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| Overall | Art | Animation | Character Design | Music | Series Story | Episode Story | Reviewer | |
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| Buy | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 |
 Ggultra2764
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[series:223#1552] |
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If you thought FLCL was nonsensical, then Excel Saga takes the cake. This black comedy anime title pokes fun of enough elements of tragedy and death in anime and Japanese films. With gags such as sentai shows, Fist of the North Star, animal journies, constantly breaking the fourth dimension, and references to stuff behind the making of the series, this is but a small sampling of the craziness and hilarity that this series puts you through. The series has a habit of switching back and forth between different stories taking place in the series such as focus on Nabeshin and Pedro's problems with his wife. Just don't go expecting much of a plot for this series because Excel Saga is more focused on it's comedic gags and insanity than deeply focusing on Il Palazzo's plans of ideological conquest. The show knows that it isn't serious and carries that point through all the way to the end of the series. The final episode was even intentionally made to be too inappropriate to air on Japanese TV, thus its release as an OAV. That's some comedic genius right there. This series is an acquired taste though. If you want a plot or comedy that makes sense, then Excel Saga may not be for you. Not to mention that you need to have an extensive knowledge of anime and Japanese pop culture to understand many of the gags taking place throughout the series. But if you crave anything that is out of the ordinary, then Excel Saga could be your cup of tea for comedy. Last updated Saturday, October 11 2008. Created Saturday, October 11 2008. | ||||||||
| Buy | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
 Ilpalazzo
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[series:223#1977] |
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This is the weirdest anime I have ever seen and one of the funniest.
you can watch this over and over again and you still wouldn't get bored of it.
And there are no lame joke all the joke EXTREMELY FUNNLY EVEN AFTER WATCHING IT FOR 100 TIMES.
Even though excels voice was changed at the end witch is a bit annoying but this is still extremely funny and weird.
HIGHLY RECCOMENDED TO ANYONE
Last updated Thursday, October 20 2005. Created Monday, October 17 2005. | ||||||||
| Watch | 8 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
 manganime
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[series:223#1633] |
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LAME JOKES! Sorry but so many of the jokes were lame, childish and repetetive (Puchus dying were funny at first but after 20 times if gets borin). I did get the parodies and they weren't that funny either. But a FEW of the jokes are quite good. Another bad point was Excel's English voice was annoying beyond belief. If it weren't for the lame jokes and Excel this anime would be much better. I guess it's quite good to watch once but then I see no point in watching it agin but its okay to leave it on in the background. Last updated Thursday, October 14 2004. Created Thursday, October 14 2004. | ||||||||
| Buy | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 7 |
 Iceman_Aragorn
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[series:223#1517] |
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By FAR the funniest anime I've watched thusfar. While crazy like FLCL (though not quite to the same degree), this anime deserves more credit than some give it. The fact that every episode is an experiment, parodying a different genre of anime each week, there is a semblance of continuous plot throughout. The characters themselves are even parodys, with a "wastefully energetic" lead, a frail-to-the-point-of-daily-death sidekick, and a one-track minded boss intent on world domination (though he seems to have problems even taking over one city, considering his only 2 employees....) This is one helarious anime you won't forget, and if you like parodies, all the better. Definately a Buy in my books. Last updated Monday, February 28 2005. Created Thursday, July 29 2004. | ||||||||
| Buy |
 Stretch
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[series:223#628] | ||||||
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Ah, here's the sort of anime I've been looking for for a long time! I started out watching rented copies of the episodes, but it quickly became clear that I had to acquire the complete series for myself. Though it didn't seem as crazy as FLCL (once you accept that charachters can be resurrected at will), this show is still much funnier than the average anime comedy. Just the OP sequence cracks me up. I strongly prefer the subtitled version, because even in English, the lines go so fast that you can't understand half of them! (I read that the English voice actor playing Excel had to be replaced halfway through because she had strained her vocal cords!). Of course you'll need it on DVD so that you can pause on a clearly focused TV screen every couple of seconds. The optional tips ("vid-notes") which explain all the tie-ins to Japanese culture are half the fun! (Please allow me to humor myself into thinking that this is a sign of some sort of intellectual sophistication on my part). The only way to catch all of these as Excel falls into a seemingly bottomless pit in episode five is by pausing and pushing the pause button countless times to move forward one frame at a time--otherwise they flash by in the blink of an eye. Oh my God--I've watched the opening sequence countless times, but did you know that if you employ this same pause-button trick you'll see that when Excel rides a wave out of the pit she is entangled with a shark, a squid, a koala(?), a purple mutant something-or-other, a pleisiosaur, and an alien (and that's not all)? As luck would have it, I ordered the "Perfect Collection" for myself, but it suffers from one glaring imperfection--the notes are gone! I was devastated until it occured to me that I could just continue renting each volume, and painstakingly copying all the notes on the word processor (this may take so long that I'd be better off to pony up the cash to buy the box set which includes them!). Well, at least as I watch for them to appear I can ignore the subtitles for once and enjoy the animation itself (I hadn't noticed 'til now all the things people are trying to smuggle onto an airliner at the airport). I loved it when the bizarre expressions which appear on the faces of the "Puchuus" when they get punched were identified as a homage to the "Golgo 13" manga. I must admit the episodes do get a bit repetetive towards the end. They are less firmly focused on parodying a particular genre, which is unfortunate, because that was a lot of fun. On the other hand, the series got surprisingly touching towards the end after Excel is shot by Ilpalazzo (all the more surprising since this is by no means the first time that has happened!). I've heard that because this show relies for it's humor so heavily on things happening by surprise, it won't be all that rewatchable. As for me, I have already rewatched each of these episodes more often than the vast majority of the anime I've seen! In fact, I would say that each episode is a treasure which can (and must) be watched time after time. Guarandoo!!
Last updated Sunday, November 21 2004. Created Saturday, May 29 2004. | ||||||||
| Rent | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 2 | 7 |
 Dellchat
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[series:223#1122] |
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A tour de force on all things anime. While the series has a "story", each episode can stand on its own. The character design is outstanding, and the music is catchy. Kotono Mitsuishi does a great job, and Takehito Koyasu does a great job as her boss. Quite good.
Last updated Thursday, January 01 2004. Created Thursday, January 01 2004. | ||||||||
| Watch | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 9 |
 JuJuBi__X
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[series:223#765] |
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hmm...this is truly a wierd anime...one of the wierdest i ve seen...even though its hella wierd and stuff and *sumtimes* hard to understand...it was still worth watching!
Last updated Sunday, August 17 2003. Created Sunday, August 17 2003. | ||||||||
| Buy | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 3 | 8 |
 Yousei
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[series:223#755] |
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This anime is both extremely dumb yet smart at the same time. The comedy scenes are of course, hilarious, but the storyline is hidden in the shadows at times. Each individual episode follows the story well, and is quite creative in my opinion. As for the entire series goes...the storyline is WAAAY off. It's only good to watch if you're having a really bad day and want a good laugh. If you're looking for something with substance, then Excel just isn't for you!
Last updated Monday, July 07 2003. Created Tuesday, July 01 2003. | ||||||||
| Buy |
 bekku
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[series:223#816] | ||||||
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crack in living colours...the series is great none the less excluding certain episodes that are randomly placed in there just to fill up space (the new years competition episode for example...V_V i hated that episode.) it's altogether random and twisted, most people who view it at first say, "what the hell is going on!?!" and suddenly either fall in love with it or run away screaming. it depends on how much wierdness you can "put up" with and what your style of comedy is like. if you're a tom green fan, for instance, you'd probably enjoy it. i know i do, so buy the first DVD and check it out for yourself and share it with your friends. i did and i'm perfectly fine....9.9 Last updated Monday, June 30 2003. Created Monday, June 30 2003. | ||||||||
| Buy |
 Rirath.com
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[series:223#802] | ||||||
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Right from the start this series sets itself into a league of it's own. The intro music is every bit as catchy as the show itself. Excel's uber-cute look in the first few minutes is so dang... well, cute! And the constant switching between normal and super deformed characters is a hilarious staple of insane comedy anime. The jokes in this show are just plain outrageously funny. You name it, they've done it. The director of the anime and the author of the manga are featured in just about every episode doing the most ridiculous things you can think of. Every episode carries an "experimental" theme they try out, from sports to horror, which greatly helps to keep things fresh. What really keeps this series going for 26 episodes isn't just the over the top insane humor, it's the wonderful characters and story that keeps you watching and wanting to know what happens next. I particularly love the ending episodes where things get serious and wrap up well. It's one of them series where once you finish it, it will seem like you've known it forever. - Rirath.com Reviews & Fan Art Last updated Tuesday, June 24 2003. Created Tuesday, June 24 2003. | ||||||||
| Buy | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 9 |
 D-chan
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[series:223#547] | |
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Excel Saga is definitely one-of-a-kind. I suppose, in a way, it's to Japan what Monty Python and the Holy Grail is to America (Britain?). Simply put, it's hilarious, hardly anything makes sense, and it just keeps a smile on your face, whether it be fond, amused, or wry. Excel herself was insane, which I loved. I liked her wild, senseless speeches, her odd behavior, her dedication to Across (more Lord Il Palazzo), her amazing abilities to make even the sensible things senseless. It's absolutely insane, and I couldn't stop laughing. The art never fluctuates from what I can see. Some episodes are more disturbing than others (I reccomend skipping the last one, which I doubt will be in US marketing anyway). If you're not looking for humor or prefer animes with a thorough plot and deep characters, then you're in the wrong section. Which is not to say the characters are bad. Shallow though they may be, they're very amusing, and you can't help but love Excel's random hyperness, Hyatt's constant dying, Il Palazzo's strange infatuation with J-rock... What amazed me most, once after doing a bit of research, was the amount of popular seiyuus. I was delighted to find several of my favourites (Morikubo Shoutarou, Omi Minami, Okiayu Ryoutarou, Takehito Koyasu) and surprised to learn that Excel, our insane, probably brainless heroine, also voiced Tsukino Usagi of Sailormoon. Who'd have thought? If you can stomach some sick humor (there's quite a bit of blood, Excel's killed several times, and Hyatt dies at least once each episode), strange humor, and just plain weird concepts and characters -- not to mention parodies ranging from Gundam to Star Wars to Dragonball Z -- then this anime is highly reccomended. Last updated Sunday, April 06 2003. Created Friday, February 21 2003. | ||||||||
| Buy | 9 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 6 | 8 |
 Volk
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[series:223#541] |
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One of the funniest series out there. Evil ACROSS organization is trying to take over the world. Thankfully the hightest ranking officer is Excel. The series revolves around a hyperactive girl Excel (I never knew japanese could speak so fast), her partner Hyatt (Who has a bad habit of dying), dog Menchie (Excel's reserve food), Pedro (Foreighn Worker) and Excel's neighbors (I found them hallarious). Watch first 3 episodes and if you are not hooked, then you are probobly allergic to laughter. Last updated Wednesday, February 19 2003. Created Wednesday, February 19 2003. | ||||||||
| Watch | 7 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 5 | 5 |
 Sesen Kelader
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[series:223#471] |
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Except a few really humurous scenes, the entire story of Excel Saga is just out of common sense and reason. Watching Excel Saga would be a waste of time in most of the time when u are watching it. It gives u nothing but stupidity and jokes that I can't even pretend to laugh. There is no such thing as a story-line in Excel Saga whatsoever. It's a choatically mixed of all the stupid and idiotic parts of Japanese anime, which makes all the stuff even worse. If all u want to do is to kill ur precious-living time, then this would be the best one that I can think no substitute.
Last updated Sunday, January 26 2003. Created Sunday, January 26 2003. | ||||||||
| Buy | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 |
 AstroNerdBoy
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[series:223#436] |
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First, this show isn't going to be for everyone. If you aren't at least aware of a great deal of anime or Japanese culture, you are going to have a tough time with this series. The more anime you've seen through the time this series was released, the better as this series parodies a ton of anime titles, too many to list here. There are cultural items such as dating-sim games, lolicon fetishes, working part-time jobs, Power Rangers, and tons more. If you get the ADV DVD's of the series, the Menchi pop-ups can help explain or point out things you might miss. The first time I saw the series, it didn't appear that there was much, if any connections between the episodes. After watching all of the episodes, I re-watched the series and saw that in fact there is a story being pushed forward, howbeit a thin one. The overall storyline deals with the group Across's attempt to take over "F" city before moving on to Japan and then the world. The "B" story is about a city manager's desire to protect "F" city from a threat he knows exists and his creation of a team to fight the threat. The "C" story deals with the immagrant worker Pedro who dies in the first episode and then who's spirit wanders attempting to return to his "sexy wife" and son. This story has the most obvious continuity and it is funny how they weave it into the overall story at the end. Most episodes are designed with a specific parody in mind, but then within that, there are tons of sub-parodies and background jokes. Most of the humor is based on the parody aspects which is why having a great knowledge of anime and Japanese culture is so important. There is other humor such as slapstick humor, and the insane way this is put together helps add to the humor. The OAV episode entitled "Too Much" allowed the people of the show to take off the gloves and do anything they wanted to. So they get into some SERIOUS taboo stuff that is deep in Japanese culture. The lolicon joke is taken to the extreme. There's a vomit scene that is gross and funny all at once. And that's just for starters. Bottom line, the series pokes fun at anime, itself, the Excel Saga manga, the manga's creator, the series director (Nabeshin in the series), Japanese culture, science fiction, America, Pokemon (heh!heh!), Power Rangers, mecha, and so much more. To me, this was funnier the second time through, much like Monty Python was. You have to get over the shock first before you can enjoy it and you should know a lot about anime to really appreciate it.Last updated Monday, February 28 2005. Created Wednesday, November 27 2002. | ||||||||
| Rent | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 4 | 5 |
 Almost Eilonwy
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[series:223#428] |
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This anime seems to be to Japan what The Simpsons is to America. Cultural jokes abound, and it's likely that a lot of them will go over even the most diehard otaku's head. That being said, it's still an enjoyable anime. Though it's probably best to have watched quite a bit of anime before watching this so you can get some of the parodies. The story centers on Excel, the senior employee of Across, an organization dedicated to taking over the world, starting with the city they currently are based. This is basically a set-up to have parody after parody. Every episode starts with the manga author giving the anime producers permission use Excel Saga to make fun of specific genres or show or aspects of Japanese cultures. Magical girls, mecha, shoujo, sports dramas, monster movies, and more are subjected to the wackiness that is Excel Saga. I found it surprising that the last several episodes actually bring the plot back and it takes itself somewhat seriously, however, I suppose that is necessary to conclude the series. Remember, though, that "somewhat seriously" for Excel Saga is still pretty strange, and episode 26 is an add-on titled "Too Much", and that's pretty much what it is. Watch this first to see if you like it. It isn't for everybody. If you enjoy listening to Mitsuishi Kotono speak 100 words per second, then this might be the anime for you. Last updated Thursday, November 21 2002. Created Thursday, November 21 2002. | ||||||||
| Rent | 9 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 2 | 2 |
 Geo
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[series:223#206] |
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Now here's a flick that reminds me of the movie "Dumb and Dumber", It's stupid comedy. First, the animation is great looking. Everything has colour and nothing looks crummy. YOu'll see cute thing (the little yellow punchus) to funny looking guys (Nabeshin). Music... is ok, nothing special (unless you find the ending song amusing). Character designs, almost everybody in the show are nuts and whacked (well, maybe not everybody...). Now to the plot... very very little plot... that or the plot in each epidsode seems very useless. Usually Excel just goes on a lame mission but very funny stuff that doesn't make sense just happens. I would only suggest this flick for people who wanna laugh at stupid comedy. But if you're looking for a plot and comedy, maybe this isn't it so that's why I suggest people just to rent this. Last updated Saturday, August 11 2001. Created Saturday, August 11 2001. | ||||||||
| Buy | 9 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 6 | 6 |
 Krisha
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[series:223#68] |
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This has got to be the funniest anime I've ever seen. I like to describe it as anime on drugs. Ok so the story might be lacking in a few areas but that isn't the point of this show. What is the point then? Well, I'm not sure but when I figure it out I'm sure I'll be rolling on the floor laughing. The show is basically a parody of EVERYTHING! Including but not limited to: Animation styles, magical girls, cute monster shows (think Pokemon and Digimon), all other anime, the weather channel, Star Wars, Digi Charat, 70's millitary movies, talking animal movies, Koshi Rikudo (the manga author for Excel), Intel, tomato juice, the Powerpuff girls...ummm, Ok I'll stop. Even if you're not a fan of hyper, chunky, anime I still recommend watching this one at least once because I know people who don't even like anime but they love this show. Last updated Monday, May 07 2001. Created Saturday, March 17 2001. | ||||||||
| Watch | 9 | 9 | 6 | 6 | 2 | 3 |
 Joseph Owens
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[series:223#127] |
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Like my friend Mark, I think that this anime is very twisted. I think that the animation is good, but the story lacks a lot, however there are a few funny parts and episodes. If I where you I would watch a friends copy like I did and watch it first before you spend your money on it.
Last updated Saturday, April 14 2001. Created Wednesday, January 24 2001. | ||||||||
| Buy | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 4 |
 Mark Clifton
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[series:223#126] |
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If you like twisted comedy, this series is for you. It's not every series where it begins with the heroine gets killed by a speeding truck within' the first minute of the first episode, but that pretty much sums up Excel Saga. . . weird from beginning to end.
Last updated Sunday, September 08 2002. Created Monday, January 22 2001. | ||||||||
Other Sites
| Name | URL |
|---|---|
| Excel Saga | http://www.excel-saga.com/ |
| Excel_Saga.xls | http://www.andrew.cmu.edu/~jeffc/excel/ |
| Japanese Series Web Site | http://www.jvcmusic.co.jp/m-serve/tv/excel/ |
