Ladies and gentlemen, our protagonist.
While others go on about how fabulous and campy Star Driver is, I’d rather just note that the show takes itself much less seriously than the characters and leave it at that. But if you can get past the goofy costumes, the homoerotic posturing, and the gratuitous/mangled spouting of French, then there’s a good deal here to like.
I think this shot is, like, mandatory or something.
There are two things that really stand out to me about this show, which I tweeted about yesterday. For those too lazy to check the links, the first one says I like how the protagonist, Takuto, doesn’t just accidentally stumble across his powers, etc. And, in a more general sense, the show subverts viewer expectations on several occasions. Hanners notes how the show avoids the usual amnesiac washing up on shore scenario: He’s not lost, beat up, or running from anything; he just missed the ferry. In fact, he knows more than he at first lets on, or seems to.
Also the animation is fucking gorgeous.
Those sorts of things really tell me the writers are familiar with the genre, love it, and are having fun playing around with it. Of course, to be familiar with a genre, the writers must have seen previous series. Which takes me to my number two reason for loving this episode: the numerous homages and references to other works (many of them from Bones).
Shinmaru (linked above) “kept expecting Takuto to shout, ‘Listen to my song!’ and was actually somewhat disappointed that he didn’t,” and then goes on to note how the mechanics of Takuto’s mecha were reminiscent of G Gundam. And Ghostlightning sees influence from Sousei no Aquarion. Then there’s the very Gurren Lagann setting for the mecha battle.
But as a fan of Bones myself, what I picked up on most easily were the references to some of my favorite shows:
Clearly inspired by Ayato’s from RahXephon.
Not only does Mr Eyepatch remind me of Shirow Watari from RahXephon, but wasn’t there a “bird in a cage” there too?
Then there’s the fanfare playing as Takuto gives Raging Bull a beating, which sounds very, very much like something straight out of Eureka Seven. (And I would know, as I’ve listened to that OST God knows how many times.) There’s probably more to list, but we can save that for the comments, can’t we?
What else is there to say, really? The OP was fun and colorful, the school bits were kind of boring, the action was well choreographed and beautifully animated, and the jargon was just a tad overwhelming. But the only thing that really matters is how much fun I had watching it. Because that’s what Star Driver is–fun, campy, fabulous, whatever you wanna call it. Thinking about this show now gives me the same feeling I get whenever I think of Eureka Seven, one of my absolute favorites. And maybe some of that comes from my bias towards Bones in general. Still. This is definitely in the running for best first episode of the season.
Screencaps I couldn’t fit into the post:
Love the background here.
I’d like to know whose idea it was to add that ring to this mecha.
28 Comments
ah shoot! I’ve got to move this up my play list then
thanks for the heads up!
Not only does Mr Eyepatch remind me of Shirow Watari from RahXephon, but wasn’t there a “bird in a cage” there too?
Yes there was, and yes he does, and that giant hand at the end reminds me of RahXephon, too.
Thought so. But what about the hand reminds you of RahXephon? (It’s been a while since I’ve seen it.)
Inside the cockpit or whatever there is something like that rising out of water. It is kind of the command chair. The scene where Quon appears in the RahXephon is the scene I’m thinking of. Here are some caps:
http://yfrog.com/49rahxephon1p
http://yfrog.com/jnrahxephon2p
http://yfrog.com/e8rahxephon3p
Yes, I can see that. Thanks.
For some reason I never made the connection with the RahXephon beach picture. Huh, I guess Bones really are throwing out homages to their previous series. I was too distracted by the GINGA BISHOUNEN and KIRABOSHI~♥
I suppose that KIRABOSHI was pretty distracting (also, hilarious).
Because that’s what Star Driver is–fun, campy, fabulous, whatever you wanna call it.
Another F word to add to the list; flamboyant. Seriously, the shoes alone on that mecha…
I know next to nothing about mecha (and I admit I can’t see that changing in the near future), however I also really liked the energy, the visuals and the something-for-everyone quality of the show so far.
And yes, that GINGA BISHOUNEN was just too funny
Knew I forgot one. Though I was more focused on the headgear than the footwear (it’s so. . . poofy). My sister (watching over my shoulder) even wondered was it smoke, but. . . no.
Lol at ‘poofy’ – which, incidentally, is also UK English slang for ‘gay’. Nuff said.
No wonder I like it so! (The hat, that is.)
Big fan of RahXephon here, too, and I noticed what you pointed out, but since you mentioned it on Twitter I figured you’d be mentioning it on here, as well, and I didn’t want to horn in on your observations like a douche. :p Now I’m just imagining all of Star Driver’s ridiculousness to the tune of RahXephon’s fantastic soundtrack, and it’s making me laugh even more . . .
Ah, well, thanks for the consideration. Don’t think I could possibly laugh at this show any more than I already am, though.
I think I was too distracted by the Fabulousness of Ginga Bishounen on my initial viewing to really take note of all the homages fired in here – although did see the RahXephon-like painting.
I’m quite looking forward to seeing how BONES keep this show interesting and fun.
Kiraboshi~!
For me it was seeing that painting that really triggered my “identify references” mode. And I’m with you in looking forward to what they’ll be giving us to keep it interesting (though implied there is the hope that they will).
Wow, after watching this episode…I don’t know what to think.
It’s like watching a souped up version of Sailor Moon…with robots.
The animation and music were great. I just hope the storyline starts making sense someday soon…
Thanks for the review, Chronolynx!
I’d be more likely to say Utena than Sailor Moon, but whatever floats your boat. And I put my faith in Bones that they’ll make sense of everything before it’s over.
I didn’t read your post until now, since I didn’t want my first impressions to be affected by another’s opinion before I started my own post. But LOL (and behold) I did use the image you said was mandatory! Not being a fan of Eureka 7 and not having seen most of the other shows you mentioned being referenced/showing inspiration from in Star Driver, I’m appreciating it on the camp level. But it’s good to know that there is more to it for fans of other Bones shows. It’d be a waste of a great staff lineup if it didn’t have some substance to it in some form.
Maybe it’s because it so succinctly encapsulates what the show is about? (That is, fabulous mecha.)
reading your review makes me wanna rewatch rahxephon!
I felt the same after writing it. (But that list is much too long already.)
Good catch on all of the anime tributes. I noticed the RahXephon one as well. The Birdcage thing actually reminded me of the ep in Escaflowne when Hitomi’s in the cage.
I keep meaning to watch Escaflowne, but can never find the time.
First episode was great. But not only is the episode itself strong, but take a look at what this all represents in-terms of production and promotion.
This show represents a pretty big risk by BONES, but also a pretty big experiment on their part:
1. This is Takuya Igarashi directing here, of Soul Eater and Ouran fame, a man who has apparently said he has no experience or pre-conceptions of the mech genre. He’s coming in a clean slate.
2. The story-writer from Utena. I’m sure it was Igarashi’s choice, but this is the big x-factor. Utena was a bit too strange for some, but with the right kind of guidance from the director, this could really sing.
3. A producer at BONES told us the reasoning behind the show at AWA a few weeks ago. Essentially, the transformation sequences and some of the “pretty boy” stuff is to really attract both sides base. You get your mech/shonen fans, and girls get their Sailor Moon-esque transforms and etc. As much as the camp level is well pulled off (with plenty of experience from Ouran), the true genius behind this philosophy is the attempt to appeal to both audiences at-once.
4. The other big thing that the BONES producer told us…and this is supposed to be a secret I suppose, but the character designers are not the two sisters listed on the ANN page. It’s a pseudonym…for Obata (manga artist for Death Note, Hikaru no Go, and Bakuman). In-fact, Obata personally did the promo manga that’s floating around…you can see his style in it. But this is still huge personel wise.
5. BONES oozes quality. It’s clear from the directing team to the sound and feel of the music and scenery, to the voice cast that BONES has their A+++ team on this. In an age of diminishing returns on anime, and a new global economy, BONES is doing everything in their power to have this thing land big in the east (and I’d argue the west as-well). After-all, the west loves mech, and the west loves BONES. They even did a Twitter feed for the show. This is the new model for anime production and promotion. It’s premiering at NYAF this weekend (brought by CEO of BONES himself), and if we don’t hear a streaming deal by Sunday or Monday with Crunchyroll or Funi, I’ll be shocked.
Very, very, VERY interested to see where all of this goes. *sparkle*
Thanks for the informative comment.
i just knew it was obata! thanks for the confirmation!
i’m not a huge fan of mecha – it has always turned me off – but this was so surprising that i couldn’t stop watching. no matter how camp, the production team has somehow really pressed all the right buttons. with kuragehime, this is gonna be a REALLY fun season to watch!!
This episode reminds me why I love Bones, they’ve always taken chances.
This. 100% this. (And I even love some of their less popular stuff.)
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