Gunbuster-Episodes 1-3
Episode 1: Really quite enjoyed this first episode. The robot training school was kind of a fun concept that I don't think I've seen before, and I'd have liked it if the show spent more time here, which I assume they're not considering how the episode ends. However, I understand they only have 6 episodes, so maybe it's for the best. Noriko seems like a very likable main character, and it's hard not to get a little bit of a Shinji vibe from her in one or two scenes, although weather they'll go as far as Evangelion did with him here is another matter. I like the art and animation a surprisingly amount considering I'm not too fussed on the look of shows before the late 90's. The music also stands out as being really quite good.
The only thing I will say, which has nothing to do with the show itself, is that the UK DVD release is pretty poor. It looks like it's been ripped straight off a VHS tape, hardcoded subtitles and all, and the subs themselves are slightly mistimed. Granted, the DVD is old as hell, but still. Weirdly enough though, I can't help but feel it kind of adds to the whole retro vibe the series has. Like, this is as close as I'll ever get to experiencing the VHS era of anime, so it's a little interesting to see how anime was back then. I'll likely buy the US set, which, according to Amazon, is remastered. That's assuming I enjoy the rest of the series, although I'm sure I will.
Episode 2: Not a whole lot really happening in this one. I do wonder how much Noriko's dad will play in the forthcoming events. There seems to be a pretty big focus on him, and this episode in particular highlighted this with her reaction to seeing the remains of his ship. Obviously this is good character development in general, so it's fine even if it doesn't have some part in the story, but it would be nice to have some pay off.
Episode 3: One part I loved about this episode was the sortie. The direction and editing were superb, with the bright red lighting of the mech, the fast editing rhythm, the clostphophic closeups and the almost John Carpenter-esque music, the scene created an excellent sense of panic and tension that put the audience right in Noriko's shoes.
Rest assured, it's still there.
