Once upon a time... there were men. They explored the world, science, their own body. A very long time later, they were exploring space. The heros of our story witnessed other beings on different levels of technical and ideological progress to finally meet the witnesses of themselves.
This is a review about 「銀河パトロールＰＪ」, also known as "Once upon a time... space", "Il était une fois... l'Espace", "Ai confini dell'universo" or "Es war einmal... der Weltraum". I have watched the German version and I highly recommend NOT to watch the english one. (These series live of things told between the lines. The english version just leaves many information out.) As you might know, this series was co-produced by a japanese and several european companies, the producer is french. Thus the art is not comparable to that standart anime, but has a very own style, kept throughout the other six series by Albert Barillé.
The style of how the story is told varies a lot between episodes. At the beginning, the episodes seem not to have any relations, but in progress, most things piece together.
Aside the main charakters Psi, Pierrot and Métro, there are several side charakters of which some are very flat und undistinguishable.
Albert Barillé is mostly known for writing educational stories, so it seems odd, he chose the science-fiction setting. And although there are many episodes containing lessons about humanitiy, physics or history, it does never get to much.
The fantastic music creates the perfect atmosphere; With two Mecha battles and several space battles, extrasensory powers and many odd aliens, Barillé's journey into the future can be called a success.
All those speaking German really have to watch this, it's great!
All those only speaking english should ignore the show and watch "The Hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy" (Live action TV series) or "The Animals of Farthing Wood" (ファージングウッドのなかまたち) or something else. I'm sorry for you.
Please be aware that I allready watched this as a child. The review might not be objective.
