ViVid Strike!

The aggressive Fuuka Reventon often finds herself in fights as she struggles to make a living. One day, she gets into an altercation with gangsters that leaves her with injuries; luckily, martial arts champion Einhald Stratos finds Fuuka and brings her to a hospital.

Seeing potential in Fuuka's skills, Einhald encourages the girl to become a martial arts athlete and offers her a job at Nakajima Gym, where Einhald trains. Despite the kind gesture, Fuuka initially declines the proposal due to the bad memories it brings. She was once childhood friends with the now prominent martial arts athlete Rinne Berlinetta, but the personality of her fellow orphan shifted from kind and gentle to cold and cruel after being adopted by a prosperous family and starting martial arts.

Nonetheless, Fuuka soon accepts Einhald's offer and begins training under her—not only out of necessity but also out of the desire to defeat Rinne and make her realize how hurtful her behavior has become. Despite Fuuka's inexperience, Einhald and the other members of the gym have faith in her talent and efforts.

[Written by MAL Rewrite]

Vivio Main

Mizuhashi, Kaori Japanese

Berlinetta, Rinne Main

Ogura, Yui Japanese

Stratos, Einhald Main

Noto, Mamiko Japanese

Reventon, Fuuka Main

Minase, Inori Japanese

Jeremiah, Sieglinde Supporting

Nakatsu, Mari Japanese

Alpine, Lutecia Supporting

Kuwatani, Natsuko Japanese

Wezley, Rio Supporting

Kitamura, Eri Japanese

Timil, Corona Supporting

Fukuen, Misato Japanese

Nove Supporting

Saitou, Chiwa Japanese

Chevelle, Micaiah Supporting

Asakawa, Yuu Japanese

Nishimura, Junji Director, Episode Director, Storyboard

Yokota, Chikako Sound Director

Tanemura, Ayataka Episode Director

Tsuzuki, Masaki Script, Original Creator

Reviews

Sep 16, 2024

TheCompletionist

Recommended

In the world of anime, you can often be misled into thinking that something you may think is cute and innocent by first glance can be actually a deep action packed experience. Time and time again we can often allow yourselves to prematurely judge an anime by how it looks with out any context on what a specific anime is all about to only be pleasantly surprised by what we get to experience. This is definitely the case in a series called Vivid Strike which is the 5th anime entry in the Magical Girl Lyrical series which started all the way back in 2003. ...

In a shallow superficial way, the story of Vivid strike is literally a bunch of 14 year old girls that love martial arts using their magical powers in order to punch and kick the crap out of each other. To be honest, that is what I initially expected out of this anime but as I personally got through more of the story I actually discovered a more compelling story between two longtime friends who have unfortunately drifted apart and the personal journey they take in order to become accomplished martial artists and to ultimately repair the friendship they've once had.

The story of Vivid strike focuses on an orphan girl by the name of Fuuka Reverton who is a bit of a rebellious sort, but after an altercation with some degenerates a girl by the name of Einhart comes to her rescue who see's her potential as a formidable fighter and invites her to a gym that she is a part of. Fuuka is not a fan of martial arts due to some bad blood and a deteriorating friendship she had with another orphan girl by the name of Rinne Berlinetta. These two girls grew up at the same orphanage together and during their time at the orphanage they would never leave each other and consider themselves the best of friends despite their personalities being complete opposites of each other. Fuuka is brash and good willed, while Rinne is very timid and shy. Unfortunately, Rinne gets adopted by a rich family and the next time Fuuka see's her friend again she has become this world renowned martial artist and during this transition into a martial artist is when Fuuka witnesses Rinne insulting her opponent's ability is what eventually starts her feud with her. However, as much as we might be led to believe that Rinne is an antagonist I don't think this is the case because while Fuuka may be considered the main character (protagonist) of the story, there is a significant amount of time spent with Rinne especially watching her transition from a shy and timid girl into an incredibly unrelenting fighter due to unforeseen yet brutal events that took place in her life after she was adopted. It's easy to see Fuuka/Rinne feud as an protagonist vs antagonist, but I see it more as a mirror image where there are really no good guys or bad guys throughout this 12 episode anime. What we have is two teenage girls who use martial arts as a way to find direction in this world and what they're willing to do in order to not only achieve success in life but to be ultimately happy with the people they have become even if they do realize that the direction they eventually ended up came at a cost. For as much as Fuuka is the main character of this story, we actually see Rinne in more fighting action in the entire anime compared to everybody else.

As much as this story is really focused on Fuuka and Rinne, there is actually some really good story development put into the coaches of both Rinne and Fuuka. There is also some really amazing story development put into some of Fuuka's teammates at the Nakajima Gym specifically Vivio, Einhart, and Miura. The anime does have a pretty big cast, but the anime takes pride on who it needs to focus on and when in order to tell the best story it can within these 12 episodes. There isn't really much action in the anime until the halfway mark when a few members of the Nakajima Gym are involved in this martial arts tournament that is called the Winter Cup. However, as much as we would like to think how the finale of this martial arts tournament is going to go, I do applaud this anime for going against the typical formula of where you might think the story is going to go and end up someplace else. Your going to end up pleasantly surprised because it does really help the story evolve specifically for it's two main characters.

In the first 6 episodes of the anime, we do get a small taste of the action that is yet to come. The anime almost treats the action in the first 6 episodes of the anime as a little appetizer. We get to see small snippets of the action that is yet to come and I think it's a brilliant way of building up what your trying to present to the audience because by the time episode 6 rolls around we are at the very start of the Winter cup which is when we get to see some of the best action this anime has to offer. Before the martial arts tournament starts Fuuka trains with all the members of the Nakajima gym. Each member of the Nakajima gym has some type of fighting knowledge to impart to Fuuka so that she can be the best fighter she can be. One of the most important parts of their training is when Fuuka gets to learn about Power mode which allows them to transform into adults so they can better utilize their fighting and energy attack capabilities. Each of the female fighters in this anime have beautiful and vividly animated transformation sequences. I do appreciate that no matter how major or minor a female character is - we do get the luxury of seeing their transformation sequence at least once. When the action does start, it's amazing how much attention they put into the action scenes when two girls decide to throw down and literally punch and kick the crap out of each other. There is so much detail put into each punch and kick that each of fighters throw at you that the sound engineers go out of their way to make sure that when a punch or kick connects your going to feel how hard they actually throw their attacks at each other. The animators put so much emphasis on putting an aura around the fists that these female fighters throw you can almost feel like that with every attack the fighter throws at you - it almost feels like it's one of their strongest attacks each and every time. One thing I did find surprising albeit it does not happen very often is this anime will show a little bit of blood and some really legitimate damage to the characters bodies such as broken ribs or spitting out broken teeth throughout some of these really intense battles. The preliminary battles with the unknown characters are pretty quick and uneventful but when you have a battle between two relatively skilled characters, you'll be quite amazed with how back and forth these fights are and the anime does an excellent job of building suspense because your really not going to know who the winner is of each fight until the very last blow because the anime wants to make sure that in each battle especially when it involves the main cast there is extra effort into making sure that the two characters have had an opportunity to trade blows back and forth.

The animation throughout the anime is incredibly smooth and every main female character of the Nakajima gym has a really great fighting outfit to compliment their colourful personality. The music is surprisingly solid with a really good and enjoyable opening theme. I do appreciate the attention to detail the vibrant amount of colour they use for each of the female fighters.

For as enjoyable as this anime is and I truly did enjoy it, there are a few problems with it. It does end on a very unnecessary cliffhanger that was borderline annoying since it was a plot point we were all anticipating as a result of Fuuka's progress throughout the entire story. The anime does have such strong character development that I truly think the anime could of easily been an over 20 episode adventure especially with how consistent and brutal the battle scenes have been and it would be nice to see the other fighters of the Nakajima Gym showcase their fighting ability that never had a chance to do so during the Winter Cup martial arts tournament. From my opinion, the final climatic match doesn't really equal to some of the other fights that we seen around the mid point of the actual anime because unfortunately in the final match there is just as much talking as there is action and that can be a bit of a downer since we've been waiting for this match right from the very first episode. The anime does have a little bit of uncomfortable fan-service but thankfully nothing too detailed or overly degenerate.

Vivid strike is an amazing entry in the Magical Girl Lyrical series and it proves without a shadow of a doubt that you should never judge a book by its cover. Cuteness and martial arts can truly be a deadly entertaining combination and you can count on a bunch of fierce fighting 14 year old girls to tell a really compelling story with some really good one on one action to boot.

Reviewer’s Rating: 8

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Sep 13, 2023

Animelover875

Mixed Feelings

ViVid Strike! is really in a truly unique place when it comes to calling it good or bad. Not just because it's separated itself from the long departed concept of Lyrical Nanoha (in themes and name, including abandoning the magical girl aspect itself), but because it throws so many concepts of even ViVid out the window, which is surprising given it directly follows ViVid. What I mean by this is: if you're looking for a Lyrical Nanoha series, you'll be sorely disappointed. However, if you're just watching it to stand on its own, it's actually an extremely impressive tale. Therefore, this review is by fault ... up to interpretation and intent of the viewer whilst watching. Since ViVid Strike made such a direct attempt to step forward, this review will largely treat it as an extension of ViVid, but not as though it was a part of the Nanoha franchise.

The first thing to note is the somewhat odd dynamic of the main characters. Without getting into many spoilers, the dynamic initially resembles the standard "tough girl" and "sweet girl" pair, a la Nagisa and Honoka of Futari Wa Pretty Cure; however, this dynamic quickly falls apart and becomes subverted once it becomes clear things are far more complex than this. Expanding on this, the girls have a genuine rivalry with each other due to their differing viewpoints. Both of them bring their own philosophies influenced by their ways of life thus far, and both begin to question their own paths once it becomes clear the other is in an immovable viewpoint. This creates a refreshing yet horrifying contrast on the typical friendship dynamic: yes, they're friends on the surface, although they're two of the most different people alive and certain to butt heads repeatedly, which they do with vigor in a martial arts series.

One of the other strong points of ViVid Strike is its insistence on focusing on bullying, abuse, and mental health. Without spoiling, I can confidently say I was heavily impressed with the way character development was handled. It wasn't shrunk into a childish or immature view, pushed off, or even excused; it was seen for the horror it is and its mental impact on those affected is not to be underestimated. Not only this, the series was able to use it to propel character development for the affected and make use of it in unexpected ways. On the other hand, this ties back into the martial arts aspect: needing to find physical strength to justify mental weakness is (as expected) almost assured to be a very touchy subject for some, and especially for those who have or are suffering from it. Making a character a stand-in to represent exactly how or not to deal with it is an even more bold challenge, though ViVid Strike manages to keep its preachiness delicate, to the point, and not in the viewer's face. It's even ultimately left to interpretation and moreso "guides" the viewer than it does force them how to feel. Overall, there is an amazing level of representation for bullying and mental health awareness.

Admittedly, the fights aren't as great. I understand it was based on a martial arts series and that of course the aforementioned elements take priority, but the fights were significantly watered-down compared to ViVid. Tournament battles lasted all of ten seconds with not much impressive occurring, as the action was drowned out by an ever-present announcer, forcing the series to stop and explain what happened every ten seconds followed by a few more minutes of explanation. As a martial arts series, it thus fails to leave a lasting impression.

Overall, ViVid Strike is a heavily recommended series that, even standalone, is sure to leave a lasting impact and will help anyone suffering from mental illness, with a gripping story nonetheless. Ironically, Nanoha fans will probably enjoy this least, given how much it stems off the traditional format, but it is wonderful nonetheless. 8/10.

Reviewer’s Rating: 8

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Jan 23, 2021

JuneNephthys

Not Recommended

This is a "Lyrical Nanoha" series without the titular character, Nanoha Takamachi, and Fate Testarossa. Though their daughter Vivio is still carrying their legacy like a torch, without those two, this just isn't a "Nanoha" series! In "ViVid Strike!" the magical element is mostly ameliorated and the show becomes a series about little girls brawling in a boxing ring! Yes, this might as well be the moe version of "Ashita no Joe"!

⚠️ This review of ViVid Strike! will contain light spoilers ⚠️

—Story/Characters

The main conflict of the series is between two childhood friends that are foils of one another. One is a fiery, determined girl ... and the other, in their separation has her heart icebound by a series of traumatic events. I won't go into spoilers about it here, but Rinne gets bullied so badly that it ends in an absurdly violent scene that is comparable to certain moments in series like "Blood-C" and "Higurashi no Naku Koro ni" because of the hardcore brutality. And the aggressor of that situation doesn't get arrested or expelled from school? Okay, because that's believable!

So, those unfortunate events lead to Rinne Berlinetta becoming a Fate Testarossa proxy, they even have twin ribbons in their hair! Despite the introduction of more cute girls, like in the original "ViVid", there's only enough characterization to care about Fūka and Rinne (and there is a nice fight scene with Einhart Stratos and Vivio in the season finale). Since Einhart is practically the only character that I care about in the "ViVid Strike!" series, her acting as a mentor to Fūka was a nice change of pace, like "StrikerS" it seems like the subsequent generations of girls learn from the main characters of seasons passed!

—Technical

Luna's Favorite Works by Each Respective Creator = ✅

Junji Nishimura (director), notable works:
* Bakuon!! ✅
* Basilisk: Ōka Ninpōchō
* Bermuda Triangle: Colorful Pastrale
* D-1 Devastator
* Dog Days' (Season Two) and Dog Days'' (Season Three)
* Dr. Typhoon
* Fūjin Monogatari
* Glasslip
* Hamelin no Violin Hiki
* Kishin Dōji Zenki and Kishin Dōji Zenki Gaiden: Anki Kitan (OVA)
* Koitabi: True Tours Nanto
* Kyō kara Maō!! (Season One, Season Three, and OVA — "Kyō kara Maō! R") ✅
* Nurarihyon no Mago
* Pro Golfer Saru (series)
* Ranma ½ (eps 70 to 143) ✅
* Saga-ken wo Meguru Animation
* Samurai Deeper Kyō
* Senkaiden Hōshin Engi
* Simōn
* Taiho Shichau zo: The Movie ("You're Under Arrest: The Movie")
* True Tears ✅
* Urusei Yatsura — Assistant Director ✅
* Vlad Love

Commentary: Mr. Nishimura is a really big hit or miss. His work on "Ranma ½", "True Tears", and "Urusei Yatsura" was impressive, but he also did series like "Glasslip", "Samurai Deeper Kyō", and "Bermuda Triangle: Colorful Pastrale" — I'm sure you got the idea if you know ANYTHING about "Glasslip"! I would say that "ViVid Strike!" is more middling, but it leans on the spectrum of bad. There are certain shots and fight scene choreography that shows his finesse in the industry, so I mostly blame the script writing or the lack of inventiveness in the later volumes of the "ViVid" manga. For what he could accomplish, I think that Mr. Nishimura did a pretty good job with this series!

Good Seiyū Work = ✅

Really Enjoyed the Seiyū's Performance = ✅ ✅

One of Luna's Favorite Performances OF ALL TIME = ✅ ✅ ✅

Inori Minase as Fūka Reventon, notable roles:
* Itsuki Nakano, 5-tōbun no Hanayome ("The Quintessential Quintuplets") ✅
* Maya, Animegatari
* Hibiki Iga, Basilisk: Ōka Ninpōchō
* Uki Yamazoe, ChäoS;Child ✅✅
* Mo Ritika Tzetzes Ura, Comet Lucifer
* Ruruka Andō, Danganronpa 3 ✅
* Hestia, Dungeon ni Deai wo Motomeru no wa Machigatteiru Darō ka ("Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?") ✅✅
* Meiza Endust, Endro
* Hidomi Hibajiri, FLCL Progressive ✅
* Lico, Futago no Mahōtsukai Lico to Gli
* Mirai Nazukari, Futsū no Joshikōsei ga [Locodol] Yattemita.
* Tapris Sugarbell Chisaki, Gabriel DropOut ✅✅
* Yuki Takeya, Gakkōgurashi! ("School-Live!") ✅✅✅
* Chino Kafū, Gochūmon wa Usagi Desu ka? ("Is the Order a Rabbit?") ✅✅
* Renkin Arthur, Hangyukusei Million Arthur
* Nagisa Aizawa, Jitsu wa Watashi wa ("Actually, I am...")
* Aries Spring, Kanata no Astra ("Astra Lost in Space") ✅
* Ciel Kirahoshi, Kira☆Kira☆PreCure A La Mode ✅✅
* Jun Naruse, Kokoro ga Sakebitagatterunda. ("The Anthem of the Heart") ✅✅✅
* Reines El-Melloi Archisorte, Lord El-Melloi II Case Files: Rail Zeppelin Grace Note ✅✅
* Suzune Tanahashi, Love Lab
* Mana Asuha, Luck & Logic
* Ayana Sakanagi ("Swim Swim"), Mahō Shōjo Ikusei Keikaku ("Magical Girl Raising Project") ✅✅
* Aurora Suya Rhys Kaymin, Maōjō de Oyasumi ("Sleepy Princess in the Demon Castle")
* Merc, Merc Storia: Mukiryoku no Shōnen to Bin no Naka no Shōjo ("Merc StoriA: The Apathetic Boy and the Girl in a Bottle")
* Shakirov, Military!
* Chamille Kitora Katjvanmaninik, Nejimaki Seirei Senki: Tenkyō no Alderamin ✅✅
* Akane Segawa, Netoge no Yome wa Onnanoko ja Nai to Omotta? ("And you thought there is never a girl online?") ✅
* Chidori, Nobunaga no Shinobi ✅
* Mashiro Amatsuki, One Room: Second Season
* Moka Mihime, Ragnastrike Angels
* Meteora Österreich, Re:Creators ✅
* Rem, Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu ✅✅
* Great Mazinger, Robot Girls Z
* Saori Kidō, Saint Seiya: Saintia Shō ✅
* Shōko Makinohara, Seishun Buta Yarō wa Bunny Girl Senpai no Yume wo Minai ("Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai") ✅
* Carol Malus Dienheim, Senki Zesshō Symphogear ✅
* Chito, Shōjo Shūmatsu Ryokō ("Girls' Last Tour") ✅✅✅
* Somali, Somali to Mori no Kamisama ("Somali and the Forest Spirit")
* Noel, Sora no Method
* Mari Tamaki, Sora yori mo Tōi Basho ("A Place Further Than The Universe")
* Kahoru Suzuhara, T7S Longing for Summer Again and Again: Harukaze
* Yume Tzubakuro, Toji no Miko ✅✅✅
* Chizuru Takano, Tsurezure Children
* Nekone, Utawarerumono: Itsuwari no Kamen ✅✅
* Senri Teshima, W'z ✅✅

Commentary: Ms. Minase has a wonderful voice, I've already talked about her talents in depth in my "Senki Zesshō Symphogear GX" review, but she is a very enigmatic actor. Her breath of finesse can make a simple character seem more extraordinary, and I would say that this is definitely the case with Fūka Reventon's character! I would compare this bold, hard-hitter to her characterization, while voicing Hestia ("Dungeon ni Deai wo Motomeru no wa Machigatteiru Darō ka") and Nekone ("Utawarerumono: Itsuwari no Kamen"), since both of the characters break her usually subdued typecasting shell and are more boisterous or exuberant! Incredible work!

Yui Ogura as Rinne Berlinetta, notable roles:
* Hermit, .hack//Quantum
* Gunmaken, 47 Todōfuken R
* Alma V, Aru Zombie Shōjo no Sainan ("Calamity of the Zombie Girl")
* Rom, Chōjigen Game Neptune ("Hyperdimension Neptunia") ✅
* Minori Gakesaka, Dogeza de Tanondemita
* Tomo, Fumikiri Jikan
* Onna Shinkan ("Priestess"), Goblin Slayer ✅✅
* Tsukiko Tsutsukakushi, Hentai Ōji to Warawanai Neko.
* Katase, High School DxD ✅✅
* Mayuki Hiiragi, Hinako Note
* Zashiki Warashi Niko, Hōzuki no Reitetsu ✅✅
* Homare Kagayaki ("Cure Étoile"), Hug tto! PreCure ✅✅✅
* Hikari Sakurada, Jōkamachi no Dandelion
* Aya Ōgai, K: Seven Stories
* Yūko Shionji, Kamisama no Memochō ("Heaven's Memo Pad") ✅✅
* Amatsukaze, KanColle Movie ✅✅
* Sana Futaba, Magia Record: Mahō Shōjo Madoka☆Magica Gaiden (TV) ✅✅✅
* Uori Mukae, Ongaku Shōjo (TV)
* Kyōka, Princess Connect! Re:Dive ✅✅✅
* Tia Kleis, Regalia: The Three Sacred Stars
* Hinata Hakamada, Rō-Kyū-Bu! (series) ✅✅✅
* Hiyori Kotobuki, Saikin — Imōto no Yōsu ga Chotto Okashiinda ga.
* Toki Onjōji, Saki Achiga-hen: Episode of Side-A ✅
* Mana Namori, Schoolgirl Strikers: Animation Channel
* Alice Kurobane, Shadowverse (TV)
* Beelzebub, Sin: Nanatsu no Taizai ✅✅✅
* Relia, Star Ocean: Anamnesis
* Tomalin, Teekyū (series) ✅✅
* Ayaka Kamine, Tsurezure Children
* Isht Karin Orte, UQ Holder
* Kokona Aoba, Yama no Susume (series) ✅✅✅
* Azumi Kagamihara, Z/X: Ignition

Commentary: Ms. Ogura has been famous for having an incredibly adorable voice, being typecast as mostly mascots and archetypal loli characters, so her more edgier performance comes as a surprise! I would compare the role as Rinne Berlinetta to Homare Kagayaki ("Hug tto! PreCure") and Sana Futaba ("Magia Record: Mahō Shōjo Madoka☆Magica Gaiden"), because both of these characters are still very lovable, but they have a darker side to them! Amazing performance, as always!

Mari Nakatsu as Sieglinde Jeremiah, notable roles:
* Erika Takato, Ginga e Kickoff!!
* Quincy, Jūgo Shōnen Hyōryūki: Kaizokujima de! Daibōken
* Kinue Atago, Saki Zenkoku-hen ✅✅
* Nanami Aoyama, Sakura-sō no Pet na Kanojo ✅✅✅

Commentary: Ms. Nakatsu has a very refreshing voice (it seems that she has settled down, married, and posts about her son regularly), though she seems to have retired from the industry earlier than most other voice actors! I really loved her as Nanami Aoyama ("Sakura-sō no Pet na Kanojo"), so it's a shame! Great job!

Kanae Itō as Miura Rinaldi, notable roles:
* Kokone Kurisu, Aikatsu!
* Eris, Asobi ni Iku yo! ✅✅✅
* Rikka Amatsuka, Baby Princess 3D Paradise 0 [Love]
* Sena Kashiwazaki, Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai ("Haganai: I don't have many friends") ✅✅
* Midori, Divine Gate
* Sturm, Granblue Fantasy ✅
* Ohana and Satsuki Matsumae, Hanasaku Iroha ✅✅✅
* Akane and Homare Kinesaki, High School Fleet ✅✅
* Amethyst, Hōseki no Kuni (TV) ✅✅✅
* Elucia de Lute Ima, Kami nomi zo Shiru Sekai ✅✅
* Tairikuōkami ("Gray Wolf"), Kemono Friends ✅✅✅
* Tsubaki Hibino, Kyō — Koi wo Hajimemasu
* Fumino Serizawa, Mayoi Neko Overrun!
* Nana Astar Deviluke, To LOVEる ✅✅✅
* Nobuna Oda, Oda Nobuna no Yabō
* Carrot, One Piece ✅✅✅
* Erika Shinohara, Ōkami Shōjo to Kuro Ōji ("Wolf Girl & Black Prince")
* Ringo Akai, Ōkami-san to Shichinin no Nakama-tachi
* Haruka Niimi, Photokano
* Meganee Akai, Hye In, and Kaname Chris — Pretty Rhythm (series)
* Airi, Queen's Blade (series) ✅✅✅
* Amil Manaflare, Shining Hearts: Shiawase no Pan ✅
* Sanae Nagatsuki, Shinryaku! Ika Musume ("The Squid Girl")
* Amu Hinamori, Shugo Chara ✅✅
* Asuna Harukaze, Softenni
* Mihoshi Akeno, Sora no Manimani
* Kanon Kanase, Strike the Blood
* Yui, Sword Art Online ✅✅✅
* Mari Mizukoshi, T.P. Sakura ~Time Paladin Sakura~ Jikū Bōeisen
* Kōme Suzukawa, Taishō Yakyū Musume.
* Ruiko Saten, Toaru Kageku no Railgun (series) ✅✅
* Tsubasa Sonokawa, Tsubasa to Hotaru
* Mitomo Rokuya, Yumekuri

Commentary: Ms. Itō is one of my favorite Japanese voice actresses, she brings such a charming presence to each and every role that she plays! Though the character of Miura doesn't really stand up to the stronger presences of Fūka and Rinne, her performance makes the void characterization an enjoyable spectacle to behold! I would compare her performance as "Miura Rinaldi" to her more youthful sounding characters like Yui ("Sword Art Online") and Nana Astar Deviluke ("To LOVEる"), while her older form is more of an Airi ("Queen's Blade") or Eris ("Asobi ni Iku yo!")-type of role! Fantastic and talented seiyū!

Kaori Mizuhashi as Vivio, notable roles:
* Purple Thorn, Accel World ✅
* Taeko Minazuki, Ai Yori Aoshi ✅ ✅
* Ai Aino, Aria the Animation
* Minami Shimada, Baka to Test to Shōkanjū ✅
* Altines, Busō Shinki
* Len, Carnival Phantasm ✅
* Pepper, Chicchana Yukitsukai Sugar ("A Little Snow Fairy Sugar")
* Ayumu Aizawa, Circlet Princess ✅
* Vivian Jones, Eikoku Koi Monogatari Emma ✅ ✅ ✅
* Sara Shirogane, Futakoi
* Chika Ogiue, Genshiken ✅ ✅ ✅
* Michiru Matsushima, Grisaia no Kajitsu (series) ✅
* Miyako, Hidamari Sketch ✅ ✅ ✅
* Kasumi Haruno, Kasumin
* Akane Suzumiya, Kimi ga Nozumu Eien ("Rumbling Hearts") ✅ ✅ ✅
* Haruto Mizushima, Kin'iro no Corda: Blue♪Sky
* Mifuyu Kiba, Koi to Senkyo to Chocolate
* Yūno Scrya, Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha —series ✅ ✅ ✅
* Mami Tomoe, Mahō Shōjo Madoka★Magica ✕ Magia Record: Mahō Shōjo Madoka☆Magica Gaiden (TV) ✅ ✅ ✅
* Laharl, Makai Senki Disgaea ✅ ✅
* Janet van Dyne ("Wasp"), Marvel Disk Wars: The Avengers
* Tio Plato, Minna Atsumare! Falcom Gakuen
* Ōgi Oshino, Monogatari —series ✅ ✅
* Pikaia, Pikaia!
* Fel, Prism Ark
* Mimika, Puka Puka Juju
* Elina Vance, Queen's Blade (series) ✅ ✅ ✅
* Meiru Sakurai, Rockman.EXE ("Megaman.EXE")
* Yagyū, Senran Kagura ✅
* Agnes Bōlange, Shukufuku no Campanella ✅
* Aya Fujisaki, To LOVEる ✅

Commentary: Fate and Nanoha's daughter have the same voice actress as Nanoha's ferret companion, Yūno Scrya, from the ※first series! Ms. Mizuhashi has a talent of making the child version of Vivio impossibly adorable, while the adult version can kick some major butt! I would compare her voice as child Vivio to her roles as Michiru Matsushima ("Grisaia no Kajitsu") and Akane Suzumiya ("Kimi ga Nozumu Eien"), because they're more youthful-sounding, whereas Vivio's older self can be comparable to roles like Mami Tomoe ("Mahō Shōjo Madoka★Magica") and Miyako ("Hidamari Sketch"). Great job with the character!

※He's in all the other iterations, too, but he's more of a pivotal character in the first arc.

Mamiko Noto as Einhart Stratos, notable roles:
* Karen Minamino, AIka
* Fiona, Allison to Lillia
* Mayumi Fujimiya, Aquarian Age
* Felicità, Arcana Famiglia
* Azusa, Azusa Otetsudai Shimasu!
* Alice Gehabich, Bakugan Battle Brawlers
* Saya Irino ("Black★Gold Saw"), Black★Rock Shooter ✅✅✅
* Makie Otono-Tachibana, Blade of the Immortal
* Takami Komoda, Bokura no ✅
* Lilica Evette, Burn Up Scramble
* Kotomi Ichinose, Clannad ✅✅
* Satomi Anzaki, Dear Boys
* Yukihime, Dororon Enma-kun Meeramera ✅✅✅
* Jil, Druaga no Tou: The Aegis of Uruk ✅
* Yuka, Elfen Lied
* Mavis Vermillion, Fairy Tail ✅✅✅
* Satellizer el Bridget, Freezing
* Alex Benedetto, Gangsta.
* Yukinari Sasaki, Girls Bravo
* CAL-141, Halo Legends
* Mitsuki Ikuta, Hit wo Nerae!
* Aya Tōjō, Ichigo 100%
* Ana Coppola, Ichigo Mashimaro ("Strawberry Marshmallow") ✅✅✅
* Rin, InuYasha ✅✅
* Ai Enma, Jigoku Shōjo ✅✅
* Ayano Satō, Joshikōsei: Girl's High
* Neiro, Kaiba ✅✅✅
* Aoi Kannazuki, Kaibutsu Ōjo
* Kōta Oyamada, Kanokon
* Fujino Asagami, Kara no Kyōkai ✅✅✅
* Sawako Kuronuma, Kimi ni Todoke ✅
* Kyoko Asahina, 北へ。 ～Diamond Dust Drops～
* Emi Kizaki, Kurogane no Linebarrels
* Nodoka Miyazaki, Mahō Sensei Negima!
* Ōka Sayama, Manyū Hikenchō
* Shimako Tōdō, Maria-sama ga Miteru ✅✅✅
* Yuri Takikago, Mawaru Penguindrum ✅✅✅
* Rin Asogi, Rin: Daughters of Mnemosyne ✅✅✅
* Anna Liebert, Monster ✅✅✅
* Shizu Murasume, TO LOVEる ✅✅
* Tsukiko Sagi, Paranoia Agent ✅
* Inia Sestina, Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse ✅✅✅
* Narue Nanase, Narue no Sekai
* Akira Sakura, Shadow Star Narutaru ✅
* Moriko Morioka, Recovery of an MMO Junkie ✅
* Saeko Okuyama, Niji-iro Hotaru: Eien no Natsuyasumi
* Haruka Nogizaka, Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu
* Ririka Nishizono, Occultic;Nine
* Fūka Yamagishi, Persona 3
* Tomoe, Queen's Blade ✅✅
* Nayu Hasegawa, Rō-Kyū-Bu! ✅✅✅
* Aria, Saint Seiya Omega
* Yakumo Tsukamoto, School Rumble
* Iona Urazoe, Selector Spread WIXOSS
* Kenshin Uesugi, Sengoku Collection
* Limone, Simōn
* Matsuri Shihō, Sola ✅✅✅
* Yuki Sōya, Taishō Baseball Girls
* Noel Hiiragi, Tansu Warashi.
* Aisa Himegami, Toaru Majutsu no Index ✅
* Esther Blanchett, Trinity Blood ✅✅
* Benten, Uchōten Kazoku ✅✅✅
* Rinko Jerrard, The Law of Ueki
* Masane Amaha, Witchblade ✅✅
* Kotori Monō, X ✅✅
* Hazuki Azuma, Yami to Bōshi to Hon no Tabibito ✅✅
* Kaori, Yojōhan Shinwa Taikei ✅✅
* Megumi Hasegawa, よみがえる空 -Rescue Wings-
* Tiffania Westwood, Zero no Tsukaima
* Kotone Sasaki, Zettai Junpaku♡Mahō Shōjo

Commentary: Ms. Noto gives Einhart Stratos the same bright-eyed, ingénue-type of demeanor as Renge has in "Non Non Biyori"! Her character is so charismatic and mesmerizing to watch, her staple lines of introducing her name, brought joy to A-1's somewhat "botched" production of the show! I would compare this role to her other voices in "Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse" as Inia Sestina, and "Ichigo Mashimaro" as Ana Coppola! She's now known for playing mostly sexy characters, but her brief stints as more cute characters really worked for her, as well. Amazing performance, as always!

Misato Fukuen as Corona Timil, notable roles:
* Eri Shinkai, AIka R-16: Virgin Mission and AIka Zero
* Asuka Kurashina, Ao no Kanata no Four Rhythm ✅✅✅
* Konta Tsukino, Bakukyū Hit! Crash B-Daman
* Misao Amano, Battle Programmer Shirase
* Chibiusa and Black Lady, Bishōjo Senshi Sailor Moon: Crystal
* Tearju Lunatique and Eve, Black Cat (TV)
* Nene and Nono Motoe, Blood-C
* Himiko Toga, Boku no Hero Academia ✅✅✅
* Rika Shiguma, Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai ("Haganai: I don't have many friends")
* Ivan Whisky ("001"), Cyborg 009: Call of Justice
* Iria Fukumune, Dakara Boku wa, H ga Dekinai. ("So, I Can't Play H!") ✅
* Yin, Darker Than Black (series) ✅✅
* Patty Lowell, Devil May Cry
* Saki Mikajima, Durarara!! (series) ✅
* Anzu Kadotani, Girls und Panzer ✅✅✅
* Rinne Amagane, Hells
* Natsume and Nakayama, Hidamari Sketch ✅
* Iggy, JoJo no Kimyō na Bōken Part 3: Stardust Crusaders ✅✅✅
* Utao Kuga, Kamisama Dolls ✅✅
* Ayumi Matsuoka, Kyochū Rettō
* Mahmu Yuzuki, M3: Sono Kuroki Hagane
* Hikage Miyauchi, Non Non Biyori ✅✅✅
* Langley, Pokémon: Best Wishes
* Kurumu Korono, Rosario to Vampire
* Misora Hibiki, Ryūsei no Rockman ("Megaman Star Force")
* Miyuki Hoshizora ("Cure Happy"), Smile PreCure ✅✅✅
* Seri Tatekami, Sōkyū no Fafner: Dead Aggressor
* Eruka Frog, Soul Eater
* Yoshika Miyafuji, Strike Witches ✅✅✅
* Edna, Talea of Zestiria ✅
* Momoe Okonogi, Tasogare Otome x Amnesia
* Konjiki no Yami ("Darkness"), To LOVEる ✅✅✅
* Maika Tsichimikado, Toaru Kagaku no Railgun (series) ✅
* Shiruku Koharuno, UG☆Ultimate Girls
* Hime Yarizakura, Yozakura Quartet

Commentary: Ms. Fukuen gave a performance that was similar to her role in Smile PreCure (as Miyuki Hoshizora "Cure Happy"), because despite the series leaning on the ledge of lower quality, her cute, zestful acting made Corona the second best character, after the supreme best girl of the ViVid series: Einhart Stratos! I would compare her delightful persona in this show to her role as Konjiki no Yami ("To LOVEる"), though less on the kūdere side — she still plays a character that is the trifecta of adorable, attractive, and a strong fighter! I would also compare her to Asuka Kurashina ("Ao no Kanata no Four Rhythm"), because her genki-energy metaphorically drips through the screen. Ms. Fukuen is a great seiyū and gets far too little recognition in English-speaking countries for the fantastic work that she does!

Eri Kitamura as Rio Wezley, notable roles:
* Yui, Angel Beats! ✅
* Koharu, Bakumatsu Gijinden Roman
* Sawako Machida, Bernard-jō Iwaku. ✅
* Saki Yūtenji, Bihada Ichizoku
* Kagari Izuriha ("Chariot"), Black★Rock Shooter ✅✅✅
* Saya Otonashi, Blood+ ✅
* Anji Zo, Bloodivores
* Mina Ashido, Boku no Hero Academia ✅
* Liliana Kranjčar, Campione! Matsurowanu Kamigami to Kamigoroshi no Maō ✅
* Rimi Sakihata, ChäoS;HEAd ✅
* Kirika Ueno, C³
* Uni, Hyperdimension Neptunia
* Yuka Mochida, Corpse Party
* Jessica Kaios, Danball Senki W
* Adélaïde Grand Marnie, Dog Days
* Mairu Orihara, Durarara!!
* Aquarius, Fairy Tail ✅✅
* Miki Aono, Fresh PreCure! ✅
* Seira Hoshikawa, Genei wo Kakeru Taiyō
* Darjeeling, Girls und Panzer ✅✅✅
* Mahiro Yasaka, Haiyore! Nyaruko-san
* Saitō ("Bea"), Hakumei no Tsubasa ✅
* Renko Usami, Hifū Katsudō Kiroku: The Sealed Esoteric History ✅✅✅
* Saya Takagi, Highschool of the Dead ✅✅
* Okō, Hōzuki no Reitetsu ✅✅
* Myōsai Kakōe, Ikkitōsen
* Kitsunemen no Onna, Kiitarō Shōnen no Yōkai Enikki
* Rin Kokonoe, Kodomo no Jikan ✅✅
* Yui, Koharu Biyori
* Hibiki Sakata, Kuma Miko
* Dōji Yase, Kyōsō Giga
* Tatiana Wisla, Last Exile ✅✅
* Anna Rochefort, Le Chevalier D'Eon ✅✅
* Mitty, Made in Abyss ✅✅✅
* Kotone Oribe, Magical Suite Prism Nana
* Sayaka Miki, Mahō Shōjo Madoka★Magica ✅✅
* Kanade Suzutsuki, Mayo Chiki!
* Karen Araragi, Monogatari (series) ✅✅
* Eve Neuschwanstein, Needless
* Iori Wakabayashi, Oji-san to Marshmallow
* Rie Maezono, One Off
* Arashi Nikaidō, Onii-chan dakedo Ai sae Areba Kankeinai yo ne!
* Nao Takanashi, Onii-chan no Koto nanka Zenzen Suki ja Nai n da kara ne!!
* Chisato Mizusawa, Osake wa Fūfu ni Natte kara
* Miu Takanashi, Papa no Iukoto wo Kikinasai!
* Sunao Moriyama, Potemayo ✅✅
* Alleyne, Queen's Blade ✅✅✅
* Akane Senri, Rewrite ✅✅
* Tsunehisa Amago, Sengoku Collection
* Homura, Senran Kagura ✅✅
* Cerberus, Shingeki no Bahamut ✅✅
* Lucifer, Sin: Nanatsu no Taizai ✅
* Kureha Suminoya, So Ra No Wo To
* Kotone Sawanatsu, Softenni
* Aki Shiina, Sunohara-sō no Kanrinin-san ✅
* Juri Han, Super Street Fighter IV ✅✅
* Kirie Kanoe, Tasogare Otome x Amnesia
* Hamyuts Meseta, 戦う司書 The Book of Bantorra
* Tony, Terra e... (TV) ✅✅
* Bimajo, Time Bokan 24
* Ami Kawashima, Toradora ✅
* Chiester 410, Umineko no Naku Koro ni ✅✅
* Yachiyo Todoroki, Working!! ✅
* Nene Odagiri, Yamada-kun to 7-nin no Majo (TV)
* Leopard, Yoru no Yatterman
* Bahamut, Zettai Bōei Leviathan

Commentary: Ms. Kitamura did a great job at making the least memorable member of the new quartet have a bold presence, in the face of the other cute girls. I would compare the role of "Rio Wezley" to her performances as Karen Araragi in the "Monogatari" series, boyish and can pack a mean punch, and Yui ("Angel Beats"), single-fanged characters unite! Her pep and cuteness helps animate the series, with the rest of the girls! Great job!

Conclusively, this series is another fighting shōnen-style, action series — just like the original "ViVid"... except that this one has a rivalry, but the magical girl transformations and combat sequences just err more on the side of extreme, every girl has an adult form (inherited from an ancient spirit) now and the fighting is more aggressive. If you're looking for a mindless fighting series with cute girls, then this might be your cup of tea. But, it was less of what I look for in a compelling story (aesthetically appealing as it may be), so ultimately I rate "ViVid Strike!" a 3/10!

Rating: ★★☆☆☆

Reviewer’s Rating: 3

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