fūra being the lead heroine (this is established mostly in part to her meeting the teacher first and having a polar opposite demeanor to his), Ms. Inōe's character ("Chiri Kitsu") steals the spotlight in many instances, based on her pure charisma and capricious neuroticisms. She's easily one of the most likable female leads in the show! Amazing performance! Asuka Tanii as Kiri Komori, notable roles: * Lulun, Futari wa PreCure: Max Heart ✅ * Farin K. Ehrlichkeit, Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha ✅ * Akubi, Yobarete Tobidete Akubi-chan Commentary: I was shocked that Ms. Tanii is primarily known for pornographic roles — her expression as the shy hikkikomori, Kiri Komori, seemed to be so sweet and delicate when she was introduced in the first season of the anime. I hope that she gets more mainstream roles, her voice is so relaxing to listen to! Great job! Asami Sanada as Matoi Tsunetsuki, notable roles: * Kazuki Kazusano, Amaenaide yo!! ("Ah, My Buddha") * Kurumi Tokisaki, Data A Live ✅ ✅ ✅ * Di Gi Charat, Di Gi Charat ✅ ✅ ✅ * Louis Fort Drake, Ginga Tetsudō Monogatari ✅ * Sawako Yamanaka, K-On!! ✅ ✅ ✅ * Mari Nishino, Kono Minikuku mo Utsukushii Sekai ("This Ugly Yet Beautiful World") * Chizuko Ōe, Mahoromatic ✅ * Vita, Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha (series) ✅ ✅ ✅ * Kanako Miyamae, Maria†Holic ✅ ✅ ✅ * Reisuke Hōjō ("Fifth"), Mirai Nikki ✅ * Ai Kamui, Mutekiō Tri-Zenon * Shiina Tamai, Narutaru: Mukuro Naru Hoshi Tama Taru Ko ✅ * Jun Sakurada, Rozen Maiden (series) ✅ ✅ ✅ * Jay, Wonderful Days Commentary: The stalker character has Kurumi Tokisaki's ("Date A Live") voice? What? To be fair, she is pretty cute... for an obsessive stalker, that is. Looking at some of her major roles, she seems to be the ideal seiyū for the niche-loving otaku community! Excellent work, very funny character! Miyuki Sawashiro as Tarō Sekiutsu, notable roles: * Maria, Arakawa Under the Bridge ✅ ✅ * Kaiser de Emperana Beelzebub, Beelzebub * Slan, Berserk ✅ ✅ * Cassandra Jill Warlock, Black Blood Brothers * Yomi Takanashi ("Dead Master"), Black★Rock Shooter ✅ ✅ ✅ * Canaan, Canaan ✅ ✅ ✅ * Kei Yuki, Captain Harlock ✅ * Eiha, Chaos Dragon: Sekiryū Seneki * Tōko Fukawa, Danganronpa 3: The End of Kibōgamine Gakuen * Dalian, Dantalian no Shoka, localized as "The Mystic Archives of Dantalian" ✅ ✅ ✅ * Petit Charat, Di Gi Charat * Celty Sturluson, Durarara!! ✅ ✅ * Aka no Saber ("Mordred"), Fate/Apocrypha ✅ ✅ ✅ * Julia Jinyu, FLCL Progressive ✅ ✅ * Yu Lan Xia, Full Metal Panic! The Second Raid ✅ ✅ * Mint Blancmanche, Galaxy Angel * Kitarō, Gegege no Kitarō (2018) * Yuzuki Seo, Gekkan Shōjo Nozaki-kun ✅ ✅ * Towa Akagi, Go! Princess PreCure ✅ ✅ * Reika Honjō, Goshūshō-sama Ninomiya-kun * Katalina Alize, Granblue Fantasy ✅ ✅ * Saeko Busujima, Highschool of the Dead * Kurapika, Hunter x Hunter (2011) ✅ ✅ ✅ * Queen Diamond, Kaitō Joker * Kiari and Ririka Momobami, Kakegurui * Kazune Kūjō, Kamichama Karin * Tsugumi Aoba, Kannagi * Ayane Yano, Kimi ni Todoke * Himeko Inaba, Kokoro Connect * Shinkurō Kurenai, Kure-nai * Masazumi Honda, Kyōkaisenjou no Horizon, localized as "Horizon in the Middle of Nowhere" * Myao Rei, Loups=Garōs * Fujiko Mine, Lupin III ✅ ✅ * Dorm Mistress, Maria†Holic ✅ ✅ ✅ * Izuna Hatsuse, No Game No Life ✅ * Bishamon, Noragami ✅ ✅ * Aria Kurenaino, Occultic;Nine ✅ ✅ * Pudding Charlotte, One Piece ✅ * Cal Devens, Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom ✅ ✅ ✅ * Tomoe Misumi, Photokano * Kotarō Higuchi, Pita Ten * Kamitsure, Pokémon ✅ ✅ * Shion Karanomori, Psycho-Pass ✅ ✅ * Claire Forrest, Red Garden * Narrator, Rokka no Yūsha * Shinku, Rozen Maiden ✅ ✅ ✅ * Racine, Sayonara no Asa ni Yakusoku no Hana wo Kazarō, localized as "Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms" ✅ ✅ * Rita, Shingeki no Bahamut ✅ * Perrine H. Clostermann, Strike Witches ✅ ✅ ✅ * Shino Asada, Sword Art Online ✅ ✅ * Lag Seeing, Tegamibachi * Tycho Science, Top wo Nerae 2! Diebuster ("Gunbuster 2") ✅ ✅ * Marisa Kirisame, Tōhō Niji Sōsaku Dōjin Anime: Musō Kakyō ✅ ✅ ✅ * Haruka Nanami, Uta no☆Prince-sama * Arūrū, Utawarerumono ✅ ✅ ✅ Commentary: Ms. Sawashiro is one of my favorite voice actors! She's so great, she nails every role that she's assigned to. Maria is like Pedro ("Excel♥Saga"), an illegal immigrant that's moral and legal legitimacy is the impetus of her existence, but despite how that may not fly well with our modern day sensibilities on the matter, Ms. Sawashiro is able to give the character her own, unique charm and respectability! Incredible work, as always! Ryōko Shintani as Nami Hitō, notable roles: * Lamp, Ai Mai! Moe Can Change! * Hinata Sugai, Amaenaide yo!! ("Ah, My Buddha") * Rihoko Sakurai, Amagami SS * Tetsurō Tetsujin, Arakawa Under the Bridge ✅ ✅ * Milfeulle Sakuraba, Galaxy Angel ✅ ✅ * Sae, Hidamari Sketch ✅ ✅ * Himeko Tsubaki, Himesama Goyōjin * Sakura Akagi, Koi-ken!: Watashitachi Anime ni Nacchatta! * Yūno Hōzoki, Kure-nai * Rinka Suzuki, Love Get Chu * Hitomi Shizuki, Mahō Shōjo Madoka★Magica ✅ ✅ * Yuri Inuwashi, Mahō Shōjo Taisen * Aoi Senō, Mai-Otome * Konomi Fujimiya, Non Non Biyori ✅ * Rachel Benning, Red Garden * Chihiro Furuya, Sankarea ✅ * Shingen Takeda, Sengoku Collection * Garnet, SOS TV Walpurgis Night Fever * Hirano Hasegawa, Tantei Opera Milky Holmes * Haruhi Inohara, W: Wish Commentary: Ms. Shintani is cast as Nami Hitō, the girl that is normal for the sake of being normal, despite wanting to be different, but after her attempts to break the mold, she just exposes herself as more of a normie than she was originally thought to be. The choice for Ms. Shintani as this type of character seems like meta-humor, because she is KNOWN for playing the normal-girl type of character: Sae ("Hidamari Sketch"), Hitomi Shizuki ("Mahō Shōjo Madoka★Magica"), and Konomi Fujimiya ("Non Non Biyori") are just a few examples! Shaft goes above and beyond to be witty, it seems! Captivating performance! Chiwa Saito as Meru Otonashi, notable roles: * Konoha Inōe, "Bungaku Shōjo" * Yona, Akatsuki no Yona ✅ ✅ * Aika S. Granzchesta, Aria the Animation * Schierke, Berserk (2016) ✅ ✅ ✅ * Miina, Brave Story * Sigyn Erster, Break Blade * Paya Livingston, Dai Mahō Tōge ✅ ✅ * Yuki Saegusa, Dance in the Vampire Bund * Aoi Asahina, Danganronpa 3 ✅ ✅ * Neneko Izumi, DearS * Nanoha, Double Circle * Chloe von Einzbern, Fate/kaleid liner Prisma☆Illya ✅ ✅ * Kirie Kojima, Girls Bravo * Inugami, Gugure! Kokkuri-san ✅ ✅ * Tatenashi Sarashiki, IS: Infinite Stratos ✅ ✅ * Chroniko, Kaiba ✅ ✅ ✅ * Tama Hitotsubashi, Kamichu! * Chitan Tsubōchi, Katte ni Kaizō * Kemeko, Kemeko Deluxe! * Natsumi Hinata, Keroro * Kokoro, Kokoro Toshokan * Riko Aida, Kuroko no Basket ✅ ✅ * Lavie Head, Last Exile ✅ ✅ ✅ * Nureha, Log Horizon ✅ ✅ ✅ * Subaru Nakajima, Mahō Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS ✅ ✅ * Homura Akemi, Mahō Shoujo Madoka★Magica ✅ ✅ ✅ * Louise Halvey, Kidō Senshi Gundam 00 * Hitagi Senjōgahara, Monogatari (series) ✅ ✅ * Ayame Akimo, Mōsō Kagaku Series: Wandaba Style * Nancy Lee, Ninja Slayer From Animation * Adele Roland, Nishi no Yoki Majo: Astraea Testament * Rebecca Miyamoto, Paniponi Dash! * Anita King, R.O.D -The TV- ✅ ✅ * Kotori Kanbe, Rewrite ✅ * Komachi, Samurai 7 * Tsurugi Yagami, Sasami-san@Ganbaranai ✅ ✅ ✅ * Chihiro Uomi, Seitokai Yakuindomo * Imu, Senran Kagura ✅ * Mao, Shining Teas X Wind * Honoka Mutsu, Stella Jogakuin Kōtō-ka C³-bu * Francesca Lucchini, Strike Witches ✅ ✅ ✅ * Hazuki, Tsukuyomi: Moon Phase ✅ * Tenko, Ueki no Hōsoku * Futaba Yoshinaga, Yoshinaga-sanchi no Gargoyle * Miku Miyama, Zettai Shōnen Commentary: Ms. Saito is really funny as Meru Otonashi, even though the character expresses herself mostly thorough one-liners after her cellphone is tragically taken away from her! Despite the lack of actual lines, her noises and single-word expressions are incredibly revealing! Awesome performance! Miyu Matsuki as Fujiyoshi Harumi, notable roles: * Hisui, Carnival Phantasm ✅ ✅ ✅ * Natsumi Yagami, Chō Henshin Cosplayers * Flora, Claymore ✅ ✅ * Magical Sapphire, Fate/kaleid liner Prisma☆Illya ✅ ✅ * Choppy, Futari wa PreCure ✅ * Cthuko, Haiyore! Nyaruko-san ✅ * Isumi Saginomiya, Hayate no Gotoku!! * Yoshinoya, Hidamari Sketch ✅ ✅ * Kisa Misaki, Kagi Hime Monogatari: Eikyū Alice Rondo ("Eternal Alice") * Asami Igarashi, Mezzo DSA ✅ * Hitomi Onodera, Shichinin no Nana ("Nana 7 of 7") * Anna Nishikinomiya, Shimoneta to Iu Gainen ga Sonzai Shinai Taikutsu na Sekai ("A Boring World Where the Concept of Dirty Jokes Doesn't Exist") ✅ * Shōko Hazama, Sōkyū no Fafner: Dead Aggressor ✅ * Hikari Konohana, Strawberry Panic ✅ * Kumi Tanaka, Yurumates Commentary: Who ever thought that a fujoshi character could ever be this cute? Oh wait, there's Watashi ga Motete Dōsunda ("Kiss Him, Not Me"), too, isn't there? Well anyway, Ms. Matsuki does a really good job at making the character of Fujiyoshi Harumi both wildly dysfunctional and likable, all at the same time! Her role in "Sayonara Zetsubō Sensei" is comparable to her performances as Hisui ("Carnival Phantasm") because of the deadpan, slapstick humor aspect to her character — and Yoshinoya ("Hidamari Sketch"), another hopeless eccentric that is very easy to become attached to! Fantastic work! Yūko Gotō as Abiru Kobushi, notable roles: * Miyu Shiratori, AIka Zero * Anya Alstreim, Code Geass (series) ✅ * Rein, Fushigiboshi no☆Futagohime * Susanna Hopkins, Genshiken ✅ * Hiro, Hidamari Sketch ✅ ✅ * Miyu Kuonji, Kimi ga Aruji de Shitsuji ga Ore de * Nanami Konoe, Lamune * Miu Nekoya, Lovedol: Lovely Idol * Junko Kaname, Mahō Shoujo Madoka★Magica ✅ ✅ * Yukie Mayuzumi, Maji de Watashi ni Koi Shinasai! * Hiyori Hayasaka, Mizuiro (2003) * Mayu Matsukaze, Nande Koko ni Sensei ga!? * Bell Zephr, Night Wizard * Chachamaru, Nyanpire the Animation * Naru Ōtori, Oretachi ni Tsubasa wa Nai: Under the Innocent Sky. * Menace, Queen's Blade ✅ ✅ * Cutie Tonko, Ramen Tenshi Pretty Menma * Kaede Fuyō, Shuffle! ✅ ✅ * Avril, Shukufuku no Campanella * Hikari Hanazono, Special A * Mikuru Asahina, Suzumiya Haruhi no Yūtsu ✅ ✅ ✅ * Riannon, Tears to Tiara ✅ * Yuzuki Iori, Yotsunoha Commentary: Ms. Gotō as Abiru Kobushi is both sultry flirt and a fiercely cute kūdere; she has a moe gap point where she looks like she's been beaten to death (coming to school with Rei Ayanami casts and eyepatches), but really, she just really likes grabbing animals by the tail. Beautiful voice, and excellent work with the character! Saori Gotō as Ai Kaga, notable roles: * Sharlene Chen, Cardfight!! Vanguard * Plue and Meredy, Fairy Tail ✅ * Soako Andō, Hatsukoi Limited: Gentei Shōjo * Sharna Alamgir, Hayate no Gotoku * Hanzō Hattori, Hyakka Ryōran * Kukuru Anrakutei, Joshiraku * Yayoi Asuka, Koi Koi 7 * Yuzuru Inamori, Maria†Holic ✅ * Keiko, Minami-ke * Setsuna, Needless * Haruno Shiozaki, One Off ✅ * Otoha Takanashi, Pretty Rhythm * Yui Tsukishima, Rakugo Tennyo Oyui * Barasuishō, Rozen Maiden (series) ✅ ✅ * Sukoya Kokaji, Saki (series) ✅ ✅ * Mirai, Senran Kagura ✅ * Nao Sadatsuka, Shokugeki no Sōma ✅ * Karen Sonomiya, Sky Girls * Moeka Kiryū, Steins;Gate ✅ ✅ * Kochō Kikusaka, Taishō Yakyū Musume. * Inko, Toradora! ✅ * Rise Matsumoto, Yuru Yuri (series) ✅ ✅ Commentary: The other Ms. Gotō does a great job at making Ai Kaga's constant apologies less of an annoyance, and more of an organic part of the comedy routine! Her neuroticism and finicky nature is similar to her role as Moeka Kiryū ("Steins;Gate")! Great actress! Yū Kobayashi as Kaere Kimura, notable roles: * Nice Holystone, Baccano! * Danma Kūsō, Bakugan Battle Brawlers * Sara, Crystal Blaze * Tadamichi Aoba, Dan Dō!! * Mahiru Koizumi, Danganronpa ✅ * Noi, Dorohedoro ✅ ✅ * Yū, Dōbutsu no Mori ("Animal Crossing") * Ryoko Kakei, Dragonaut: The Resonance * Enkidu, Fate/Grand Order ✅ ✅ * Clain Necran, Fractale * Ayame Sarutobi, Gintama ✅✅✅ * Mahiru Oki, Happy Seven: The TV Manga * Hiroshi Haneda, Higepiyo * Emika Matsumoto, High Score * Satoshi Honjō, Higurashi no Naku Koro ni ✅ * Matabei Gotō, Hyakka Ryōran * Ranmaru Kirino, Inazuma Eleven Go * Tsuchinoko, Kemono Friends ✅ * Ryōta Satō, Kyō no 5 no 2 (TV) * Setsuna Sakurazaki, Mahō Sensei Negima! * Shizuku Ashū, Mahō Shōjo Ikusei Keikaku ✅ * Cynthia B. Rogers, One Off * Hiroshi Kuzumi, Ōkami Kakushi * Sigui, Queen's Blade ✅ * Ryō Sengoku, Rakugo Tennyo Oyui * Misaki Hijiri, Saint October * Yumi Kajiki, Saki ✅✅ * Lala Gonzalez, School Rumble * Naruko Yokoshima, Seitokai Yakuindomo * Katsuragi, Senran Kagura ✅✅ * Sasha Blouse, Shingeki no Kyojin ✅✅ * Konatsu, Shōwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjū ✅✅ * Rio Kazumiya, So Ra No Wo To * Shuhei Aizawa, Soul Link * Ruka Urushibara, Steins;Gate ✅✅ * Miss X, Tiger Mask W ✅✅ * Inahime, Tono to Issho: Gantai no Yabō * Nagomi Yashi, Tsuyokiss * Kanon, Umineko no Naku Koro ni ✅✅ * Kae Serinuma, Watashi ga Motete Dōsunda * Lia Dragonell, World Destruction: Sekai Bokumetsu no Rokunin * Undine, Yondemasu yo, Azazel-san. * Cathy, Yū☆Gi☆Ō! Zexal * Peco, Yume Ōkoku to Nemureru 100-nin no Ōji-sama: Short Stories Commentary: Ms. Kobayashi is insanely talented at her craft, she even was cast Pipimi (one of them) in "Pop Team Epic" and as one of Eucliwood Hellscythe's many voices in "Kore wa Zombie Desu ka?"! Because of her magnetic, full of personality appeal — Kaere Kimura is one of the more charming, bishōjo heroines! I would compare her work in "Sayonara Zetsubō Sensei" to her performances as Katsuragi ("Senran Kagura") and Ayame Sarutobi ("Gintama") — intensely enigmatic and coquettish in her approach to her attraction towards Nozomu Itoshiki! Amazing work! Akiko Yajima as Chie Arai and Rin Itoshiki, notable roles: * Anna Respighi, Battle Athletess Daiundoukai ✅✅ * Diva, Blood+ ✅ * Mari Wakatake, Blue Drop: Tenshi-tachi no Gikyoku * Luna Kozuki, Casshern Sins ✅ * Shinnosuke Nohara, Crayon Shin-chan ✅✅ * Kyoko Okonogi, Dennō Coil ✅✅ * Dolly, DT Eightron * Lector, Fairy Tail ✅ * Tsubasa Shiina and Figure 17, Figure 17: Tsubasa & Hikaru * Earl Tyrant and Chobi, Final Fantasy: Unlimited ✅ * Niboshi and Natsumi, Fushigi Mahō Fun Fun Pharmacy * Mipple, Futari wa PreCure ✅ * Asumi Kamogawa, Futatsu no Spica ✅ * Chūta, Gamba: Gamba to Nakama-tachi * Haydée Tebelin, Gankutsuō ✅✅✅ * Kintoki, Garo: Guren no Tsuki * Takami Sakuragi, Geobreeders (series) * Ayumi Himekawa, Glass no Kamen (2005) ✅✅✅ * Kū, Haibane Renmei ✅✅✅ * Paffy Pafuricia, Haō Taikei Ryū Knight * Sara Cosette, Heppoko Jikken Animation Excel♥Saga ✅ * Eriko Tamura, Idol Densetsu Eriko * Yura and Kohaku, InuYasha ✅✅✅ * Ken'ichi Ōyama, Jungle Taitei: Yūki ga Mirai wo Kaeru * Access Time, Kamikaze Kaitō Jeanne * Rangiku Ayawatari, Karakuri no Kimi * Relena Peacecraft, Mobile Suit Gundam Wing ✅ * Kogitsune, Natsume Yūjinchō ✅✅ * Akiyo, Ōkii 1 Nensei to Chiisana 2 Nensei * Koharu Hotta, Princess Nine: Kisaragi Joshikō Yakyūbu * Chinami Ōse, Seraphim Call ✅ * Yugi, Shin Tenchi Muyō! ("Tenchi in Tokyo") ✅✅ * Miyako Komaguso, Shinreigari * Akki, Shinsekai yori ✅✅ * Don, Shiranpuri (Movie) * Lesser Panda ("Red Panda"), Shirokuma Cafe ✅ * Mitsuru Tsuwabuki, Shōjo Kakumei Utena ✅ * Mai Waku, Sono Kinisasete yo: My My Mai * R. Dorothy Wayneright, The Big O ✅✅✅ * Cis, Tiger & Bunny ✅✅✅ * Themis, Uchū Densetsu Ulysses 31 * Kintoki, Usuzumizakura: Garo * Anita, Vampire Hunter ("Night Warriors: Darkstalkers' Revenge") ✅✅ * Ame-warashi, xxxHOLIC * Sally Yoshinaga, Yūsha Tokkyū Might Gaine Commentary: Ms. Yajima is very famous in the field of voice work, and her performances as both Chie Arai and Rin Itoshiki are both refined, elegant, and intellectual. Perfect casting choice! Overall, "Sayonara Zetsubō Sensei" is a satirical bonanza — full of color, aesthetic, and schadenfreude towards the whimsical dismay of its beau idéal: Itoshiki-senpai. He is not my teacher, but furthermore, a senpai in pessimism. Like an even-sided scale, it shows both the rose-tinted romanticism and harsh realism of his perception of pure skepticism, while he cultivates a devoted, cult-like harem in the process! Nozomu Itoshiki is the Gregor Samsa of the anime world and Kafuka Fūra ("Kafka") is his unraveling, writing him into his own paradoxical oblivion! Maybe that was too deep for what this show really was, but this anime is a pretty good adaptation regardless of that (although, I preferred the manga's anecdotal chapter-by-chapter framework), I give "Sayonara Zetsubō Sensei" (Season One) a solid 6/10! Rating: ★★★☆☆
Reviewer’s Rating: 6
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