[Anime Reviews]

Speed Grapher end: everything counts in large amounts

Posted by Martin  [Tags: Speed Grapher]

There are some series that I look forward to seeing finish, not because they weren’t enjoyable, but because the resolution is of particular importance. I usually get this feeling from shows such as Speed Grapher because the ending promises the answers to the questions and we finally get to see whether the various characters get what they deserve; perhaps it’s more to do with seeing things through to the end. In this case it’s predictable enough in that the majority of the survivors really do get what they deserve - some didn’t, which highlights the unfairness of the SG worldview; an aspect that’s integral to to the clout of the premise but makes me less disappointed that I won’t be spending any more time there.

The world of Speed Grapher really is a shitty place - the greed, the ignorance, the self-centred pleasure-seeking at the expense of humanity…it’s all the more frightening because it takes only a small leap of the imagination to see the present panning out in the same way. There’s a distinctly retro 80s vibe to the series - partly attributed to the masterstroke of using Duran Duran as a theme that’s so sorely missing from the DVD edition op sequence - that comes from the obsession with materialism and money, the latter really being the root of all evil in this case. The ideas of financial recession are very reminiscent of a similar incident in the late 80s too, although this has nothing on the sheer nihilistic scale of Suitengu’s plan, it has to be said.

“Are you happy?”

[1 Comment]

[Anime Reviews]

Speed Grapher episodes 17-20

Posted by Martin  [Tags: Speed Grapher]

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.

[3 Comments]

[Anime Reviews]

Speed Grapher episodes 13-16

Posted by Martin  [Tags: Speed Grapher]

“It’s the perfect day for a white wedding…”

Suitengu sets the wheels of his plan in motion after the assassination of Shinsen: he intends to get a more significant hand in the Tennozu group by marrying Kagura. In a stunt reminiscent of Lupin III’s rescue of Clarisse in The Castle of Cagliostro, Saiga turns up in a cunning disguise and whisks the reluctant bride from the clutches of her scheming fiance.

[4 Comments]

[Anime Reviews]

Speed Grapher episodes 9-12

Posted by Martin  [Tags: Speed Grapher]

These episodes take an interesting and very welcome journey into exploring the origins of Kagura, in addition to pushing the plot forwards with some shocking surprises along the way. Unfortunately my criticisms of the show’s visual style still stands and it’s not the most deftly-directed of series by any means.

[No Comments]

[Anime Reviews]

Speed Grapher episodes 5-8

Posted by Martin  [Tags: Speed Grapher]

The opening instalment of Speed Grapher was interesting in concept and looked pleasant enough but the plot was muddled to say the least. Now that the introductions to the main players have been made the second outing is able to advance the plot a little so it shows much more promise.

[No Comments]

[Anime Reviews]

Speed Grapher episodes 1-4

Posted by Martin  [Tags: Speed Grapher]

The phrase ’style over substance’ is often bandied around a lot and Studio Gonzo is quite often at the receiving end of these criticisms. In the case of the likes of Speed Grapher though, you can’t help but think, “but what style!”. In addition its near-future worldview, exaggerated enough to be entertaining escapism but resembling our own closely enough to have something to say, paints a grim picture in which the wealthy and privileged can get anything they want…for a price. Tatsumi Saiga, a disallusioned war photographer gone freelance, stumbles on a secret society in which the elite have their deepest wishes granted…however dark and twisted they may be. Saiga’s investigation lands him literally in the middle of some strange ritual, in which the club’s Goddess is to bestow her gift upon a lucky member. It so happens that Saiga ends up with the Goddess’ blessing, with spectacular results.

[No Comments]