Post by Bytor on Dec 17, 2012 19:58:25 GMT -5
-Details-
Genre: Supernatural/Drama/Comedy
Company: Studio Deen
Format: 10 episodes
Dates: 4 Jan 2008 to 7 Mar 2008
-Visuals- 8.5/10
A very strong usage of the color palette with some really nice cel-shaded illustrations provides for a very nice looking show that while not being overly complex is at the same time very precise (most of the time) and is very clean and crisp in it's appearance. The character models are nicely done, especially Rahzel's look (which reminded me quite a a bit of Vitorique from Gosick). And this attention to detail in the characters designs is what made the show look good. Unfortunately the various backgrounds and landscapes are typically (with a few exceptions, i.e. the sky burial area comes quickly to mind) nowhere nearly done as well. But, even having said that this is an extremely well drawn show, nothing absolutely fantastic but certainly nothing even close to resembling bad.
-Characters- 8.8/10
This is the adventures and stories of three friends. And while other (I'd almost label them as NPC's in RPG nomenclature) characters do appear and interact in the story for all intensive purposes it is the story of Rahzel, Alzeid and Baroqueheat. Rahzel is the center focus, a precocious, yet serious girl who was thrust into the wide open world with an admonishment from her father to travel and discover the world. Hi-tan is the "seemingly" love struck companion who may or may not be in this simply for his own benefit (as the show progresses this question is answered, lol). But it's Alzeid who is really the star here. As the saying goes the mystery wrapped in an enigma. His motives seem straight forward enough, he seeks revenge, but, as time progresses so does he, and his and Rahzel's interactions really do steal the show (man the birthday celebration was hilarious!). the only ral issue I had was that the characters development happened a tad fast, but then what can one expect form an anime only lasting ten episodes.
-Story- 8.8/10
Well...to be honest there is no (for the most part) cohesive story, other that the three "traveling comrades" appearing in each episode. They actually become comrades after Rahzel meets Alzeid and promises him he will not be bored an then meets Baroqueheat (Hi-Tan). Instead this anime is a story of three people, who, while traveling, become friends. In each episode (although a couple are continuations) they come across people who need helping, sometimes they are forced to use magic and guile to help the people and sometimes they discover while they can help the people find short term solutions in the long run fate will rule the day. I am typically not much of a fan of anthologies such as this (Kino's Journey and Rumic Theater being the obvious exceptions) but I found this show to be very enjoyable as the friendship and interactions between the three main characters provided a nice sense of continuity and as there friendship grew so did the empathy and emotion I developed for them. Now, don't get me wrong, this is certainly not totally a touchy feel good friendship (although it certainly does have it's moments) anime but it is well written enough that I wasn't bored, and the developing friendship and interactions between the main characters will keep you riveted and besides that Rahzel alone almost makes watching it worthwhile, lol!
-Overall- 8.8/10
For the vast majority of this show I kin of wondered where it was gong. Then the last 2-3 episodes come along and I must admit while I seldom like "somewhat" abrupt endings I have to say I simply adored the way this anime ended(?). The friendships which had developed were portrayed ever so nicely at the end and the obvious emotions I sensed watching this show certainly came to fruition. And...it does appear there will be a continuation of the story. Keep your fingers crossed.
