Three Reasons Why Planetes Rocks!
Oh man, I promised myself I wouldn't be too vocal about whatever series turns into a favorite of mine, but I can't help it with this one. Every once in a while there's a series that reminds me why I love this medium so much.
If you looked at this other thread, you shouldn't be surprised that this was coming. :p I was going to make a proper review thread of sorts, with in-depth character analysis and all that, but that's way too much work. :p Perhaps I should save that energy for a fan site or something, and it's not like this series needs it, it's pretty simple and easy to watch. Anyways, I apologize if this is too lengthy.
This is a hype thread. But criticism, comments, and questions are more than welcomed! Below I'll be giving you my top three reasons why I love this gem of an anime series so much, and hopefully catch the interest of a few other fans that may share similar interests to mine. This series definitely needs more fans!
But first, some info on the series before you even consider getting into it. I realize that this sort of anime may not be for everyone, so if Sci-Fi is really not your thing, then click back. However, if you're interested in the story and are looking for a character centered story, please read on.
What is Planetes?
Planetes is a Hard Science Fiction anime. "Hard Science Fiction" refers to Sci-Fi that is more grounded to realism; that is, it sets for fictional situations that are thought to be highly possible in the near future. In contrast, a regular Sci-Fi story would involve something like super powered giant robots, time travel, etc. Hard Sci-Fi is not concerned with so much fantasy; it has more emphasis on real science.
Planetes is also an anime based on the manga of the same name by manga-ka Makoto Yukimura. The story of a group of garbage space collectors who are understaffed, underpaid, and overexploited. Called the "half section" typically because they're half-staffed, but it is also believed that they're half-hearted, half-witted, half-trained, and you get the picture. Ridiculed by the rest of co-workers in their company, they endure many tests and learn to grow together as a unit.
The manga spans for 4 volumes, so being the relatively short manga that it is, an anime production wasn't that far off the calendar. The series re-tells many of the events in the manga but in a different tone; however it still maintains the essence of the main story and more importantly, its characters. The anime is done by Sunrise, it spans for 26 episodes, and it is directed by Goro Taniguchi (Infinite Ryvius, s-CRY-ed).
My Top 3 Reasons Why You Should Buy Planetes!
- It's Character Driven
- It's All About the Drama
- Quality Treatment
A key element in all my favorite anime, is that they're all pretty much about the characters. There isn't a single story out there that doesn't pay some sort of attention to its characters, but often times, they're overshadowed by an overarching plot, and it turns out it's more about the story than the characters. Well I believe that characters are the story; I don't really need a plot with tons of cliffhangers to enjoy an anime. Sometimes I simply want to enjoy watching them do their daily things at work, their conflicts, their relationships, etc. If you feel this way too, then Planetes is for you.
There's certainly a lot of chemistry between the characters, and you're pretty much guaranteed something crazy or silly is about to happen, particularly the "rookie" Ai Tanabe, and the oddball and simpleton Hakimachi. The rest of the crew has their own flavor of course, Yuri is the quite but well gathered type, Fee, the chief, can't live a day without a smoke, and there's also quite the history with some of the previous members of the "Half Section" (real name is ToyBox) that have moved up the ranks. I think it's safe to say that Planetes features a rather... 'colorful' cast. :p
In the same vein as characterization, you can't enjoy the characters unless there's drama to accompany them, right? Planetes is all about the drama. The main attraction of Planetes is perhaps the interesting concept of space debris, but what holds the show together are its characters. The show throws you a wealth of characterization that by the time you finish watching the second or third DVD, you'll feel like you've known these characters forever. It doesn't dwell on long narratives and it doesn't dwell on a soap-opera and depressed teenagers to convey a highly engaging and emotional story. Instead, Planetes gives you snippets, just little bit of hints found in their common conversations that tell you about a character's past and his or her relationships with other crewmates. If you like characterization done piece by piece; if you like realistic drama with a good blend of comedy and even a little of romance, then Planetes is for you.
In essence, Planetes is all about the human spirit. Some scenes are a bit cheesy, I'll admit, but I'll be damned if I didn't say that optimism and idealism are too often shot down. If a story about achieving dreams (or die trying) appeals to you, you should definitely give this series a look.
If you're the type of fan that needs the technicalities to finalize your decision (glares at Andy), then know that Planetes is presented in a lush 16x9 widescreen format, it's got solid and appealing animation, a great soundtrack, a good English dub, and it's LOADED with extras. You got interviews with NASA, interviews with English cast (I believe the Japanese cast will be in the last DVD), audio dramas, and more! Not to mention that you can get the first two volumes for relative cheap at BestBuy! In short, not only would you be getting some quality stuff, but you're getting your money's worth.
And that's just on the first 3 DVDs! :D Yep, when the show is done expect an update. Hmmm... I might even turn this into a fan webpage depending on feedback and my impression on the ending. A Top 5 maybe?
A few final words...
I love this series, but it may not be for everyone. I may hype it, but I'm hoping I don't over-hype it. This is not the end-all be-all of anime (that would be Bible Black >=) ), and I understand that drama is not the favorite of everybody. I also understand that the episodic nature of the show may turn off a few fans. Planetes is not big on plot (so far anyways); however, if you're at all interested in a character centered anime (like Cowboy Bebop), then perhaps this thread is dedicated to you. :)
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Thanks for reading!
