Title: Nadia - Secret of Blue Water

Director: Hideaki Anno & Shinji Higuchi (Island arc)

Japanese Production Studio: Gainax

Type: (TV)

Number of Episodes: 39

Vintage: 1990-1991

US Licensing Company: ADV Films

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy, Sci-fi

Related Series: Nadia of the Mysterious Seas (movie)

 

Reviewer: EternityOfPain

 

General Summary

 

The Year, 1889, during this time the world was on the brink of great discovery and advances in technology. Jean and his uncle went to Paris to participate in the "First International Flying Competition." In this competition individuals will be placing their aircrafts to the test by trying to get the greatest flight distance in hope that they can take home the grand prize of 20,000 francs (roughly 3,700 US. dollars). As Jean and his uncle are preparing the airplane for the competition Jean catches a glimpse of a girl riding her bicycle down the street with a lion riding in the back. It was love at first sight for Jean. One thing leads to another and he discovers her name is Nadia, along with her pet lion whose name is "king." Nadia is trying to flee from individuals who are trying to take her “blue waters” away from her. Jean who immediately decides to help Nadia is in for the ride of his life. Jean and Nadia will face unimaginable obstacles as well as fierce attacks by individuals who want her “blue waters.” What is the mystery behind the “blue waters”? What secrets does it hold? Where did it come from? All these answers and more lie within the fantastic series Nadia - Secret of Blue Water!

 

Art and Animation

 

First I should say this series was made in the early 90s and therefore should be treated as so. Personally I really liked the art used in this series, the characters, the various sceneries were fantastic. The animation was superb during my time watching I didn’t see any choppy frames or anything of the sort. 

 

Character Development and Storyline

 

This series is outstanding when it comes to character development. I can’t really say why without going into detail which will inadvertently spoil the enjoyment of the series but I will say this, that during the time of viewing the series it’s not a predicable “Guy falls for girl, girl falls for him” it is vastly different which makes the show very different and very enjoyable. The pacing of the show is good, there is a tad slow part in one arc when they are on an island but the series makes up for it fully in the afterward. Now as many people wonder “well if the series is great throughout how is the ending” my answer would be “think of a series that you believe had a great ending, Nadia would be equally if not better.” Honestly off hand I can’t think of an ending that I loved more then Nadia’s they just can’t get better. Now some of you out there may just think I am cocky but for those who do eventually decide to watch this series will understand.

 

Final Summary

 

I feel I should say this because honesty this is what stopped me from watching this fantastic series for such a long time. About 5 months ago I was debating to get this series and when I was researching information regarding it (such as reviews) many of these reviews said that Nadia is for “younger audience” which threw me off, I figured I wanted to stay clear of any “kiddy show.” I want to state this now so if this is why you are debating whether or not to get this series I will ease your mind here and now. This series is not a kiddy show, it is far from it. Honestly if you like sci-fi adventure with a little romance this series is for you. I promise you that you will be taken on a thrilling adventure. All you have to do is give the series a chance. 

 

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