Search - The Law of Ueki - The Battle Commencement (Vol. 1) on DVD

Anime

Lori Kaminsky | AZ | 03/28/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"

Ueki is a teenage boy who is given the power to turn garbage into trees by Mr. K. This is so Ueki can enter the 'Battle of the Supernatural Powers' and win 'The Talent of Blank' and choose any talent he wishes to have. He has to face many others who also want 'The Talent of Blank'."

FIGHTING WITH RIGHTEOUSNESS

Sesho | Pasadena, TX USA | 05/07/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Kousuke Ueki isn't really interesting in fighting. He's a little too nonchalant to get involved in physical violence. But he's been sucked into a tournament, with nothing less than being "Celestial King" on the line. In this first volume it's really not made clear exactly what powers the Celestial King has but I'm sure they're pretty substantial. And actually, it's not very important to Ueki, because whoever wants to be King doesn't fight. They pick someone to fight for them and grant them a "Talent" or superpower. There are 99 other candidates who have done the same and their agents must battle each other until there is only one left. The candidate who wins becomes Celestial King and the fighter gets any Talent he wishes for. Ueki gets involved in the fighting more out of a sense of duty to keep anyone evil from becoming King. He has a little help in the form of a classmate named Ai Mori, who might have romantic feelings for him. His candidate sponsor, Mr. K, who is also his teacher, seems to have little interest in becoming King, and instead is testing Ueki's "righteousness".

The Law of Ueki is so absurd that instead of treating it as a Shonen Jump-like show, it should be seen as more of a parody of anime of that ilk. I mean where else can you see awesome powers like the Talent to "make trees out of trash" or "changing towels into iron spikes"! It's actually pretty funny because they all have these incredibly stupid powers that at first glance wouldn't seem to have any practical value in the battles they are involved in. You must assuredly suspend disbelief to watch this show. The character designs, while a little One Piecesque, are pretty cool, and Ueki's "why bother?" attitude coupled with well-placed bravery make him an interesting hero. His friend Ai, with her eyeglasses perpetually propped on her head and constantly castigating Ueki is also likeable. She actually acts as a shield for him a lot because the fighters incur penalties if they harm any innocent bystanders. The animation is pretty good, but there are limits to what you can do with this type of storyline. For what it is though, Law of Ueki is above average.

I would also recommend the anime Air Master for another combination of intense fighting couple with absurd abilities."