Blue Submarine no.6

10 reviews - 35.0 total score (Explanation of the rating system)
avg. score: (3.5)

10. Marshal of Manga

A mad scientist with apocalyptic tendencies creates an army of sea-faring mutants and unleashes them in a war on mankind.

We follow the escapades of the crew on Blue Submarine No. 6, who specialise in hunting down these malicious monsters.

In this epic confrontation between man and the genetically mutated freaks of nature, I look deep into the sea and see… nothing.

After sitting through two hours of eye candy, I was left gaping - not for want of more episodes, but at the lack of substance through it all.

Blue Sub. 6 is reminiscent of X-Men where man and mutant co-exist, with the difference that X-Men made a lot more sense.

The show gets 4 for showcasing the wonders of CGI graphics, and 2 for its incoherent plot. Average that and you get 3 - an average anime. The plot's failings remind me of Goku Midnight Eye but at least I could detect a purpose in that show.

It had a promising start but an inglorious demise.

Eh? What's this? Hmmm… I've just been tipped that I watched the Cartoon Network version, which clipped off some material… normally I'd be outraged but I guess not this time. Until I see everything then, the show remains average.

9. Global Frequency

Few people enjoy Blue Submarine No. 6, but despite its flaws (an inappropriate soundtrack and an over-emphasis on CG) it remains one of my favorites. If you've read H.G. Wells' The Island of Dr. Moreau, you already know the basic plot. Sometime in the future, rogue scientist Zorndyke has melted the polar caps, submerging most of human civilization underwater and allowing his aquatic "children" run amok. Humanity's final gambit involves a nuclear assault on Zorndyke's tropical paradise hideout. Our chain-smoking (anti)hero Hayami is reluctant to participate, and his new partner Mayumi is quick to decry his apparent nihilism.

The first episode of Blue Submarine no.6 is nothing to write home about, but the three subsequent episodes are outstanding, with the underwater CG action playing second-fiddle to some surprisingly poignant character development. The relationship between Hayami and an enemy fish-girl is particularly interesting, as are Zorndyke's sparse conversations with Zerg, his estranged, psychotic, half-shark "son." Zorndyke is an interesting and (literally) heartless antagonist whose motivations, like Dr. Moreau's, may not be so diabolical after all. Perhaps it would have worked better as a movie, but it's a unique and compelling - if short - series as is.

8. Iodine

Set in a future where melted icecaps have drowned much of the world, this techno-savvy science fiction series looks fantastic, with a lot of help from generous amounts of computer generated imagery. Our main character, the troubled, roguish, Hayami is perfectly suited to take on both sides of an erupting war between the humans and the sentient sea-dwelling "monsters" created by a disillusioned scientist. With a tight plot, plenty of action, and enough depth and development to make the story genuinely interesting, there's a lot to like about this OAV even without the fancy graphics. However, it does have its problems. The story moves much too fast, and every opportunity is taken to show off the pretty visuals in long, laborious underwater battle sequences, that inevitably become redundant. Also, though the secondary and minor characters come through all right, the female principle, a seething tough-girl wannabe named Kino, is downright unpleasant and hard to watch.

A good treat for action fans and the material fits its four-episode length just about right. The character animation is very good and manages not to clash too badly with the 3-D elements. Designs, particularly for Zorndyke's various beasts, are a very big plus, leaning on the side of realism without overdoing things. Certainly more attention could have been paid to the writing as a whole, but it all comes through with few disappointments.

7. Yogi

Once again, a Mad Scientist is out to Destroy Mankind. Once again, he has Deep Philosophical Reasons to do so. Once again, I can pick apart his arguments quite easily, exposing so many flaws in his supposedly deep psudo-philosophy that it quickly becomes rather pathetic. There’s nothing that completely surprises you, no characters that really stand out. It’s just bleah.

6. Dreamer

Digital animation is not exactly my cup of tea, but I guess I was doomed to see two different ones in the same time frame. And while Blood shines above in the overall atmosphere, this one holds its own good in the effects department and with nice 3D models. Visuals aside, the story revolves around the showdown between the human race and nature. Hmm... I wouldn't exactly call it nature but you can pass for that. A madman, though he looks perfectly quiet but you can still call him that, named Zorndyke has evolutionized some creatures to the human par in order to bring an end to the human race. Not exactly original or groundbreaking, but you don't need that when you got action.. plenty of that. The action scenes are nicely produced although seeming too fast for me. They got variety and the innovating and surprise elements to it. Blue Submarine no. 6 got the right attitude but I still feel that the story could've been handled better.

5. hakootoko

I only watched episode 1 before I gave up on this show. The reason: it cuts between excellent cel animation and SF-style CG, but the two do not all at match. I wasn't able to get absorbed in the show because of these jarring cuts between cel and CG, so I couldn't ever get into the story.

4. AgtFox

The graphics and sound are stupendous, but the storyline never really had me interested. I understand the whole humans vs. water creatures and the action sequences are pretty cool, but am I really supposed to care about these characters? They obviously made the last episode longer so they could flesh everything out or at least try to, but why not make it a longer series? This is the same thing that plagues the Sol Bianca OVA, except I liked Blue Sub less than SB. Another of those benchmark type anime for animation and sound…other than that I can't really recommend it.

3. cron

I didn't think they could do it.... My hats off to Gonzo, you guys completed the whole story arch about an evil genius that is destroying the world with his minions of the sea and develop some deep character revelations. The animation is top notch... The vibrant colors and the water effects are amazing (the whole grampus launch/battle). The story is short (what else do you expect for a 1 ep per disc 4 dvd run?), but is an enjoyable with character development and a evil genius you just love to hate.

2. Tempy

High production quality, excellent animation of both the traditional animation as well as the CG, cool music, an intriguing plot and some very good action sequences. The render quality of the CG might have been better, but it works quite well here nonetheless. To offset the action sequences is a philosophical plot that touches on mankind's relationship with earth and the creatures which inhabit it.

1. weasl

Although only 4 episodes long Blue Sub No 6. manages to quickly introduce a cast of likable characters and create an interesting futuristic water world for them to play in. Well animated, with a great jazz score Blue sub is a fun ride, although short.