EX Home | Search | FAQ | Email Prev. Page | Contents | Next Page
ANIME REVIEWS

Copyright © Genco, Radix/Pioneer LDC, Kadokawa Shoten, TV Tokyo
Broadcast Times:
Mondays 25:15-25:45



—by Ivevei Upatkoon

The first thing that caught my eye about this series is the character designs. They are a little reminiscent of GUNDAM WING, with a down-to-earth look and a subdued tone that I personally find very pleasing. I believe this is the first series that Sano Hirotoshi acts as character designer, although he has held assistant posts or worked as animation director in many anime such as GUNDAM MS08th TEAM and ESCAFLOWNE. In fact, on the production side, NAZCA does not really have any big names. The director, Tokita Hiroko, has been long in the industry but remains somewhat of a fledging in this role.
  Considering these circumstances, it would be unreasonable to expect something on the level of the polished finesse of COWBOY BEBOP, yet one can always hope for a fresh flavor. Fortunately, perhaps, I watched this series without any knowledge of the show's background, not even its name. It was a decidedly novel experience that I rarely had while in the US.
  The result is that, after the first episode, I am left extremely interested, with high hopes for what looks to be a visually satisfying anime with an original storyline.
  To date, four episodes of NAZCA have been broadcasted, and my feelings are now ambivalent. Because while I do really like the show, I am also disappointed by its many flaws, ranging from poor animation quality to inconsistent presentation to use of inexcusable cliches.


  NAZCA's highlight is the opening sequence. Like many anime this season, it makes liberal use of CG. The CG does not blend with the cel animation, but because of the way the sequence is constructed, the effect is not jarring, but rather quite fitting. Done to a powerful opera version of Bach's "Fugue in G Minor," it begins with scrolling text of strange writing, switching to the bright sun over a great dusty plain before coming to rest on a representation of the famous Nazca line drawing of a bird. Then from behind a waterfall of billowing vapor emerges a massive golden Inca mask. While two warriors complete with feathered headdresses battle each other, a priestess raises her hands to the sky as a single tear rolls down her cheek.
  The setting is modern day Japan and focuses on a boy named Kyouji. He is on his way to see a match in which his kendo instructor, Tate, is participating, but bumps into a young woman who turns out to be Tate's fiance. Together they sit down to enjoy what was to be an exciting match, but instead are shocked to the core when Tate's form changes to that of an Inca warrior and his slice cuts through his opponent's padding. It is the beginning of a nightmare for Kyouji. His formerly benign teacher transforms from a kind, caring person into a ruthless madman bent on turning Kyouji to his warped cause, or killing him if he resists. For Tate is the reincarnation of the warrior Yawaru, and Kyouji is his enemy from the past, Biruka. Tate's fiance Yuka is the priestess Akurya, also to be wed to Yawaru in her past life but, like Biruka, eventually opposed Yawaru's plans of domination. NAZCA is a story of their awakening in this lifetime, and the ironies of the past uncontrollably repeated in the present.
  This show had a lot of potential in both story and atmosphere, and I still hope that it can fulfill some of it. Unfortunately, it looks as if it is suffering quite badly from budget and time constraints. The characters are thankfully quite consistent in appearance, but the animation leaves something to be desired. In the second episode there is extensive, but ultimately wasteful and inappropriate use of CG. The result is not that poor, but certainly compared to some of the other major productions it is simply average.
  Another complaint lies with the historical accuracy of the Inca sequences. I have no problem with the superhuman mystical powers, but it bothers me that they all dress in tights. One part where young Akurya and Biruka are running in a field of flowers irked me in particular, because it is so cliche that it is dismally out of place. Other instances feel badly paced or clumsily executed.
  But then again, there are parts where this show shines, for example where Kyouji cries as Yuka comforts him. Attention to emotional detail is something rarely found in other works of this genre and I greatly appreciate it. In addition, the faces of the characters, Kyouji and Yuka in particular, are very expressive. I would have to say that it is the biggest draw for me, together with Yuka herself. Yuka is a lovely character with deathly pale skin but dark lips, eyes, and hair, making for a prominent contrast. Very well voiced by Hayashibara Megumi, she is one of the new breed of strong, calm and wise female characters.
  It is difficult to judge a series based on only four episodes. The story is ambitious in scope and detail; the cast of players continues to grow with each episode; and there is also the hint of the mysterious lifeforce of the earth, Irya Tesse, the control of which appears to be a major part of Tate's plans. If NAZCA manages to pull it off without drowning in the weight of the epic, and I sincerely wish it every success, then it will definitely be one series to keep an eye out for.

EX Home | Search | FAQ | Email Prev. Page | Contents | Next Page