Kurogane Communication

Title:Kurogane Communication
Overall:Rent
Keywords: , , , , , , ,
Notables:
On a future Earth completely devastated by war, a 14-year-old girl lives with five robots in the ruins of Japan. Having been awoken from a cold sleep, Haruka has grown up knowing only the company of a group of eccentric robots who protect and comfort her, as they search for other survivors.

The robot, Spike, who looks and behaves like a troubled little brother, is Haruka's best friend. The white-faced very reserved robot, Cleric serves as the advisor, while the very troubled combat robot, Angela protects the group. The mean-looking Reeves wears a pink apron and behaves as the parent, while the floating ball, Toriga is just plain angry and very ineffective. Both together, they are Haruka's family.


24 episodes, released in 1998/99
Produced by A.P.P.P.
Licenced for R1-USA release
OverallArtAnimationCharacter Design MusicSeries StoryEpisode StoryReviewer
Buy 8 7 8 7 9 9 Ggultra2764 [series:1121#1552]
This was quite the enjoyable title for me. While sentient robots and post-apocalyptic settings are nothing new to be seen in anime, Kurogane Communication puts a somewhat positive spin on the mix in its focus on Haruka and her robotic companions. Many of the characters seen throughout the series, both human and robot, get a great amount of fleshing out allowing you to connect with their characters and understand both the strengths and flaws of their characters, whether it be Haruka experiencing flashbacks about her past or robots like Spike comprehending whether they are "alive" if they are programmed as so. The plot buildup was also quite engaging as Haruka and her group deal with the challenges of surviving on an Earth in ruins while trying to remain as optimistic as possible in retaining some sense of normalcy. Circumstances such as water shortages, enemy robots, a tsunami and tracking down signs of more human life are experienced by the group as they survive on the ravaged planet. This is quite impressive for a series where its episodes normally clock in at about ten minutes a piece.

There isn't really much I have to nitpick about concerning issues with the show. The visuals looked above average in quality as there was a good amount of detail shown in character designs and scenery with subdued shades of color that are effective at conveying the down-to-earth yet serious mood that the series gives off. However animation is rather subpar at points, particularly in action scenes as shortcuts in the animation were apparent to me. In addition, I can't help but but nag at some characters being underdeveloped such as Trigger and Cleric.

But minor nitpicks aside, Kurogane Communication is a worthwhile and under-appreciated series putting a more positive spin on the everyday activity and situations faced by Haruka and her companions in this post-apocalyptic title, while retaining a sense of seriousness in depicting the challenges faced by the group given their predicament.

Last updated Friday, June 17 2011. Created Friday, June 17 2011.
Watch 8 7 7 7 8 8 Dreamer [series:1121#2279]
If it wasn't for me contemplating the synopsis above, I probably would not have picked this one up. It ended up being worth the time spent on all 24 episodes.

Art, Animation & Character Designs
Artwork wasn't bad for the period it was releases (late 90's). Animation was okay but at times seemed to be missing a few frames. Character designs were average and nothing special.

Music
The OP was a 90's style japanese pop piece. Not annoying but simply ok. The rest of the soundtrack wasn't bad but nothing noticeable.

Series and Episode Story
The cast of characters here were definitely different. A bunch of humanoid robots that act and behave like humans. Oh wait... that's nothing new in anime! The plot was nothing to really make mention of. However, what makes this series still worth watching are the episodes. Each episode actually has substance and enjoyable all together. You do get a bit of an interesting plot as it draws to a close however.... with a few surprising revelations. By the way, the robot "Reeves" is "not" the Terminator.

As the series progresses, a concept of "what it is to be alive or human" is constantly being portrayed. At times, an episode might leave it open for debate and it's up to you as the viewer to come up with your own conclusions.

Overall, it's a pretty ok series. It doesn't shine in any one category but rather, nice and balanced.

Last updated Monday, November 30 2009. Created Monday, November 30 2009.

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