Read or Die TV - The paper magic continues!

[Last Exile]

Okay, I've seen 17 episodes of Read or Die TV out of the 26, and I must say, it's easily one of the best 2003 series by a long shot.

Okay, now, major warning for those in the US, Uk and so forth who've only seen Read or Die. Yomiko Readman, aka 'The Paper' is not in the start of this one.

However, she does enter the story eventually. When, I'm not telling. It is worth the wait, let me tell you.

The scenario is that five years have passed since the I-Jin incident. The British Secret Library Agency has gone underground, 'The Paper' is nowhere to be found, and a world famous author, Sumigewara Nenene, is unable to write her new novel and is very disheartened by not having seen Yomiko for 5 years.

Enter three paper using 'sisters' - Michelle (tall blonde who is very honest and lively), Maggie (very tall black-haired chick, tomboyish, quiet but resourceful) and Anita (pink-haired runt, very agitated and gruff). These sisters make a living by doing jobs for the Chinese government. However, they get the job to protect Nenene-sensei from an assassin. Nenene stubbornly refuses, but after a veyr entertaining 1st episode, a rocky but amusing and critical relationship between the four of them develops.

The first ten episodes are a mix of slow and fast pace, and you might feel that some bits weren't necessary, but in retrospect, this groundwork is essential. We learn about the four characters, get to see them in everday life and chances to empathise with them.

But after you watch episode 9 (P.S. There is a certain 3-minute scene in this episode that guys will drop their jaws at in awe and girls will be going 'Is that really necessary?!'), the higher power struggles begin to emerge. Seems that there are seven special books that contain all the knowledge in the world about humanity, the universe and how to make humanity enter its ultimate state. The Imperial Empire (aka the Brits) want them bad, and so do the Dokusensha (Chinese terrorists). The four characters realise they're being woven into a course of events that will determine the fate of the world. And once you get to see the aftermath of the big showdown in Hong Kong and of the I-Jin incident 5 years ago, everything begins to fall into place. And a word of warning, Episodes 16 and 17 contain some scenes very reminiscent of Nazi Germany, war crimes and WWII in general, so be prepared. You will be shocked.

Obviously, there are some major questions that need answering? Who are the Dokusensha exactly? What happened to the Brits (aka Joker-san and Wendy and co.) after I-Jin that caused them to go bad? Why did 'The Paper' suddenly go missing? Why do the organisations want Nenene as one of their prized subjects? What exactly is in the seven books that could change the world forever? What is Anita's secret past and link to 'The Paper'? Most of all, who can you trust?

Now, again, don't expect Yomiko to rock up for a while. She does come, along with another couple of surprise returns in the couple of episodes after that. You'll need some time to appreciate the other four characters, for the show does revolve around them for the majority of it.

Animation wise, very high quality. J.C. made this series their top priority for 2003, and it clearly shows. Very catchy music, a very well thought out plot (Hallelujiah, someone actually thought out a plot properly for once!), storyline flows well, characters are a really likeable bunch. And yeah, once I've seen this, I will be watching it again in the future.

Simply put, the R.O.D. OAV was the taster. Prepare the sink your teeth into the main course come June 29, people. The project no one wanted to touch has been handled very well. While I still ahve a few eps to see, this series simply owns almost everything else released in the last 18-24 months. This series will get as much recognition, say, as Last Exile, Scrapped Princess and Full Metal Panic? (Fumoffu). It's mostly action with a bit of comedy thrown in.

Basically, see it or die! (Couldn't resist thet pun!)

[Roarkiller]

Jouhou, hitotsu ga shiritain da.

Where can i still get ROD OVA in .avi format?

[Last Exile]

1. Translation, please!

2. ROD OVA downloadable? I don't think so!