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| Overall | Art | Animation | Character Design | Music | Series Story | Episode Story | Reviewer | |
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| Watch | 6 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 6 |
 Ggultra2764
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[series:1611#1552] |
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Dancouga has a number of the typical cliches you can find of titles in 70s and 80s mecha anime with an alien force seeking domination over humanity and a team of hot-blooded heroes piloting tanks that can transform into animal and humanoid mechs to combat said alien threat. While dabbling into the "super robot" side of mecha titles, the series also has its "real" elements coming from its focus on strategy and tactics among both humans and the aliens as they try to get an edge over one another, especially notable with major antagonist Shapiro Keats who betrays Earth and becomes involved with the aliens due to his god complex. Plus, the titular mecha of the series doesn't make its presence until toward the middle of the show's run as its pilots have to undergo gradual development mastering the animal and humanoid forms of their mechas before they develop the ability to combine together. This development does make the series feel like it drags during its earlier episodes, but things gradually build up with the story when the alien threat intensifies, offers some decent plot twists, and features some sacrifices made to deter the alien threat. An inconclusive ending (that continues on into the film sequel, Requiem for Victims), animation quality issues, and the characters largely being rather shallow as far as personality and development go also hinder the storytelling of the series to varying degrees as well. But if you're a diehard fan for old school mecha anime, this should likely be your cup of tea seeing Dancouga.
Last updated Friday, January 06 2023. Created Friday, January 06 2023. | ||||||||
| Unevaluated |
 Stretch
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[series:1611#628] | ||||||
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(Six episodes watched): This is a show which only someone who either watched it as a kid or who is into anime history could love. The new series Dancouga Nova has quickly become a favorite of mine, and has stirred up interest in this original version. I tracked down some used tapes on E-bay and eagerly awaited their arrival, gambling that this not-too-well known show wouldn't turn out to stink to high heaven. The OP song, with a love motiff, immediately had me grinning (I wish this was a DVD, so that I could rip the tune and save it!). This is most certainly an 80's show--it reminds me of Robotech a lot. Animation is cheesy and repetitive yet there is a distinct charm (for lack of a better word) to it. The sheer evil of the aliens, and the sheer weirdness of some of their bio-technology had me laughing. This show leaps right into the story, and takes off running. I was sure Shapiro's treason wouldn't be exposed until well into the series, but no, it's made obvious right from the start. Dancougar spells out the story with all the finesse of a sledgehammer--and I like it!! Here I know just what the hell is going on, unlike all too many anime series which leave me scratching my head. "Man!", I exclaimed to myself--while laughing--"this is incredible. They really made stuff like this back then?" (I'd almost forgotten). This original version of Dancougar is definitely far more violent than Dancouga Nova, in which the action is distinctly sanitized. Here a man is tortured and pilots meet horrible fates as their aircraft are blown to bits--it reminds me of the old Area 88 OVAs. Once the novelty wears off it becomes a good deal more difficult to maintain interest. But I think it's safe to say that my fears about the quality of Dancougar have not come to pass, not completely at least. I hope to watch it all--but have shelved it for the time being. P.S: One thing I've noticed: YAO Kazuki plays parts in both Dancougar series! Last updated Friday, February 08 2008. Created Saturday, April 28 2007. | ||||||||
Other Sites
| Name | URL |
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| Wikipedia Entry for this series | http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dancougar_-_Super_Beast_Machine_God |
