Feb 8, 2015
Studio: Diomedea
Director: Keizou Kusakawa
Series Composition: Jukki Hanada
Main Cast: Saki Fujita, Sumire Uesaka, Yuka Iguchi, Aya Suzaki, Ayane Sakura, Nao Touyama, Rina Hidaka
Synopsis
A mysterious fleet known as “Abyssals” appeared from the depths of ocean and attacked randomly. Fleet Girls are the only one who can stand against the Abyssals. Together with Tornado Squadron and others, they set to counterattack. Upon seeing Akagi fought, Fubuki earned admiration towards her and aimed to fight with her.
Chylle’s Impressions
As a filthy secondary to the series who has only read excerpts , 4koma, and drama CDs of the franchise, I came in expecting light hearted fun based from the staff listing (Director: Kusakawa [Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha], Series composition: Jukki Hanada [Love Live School Idol Project]) and I was not disappointed. Despite barely knowing the characters outside of their quirks and in-jokes, the first episode managed to place the setting succinctly and does not overload the viewer with infodumps for the fictional setting. Instead it showcases appearances of the main cast plus cameo appearances of several more ship girls in passing cuts. At the least it goes straight to its intended purpose of selling the girls by its initial presentation. Although on the flipside, outside of the main character, Fubuki, the introduction of at least 8 or more (I lost count) primary recurring characters leaves a very one dimensional impression. The rest of the characters do not feel engaging and those that do not like Fubuki may find the first episode rather weak seeing as their favorite girl may not have enough screen time than they want.
Regardless the episode is a solid start with cute and enjoyable characters to watch as you kick back and relax. The CGI by Studio Orange, though lacking in polished detail, captures and transitions well between 2D and 3D while still holding on to each girl’s charm and characterization perfectly. Making the admiral as a looming presence that has almost no screentime (he does not even have a face or voice) is, I think, a better approach to give all the airtime to the girls and their development. As for character design, I have some mixed feelings about this at the same time, I understand that it will be difficult to completely adapt the designs of the original ship girls seeing as they are illustrated by several artists of varying competence and skill. So a baseline for the anime is very understandable – it just saddens me that some of that charm is lost in the transition.
VERDICT: WATCH
