The Vision of Escaflowne

 

Synopsis: 16-year-old Hitomi Kanzaki is transported to the world of Gaea, which orbits the earth. Gaea is currently engaged in a war were the distinctly Teutonic Zaibach Empire is systematically conquering the other kingdoms to the mysterious ends of Emperor Dornkirk and his cabal of sorcerers. Hitomi is in the company of Van Fanel crown prince of the small Japanese influenced kingdom of Fanelia and Allen Schezar a knight from the trading kingdom of Asturia.  Together with the ancient dragon armor Escaflowne they seek to stop the Zaibach Empire and Emperor Dornkirk’s machinations to resurrect the power of Atlantis.

 

Review

 

I will be the first to admit I am biased about this show; it is one of my all time favorites. Originally produced in 1996 and first seen in the US has an awful edited version on Fox Kids in 2000 it has been a favorite amongst fans. It is a sterling example of Shonen/Shoujo fusion and has something to appeal to everyone. You have wonderful mecha designed by several members who have worked on numerous Gundam series. Art direction by Junichi Azuma (Cowboy Bebop, Rahxephon, and Zeta Gundam). The Chief writer is no other that Shoji Kawamori, and Music by the emanate Yoko Kanno. With all this going for it they manage to cram an apocalyptic war, love triangle, and a little comedy in this 26 part series. 

 

More than this Escaflowne manages to make it as a sweeping adventure and as a personal love story. Even the minor characters have their own well thought out motivations for example: Dornkirk is convinced he is doing what is best for all the people of Gaea he is simply using the wrong means. He is not evil merely determined to transform war ravaged Gaea into a peaceful Utopia. It is not your average run of the mill anime but one of the best thought out and executed ones in the past ten years. I highly recommended for any anime fan.

 

Things I learned from this Anime

 

 1. Magically created planets are invisible to science

 2. Young cat girls are annoying

 3. Magical nuclear bombs exist!

 4. Tarot card reading is dangerous and can cause people to be killed and wars to break out.

 5. Female to male sex changes make you a sociopath and a sadistic murderer.

 6. Chicks dig angst and angel wings over good hair and poofy sleeves

 7. Isaac Newton is more interesting than I thought.