Twin Spica 20 + Wrap-Up

Okay, this is the last episode so no screencaps and no long summary or anything since I know some of y'all are watching the fansub. I'll just say that the conclusion was satisfying :)

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First of all, I did miss episode 19 (and one other, but I read the story in the manga) so I might have missed something important happening. Okay, with that, I'll take a look back at Twin Spica.

When I watched the first episode I knew Twin Spica was going to be something special. It's one of the few times watching anime that I just about lost it and broke down. The story of Asumi wanting to become an astronaut, even with the things she went through as a child, is really uplifting. I really liked the way the story was told, especially the flashback episodes back to when Asumi was a child. Those were really some of the most emotional episodes I've seen in an anime ever (those of y'all that are watching know what I'm talking about).

*spoilers for later episodes - highlight to read*

The focus changed a bit in the later episodes from just Asumi to include Marika as well. Her story is just as sad as Asumi's, maybe even moreso. The last arc of episodes is really about Asumi's influence in making Marika realize that she does have friends in the world. She finally realizes that "You can't go into space by yourself", as Asumi always told her. Since I missed episode 19 I might have missed on finding out more about the relationship between Lion-san and Marika. The last episode ended on a mostly happy note, except for Lion-san's going on away from the world, only leaving his harmonica to Asumi. I also liked how Kei, Fuchuuya, Shuu, and Marika (in child form) told their reasons for wanting to become astronauts. The last little snippet after the credits with Asumi playing "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" on Lion-san's harmonica was great :)

*end spoilers*

Even though the animation wasn't top-notch, that really didn't matter to me as the important thing about Twin Spica is the story. The music for the show was much better than the animation. The opening theme, "Venus Say" by Busy, was the best opening song out of all the fall anime from last year. Using the song Lion-san plays on the harmonica as the closing theme was also nice. The rest of the music fit well with each situation is was used for. Good job :)

I can't really say enough about how good Twin Spica is. If you haven't watched it yet, I would highly recommend you do. You won't be disappointed. And bring the kleenex along 'cause you're gonna need it, believe me. One of the better shows I've had the pleasure to watch recently. And highly deserving of a high rating from me. I hope some US distributor picks it up soon since I would buy it :)

Final Rating: A

I have read 3 volumes of the manga and did notice some differences between it and the anime. I have not read the last 2 volumes of the manga, so I don't know how that compares with the later episodes of the anime. But it seems that some things had to be cut in order for the anime to finish up in 20 episodes. Whenever I get the rest of the manga I'll be back to talk about that more and reevaluate the anime from that.

Show Info:
Original Work: Yaginuma Kou
Animation: Group Tak
Episodes: 20
Official Website
Began airing: November 1st, 2003
Ended: March 27th, 2004

Fansub available at: Animesuki Twin Spica page (up to episode 8)
Subbed by: Anime-Fansubs