Mobile Suit Gundam 0083 Stardust Memory

Writer: Mitsuko Kase
Director: Mitsuko Kase, Takashi Imanishi
Production House: Sunrise
Review Type: Anime
Status: Completed
Genre: Mecha

Synopsis

U.C. 0083 - Three years after the end of the catastrophic One Year War, peace on Earth and the colonies is shattered by the presence of the Delaz Fleet, a rogue Zeon military group loyal to the ideals of the late dictator Gihren Zabi. Delaz Fleet's ace pilot Anavel Gato, once hailed as 'The Nightmare of Solomon', infiltrates the Federation's Torrington base in Australia and steals the nuclear-armed Gundam GP02A 'Physalis' prototype. Rookie pilot Kou Uraki - with the aid of Anaheim Electronics engineer Nina Purpleton and the crew of the carrier Albion - pilots the Gundam GP01 'Zephyranthes' prototype in an attempt to recover the stolen Gundam unit and prevent another war from breaking out.


Chibi's Stardust Comments

The intention of this OVA is probably to bridge the gap between the original Gundam series, and Zeta Gundam. This in my opinion is kind of a hit and miss in this anime's goal. It does give you a better sense of understanding as you learn what happens to the Earth Federation and how it gets to the point it has gotten to in Zeta Gundam, but unfortunately you don’t really get to see what happens to the majority of the original cast from Mobile Suit Gundam such as Amuro and Char (god how i wished it was) , and instead mostly concentrates on the cast created exclusively for this saga. A few cameos from other Gundam characters, although briefly, but does work out pretty okay in terms of the plot consistency.

As rivalries go, Kou and Anavel do have good chemistry between each other, but never really reaches the heights of awesome-ness comparing to the rivalry Char and Amuro had. This is probably due to the short length of the series, although very well written, was just not given enough time to grow into something epic like Char and Amuro's, which in my opinion is still the best Gundam universe rivalry to date. The cast does pretty well to stand out, but I just don’t feel they have the kind of impact that Amuro Ray, Captain Bright Noa, Char Aznable or any cast member from the original Gundam can generate. However, both Kou and Gato are very likeable characters in their own right, and one would find it very easy to relate to the two. Kou just has a point to prove to himself and his peers, while Gato is doing it for his country.


There's also the Nina and Kou story arc, which kind of struck me as surprising since the OVA is only 13 episodes long, and felt that it was thrown in for convenience and for the sake of giving it an all around story, which I felt was unnecessary. Fortunately Nina and Kou do have good chemistry, but it just felt like it was not really going anywhere and doesn’t really contribute to the overall plot of the saga. All said and done, the development is basic with a moderate pace.

As always an unwritten rule in all Gundam sagas, the art design is really excellent and ahead of its time. Being an anime made in the early nineties, this one stands out with it's fluid movement and vibrant colors, and the battle scenes are truly a spectacle to behold. It also seems like a certain transition into how animes are drawn today and how it was drawn back then. As animation was drawn in a more circular style to ensure fluid movement back then, this particular Gundam installment offers a hybrid of circular and angular animation styles, with extremely satisfying results. This is evident in the difference of facial designs where the more angular faced characters are probably to portray said characters' age and maturity.


The mobile suit designs are also quite memorable, and are one of my all-time favourites in the Gundam franchise. Shoji Kawamori (a legend in the mecha universe, was a mecha designer for this anime, Eureka 7, Aquarion, and even a variant of Sony's Aibo to his credit) was at the helm of the mecha designs, and his trademark style is evident in their details and articulation. Though the mobile suits tend to look more packed and bulky, the skills of the pilots that are portrayed justify their agile mobility and fast speeds. My favourite, the GP02A like some other Gundams takes a different approach with it being a very bulky looking Gundam, with the head design being more rectangular without having the grilled mouth, which in my opinion made the Gundam look really intimidating.

I was shocked to find out that Horikawa Ryo, the voice of Vegeta from Dragon Ball Z, happens to be the voice of Kou Uraki! In comparison to Vegeta with this role, he’s more humble, childish, and full of exuberance, and had done amazingly well in portraying the character. Another memorable performance was from Ohtsuka Akio’s role as Gato, who's also famous for playing Batou in the Ghost in the Shell installments, bringing a unique kind of appropriate charisma to the character where you can also feel the passion in his motivations.


All said and done, I could safely say Stardust Memory is more for the dedicated and hardcore Gundam fan. Those not familiar with the Gundam franchise will probably not understand some of the basic concepts such as who Giren and Kycilia are who are briefly mentioned in the intro to the first episode, and about why Sydney is under water. Casual viewers wanting to watch some robot on robot violence will also be satisfied, with a bonus of the tremendously cool mecha on display. Whilst not necessarily having a bad plot, the story in itself was interesting enough to kept me glued to my seat, and I thoroughly enjoyed the 'time' of the show, seemingly to coincide with events after the One Year War. A must watch for all Gundam fans as this is a welcome addition to the Universal Century universe, this is one of the better Gundam OVAs out there, and almost on par with the 08th MS Team in terms of story and art.

Mobile Suit Gundam 0083 Stardust Memory was written and directed by Mitsuko Kase and produced by Sunrise. It was released as a 13 episode OVA that ran from May 1991 to September 1992. A movie directed by Takashi Imanishi was also released on August 1992, probably to coincide with the end of the OVA.



Chibi's Review



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

Dogs: Bullets and Carnage

author: Shirow Miwa
review type: manga
status: ongoing
genre: Seinen, Action

*please do read the review for the prequel first. For the review click here.


Synopsis

"In this town that has even lost the seasons, life is a light thing. Despite that the "Dogs" still keep on living." (pg.35, Chapter 1)

The manga begins with a rescue operation by Badou and Heine. They pursue a brothel owner that keeps genetically altered female juveniles as prostitutes. They get into a brawl which leads to the destruction of the brothel. Naoto, the swords woman is also on the move to discover who she really is and the killer of the parents. It is during this process that she is informed of a white hair and eye patch that also asked for such an information. Naoto pursues them and arrives at the church where they frequent.

At the church, Naoto meets Nil; the mutated girl with wings. And then are cornered by a mob that seeks to take back Nil. Naoto gets down on the action. But awaits Naoto, Badou, Heine and not forgetting the melancholic Mihai would be that they are all connected with something called the Deep Below; a place where genetically altered beasts and humans are created and tamed.

So they cross paths and team up; each with commonalities each having a reason to get to the Deep Below; a place rumored to be more terrible than the underground.



Rempits Vrooming Comment

This one is addictive. Action packed, astounding art work and a storyline that reminds you of Quetin Tarrantino. I would say for a first timer, this manga would tantalize that Seinen appetite of yours.

And another Tarrantino trademark that's evident in this manga would be you can't exactly lay a finger on each of them and label them good. It is a dark world, they are dark characters, and they don't seem to seek the light either. Just that they are getting into a more darker area and they just want to keep alive until their questions are answered. Talk about post-modern, this manga is loads of it. Which boils down to the fact that the author did an excellent job in making this a relevant and down right realistic manga. Normally you would have the good ordinary nerd bashing up seasoned gangsters and then before meeting the top boss; he comes up with a philosophy of life, bashes the boss to death with the boss tearing up and admitting that the philosophy is so true, and the either dies or ends up in prison or becomes his best buddy. So this gives you an alternative route.

All four characters have a personality. And at times it is a reminiscent of those shounen or ecchi mangas you read. Badou can be similarly compared to Agito of Air Gear, but with a more shounen-ai form and more zany and wacky character.

Naoto is a breathe of fresh air. She somewhat reminds me of Faye Valentine from Cowboy Bebop. With a lesser sexual prowess. Her character is cool, calm and balanced. Surprisingly interesting for someone whose hell bent on revenge. Which is definitely different than your shounen avenger of sorts.

Basically, this is another manga where you can comfortably slide in your "I can relate to" shoes and at the same time go WOW! I want to read it again. Action packed, stylish and all round interesting.





Rempit Rates

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

Dogs: Stray Dogs Howling in the Dark

author: Shirow Miwa
review type: manga
status: completed
genre: Seinen, Action


Synopsis

Capturing an introduction in frames, this prequel to Dogs: Bullets and Carnage focuses on the four main characters of the Dog's timeline. And you've guessed it, its in frames; each frame for a main character.

Set in a post-apocalyptic world the story begins with a certain assassin, Mihai Mihaeroff wanting to confront his protege Ian for the death of Milena; Mihai's love interest. They meet 10 years after the death of Milena to settle the score; at the grave site of Milena. A third party group of assassins are present there, unknown to both Mihai and Ian with the sole intention of killing Ian. The third partisans fail, being killed off by both Mihai and Ian; with the exception of fatally wounding Ian which leads to his demise. Mihai on the other hand realizes later on that he too is fatally wounded by a bullet, he collapses on the snow covered floor. The next scene shows a well and alive Mihai in a bar, where it will soon serve as a prominent place for the introduction of all the other Dogs characters.

Badou Nails comes next with his endeavors of being a spy. He gains attention by snapping a controversial photo of a crime boss. He automatically gets involved in a chase for that picture, then saved by Mihai at a street corner and ends up in a duel with the crime boss.

Sword expert Naoto is next. A brief background of her past is shared with her quest to find the person who gave her a memoribilia. She discovers a world thats beyond what people think as the underground world of gangs. Inevitably, she is ready to venture to that unknown world in her quest of searching for the truth.

Heine Rammsteiner is the last to be introduced. He rescues a juvinile winged prostitute; that looks like a young girl with small wings on her back. Here the relationship between Badou and Heine is established to reflect the partnership they have when Dogs: Bullets and Carnage begins.

Rempits Vrooming Comment

I would think the author did a good job in providing an introduction to a series that can get complicated. The introduction is a must read, if you are to venture into the the realm of Dogs:Bullets and Carnage.

Venturing out into the Seinen world, reminded me of the stark difference it brings comparing it to the mainstream Shounen mangas. Nevertheless, it does take quite a while to enjoy it but it is interesting. So don't quit if your making that transition from Shounen to Seinen.

The story is a mash of Cowboy Bebop and a few Jet Li flicks. Action, Action and tons of drama and identity solving mysteries. The action scenes are first rate and the art is good. The introduction serves well and it definitely gears you up for the main Dogs manga. And did i forget to mention that the characters are pretty original too.



Rempit Rates

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

Fate/Stay Night

author: Type/Moon
review type: anime
status: completed
genre: Shounen, Fantasy


Synopsis

Fuyuki City has a big secret unknown to many except a secret group of people. It is the battleground for the Holy Grail. A violent war among competing magi; each staking their very own lives to win the covert prize of having one's wishes granted.

The format is simple.

Each sorcerer is called a Master. They are aided by a spiritual warrior called a Servant. Each Master can only summon one Servant from the following classes: Saber, Archer, Lancer, Berserker, Rider, Assassin, and Caster. The Servants are legendary warriors through time and they possess special powers called Noble Phantasms. There is one catch to obtaining the holy grail; only the Servant can touch, hold and bring it to the Master; which means a partnership is required to win the war.

The story is a biography of the life of a certain Shiro Emiya; whose parents died due to huge fire that set Fuyuki City on fire. He was found as a child by Kiritsugu Emiya; who decided to adopt him. They both maintained a quiet relationship until one day Shiro discovers that Kiritsugu is a mage. Enthusiastically, Shiro asks him if he could also be one. But to his dismay, Kiritsugu firstly forewarns him that the life of a magi is perilous and that he can't be one because he does not possess any talent for magic.

Kiritsugu dies mysteriously, but before that happened he adviced Shiro that if he is bent on helping people, he should then muster up whatever he has and master it in secret because of the apparent danger. At this point, Shiro does not know the secret Fuyuki City is keeping.

But there was a turn of events, when one day as he was cleaning up the archery dojo. He stumbles upon two Servants; Archer and Lancer duelling it out in the school couryard. Lancer notices Shiro, pursues him and stabs him in the heart. Shiro was fortunately rescued by schoolmate and fellow magi Rin Tohaka; who's also the owner of Archer.

Confused, Shiro returns to his home, only to encounter Lancer again. And just before Lancer could finish him off, he is warded off by a figure in armor who introduces herself as Saber.




Rempits Vrooming Review

I would say Fate/Stay night has two good things that make it a worthwhile watch. Firstly, would be the Servants or heroes. The fight scenes were awesome and they all had a sense of valor. Each were original in nature. I would think Type/Moon did quite a neat job in creating them and sticking to parts of history or legend that defined such characters when necessary. Their character development is also not bad either. But as for the Masters, the character development was pretty bad. You would need to be really sharp if you were to piece certain puzzles together.

I wouldn't label this purely shounen, even though we have Shiro who can act like a pre-puberscent adult or with a massive schizoprehenic hero complex. But other characters like Rin Tosaka only comply to the shounen standard to a certain degree in terms of art and character depth (her nature, attitudes, etc).

Saber is a reminiscent of a hero gone wrong; and this is something new. Redemption. Reconciliation. All this as a personal goal. Which i think is utterly superb simply because your average shounen-nite would go for a hero that's seeking to bring all losers to the frontlines on a national scale. Examples include Naruto and Bleach. But here is a hero in regret of being a hero, hoping that at the end of this, she can live a life totally estranged from the life she lived.

It is not an entirely must watch anime, but it isn't bad either. So I would say it is quite a watch.




Rempit Rates

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

Eyeshield 21

author: Riichiro Inagaki
illustrated by: Yusuke Murata
review type: anime/manga
status: completed/completed
genre: Sports, Shounen


Synopsis

YA-HA!

The story begins with the forming of a football team called the Deimon Devil Bats, the brainchild two american football enthusiasts; Yoruichi Hiruma and Ryokan Kurita, high school seniors at Deimon High School. As their efforts have proven ill in the past, the story begins with a feeling of excitement from the two as they once again recruit members with "creative" ways to form a motley crew of american football enthusiasts.

In their search, Hiruma stumbles upon Kobayakawa Sena; a junior in high school that becomes a primary target for bullies. During Sena's daily bully routine, Hiruma notices his ability to run and dodge at a supernaturally fast pace; with movements like an american football player. Hiruma then takes this a step further by forcing Sena into the team and disguising him as a famous football player by the initials of Eyeshield 21.

The Deimon Devil Bats with the inclusion of Sena becomes complete and sets its target towards the Christmas Bowl; the prized champion for a high school football team. But there is one catch, for Hiruma and Kurita this would be their finally year to represent their school as Deimon High School does not allow final year seniors to compete in any extra co-curricular activities. So the question would be, will the Deimon Devil Bats make it?

The Deimon Devil Bats would have to meet formible teams including their rivals to get to the top, and it's going to be one hell of a season as they try to make their dreams come true.



Rempits Vrooming Comments

For a sports manga, Eyeshield 21 does a fairly good job. I would rank this below Hajime no Ippo and Slam Dunk. Bringing a sport like american football into the manga scene is a fairly brave attempt and it has certainly paid off.

The main highlight of the manga is its sense of exaggeration. Sena's light speed dashes, Kurita's physical prowess beside being a meatball, Hiruma's super skilled tactics and passes despite having certain physical disadvantages in being a stereotypical quaterback, etc. It gets you off the hook at first, but then it kind of gets a little boring and unrealistic. Hiruma's antics certainly add the funny element to the manga.

The difference here comparing to legendary sports manga Slam Dunk would be that Sena's urge to join the american football team was not entirely based on the precept of liking someone. But Eyeshield sticks true to all things sport by focusing on the development of the team with Sena as the unprecedented anchor that would bring these band of misfits fame and success.

Other characters from different teams also make their appearances and would be a primary feature of the manga. Giving the manga a well rounded focus.

I particularly like Inagaki and Murata's understanding of the sport. Making it even better and it really gives a breather to the super exaggerated-ism of the manga. And one good character they have created would be Yoruichi Hiruma. He is the epitome of a misunderstood misfit with the abilties to lead, coach and direct a team. Here he acts more of a coach to Sena and which would primarily be Sena's inspiration to take the sport more seriously. Alot of focus has been taken away from Hiruma by fans, but my best bet would be to enjoy the manga or anime for its Hiruma-ness, rather than just focusing on the normal low self-esteemed Sena; which undboutly is a typical shounen issue. So here is where this sport serie differs and Hiruma's character is a little distinct even from Takenori Akagi from the Slam Dunk fame.

I liked the concepts and philosophies thrown into the game and well even for being overtly exaggerated there are moments where The Deimon Devil Bats fail; and thats the beauty of it. But it isn't as real as HNI or Slam Dunk but good enough. I think Eyeshield isn't a bad read or watch. For manga lovers, you would probably hate it to the core after the Christmas Bowl arc and also the closure for the Eyeshield manga. That would be the saddest part of it; a good story that would eventually end badly.

But i would watch it nevertheless and would give it a good read right till the Christmas bowl.

Rempit Rates
Originality: 5/5
Art: 4/5
Plot: 2/5 (because of that really bad ending for the manga)
Character Development: 4/5

Shonen Onmyoji

author: Mitsuru Yuki
review type: anime
status: completed
genre: Shounen, Supernatural


Synopsis

Chronicles the life of Abe no Masahiro, the young grandson of Abe no Semei; a revered and powerful spirit medium. Unlike his grandfather, Masahiro isn't even close to his grandfather or others in the trade that they were known for. He wasn't even an inch close. His childhood dreams of matching up to his grandfather were crushed with the fact that he can't see spirits.

And here is where the anime takes off. As he was sitting under a tree, a mononoke; a spirit stumbles upon him. He is shocked to find out that he can the spirit. The two form a partnership that is rocky at first. Knowing later that it is all well planned out by the grandfather. The mononoke's name is Mokkun, whose real identity is Guren; a demon who controls the fires of hell. This was due to Masahiro's rash attempt to hunt down a spirit.

From here on, the two formed a strong partnership with Masahiro's new found determination to exceed his grandfather's status as a great onmyoji while discovering the hidden plots and life lessons required to be of high caliber.



Rempit's Vrooming Comment

Premeiring on Animax, a concept that has historical significance and a glimpse of excitement all vanished after watching the 26 episode anime. The first episode was absolutely perfect for a right starter, but then it started waning down in excitement. Basically the plot was predictable.

Shounen Onmyoji's catch was its concept. Spirit medium, who'd thunk? And its based on historical proprieties even the time line of the anime follows the real period of where onmyojis did really exist: the Heian period in Japan. It follows the same shounen route of finding one's own image. Masahiro practically lives under the shadow of his grandfather and will live under it at the end of the anime. Which is considered OK, comparing it to other animes where the hero would be the all time champ or chump; however you would see it.

BUT! the relationship of Guren and Masahiro is new. Guren acts like a mentor and a friend; not a competitor this time around. Guren is a mix of Hatake Kakashi, Jiraiya and House (WHAT! yea the doctor from the English TV show House). So this is that silver lining. Finally no Sasuke type characters working side by side the hero.

It is an anime that you can't totally brush aside, neither it is something you can herald to with your friends or other otakus. There are some traces of shounen-ai in it. So if your feeling mediocre and would just want to pop something familiar in; then Shonen Onmyoji would feed your appetite better.

Rempit Rates


Originality: 3/5
Art: 4/5
Plot: 2/5
Character Development: 3/5

D.Gray-Man

author: Katsura Hoshino
review type: manga/anime
status: ongoing/completed
genre: Shounen, Supernatural


Synopsis

D.Gray-Man begins with Allen Walker, the main protagonist joining the Black Order, an association that trains and prepares exorcists; a group of people chosen by a substance called the innocence which enables them to have extraordinary powers while combating demons of different levels. There he encounters another fellow exorcist, Yu Kanda for being mistaken to be a demon. After being recognized as an exorcist, Lenalee prevents Kanda from friendly fire.

As Allen is received into the Black Order, he becomes aware of his destiny; basically being the "Destroyer of Time". A title given to the one who would eventually defeat the Millenium Earl; the series main antagonist and the ultimate root of all evil.

Allen, Lenalee, and Yu Kanda then team up for missions. During this period, they meet Lavi an aspiring bookman and Bookman whose a bookman! The bookmans are basically a group of people who observes the happenings of events and the record them. They comply to a strict code, so as not to get attached to the events to a point where their judgments are clouded. Well for Lavi, he goes from being just an observer to a companion.

Allen and his team discovers the intentions of the Millennium Earl; which is basically to destroy all of humanity. And that he is not in this alone. He is aided by a group called the Noahs; a special breed of demons and a group of humans that are bent on destruction as well.



Rempit's Vrooming Comment:

The concept is definitely interesting. Goth-styled, dark and mysterious. Basically sets a different tone to the common shonen supernatural type. Katsura Hoshino does well in bringing the likable elements of such supernatural ideas to the manga. Krori the good willed, demon combating vampire is one such character.

However in terms of style, she (you guessed it, the author is a girl) still sticks to the shounen routine. Yu Kanda is a reminiscent of Ishida Uryuu from Bleach. Lenalee is also the stereotypical image of a shonen fanfare: short pleated skirt, talented, loving, nice, etc.

A good part about D.Gray-Man would be that it basically lays a plot that is realistic. The daunting task of fighting evil firstly would remind you of Bleach which seems like the old shounen routine at first; you have the big ass clumsy demons that kill exorcists, then you have the smaller in sized stronger demons that somewhat can kill clumsy exorcists, then you have a more able and well trained demon that can almost kill an exorcist, then you have the smart well abled and strong demon that can kill exorcists. But what is realistic would be that the deaths and sadness portrayed involve even characters that can be loveable through time. Now that's realistic enough. Dark indeed.

For subcultural lovers, D.Gray-Man would offer something insatiable. And again here is another shounen story that does not trickle down the line of Naruto. While it may rub shoulders with Bleach, this one is sadistic enough to create that desirable read we want after a huge happy ending dosage of shounen manga.



Rempit Rates:

Character Development: 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Art: 4/5
Originality: 3/5 ( this is simply because of the similarity with Bleach)