Search - Speedgrapher Box Set (Viridian Collection) on DVD

Dark, gritty, truly mature anime series

D. White | NY USA | 11/22/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a highly recommended series for those seeking a well-conceived yet dark, violent, and gritty mature anime. Unlike another series I panned for injecting awkward sex scenes in vain pursuit of recognition as a "mature" title (Moonlight Mile), the presence of such scenes and also violent imagery are specific to the tale being told here. A tale centering on the excesses and decline of Japanese society but most importantly that of those in the most powerful positions...and in the most general terms how some others choose to try to right these wrongs and/or preserve at least some pockets of innocence in the world.

Leads Saiga and Kagura are always compelling, with a complex relationship not least due to heroic photojournalist Saiga being significantly older than teenaged Kagura. Don't be misled though, as this otherwise boundary-pushing show treats this relationship with proper caution and respect. Not to spoil things, I will just note that from beginning to end and indeed as a primary motivating force for the tale, Saiga only seeks to do right by the innocent Kagura.

Not so innocent but also fascinating characters include Saiga's (very) aggressive girlfriend Ginza and an always interesting batch of main villains led by the mysterious and manipulative Suitengu. The plot includes some biology-oriented sci-fi, so expect exciting action and disturbing creatures as the delivery mechanism of much of the aforementioned violence.

Judging the DVDs technically, the high point of the series is the 5.1ch sound effects and English voice acting. Christopher Sabat (Saiga) and Monica Rial (Kagura) really bring the goods here, and there is no weak actor in the entirety of the supporting cast.

Nothing is perfect however, and Speedgrapher does suffer from something that might cripple a lesser union of story and character: sometimes truly weak animation. This issue most infamously manifests in earlier episodes, where automobiles are surprisingly badly animated. Other episodes might show oddly sparse and simply environments. The show is still largely well-animated, just with surprising lapses coming from the studio that produced the likes of Solty Rei and Last Exile."

Trendbreaker

Giftcard Recipient | Houston, Tx | 09/07/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Unlike most of your shoot em up,drama,or harem anime speedgrapher takes a more sadistic look into the life of the Japanese elite. Now this is a very different anime, I couldn't press the buyer more to watch a few episodes on youtube before buying this series. The series is about a young girl who has special powers and a cult that worships her, the catch being that the cult is filled with the rich, and very very naughty. In exchange for money they can do whatever they wish in an underground layer, to be quite honest most of the men just use it as a brothel. A older man rescues her, and the weirdness ensues as the club crumbles and tries to recapture thier most precious asset. Like most anime a love story is involved, but this one has a older man being a cradle-robber, and ruining his love life with a woman most men would die for. It is not one of those happy lucky star style anime, it leaves you saying this is like the lain series but with perverse creepiness and a cradle-robber as the main character. It will leave you saying wtf every time."