wow thanx for the review and this is my fav anime ^_^
Rental Magica tv Review
Story & Characters
Magic is considered mysticism or an occultism ever since time immemorial. Documents support some of the earliest
foundation and beliefs of magic but no one really knows how and when it really started. Magic itself is believed to take
on different forms and practiced using different beliefs and rituals.
Itsuki’s dilemma has been getting worse – will he accede to being a president or not? Due to his father’s
unexpected disappearance, the burden of running a company has been put to entirely onto his inexperienced shoulder. The
problem is, this is not just an ordinary company… this is Astral, a Magician Dispatch Firm handling requests from
clients involving the supernatural and beyond. Together with a Celtic witch, an Onmyouji, a Shinto disciple, and a ghost
as staff members, how will Itsuki balance managing and fulfilling requests when he himself is uncertain of his
capabilities?
Rental Magica is one of those recent anime series that utilizes the art of magic and supernatural as base elements of
the story. It also depicts an in-depth aspect of magic used by each character making the anime rather appealing and
well-diversified. It even strongly elucidates the magical origin and heritage of each magic type. On the other hand,
Rental Magica takes on a non-linear approach (similar to Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya) in presenting its story. More
likely, you’ll get confused at first but the way the anime presents itself means a much deeper and substantial plot
masked by non-storyline episodes. It balances battles with simple inspiring episodes as well.
Character reviews
Itsuki Iba
-Current President of Astral, a magic-for-hire company, is just incidental after his father suddenly disappeared. As the
new president, he has to manage everything from accepting requests down to exorcising anomalies. He even has to study
basic folklores and magical facts since he lived a normal life up ‘til his 2nd year high school. Weaker than most of
the members, this kind-hearted adolescent has an eyepatch concealing a demonic right eye. Itsuki possesses Glam Sight
in his right eye which, when used, allows him to see magic and its weaknesses, control the flow of spell-waves and even
peer into the memories of magic users that do battle against it. He can even detect maleficient energy once his right
eye hurts.
Honami Takase Ambler
-A Celtic magic and Witchcraft expert, Honami is Itsuki’s friend ever since they were young but since Itsuki’s right
eye incident, she vowed to protect him at all cost. Honami’s expertise lies on the ancient magic of Celtics which
draws its power by being in harmony with nature. It draws upon natural magic energy involving the power of the forest
and rock with the use of sacred song, cyclobalanopsis, mistletoe, and stone circle. Celtic magic was on the brink of
being forgotten from the magic world but Honami revived it and used it to her disposal. Hardworking, talented and
mature, she takes the rolse of instructing Itsuki, giving lessons and assignments for him. She also cares for Itsuki to
a point that she loves him though she does not show it to him directly.
Adelicia Lenn Mathers
-Though not really a part of Astral, Adelicia often times pop out whenever a contract is involve. As the current head of
the Magic Society known as Goetia, she practices the destructive summoning magic of Solomon and is able to summon and
command the 72 demons of the Ars Goetia. She also likes Itsuki to the same level as Honami and would risk her life for
him. She often times fights with Honami at any competition which is rooted to their childhood days in magic
school.
Mikan Katsuragi
-Though she does not look like it since she is only a child, Mikan is one of Astral’s members as well as a
practitioner of the Shinto sect. She specializes in Shinto mysticism and uses her power to ward of impurities as well as
to uphold ceremonies. Sweet and talented, she supports Itsuki and the others to the extent of her power and refers to
the others as family despite their lack of blood relation. Mikan is also a revered member of the Katsuragi clan whom
uses Tamashizume – a powerful chant to soothe the gods – but she ran away from home due to family problems.
Ren Nekoyashiki
-Even though he looks rather easy-going and laidback, Ren or Nekoyashiki as everybody calls him, is an experienced
Onmyouji, a practitioner of the esoteric cosmology known to intricately manipulate spells. He is also a writer for an
occult magazine and usually coops up inside his room finishing work for an upcoming deadline. As an onmyouji, he uses
shikigami in the form of four cats: Suzaku (Vermillion Bird of the South), Seiryu (Azure Dragon of the East), Genbu
(Black Tortoise of the North), and Byakko (White Tiger of the West) to perform his magic, but they are not required for
him to do battle. He actually loves cats and always brings them wherever he goes. Nekoyashiki is actually a successor to
an onmyoudo school but left for some other reasons.
Manami Kuroha
- She looks rather normal but the truth is, Manami is actually a ghost. She is an apprentice at Astral serving tea pr
usually doing any chores. She is also studying to help others during the group’s missions or skirmishes. As a ghost,
she uses Poltergeist skills effectively, often times creating impenetrable barrier or levitating objects. She also has
an empathic capability which enables her to feel the emotions of the departed as well as to call forth the spirits of
the deceased. Her capability to go through walls is also an advantage as well.
Rating:
Art
Characters and visuals are fairly striking with well defined lines on each character's artwork. Even the monsters are drwan quite well without looking horrid or ghastly. Colors in this anime usually use darker tones with shades of crimson and noir accentuatting the "Magi Night" as well as the supernatural aura of the anime. Well, most of the action scenes happen during the night which makes it difficult to see especially during the fast-paced scenes. Special effects are done quite well.
Rating:
Sound
The music during the opening is extremely appropriate to match the overall athmospere of the anime. There are currently two opening theme song titled "Sora ni Saku" and "Faith". "Sora ni Saku" starts out rather solemnly until its transition to a gothoc-inspired rock. "Faith" is actually an english rendition of "Sora ni Saku" which both songs are sung by Lisa Komine. The ending titled "Aruite Ikou" by Jungo Yoshida is a gentle and slow J-pop song that makes you feel rather good. The inert songs and the soundtrack playing during scenes fit this series rather well.
Rating:
Presentation
Quite intriguing to a remarkable extent, Rental Magica stretches from fleshed-out characters to piquing storyline making this anime good to watch. Though each magic roots to a somewhat complex origin, Rental Magica will surely sate those fantasy-loving fans out there!
Rating:
Final Verdict
10.0000 (excellent)
Reviewed by Eunoe, Nov 07, 2009
Comments
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mona12 Nov 07, 2009
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zaira Nov 09, 2009
nice review! :D and i totally agree with ya on the sounds ^^,
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Kikiyo Nov 10, 2009
Wow! I can't wait to see it! thanks fo the review^^
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animalandia Nov 12, 2009
Perfecta rese
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Warpten29 Nov 17, 2009
good!
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Fanatik007 Nov 19, 2009
wonderful review, tnx
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lordryo Dec 15, 2009
Good review!
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SchRita Dec 22, 2009
Thanks for the review!
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