Synopsis
In the year 2167, Mankind suffered from a cataclysmic disaster as a massive wave of electromagnetic radiation from a nearby supernova washed over the Earth. Yet, Mankind was able to survive by pulling together to support each other in this time of crisis.
The year is now 2326 and the new generation of people are preparing for the second wave to hit. A young girl named Shima Katase is going off to the Space Station Stellvia, a space pilot academy, where she will meet new friends, fulfill her dream of seeing space up close and fighting for what the people of the past tried so bravely to survive through.
Review
Stellvia of the Universe starts off with a scenario showing Shima Katase’s family. Almost instantly, you can tell that Shima and her mother don’t exactly agree on things. The focus isn’t put on this much, seeing as how Shima has little contact with her family in the first episode. On her way to the Space Station Stellvia, she sees a brilliant light show made by the current student base in an attempt to encourage the students to do their best. I wish all schools were like this. Shima’s best friend and roommate is then revealed. The ever hyper Arisa Gennorth and her wild hair meets Shima on the shuttle to Stellvia and out of the blue asks Shima to become her best friend. This is my favorite scene in episode 1; Shima and Arisa shake hands while the brilliant light show outside of the shuttle is taking place. Later on, Arisa introduces Shima to two new friends, Akira Kayama, a tall, quiet girl and Yayoi Fujisawa, a girl who seems to have a past that’s more than meets the eye.
I noticed the plot doesn’t really grace the first DVD much other than the Great Mission, mankind’s plan to save the earth from the second wave. Shima is the main focus here, and she displays the ever familiar start of school. Starting off with school, there’s the fuss of getting new classes, meeting new friends, and occasionally and inevitably walking into trouble. I’m sure we all had our share of trouble on the first week or so of school, but Shima takes this to a new extent. Her best friend Arisa even mocks her and gives her the nickname ‘Shipon’ during pilot training, because her ship was bouncing around with a ‘pon pon’ sound. I can’t help but cheer Shima on to do her best, though.
What volume one does show of the plot hints at future events. At the end of the volume, Shima does make a hint that Stellvia is a coming-of-age story when she has a revelation during a crisis in class. The Big Four, the four highest ranking students in Stellvia, are also introduced. Obviously they will make a bigger role, especially the leader, Machida Ayaka. Ayaka meets up with Shipon and friends. Yayoi greets her with a simple hello, unlike the high respect that Arisa and Shipon show her. Also, a boy from Shima’s and Arisa’s class, Otoyama Kouta, joins Shima and the gang along with three other boys in a study session Shima is holding. From that scene, you can tell Kouta is more interested in something else other than in his studies, but I will leave that for you to figure out.
One thing that kept me hooked to watching this show was the music. Stellvia’s OST is my favorite OST by far, even if it’s not the best. An opening and ending sung by Angela also proves to be good. The opening is especially good, since it is one of if not the best anime opening song I’ve ever heard.
The Breakdown
Stellvia of the Universe is an excellent show. With good animation, excellent music, colorful and fun characters and a dramatic story to boot, I can say Stellvia is one of my favorite series.
» The Pros
Personally, I really like the characters. Shima, the quiet girl who can't help but look cute and Arisa, the super-energetic best friend and sidekick who always gives Shima a kick forward when she's feeling down. Not much is shown about Yayoi and Akira in the first DVD, but more light will be shed on them later.
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» The Cons
Sometimes the CGI looks like it could have been better, as with the backgrounds inside the Stellvia.
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» Animation
8 |
The character designs are bright and colorful. The background art however seems lacking. Sometimes the background art is done well, since the dark backgrounds clash with the characters' bright colors to make them stand out more. Other times it seems ugly. The CGI for the piloting scenes could be better. I can wholeheartedly say space does indeed look better green. |
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» Sound
10 |
I can say Stellvia has very good music. The opening and endings are done by Angela, which gives more reason to buy Stellvia (it's the initial reason I bought Stellvia). I loved the background music the instant I heard it. The Japanese voice actors are good and voice their characters well, especially Shipon's. The dub doesn't seem too bad either. |
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» Story
7 |
Nothing is really told about the main storyline Great Mission except for subtle hints that clue you in on future events. However, it does show how the Great Mission will be done. It also shows some problems that Shima goes through in the space academy, especially in piloting. The first four episodes aren't much by themselves, but they do at least show a part of what's in store for the future. |
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» Recommend
10 |
I'd highly reccomend this to anyone who loves space-themed shows with a bit of drama and light-hearted comedy. I took the chance and bought it because I loved the music. I found out later it was worth every penny. |
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» Other Information
Language: Japanese with English Subtitles
Extras: Non-credit opening
Package: An excellent tin that has DVD cases for the whole series. The DVD covers have a glitter effect, which makes it look very good. Inside the case it includes the episode number and name, and a quote from a character in that disk. Personally, Stellvia's tin is the nicest collector's case I've had the pleasure to both buy and review. |
Friday, September 3, 2010
