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Rating: PG
U.S. Distribution Rights: Bandai Entertainment
Genres: Comedy, Sci-Fi
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Saber Marionette J to X (OVA)
Description:
Taking place mere months after the Saber Marionette J OVA series, this newest installment in the Saber Marionette line follows the continuing adventures of Otaru and his clan of selfless, obsessive marionette girls. This time, the evil Faust is back, and again toying with Marionette technology that was never meant to be explored. The Saber Dolls are back, and torn between their newfound love for Otaru and their undying loyalty to Faust; Will Otaru, Lime, Cherry and Bloodberry be able to stop Faust again, or are they all headed for the scrap heap?
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Reviewer: Zac Bertschy
Episodes reviewed: 1-12, subtitled
| Grade: 75% (C)
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Saber Marionette J has always struck me as something of a guilty pleasure. Devoid of any real thought-provoking content, aside from some basic feminine psychology, the anime efforts of Saber Marionette J have typically resulted in entertaining if not particularly high quality series. Saber Marionette J to X is no different. The only thing that's really changed here is the character designs, moving from the semi-pleasing designs found in the first series and OVA to a more disfigured look. There are more gravity-defying ribbons found in this series, as well as squashed, exaggerated cheekbones and chins that make the characters look genuinely unappealing. Character designs alone are not a good reason to dislike a series, however, and Saber Marionette J to X Is most certainly not without it's high points.
Saber Marionette J to X has more quality episodes than the previous series did. This series explores the idea of what it is to be artificial a little more, focusing on how the three Marionette girls interact with the world around them. This makes for some very engaging episodes, and for a series that claims to be pondering the nature of existence, these episodes are a step towards that lofty goal. They're not all like that, however, and some of the episodes seem to be simply recycling old Saber Marionette J storylines. The end result is a ridiculously mixed bag, with high points that may or may not be worth it. One of the things marring this series is the cheaply done digital animation. Camera pans are far too quick and far too "digital looking" to be effective. It ends up looking tacky and overdone, and makes the series rather ugly. Regardless, Saber Marionette J to X isn't a total loss. The good episodes are actually really good, and definitely worth sitting through the filler for. Fans of the original series won't be disappointed - anyone else is suggested to take a look at the first TV series before viewing this one.
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