Aquarion Anime Review

Aquarion
Genesis of Aquarion also Sousei no Aquarion
Funimation
Complete Collection - 4 discs
650 mins. - 26 episodes
$29.98 (2010) S.A.V.E.
$69.98 (2009)
$59.98 (2008) Parts 1-2/ea.
ISBN 704400045790
Japanese/English Audio - English Subtitles
Director - Shoji Kawamori
Studio - Satelight

Synopsis: 11 years ago a great catastrophe befell mankind as the Shadow Angels awakened from their 12,000-year slumber.  Before their sleep they ruled the planet from the city of Atlandia (the basis of the mythical lost city of Atlantis) and harvested humans for their life force, or prana.  Humans, called 'the wingless ones' by the Shadow Angels, were merely a source of sustenance and treated as livestock.  One of the Shadow Angels, called Apollonius, fell in love with a human woman, the warrior Celiane, and turned on his kind to free the humans from their oppressors.

Apollonius (red hair) falls in love with the human Celiane

The angel Toma loved Apollonius and was deeply betrayed by his rebellion.  He vows revenge and leads the Shadow Angels in a final harvest of humankind.  They attack cities using a harmonic song to entrance humans and collect them in massive harvest beasts to be deposited in the Shadow Angels' Tree of Life.  Their ultimate goal is to restart their species by feeding enough prana to the Tree.  Any resistance is crushed by cherubim soldiers, giant mecha with powerful weapons and abilities.

The angel Toma vows revenge for being rejected by Apollonius

Conventional weapons are meaningless against the Shadow Angels and their incredible tools.  Only the Division of Earth Vitalization Advancement (DEAVA) has any success putting up a fight.  Their commander, Gen Fudou, discovered an ancient technology created by Apollonius and Celiane which allows humans to pilot three incredible flying machines, called Vectors.  The machines combine to form the giant fighting robot Aquarion which amplifies the souls of it's pilots.

Reika pilots Vector Luna and coordinates with Sirius and Glen

Each of the Vectors are distinct and form a different version of Aquarion when a different one is at the head:

1. Vector Luna forms Aquarion Luna - green, quick and agile, forms bow and arrow for long-range attacks, favorite Vector of Silvia de Alisia
2. Vector Mars forms Aquarion Mars - blue, very fast, forms a sword, has long legs to perform kicks, favorite Vector of Sirius de Alisia and Pierre Vieira
3. Vector Sol forms Solar Aquarion - red, the true form of Aquarion, a perfect balance of the three Vectors, can manifest "Solar Wings" on its back, mostly used for fighting attacks, 

Solar Aquarion battles a cherubim soldier

Only special individuals called Elements are able to pilot the Vectors.  The pilots' souls make up the final component to form Aquarion and the three must be in harmonic unison for a successful "merge".  The merge infuses the Elements and Vectors with immense power to fuel Aquarion.  Each Element feels the power boost as a euphoric (almost orgasmic) release.

The base for Aquarion complete with ancient ruins and a barrier field

The Elements are all teenagers from around the world who are trained to become pilots in the secret DEAVA base:

• Apollo is a street urchin discovered by DEAVA Elements Silvia and Pierre during a harvest by the Shadow Angels.  Apollo lived with a ragtag bunch of orphans who acted like a family before being entranced and abducted by a harvest beast.  He vows revenge and exhibits uncanny piloting abilities without any training to pilot Vector Sol.  He can even trigger the merge to Solar Aquarion.  It's thought Apollo is the reincarnated Apollonius.  His sense of smell is heightened and he seems almost feral at times.  
• Silvia de Alisia is the capricious daughter of a noble family and looks up to her brother Sirius.  She has the power of psychokinesis and is a skilled Vector pilot.  It's thought she is the reincarnation of Celiane and therefore will be in love with the reincarnation of Apollonius, but despises Apollo's low upbringing and crude manners.  
• Sirius de Alisia is the elder brother of Silvia and last heir of the noble Alisia family.  He is the epitome of refinement and culture.  An expert swordsman and the most skilled Vector pilot, Sirius appreciates elegance and immensely dislikes Apollo's constant sniffing.  Sirius is thought to be the reincarnation of Apollonius until Apollo shows up.  Sirius remains detached from the other Elements and eats all of his meals alone.  
• Pierre Vieira is a young soccer player from San Jose, Chile.  His entire soccer team was harvested and he hates the Shadow Angels.  He's one of the top Vector pilots, an insatiable ladies' man, and specializes in powerful kick attacks.  Despite being hot-blooded he displays surprising maturity when giving his friends advice.
• Reika Ko has incredibly bad luck and strong psychic abilities.  Despite her penchant for misfortune she is a top Vector pilot and one of the few people Sirius considers a friend.  
• Glen Anderson is friends with both Reika and Sirius.  He's a top Vector pilot as well, but suffers a grave injury during the mission when Apollo is discovered.    
• Jun Lee is a science nerd and otaku.  He is an unparalleled inventor and has the ability to sense how things work around him.  Although not very skilled at physical combat maneuvers he has a strong will and never gives up.  He is one of the rookie Elements new to the DEAVA team
• Tsugumi Rosenmeier is timid and another rookie Element along with Jun.  She loves old mechanics and Jun instantly finds an interest in her.  She passionately idolizes Reika and has a secret power which haunts her.  She is short with a surprisingly large and well-hidden bust.  
• Kurt and Chloe Klick are fraternal twins with a telepathic link.  They are ideal background support members, but also good Vector pilots.  Chloe is a target for Pierre's advances (she's a girl and breathing after all)
• Rena Rune is a mysterious, wheelchair-bound, and blind girl who apparently can read the auras of people.  She exhibits strange powers and a proclivity for drinking blood.  Combined with her pale complexion it is hinted she may be vampiric in nature.

The different forms and components of Aquarion - from top left and
clockwise Aquarion Mars, Solar Aquarion, Aquarion Luna, Vector
Luna, Vector Sol, and Vector Mars 

DEAVA and the Elements are challenged by the angel Toma with each successive battle posing a newly designed threat.  Commander Fudou acts as sage and mentor to the team giving them special training lessons to prepare for each new test.  Events are building to a crescendo which will determine the fate of the entire human race.  Can the stubborn Elements unify and energize Aquarion to save the day?

Apollo is thought to be the reincarnated Apollonius

Pros: Yoko Kanno does the soundtrack (Macross Plus, Cowboy Bebop), some good theme songs (particularly 2nd opening theme "Go Tight" and ending theme "Omna Magni"), Shoji Kawamori directs (Super-Dimensional Fortress Macross, Macross Plus), great visuals - mecha designs for the combining elements of Aquarion, character designs, backgrounds, Apollo reminded me of a young Wolverine from the X-Men (especially the constant sniffing), couple good plot twists at the end, doesn't take itself too seriously

Silvia experiences a particularly good 'merge'

Cons: Shadow Angels are bland villains, Cherubim Soldier mecha designs are boring, too many training episodes, story drags on for 3/4 of the series until the final few episodes, felt like a mash-up of a bunch of different shows (Evangelion, Rahxephon, Getter Robo), a lot of goofy episodes

Silvia, Apollo, and Sirius get fired up fighting the Shadow Angels

Mike Tells It Straight: Aquarion felt like a mash-up compilation of many different mecha shows.  It contains every stereotypical character and plot element of the giant robot genre.  Giant mecha piloted by angsty, young adults must save the human race from an evil alien force.  The rascally underdog hero Apollo, ice princess Silvia who is too good for everyone, pompous noble Sirius, and cryptic sage Fudou were all pretty standard.

Toma plots another attack with fellow angel Otoha

The combiner robot aspect with the Vectors creating different Aquarions was pretty cool.  All of the computer graphic elements of the mecha battles were top notch.  Kawamori is a master of mecha (having been involved with both Macross Plus and Escaflowne) and the Aquarion robot is impressively complicated.

Solar Aquarion gets ready to throw down!

The visuals and music were great, but I felt like this show fell a bit flat.  The heroes and villains weren't really bad ass enough at any point.  It had too many goofy training episodes.  I think they were meant to help us get attached to the characters, but felt formulaic and monster-of-the-week.  The theological angle with the angels has been done before in both Evangelion and Rahxephon.  Aquarion didn't bring anything new here except maybe Kawamori's environmental comment at the end with the Tree of Life.

Silvia, Apollo, and Sirius merge

Speaking of the ending, it felt rushed and I didn't really mind seeing a few characters bite the dust.  Guess it was a bit of redemption for some.  I get it Kawamori, you're making a homage to all the great vintage combiner mecha shows of the past, but not taking it too seriously because they were all a bit ridiculous after all.  Nice touch with the orgasmic merging and gimmick moves.  I can give Aquarion a fair recommendation for being a slick-looking mecha show with nice music.

Solar Aquarion powers up

The story was kind of a let-down with delusions of grandeur and mediocre pacing.  I expected more from it and usually really enjoy this type of show (giant robots smashing things and all).  A quasi-sequel was released called Aquarion Evol which stars a whole new cast of characters and some reincarnated versions of old ones.  It focuses more on comedy and fan-service, but answers some questions left by the first series.

Solar Aquarion manifests 'Solar Wings'

TO BUY and Recommendations:
   

Le Portrait de Petite Cossette Anime Review

Le Portrait de Petite Cossette
Geneon
Complete Collection - 1 disc
111 mins. - 3 episodes
$29.98 (2005)
$19.98 (2010)
ISBN 013023259294
Japanese/English Audio - English Subtitles
Director - Akiyuki Shinbo
Studio - Daume

Synopsis: Eiri Kurahashi is a talented art student who works at an antiques shop for his uncle where he appreciates many of the fine works.  One work in particular has captured his full attention - a beautiful 18th century ornate glass.  He is shocked and amazed to discover the reflection of an enchanting young girl within the glass itself. 

Her name is Cossette and she was brutally murdered by someone she cared for. Now Eiri is uncontrollably drawn to Cossette and her existence consumes his every waking moment.  She died in a horrible state of betrayal and the objects close to her became filled with vengeful spirits.  They are now dangerous antiques which can cause serious harm to the living.

Eiri becomes obsessed with the image emanating
from this ornate, antique glass

Eiri's obsession threatens to destroy him, but his friends and many female admirers (he's popular with the ladies) notice his absence.  They search him out to help him although it may be too late judging from the his distressed state.  What link does he have with Cossette's murderer and why does he love her so devotedly?  

Cossette appears and snares Eiri's heart

Shoko is his best friend and secretly in love with him, but Eiri callously shuns her well-meaning (if jealous) help.  Several other women come to his aid including a doctor, a psychic, and a priestess.  They vow to stop whatever is afflicting Eiri, but it may be too powerful for them to defeat.  

Shoko comes to the shop to check on Eiri and finds him
in a state of deep melancholy

Cossette is not merely a pretty spirit - she has an agenda for Eiri and it may involve eternal torment.  Can his friends stop the poisonous relationship with Cossette before he is forever lost?

Eiri paints a chilling portrait in blood!

Pros: Some nice animation/visuals - very surreal/art house style, bit creepy, more mature than your typical action/mecha/ninja anime, nice twist at the end, tons of cool extras including cast interviews, trailers, and a music video

The psychic senses a massing of malevolent forces

Cons: Eiri was not a likable protagonist, his love with Cossette was slightly annoying, odd story and very slow, music was bland (sorry to those who actually enjoyed it), relatively short despite the slow story progression (maybe it felt short because the story didn't move along very much), a lot of confusing bits, some mild "lolicon" - the Japanese version of the Lolita Complex where underage girls are portrayed in sexually suggestive poses, clothing or situations

Cossette is a fetching ghost

Mike Tells It Straight: Le Portrait de Petite Cossette is a dark, moody show with some neat animation and a creepy storyline.  I liked a lot of the visuals although they often became too abstract.  Loved the scene where some foreground reeds blowing in the wind slowly transformed into forked snake tongues.  The creators put a lot of effort into making a modern tale of obsession centered around a gothic lolita.  

Cossette soon haunts Eiri in every reflective surface he sees
with no escape in sight

The main characters were not so endearing (Eiri and Cossette) and their discussions were boring.  Mostly the obsessed Eiri pining after Cossette who strings him along.  Kinda glad the show was only three episodes.  I liked Eiri's harem of women who tried to save him more than the main characters.  

I'm not sure what's going down here, but it
can't be good for Eiri or the world of the living

I was expecting a little more drama and coherent story from this show, but it fell into a weird anime trap with monsters screaming and a bunch of weird visuals.  A little alternative for my tastes, but I probably would have dug it more back when I listened to KMFDM and NIN in high school.  

Cossette toys with Eiri's fragile heart to get her way

Overall a very slick visual story with a lot of potential, but I feel it went a bit over-the-top on surreal horror scenes.  Worth a watch if you're into haunting tales of love-obsession and abstract artwork, but not really a keeper.  


TO BUY and Recommendations:

Fantastic Children Anime Review

Fantastic Children
Fantajikku Chirudoren
Bandai Entertainment – Anime Legends
Complete Collection – 26 episodes
650 mins. – 6 discs
$49.98 (2008)
$19.98 (2006) Vol. 1-6/ea.
$29.98 (2006) Vol. 1 Special Edition
ISBN 669198234767
English/Japanese Audio – English Subtitles
Director – Takashi Nakamura
Studio - Nippon Animation
TO BUY: Fantastic Children

Synopsis: Records of mysterious white-haired children appearing in 19th century Europe, again in the 20th century near a south-eastern archipelago, and over the course of many years in many different lands have been discovered. A government detective whose ancestor has a strange link to the children investigates a slew of child disappearances in the 21st century. The children appear to have a clandestine mission, have been seen near history-altering events, and are always searching for one particular girl.

Who are the Fantastic Children?

In the 21st century a boy named Thoma befriends two orphans, Chitto and Helga. They have run away from the orphanage and Thoma hides them on the island he lives on in the southeast. A strange white-haired boy appears on the island one day and just as suddenly disappears. In his wake comes government agents and the three friends are caught up in a dangerous adventure. It’s a race against time to solve the mystery of the ‘Befort Children’ and save Helga’s life!

This mysterious painting from the 19th century is uncovered in
the 21st century and gives clues to the true origin of the children

Pros: Mystery of the ‘Befort Children’ is captivating, establishing friendship of Thoma/Helga/Chitto is enjoyable, great story of redemption after terrible mistakes, full musical score, some interesting metaphysical science theories, characters are all very well thought out with unique personalities, ending works, bonus musical score cd with booklet if you really like the music

Thoma becomes embroiled in the mystery of the Fantastic Children
after helping two orphans named Helga and Chitto

Cons: Second half of the story is not as interesting as the first as the mystery is solved and all the pieces don’t fit perfectly together, DON’T read the time chart insert from the dvd case until after you’ve watched the show – it contains spoilers, king’s English dub voice-acting is horrible, Helga’s character starts out as agonizingly introverted, sometimes the story is too slow and simple, character animation style is pretty basic

Who are these strange people and what link do they have
with the Fantastic Children?

Mike Tells It Straight: If you liked Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water then this anime has a similar feel. It has a deceptively simple visual style, but contains a fairly mature story - very similar to Now and Then, Here and There (although NAT, HAT was more mature and somewhat depressing).  Those looking for a story with a good mystery and willing to put up with a slow plot buildup will be pleased.  Fantastic Children kept my attention and I enjoyed the adventure leading up to the big reveal of just who are these mysterious figures!

The thrilling mystery of the Fantastic Children!

TO BUY and Recommendations: Castle in the Sky Nausicaa