Ga-Rei: Zero - the Complete Seriesby Sheena McNeilReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk. Studio
Credits Grade: 6 Kagura and Yomi are two girls torn apart by fate as one inherits the power to fight the undead and the other succumbs to an evil desire, becoming a strong undead entity.They do a good job of killing off interesting characters. The first episode gets me hooked with a male / female duo that I absolutely love, that have complex histories and awesome moves ... and they're killed along with all of their team at the end of that episode! Thankfully, the main cast of characters is also interesting (though none have the awesome motorcycle moves of the first girl). Then, we get competition for Yomi's position as heir of an important family from the naginata-weilding Mei. Mei's an interesting character that I dislike but also pity, and she dies pretty quickly and horribly — twice! The story does a few episodes, and then goes back to explain how we got to this point, before wrapping up. It's mildly awkward because you don't realize that's what's happened at first, so just bear with it. Overall, the cast of characters is a fantastic mix of ages, weapons, skills, personalities and powers. The two spirit beasts are impressive, and I'm glad we get to see more of Kagura's spirit beast at the end. I love the combination of swords and guns against monsters and the zombie-like undead. Though, I must say, it's weird to see a weapon that's part sword, part gun, being used as both effectively. I doubt that it would really work that well. Everything from suitcases to wheelchairs seems to be a weapon at some point, too! Having various stages or levels of enemy spirits helps put things in perspective, especially when Yomi becomes one. The giant spirit monsters (good and bad) are neat, but my favorite is the little fox spirits that are both cute and powerful. At one point, it seems like the story is about to throw in a whole bunch of politics (ugh), but thankfully that's not the case. We get just enough to understand some of the animosity between groups and better appreciate the humor of our heroes always being stuck in traffic. Then, it seems to be forgotten for a good part of the story, focusing more on the inner-turmoil and politics of the families fighting this spiritual battle, and even Yomi versus Kagura. Things stay well balanced to keep the viewer's interest. Voice acting for both sub and dub is good, though I'm more of a sub fan and prefer some of the deeper male voices. The art style and animation is nice, with strengths being weapon and monster / spirit design and function. Evertyhing else is pretty standard. It's a good watch, and if you like these types of spiritual-battle stories you should check it out. Written: August 7, 2011
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