They Were Eleven- Cult Manga Review

I heard of this anime by chance when I fell down the YouTube rabbit hole and someone mentioned that this manga was an inspiration for the videogame Among Us. The creator on record said it was the part game Mafia and The Thing that inspired him but this anime is quite likely too - down to the teamwork and sci-fi setting. Intrigued, even though I don't really play the game, I thought I'd check it out as the premise sounded intriguing.

Centuries after humanity discovered warp drive, Cosmo Academy brings together a class of promising cadets from across the galaxy. Think Galaxy High, but with a twist. Ten cadets are assigned to a 53-day mission aboard a spaceship. However, eleven cadets arrive. Someone is an imposter, and their goal is sabotage. As the days tick by, tensions rise within the already fractious crew. Who is the saboteur? What are their motives? Can they be unmasked before it's too late?

Come on, this is an amazing whodunnit... in SPAAACE! (Imagine that in your best Tim Curry voice, a la Command and Conquer). This early 80s anime, based on a 70s manga by the legendary Moto Hagio, offers a deceptively simple yet compelling premise: who do you trust when your life is on the line? The 90-minute runtime is perfectly paced, building suspense and shifting your suspicions as you follow the investigation. The conclusion is satisfying, and the ending, while featuring the then-common (now cliché) montage of character futures, feels surprisingly fresh and fitting here.

We Are 11 isn't just a thrilling mystery; it also explores themes of prejudice, the difficulty of intercultural communication, and the fragile nature of trust. The character designs and animation, while clearly products of their time, have a certain retro charm.

I thoroughly enjoyed We Are 11 and highly recommend it. It's a quick, engaging watch that's well worth your time.

Sol Bianca - Cult Manga Review

This animation has been on my watch list for a long time, about 35 years. It came out in 1990 and was released by AD Vision but I just never got around to it, until now. Clocking in at just under an hour, it's a quick watch but was it worth the wait?

Whilst stowing away in a space frigate, a young boy is captured (along with the booty) by a 5 woman team of space pirates. They are trying to find the legendary gnosis (a repository of all the knowledge of the world from before the galactic era) which is said to exist on the mythical Earth. However, the problem is that the treasure is held by an evil dictator. Will they be able to get it? Well, they're gonna give it a try, even if it means a rescue attempt whilst the citizens are in the midst of a revolution. It's all very dramatic!

I enjoyed my time with the film and felt that it was a pretty solid and straightforward sci-fi adventure with a quirky cast. The female crew are all pretty well characterised and are not at all fanservicey which is a truly pleasant surprise, as this lets their skills and personality shine. Sure, within the hour there's no time to really know the characters that well but it moves at a quick pace and you get the gist of who they are and their motivations from the off. The English dub is good as I am usually a subs guy but the voice actors really did give it their all.

The animation is solid and, whilst it was not going to win any awards, pretty consistent. The space dogfights fare better and are more exciting and dynamic but this is not a showcase of powerhouse animation. It feels like a more mature Plastic Little but without the etchiness of that OAV *shudders*

Overall, Sol Bianca is a fun and entertaining watch for fans of retro anime and space opera. It may not be a masterpiece, but its charm lies in its unique blend of action, humor, and a touch of sci-fi adventure.

Rhea Gall Force - Cult Manga Review

Rhea Gall Force is a 1989 anime OAV film which is set in a bleak future where humanity is on the verge of extinction after resurrecting an alien life force hidden inside the Moon. The film follows the last remaining human soldiers as they fight for survival and a desperate chance to escape to Mars. Will they succeed in saving humanity or will the aliens take over?

The film is quite gritty for a short anime and its post-apocalyptic setting and the conflict between humans and machines creates a compelling backdrop for the story. The main characters, though somewhat archetypal, are distinct and have their own motivations. Sandy, the hopeful young soldier, is the epitome of spirited and hopeful young lady who seems to draw people to her with her earnestness and honesty.

The animation is striking, with detailed character designs and impressive mech battles. However, the film suffers from a slow pace and some clunky exposition. Also, the dialogue and character interactions can feel a bit dated and stereotypical at times but it is a product of its time and, once again, isn't too egregious even with our modern sensibilies. Sure, there is the obligatory gratuitous shower scene for no real reason but unfortunately that was late 80s anime.

Overall, Rhea Gall Force is a visually appealing but flawed OAV. It explores themes of survival, hope, and the conflict between humanity and technology well and despite its shortcomings, it is an enjoyable watch for fans of mecha anime and post-apocalyptic stories.

The Curse of Kazuo Umezu- Cult Manga Review

Kazuo Umezu is a legendary figure in the world of horror manga, with a career spanning decades. His influence on subsequent generations of horror creators, including Junji Ito, is undeniable. I had heard of Umezu but never read or seen any of his work. Seeking to right this wrong, I thought I’d go check out the work of this respected creative and watchedThe Curse of Kazuo Umezu, an OVA that delves into the disturbing and grotesque world of Umezu's imagination by retelling two of his tales.

The first tale is What Will the Video Camera Reveal? and introduces us to Rina, a new student who joins our protagonist Masami's class. Rina seems to have a strange effect on people, and Masami becomes increasingly frightened of her. In her dreams, Masami sees a horrifying creature that seems to be attached to Rina. She uses the videocamera to record herself sleeping, hoping to capture evidence of the creature but the the video reveals a horrifying truth.

The second tale is The Haunted Mansion and is a classic tale of youthful curiosity leading to terrifying consequences. During a sleepover, a couple of horror fans visit the local haunted mansion before it is torn down but they encounter a terrifying force that threatens to destroy them.

I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed my time with The Curse of Kazuo Umezu as it is a disturbing and unforgettable horror story that beautifully showcases the dark and twisted imagination of its creator. The animation is beautiful and detailed as Umezu’s experience with shoujo illustrations shines through; the girls have fine, frilly almost gothic lolita like-designs and eyelashes aplenty. The delicate shoujo art style and body horror is a great contrasting combination. The beautiful art and creepy storyline is complimented by the music which is eerie, creating a truly unsettling atmosphere. The stories are both thought-provoking and disturbing, and they will stay with you long after you've finished watching. This feels like an anime version of Tales from the Crypt or Tales from the Dark Side and both stories are thoroughly spooky and engaging

LINK- Japan: My Journey to the East

LINK- Blood, Sweat and Pixels- Book Review

LINK- The Offworld Collection- Book Review

LINK- Shadow of the Colossus- Book Review

LINK: Manga Exhibition at the British Museum

LINK- The Midnight Library and the Idea That You Can’t Go Home Again

LINK- The Transportive Nature of Objects (And the Power of Mini Consoles)

LINK- My One True Gaming Constant in Life- Nintendo

Lupin III: The Fuma Conspiracy- Cult Manga Film Review

I knew of Lupin III through its run in Manga Mania and the stunning Ghibli film Castle of Cagliostro but I did not have that much experience of the character. Whilst looking down the retro anime and manga rabbit-hole, I came across this and remembered an old review of it I’d once read that praised it. With some time available, I thought I’d give it a go.

Whilst not the greatest film ever, The Fuma Conspiracy is a fun and jaunty film.

This film starts at breakneck speed as Goemon is about to get married to Murasaki of the Suminawa Clan in a traditional Japanese wedding ceremony. However, when his bride-to-be is kidnapped within the first five minutes of the film, it's up to Lupin and the gang to get Goemon's betrothed back whilst also protecting her clan’s treasure. The crew quickly rescue Murasaki and then it's a race against time as the Fuma Clan close in the treasure. What follows is a Goonies/ Indiana Jones-type adventure with puzzles, traps and labyrinths.
The tenacious Inspector Zenigata joins proceeding, coming out of retirement as a monk to once again try to apprehend the gentleman thief. Things reach a spectacular head in a cavern under the mountain where the hidden treasure trove is kept.

The first thing to say is that, even though the film is nearly 40 years old it has aged extremely well. The opening animation is stunning with the Japanese temple and scenery beautifully realised in a detailed painterly style. The period costumes and style are wonderfully evocative of a side of Japan we don't often get to see in many modern manga and anime.

There is also one of the best car chase sequences ever animated as Lupin and Zenigata battle it out through a local town. The chaos that ensues is hilarious, like some right out of the old Herbie films or The Italian Job (the good old one, not the travesty of the Mark Wahlberg one).

The strength of Monkey Punch's manga work was his characterisation of this lovably roguish group and this portrayal of the group in this anime film is all pretty spot on from what I know. Lupin is his usual charming self but it is Goemon, usually the stoic swordsman, who gets a chance to share his gentler side as we see how he met and grew the love of his life through flashbacks to his youth. Murasaki is a likeable addition in this story, she is rescued early on and shows her mettle during the rest of the film. She is plucky, fiesty and a strong woman who knows how to tease her straight-laced beloved.

The music is jazzy and jaunty, effortlessly stylish and cool without trying to be. The end credit sax jazz is sooo smooth and groovy!

Overall, I really enjoyed this film; it's an enjoyable romp and at just over 73 minutes, doesn't overstay it's welcome.

Maris the Wondergirl- Cult Manga Review

I do love the works of Rumiko Takahashi and her Rumik World anthology series. Her Fire Tripper run in Manga Mania was the first complete manga series I read and I purchased quite a few of the OAV adaptations including Fire Tripper and Laughing Target. One of the OAVs I had not seen was Maris the Wondergirl so, with 50 minutes to spare, I sat down and watched this short film.

Maris is a super strong lieutenant in the Intergalactic Space Patrol but when she damages her third ship through her super Thanatosian strength, she has to take on part time jobs to pay the organisation back. When the playboy son of a  billionaire is kidnapped Maris dreams of romance as well as a big payday. The only thing standing her way is fellow super strong warrior Sue, who defeated Maris in a wrestling match once by cheating. As Maris makes her way to the fortress where the hier is kept all is not what it seems in the final showdown.

The 1986 animation is very impressive.

This is a cute and disposable OAV. It doesn't really stay long in the memory but is fun with good animation and great 80s hair rock music complementing the fight scenes. The opening two minutes are impressive as the Maris is involved in a dramatic dogfight. Maris is a goofy and flawed character and the moral of 'money doesn't buy happiness but it does make life easier' is a message I can get behind in this humorous 50 minute diversion. This is a great slice of mid 80s animation and is well worth a watch.

LINK: Fire Tripper- Cult Manga Review

LINK- Akira Soundtrack Vinyl Review

LINK- Monster City- Cult Manga Review

LINK: Japan: My Journey to the East

LINK- The Offworld Collection- Book Review

LINK: Manga Exhibition at the British Museum

LINK- The Midnight Library and the Idea That You Can’t Go Home Again

LINK- The Transportive Nature of Objects (And the Power of Mini Consoles)