 |
   
| 3. Chris
 
This series is one of the better series I've seen. Some people
compare it to Evangelion, but I'd say that the comparisons are only skin
deep. Both series have mysteries involving giant mechs and odd protagonists, but
the mysteries themselves are completely different. Animation:
The animation is some of the best I've ever seen in a series. Bones is
truly a studio of great animators. Just… fantastic. Sound:
The music is good but not memorable, as are the voices. Really, it's all well
done, but nothing that'll stick with you. Story:
This is hard for me to grade. On one hand, the story that is going on is very
deep and interesting. On the other hand, there are so many characters to keep
track of that (even near the end!) I was unable to figure out some of the characters
various motivations. Heck, I wasn't even able to figure out who the real 'bad
guy' was! This is one of those series that I'm going to have to watch again just
to make heads and tails of it. However, I can tell you that if you are looking
for something VERY deep, this will probably work well. Overall:
An excellent if somewhat convoluted series. Definitely worth seeing. |
| 2. Iodine
Tales of teenaged boys who become the pilots of giant mecha
are a dime-a-dozen in anime, but there is far more to this sci-fi tale than just
the requisite angst and violence. With more than a few echoes of Neon Genesis
Evangelion, the story of Ayato Kamina and the mysterious Rah Xephon takes
place in a world beseiged by alien invaders, where time runs differently in different
places, and the scientists and military personnel who want Ayato's help are connected
to each other by more than just a common purpose. The plot is a wonderfully labyrinthine
work of twists and turns, but its triumphs come at the cost of its characters.
There are so many people to keep track of, and so many relationships that remain
under wraps until the bitter end, forming attachments doesn't come very easy.
The female characters, especially, have a tendency to overact and feel like they've
wandered off the set of a B-grade soap opera. But though the interactions on the
more personal levels are reduced to maudlin fluff, it doesn't take away from the
larger story at all. The designs are lovely, and
the use of color is particularly eye-catching. The animation, though, is noticeably
sparse, even in the grand-scale fight scenes between Rah Xephon and the Mulian
Dolems. Music plays a large role here, and is handled much better than in similar
shows. The dialogue has a tendency to lean too much towards vague apprehensions
of doom and endless bouts of angsty nostalgia, but it does get better as the plot
kicks in. At any rate, the last several episodes are an absolute triumph, and
a credit to the Bones Studio. Likely best enjoyed by the sci-fi and mecha
fans. |
| 1. Olmanek
See, I honestly believed, that when Evangelion
ended, the series at least, before I was aware of the ethereal movies, that I
wouldn't have that same feeling of incomprehension at the end of a series ever
again, well that is, because of its brilliance, rather than some ineptness on
behalf of the people in charge of making the series. Actually despite my little
opener there, I dislike the idea of comparing this series to Evangelion,
I know everyone will inevitably do it though, which will diminish just how brilliant
and unique this series really is. The storyline of RahXephon
is staggering, the complexity is astounding, combined with the mysteries and that
what little you come to trust that you know is often shown to be false as the
series progresses, makes it very hard to be sure of anything while watching the
series, thus don't expect to be able to predict very much, none the less while
watching the series you know you are in the presence of greatness. As opposed
to most series, the good guys and the bad guys aren't clearly defined, there are
numerous groups and organizations, some hidden in the darkness some government
funded and openly known about, and some which are only hinted too, however for
every group there are the individuals in them who are all seeking different ends,
with each character giving insight as to the greater picture which they are involved
in, there being numerous bigger pictures. Everyone's past giving a good explanation
as to why they behave the way they do and explaining more of the mysteries, notably,
things in the 'past' hold a lot of importance, but another one of the aspects
of RahXephon is that time is not an absolute; it all really depends
on your vantage point. The animation and general
production qualities are very high, the production group Bones, the people
who did the Cowboy Bebop movie are responsible for this masterpiece.
The music is fantastic, heavily reliant on it too, sound being one of the main
intricacies and interesting aspects of the series, the characters are something
to behold, lacking the feel of being contrived and never becoming self indulgent,
they allow for the storyline to progress far beyond expectations. The Mecha designs
are very unique and offer all the old jaded fans something new to look at, plus
their abilities are interesting and allow for great diversity in fight scenes,
which I should mention are all very fluid and well animated. Really this is the
best series I've seen in years, of course not everyone will share this view, but
I doubt anyone wouldn't be impressed by this series, whether you liked the story
or not you have to be impressed by the proficiency and quality. Oh and a movie
is planned for release, which work has already begun on.
|
| 
 |
