Trigun

Writer: Yasuhiro Nightow
Director: Satoshi Nishimura
Production House: Madhouse
Review Type: Anime
Status: Completed
Genre: Adventure, Action, Western, Sci-Fi
Vintage: April-September 1998
Episodes: 26


Synopsis

Trigun follows the adventures of Vash the Stampede, and the two Bernadelli Insurance Society employees who follow him, in hopes of minimizing the damages inevitably caused by his appearance. The damage is not intentionally inflictied by Vash though, and most of the damage attributed is caused by bounty hunters in pursuit of the 60,000,000,000$ (sixty billion 'double dollars') bounty on Vash's head, seemingly out due to his destruction of the city of July. Vash however is experiencing amnesia at this point, and could not recall the incident clearly due to this. Vash is an advocate of non-violence, and tries to save lives without using force (his gun is even loaded with four bullets to further emphasize this point). Throughout his adventures, he is occasionally accompanied by Nicholas D. Wolfwood, a priest who like Vash is a skillful gunfighter with a mysterious past.

We gradually learn more about Vash's past as the series progresses, and also the history of human civilization on Gunsmoke (the planet where the story is set). The series is mostly light-hearted in the beginning, but the plot shifts to a more dramatic and darker situations toward its conclusion, involving moral conflict in regards of killing other living beings, even when justified (self defense or defending others). Despite all this, Vash soldiers on in pursuit of his goal, which remains shrouded in mystery until it is revealed towards the end of the series.


Chibi's Stampeding Comments

I actually came across a few of the Trigun merchandise before actually watching the anime, buying a Vash the Stampede action figure way back in 1998 (it's still standing proud in my bedroom), and upon doing some research on it a few years later (eight to be exact), I decided to give it a shot.

To my surprise, Trigun is totally the opposite of what I expected. It's an interesting series, and although you would not realize it in the first half of the series, its a deep one as well. Although the hype it generated was for different reasons, it was thoroughly deserved. The story begins like your average run-of-the-mill comedy series with its silliness, and although the characters manage to maintain the sense of humor throughout all but the most serious parts of the series, it has a definite path to where the story is going, building up to an impressive climax. The generic episode progression is merely a distraction to where the plot is heading to, and much like its characters it takes its time to get there.


Trigun is not exactly a quality series, in the sense that it has a compelling back-story and sticks to it from beginning to the end. Some of the episodes are made of unconnected incidents and are absolute no brainers, the overarching plot is not strung along with any precise writing and the drama is not heavy-handed, and it does not really seem to care. Despite this setbacks, Trigun manages to be a lot of fun, and even tackling the true meaning of pacifism in a surprisingly deep and effective manner, partly because of the feeling of the series' honesty in it's less polished production, the earnest emotional storytelling and also that of its characters, and also its apparent refusal to let things work out cleanly in its conclusion. This is what makes Trigun so memorable; it's unpretentious yet brave enough to tackle the really hard questions.

Trigun is essentially more like three series in one with very different stances on each aspect. The first half of the series rubs you off as a more classic comedy anime, with loads of likable characters, with enough depth and funny hi-jinks to keep you glued to your seat. With a feel of the Wild West coupled with an appropriate weird back-story, this series is a reasonably creative one with tons of gun-slinging action. The most appealing aspect in my opinion is the earnest examination of the love of life, forgiveness and redemption.


Trigun does an excellent job of combining the three aspects of comedy, action and moral drama surprisingly well. After a relatively light-hearted first half, it declares a change of mood with it's recap episode (all anime series has at least one to bring the viewer up to speed), reminding the viewer of it's important bits of the main plot scattered throughout the series, and even so, it paces itself slowly enough to make the transition as painless as possible. The end result is pretty enthralling, and provokes deep thought on some issues.

The selling point for me is the unusually interesting array of characters in the series. The two Bernadelli employees Meryl Strife and Milly Thompson, for example, are not your usual anime babe stereotypes, with both being over 20, and a pretty refreshing change of pace. Their target, who is also a target for a whole bunch of bounty hunters, and also the center of the entire mess, is the protagonist Vash himself. In spite of being the ultimate gunslinger, Vash is also incredibly lucky and also a complete dumb-ass. This just scratches the surface on who he really is, and despite all the skill and emotional burden that plagues him, he is really a goofy kid at heart, which I really enjoyed watching.


Vash alone is more than enough to make this a quality comedy anime; with his ability to take a serious situation and turn it into an idiotic mess right before the situation gets sappier is horrendously funny to watch, and thus saves the series from taking itself too seriously. The other aspect which got my vote for Vash being one of the best leads in an anime is his unswerving and stubborn refusal to kill anyone, insisting that anybody could be forgiven for their past. This seems a little illogical at first, but it makes for some enthralling moral drama towards the end of the series.

As a contrasting character to Vash is the travelling priest Nicholas D. Wolfwood, who despite the trappings of holiness, is more merciless in his treatment of life than Vash, and the arguments between them coupled with Wolfwood's struggles with redemption, makes him a really interesting character in his own right.


The series, through Vash, emphasizes on a simple precept of 'thou shalt not kill'. A concept largely ignored, rationalized and dismissed throughout history, Trigun addresses this issue head on, and even though it does provide clear answers to the issue, a variety of differing opinions are raised by certain characters and situations, and the series is hiding plenty of gray areas behind it's obvious philosophies.

The backdrop for all this is the Western world with a sci-fi twist that doesn't come into play until the later episodes. Although the setting doesn't come off as too creative at first with its 30 feet tall mutants walking about, it is later explained how things came to be on planet Gunsmoke, and it was certainly not what I had expected.

Whilst the art and animation isn't wildly creative or spectacular, there are some nice touches in the character designs, and production quality is always good enough to keep you interested. The strong point however, is in the music of the series. From the shred-worthy guitar work in the opening (it blew me away) to a few very mellow Western tunes and a beautiful song that is a factor to the main plot, this anime has a lot of stuff to listen to.


In conclusion, Trigun is first and foremost a comedy series, and a hilarious one, added with real substance in the latter half. There's enough gunfights and goofiness to keep anyone happy with a deep engaging story that is more on a serious note, coupled with a gripping conclusion laden with serious, powerful, and thought-provoking subject matter. Best of all, the themes are comfortably compartmentalized, so it all fits together into a thoroughly enjoyable series with a message that sticks with you after it's over. Definitely worth a look.



Chibi's Review



Storyline: 4/5
Character Development: 5/5
Art: 3/5
Originality: 5/5

Samurai 7

original author: Akira Kurosawa
director: Toshifumi Takizawa
review type: anime
status: completed
genre: Shonen, Chanbara, Action,
studio: Gonzo
original run: July 12, 2004- December 25, 2004
episodes: 26
similiar to: Samurai Champloo, Peacemaker Kurogane


Synopsis

It began with a small rice village, Kanna. Every year during the harvest, a group of bandits would forceful steal their produce. To add salt to their wounds, the bandits have began to rob them off their woman and children. It is a curse they deal with yearly and have finally decided to put it an end to it.


The village Elder has decided that as the safety of the village has been jeopardized, the only way they could attain that freedom is to hire samurai to fight against these marauders. Sadly, the village cannot afford to pay them, but in trade for their services they would pay them with a supply of rice. They send three people to the city. One of them is Kirara; a village priestess of Kanna. Her willingness to search for samurai was substantiated with the fact that she wanted desperately to see the outside world; that which is beyond Kanna.

As the convey reaches the city, they run into trouble. But was rescued by Okamoto Katsushiro; a young and inexperienced samurai. They then bump into Shimada Kambei; the lead protagonist and a war veteran with an awful distaste to war and anything violent. He was reluctant at first, but decides to help out after being persuaded. Together with Katsushiro and Kambei, they search diligently for others who could and would help out the dilemma Kanna is facing. They are successful and five others join Katsushiro and Kambei to form the seven samurai that would aid Kanna in their liberty from the bandits.

But what awaits the fate of the seven is just not the issue of Kanna alone. There would be a bigger and dangerous picture that the seven would need to deal with. The anime details the journey of these "band of brothers"; warriors who were wounded by the tides of war and are searching for a redemptive moment.



Rempit's Vrooming Comment

Well, this is definitely the anime version of Akira Kurosawa's 1954 hit movie Seven Samurai; the predecessor of the American 1960 Magnificent Seven. The anime however differs from the original by having a steampunk atmosphere and environment to it. Which I think is absolutely cool. Having a healthy dosage of ancient and modern concepts gave the anime the boost it needed.

Frustratingly, there is not much character development. Just that the young Katsushiro would soon discover the life of the battlefield. Which is not an easy one; though many might fancy it. I like the role played by Kambei. Here he not only acts as a mentor to Katsushiro but also we note a more matured lead even though some may argue that Katsushiro is the lead character. He is somewhere in the line of Okita Soji from Peacemaker Kurogane and also Hatake Kakashi from Naruto in terms of mentoring, leading and planning.

Now the other interesting part of this anime is that those who are part of the seven do get their fair share of airtime. Not many would focus on each specific character and their contributions much. Most secondary characters would either be doing something only when it demands them too and would basically be filling up the behind the scenes actions; the gaps and transitions from one episode to another. But here, all seven which is still a big group, are somewhat the lead cast of the show and I think that's a fairly strong concept of the anime; teamwork.

But what marks this anime from the rest is the x factor to why I liked watching it. They stuck to the original plot when some of them had to die in battle. Which of course is familiar to us, but what's the difference? The usual pattern for an anime would be that they would die one at a time, having an epic battle and then die. It is customized for them. But here the for the first time, we have three of them dying at the same time; during the final battle. It is a threshold event. First of it's kind. And I'd have to say that it is definitely a brave move to do that.

There are moments of exaggeration in it, but I guess the good part is that despite things being overdone (like a normal katana slicing through a 10 storey robot in half), it still has its sense of realism. Battle scars, battle wounds, and finally martyrdom; for some of them of course. The art is not bad, typical for any Gonzo production. So you'd have the designs somewhat familiar to some other titles; if you'd notice the similarities of anything Gonzo. I guess it's their trademark.

Well there is one con in the show I totally forgot to highlight. It's their dialogue lines. Some of them are just hilarious. So if you are a fan of the Seven Samurai or would like something modern meets ancient and fast paced, then check this out.



Rempit Rates:

Storyline: 4/5
Character Development: 3/5
Art: 4/5
Originality: 4/5

Peacemaker Kurogane

author: Nanae Chrono
director: Tomohiro Hirata
review type: anime
status: completed
genre: Shonen, Chanbara, Action, Drama
studio: Gonzo
original run: October 7, 2003- March 24, 2004
episodes: 24

Synopsis

Ichimura Tetsunosuke, or fondly known as Tetsu by his peers, is an immature, energetic, and very short 15 year old. He is even sometimes mistaken for a boy because of his attitude and physical stature. Tetsu's past is a grim one. His parents were brutally murdered, leaving him and his older brother Tatsu to fend for themselves. Tetsu still reeling with the bitter wound that has been inflicted onto him, seeks out revenge against his perpetrators.

Tatsu, joins the Shinsengumi; a special police task force consisting of highly skilled men, but as an accountant to earn a decent income. Tatsu's desire of providing bread for the both of them is contrasted with the attitude of Tetsu; who like Tatsu desires to join the Shinsengumi but with vengeful intents.

During his tenure with the Shinsengumi, Tetsu became accustomed to some of the other skilled warriors in the house. He develops a close bond to the prodigious Okita Soji, and even becomes his sparring partner.

The anime chronicles the challenging and trying life of Tetsu, a summon or 'office boy' for the Shinsengumi police corps. He wrestles with the voices that contend for his desire to mete out revenge, to finally seek redemption and to be part of the Shinsengumi as a warring warrior on the side of justice. Tetsu would also learn to understand that the path of a warrior is indeed a crucifying one. And finally realize that the responsibility placed that would be placed on him is not a childish ideology.




Rempit's Vrooming Comment

Substance. If I could drop a word before this introduction, for such a breathe taking series it would definitely be substance. I began watching this, after being vehemently frustrated with the Samurai X franchise, or at least the mainstream version of the Samurai X franchise. I preceded with caution on Peacemaker. Hoping that, it would be of a different delight. And it was.

Firstly, I would say this would be one of the most interesting historical anime I have came across with. The other would be the Vagabond manga. I do think Nanae Chrono did a fantastic job in portraying a fictional account of the real Shinsengumi police corps and also the characters that have donned the Shinsengumi mantle. So credits to the author.

Now there is a theme that is somewhat overarching the anime. And I am not sure if this was done purposely, but note that contradiction/s is a dominant theme throughout. Let's take Tatsu and Tetsu. Both have gone through the same nightmare and yet are different in views and goals. Each has a different purpose driven life. If you even look at Okita Soji would notice the opposites that primarily feature him. He is a prodigy and would be considered a shinigami (death god), but on the other hand he is soft, kind, femine (in the context of the anime) and is able to attend to Tetsu with pastoral care. And to top that off is the famous disease he was known to have, tuberculosis; which is historically accurate as well. Beyond the characters, this theme is emphasized as mentioned in the synopsis as when Tetsu learns that fighthing for good does not necessarily earn satisfaction or even a positive reward.

The character development is not that thorough, considerably reasonable given the duration of the anime. But I would say that Chrono did quite a good job in playing with the characters because it is realistic. There is nothing fancy about them, each would have a large percentage of getting killed by thugs or vandals during police raids and probably would also be harboring a dark side to them. All are seem to have their own share of struggles and that is supplemented by the risks involved in serving with the Shinsengumi.

The art is amazing and the fight scenes really make my day. Even though there is a lot of drama comparing to the action involved, The plot and its twists and turns could actually keep you glued to your seat.

I am quite surprised this was intended for a shonen audience. Even though Tetsu and the overarching idea of good triumphing over evil is present, you might just have categorized this as seinen if you aren't careful. Actually I do think this leans more towards seinen because Tetsu doesn't have a rival, neither does he grow exponentially strong in the anime. A stark contradiction to Naruto, Bleach, D-Gray Man, One Piece, etc. The anime never fails to highlight Tetsu's contemporaries as not only stronger, but with a good dosage of substance in terms of character development. So there is this break away from just focusing on Tetsu.

If you're looking for drama, with some zen to it and really good depth in terms of plot, action and art and also concept that this is something you might want to check out.




Rempit Rates:

Storyline: 4/5
Character Development: 3/5 (episodes are just too short)
Art: 5/5
Originality: 4/5

Beck : Mongolian Chop Squad

Writer: Harold Sakuishi
Director: Osamu Kobayashi
Production House: Madhouse
Review Type: Anime
Status: Completed
Genre: Shounen, Music, Slice of Life
Vintage: October 2004-March 2005
Episodes: 26

Synopsis

Beck revolves around an average 14 year old boy named Yukio, or Koyuki as addressed by his friends, who enters junior high with two childhood acquaintances. Coincidentally one of his childhood buddies is kind of a perv, and ironically the other is one of the most popular girls in high school. Koyuki's seemingly uneventful life takes a turn in the opposite direction when he saves an odd-looking dog going by the name of Beck, from some kids that was bullying him. As it turns out, Beck's owner is a budding rock musician named Ryusuke Minami, who soon influences Koyuki to learn playing the guitar, even giving him his first one to practice with. As time goes by Ryusuke and Koyuki formed a band named BECK, and proceeded to play a few gigs. The plot mainly focuses on the trials and tribulations, and also the hardships of the band, and also Koyuki's relationships with its members, particularly Ryusuke and his sister Maho.


Chibi's Chop Squad Comments

Being a music student, a came across Beck during my first year in college. I didn't come across the anime with people's recommendations though, it was just me trying to link both my loves of anime and music together, and upon shopping for some anime I got recommended by the friendly store owner to purchase a copy.

I was pleasantly surprised at how addictive the anime was. You get a story in the veins of a coming of age of sorts with Koyuki, who was a nerdy little kid who wasn't very popular (what'd you expect? It's a shounen title), blooming into a really good frontman and guitarist for his band, also making a name for himself along the way. For rock music fans, Beck pays homage to a lot of rock icons past, present and future, and many references are strewn about each episode. Even the band itself is an homage to a few rock stars, with Beck's main vocalist Chiba's appearance, style and attitude are based on Zach de la Rocha (from Rage Against the Machine). Ryusuke is a merging of Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin) and Anthony Kiedis (Red Hot Chili Peppers) , and the way Koyuki sings is reminiscent to the pose Liam Gallagher makes when he sings (Oasis). Even the guitar Ryusuke covets, nicknamed 'Lucille', is a reference to blues legend B.B. King's guitar with the same name. With this much attention put into all the little details, I spent many an hour re-watching the anime over and over looking for any reference to any rock icon that I may have missed during my first viewing of the show.


The pacing of the plot is set at a slower pace than most shounen fare, which in my opinion is a wise decision on the director's part. This helps the viewer to ease into the story, and significant developments are well placed in terms of delivery, making the flow more of an easygoing kind of feel than the usual frenetic pace often seen in standard shounen fare. The transition from Koyuki's humble beginnings to enigmatic frontman are also set in a logical pace (where most shounen stuff are highly illogical), and you don't actually see Koyuki getting from zero to hero quickly, rather he has to practice and practice to actually get that good, much like in real life.

Beck's strong point is in the unique focus on rock music, but it might also be it's weakest point. Viewers who aren't fans of rock music (if there are any) might not find this series as interesting or relevant. The sound however in this anime is awesome, the songs are catchy and I would think that most rock music fans would enjoy its soundtrack. It was also quite amusing to see some of the characters trying to converse in English (as Ryusuke and Maho used to study in the States), and most of the English dialogue include a good amount of cursing. The quality of the animation, although quite decent, is pretty questionable given today's standards, but seeing the focal point in this series is actually the music, I guess it is permissible (hey it's not like we're watching Beavis and Butthead here).


All in all, I would recommend Beck to newcomers and also veteran otakus looking for something new than the usual shounen fare. The story and character development are good, and watching Koyuki's social life and musical talent grow are both pretty compelling, particularly when the band starts taking off. A must watch for musicians and music fans alike.



Chibi's Review



Storyline: 4/5
Character Development: 5/5
Art: 3/5
Originality: 4/5

Initial D: Fourth Stage--Project D

* In an all true Initial D spirit, I have decided to place their opening theme song as the opener to the post. Just like an anime episode. I found this highly entertaining and I so wanna learn those dance moves he does at the beginning! LOL!


author: Shuichi Shigeno
director: Tsuneo Tominaga
review type: anime
status: completed
genre: Shonen, Racing
studio: Frontline, Gainax
original run: October 17, 2004- February 1, 2006
episodes: 24


Synopsis

Ryosuke has finally fulfilled the task of forming Project D; a street racing team featuring the best in the Gunma district. The lineup consists of Ryosuke (leader and racing strategist), Takumi (downhill specialist), Keisuke (uphill specialist), and a staff that compromised mostly of the Red Suns racing team. Their main agenda simply is to be the best street racing team in the region. As they go around defeating them, the race results would be posted up on their website.

Ryosuke, being a master strategist, arranges each race accordingly so that each driver from Project D would be able to improve on their driving skills after each challenge. Takumi, by this time begins to develop into a more mature street racer. His contemporary, Keisuke, begins focusing on the technical aspects of his driving. Ryosuke acts as a mentor for the up and coming Takumi by encouraging him to explore new and unconventional driving techniques during races.

But Ryosuke would also have something else troubling him. This would be his final moments in the street racing arena, as he would be off to medical school. Project D then, would be his last moments of bliss. Before it decrescendos into a more formal and rigid life of a university student.

The experiences Project D would go through are challenging. There would be many tough teams wanting to inflict damage on the maverick attitude brought about by Project D. They would meet tough opponents such as Team Purple Shadow. Takumi, would also undergo a change in perspective when he learns of the capabilities of the Four-Wheel Drive when he was outwitted during his tofu delivering routines by a Subaru Impreza. Takumi would be in for a surprise when he finds out who was that person who creamed him during the downhill of his favorite Mt.Akine course.

With all these, Project D will no choice but to weather through the storm. In order to be the best there is to the Japanese street racing world.



Rempit's Vrooming Comment

Being the last installation to date; I hope this wouldn't be the finale for the entire series!, I think much has developed through time. And the anime got really good, here in season 4 of the Initial D franchise. This time the only thing that you can afford to complain is still well the typical shonen attitude of win all, lose none. But you must admit, that each race does entitle you to break a sweat here and there. Simply because the races are really good. The challenges are real and the handicaps of the drivers; Takumi and Keisuke are more evident and known to most of their opponents.

Takumi undergoes a real rollercoaster in his pursuit of being the best downhill driver in the region. The character development done on this one, is probably the best among the four previous installments. The fact that he is even challenged to expand his horizon, by an old man, is simply a play of irony and sensibility. Most people would complain and say that well you need to be young to be technologic. But this anime allows some old rusty senior citizens to do the teaching ( I will allow you to guess who's the one who'd teach Takumi on the Four-Wheel Drive complex!). So in the light of Takumi learning from all angles and at times breaking a sweat and coming up with random ways to win, is a delight.

The anime begins to now focus on the bigger picture too. Besides Takumi, you have Keisuke and Ryosuke. I can't help but think that Keisuke is a pure sucker. He got his ass kicked by Takumi on the downhill and now can't help but be included in Project D as an uphill driver? Well I'd say the reasons are more filial and substantial than from my point of view, but it's a shame isn't it. Ryosuke on the other hand delivers some of the most interesting tactics and leadership strategies around. He is a more calmer and nicer version of Hiruma from Eyeshield 21 and again he is the embodiment of many Asian males; forgoing their passions for the workforce.

The races are excellent as I'd mention in the beginning. The graphics and art have improved! Phew! But the characters still possess a bean-shaped fixture which I still find it annoying. But overlooking that, there are interesting bits and pieces of the way the races are depict which would make you think that it takes an absolute genius to get you hooked on to it. Which I do agree.

This anime does well, as the ending leaves you with a "I want more!" feeling. Definitely deserves a sequel at this point in time; which I have been faithfully waiting for. So do watch this one and give it a shot. I think this would have the makings to be one good and exciting anime franchise.




Rempit Rates:

Storyline: 4/5
Character Development: 4/5
Art: 5/5
Originality: 4/5

Initial D: Third Stage

author: Shuichi Shigeno
director: Noboru Mitsusawa
review type: anime movie
status: completed
genre: Shonen, Racing
studio: Pastel
released: May 15, 2002
runtime: 105 minutes


Synopsis

It is a journey that has now demanded a decision for the maverick and prodigious Takumi. Ryosuke, of the Red Suns fame asks him to join a new racing team he is forming featuring the best street drivers from the Gunma district. Takumi, still relishing that bitter moment with Team Emperor's front man Sudou Kyouichi, mentions his desire to only decide after having settled the score with him.

Takumi proceeds to challenge Kyouichi at the Irohazaka pass. The battle format is simple. Kyouichi decides that Takumi should lead. If Takumi loses the lead, than Kyouichi wins. Takumi has the daunting task of preventing Kyouichi from slipping ride out and above him, since a change in leader would ultimately be the penalty for defeat. Takumi bravely fends off Kyouicihi to stay ahead and win the race.

Kyouichi, who's a racer that's absolutely proud in his knowledge of his own home course, concedes defeat and gives the AE86 the praise it deserves. Takumi felt that it could only muster up a draw but was more concerned for the acknowledgement of Kyouichi that the AE86 is a competent race car and not just an antic on wheels.

More awaits Takumi has he would face his father, Bunta's old rival's son, Kogashiwa Kai. This would lead to a finale of epic proportions as Takumi begins to feel the heat of street racing and thus pursuing s more matured approach to racing.



Rempit's Vrooming Review

Finally, Initial D has produced a quality plot. Of course the bitter issue of Takumi and his quest for proving the AE86 was a little immature and typical, but finally Takumi becomes the go-getter. Takumi has largely been apathetic in the first two installments, and to see him react in a different fashion, just tells you that Takumi might be actually real! For once!

And the idea of having him square off with his rival is also yet another typical shonen issue, but then again having squared off with someone so talented that the win might just be out of Takumi's hands is so enticing. So I'd say that these factors are a manager break into the series and it does seem to be an exciting one.

The season challenges Takumi to be a more mature driver, honing not only his skills on the road but also his ability to decide. So character development here is up a notch. As he battles the crossroads of joining Ryosuke's team, Takumi's philosophy might just be a different approach to the more mainstreamed "hard-resolved" resolutions shonen heroes and heroines would normally undertake. Plus, since Takumi does age in the series it is noteworthy that the author did allow that maturing process to transpire into the series. At least he is not perpetually stuck at high school;Form 4 Science Stream, anyone?

The art, well is still the same. I guess I don't have much to complement when people look like kidney beans with a weird triangle as a nose. But I do have to say that in terms of the cars, and the race tracks, then this is promising. Their attempt to 3D-fy the races has gradually improved. So there's quality control going on, and that gives it the point of difference.

I still do think their races are the best feature. Ok, DUH!. But, since the series has travelled this deep, you'd just be worried that the excitement might just die off at the fact that it has become monotonous. But surprisingly, it still manages to keep you faithfully hooked into the world of downhill and uphill street racing.

I do think this installment is an exciting one. And a better one comparing to the 2nd, and on par with the 1st (my favorite's still the first, somehow in a weird way). So give this one a try and you might discover a franchise that may not be as a good as other common titles out there, but simply one that keeps promising and delivering gradually. Maybe it was intentional that we too, the viewers, also grow along with the franchise in terms of like ability? Perhaps. But give this one a shot.



Rempit Rates:

Storyline: 4/5
Character Development: 4/5
Art: 3/5
Originality: 4/5

Initial D: Second Stage

author: Shuichi Shigeno
director: Shin-ichi Masaki
review type: anime
status: completed
genre: Shonen, Racing
studio: Pastel
original run: October 14, 1999- January 6, 2000
episodes: 13


Synopsis

There are a new group of baddies in town and they are none other than Team Emperor, a street racing team that utilizes the Mitsubishi Evolution as their trademark race car. They are well known for their aggressive approach to street racing and for defeating any racer that comes up against them. However, their pride fell short when Seiji Iwaki; a prominent and seasoned racer with Team Emperor, was defeated by Takumi and his AE86.

With Team Emperor's pride and reputation at stake, their leader Kyouichi Sudo decides to challenge Takumi to a race. The avenger decides to teach Takumi a lesson. But the main purpose behind the race would simply be to bait in Ryosuke, his main target for a race.

Kyouichi, a professional racer, unleashes the full capacity of the Mistubishi Evolution during his race with Takumi. Literally, pawning him during the course. Luck runs out for Takumi as during the race, his engine blows. Officially placing him out of the race. Kyouichi however doesn't consider the defeat official and tells Takumi that it was more of a showcase to inform him of a need to drive better suited cars in order to match his own skills.

Kyouichi than successfully proceeds to race Ryosuke. The tide is turned when Ryosuke defeats Kyouichi; shocking Kyouichi dramatically.

Bunta; Takumi's father has always been preparing for the day Takumi would lose. He knew that the engine would suffer a blow out and waited for that day to happen. When it did, he installed a new engine with extraordinary capabilities. Wanting Takumi to learn more about the car, he doesn't inform Takumi on the equipment needed to suit the new engine.

The anime deals basically with Takumi learning to cope with the new engine and a rival AE86 driver whose not only competent with his driving skills but mechanical knowledge, challenging Takumi to a first ever AE86 showdown.



Rempits Vrooming Comment:

So things are finally starting to shape up. Of course defeating a Mitsubishi Evolution is totally bizarre. But the idea of Takumi suffering something that would rule him out is a good twist to the plot. Another good twist is to patch him up with a rival AE86 user. So you'd have a battle of the best and I think that's pretty neat and exciting; but predictable. How? Just pay attention and you'd know how.

Again there's not much character development here. Except that we note more of Takumi's contemporaries being totally skilled and cool. Sometimes you'd just wonder how did Takumi beat Ryosuke; with Ryosuke being a total lean mean driving machine? Takumi on the other would eventually become more knowledgeable about his car and the mechanics that are involved in it. But somehow or the other, it is again through a huge dosage of apathetic- ness which ultimately gave way to the thought of succeeding. Which basically would mean that Takumi is still a slow learner when it comes to things beyond the steering and accelerator.

Well the graphics get better, the art sometimes just pisses me off. But I think for classical anime fans, the art is less than a bother. The races are very well depicted and they still keep you in suspended animation; not entirely but it is fair enough.

So here's the continuation of the life of Takumi as a race car driver. With only the looming thought of victory that keeps him going. And I personally think it is only worth it to watch in terms of the races and the hype that surrounds it. Besides that, it is as a shallow as the Straits of Malacca; where you can even see the nice green algae at the bottom of the ocean.

I recommend this title if you're itchy for a sequel and if you're feeling high and a little less melancholic. And of course it is still a shonen title. A really straightforward and enjoyable one of course; on occasions.


Rempit Rates:

Storyline: 3/5
Character Development: 2/5
Art: 3/5
Originality: 3/5