Reviews

Read or Die - TV definitely falls in the category of unique anime series. While it takes place after the events of Read or Die, OVA, the storyline centers around Japanese storywriter and more so, her three bodyguards, the Paper Masters who are three sisters with the unusual ability to manipulate paper however they see fit. I found the story to be intriguing as you go from protecting Nenene to the sisters having missions on the sideline and then to finding out how the sisters, Nenene, Yomiko Readman and the Joker all intertwined in the second half. Theres a good amount of action for the series peppered with episodes where you get to see character development fleshed out. You can feel the sisterhood amongst the four and how their bonds are what keeps them moving forward as they figure out the truth behind The Joker's ultimate plan to bring UK back to glory. Sounds a bit convoluted but its well paced so you don't feel like you're rushed at all. Theres an episode where they encapsulate the events of the OVA leading up to the events the happen in Episode 13. The second half is where I think the drama unfolds and it makes for a satisfying ending. The music is where, in my opinion, the series shines. Taku Iwasaki managed to have action oriented music to the likes of James Bond especially in the opening theme of the series, with mystery and suspense and then you're giving music to bring the tone down to emotional and vulnerable moments of the show. It really helps to set the pace where the storyline needs to go. The two ending theme songs for the show are standard J-pop and I actually enjoyed their placement in the series to lighten the mood. I did not complain at all. The battle scenes are really fast paced and the animation style works for me - well given early 2000 era standards. Do I think it aged well - sure thing. The storyline is unique in that I can watch this series again - which makes high replay value for me. Its short and while I do wish there was more episodes, its satisfying to know the characters all play out their roles to the end. The voice actors did a great job. When this show first aired, I watched it with the English dub and I was fond of it. This time I watched it in the Japanese version and they sound just as good, if not, even more in character. My only complaints is that I wish they utilized their paper abilities more in the series to get a better sense of their paper abilities.