Captain Herlock, Space Pirate: The Legend Returns (Vol.1)by Sheena McNeilReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk. Studio
Credits Grade: 9 The crew of the Arcadia have all been captured and the Noo is beginning to escape from its prision in the Hourglass Nebula. Tadashi's father is killed by the four corpses of his past scientist/research partners, and Tadashi, rescued by Captain Herlock, decides to accept his invitation and join him on the Arcadia. The Noo set out to destroy Earth while Captain Herlock rescues his space pirate crew.I've always heard wonderful things about the Herlock saga, but until now I had not experience it for myself. This DVD is the beginning of a new saga with the same crew and ship and a few new faces. You do not need to know anything about the previous anime or have any idea who Herlock is to understand and enjoy this DVD. It contains four episodes, and I was hooked after the first one. By the time I had watched all four episodes I was torn between being excited that I had just watched one of the best beginnings to a series I've ever seen and being upset that I didn't have more of it already. I think I'll go with the former. The plot development and timing is excellent, the characters complex, mysterious, and real, and the art is breath-taking. There's two things about the art I don't like: 1) the girls have really skinny legs that are exaggerated in their curves for being so skinny, and 2) the non-main characters (like the basic crew of the Arcadia) all have beady little eyes are and over-all now drawn to the standard of the other characters. The second one actually serves some purpose as it separates them visually from the main characters, but it's a little odd to see such differences in character design. However, it is all so well-animated that those are easily overlooked complaints. In general, the art is stunningly beautiful! The eyes for the guys like Tadashi and Herlock have a strength and power in them, while the eyes for the girls are exquisite colors with gorgeous lashes! I'm very envious of those eyes — especially of the queen from one of the ancient ruins. And I want to know how any of them get their hair to stay like that — the hair-styles are amazing and beautiful if a bit annoying at times for always being to the side and over one eye. Everything from the hair and eyes to the details in their outfits and the way they move distinguishes the characters from one another and makes them come alive. Another great thing about the art is the ships. The space ships — especially the Arcadia — are wonderous to behold. They put so many from other anime to shame. The giant skull and cross-bones on the from of the Arcadia is an excellent touch (as is the knife that can come out from it). And the Arcadia (if not all ships) is steered by a wheel like that of a sea-worthy ship making it much more pirate-like if you ask me. The music fits wonderfully. Nice orchestral arrangements add to the scenes without being overpowerful, and the ending song "Nameless Lonely Blues" is one of the best ending songs I've ever heard. It matches the flavor of the anime as a nice jazz piece with a hint of blues ... I just wish it were longer. Both dub and sub are great! I watched most of it in the sub (as is my preference) but the dub is equally as well-done. The voices match the characters, and even the "special effects" over some of the voices were done nearly exactly in the dub! And there are no discrepencies between the sub and dubbed dialogue either. I applaude all the voice actors. Space Pirate, Captain Herlock is an excellent anime. If you're in the mood for a space adventure, a pirate adventure, or any powerful adventure then this is what you need. Written: January 31, 2004
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