[Categories: Anime Reviews]
Speed Grapher episodes 17-20
Ever wondered why Suitengu is such a psycho? This volume goes a long way to explaining why. In a backstory that sounds eerily familiar, we learn how he was separated from his younger sister, trained as a mercenary, became the victim of a scientific experiment and went on to plot his revenge. What’s interesting for me is how his plan involves exposing himself to - and in some ways becoming - the type of person who caused him so much anguish to begin with. Anyway, it’s always good to get into the head of the manical, evil genius because the ‘evil genius’ is often the most interesting character of all. It doesn’t quite explain the link between Suitengu and Saiga just yet, but there are enough clues for the viewer impatient for the final volume to fill in the gaps.
A young Suitengu
Suitengu’s plan adds something of a political slant to things, at which point we learn of just how far the Club’s tendrils have extended into the corridors of power. Again, Speed Grapher goes about social commentary in its own somewhat clumsy but no-nonsense way. I’m guessing Japanese people have a very cynical view and a love-hate relationship with their government, even moreso than the UK and US perhaps, that’s reflected by the series’ themes and ideas. Anyways, this isn’t supposed to be an editorial concerning itself with the integrity of a nation’s current government…it’s all about a badass guy who can do neat things with his camera.
Saiga and Kagura seek an ally from the Diet
This volume’s token Euphoric is a traitor in a secret organisation that could bring Suitengu’s plans and the corruption to their knees…but I felt that this organisation was an under-used idea that wasn’t taken far enough. If nothing else though, this means that the series has a fighting chance of leaving itself enough time to wrap the story up and give us a decent ending. Even so, I felt a bit short-changed when Saiga could have found himself a place in which he can make a difference - sure, the series takes a cynical stance on things but it would have been nice if the Order of the White Eagles had been a force to be reckoned with instead of being disposable heroes.
Look at the size of that guy’s woofer!
My other criticism at this point is that Kagura is still the damsel in distress - according to the DVD extra feature this is her seiyuu’s debut effort, so even from her point of view it would have been fun to portray a gamut of emotions that extends beyond the helpless little girl. There was nothing I wanted to see more than Kagura getting ahold of some sort of firearm or kicking that scientist guy where his brains were; on the plus side, she does slap some sense into Saiga at one point. In fairness, he deserved it and I hope this one instance of self-assurance on her part is a sign of things to come.
Kagura becomes public property
As an aside, another element that I don’t think was explored fully enough was that of the ‘goddess drops’ and the Tennozu Groups latest marketing ploy. Its shocking effects on the people who buy into it would have made more of an impact if they were shown at length; but then, seeing people going on murderous rampages and the pills that have ‘a bit of Kagura in every mouthful’ is wrong on so many levels…I’m actually a little glad they spared us the details there.
In Summary
This is a series that’s proving to be intriguing and quite fun to watch, but the nagging feelings of what it could have achieved dampens my enthusiasm a bit. It does however gives some significant insight into its principal antagonist, which should make for a fun showdown with Saiga before the series is over. I’m strangely optimistic for a decent ending for this one, surprisingly. I’d also like to draw attention to the new end theme, which is a really enjoyable and lively tune - certainly a marked improvement over the croaking ballad that ended the episodes of the first half.
Posted on September 19th, 2007 @ 3:46 am
speed grapher is an anime i saw junior yr of college. i swear it really bewilders me. if u ask me how i feel about it, i would say i dont know. some times i really liked it, and then sometimes i was like wtf is going on… i tell u this tho, it has one of the best first episodes ever. but then again so many shows start off with really really great first eps and then just go somewhere else. pumpkin scissors, jyuosei, coyote ragtime (which i still think is one of the best first eps ever), gundam wing, bakumatsu, all had very great first eps but never really lived up to it. however i loved that speed grapher was very adult and mature. and u cant deny how original it was…. it was original as hell. so i’d say 7/10
Posted on September 19th, 2007 @ 9:27 pm
@Kauldron26: I definitely agree that Speed Grapher made a big first impression as being adult and original. It has a lot going for it actually - decent characterisation, an involved storyline and and interesting premise. Sadly because animation is a visual medium, it’s inevitably going to lose points for dodgy animation quality. Unless something really good/awful happens to the last volume I think your 7/10 grade is a fair assessment of the show as a whole.
Posted on September 20th, 2007 @ 7:19 pm
speed grapher is a show that tries to be mature. It is and yet, there are enough “monster of the week” episodes that makes it juvenile. I think what it tries to do is to throw in enough adult-themes and use “Girls on Film” from Duran Duran (awesome song, btw) to gloss the entire show with mature frostings. But underneath it’s still a little bit young for me. However, my overall enjoyment of the characters and the cynical stuff it presents isn’t detracted by the slightly unbalanced presentation.