Hello fellow painters! If you accompanied my latest blog you must be aware that I'm stepping into a new kind of review that I had never done before. I've been watching a pretty obsessive amount of Anime series recently, and it has just gotten worse. So I decided to not let the amount of analytical thinking that I've been making go to waste!

My previous blog of this kind, as of now, had few views (~60) and some commentaries. But due to the encouraging nature of the comments and the warm reception from you, my readers, I decided to give it another try, and today I'll be reviewing another Anime!

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I will try too keep potential spoilers as reduced as possible

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Today, the review is for:

Toward the Terra

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Series Information:

Main Themes: Sci-Fi
Sub Themes: Military, Space Warfare, Tradegy, Action, Drama, Adventure, Fantasy
Time: Future
Episodes: 24 (~22 minutes each)
Year: 2007
Available in DVD quality (720x480 (Anamorphic 873x480).
My recommended Audience: 14+

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Review

This series is a recreation from the original Movie (1980), which many claim to be pretty good but nothing compared to the adapted series.

And I'm considering this to be one of the best Animes I've watched so far.

I'll start with a short introduction to the story (light spoilers/spoiler free).

Upon reaching ultimate greatness, the Human race found itself killing its home planet, Earth also referred as Terra. Once Terra became so devastated it couldn't bear life anymore, they left to colonize new words in new solars systems across the galaxy.

At that point, Human Race created a system known as Superior Dominance (SD) which has its basis on super computers, venerated at some point, as holy deities. Birth control is extremely strict, and new humans are born artificially under modified genetic patterns.

The system controls people's will, to maintain order and superiority. Centuries later, spontaneous mutations start to happen and create what is considered a new branch of the Human race, known as the Mu. The Mu have psychic abilities and are considered a threat by the system, which condemns them to death or isolation as soon as they are identified.

Well, there you cans see a potential social/political critic inside the Anime, I don't know if its just me, interpretations are quite volatile anyways.

The story is huge, and somewhat complex, besides being made under a simple foundation. Everything becomes stupidly clear after the end, but I'm sure you will have many doubts until you watch everything. Which is good, it doesn't let the excitement die and you always want to know more!

Character development is admirable. There are so many key figures in the Anime that they end up shadowed by their own detailed development. Despite the huge amount of important characters, you will certainly learn a little about each of them. Its actually pretty incredible that they could fit so much within the characters themselves in 24 episodes and an huge story to deal with.

One thing that I really liked on this Anime, is the way it treated both "sides" of the conflict. The Mu are, indeed, the protagonists of the story, but the Human characters also have a very good treatment. You always know what both sides are doing.

At some point, it feels the series is trying to hold too much on its hands and it almost hurts itself because of that. Character fragmentation gets really big and its always hard to let everyone have the same amount of attention, right? Whoever, I must admit that it did pretty well. It could be better if more episodes were added, it wouldn't bother watching more . Yes, just like as if there was not enough space for the greatness of the story and characters, but no worries, that is far from ruining the whole thing.

The Animation and artwork is really, really good. One of the best Animations I've seen so far. There is some 3D artwork, mostly space warships, don't worry, they are very well implemented. There is nothing that bothered me in the artwork, it is exceptional.

The music is not exceptional, there is not a theme that identifies with the series, which feels quite empty : (. It wouldn't be a bad idea to have an special theme for such a great show. Sound effects are not bad at all, but not exceptional as well.

And here I go again having a hard time finding a masterpiece such as this one to watch! This is why we end up exigent <-<

Verdict

Totally recommended for experienced watchers and young (15+) public. The action is great, the story has a lot to tell, and characters are truly unique and well developed. There is always something new at the edge of each episode, and the series is densely packed with refreshing moments, all the time! You never get tired of it.

Be aware that it is full of military action, and that means a good amount of blood and considerable gore. This is why I don't recommend it for -12 public.

This one of those series that you are always asking yourself "Whats going to happen next, then?". Very Stimulating!

If you don't cry during it, you will cry at the end I hope this doesn't count as a spoil! Hey, of course I didn't cry, I'm a strong man!

*Secretly sobs*

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Thank you for reading this Anime review! I'm open to criticism, please leave your comment.

Based on feedback and demand, I will take these reviews further. If you liked, please let me know.

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