I completely agree with this review in almost everything that it says. I would have remarked songs more, as they stood
out a lot in the general feeling left after watching it, but overall this were exactly my feelings.
Also, great work by the seiyuus, specially with Subaru and Hokuto(who was a bit annoying but such a sweetheart at the
same time). I'm not that satisfied with Seishiro's, as his seiyuu in the X animation gave me shudders of
pleasure and fear everytime he appeared on screen, and this one wasn't as good(though it's about a different
time, and we could say, a different character altogether)
Tokyo Babylon tv Review
The Sumeragi clan births Japan's most powerful onmyouji, magicians with the power to spiritually protect, destroy, or exorcise energy - including souls. Subaru Sumeragi is the most powerful onmyouji to date, and with his twin sister Hokuto, moves to Tokyo to hone his craft and learn to be 'normal.'
However, the Sumeragi clan is rivalled in power by the Sakurazuka clan, whose most powerful member is the Sakurazukamori - a hired assassin, whose job it is to feed a cherry tree with the blood from their victims.
Seishirou Sakurazuka was a veterinarian who seemed like the perfect man for Subaru, being kind, attractive, and seemingly able to protect himself. Hokuto Sumeragi encourages this relationship, and both she and Seishirou succeed in making Subaru blush with their professions of love.
Unbeknownst to Subaru, the one he holds in his heart has ulterior reasons for being there, and the one he is closest to may not be there for long...
Credit: twinklebyte
Story & Characters
The stories told in the animation of Tokyo Babylon are are only the tip of the iceberg to the storyline of the manga, so to speak. Shown as two seperate stories in two OVAs, the stories follow two cases of the main character, Subaru Sumeragi. The first story told is of corruption in corporate business, with a spiritual twist of course. While the plot is interesting, it's very short in the actual animation. The only real action is in the last ten mintues or so.
The second story follows Subaru as he encounters another physic who uses the power of postcognition (the power to see into the past by feeling vibrations in the surrounding items). While a bit more indept then the first story, the overall action is limited mostly to the end. Once again, the animation is somewhat limited, but still rather effective. The first part is interesting, but due to a lot of talking, some would find it quite boring. Also, there is more of the special effects show in this story, revealing more of Subaru and Seishirou's powers.
The stories are actually stand alones based off of the manga, and while effective, do not have the effect that the original managa has.
Rating:
Art
The visual animation of Tokyo Babylon was rather good, though more old school then the recently released series follow-up, X. A bit grainy at times, it shows its age. The colors though at quite magnificant, standing out characters in stark contrast to their backrounds. Also, the motion of the animation is very fluid in most retrospects, which can be rather unusual for older animated works. For that, I highly enjoyed watching the characters move and interact with one another. That movement was also well illustrated in the shikigami controled by Subaru and Seishirou in both stories. One of the highlights moments of the art was Seishirou's hawk outlined in the broken glass of OVA 1. Another highlight also centered on the shikigami controlled up Subaru in OVA 2, which he uses twice to try and stop the killer.
Rating:
Sound
The sound quality of Tokyo Babylon was rather good for both the dub and the subtitle. While I personally prefer subtitles, I really didn't mind watching the dub either, as did my friends. Lip sync was easily modified when the OVAs were translated, which can be another rarity in anime. Also, the sounds of the characters and backround noises were very clear. Two songs were used for the endings, which also turned out very clear. The first, Kiss Kiss, was actually sung in English and came out very well. Overall, there really is a uniqueness to TB's music both in animation and soundtracks. The early ninties sound gives it quite a stand out.
Rating:
Presentation
Overall, the presentation of the animation was good but somewhat disappointing after reading the original manga. The biggest set back in the animation was the fact that things were not fully explained in it. Especially the essence in Subaru and Seishirou's relationship. This created many problems I've found with people who have not read the manga and watch the animation. During the opening of the second OVA, it is shown of Subaru's encounter in the Sakura orchard. However, it is never truely explained. Though Seishirou mentions the bet, nothing more is said. The original humor and spiritual themes were maintained, making it enjoyable to watch. Though the stories were more originals made for the animation, it still is a modest recommandation for the Clamp fan. However, it is also recommended, as I said before, to read the manga in conjunction with it.
Along with X, Tokyo Babylon is a standout in Clamp's works. The original story is quite powerful and compelling, which also did transfer some to the animation. All in all, though it's not the best, it's still very interesting.
Rating:
Final Verdict
7.0000 (above average)
Reviewed by lacusklein83, Apr 21, 2005
Comments
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SanzosSaru Sep 08, 2006
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mars19902004 Oct 03, 2009
I read the manga, but haven't tried the anime yet. After reading, definitely i will watch.
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rukasu04 Mute Member Oct 18, 2009
I've wanted to see the anime, but I've never find it
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lyllopop Nov 05, 2010
i only read manga, anime haven't watch it
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