[Mini-Reviews: Anime!]
Title: The Skull Man: Complete CollectionPlatform: DVD
Publisher: Sentai Filmworks
Studio: Bones
Age Rating: 14+
Release Year: 2010
Production Year: 2007
Details: English Subbed, 2 DVDs, 13 eps.
Extras: Skull Man Japanese Promos
Editor’s Note: This review was originally written
non-contractually for rightstufanime.com in 2017
“Who is the Skull Man?” That is the question this series poses, but by the end, you may be wondering, “What is the The Skull Man?” Is it a stand-alone noir detective story, a supernatural horror tale, a Tokusatsu-like action-drama, a political thriller, or a stealth prequel to one of anime’s oldest enduring franchises?
The answer you settle on will affect your final verdict, but I felt this confusion of identity caught up to it in the finale, preventing it from being truly great. Even so, there’s a lot to like here: a jazzy yet moody score; many likable, well-developed characters; an intriguing world; and some great plot twists. Its 13 episodes feel more like 26.
Mostly a slow burn about those affected by the Skull Man, it has very dark themes offset by moments of levity and humanity. The animation is solid throughout, with a retro aesthetic, but rarely reaches the feats BONES is capable of. Still, it’s worth a watch if you enjoy the genres noted.
Pete says: A dark, tragic, entertaining mystery that tries to be too many things…
FINAL SCORE (Episode Content): [!] [!] [!] – – –
FINAL SCORE (DVD Production): [!] [!] [!] [!] – –
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Title: Rouroni Kenshin Vol. 2: Battle in the Moonlight Platform: DVD
Publisher: Media Blasters/Anime Works
Studio: Gallop
Age Rating: 13+
Release Year: 2000
Production Year: 1996
Details: English Subbed & Dubbed, 1 DVD, 4 eps.
Extras: Liner Notes, Art Gallery, Outtakes, Clean Closing
Editor’s Note: This review was originally written
non-contractually for rightstufanime.com in 2017
This DVD is the perfect sampler for newcomers of Rurouni Kenshin. It’s early enough in the series so as to not be lost, yet contains iconic episodes that give a real sense of what the best of this series can be. There are no filler episodes in this set, and a number of memorable characters enter the scene, creating scenarios and battles that are both fun and compelling.
I had forgotten how much energy the character designs exude with how cool and distinctive everyone is; even so, they still manage to feel like real people with significant depth, and the fact that real historical concepts are explored only adds to this. I also have to mention the music, which blends jazz, rock, and techno with more historically appropriate tunes. This contrast works amazingly well, grounding the series in reality while highlighting the more fantastical elements and exciting confrontations.
If you like samurai/historical anime or later Shonen Jump titles like Naruto, try the influential Rurouni Kenshin!
Pete says: Classic show, iconic episodes!
FINAL SCORE (Episode Content): [!] [!] [!] [!] [!] [!]
FINAL SCORE (DVD Production): [!] [!] [!] [!] [!] –
Title: After War Gundam X: Collection 1Publisher: Sunrise Inc./Nozomi
Studio: Sunrise
Age Rating: 14+
Release Year: 2016
Production Year: 1996
Details: English Subbed & Dubbed, 4 DVDs, 19 eps.
Extras: Clean Openings & Closings
Editor’s Note: This review was originally written
non-contractually for rightstufanime.com in 2016
This stand-alone 1996 alternate universe Gundam series followed Gundam Wing’s release in Japan. The story is set in a ruined, lawless post-war Earth resembling Mad Max, Fist of the North Star, or Trigun. While it has a methodical, arc-based plot, it’s one that builds, breathes with life, and pays off with broad appeal.
Gundam X’s design work blends Gundam Wing, G-Gundam, and Gundam 0079, but could perhaps be called the truest “spiritual successor” to Wing in terms of its overall art direction and ragtag soul. That said, it has many elements that bring Eureka Seven, Zoids, and Gurren Lagann to mind. The subtitles have some errors/inconsistencies, and the DVD picture quality is only average for its age, but the show itself rises above these shortcomings.
Fans of Gundams Wing, G, or 0079: DO NOT delay in grabbing this. Conversely, fans of road trip-style action-adventure shows with colorful, relatable characters, relationship-building, and strong thematic elements will want to give it a spin.
Pete says: The one that got away from Toonami: A post-apocalyptic adventure into mystery, love, hope, and danger…
FINAL SCORE (Episode Content): [!] [!] [!] [!] [!] [!]
FINAL SCORE (DVD Production): [!] [!] [!] – – –
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| Comparison between Nozomi Website images (from Sunrise) vs. 2016 DVD images |
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