In case you haven’t noticed from my previous material, I am quite a fan of Japanese idol singers. And why not be a fan(being deaf isn’t an excuse while we’re at it)? So it is with great pleasure that I watched a certain anime series where such singers fight alien forces (meanwhile American pop singers can only fight good taste). That series being Senki Zesshou Symphogear.
In this anime, The pop duo of Kanade Amo and Tsubasa Kazanari(collectively known as Zwei Wing) sing songs to activate their armor known as Symphogear. They fight creatures known as Noise, which are extremely powerful but are vulnerable to Symphogear attacks. Through certain circumstances, Kanade risks and dies saving a young girl by the name of Hibiki Tachibana. From this situation, Hibiki inherits the powers once held by Kanade. Now she must learn to use the Symphogear armor and powers in order to fight Noise.
This anime is all about the fusion of music and combat. The characters actually sing during the fight scenes (interesting watching their mouths move while slashing an enemy into pieces). Certain songs summon specific attacks or weapons. They even have a powerful, self destruct/suicide attack melody known as the “swan song”. All of this made possible by using certain frequencies to activate weapons known as Relics.
And course it is followed by a catchy soundtrack. The beats will get your heart thumping. In at least every episode we get a battle ready to move us with its rhythm.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPL9Ls7ArC0
When it comes to the relationship between the characters, we get the importance of friendship. Kanade shows Tsubasa the value of joy and singing for more than just a form of combat ( since Tsubasa sees it as only that). Bit by bit we learn more about Tsubasa with each flashback she has about Kanade.
Likewise, Hibiki must contend with keeping her Symphogear life a secret from her friend Miku. She wants to keep a completely honest friendship with Miku but also must keep vital information confidential. Then you have Hibiki trying to befriend the villain Chris Yukine as a way of using kindness to overcome evil .Indeed friendship plays an important role in shaping who characters are on and off the battlefield(even to their enemies).
They also must learn to trust each other. Tsubasa must accept the help of Hibiki. Just as Miku must rely on Hibiki, despite the constant secrecy. They all have to learn to get along.
In addition we have a little bit of humor sprinkled throughout the show. We have Hibiki and friends enjoying their time as high school girls. Along with head scientist Ryoko Sakurai always trying to cop a feel from Hibki(girl on girl action is always great).
I always approve of girl on girl action.
And let’s not forgot the action scenes and visuals. Plenty of loud explosions to accompany the music. Wide shots with plenty of shit blown up.
- With guest appearances by Akuma…
...and Lady Gaga.
That is the rhythm andaction that is Senki Zesshou Symphogear. A series to watch if you’re a fan of Japanese idols or want some simple action using an interesting concept.
About the author: Glitch is a digital demon from planet Fanboy, and is here to teach us humans a thing or two. You can find more of his reviews(and nonsense) over at http://www.youtube.com/takenoutofcontext.