Finished watching Banner of the Stars

Finished watching Banner of the Stars (2000, Sunrise, 13 epi) on 2/14/2018.

Three years have passed. Lafiel and Jinto have matured and achieved high ranks in the Abh navy. Lafiel has become the captain of a new assault ship called Basroil and Jinto has finished his training to become a Supply Officer under her command. And so, they depart to join a large fleet whose mission is to defend the Laptic Gate from a force that incredibly outnumbers their own. As if that wasn't troublesome enough, the Abh fleet commander comes from an infamous family name, known for their "spectacular insanity".

First thing to notice here is the improvement in art style. Namely, their head shapes are no longer distracting. And the animation quality has also improved as well with cleaner lines. No only that, but the bridge crew adds some new supporting characters to enjoy, which in a story that is not only politically-driven but also dependent on the relationship between characters, it comes as a good addition. However, only one of the new bridge crew members seems to receive most of the attention. And that is Samson Tirusec. Samson is a human Ship Engineer who likes to poke fun at Jinto about him and Lafiel once in a while, and enjoy a couple of drinks over a nice conversation with his crew mates. He's also a bit of a laid back character, but overall I enjoy his screen time.

8/10 - Definitely enjoyed it.

Finished watching Crest of the Stars

Finished watching Crest of the Stars (1999, Sunrise, 13 epi) on 1/27/2018.

Jinto was a young lad when the Abh Empire invaded his home planet. On that day, his father traded his position as the president of Martine for a high rank in the Empire. Years passed and now Jinto, as a young count must learn the ways of the Abh by attending one of their schools. Babysitting him through this process is an Abh princess named Lafiel Abriel. But after being picked up by an Abh ship, they come under attack by human Alliance forces.

This series was brought to my attention by a close friend of mine. And I'm very happy he mentioned it to me as I've come to enjoy this series very much. It had a hint of Legend of the Galactic Heroes in terms of political strife, and a hint of Space Battleship Yamato in terms of action and a character-driven plot. I think what I enjoyed most about this was the relationship between Lafiel and Jinto. Some might find Jinto to be too simple of a character. In my opinion however, I think it's that ordinary-Joe characteristic to him that I find appealing. He also seems to be very laid back and kind person which I think plays well into the dynamic between him and Lafiel. Lafiel can be a bit of a mean cat sometimes with her tsundere antics, but Jinto's kindness sort of tames that feistiness in her. I somehow find that comforting to watch. Maybe Jinto is the kind of person I wish I was. Maybe that's why their relationship is the main thing that kept me watching.

7.5/10 - The only two things that really bothered me was the very strange shape of their heads and the almost trivial conversations and monologues of the Abh captains. Almost as if stalling for screen time.

Finished watching Legend of the Galactic Heroes: Overture to a New War

Finished watching Legend of the Galactic Heroes: Overture to a New War (1993, Magic Bus, 1hr 30mins) on 1/20/2018.

It's October, 795 of the Universal Calendar. Imperial and Alliance fleets return to their nations after the gruesome Fourth Battle of Tiamat. On the Imperial side, Reinhard takes a chance to visit Annerose, his beloved sister. On the other side, Yang encourages Jean Lapp, a close friend to go forth with a marriage proposal to Jessica Edwards, another close friend of theirs. But contrary to Yang's and Reinhard's assumptions, a major expedition is soon scheduled by the Empire to have Reinhard invade the Alliance with 20,000 ships.

Man... this movie. It was a gem. I don't want to say a lot because I want you to experience it for yourself. Obviously the story is great. Definitely has some top notch art quality. It just left me with a lot of emotions.

8/10 - Really awesome movie. It has more of an impact if you've familiarized yourself with the characters through the Gaiden series.

Finished watching Legend of the Galactic Heroes Gaiden: Dishonor

Finished watching Legend of the Galactic Heroes Gaiden: Dishonor (1998, Artland, JC Staff, 4 OVAs) on 1/17/2018.

November 795 of the Universal Calendar. As Reinhard von Musel's countship to Lohengram is almost upon him, he must prepare himself for the occasion. Meanwhile, promising to join him after the ceremony, he instructs Siegfried Kircheis to leave for a vacation at an artificial resort satellite called Kreuznach III. Upon check-in at a hotel however, Kircheis takes action to save Michael von Keyserling, a disgraced former Vice Admiral from a knife-wielding drug addict, turning his vacation into a police investigation.

This was a really fun arc because the story wasn't the usual Gaiden format. It didn't focus on Yang or Reinhard. This was Kircheis participating in a police investigation! There was even a crazy zero gravity knife fight! It was nuts! I almost feared for his life. I love Kircheis. I hope nothing bad happens to him. Ever. My baby.

8/10 - Long live Kircheis.

Finished watching Legend of the Galactic Heroes Gaiden 2: The Third Tiamat Battle

Finished watching Legend of the Galactic Heroes Gaiden 2: The Third Tiamat Battle (2000, JC Staff, 2 OVAs) on 1/12/2018.

December 794 of the Universal Calendar. Kaiser Friedrich IV's 30th year of reign is almost at-hand. To commemorate this, the Galactic Empire announces a large scale military campaign against the Free Planets Alliance comprising of 35,400 ships.

Man, this battle was a bit of a mess from start to finish. Specially for the Alliance forces with warships abandoning their escort missions in fear of the impeding massive Imperial fleet. And then there's the Alliance's 11th Fleet pulling a bold opening attack, ignoring tactics by-the-book.

8/10 - A short arc, this one. But the ending was so good!