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Kiddy Grade Rating:   Genre: Action, Comedy, Fan Service, Mech, Sci-fi Studio: GONZO Year: 2002 Length: 24 episodes Reviewer: SHiN_aKuMa Synopsis: In the Star Century year of 0165, the Galactic Union and GOTT (Galactic Organization of Trade and Tariffs) was formed. The Galactic Union government along with GOTT was to bring stability and prevent conflict between planets. 162 years later, we meet Eclair and Lumiere... members of the elite GOTT taskforce ES as they go around on their missions for GOTT. Review: Things are not what it seems to be. The Galactic Union is actually a council made up of the Nouvlesse (Nobles) who are fewer than 100,000 in number and claim to have the pure blood of their Earthling ancestors but yet control the entire galaxy. Betrayal and deceit are rife as a social class struggle begins. Before watching Kiddy Grade, I often wonder what the title's all about. After watching all 24 episodes, the only thing that relates to "Kiddy" is Eclair acts like an annoying 12-year old and Lumiere, a 5-year old-wine-drinking girl. The "Grade" to me is still a mystery. This title mostly leads to confusion to the typical anime fan. I too was fooled, I initially thought that Kiddy Grade was a bunch of kids not doing well with their grades and they're taking a study vacation to catch up. I keep hearing that the first to ninth episodes are shallow, slow and full of crap. Well, some of the issues are true; few episodes really bore me with pointless panty shots and slow progress of the developing plot. But on the bright side though, these episodes are necessary to show the what is the life of the GOTT ES Members, introduction of the supporting characters, fleshing-out the Nouvlesse's history and slowly bringing out the mystery of what's ahead. After episode nine however, things are beginning to pick up but falls within episode fifteen and sixteen and picks up back again. The plot after the ninth episode is solid (like Gundanium Ore) enough to keep you intrigued and is loaded with symbolism, betrayal, resurrection, (almost like X/1999 and Neon Genesis) and few twists. The twists are not as confusing like RahXephon as one previously stated but its complexity is set just right. Characterization is pretty good and there is no unexplained character and the once annoying Eclair turns out into one of the most interesting and almost likable character. The supporting characters are developed real nicely. My favorite character so far is Cesario. He's a silent type and is really funny in a way when he communicates by facial and body expressions. And my second favorite will be Tweedledee and she's more likable than Eclair. The music is very good. I really love the opening and ending songs. It's OST is a must-have. Buy it or download it, the music themes are nice, smooth, cool and rocks. The art and animation is also very good. My favorite episode where the art attracted me is episode 21. Character designs are beautiful especially the women, well-endowed and proportioned bodies and their jewel-like eyes. CG backgrounds and designs make the environment for most part feels futuristic. The explosive action failed to impress me, well except for episode 15, 23, and 24. I've been picky on action lately since my chaotic incident on Samurai Deeper Kyo. If you watched SDK's action sequences, you can pretty much guess what type of action Kiddy Grade has. On the bright side that the action improves episode after episode. Another complaint of the action is its soooooo unreal including. To give you some few examples: Eclair chases and shoots down a missile into deep space with only a force field to protect her from the vacuum of space. Lumiere hacks into a computer terminal to control the planet's activity (i.e. weather, volcanic) to stop an out-of-control spacecraft. In addition, I find the ES Member's equipment and special abilities a bit farfetched. To give you another example: The inspector has a briefcase that contains almost anything. He should hide a tank inside for emergency. Another ES Member has the ability to absorb energy into her body; even the energy she absorbed has an explosive power of a thousand nuclear bombs. No wonder she's well endowed. I may be stretching here but the creators should lessen the unbelievability factor. Sure it's the far future where anything's possible; if that's their goal, well I must disagree. SOME might find it amusing if they're into out-of-the-world-fighting fantasy. They should have released this anime on 2050 and by that time there will be energy-absorbing women. Well that's about it. Kiddy Grade did entertain me with a good story and cast of characters. This anime is recommended to all. Ignore the confusing title, loads of fan service, Eclair's voice, unreal action and endure the first nine episodes, you won't be disappointed. Overall this anime is not a 5-star caliber anime. *I think it's time to remove my trash using my anti-molecular powers* |
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