15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Witchblade anime -- Who woulda thunk?, September 27, 2007
This review is from: Witchblade: Starter Set (DVD)
I'll be honest, but as a kid, I've never read the Witchblade comics. However, with that in mind I was not unaware of its existence in the comic realm as a youth in the 90's. There was an air of mysticism and intrigue I thought Witchblade about and I only wish I was more into comics as a kid as I am now... it wasn't that I didn't know anything about Witchblade, it was that I never got into it, never read a single one of the comics but I respected and honored it as an important entity of comic nostalgia and unit, understood what I could and appreciated it for simply existing.
Having said that, being the loathsome anime junkie I once thought I used to be; this was my first anime purchase on DVD I've made in a looong time. Reading rave reviews about its calibre animation, stunning effects and a storyline that seemed intriguing enough... it almost sounded too good to be true. Going out on a whim and for the fact I'm a sucker for anime stylization for what it matters... this is no Akira, this is no Ghost in the Shell, but it is something different from an legacy of comics, and for that, it matters for something. The animation at times could have been more key to the true essence of oldskool animation tactics but leave it to the stylizing trend anime has taken towards its marketing margin and fanbase. Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone complex, take note. Still, the cinematic quality and visuals to this are still worth their weight.
As for the story, I won't give anything away since there is a bit of story to be heard from this series and it's best seen from your own eagerness to do so. I will however mention that it does have a unique blend of humor, action, heart-warming drama and an aspect of humanistic qualities... it's as if the Japanese worked very well with the American creators of this comic and spun it off well to the Japanese aesthetic while maintaining that essence of what Witchblade is. Again, admitting I have not read a single Witchblade comic in my life, I could be wrong but I can honestly say that this was still a good piece of work to have been seen. There were scenes at which I laughed, there were scenes at which I were overwhelmed and there were scenes at which my heart sunk in the gravity of the situation this series pulls you into.
Nothing is quite over the top as is it isn't under the swing to leer you away into boredom, this really is a fun DVD to watch, and speaking directly as a guy and my inevitable attraction to the ladies, might I add that the character design for Masane's Witchblade form is absolutely stunning, gorgeous and sensuously built-- again, the Japanese taking well advantage of this and giving more than deserved.
In all, being the Starter set and having an overwhelming size of packaging for a simple set of DVD and Soundtrack combo... the artwork on the box makes up for it making you feel like you've not only spent your money on a DVD and music score, but fabulous artwork as well, speaking optimistically of course.
It's an anime, yes.
It's based off an American comic series, indeed.
Did the Japanese mess it up? Most likely that's based on perspective.
Did "I" enjoy it? Absolutely.
My only concern is that I wish there were more episodes on this DVD, 4 in all, but knowing all together that there are 24 episodes cumulative... it looks like I'll have 5 more DVDs to look out for in the not so distant future.
I give it a 5 because I believe it really owns up to its worth. From a great legacy of comics, to a wonderfully designed world, feel and look as an anime... and because sensuality can look good while on the hunt despite scantilly clad character design (this is Anime based off an American comic, what would you expect?), this purchase was really worth it and has put somewhat a leap of faith for my appreciation for japanese animation once more.
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0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Not the comic Witchblade but a whole new weilder, May 1, 2008
This review is from: Witchblade: Starter Set (DVD)
Welcome to the new wielder of the Witchblade. Don't expect to find Sarah anywhere if you are a fan of the original comic from Top Cow. The blade has once again passed hands and found a new wielder in the form of Masane Amaha.
Again remember that this is an American property handed over to the Japanese and allowed to create their own version of Witchblade. The blade you know is here. The effects on its wielder is new.
For those use to seeing a single woman wield it get ready for some changes. Masane is mother who basically can barely take care of herself never mind her child. We learn that she has lost her memory and was found in the middle of a crater of destruction holding her daughter when the Witchblade made her the new wielder.
Within the first few episodes you get the basic set up of the world as it now stands in the future. In Japan the Child Welfare Agency has its fingers in everything and is determined to separate Masane from her daughter, Rihoko. Rihoko is basically an adorable little girl who seems more the parent then her large breasted, cheerful, yet somewhat simple mother. The story will pick up quickly with introduction of Doji Group Industries which will offer Masane a job and the Mechas - named X-cons that she will initially fight.
The Witchblade stater set comes with a case for the entire series as well as a cd of the music used within the show. This starter set has the first dvd that contains the first four episodes of the show. If you are a fan of the comic or just out to see how Anime handles an American product this is a good series to try. The American dubbing is really good and the story line is not far from the original ideal of the comic, if sexed up and made more suggestive for a television audience. Basically no worse then watching any of the Anime you might see on TV with suggested parental warning.
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