So this show is only 12 episodes long, which makes it a rather easy one to watch in-between longer shows. Therefore, despite the complaints I have, I'd still recommend trying at least the first few episodes to see whether or not it's for you. For me it wasn't, but then again, I only discovered that near the end, so there's some merit to be had.
To start things off! The show is set in the far-away future where a disaster has obliterated the land, and only very few organisms have survived/evolved. There's no more humans, and only a few types of simple-ish animals like jellyfish, snails, butterflies, etc.
The focus is on the gem-people! That's right - they're gems, even though they look human with a huge amount of make-up. Their anatomy and way of thinking is very different than that of actual humans, and they're effectively immortal. This mere premise brings with it a very interesting perspective on the world, which is interesting to think about.
There's 2 other notable races; the fish-people who probably have the most in common with humans, but we don't get to see much of them; and the lunarians, space-cloud-people from the moon who come down in strange cloud-space-ships every episode to try and kidnap the gem-people.
The main problem I have with the show is that a lot of crazy random stuff keeps happening, and it never fully gets explored or explained, and the characters just kinda accept it without much questioning. In addition, character interactions are very strange, to say the least; all of the gem people have a certain quirk, but they act and think rather erratically. This made it very hard for me to keep up with the story, or to relate with the characters.
Talking about the characters - there's like 50 of'm? Quite a lot anyway, and even though their names are often associated with the gem they're made of, I found it hard to differentiate them, remember them, or care for them. Especially when they randomly throw in a new character at the last-but-one episode..
Alas, the show also isn't finished yet. I'm sure(?) there will be a second season, but as it stands now, it's suuuuper open-ended, in a way I don't like. Cock-block, I think is the word?
I'm sure there is a deeper meaning to it all, or a different mindset that's needed, but there wasn't for me. I was too distracted with the giant hindu-monster-dog appearing and disappearing, the sensei bashing in walls, Phos going between happy & depressed within seconds, Cinnabar's QQ, and the general ridiculous interactions, to become invested in the story.
THE PROS!
+ Super pretty to look at. Like, the cgi is really-really good. Some "action" scenes are amazing (even if it's just running), but even quiet scenes are beautifully choreographed and animated.
+ There's probably a deeper story somewhere?
+ It's short!
+ A quirky female lead who does evolve dramatically between eps 1-12.
THE CONS
- VERY open end, needs a good sequel.
- A large cast of characters, hard to remember/care for them all.
- Questionable story, a lot of crazy unexplained things and strange interactions.
All in all I personally didn't enjoy it that much, but it is a small miracle of CGI and I'm sure there's more to it. Despite my given score I would recommend to watch it, because it's so short and unique. You won't find anything like it any time soon!
