Friday, February 8, 2019

FIF#78-Fushigi Yugi

While visiting the library one day, childhood friends Maika Yuki and Yui Hongo discover a strange book called “The Universe of the Four Gods”.  Upon reading the books first lines, Maika and Yui are transported into the story itself, set in Ancient China.  However, Yui is sent back to the real world right away, leaving Maika behind.  Left behind, Maika finds herself filling the role of the chosen Priestess of Suzaku.  Seems it is her destiny to unite a band of legendary warriors, the Suzaku Seven, in order to summon the God Suzaku himself and gain three wishes.  It’s the beginning of a grand adventure filled with action, romance, a little comedy and life changing trials for Maika. 
 
From the golden age of 90s Anime comes a classic that I feel many might consider the precursor to high fantasy Anime, especially Issekai, like Inuyasha and Escaflowne (funny since that came out a year later and animation wise looks leaps above this show).  Fushigi Yugi is a show with a lot of yesteryear hype surrounding it.  Many would call this one of the big gateway titles of the 90s, alongside other legends like Dragon Ball Z, Tenchi Muyo or Trigun.  So it’s kind of surprising that the first episode alone manages to substantiate much of this hype train.  Heck I might even go so far as to add it to my list of “Best First Episodes in Anime.”
 
I really like the setup of Fushigi Yugi: a girl transported to ancient China inside a book and getting into adventures, which her best friend is reading about while trying to find a way to rescue her.  In a way, this is very reminiscent of the classic 80’s fantasy film, The NeverEnding Story (actually more so the second one but the first one is much, much better so ill stick with that comparison).  I wasn’t sure how things would progress when Maika and Yui were both transported inside.  But keeping Yui on the outside seemed like a smart move and a way to open up more storytelling possibilities, though im sure Yui will find a way back into the book eventually.  Maika, on her own, is one of the most fun Anime heroines ive ever seen.  She’s less focused on studies and school and more obsessed with downing as much tasty food as she can.  She can also hold her own against street thugs using wrestling moves she saw on TV, hmmm Maika and Kaname Chidori from Full Metal Panic could be long lost sisters.  I know Maika is destined to travel this tale with a group of resident Chinese warrior bad asses, including the guy with the Ogre tattoo who I can probably assume is the Inuyasha to Maika’s Kagome, but I feel like Maika is going to, almost rightfully, steal the spotlight from all of them as the show goes on. 
 
Presentation wise, this is vintage 90’s Anime at its best.  Only a couple of years before the glossiness of Escaflowne and Outlaw Star, Fushigi Yugi’s artstyle still feels larger than life and China, as a result, looks really cool.  Maika’s eccentricites are displayed with so much energy you could tell the animators were having a blast animating her freakouts or inner turmoils in her search for food.  The music is also very enchanting, fitting of a fantasy Anime, and the theme music is super catchy.  We might have another case of, the openings and endings are worth getting through an episode.  Only in this case, the episode itself wont be the subject of many complaints. 
 
This is kind of tough.  Fushigi Yugi got off to a very strong start with a neat premise, a fiery lead heroine and a great 90s vibe.  At 52 episodes I wonder if I could find time to commit to it all.  And yet I say that knowing ive blown through 3 seasons of Haikyu, about 60+ episodes in a week and a half.  Fushigi Yugi might be worth a watch…no it is worth a watch and I think im going to dedicate a chunk of 2019 to getting through as much of it as I can.  Could this be worth a review down the line?  Stay tuned to find out.
 
Oh and a quick heads up.  Since im headed to Katsucon next week, there will not be a new First Impression Friday next Friday (just as the Monday after the con there wont be a new review either).  But FIF will return in two weeks and will be running til the 6th Anniversary of the Gundam Anime Corner (March 31) before taking a bit of a break and returning probably in late summer after Otakon.  Ive got alooooot of reviews coming up and will need all the time I can get.  Still, FIF isn’t going anywhere just yet.  I’ll see ya back here in two weeks for another first episode or two of a random Anime title.

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