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| 3.
Nightside 
In an alternate future, a clean, safe power source was created,
rendering nuclear power obsolete. It was named the Shizuma drive, after its principle
creator. But it left a terrible legacy… The
titular Robo is controlled by a young boy named Daisaku Kusama, whose surrogate
family are the Agents of Justice - an organization charged with the protection
of the world. They are led by the 'Big Nine', warriors that possess superhuman
powers. The Agents of Justice are in constant battle with Big Fire, helmed by
the Magnificent Ten, whose intent is to conquer the world by whichever means necessary.
Superficially this would appear your typical good-versus-evil setup, but Giant
Robo's characters are totally distinct, teeming with energy, spirit and personality,
as well as carrying the burdens of pasts they'd rather forget. Deceptively
simple looking, Giant Robo utilizes a retro-futuristic style - the scenery
and character designs are striking and refreshingly original. Director Yasuhiro
Imagawa keeps things moving at an electrifying pace, throwing secrets, shocks,
revelations and tragedy into the mix continuously throughout the seven episodes
as the eternal night draws ever closer. The viewer is never allowed to settle
or take anything for granted. The ending is conclusive, yet tantalizingly hints
at further battles between the Agents and Big Fire. Artistically beautiful, the
action scenes are so inventive and exciting that I literally watched in wide-eyed
awe. Backed by a rousing musical score, Giant Robo boasts some of the most
evocative end themes I've ever heard, wonderfully performed by the Warsaw Philharmonic
Orchestra. It's by turn sad, moving, stunning
and compelling. Sometimes mere words are not able to convey just how special a
show is. I implore you to watch Giant Robo and see for yourself. |
| 2.
Iodine 
A homage to the larger-than-life action manga of the past,
and the anime that followed of course, Giant Robo takes place sometime
in the indeterminate future, but has a purely retro look and feel. The dastardly
baddies of the clandestine Big Fire are countered by the true-blue heroes of Interpol's
Experts, including a brave, but not quite infallible boy named Daisaku and his
marvelous partner, Giant Robo. Despite the apparent weakness of this premise,
the OAV actually has a very strong plot and original concepts, which are painstakingly
developed and brought to the screen in a truly epic manner. The characters, while
based on old cliches and archetypes, nonetheless come off as shining personalities
with far more depth than their simple designs would suggest. The
feature-quality animation is fun, stylish and absolutely fantastic. The impossible
technological marvels are perfectly realized, and the dark, looming presence of
the evil Phantom Sphere is matched only by the wonder that is Giant Robo himself.
The long production time was used to its fullest, especially where the ever-twisting,
unflinchingly dramatic plot is concerned. Not only the heroes, but many of the
villains too, have a chance to really interact and get in their punches. Thus,
despite the definite echoes of past and future, Giant Robo manages a quality
of timelessness in its grandeur and its detail. Best of all, it's really fun to
watch. |
| 
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(4.7)