Figure 17 - Tsubasa & Hikaru

Well, it's a bit late (since I was out with friends all day today), but let's get on with a wrap-up and review of Figure 17.

I somehow managed to keep myself together the last episode (but don't ask me how). There's lots of good action in this episode as the final Maguar are found and destroyed. And after that.. well, stuff happens and we wrap up the story. Not in the happiest way, but still with a somewhat uplifting feeling.

Well, what I can say? I really enjoyed Figure 17 from start to finish as I've blogged. The once a month, 45 minute format wasn't really something that had never been attempted before, but the director and the rest managed to pull it off really well. All the episodes didn't really feel much longer than the usual 25 minute shows since I was so engrossed in what was happening.

The sci-fi feel to the show worked well even though it wasn't really the focus. The various action scenes involving Figure 17 and DD and Oldeena were, for the most part, done pretty well. And the Maguar... yuck! What absolutely revolting creatures. They made a pretty good enemy for Figure 17 and the rest to take care of. I guess the parts of the show where Tsubasa and Hikaru combined to make Figure kinda gives it a somewhat mahou shoujo-ish feel with the transformation and all. But it's really hard to give this show a solid genre label since it's got a bit of everything for everyone, which I suppose had to be done in order to get a big audience to tune in once a month to watch it.

But the real highlight of this show for me was the relationship between Tsubasa and Hikaru. Watching Tsubasa overcome some of her shyness and become a bit more outgoing with Hikaru's help was wonderful (perhaps in part because I myself was quite a shy child, so I could empathize more than a bit). I really came to care for both of them as the show went along. Though the tone of the show got a bit sad at times, overall it managed to keep coming back to a more optimistic tone even in the last episode, showing how Tsubasa had grown through all the things she went through. And as I've said before, Tsubasa's voice actor really did an excellent, excellent job in showing all of Tsubasa's emotions, making it very believable performance. Well done :)

Well, I guess y'all have a good idea of what I'm gonna give this show now, ne? This show's not for everyone, but those of y'all that like a bit of strong character development with your sci-fi action will be pleased :) I really don't have any criticisms of this show I can think of. Maybe it moves a bit slowly for some people, and maybe the action isn't best when compared to other shows. But, I can't do anything besides recommend this very highly. Figure 17 is one of those shows that remind me why I watch anime.

I will definitely buy the rest of the DVDs as they are released (if I have the money. And if I don't, I'll get them as soon as I do!). For everyone out there that's interested in the show it is available on eMule to download. Try a couple of episodes and see if you like it :) And if you do like it, please consider buying the DVDs to support and thank Media Blasters for bringing such a wonderful show to us here (though the translation on the DVDs could use a bit of work.. grrr!).

Individual Ratings
Animation: A. Essentially OVA quality. Great job by OLM!
Story/Characters: A+
Music: A. Excellent. Music matches mood very well. Opening and ending songs by The Alfee are also very good.

Final Rating: A+. Easily. Right up there with Cardcaptor Sakura as one of the best shows I've ever watched, period. I can't believe I didn't watch this earlier!

Other Fun Stats
Began Watching: February 5th, 2004
Finished Watching: February 29th, 2004 (that's 13 times faster than people in Japan would have watched it when it was on TV!)
I Should have finished watching the show: Probably in July when the last DVD will be released here, I think (I know the next to last will be released in May). Ooops... I couldn't keep myself from finding out what would happen, though!
Favorite Episode: oooh... let me think... if I had to choose... I'd say episode 7, "Can You Say Goodbye?". I loved the whole play put on by Tsubasa and Hikaru's class... I'd also say that episode 9 was really good, even though it didn't end as I would have liked (as I blogged earlier).
Number of corrections I had to make to the opening song translation on the DVD: 3 lines were translated completely wrong. A compound verb in one line was halfway translated. Some of the others are a bit more picky... But it's definitely more than I should have had to correct :) The fansubbers did get some of it wrong, too, but their translation was still better than the DVD's.
Number of times I was about to cry during the show: Too many to count. Bring your Kleenex if you're the type that cries easily.
Number of times I thought, "Wow, Tsubasa sure does act a lot like I did back when I was that age...": Once again, too many to count. Just shows you how well they did that aspect of her character.

Well, that's all for Figure 17. I'm going to watch it again (probably with friends) soon. Y'all please watch it too! You'll probably like it :)