While the previous episode had a fair bit of stereotypical attached to it, this one decides to play with the stereotypical in order to create something that is rarely seen in today's anime.
The episode kicks off with the action scene that has the intention of sabotaging the expectation of the viewer- the rest of this episode contains almost no banter about the defense of the plantations, but rather something very similar to the previous episode- sitcom elements with the touch of world building. Here the show presents a couple of very stereotypical situations- girls get angry at guys, guys walk at the girls in the bath- you know, stuff that you saw the million times before. But, Darling in the FranXX approaches these with the touch of humanity, here represented in Zero Two, who shares a very touching moment with Hiro at the roof.
The world building is here once again, and it presents a very interesting detail about the past of the plantation. I love this approach to the world building- it feels more natural for the world to be explained little by little than with few gigantic info dumps. Now, this ultimately often results in a slower pace, but I ultimately consider the pace of this show to be appropriately slow. The sitcom moments do not feel out of place, but rather add to the good overall experience.
The animation is again, well produced, but what is the best part of the show visually is the cinematography. Here the show often changes the aspect ration of the show in order to amplify the scene- Scum's wish style, if you will- but here they feel like they amplify the experience, versus just being there so someone can write a lengthy blog post about it.
I know that I am a week late with this one, but I still need to talk about this.
If there is a Nietzschean Eternal Recurrence, beach episodes would definitely be a part of it. Get your characters in tight swimsuits and the fanservice shall be initiated almost immediately- as if we wanted more fan service. But, despite this trope being overused, Darling in the FranXX still manages to pull off a tiny miracle and make this episode work.
Part of this tiny miracle are characters' personalities- show uses this episode to show them off like on a stage, and this works. The structure of this episode is pretty much like a sitcom, getting characters in often hilarious situations, one after the other. This episode has a nice balance of serious and funny moments- serious moments are used here to build up a world that goes beyond the glass walls of the plantation.
This does not mean that the episode lacks stereotypical content- boys ogling over girls' detailed curves and the stuff that you would expect from this type of "filler"- which here honestly does not feel like "filler," because of the world building that the show provides. It also hints towards the possible exploration of the teenage sexuality, or shall we say, lack of characters knowing anything about that subject.
The animation is excellent, feeling as smooth or as rough as it needs to be. What amplifies the animation is the cinematography- excellent use of camera angles and shot composition in almost every shot really make the episode visually stimulating, despite often stereotypical content.
Overall, a solid entertainer.
I know that the term underrated ends up being used a lot when talking about, especially older, anime, and the reason for this is not the fact that the actual show hasn't received commendations for its extravagant qualities, but rather that the show in question is merely a mediocre one, and the extravagant quality that it has is merely nostalgia, but under the scope here we take a look at the first episode of the obscure show that barely anyone has nostalgia for.
Anyways, the show in question is a 26 episode TV remake of the late 90s OVA, which focuses on the rather interesting premise- a female intergalactic officer sharing a body with an average high school boy. This merging happens at the end of this episode, so the question is- does this make this episode dull because we know the outcome? Or why didn't this happen at the beginning of the episode? Thankfully, the answer is no, because Tetsuwan BirdyDecode features a variety of rather interesting and witty characters, especially Birdy (a.k.a Shion) which empathize this light-hearted atmosphere the show successfully conveys. There is always something going on to keep the viewer engaged, despite the fact that we know exactly how the episode is going to end.
Visuals of the show are rather interesting. Everything is bright, sparkling with digital colors used on the characters, empathized by the watercolor-like style that is used in the background art. The animation is very fluid for a TV animation, especially in the action sequences. Only thing visually that deserves the mention is the fan-service; Birdy's costume is fairly revealing, and there is a fan-servicy photo shoot at the beginning. While some people might find this to be unnecessary, I find it that it adds to the light-hearted atmosphere the show is going for.
Music-wise, soundtrack, especially in the action sequences, tends to over-do the feature- orchestral soundtrack gives the impression that this is a serious superhero series, instead of light-hearted comedy the show is aiming to present itself as, but it is not very distracting. Opening and ending themes are great to listen to, as well.
Overall, Tetsuwan Birdy Decode gives off the impression of a forgotten entertainer with a lot of potentials. This episode provides great motivation to watch the show and endless possibilities for it.
Score breakdown: Story: B+
Despite the fact that we know the final resolution of the episode, the show finds multiple ways to engage the viewer.
Characters: B
Birdy's personality is a great highlight, while other characters give the stereotypical impression. Animation: A
Very fluid and well-framed for a TV animation.
Art: A+
Great character designs, interesting use of background art.
Music: B
Orchestral soundtrack tends to over-do the stuff that's going on, but, aside from that the opening and ending themes are great to listen to.
+ Light hearted entertainer with a lot of potential, engaging sci-fi concept.
- Fan-service can be off-putting, a lot of characters seem to have the depth of cardboard.
While previous episodes focused primarily on the characters-infused build up before an action scene, this Episode unleashes all of the tension built up in the previous episode with a radiant bang. Action presented here is absolutely superb, while at the same time feels somewhat formulaic- do not expect the variety of Evangelion's battles here. The action is also used to amplify the bond between Zero Two and Hiro later on in the Episode, which leads to one of the most badass moments the show has seen so far. Cinematography also amplifies every single moment- every frame feels well thought-out, and storyboarding in this episode especially has been excellent.
My only complaint with this episode visually are the designs of the enemies- they just feel way to dark for me, and some variety in the next couple of episodes would be appreciated- they also seem to function in the exact same manner.
Overall, Episode 6 of Darling in the FranXX gives off the impression that the show is still on the right track.
Score breakdown:
Story: A
It progresses at a desirable pace.
Characters: B+
Zero Two's yandere-like personality is the highlight, while other characters also leave a great impression.
Animation: A
Absolutely top-notch, the CG is not as jarring.
Music: B
Opening and ending themes are excellent, ending one especially, while music is missing Sawano's flavor for some reason.
Art: A+
Unique designs on all sides.
+ Great action-packed piece, has a lot of tension.
- Battles seem formulaic so far, enemies need some varying designs.
It has been over twelve years, and I still remember my family's barely functional Yugo Skala 55, which we bought for around 150 Euros. The thing had this disgusting paint job- it almost seemed like it had a thin, but still an incoesistent layer of colored mud behind another thin layer of paint- almost as if someone saw F40's paint job after applying that mud to it. The mud looked like Pupa's watercolor-like art style which is here for the sole purpose of obscuring the obscene amount of violence that it presents. Speaking of violence- Yugo Skala was also pretty violent towards the driver. Firstly, it was pulling towards the right, and not slightly- it felt like you were actually steering it in that direction. Keeping the car going in the straight line was a nightmare, and turning left seems like the fact that Pupa's episodes are 4 minutes (3 when you chop off its op and ed) long, which provides you with no room to create any sort of atmosphere.
Another type of violence was the fact that the car would usually refuse to start, even after more than ten attempts- it is more of a mental thing than a physical one, but the physical component was still present- the car needed to be pushed, or pulled by another car. I still remember an ugly Fiat 126 pulling us down the road, hoping that Yugo 55's (GV in the US) disabled cousin would start pushing the wheels of the wheelchair it was riding on.
This is the metaphor I would like to use here- the sense of disbelief, the shock that something like this was conceived, actually made and consumed by people is the only thing pulling your brain forwards while you are watching Pupa. There is really not much to say here.
Oh yeah, our Skala came in this ugly yellowish color which looked the plastic of my family's computer which used to be white once. You would not be surprised to hear that Pupa's colors and disgusting also.
Steering was also vague, so vague that it required interpretation - this show requires interpretation! It is told in an anachronic manner, and just the mere thought of using any sufficient brainpower to consume this disgust is beyond me.
"It's finally over, Onii-chan!"
Score breakdown: Story: F
I have the lack of words- the brakes that can barely stop the vehicle and engine that can barely move it.
Characters: F
Oh? We will just move on.
Animation: D
The drive is terrible and you feel every single bump, but it is still "driving." Maybe. Just maybe.
Art: F-
Unchanged since the early 80s and produced up until late 2008, what else could I give it?
Music: F-
Boys in Kragujevac surely do like playing multiple death metal tracks over each other, because I cannot figure out anything else that might qualify as a reason to why this engine sounds so awful.
Overall: F
Nice driving experience for the whole family, except for minors who will be infected with ADHD from it, for young adults because it causes depression, for adults because they will not arrive on the job in time and lose it, and except for elders, because it will kick their pancreas around and cause diabetes.
If there was ever an episode of a currently airing anime that left me begging for more, it would be this. Like a samurai filled with anger in his last stand, Darling in the FranXX uses this episode to run from the stereotype of generic Evangelion clone in the bleak mood towards something much more subtle and meaningful.
What was apparent from the getgo was the staggering improvement in the artistic and production departments- and I am not just talking about the action scene by the end of the episode. One of the highlights are the scenes involving Zero Two and Hiro together, especially the one when they are looking towards the cityscape- camera moving around Zero Two in unique ways really works here to enhance the feeling of chemistry between those two characters. Action scenes have a distinct Kill la Kill touch to them that just makes them much more enjoyable to watch. They are presented in an impactful manner, and animation carries weight behind it in this regard, despite goofy mecha designs- it almost reminded me of Asuka's final fight in The End of Evangelion. Cinematography, in general, has been improved significantly, here using Scum's wish-styled cuts where the near area of the character is visible, but the rest is taken up by blackness- in the context of the important conversation of the two characters this felt very fitting, increasing the tension of the decision one of them had to make.
The plot progression is also very apparent this time around. This episode is set up in a way of the monster of the week- the new monster appears, go and kill it. But, this formula is used in a unique way here to put more mystery and ecstasy behind Zero Two's wacky personality and her relationship with poor Hiro. By doing this, show points towards one of its, so far, major themes- unconditional irrational love, something you do not get much of anymore. Other characters also get screen time this time as well, and in this department show now seems purely solid- they have varied personalities, and the dialogue between each one is entertaining and by the end of the episode, I could recognize them by just the way they spoke.
Overall, Episode 3 sets Darling in the FranXX as the potential best show of the season- but even if it doesn't end up being that, it will still end up as a testament that the genre of mecha is not dead. This season's must watch.
You can stream Darling in the FranXX atCrunchyroll. Score breakdown: Story: A
The plot progression is apparent, and the show makes the great use of the monster of the week formula.
Characters: A
While the cast is not entirely unique, the dialogue of each individual character feels distinct. The cinematography creates a great atmosphere around Zero Two's personality.
Animation: B+
While it is not particularly fluid, it has that Kill la Kill touch that makes it visually appealing.
Cinematography: A+
Whoever storyboarded this episode deserves an applause and a raise.
Art: A+
This time we see the city and mechas in action which looks somewhat goofy, and most important of all- very unique. Design of the world feels solid overall.
+ Strong progression of the plot, triumph in the visual department.
- Um... let's be neat picky! Side characters are... perhaps... not unique enough?
Overall: A
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If you paid attention to my previous reviews of its episodes, you will know that I don't think very highly of Beatless- this episode has been barely different, but that barely here stands for a couple of inches towards the positive direction.
This episode's hook is the kidnapping of Lacia, which the episode uses to show how hIE are perceived as nothing more than objects- stuff we already know. This pretty much continues into a long, long car "chase." And please keep in mind that we are using the word chase very loosely- it happens at usual car cruising speed. So, if 60 km/h down the suburbs gets your veins filled with adrenaline, you should stop reading and watch this episode right now!
Pretty much after that, we get introduced to the kidnapper for a brief moment, resulting in him being portrayed as a stereotypical psycho before Kouka shows up for a brief action scene, and- the credits roll. This progression of the plot leaves a lot to be desired- in the pacing especially; show seems to be moving at a much slower pace than it is supposed to- here we do get some information about a particular group of hIEs know as "Red Boxes," which I found to be somewhat interesting, but not very well explained. This seems to be a recurring problem in this show- it expects you just to pick up these concepts as the plot moves along, without any explanations. This is because, primarily, all characters are residents of this world and pretty much know all of this fancy terminology. It would be much better if it had a character who was a foreigner to this world so that we would get better explanations.
Why was this episode slightly better than the previous one? Well, it introduces the intrigue behind the character of Kouka and Lacia and brings forwards some themes related to robots which are mildly interesting, but again- I hope that the show does not delay these revelations for too long. I just hope this does not go in the same way regarding the mysteries as .hack did...
Visually, this episode is so-so, the slight highlight being the action scene at the end- it feels rough around the edges and overall unappealing while in motion.
Score breakdown:
Story: C
Has some potentially interesting themes, some intrigue behind Lacia and Kouka.
Characters: C
The new character, the kidnapper, is stereotypical, but there is some intrigue to be found in Kouka and Lacia.
Animation: C
Has a so-so action sequence at the end, overall unappealing in motion. CG cars are not jarring as they seemed at first.
Art: A
Nothing to say here which was not stated before.
+ Some intrigue
- Slow pacing for an action series, needs to hurry up with its revelations to keep the viewers engaged.
Please note: This is a opinion piece based on Bubble Tea Scans' scanlation of this manga. Please read it on their website, since they do not appear to be making any money from it. Please support the mangaka by buying print/digital releases when they are available in English.
I am generally not a fan of manga adaptations of TV shows- I always found "manganizations" of character designs to be jarring, and the quality of the story takes a major blow, almost always- take RahXephon's manga adaptation, for example, an utterly incomprehensible trainwreck that takes everything good about anime version and throws it out of the window in favor of fan service.
Enough babbling about RahXephon- today we are examining first two chapters of Darling in the FranXX's manga adaptation, which is one of the rare exceptions where manga actually seems hopeful in a sense that it will be a good version of the story anime is presenting- even if that story ends up being a pile of Klaxosaurus' excrement.
Starting off with the art, this manga feels incredibly grounded in the show's art style, here giving much more detail to the characters, which is to be expected, while not altering the designs fundamentally. Some designs actually feel like they were cells taken from the anime- take the old professor at the beginning for an example. This is, in my opinion, a good thing, since I will be able to seamlessly follow character progression in the manga and the anime without feeling that they are different people. Speaking of characters, the manga does indeed provide us with some snippets of information that was not presented in the manga- such as one important bit at the beginning about Zero Two. And, it gets quite a bit more technical, especially during the fight with Kaloxaosaurus, where the professor gives a remark about the form Zero Two's Franxx is taking when she is alone in it.
What is questionable? That has to be the sexual content, which is much more apparent here than in the anime- here we get a glorious look at uncensored Zero Two's breasts. The reason why I am going to abstain from reading into this is that this show may take the fan service and turn it into something different. This is amplified by a sexualized nature in which the Franxx is piloted- either that or the production team has very, very naughty. Art, in general, is very well drawn, with some great panel layouts and sweet looking action sequences.
I recommend this manga because it gives you some technical information, features well-drawn characters and action sequences and has an intrigue behind a way in which it may take its plot.
Score breakdown: Story: B While it is almost identical to the anime, it provides some technical nuances here and there, which make it worth it. Characters: B-
We learn more about Zero Two, who is really, the only interesting character, except maybe the professor. Others seem beyond generic.
Art: A Well drawn, designs are well thought out. The excellent transition of characters from anime. Sexualization of Zero Two is either going to make sense or not depending on where the story goes.
+ Provides some technical nuances to the story, well drawn, Zero Two is a likable yandere.
- Sexualization is either going to make sense or not depending on where the story goes, there is no denying that this is another candidate for a possible Evangelion clone- but hey! In the realm of harem and isekai sh*te, even Eva clone feels unique!
Scanlation comments: Done with great attention to detail, and it feels very professional. It almost feels like an official release in English. Praise to Bubble Tea Scans!
I wanted to start this with an Evangelion joke, but the joke in the question is old, very, very old. This episode takes some famous beats from Evangelion- and we are not just talking about the fact that the main character is a Shinji's bastard twin on a personality level, but some elements that are way too obviously ripped straight from Evangelion- this episode's example is the council of those men with white robes and masks which looks like a cartoony version of SEELE.
Aside from that, Darling in the FranXX in this episode manages to move in a somewhat interesting direction, at least visually. This does really look like Kill la Kill more than something A1 Pictures would make, but some beats taken from Kill la Kill do not really fit Darling in the FranXX- take the fanservice for example, which feels out of place. It almost seems like they wanted to make another Kill la Kill but also Evangelion-like mecha series. Speaking of mechs, they are hand drawn- finally! No more of that 3D CG sh**e. And for the most part- they look great, at least from the outside. Inside of the mechs feels like a naughty joke. Some aspects of this show seem quite a bit sexualized and I am lead to believe that at some point they will do something with that.
Plot progression in this episode is minimal- instead, we focus more on the characters, especially Zero Two, the pink haired girl, and we get a glimpse of her personality, which seems like a stereotypical yandere pulled from The Future Diary. But, aside from that, even if she ends up feeling stereotypical, she provides some needed variety in the cast, which is so far- nothing to be excited about.
The animation in this episode feels OK and does have some great composition of shots, albeit they feel stolen from this show's major influence.
Overall, I recommend that you continue watching Darling in the FranXX, or start it if you haven't already. The show can go pretty much anywhere from here, and while it is harmed by gaping of Evangelion, I still do think that crew behind Darling is not stupid so much that they turn this into an exact ripoff of Evangelion.
Score breakdown: Story: B-
Has potential to go anywhere from now, but its gaping of Evangelion is a major concern. Characters: B-
While the cast is nothing revolutionary, we get some taste of Zero Two's personality, and she gives some needed variety. Animation: B-
Not much action this time, but character animation doesn't disappoint. Art: A-
Great character and world design, but stylistic choices are taken from Kill la Kill feel out of place.
+ Has potential to be a quality mecha series, unique mecha, world and character designs, Zero Two has potential as a character.
- Hiro is still a Shinji Ikari clone, gaping of Evangelion is apparent in some aspects of the show. Not much plot progression this time.
Immediately from the first shot of this episode, I realized the core problem of this series' first two episodes- it seems like the crew behind it don't know what to do with it. The second episode, plot-wise seems like a filler episode from a series that has a couple dozens of episodes. Basically, it is sort-of a side story about Lacia being used as a fashion model. That's it- zero plot-twists, if you do not count the scene after the credits roll, no one receives any character development, but we do get some world-building regarding hIE, and how they function in the society in the relation with humans. The obvious stuff, you know- discrimination against them and the fact that they are perceived more as objects rather than human beings. The execution of these elements is mediocre and stereotypical, and worst of all- obvious. When they started talking about hIE, I immediately knew what I was going to get by the end of that conversation. New characters that we get to meet are, again- nothing even remotely interesting.
At the end, we get a post-credits scene with a guy in the room who receives a "visit" from Kouka, a red-haired hIE from the poorly animated scene from the first episode. This feels pointless at the end because the entire episode is wasted on useless conversations and that fashion show which does nothing for the plot, except wasting time. There the show introduces a poorly explained concept called "Analog hack," which seems somewhat promising, but I can't see it going anywhere.
Visually, this episode is even bigger meh that the first one- we get zero action this time, so that is to be expected. What hurts the animation the most is the poor composition of the shots, which often seems embarrassing- at the beginning there is this reality-bending embarrassing shot of Arato's face, with black space around them- I have no idea what they were trying this to symbolize. The design of the world is very good, mixing familiarity with science fiction to achieve quite a bit of a result.
If you haven't already started watching Beatless, I cannot entice you to start watching it, to be perfectly honest. There is a potential for an interesting story, but the execution of this episode feels mediocre.
Score breakdown:
Story: D+
Feels like a filler episode from a long-running series.
Characters: D-
No attempts at character development, new characters are not interesting.
Animation: C-
No action this time, nothing worthy of praise.
Art: A
redjuice's character designs are great, the world is well designed.
+ Has potential to be something great, good character and world design.
- The poor composition of certain shots, the animation is nothing to get excited about, same can be said for the story.
Philosophy and anime are no strangers to one another- just one look towards the end of the last millennium reveals a plethora of movies and shows like Ghost in The Shelland Neon Genesis Evangelion that incorporated ideas of various philosophers such as Nietzsche and Schopenhauer. But, as time went on, less and less anime used philosophy as the main focus of the story, and today it is a rarity, but it does not mean that it does not happen from time to time. One such example is Harmony, a subtle blend of interesting cinematic and philosophical ideas.
The story follows Kirie Tuan as she investigates series of suicides that happened across the globe and a group that stands behind those suicides. This sets of a premise Harmony builds around its plot and characters- most of the side characters are there for a brief period of time and are there more to make Kirie's nihilism even stronger. Speaking of her, she is quite likable and suits the story well as a protagonist- strong but not invincible, has quite a bit of a moral dilemma and wants to know the truth, her motivation being her, at first straightforward but later mysterious friend Mihie Miach, who is the only recurring side character. The story is mostly focused on Tuan and her development, so if you are looking for a solid roster of characters, Harmony will not suit your tastes in that regard. But, not having many strong characters actually works in the context of the film.
Harmony relies heavily on visual metaphors and foreshadowing to convey its story. One such metaphor is the buildings of the city, which look like they are made out of biological cells, which serve as the metaphor for this world's obsession with medicine. In the original novel, I don't think that it can be inferred that the world looks like this, but here I think it was a well-thought-out liberty with the source material. Because of this, visuals are unique overall, which cannot be said for the character designs, which are serviceable and distinct from one another but not something that you will remember till the end of your life. But, I think this was the right decision, considering the seriousness of the movie.
Production values of the movie are average, nothing too bad here and nothing too stunning animation-wise. The only jarring thing was CG character models in certain scenes. CG models of characters worked great when camera spinning around them and gave them some more depth, but when the camera wasn't moving it became very jarring. This usually happens in the scene where a lot is going on so I would presume that this was a way to cut down the budget.
Music in the movie is actually pretty great. It is a mixture of minimalistic, atmospheric tracks that enhance the mood. I also liked the ending song by Egoist. Confusingly, it hasn't been released as a standalone, you can only get a soundtrack if you buy a special Japanese edition of the movie.
Lastly, the movie has Serial Experiments Lain-like finale and requires interpretation. I personally think this works in the context of the movie. Another complaint regarding the way movie presents its world; there is a piece of information related to Miach that is presented somewhat poorly, and I think it got omitted completely from the original novel while I was watching Harmony for the first time, but it just requires you to pay special attention to the subtitles.
Speaking of that, English dub is not necessarily horrible, but necessary good either- it is one of Funimation's weaker movie dubs, so this is the one you want to watch in Japanese with subtitles.
I can recommend Harmony to the fans of movies like Ghost in the Shell and series like Serial Experiments Lain. In North America, series is currently licensed by Funimation and available from them on Blu-ray/DVD combo or just DVD.
Score breakdown:
Story: A
Some truly interesting philosophical ideas, interesting use of visual metaphors and foreshadowing.
Characters: B-
While Tuan and Miach are great characters, others are there just to reinforce Tuan's nihilism.
Animation: C
Nothing too stunning and nothing too bad. Some great use of CG, and some bad use of it. Overall, a mixed bag visually.
Art: A-
Visuals work well with the story, but character designs are somewhat, perhaps intentionally, dull.
Music: A
Enhances the mood, ending theme is excellent.
+ Great philosophical ideas, music, interesting use of visual metaphors.
- Don't go into it expecting action or great amount of interesting characters. Most people not interested in movies you need to think about will find it, well, boring.
I personally think that the memories of a piece of art are more important than the work of art itself because they tend to be actually of much better quality than the work itself. This feeling caught me while re-watching Neon Genesis Evangelion and realizing how the second half of the show feels like its held by only duct-tape. This is true of many anime series that I watched as a child- my memories are much better than the show itself, so much so that I am afraid to watch some of them out of fear that I am going to ruin them.
But, this is not always true, which is the case with the Korean animated series Hamos the Green Chariot, which ultimately shocked me- this show is actually much better than I remember it! What caught my eye first was the opening of the first episode, which is in itself just a huge exposition, telling us the history of the planet Terra, but the way that it is presented is absolutely stunning. This is reflected in the moment when the theme song kicks in and shows us the world is reborn. This song, called “Rick’s theme” is, in my opinion, one of the best pieces of music that have ever touched my ears to this day. It is kind of song that starts by the humming of the singer, before jumping into the subtly sung lyrics. This song is used throughout the show immensely, and it does not start being jarring after a while, but rather feels incredibly fitting for the scenes it is used in.
Characters of Hamos are rather fairly simple to understand, starting from the main character Rick, who is funny and somewhat innocent, to the Gutpo, a robot who is the group’s voice of reason. Another one is Roto, who is a spoiled kid and doesn’t have much of a purpose throughout the series- he is more of a comedic relief character, while that comedic relief is mostly him being annoying. The character they meet at the end of the first episode is Bora, a mysterious girl that has a pretty big mystery behind it, but she does feel like Rei Ayanami, to be honest, and has a big purpose in one of the most emotionally tense moments at the end of the series. That moment is also tied to the another character- Merry Hunter, who also hides a decent mystery behind herself, and is a fairly tragic character at the end of the show.
One of Hamos’ major strengths is its structure of its episodes- there is not a single one where nothing is happening, and adding to that each new episode we get new side characters, some of them just for one episode- but this instead of being a jarring thing it ends up working well in the context of the show, because the characters are all memorable, and in the end, when they save Terra, they show them being happy and you immediately recognize them, speaking volumes of the impression they leave on the viewer.
The animation is actually excellent- feels incredibly fluid and it does not deteriorate as the show progresses. The composition of the shots is also excellent, and in my opinion, the scene of Rick entering his robot Patron is iconic, especially when combined with the theme song.
Art style's major strength is its variety- deserts, megacities, meadows, even Arctic are all flawlessly tied together. No two episodes seem the same, and the design of the sci-fi areas is a subtle blend of common science fiction fare and some fantasy elements, to create a visual masterpiece.
Speaking of that robot, it is the element that changes the show significantly- up till Episode 12, we are mostly focused on the group in the tank doing combat on the foot, and they end up running from the most of the enemies, especially in the city of robots, but when Patron appears, this changes- now battles are much more varied and Rick ends up destroying the threat instead of running. Mech designs in Hamos are very distinct- Karon and Patron are both very unique function-wise, as well as other two mechs piloted by show’s main villain, Nero.
Speaking of them, show has ultimately two main villains, Dr. Chako and Nero, but they both have a twist related to themselves in the ending of the show. Chako, for example, is actually a positive character in the end and ends up sacrificing himself for the good of Terra- contrast that with his appearance at the end of the first episode!
Show's finalle is what really struck me down to the heart- this is in fact saving the world type of story, but the way it is presented is absolutely stunning. One important element of it is appreciating saving the world as an experience in order to love the world more. That subtle feeling that the ties of cold winds of uncertain future and warmth of certanty produce in you. That's what is important. The greatness of the faith in the Earth echoes Hamos from the first to the last episode.
You will be forever in my heart, as you head towards the red sunset, Hamos the Green Chariot.
