Sunday, October 13, 2013

Coppelion

Based on the original "" manga by Tomonori Inoue , this science fiction story centers around the struggles a group of genetically engineered girls face on their mission to wander the wastelands of post-apocalyptic Tokyo as they look for survivors in the desolate city, abandoned after a nuclear incident.



Was quite impressed with the first two episodes of , the visuals and atmosphere really grabbed me and make me want to see more of the girls' journey in this post-apocalyptic world.




Am also curious to see the girls' characters and background explored as they struggle to come to terms with their own existence as genetically engineered 'dolls', created for the sole purpose to head into the nuclear wasteland.



Must admit though that I do have some doubts about how the girls' story and that of the various survivors will be written out as the events in the second episode felt rushed and the character revelations in some scenes were overly dramatic, melodramatic even.



Animation by studio GoHands is terrific, especially the first episode was a gem as it painted a grim but enthralling picture of post-apocalyptic Tokyo, an abandoned metropolis of derelict buildings, crumbling infrastructure and nature mercilessly reclaiming the land. Do hope the studio continues to put so much care and effort into the backgrounds.



Another striking element in the animation are the subdued, faded colors that perfectly fit the series theme. After all, using bright and lively colors like in most other anime would have been distracted and ill-fitted the series theme. Luckily the studio didn't resort to using such a dark palette that the landscapes and overall atmosphere would become too depressing or oppressive, instead the colors used accentuate the desolate atmosphere of despair but leave a glimmer of hope.



Strong willed Ibara is voiced by Tomatsu Haruka , she previously voiced Yuina in "Hanasaku Iroha", Anaru in "Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae o Boku-tachi wa Mada Shiranai" Lala in "To Love RU" and this season also voices Saki in "Kakumeiki Valvrave 2" and Mari in "Samurai Flamenco".



Hanazawa Kana voices Aoi, she also voiced Kobato in "Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai", Matou in "Black Rock Shooter", Ruri in "Ore no Imouto ga Konna ni Kawaii Wake ga Nai", Nadeko in "Monogatari Series Second Season" and voices Charlotte in this season's "IS: Infinite Stratos 2".



Bespectacled Taeko is voiced by Akesaka Satmi, she tackled roles like Yuuki in "Kyo no Go no Ni", Futaba in "Mitsudomoe" and Ars ne in "Tantei Opera Milky Holmes".



Other characters like Kanon & Shion have yet to appear. Do wonder about those two since the opening sequence suggest they might be foes, or at the very least not as peaceful as the main trio.



Kanon will be voiced by Horie Yui who also voiced Millhiore in "Dog Days", Naru in "Love Hina", Akane in "K mpfer", Raika in "Papa no Iu Koto wo Kikinasai", Hanekawa in "Monogatari Series Second Season" and also voices Kouko in this season's "Golden Time".



Shion will be voiced by Sakamoto Maaya, she previously voiced Shinobu in "Monogatari Series Second Season", Alphard in "Canaan", Mari in the "Rebuild of Evangelion" movies, Motoko in "Ghost in the Shell: Arise" and Shiki in "Kara No Kyoukai".



Will definitely keep on watching this series and look forward to the upcoming episodes, though I do hope the show focuses on portraying that desolate world and the girls' struggle as artificially created human beings without becoming too melodramatic or forgoing those themes for over-the-top action.



Although it still is too early to vouch for the character development and overall action, if you are looking for an enthralling series that delivers gripping visuals of a post-apocalyptic world, then do try "Coppelion".
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