Neo Ranga: Lost in the Spectacleby Sheena McNeilReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk. Studio
Credits Grade: 9 Neo Ranga is a god from Barou Island that currently resides with its three kings: Minami, Ushio and Yuuhi in Tokyo. No longer seen as an attacking monster, Neo Ranga has been turned into a marketing gimmeck by local businesses in Tokyo as well as businesses on Barou Island which hosted the Neo Ranga festival. The girls are watched 24/7 by news crews and the goverment with the military on standby at all times, and now they have more mysterious company from Barou. Meanwhile, sinister plots are taking shape behind the scenes which includes a more powerful ASE robot. Will these sisters ever get a break or will they get caught up in the conflict working its way to the surface?In my review of the first DVD I said Neo Ranga was cool. That's a bit understated to say the least. Neo Ranga is captivating! It is a perfect blend of real life with fantasy and a bit of science fiction. That works because it deals with serious family and community issues — those that would happen anyway and those created by Neo Ranga's prescence — humor (occasionally risque), political maneuvering, and more. All of the characters, big and small, are important and real to both the girls and to us the audience. There is a sense of family and community — no matter how disfunctional it may be. During one episode, the viewpoint switches back and forth from the regular omnicienct one to one from a hand-held tape recorder that I assume is being operated by Minami's red-headed friend. It does provide us with a little more depth into what the characters are thinking and feeling, but it was also really random. It could have easily been done without that viewpoint, but it added a little variety, I guess. There was also an example made by a cartoon of sorts that was odd, off-the-wall, and terribly silly, but also very applicable to the situation; the cartoon as well as the reactions from Ushio, Yuuhi and Joel will definitely bring a laugh. Neo Ranga is one of the most fascinating series out there right now. It's superb art and wonderful storytelling will enthrall the viewer. Don't miss this tale of a god brought to life in modern times! Written: April 30, 2003
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