Galaxy Angel
As I was vacuuming the bedroom carpet today (rather than reading Engendering Business: Men and Women in the Corporate Office, 1870-1930 like I was supposed to be) I realized that I had not yet put up my final thoughts and comments on the original Galaxy Angel series that I finished last Sunday. So it is time to rectify that situation, with all spoiler warnings in effect, as usual.
I really wasn’t certain what I was going to be getting into with Galaxy Angel. I mean, the only thing I knew about it was two theme songs (not from the first series, oddly enough) and that someone at a forum where I post was a big fan.
You know, I’m getting a really bad case of deja vu. Didn’t I start out my First Look pretty much the same way? No matter, it’s still true.
I plunged straight into this show, and was a little surprised and pleased with what I found. While the show focuses on five girls/women, it didn’t feel like a fanservice show. Sure, there were the occasional episodes involving swimsuits (done in a very parodying way, in my opinion), but other than that–nada. I didn’t notice a single flashing of panties (although Forte’s chest did receive attention). And one girl liked to dress up like a giant chicken, hardly a sexy thought.
Galaxy Angel does so much so very well. First off, it understands its limitations. Rather than trying to come up with 24 minutes of mindless mayhem, the episodes are only 12 minutes long. This brevity keeps the over-the-top comedy from becoming grating. If there was an episode I didn’t like, it was okay, it would be over soon. This is one of the big places that Excel Saga failed miserably in my opinion. Score one for the Angel Brigade.
The next thing that was done well was the characters. Each had their unique quirks, and while some did fall into stereotypes, others didn’t. I still can’t quite figure out what to do with Mint. Is cute but evil a new archetype (or at least one I haven’t stumbled across yet)? If so, I like it. None of the characters really grabbed me as much as say, the Sailor Senshi from Sailor Moon, but I did find them quite enjoyable. Mint quickly became my favorite, and towards the end, I was finding myself more intrigued by Vanilla. Moreover, Ranpha felt like they transplanted Aino Minako from Sailor Moon into the Galaxy Angel universe. That was great fun. Millefille grated my nerves, but I found I couldn’t really dislike her, not deep down. Forte Stollen took a lot to get used to, but still, I liked her quite well. Score another one for the Angel Brigade. I only liked Hyatt and Ilpalazzo in Excel Saga, the rest of the cast was obnoxious in my opinion (particularly Pedro, Nabeshin, and the 3 guys that lived next door).
Another great part of the show was the occasional heartwarming scene or episode. I believe it was episode 13 when we got to see a bit of Forte’s past. The entire episode was in such contrast to the rest of the series that it kind of took your breath away. The episode took itself seriously, and was very successful in doing so. It was unexpected, but truly a treat. I hope that we will get a similar episode or two for the other girls in upcoming series.
Overall, Galaxy Angel was such a treat to watch. For me, it was funnier and much better executed than Excel Saga, although it didn’t quite hold up to the constant goodness of Azumanga Daioh (which I think is in my top 10 favorite anime). I’ll certainly be watching the rest of the licensed series, and I’ve already purchased the original series to pop in whenever I need a pick-me-up.
