|
|
||||||||||
| Overall | Art | Animation | Character Design | Music | Series Story | Episode Story | Reviewer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Watch | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 6 |
 Ggultra2764
|
[series:2143#1552] |
|
This mixed bag of a series offers a unique premise with its over-the-top and gritty take on gang wars within Tokyo yet it suffers quite a bit on delivering with the element of substance. Tokyo Tribe 2 is prominently focused on the tensions between Kai and Mera as both were former close friends and are now in rival gangs with the former desiring peaceful coexistence between the gangs while Mera seeks revenge on his former friend, blaming him for the murder of his girlfriend, and believes that trusting others will lead to one's death in the hostile world of gangs. The series does get you caring for the developments between the two and isn't afraid to show the brutal side to gang life with the power of authority getting to the head of some of the leaders and members not afraid to take the lives of others. The series also tosses in some over-the-top elements with its conflict between gangs as some of them are exaggerated stereotypes of racial minorities, the feats of a number of prominent characters get quite ridiculous and a couple character aren't quite human. The animation style to the series is quite unique with vivid colors, detailed scenery shots of various Tokyo locales and detailed character designs. The action sequences to the series are quite nuts to see thanks to the over-the-top presentation of the series with characters jumping between buildings and one gang even making use of a tank to take out their foes at some points in the series. The show's use of hip-hop and rap music also does well at going along with the premise to this series. Unfortunately, Tokyo Tribe 2 is quite lacking on substance. Beyond Kai and Mera's feud, the other characters within the series get limited to no depth thus limiting any connection one can have with the various characters, especially when they are killed off within the show. The resolutions to the various conflicts between gangs and characters also tends to get resolved way too conveniently in the final episodes killing quite a bit of the suspense within the series just to force a happy ending. Also be warned that the series is quite graphic featuring some brutally violent scenes with some dismemberment, detailed frontal nudity, sexual situations and a few rape scenes. I will give Tokyo Tribe 2 some credit with trying to deliver a unique and gritty premise with its over-the-top look into urban gang wars. But the limited characterization and contrived resolution to the conflicts within the series greatly limits any other aspects to the show one could be hooked into. Last updated Wednesday, March 07 2012. Created Wednesday, March 07 2012. | ||||||||
| Rent | 5 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 8 |
 manganime
|
[series:2143#1633] |
|
Overall I found this to be an enjoyable series, it was better than I first anticipated it to be (since I disliked the second episode). You would particularly enjoy this if you are a hip-hop fan and find gang-related stories exciting; I perosnally am quite a big fan. However, what prevented me from giving this a 'buy' rating is the some-what inconsistance of the show and some moments which seemed either daft or just quite stupid (I will refrain from giving any examples so I don't give away any spoliers). The artwork was not exactly to my taste although it was unique and I did like the bright colours that the city was lit up in, the animation was very stale and shoddy in places (look out for some terrible lip-syncing in the 2nd episode). What puzzled me throughoyut the show was the non-exisistance of any form of law and order in the city (there was only a very brief mention of the police half-way through the show), and with all these gangs fighting for territory, wouldn't the Yakuza at some point step in? I have read a bit of the manga and it does seem to be quite different and there was presence of the police. That aside (I left out some other nit-picks), I would still recommend this to those who don't mind series of this nature (I know that anime fans and hip-hop/gang culture do not always mix). Also, look out for a very shocking scene in the first episode...try not to get thrown by it! Last updated Sunday, June 14 2009. Created Sunday, June 14 2009. | ||||||||
