This is probably the most we have seen out the mecha genre is quite some time so how does this season measure up? Well, I have to give this one to Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet with Valvrave the Liberator being close second. Though that is really saying much. I will explain why after the break.
I didn’t choose Gargantia simply because it was pitched by Gen Urobuchi but because it can stand on its own. It isn’t just a mecha show but show with mecha in it. I feel that a lot went in to show from the animation to the world that it presents. It isn’t perfect show but it certainly well-crafted and unlike the other mecha show season it feels as like it know who it want to be.
The problems with the show mostly stem from the show’s slow pacing which could be off putting to some. The show sure did take it sweet time getting to the real meat of the story. It almost took the entirety of the series almost. However, when it did it sure does deliver. It almost makes forgive the show’s slow pace. Almost.
If I remember correctly there was a beach episode and almost immediately after we have three of main females run in dancing provocatively in some really skimpy clothes. Honestly, were those two episodes really necessary? Admittedly they did sprinkle in a few things that did advance the plot a bit but for the most part they were unnecessary. Regardless, the show has a strong cast of characters and an engaging plot if it not a bit far-fetched at times. The show is easily one the better shows of the season and without a doubt the best mecha anime this season.
Valvrave on the other hand feels like I have been there done that. It think is good show but it is still just a mecha show. It doesn’t really offer much new. It would be like you had something you had for a while and decided to package it up in pretty little wrapping paper and passed it off as something new. I still like because it is a mech show but it also because of that I feel like I am giving more praise than it otherwise deserves.
The show relieves on mostly shock value to keep viewers engaged. They are many times were the show get really out there in its plot if not downright silly. Since the show relies much on shock value the show can be a bit repetitive in nature which is fault. So the show is going to appeal to everybody. The show can be best describes as a train wreck. You know what’s going to happen but it just hard to look away. However, as bad as Valvrave can get it is nowhere near as bad as the monstrosity that is Majestic Prince which I dropped. While one could argue that it gets better later. However the one episode that I saw is so horribly clichéd and otherwise remarkable in almost every aspect that really only a miracle can save it.
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