Angelic Layer

Original Title: 機動天使エンジェリックレイヤー
Romanized: Kidou Tenshi Angelic Layer
Literal: Mobile Angel Angelic Layer

Plot Synopsis

Misaki is a thirteen year old girl who has come to Tokyo to live with her aunt. As soon as she arrives, she witnesses a fight between a beautiful angelic doll and a massive dark opponent. Inspired by the smaller doll's victory, Misaki discovers that both dolls are part of a sport called Angelic Layer and resolves to take it up herself. Aided by a mysterious (and extremely peculiar) man who calls himself Icchan, Misaki creates her own Angel, which she calls Hikaru. From here she joins the Angelic Layer League as she strives to become a champion with Hikaru.

Quick Review

Rating: 4 / 5
Reviewer: Arcane
Review Date: 2002-02-10

The latest attempt from fantasy group CLAMP, Angelic Layer is half Cardcaptor Sakura, half Pokemon, with just a dash of Hand Maid May. Losing the supernatural overtones of many of their earlier works, Angelic Layer is a semi sci-fi story about a young girl's fascination with a new sport and the massive world it leads her into. Since Angelic Layer is from the "monster battle" genre of anime the Angels are at the center of almost everything. The similarities to 3D fighting games like Soul Caliber are obvious, but the angels are fascinating creations and their bouts are extremely gripping and engaging. Technically, Angelic Layer is pretty much the latest thing in CLAMP anime and it shows--a visual feast.

In summation, Angelic Layer is looking like an excellent series, fit to stand alongside Cardcaptor Sakura and CLAMP's other great works. If it is able to continue this way--or even improve, as is likely to happen--then it will become a modern classic.

US DVD Review

ADV's DVDs come either as seven individual volumes or a 5-disc thinpak box set. They include 5.1 English and stereo Japanese audio, and subtitles. The individual discs feature voice actor commentary, art galleries, and clean opening/ending animation; ADV doesn't say if the thinpak set has the same.

Content Guide

ADV originally called it "13-up," but changed that to "TV-PG" on the newer release, which is more appropriate.

Violence: 1 - Only the angels fight and it isn't really violent.

Nudity: 0 - Get real!

Sex/Mature Themes: 1 - Occasional "pervert" jokes, but nothing really.

Language: 0 - Not here.

Notes and Trivia

Based on the 1999 5-book manga series by CLAMP. It's available in English from Tokyopop.

Availability

Available in the US from AD Vision in a 5-disc "thinpak" box set of bilingual DVDs, or on 7 individual DVD volumes (the first of which is also available with an empty box to hold the rest).

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