Haruka Takachiho

Maybe it's the translation, but this volume came across as rather awkward and juvenile. I'm a big fan of the manga and anime, but this reads more like an amateur retelling one of those stories (from Kei's narcissistic point of view) than the story itself. All the plot points are there, but they just feel...off. There's a strange disconnect, but I don't know whether it comes from the original work, the translator, or the shift in culture between Japan and America. It's probably a combination of all three.

Anyway, the overall plot's pretty straightforward. As usual, Kei and Yuri are sent to investigate a strange incident. They arrive, havoc and bloodshed ensue, and the incident is only the tip of a much larger (and more dangerous) iceberg. The newly-revealed threat is defeated, but only through staggering amounts of property damage and loss of life. As I said, pretty standard Dirty Pair fare.

I could see this as the basis for a pretty good OVA; I just wish the book were as good as the video could be. All in all, I'm not surprised that Dark Horse hasn't released a third novel.… (mehr)

This is it: the very book that got me into anime back in the day. I just happened to be at the comic book store (one that sadly is no longer there) and I spotted this book sitting in a prominent spot on a display shelf. I found the art and character designs highly attractive, and after taking a look at only the first few pages, I knew I had to have it. And soon afterwards I was busy tracking down the other books in the collection.

The Dirty Pair hold a special place in my heart because they're the first anime characters I ever became a fan of, but also because their series is a great one just by itself. The stories are of a sort that just aren't written anymore. They have a fine balance of plot, action and humor. Sure, the animation was a little choppy by today's standards, but the series holds up really well. And when it's in book form, the animation quality doesn't matter anyway!

This time around, Kei and Yuri have their hands full dealing with a mouse bent on world domination, and to state the obvious, fighting such a small, elusive foe is quite a challenge. Their ultimate solution is one that is clever and well-handled and it left me with a big, goofy grin on my face. In a word, it was fun.

It's a shame more of the episodes weren't made into Film Comics, but I imagine there wasn't enough money in that. Too bad. I'd have bought them all. And any fan of the Dirty Pair who can get their hands on these books should. They don't make 'em like this anymore.… (mehr)