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In a Nutshell
El Hazard is a story about a high school student who is teleported to the world of El Hazard. However, when Makoto arrives in a distant world wondering about the beautiful woman who sent him there, he is greeted to a society that thinks he looks exactly like a missing princess. During a time of political turmoil, only the princesses have the ability to bring peace, but Makoto can't be a princess, can he?
The Review
Now
that I've watched it again, I can give a good review to El Hazard. When I
first watched it back 5 years ago, I didn't really understand what I was
watching because I only had Ranma 1/2 and Tenchi Muyo! under my belt. But
now I can praise it for what a magnificent saga it is, and that's not a
play on its title, El Hazard: The Magnificent World.
While El Hazard starts off rather slowly merely by introducing the
characters from Shinonome High School: Makoto Mizuhara, Katsuhiko Jinnai,
Nanami Jinnai and Mr. Masamichi Fujisawa, it slowly gains interest once
they cross over to the world of El Hazard. Katsuhiko considers Makoto to
be his life-long rival, he attempts to tie up Makoto to prevent the
statement against him that would prevent him from becoming the class
president. Meanwhile, Nanami is delivering bentos to Mr. Fujisawa as he
works the night shift watching the campus. While Jinnai is chasing Makoto,
all time freezes around Makoto. When he ventures around the campus, he
stumbles into the ruins that were dug up in the morning. Out of the ruins
emerges a mysterious woman who collapses into his arms and transports him
to El Hazard.
When he wakes up in El Hazard, he runs into Mr. Fujisawa. The two wonder
where they are and come to the rescue of a screaming woman. Fujisawa, it
seems, has gained super strength as he fights off a mob of robotic bugs.
When the damsel looks up, she mistakes Makoto for her missing sister,
Princess Fatora. The lady is the elder Princess Rune Venus and requests
that Makoto and Fujisawa help them during their time of aid.
Every
single character in El Hazard is memorable, from the princesses, to the
trio of priestesses, to Fatora's love Alielle. Each has a distinct style
and personality, especially the priestesses, Miz Mishtal, Afura Mann and
Shayla-Shayla. Shayla-Shayla and Nanami seem to have a grudge against each
other when it comes to Makoto. Just as detailed is the incredible
landscapes of El Hazard. Each town has an incredible ancient feel to it
and the vast conditions of the desert, forest and mountains are
incredible.
While the animation seems like it was taken straight out of the TV series
at times, the OAVs are nice and sharp when they need to be. A good,
powerful soundtrack rounds things out and makes El Hazard a great
fairy-tale story that any otaku should watch.
Slacker's Final Thoughts
An lush, incredible world filled with memorable
characters, events and landscapes. A truly enjoyable story that captivates
the imagination of the viewer. One of the first series I ever watched and
I still love it.
Story: 10/10
Design: 10/10
Animation: 9/10
Sound & Music: 9/10
Overall: 9/10
Awards:
