dragon-half ish so funny!! Great review belly-san!!
Dragon Half tv Review
Story & Characters
Dragon Half consists of a one DVD set with two OAV episodes made by ADV. Dragon Half orginated as a manga drawn by Ryuusuke Mita and the concept artist Masahiro Koyama.
The story begins with a girl named Mink. Mink acts like any normal girl, cute bubbly and obsessed with the popular singer boy on television. The only difference is that Mink is no ordinary girl- she's half human, half dragon, which may become a problem with her potential suitor Dick Saucer, since he is not only a singer, but a well known dragon slayer.
This story is about Mink trying to find the magical 'People Potion' which could turn her into a full fledged human girl- one worthy of Dick Saucer's admiration. Many people [or slime-half's ;)] try to stop her with their own stories intertwined, from the Slim pudge Kikng who's after her for ransom so he can marry Mink's Red Dragon Mother, The king's daughter who's the slime-half who loathes Mink for kissing Dick Saucer and potentially becoming a threat, to Damaramu the king's knight, where his puny brain can only grasp how hot he is and trying to kill Mink for the glory of the king. The story of Draon Half is cheesy and corny- which makes it even better because it adds to the complete insanity of the anime. Although Dragon Half only lasted two episodes, it's story is worthy of rewatching until you've ruined the tape or DVD- a cheap easy laugh followed by a great time, what else can you ask for?
Rating:
Art
The art in Dragon Half is something worth discussing. For a manga and OAV series done in the early ninties [1991-1993 for the OAV's, couple years earlier for the manga] the style of characters is top notch in my opinion. Instead of the classic anime figure out that era [picture Ranma 1 1/2 characters, Urusei Yatsura, Devil Hunter Yohko etc] which have quite 80's hair, stubby bodies and large thighs, Dragon half shows much more promise of what anime styles soon became. Highly detailed in 'most' portions of the anime [no worries fellow watchers- I will get back to the odd random switches in a second ;) ] it also had some sort of style to it. Mink, the main character's outfit, hair and style was well thought out for the character- actually, all of the characters posessed quite an original wardrobe. But the one thing about Dragon Half which must be mentioned in the art is the random changes from highly detailed artwork to short stubby tubs o' lard which float around the screen yelling. Not only were the animators and designers able to pull this transition off, they did it so well that the characters emotions would seem less emphasized without it. I think this art will most likely freak somepeople out the first time they witness Dragon Half, but really- I found it added to it's charm. 8 out of ten for a job well done.
Rating:
Sound
Sound Quality depends on which language you listen to the OAVs under. The original Japanese cast for the characters is outstanding. I wouldn't change a thing. Their voices completely melt together which the characters actions, which is quite difficult to put off in such a random anime such as this. Really I would give the sound quality around an 8-9 if it was just for the Japanese cast, but the English and Spanish versions are just... unbearable. You loose all sense of the characters, they become annoying loud vermen not worthy of your time. The boastfulness of Damaramu for example is nullified in the English cast, the characters idiotic ego ruined into something short of a loud highpitched scream- something this character should not posess.
As for music, the music in Dragon Half is so-so. Not mind blowing, and to the point for most scenes, the opening introduction song is short and to the point, which is just OK. As for the Ending credits, one must truly be on some soft of intoxicated trip to fully understand its meaning. Kawaii Mink jumps around singing about beer and eggs, and don't touch them they are hers! random images of the King and ducks noisely quaking and flapping by are also included. Again, Dragon Half is the spitting image of random humour among any anime.
So in Conclusion, the rating is a 6 out of tenm to incorporate the bad dubbing, which in my opinion makes only a 5. but if you enjoy subtitles or viewing the anime with just japanese, a mark of 8 is surely needed. So alas, I made a compromise with 6.
Rating:
Presentation
I don't even know where to begin about the originality and humour of Dragon Half. This happens to be one of my all time favourite DVD's, not only because it was one of my first anime encounters, but because of everything it is. First off, the creator did such a fantastic job making an anime which was hilarious and so utterly random that you have to watch it over and over again just to make sure you didn't 'miss something' . The humour from such scenes as Damaramu splitting his head open himself to Mink accidently poisioning her lover with ex-lax will make you cringe, laugh and completely question your logic.
All I can say is bravo! to the creators of this crazy anime. Not only is it humorous, it also makes you forget all of your troubles with happy happy dancing and idiotic randomness. This anime surely deserves the highest mark in my thoughts, just for it's rewatchability and originality... can't help it if it's also random ;)
I must add though, Dragon Half is not an anime for the serious type- if you are looking to watch something full of meaning and inspiration, you have come to the wrong section. Dragon Half is meant for a complete giggle-fest, and nothing more. I only wish they had made more! :( And at least translated the mangas to english so I can see the rest of the story! :P
Rating:
Final Verdict
7.6667 (good)
Reviewed by belmikry, Jun 13, 2005
Comments
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kaolla-kake Jun 14, 2005
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studio Jun 15, 2005
Great job with the review belmikry. Nice review for a nice series. ^_^
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belmikry Retired Moderator Jun 20, 2005
thanks kaolla-kate and studio :) so glad you liked it xd
i thought it was odd that DH wasn't reviewed yet- felt like it was my duty as a fellow admirer of the series ;)
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Countess-D May 29, 2006
Funny, but not so great....what I do enjoy nevertheless is the ending theme xD
If I haven't already seem the OVA's I would actually be interested ^^
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Kukuru Dec 06, 2007
Lol I'm intrigued, I think I shall have to give this one a go as well.
Generally, I'm more a serious kind of anime lover, but this one is only short and I need a good laugh once in awhile. ;)
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