Anime Rebirth

Review - Uchuu no Kishi Tekkaman Blade II

Review by Roriconfan

Prologue
Oh, my God! They killed Tekkaman! – You bastards!

This was a South Park joke that reflects my thoughts about this title. It’s a joke! They killed all the beauty of the original by making a pathetic sequel to a very good series.

Animation: 7
Although better than in the previous season, the graphics are still medium to good. There is lot of attention given on explosions and transformations, but all these are quite common for a 90’s series.

Sound: 6
The sound department has nothing interesting to offer (unlike the previous season that had an awesome opening).

Story: 4
A very shallow scenario that became even shallower.

Continuing the story a few years after the previous season, the insectoid aliens continue to attack Earth with great masses of Tekkamen. Humans now can also use the alien technology of these bioorganic suits without alien parasites possessing them. The first team of fighters is given a transformation crystal each and is sent to stop the invasion.

Most of the scenario elements are pretty typical in superhero series. The protagonists use an energy crystal to transform, yell sound activating special attacks and even fight with far-east-like style of fighting. There are unfortunately no plot twists and the story remains stale.

Characters: 5
There is no character development and no strong personalities in the story. It is also hard to believe how such a klutz girl could be chosen as Tekkaman, or even being the leading character. How could the scriptwriters replace the dramatic and cool characters of the previous season with these dorks, and then expect us to like them? Very disappointing!

There are a few appearances from characters of the previous series but you see nothing new about them or get enough time to bind with them. Very, very disappointing!

Value & Enjoyment: 5
Very, very, very disappointing!

The Tekkaman suits are no longer imposing as they were in the 80’s (too much competition). Without a main attraction and with a small number of mediocre episodes, you are left with a bitter aftertaste.

The previous Tekkaman series had great battles because all Tekkamen were a few elite killing machines that only other Tekkamen could cope with. Here, Tekkamen are greatly undermined as they are debunked into mass production, typical fighting suits that anyone can acquire and use. Plus, they are used by inexperienced fighters, making the battles appear comical or even ridiculous.

As for the non-action time, there are poor attempts at keeping us interested by shoveling us panties shots, nude and cameo appearances by characters from the previous series. By replacing the tragic element with sleazy ecchi scenes, the producers dug their own graves. There is hardly any time for character development and everything is about waiting for the next battle and listening to things we already know from the previous season. Don’t watch it!