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Apr 14, 2009
This is a series so imiginative in its artistry and so mature in its execution, non-anime and non-cartoon fans couldn't help but be drawn in. "Future Boy Conan" provides one of the best examples of animated storytelling available to watch. To boot, its one of the most entertaining stories I've had the pleasure of watching.
FBC is so entertaining because of its high technical and artistic merits. Technically, the animation and artistry is hard to match even today. The imaginitive settings are gorgeously rendered, and the shear number of places the story goes, like a giant solar tower or a flying fortress or rocket-come-house, will
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keep you entertained and amazed.
While the character designs are decidedly muted, it allows for truly comprehensive and kinetic animation. Each character is defined more through the detailed animation of their little actions and quirks than anything they say. Watch the amazing gymnastic feats of Conan (titular boy of the future), and you will be as impressed as the more technically advanced action shows of modern times.
Of course, it's unfair to both "Future Boy Conan" and modern series to make comparisons between the two. FBC aims for much different goals than most modern action or drama shows. Specifically, FBC is less focused on its characters (each one more archetype than flesh and blood) and more plot and adventure oriented. Not to say the characters aren't entertaining, but don't expect real connections with any.
"Future Boy Conan's" real strength is its charm. If you have seen any Studio Ghibli films, you will be familiar with Miyazaki's trademark whimsy present through all of FBC. The entire series feels like a classic Ghibli film extended into a 26 episode series. For any fan of animation and adventure, that is a good thing.
I cannot recommend this series enough. "Future Boy Conan" is a real gem among animation. With child-like exuberance, the story never fails to engross you in its drama, but still maintains a kind of maturity in its animation and direction that makes it accessible to all audiences.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Apr 3, 2009
“Eureka 7” is definitely an entertaining series even if not a great one. The artistry oozing from the animation, designs, and music may help you overlook the story’s schizophrenic inanity.
The show’s supreme craftsmanship provides the spoonful sugar for its less-than-tasty story. It’s easy to watch these fifty episodes when the characters and their world are as creative and eye-popping as “Eureka 7’s.” Bolstering the shows designs and animation is one of the best soundtracks to bless a show; most impressive is the music’s ability to capture each of the story’s emotions with a perfectly mellifluous track.
“Eureka 7” suffers mainly from an identity crisis that
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ends up degrading the overall story. It begins as a really fun, rebels-versus-establishment adventure set in a world where skaters and hipsters reign as the supreme good guys.
I wish they creators would have stuck with this tone; it’s original and fun and would have lent itself perfectly to a. However, the show soon veers toward a melancholy, internal drama, and, before the fifty episodes are over, “Eureka 7” takes another sharp turn toward silly romance.
Maybe I’m too harsh, though. “Eureka 7” is targeted at teens, and if you can successfully put yourself into the mind of a naïve, romantic teen (see every teen), it’s easier to forgive the show for its flourishes.
Less forgivable, however, is the fragmentation of the story and characters caused by the shifting focus from adventure to drama to romance. Running in so many directions causes “Eureka 7” to roll its ankle, and the show never achieves any emotional impact. This is particularly disappointing since many of the characters had great potential to connect with the audience. Unfortunately, with the changes, the characters lose their original luster, drastically degrade into one-dimensional stereotypes, or drop from the story entirely.
As critical as I may be, please note that I watched “Eureka 7” nearly continually at every chance I got. It is, for the most part, an enjoyable series. To best enjoy this show, appreciate the audio-visual experience and always remember the target audience is young teenagers.
Reviewer’s Rating: 6
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Apr 2, 2009
In order to watch this show, just sit back and take in the visuals. Don't concern yourself with the plot or characters otherwise you'll have nothing to hold onto.
This is a tremendously creative series set in an intriguing world with beautiful animation. Unfortunately, nothing about the story or characters even comes close to matching the show's outward beauty.
This isn't a boring show; it constantly shows the viewer new locations, characters, confrontations. Locales include a pleasant island community, Himalayanesque mountains, and much more sumptuous scenery. Character designs are all equally creative from the military uniforms to the Zanbani's rag-tag crew to the various culture's depicted.
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"Xam'd" also earns points from me for some of the most creative monster designs I seen. Every bit of eye candy propels the show briskly through its 26 episodes.
Beyond that, there is nothing. Those who have seen "Eureka 7" will instantly recognize some of the characters and possibly carry over some attachment from that show, but really, "Xam'd"'s characters are simply hollow pawns to the story.
A story that is no more intriguing than any of its characters. Honestly, I would be hard-pressed to even give a plot synopsis. There are many good ideas in "Xam'd," none of which are developed to fruition. There's a war; however, I couldn't tell you who was on what side or what the cause was. There are things called Xam'd or hiruko or something; I have no idea what they are after even after watching the show. There are a hundred examples of this.
This damn thing takes so many directions, incorporates so many details, and continually adds to the fracas that nothing is ever given its proper gestation time. It almost feels like an abridged version of a larger series.
I still recommend "Xam'd" to people who enjoy quality art and good animation; however, don't frustrate yourself with the finer details of the story -they aren't all that fine anyway.
Reviewer’s Rating: 6
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Feb 23, 2009
This is one of the most engrossing and enjoyable works of fiction I have been lucky enough to experience. Across the mediums of film, literature, or graphic fiction, "20th Century Boys" stands tall as a true joy.
The story will capture your imagination, refusing to let go until you finish. (I read it twice in as many years; both occasions barely allowed me to complete the neccessary tasks of my life for those couple weeks I spent reading.) "20th Century Boys" does not attempt to transcend its melodramatic model, but it is an all-the-more-praiseworthy effort as a result. Simply put, Naoki Urasawa is a master
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of melodrama and plays the reader like a puppet. You root for the good guys and hiss at the seamingly unbeatable evils they face.
The great scope of the story lends itself to the enjoyment. It combines the summer antics of school children with twist-and-turn mystery and against-all-odds action that span from the nostalgic '60s to present times and even into the future.You will sink into this massive, expansive, epic world and feel every triumph, loss, joy, and tragedy beset upon its many characters.
On the technical side, Naoki Urasawa's phenomenal cartooning skills lend themselves to every emotional and dramatic turn of his story. Every location and scene distinctly communicates the appropriate tone to ensnare the reader. Even more impressive is the mangaka's character renderings; in a story with too many characters to count, you will know exactly who's who by their distinct features and gestures.
If any complaint about "20th Century Boys" exists, it must be the ending. After such an engrossing, roller coaster of a story, the end seems more like a crashing hault. However, this criticism is unfair; for such a great, epic story, any conclusion would fail to suffice. The real dissappointment is that the story ends at all.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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