Alien Nine is a shocking surprise to a lot of people. The unfortunate fact that financial circumstances limited the production so far to only four episodes, may cause some who watch it to feel very confused and abandoned after watching the final episode. Well, don't forget that four volumes of graphic novels are available and are, at this time, the only way to satisfy any questions about the story. Still, the technical quality of the four animated volumes is striking and reason enough to
purchase the DVD. The animation is obviously digital, but it keeps the flavor of traditional cel animation. This also allows for smooth character movement and thrilling action as demonstrated, for example, by the borg alien attack style. For examples, check out this link to view previews of Alien Nine.
The art of "Alien Nine" may seem cute on the surface, but beyond that it is neither infantile nor full of the usual antics that most Anime fans are used to when it comes to many of the familiar school based stories. Instead, the story touches on a particular subject that is common in schools in both Japan and the United States: That of school bullies. In the course of the story the main protagonist, Yuri Otani, is attacked by three male students. She is the weakest of the three main female protagonists. The boys in question, and their aliens, have each faced off against the other two girls and they were confidently defeated. It should not come as a surprise that the boys would ultimately gang up against the weakest of the three girls. In the dramatic events of episode two, when the boys ambush Yuri, this theme is part of the larger plot surrounding the school's Alien Party Program and the mysterious intentions of the adult supervisors that run it. Yuri is unable to defend herself properly and the resulting events could be seen as the violent lashing out that can occurr when a victim of bullying finally can take no more. To find out more about this thought provoking and disturbing title please check the links below. |
