Synopsis
Minawa (aka Android 370), ‘The feeling of loving someone…’Android 369, ‘I wished for my heart to beat just once. To be able to laugh because I was so happy. I wanted to have a heart. That’s why you have to stay alive…One of these days please get a heart…promise me…’
Review
Pioneer continues Mahoromatic with another season, something more beautiful and indeed it is much so. Here we are introduced to another female fighting robot, Minawa, who becomes the adopted sister of Mahoro and once again accepted into Suguru’s inner circle of friends of which Hamaji-san takes a particular interest to. Although shy, quiet, and a bit clumsy, Minawa learns what it is to live life as a human.
The anime still centers about the relationship between Suguru and Mahoro. The anime answers more of the questions that arose in Season 1, what will happen to Mahoro as the days approach zero, how will Mahoro tell Suguru the truth about his father’s death, and we see at least some glimpse of Matthew. Of course there are the same gags such as Mahoro’s ‘Ecchi is wrong!’ line, Chizu bursting at the taste of Mahoro’s dishes, and Shikijou-sensei still fantasizing of having Suguru in bed with her.
The Breakdown
14 episodes plus a New Year’s Special (summary of the series similar to the Vandread OVAs).
» The Pros
The first episode is one of the best ever out of all animes that I've seen. Ryuuga is now a good guy, admiring Suguru for the strength that lies in his heart, although Slash still won't go easy on their former enemy. Season 2 has twice the number of action scenes compared to Season 1 and twice the laughs. My favorite episode is 7, the Hiryuu Dark Ages Martial Arts Festival, where the whole town once a year participates in a survival contest where combatants Utena style try to knock the flowers off one another's head with foam batons. In addition, there are Valentine's Day, Christmas, and New Year's Day episodes.
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» The Cons
Sadly this is another one of those animes (others include Bubblegum Crisis Tokyo 2040 and End of Evangelion) that are good until you see the depressing final episode. Episode 14 takes place 20 years in the future almost reminiscent of 'Nadesico the Movie The Prince of Darkness.' I had wished that they actually made the final episode into a movie since it appears rushed. It is sad what becomes of Suguru although there is controversy whether or not he dies in the end (I don't think he does because of the final alley frame). What becomes of Slash is a mystery.
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» Animation
9.0 |
Animation is the same as Season 1. Bright and vivid by Gainax. |
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» Sound
9.5 |
I finally got a hold of the names of the opening theme and ending. The opening is as the title of the anime 'something more beautiful soreiyu' is more lovely than season 1 with lyrics 'When you visit me, I will smile upon you.' and 'I'll fly to the place we always go.' describing the whole series in general. The ending, 'toriottiku ran! ran!', is louder and wilder than season 1 with chibi forms of Chizu, Miyuki, and Rin this time in band uniforms. |
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» Story
9.0 |
The antagonist this time around is not Ryuuga, as a matter of fact he rescues Mahoro in episode 11. The conflict is between a third organization called the Caretakers who are like Soldats in Noir, never showing themselves in public they control the history, countries, and then humankind from the dark. They want to expel Saint out of fear that the equilibrium of the political, economical, military, and religious aspects of world will be destroyed. Suguru's grandfather is introduced and becomes a prominent member in the undermining of the Caretakers. |
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» Recommend
9.0 |
The anime, two more episodes longer than season 1, is crammed with more fanservice: bigger robots, nudity galore, hot springs, vacuums, time capsules, chocolate, and turkey. Announced to be a summer TV special in the works. |
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» Other Information
Language: Japanese with English subtitles
Extras: None. English version will probably have a textless opening, art gallery, trailers.
Package: Mahoro arms stretched towards Minawa, with Suguru yelling behind |
Friday, May 24, 2013
