Eureka Seven

I have now seen a lot of animes (short series, long series, movies, OVAs), Eureka 7 was next on schedule. After seeing the first few episodes, the strange world of E7 coupled with surfing mechas worried me a little bit, because i was used to this fact (FLCL, TTGL,.. got also very good after seeing some episodes), but knowed, that although getting into it is quite a work.

However, i continued watching it, until to realize, that this anime has very intelligent and matured characters and the same goes for the humor. E7 has also good battles which are different from other mecha series, because there is always a focus on beautiful and colorful locations which impressed me, because of this powerful atmosphere of the pictures combined with one of the best score i have ever heard in animes.

But then, after some episodes, i suddenly checked it: Eureka 7 is a lot, but its true nature is to be the most dramatically breath-taking, heart-touching love story i have ever experienced not only from animes, from all media in my life!

This tremendous tension, which is build up from episode to episode, embedded in a amazingly captivating story, will not end until the last second.

Do not compare it with other animes, it is not comparable. Its a masterpiece which stands, because of its originality, far away from everything else, therefore don't expect another Neon Genesis (epic story and mechas) or fullmetal alchemist. E7 is with its amazing picture language a shiny piece of art and art is the way the story is told, the characters are growing and the background music is written.

All this facts melt into the fate of Eureka and Renton, the main protagonists of this anime, which, in a now-time of superlative-language, has no fitting word left for explanation. But when you are not cold blooded and have no hamburger instead of a heart, then you tears will drop on multiple scenes of the series (and especially at episode 26).

Do you self a favor and GO WATCH THIS. One hint: E7 has such a fantastic background music, which is so important for the atmosphere. Watch it with a lot of bass or take good earphones! And do it loud!

Don't know how I found this show, but at one point I decided to watch a free streaming episode online. Since then, it started an Eureka Seven addiction that will probably continue unabated until I have all 50 episodes and I have worn my DVD and/or hard drive out. Character development is oblique and quite mysterious with a diverse character set with counterparts. Episode 26 is my favorite with the culmination of the reversal of the main character actions of Eureka and Renton, but honestly I think there is only one episode that I wouldn't watch many, many, many times again. My family and friends think I'm crazy. Yes I am. Crazy about Eureka Seven.

I can't speak highly enough of Eureka Seven. Of the little TV I have time to watch, it's at the top of the list. There's something about the crafting of the characters that draws you in slowly and effortlessly. I started watching the show because of the high quality of the animation; now I'm completely hooked because I care about people in the story. And that's part of what is so beautiful about the series – the characters do become people, people you start to care about and want to see again. Like all good anime (Cowboy Bebop, Gunslinger Girls, Ghost in the Shell) and all good stories, the characters grow and define themselves, and that journey sucks you in and leaves you wanting more.

If you look around at reviews, you will see criticisms of the series – most of these boil down to "not enough robot battles", or too wishy-washy with adolescent love, or some other pick at one of the many minor themes. These jabs all miss the point though. The story is really about love and family. We are reminded of how difficult love and family can be, how they change and define us, and how very much they are worth all of that effort.

I'll wrap this comment up before I get too sappy. Just watch Eureka Seven. I can honestly say it is my favorite story in years. It's a fairy tale, but sometimes we need fairy tales to help us make sense of the world.

Eureka and Renton make easily the most endearing couple I've ever seen in anime or elsewhere. I'm not typically a fan of romances, but this anime captured my heart and lifted it right along with those two. And it's not just them; every one of the major characters commands your emotions in one way or another, whether it's adoration, pity, or anger. It does kind of start slow, but I was finally hooked by episode 26, while my interest had been steadily rising until then. Perhaps the most powerful part of this anime is the character development; each of the major characters seem to 'grow up' as the series progresses, even those who seem to already be 'grown up.' My ONLY complaint would be that some of the more minor characters don't receive as much attention as they deserve in the later episodes. Still, beautiful doesn't really do the series justice.

Eureka 7 seizes the day as my favorite story of all time. I've seen and loved many of the great anime: Full Metal Alchemist, Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann, Cowboy Bebop, Code Geass, Death Note, Dragonball Z, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and Rurouni Kenshin. Yet if I were to give any anime my heart, I'd give it to Eureka 7 (and rightfully so, because it did win it, when the other ones could only come close).

From the first episode I knew that I was in for something wonderful. Enigmatic is the essence of this bright yet dramatic story -- from the characters, to the setting, the plot, music, art, and dialogue. Every aspect is just so beautiful, especially Renton and Eureka's (the two main characters') relationship -- it captures the heart of young love (no pun intended, honestly) and melds in the very grim consequences of the war they have found themselves in. But despite the hardships Renton and Eureka endure, and despite Renton's realization of what Eureka actually is, the love between them bonds them forever.

Eureka 7 is the story that speaks to me. Everything just fits perfectly together into a mosaic of story and soul.

My final recommendation is to take the time and watch at least 5 episodes. It's a story that ages like wine; each episode is better than the last. I hope you enjoy Eureka 7 as much as I have.