On the contrary, it might be everything you’d expect if you watched the preview commercials or saw the promotional posters. I was getting a little concerned and didn’t want to believe it, but alas…
As many have said, the fanservice was turned way up for this series. Now I shamefully admit that this is totally fine for me and I enjoyed every bit of it (luckily I’m not alone); however, in previous hopes and entries, I really wanted something a bit more serious. Sky Girls had its loli fanservice, yes, but it was all indirect. There weren’t any blatant camera angles or postures. You just watched Otoha and company fight WORMs and admire their looks while they do it.
Strike Witches, well… the 90 seconds between the OP and the episode title card pretty much spell out what the rest of the series will probably be like. Josh said it reminded him of Moetan and Kanokon, other series known for their shameless fanservice. I was expecting military-grade standard-issue bloomers or something, not outright underwear. And you had all sorts, too, from the striped to frilly to tight. The presentation is just not subtle, so I’m left worried as to the majority opinion of the series when it could still have a decent plot. Aroduc is absolutely baffled for one.
Synopsis
In 1939, aliens called Neuroi appear and wipe out global landmarks with the stroke of a laser (bye bye, Eiffel Tower). But before the world is doomed to be destroyed, Dr. Miyafuji develops the Striker Unit … basically airplane pants that apparently gives the pilot super-high evasion. Maybe it enhances the user’s magical abilities, too, so to have the strength to wield heavy ballistic weapons.
Since then, a team of young girls called the Strike Witches take flight to combat the Neuroi. In episode one, ten are already assembled, and we follow Miyafuji Yoshika as she is introduced to the war and the Striker Unit. Sakamoto Mio, with a burly laugh, is enthusiastic about enlisting Yoshika. Yoshika refuses to participate, but Mio grins as if saying, “In due time, you will; I’ll be patient.”
Chizumatic covers more of the backstory very nicely and includes translations of character profiles from the official website. It’s well-done, down to the differences between army and navy ranks.
EDIT: Also check out Shin “synopsis.” It made me smile.
Other Impressions
My favorite characters from the OVA remain the same. And interestingly, the girls knew about pants and skirts in that production. Why Gonzo had to change all that in the TV series is just strange.
We also learn right away about Mio’s right eye. It wasn’t damaged or missing; it’s magical! Either it can spot the Neuroi specifically or it’s just an x-ray monocular. Pretty cool either way; I’m reminded of Black Cat a bit by it.
JPMeyer was able to find the action amidst the service, so it turned out okay, especially since it’s WWII-type action. Animanachronism is also interested in what future episodes will bring. And I’m hopeful for some good plot to counter all the pantsu just a little bit. The artwork is nice, and the music remains very heroic-sounding, appropriate for the time setting of the series.
Author says the story is a whole new canon, which is okay for me since I don’t explore manga or light novels too much, but it’s probably not okay for me as Gonzo would then have more freedom to exploit the service. However, with the company not doing so well, maybe the fanservice card is necessary for quick profits? I’m not saying it’s the wisest thing to do, but I wonder if they’re trying some last-minute strategies to save themselves.
So I will continue to watch this; not sure how many else will. (Would still want the OVA wardrobe back, too.)
~Crisu
- Official website
- Buy a download of the show!
Eyepatch MOE!
Um, eyepatch GAR.