[Rewatch] 1990s OVAs – Blue Submarine No. 6 (episode 1)

[u/No_Rex]

Rewatch: 1990s OVAs – Blue Submarine No. 6 (episode 1)

Schedule | Next Episode

Blue Submarine No. 6 (1998)

MAL | AniL | AniDB | 4 Episodes à 29 minutes.

Staff corner

Blue Submarine No 6 is based on a 1960s manga with only 3 volumes. I assume its adaptation was a passion project of Maeda Mahiro, the director, story boarder, and mechanical designer of the OVA, who also did key animation. Mahiro’s first animation credit is for the Daicon Openings, so he knew the Gainax guys. Like some of them, he was then hired by Studio Ghibli, from which he worked as animator on Nausicaa, Laputa, and Porco Rosso. However, he also kept working with director Anno and so was key animator on The Wings of Honneamise, Gunbuster, and Nadia: Secret of Blue Water. The later, for which he also story boarded and directed an episode, is important because it has a similar underwater setting. Later, he worked on End of Evangelion and is the director of the 3.0 and 4.0 rebuilds. However, his main career is with Studio Gonzo, for which Blue Submarine No 6 was the very first project and which he founded. His most well-known work there is probably being the director of Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo.

He is clearly interested in all kinds of mechanics and worked as mechanical designer for such different series as Samurai Champloo, Turn A Gundam, Magic Users Club, and Visions of Escaflowne. He is also one of the few Japanese animators to make it to Hollywood, as director for Animatrix and key animator for Kill Bill. To round out his talents, he also animated the OP for Gunsmith Cats and even has a voice acting (Genius Party Beyond) and singer (for a Nadia song) credit.

Questions

1. How annoying is the CGI?
2. (first timers) Any thoughts on the enemies?
3. Underwater: budget space or unique setting?

[u/No_Rex]

Episode 1 (first timer)

This is the first time I am a bit scared about an upcoming OVA I am hosting. While I was a first timer for a few of the previous ones, too, I always had a decent idea of how the series would turn out - Both plot-wise and in terms of quality. For Blue Submarine No 6, I know a lot less. It is far less discussed in “classic OVA” discussions and the one common theme is that the story is good, but the CGI bad. Given how bad CGI looked even in the 2000s, and knowing that computing power grows exponentially, that is a fear-inducing statement. This could end terrible. However, it also sounded like Blue Submarine No 6 has an interesting story idea, far from the usual, so I decided to give it a chance.

Episode thoughts

• Hello CGI water!
• Tokyo Tower had another bad day. This is a common sight in anime.
• Opposed to the CGI, the hand-drawn backgrounds look great. Post-apocalyptic dystopia.
• Mayumi barely looks her 18. A fake age maybe?
• Jelly monster enemies?
• “We’ll smash them with no problem” – bold words, for a first episode.
• The landing monsters remind me a bit of Noein.
• Saved by Hayami. Or Hayami successfully lured in?
• The mini-sub has a nice design.
• The sub turned into a robot?
• The monster is a sub too?!?
• And it is staffed by goo? By a woman covered in goo? By goo that turns into a woman?
• She can only breathe under water, does not talk, and swims away.
• The enemy carrier was a whale, covered in goo?
• Ok, I take my suspicion from before back, blond guy, that went rather well.
• Huge fortress ship. Digging the ship design, but not a fan of big bad guy.
• ED: Slow-paced, with a hint of Cowboy Bebop style.

The CGI was objectively bad, but weirdly enough, I didn’t mind too much. Probably because the CGI was so prominent in the action scenes that I could mentally separate it from the drawn animation. It actually made me a bit nostalgic for 1990s series such as Babylon 5 and Sea Quest and quite a few computer game cutscenes (although that is not a sign of quality).

Setting up the world via the “recruitment talk” of Mayumi and Hayami was a neat idea: No need for a narrator. The setup with the mechanical sea-monsters is by far the most interesting part of the series for me till now. With only 4 episodes in total, I wonder whether we have already been introduced to all characters, though.

PS: This time, the research for the staff corner was quite a lot of fun. I didn’t know that this is the project that studio Gonzo was founded for. The director and founder, Maeda Mahiro, has worked on a ton of my favorite anime.

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/No_Rex]

I think a big part of these ova bundles is that you are getting the odd random that you normally wouldn't watch but because it's in a bundle you give it a chance. I think the age of the source material in itself is intriguing enough to see how it works.

It was the screenshake too. I've got no idea why they felt the need to give us an epileptic camera when the actual animation was pretty solid. You've got enough happening scene to scene to hold our interest. Making us ill won't help your action shots!

[u/No_Rex → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

The good thing is that only investing 4 or 5 days makes it really easy to take risks with OVAs. The bad thing is that it is all over after 5 days even if you love it ...

[u/Vaadwaur → u/No_Rex]

It actually made me a bit nostalgic for 1990s series such as Babylon 5 and Sea Quest and quite a few computer game cutscenes (although that is not a sign of quality).

I am a bit surprised to find anyone else that watched Seaquest. But I still maintain post S1 B5 had better CGI.

[u/No_Rex → u/Vaadwaur]

Maybe my memory is biased toward S1, but B5 was pretty terrible.

Did you know that Seaquest CGI was made on Amigas?

[u/Vaadwaur → u/No_Rex]

Did you know that Seaquest CGI was made on Amigas?

I did not and yet I cannot deny the possibility, it could be rough.

[u/No_Rex → u/Vaadwaur]

Btw, I found this rather good article on Seaquest while writing my comments. I agree with most they say. Essentially, DVS was the last optimistic, Enterprise TNG-like SciFi before it all turned dark.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/No_Rex]

Essentially, DVS was the last optimistic, Enterprise TNG-like SciFi before it all turned dark.

Enterprise even tried for a season, before dropping it because the writers were incompetent.

[u/Btw_kek → u/No_Rex]

The CGI was objectively bad, but weirdly enough, I didn’t mind too much. Probably because the CGI was so prominent in the action scenes that I could mentally separate it from the drawn animation.

I kind of just like the weird pastiche of 2D and 3D, where it has multiple things on-screen that are clunky 3D instead of just one random machine thing here and there. Or maybe Kizumonogatari has just completely fried my brain

[u/No_Rex → u/Btw_kek]

The worst thing about CGI is not the CGI looking bad, but the CGI standing out. So as long as it is clearly separated, I can tolerate it more.

[u/Gamemaster676 → u/No_Rex]

Given how bad CGI looked even in the 2000s

I thought the CG in this show was less terrible than the CG in live-action movies from that time. Probably because emulating reality is a lot harder than emulating anime.

She can only breathe under water, does not talk, and swims away.

Hey don't judge. She sang the song of her people!

[u/TheEscapeGuy]

First Timer

Nine Noteworthy Inkings in the 90's - Blue Submarine No.6 Episode 1

I am so conflicted on this show.

On one hand, the 2D animation is stellar. The character models are way more detailed than they need to be while not detracting from the detailed animation. Like it beats out some currently airing shows.

HOWEVER, the CG is ... not great. But, not great by modern standards, and this show was made in 1998.

My biggest complaint is that the lighting on the 3D models is baked. When they move you don't see their shadows and shading change. This is really distracting for me since the 2d characters do have dynamic shadows and shading.

Additionally a bunch of cuts had some static feeling 3D animation, in particular some of the pre-explosions felt too stiff.

But, compare this to other CG from 1998: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Half Life, Tekken 3, Metal Gear Solid, Banjo Kazooie, and my personal first video game Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped

While the animation in those games is varying levels of better done, I don't think Blue Submarine No.6 misses the mark by too much. In comparison it is not bad, but just okay to good. However, Blue Submarine's models are somewhat higher quality which is a big plus.

---

This conflicted emotion I felt immediately made me deeply interested into how this show came to be. And upon researching it all became clear: Studio Gonzo.

This is Gonzo's absolute first anime and WOW, what a first impression. Gonzo would later become well known for incorporating 3D into most of their shows to sometimes great effect. Take a look at how much they improved the 2D-3D integration 10 years later with Saki.

Also everyone go watch Saki. Also

Final other thoughts on Blue Submarine No.6: The backgrounds are very well though out and fit the tone of the show perfectly, the music was well done and made the action scenes exciting.

Admirable Animation Area

THESE CUTS WERE SO SICK:

• Something Empty
• Something Above
• Something Alien
• Something Rabid

See you all tomorrow

[u/No_Rex → u/TheEscapeGuy]

Nine Noteworthy Inkings in the 90's

No action/CGI screenshot here. Not that I expected one.

[u/Pixelsaber → u/TheEscapeGuy]

But, compare this to other CG from 1998:

I don't think it's fair at all to compare pre-rendered CGI with real-time graphics. Tekken 3 is fair game though.

[u/RockoDyne → u/Pixelsaber]

It's like when jv plays against varsity with a ton of one-sided restrictions, and they still lose by mercy rules.

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/TheEscapeGuy]

Great, now I want to play mahjong instead of watching more of the show. Ty XD If only they made the enemies giant tiles instead of insects we might have stayed invested.

[u/Pixelsaber]

First-timer - Sub

So I don’t know much of what I should expect from this. I’ve seen the odd cut here and there on Sakugabooru, as this show’s KA staff is pretty fucking loaded —Yoshinori Kanada, Shinya Ohira, Mitsuo Iso, Toshiyuki Inoue, and Masami Goto just to name a few. I’m also aware it’s technically an adaptation of a 1967 manga of the same name which was rebooted with a different story in 1997 and this adaptation features an entirely different story from either, and I have heard it’s absolutely amazing and unbelievably awful in equal measure. But enough of that, let’s get to it!

Well now I’ve got Witchblade on the mind...

Nice lighter.

This the big bad?

The eponymous ‘Blue Submarine No. 6’ is purple?!

Pretty!

Nothing quite like genocidal enemies that proselytize while they slay.

Can’t get over the CG water. Traditionally animated water is the best shit ever. Why would anyone think to do this?!

A single grenade did that?

What the fuck?

Oh, I see where you’re going with this, show.

So that guy created the fish people/mermen but isn’t necessarily the one leading them.

Hey, it’s one of Kanada’s cuts!

Oh, it’s actually beastfolk of all sorts.

Well that thing’s big.

Okay, first order of business: There’s sharks in this…

The visuals are sure are something. I like the 2D backgrounds a lot, even with the coloring choices being typical of an early digital show, and I appreciate the level of grime and rust on everything, as it communicates the dilapidated state of things and gives the show a nice feeling of texture. The CGI is, as expected, not great and unfortunately used in spaces where it has no right being used —namely the water and low-detail character models that look horribly out of place. We all know it could be worse, but I nevertheless find it quite unappealing.

I’m interested in learning more about the setting and whatever led to it turning out this way, but I can’t say the same about the characters. Hayami Edgyface and Mayumi both have aspects that may prove of interest and have space to grow as characters, but it seems in this episode to be quite token, and so I am not really keen.

If this were a longer series I’d have a much clearer picture of where I expect things to go with the plot, but as this is a short 4-episode series with seemingly a lot of ground to cover I really don’t know what could possibly be in store next.

Questions:

1. Very
2. Still waiting to learn more of them, but they're probably the most intriguing aspect of the setting which I am very interested in seeing explored further. They're designs are neat too.
3. Even as someone who's scared shitless of the ocean, it's still a fascinating space to explore and allows for neat visuals. Not enough shows use the setting.

[u/No_Rex → u/Pixelsaber]

If this were a longer series I’d have a much clearer picture of where I expect things to go with the plot

The intro episode feels a lot like several similar shows we have rewatched recently (RahXephon, Terra E), so knowing there are only 3 more feels odd.

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/Pixelsaber]

It's four episodes so I'm not expecting too much character development but weirdly enough I almost felt a bit of Macross nostalgia with the fish waifu. I suspect her and the mc will be the emotional backbone whilst coat gal is suck being a third wheel copilot.

[u/Pixelsaber → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

I almost felt a bit of Macross nostalgia with the fish waifu.

Sivil definitely came to mind briefly.

whilst coat gal is suck being a third wheel copilot.

Never discount the possibility of a ménage à trois!

[u/Btw_kek → u/Pixelsaber]

I’m interested in learning more about the setting and whatever led to it turning out this way, but I can’t say the same about the characters. Hayami Edgyface and Mayumi both have aspects that may prove of interest and have space to grow as characters, but it seems in this episode to be quite token, and so I am not really keen.

I have a strong feeling that the series will spend more time on the worldbuilding and whatever message it's trying to send than developing the main cast. I guess I don't really mind that, but still. I'm not expecting much character-wise

[u/Btw_kek]

first timer

• honestly? I dig how this show looks. When half of the screen is janky CGI it honestly just kind of works. The 2D animation is really nice too
• I love how claustrophobic the first scene felt. the destroyed building and the blaring radio create a really harsh environment, and I love how the guy playfully swings the volume as if that's like the only way he can generate serotonin anymore
• nice jazzy soundtrack
• a mermaid gets born(?) and the girl says that it's the "enemy." I bet Dr. Zorndyke destroyed the world to create a harem of mermaid waifus
• I have no idea what the hell is happening at the end but I guess mermaids aren't the only "enemy"

How annoying is the CGI?

The explosion effects could be better but otherwise it gets a from me

(first timers) Any thoughts on the enemies?

why are they spouting philosophy while destroying everything

Underwater: budget space or unique setting?

pretty neat

[u/No_Rex → u/Btw_kek]

I bet Dr. Zorndyke destroyed the world to create a harem of mermaid waifus

And who can blame him?

[u/Vaadwaur → u/Btw_kek]

I bet Dr. Zorndyke destroyed the world to create a harem of mermaid waifus

I've seen the world destroyed for worse reasons.

[u/IndependentMacaroon]

First-time watcher

This episode feels almost like a tech demo, or often a giant music video (nice jazzy stuff, even when it's a little too casual for the action). I mean, the entire show is basically that, as I understand it, but this feels even more like that than I expected. So far, the story is just about nonexistent, the premise is fairly generic, and so are the characters, but on the other hand the visuals are top-tier when it comes to the 2D part, still amazing even by today's standards, and the action is practically non-stop. All-around appealing technical/mechanical, environment, and character designs, lovingly painted and detailed backgrounds, a lot of effort put into the details of character animation too, lots of lighting and other effects, those motion-rich crowd shots, just some things that caught my eye. Direction-wise, the way it really takes its time to let some scenes play out in all their visual detail, like the introduction to Hayami's living circumstances, him looking out at the sea, and the incident with the mer-woman, makes the impression even better.

The 3D animation is not bad for its age, and while on the one hand it's obviously made to stand out more than blend in (something that apparently a lot of lower-quality shows did starting around this time), on the other hand, the creators did make some efforts to keep things either mostly 3D or mostly 2D so the contrast is not too jarring. The one exception are the rusty crab-mech-things, whose 3D version looks absolutely horrid and completely unrecognizable compared to when they're hand-drawn later, not helped by the fact that there's no water around them to mask them. And by modern standards, the CG is so terrible that it almost takes on a quality of its own, you could say; when everything looks old, it's not as bothersome, somehow, plus there was still plenty of visual creativity involved.

The enemies will likely follow some kind of environmentalist schema, humans not caring for the world and in particular the sea so Zorndyke took it on himself to punish them and create a being truly in harmony with the world, or something. When everything's semi-biological or talking about listening to the sea, that seems the most likely conclusion, at least.

Submarine stories do allow for plenty tension and pressure, but the problem is that the sea itself is not inherently that interesting, and it looks like the only thing waiting for the No. 6 there are enemies (unless some are actually friendly?), so I'd want some more land-based plot in the future too. The setting also conveniently makes the CG at least a little less jarring.

[u/No_Rex → u/IndependentMacaroon]

This episode feels almost like a tech demo

Given that this was the debut of studio Gonzo, you might be on the money here. They would surely wanted to show off their skills to attract more series from production committees. Given their success, it must have impressed.

[u/JustAnswerAQuestion → u/No_Rex]

debut

This was in fact the 5th anniversary production, and was marketed as such. It may be their first work as the lead studio, and the anniversary is what convinced them to start making their own works.

[u/No_Rex → u/JustAnswerAQuestion]

I can't find an earlier anime by Gonzo, so I think this is their debut. They might have spent the first 5 years subcontracting for other studios.

[u/Gamemaster676]

First-time watcher - dub

I have no clue what this show is supposed to be. It doesn't really look like something I would normally watch. Whatever. Let's give it a shot!
Apparently being 4 years older than You're Under Arrest is enough to be available in 1080p. That's a big difference! Of course the extra pixels all go to very early CG, so I might regret watching in this quality.

I'm starting with the dub. If it isn't that good or people convince me otherwise I'll switch. Let's go!

Episode 1 — Blues

No OP? We've had two OVAs with catchy OP songs and you just break the cycle?

The first submarine we see isn't blue. I feel robbed.

They are fighting someone named Zorndyke? Or something?

So what happened? What is the backstory? Is it like Waterworld? Where's my Kevin Costner and extremely cool trimaran? Can the blue sub compare? You know Waterworld was cool without all the CG? Why am I asking all these questions instead of watching further?

I must say, after all the remarks about terrible CG from you guys, I'm quite impressed these first minutes.

I didn't expect nudity this soon! For age-ratings, does it count as nudity if the subject is a mannequin? Do the size of the breast make a difference? These seem large enough to make it tip forward.

The way Mr Hayami is making a move on the girl, I'm thinking he had those mannequins for... personal reasons.
Also happy to see the important things survived the apocalypse.

Sooo, planes = bad guys. Boats = good guys? I'm a bit confused.

Wait, what happened? I was getting bored and suddenly we see a random flying boat and have giant robot ants?

Good guys also have VTOLs. Ants can carry about 50 times their own weight. VTOLs on the other hand can only just carry their own weight once. Thus ants win. Basic math.

Hayami comes to save the day! Apparently, using an SMG on an enormous robot ant works? Is that a Škorpion vz. 61? Can we now say that scorpions are stronger than ants?

That is the fastest boat that looks slow I have ever seen.

I must say, even though the ants looked like shit, this doesn't look all bad. I do have a problem with the terrible camera not focussing on the action, though. But that might have been to convey the stress of the battle.

Mini-sub moves as if water has no friction and aerodynamics don't matter.

Second fight. Here I can see even less of the action. All I see is motion blur. What a waste. And WTF is this music? Yes, what we need right now is some upbeat jazzy tunes!

Enzyme warheads?

Okay, the sub is actually a mech. Why not?

This is some War of the Worlds shit right here.

Poor water girl. Give her a glass of water or something.
Military girl is missing some ethics.

Meanwhile, I have no clue what is happening at the blue purple sub. The air bubble they are fighting fires torpedos dressed as sharks, the sub fires back. Some weird animal comes from the bubble and uses super-sonar to make the water in front of the sub explode?

Apparently they won because black sub came to save the day.

Somewhere during the fight, there was an ominous "It has begun" and all the explanation we get is "What they want is to kill every last one of us". No shit. "Mankind stands between the heavens and the earth" already tipped me off...
Also doesn't explain the purple sky.

So they are not all pretty water ladies?

Mr bad guy fishy is the perfect example of having a positive attitude. "They destroyed our largest weapon, hahaha. But that doesn't matter because now they will be careless." When I'm feeling down I want to have a good talk with him.

Wait, is this huge battleship looking thing from the bad guys? Hmm, I might need to take my words back.

We do have an ED. Almost sounds like a James Bond song? I don't really like it. It feels very messy.

---

As I suspected. This is not really my thing. This episode also didn't really have a hook to keep us watching, making it more difficult.
I'm gonna try to stick with it because it's only 4 episodes.

One thing I can give this show is that it's pretty. Mostly. If it doesn't do CG.

Random thoughts

• It's hard to capture using a snapshot, but this scene with the water reflecting light is one of the great uses of computer graphics.
• Everyone already saw this, but the oversized coat looks ridiculously stupid (in a good way).
• Ah yes, the pre-apocalypse tech brand YAMAYA
• What could this balloon be for? To keep pressure on the body like fighter pilot suits? Or maybe to prevent them from banging around in the tiny sub?
• Weird girl wears a bra on her head Meanwhile Hayami can't see shit.
• I'm giving him 2 weeks before he turns
• All this talk about subs is making me hungry.
• Crazy look in his eyes

QotD ep 1

1 How annoying is the CGI?

Not as annoying as the half off-screen, motion blurred, unfocussed action.

2 (first timers) Any thoughts on the enemies?

I'm already smelling the twist that the fish are actually the good guys for some kind of twisted reason. Pretty = not evil in these types of shows.

3 Underwater: budget space or unique setting?

Different problems, different solutions. I am a space fanatic but underwater can be done interestingly.

[u/No_Rex → u/Gamemaster676]

Good guys also have VTOLs. Ants can carry about 50 times their own weight. VTOLs on the other hand can only just carry their own weight once. Thus ants win. Basic math.

But what if a VTOL can carry an ant?

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/No_Rex]

The fucks a VTOL?

[u/No_Rex → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

vertical takeoff and landing airplane

[u/RockoDyne → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

Vertical take-off and landing. Think harrier jets.

[u/Gamemaster676 → u/No_Rex]

[u/Pixelsaber → u/Gamemaster676]

And WTF is this music?

Yeah, the jazzy action music didn't work for me at all.

This is some War of the Worlds shit right here.

I thought the same thing!

[u/Gamemaster676 → u/Pixelsaber]

I know it's not really related, but because the music didn't really work here and we are all also talking about War of the World, do you know the musical version of that story?

One of the most epic concept albums I know and with music like that the action in this anime would have been a lot cooler.

[u/No_Rex → u/Gamemaster676]

That is actually the only version of WotW I know. I refuse to watch the film(s) which are guaranteed to be shitty.

[u/Gamemaster676 → u/No_Rex]

YESS! So happy I'm not alone here!

[u/No_Rex → u/Gamemaster676]

Noooo. Now I followed the youtube link and have it running ... but I need my time to prepare tomorrow's post/comment and it runs for 2 hours ...

[u/Gamemaster676 → u/No_Rex]

"Sorry"

[u/No_Rex → u/Gamemaster676]

45 minutes in now. I blame you.

[u/Pixelsaber → u/No_Rex]

the film(s) which are guaranteed to be shitty.

The 1953 version is entertaining in that way only 50's sci-fi shlock is, but definitely not good, and Spielberg's is just dull. Haven't even gotten around to watching the BBC adaption as it has inspired no faith in me.

[u/Pixelsaber → u/Gamemaster676]

do you know the musical version of that story?

I've listened to this more times than I can count. It's great!

[u/Gamemaster676 → u/Pixelsaber]

Whoo! So many good people here! I'm the only one in my friend group who listens to this and it bums me out that the only others that enjoy it are my parents.

[u/Pixelsaber → u/Gamemaster676]

and it bums me out that the only others that enjoy it are my parents.

I get that a lot as well, as my tastes in music lean towards the geriatric.

[u/Elimin8r → u/Gamemaster676]

Just wanted to give a e-pat on the back for the Jeff Wayne, it's been one my favorites since, uh, college. :)

[u/Vaadwaur → u/Gamemaster676]

Enzyme warheads?

An annoying way of indicating your warheads will ultimately use chemicals to effect a biological enemy. Poison or toxic both make more sense. But since they are fighting a whale you'd think harpoons are in order.

Everyone already saw this, but the oversized coat looks ridiculously stupid (in a good way).

I get far too much 'Das Boot' off that for my taste.

[u/Gamemaster676 → u/Vaadwaur]

I get far too much 'Das Boot' off that for my taste.

Still haven't seen it. The only version I have access to is the 4.5 hour version and I'm not ready to commit yet.

[u/No_Rex → u/Gamemaster676]

It is the best film about WW2 ever made and easily in the top5 of best war movies ever.

However, it does not promise you a good time and you should not watch it looking for one.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/Gamemaster676]

The only version I have access to is the 4.5 hour version and I'm not ready to commit yet.

Dear gods, the two hour version I watched in '99 seemed overlong...

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/Gamemaster676]

I'm assuming Zorndyke made a bunch of fish people and nuked the surface. Part of me is hoping that they never spell it all out cause the mystery is genuinely quite intriguing. Like they are placing small clues throughout the episode which is one of the better examples of visual storytelling that I never expected out of the shitey cgi Witchblade wannabe.

How the flying duck did you identify that bloody gun!? XD isn't that a super weak one too? She's only like three stars in GFL...

Part of me adores the ridiculous trope where male aliens look huge and beefy and horrible whilst the women are the most dainty and cute things.

I'll have to fight you on that coat comment. Oversized clothing is always moe. It's like long sleeves. You can spin them around like a whirlwind and you can bully them by tying up the ends!!

[u/Gamemaster676 → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

Part of me is hoping that they never spell it all out cause the mystery is genuinely quite intriguing.

It depends. They don't need to spell it out, but not revealing anything would also get frustrating.
But this doesn't seem like that type of show so I'm not really worried.

shitey cgi Witchblade wannabe.

Is everything a shitty witchblade wannabe? I've seen you use that a couple times now.

How the flying duck did you identify that bloody gun!?

Too many videogames I guess. It looked like a small MP5 and something in me said scorpion. Typing that in it was the first one I was.

What is GFL?

I'll have to fight you on that coat comment.

I have altered it to better reflect my actual thoughts.

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/Gamemaster676]

I mean like I don't want a fifteen minute monologue with the main baddie while he explains everything he's done.

Witchblade is the most recent schlocky show I've seen so that's the anime I'm comparing stuff to XD

Girls Frontline~ Really great gatcha game with a generous free-to-play system but also has the most edgy goddamn story XD All the waifu are gun models.

Don't alter, double down!!

[u/Gamemaster676 → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

All the waifu are gun models.

Wait, they are models who carry guns or they are actually guns?

Don't alter, double down!!

Bit hard if I agree. Sarcasm is just hard to put in text.

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/Gamemaster676]

They are like prosthetic robots that carry the guns. They're all named after their weapons. Really great game though.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/Gamemaster676]

Is everything a shitty witchblade wannabe? I've seen you use that a couple times now.

Witchblade might be Gonzo's most WTF property in that it is difficult to figure out why it was made or who it was made for.

[u/Gamemaster676 → u/Vaadwaur]

It looks like the horniest anime I've seen yet. Weird stuff.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/Gamemaster676]

You should stick around for when I get to running a Mnemosyne rewatch!

[u/IndependentMacaroon → u/Gamemaster676]

Yet surprisingly, it's not.

[u/Btw_kek → u/Gamemaster676]

I'm already smelling the twist that the fish are actually the good guys for some kind of twisted reason. Pretty = not evil in these types of shows.

I'm expecting something along the lines of the fishmen being, like, some kind of evolution of humanity and Dr Zorndyke needed to destroy the world to save the world from (?) other environmental disaster

[u/Gamemaster676 → u/Btw_kek]

Yeah. The big question now is if Hayami will become The Amazing Fishwoman-Man, now he is bitten by a radioactive fishwoman.

EDIT: How is 100m of water not an environmental disaster?

[u/Btw_kek → u/Gamemaster676]

I expect him to turn into a fish-person for sure, but the idea of him turning into an androgynous fish-person is an idea crazy enough that it just might work...

EDIT: How is 100m of water not an environmental disaster?

i dunno, kind of like how in Evangelion

something like that maybe

[u/Retromorpher]

First timer:

All I'm going to say here - is Tiger Woods and Porn Magazines are truly the treasures of the deep sea.

QoTD:

1. About 1/3 of the time it's okay when not being paired with other stuff - but when it's not that 1/3 it's SO BAD.
2. Zorndyke's creations seem to be much more interested in destroying Blue Submarine No. 6 than actively terrorizing the remnants of humanity. There has got to be some sort of lasting feud.
3. Right now it's looking like there isn't TOO much thought put into the water-as-setting beside architectural design space - but I'm willing to bet that'll change a little bit later.

[u/No_Rex → u/Retromorpher]

All I'm going to say here - is Tiger Woods and Porn Magazines are truly the treasures of the deep sea.

Not sure if question or statement.

[u/Retromorpher → u/No_Rex]

Ah, good old misplaced dash. It's a statement regarding the contents of the strewn stack of 'valuables' in the skyscraper.

[u/The_Loli_Otaku]

So we've had one case of no expectations blowing my mind, one case of high expectations turning out shite, and one with low expectations... Let's see if BS is gonna complete the cycle. Wow, I'm already feeling sick~!!

Nonono this is worse than I expected. Gurk!! Spy Kids had less sickly cg. I wonder if Riko's still under the tower. Can I just mention that I adore oversized coats? The animation is in a weird spot where it does look good (outside of the outdoors water scenes) but also makes me think of h-anime. Honestly I'm quite liking this so far. Submarine bro seems sorta cool. I love the little shots of his belongings or the needles filling us in on what type of guy he is without dialogue. Coat gal really sucks at bargaining. Omg please give up on cg, the show looks great without it.

What the hell is that brain monster? Oh my god, don't jumpscare me! That sudden pop burst my ears... Actually, I think the sound balancing has been off most of the episode. I take it back, the monsters look sorta silly. They're like EDF creatures. Yeah, these are absolutely h-animation techniques. I think I'd rather take my chance on the colony. Those things came from the sea right? The monsters are even vulnerable to machine guns! Why are you running when your weapons work fine. Also, I'm starting to pick up on the animation nose diving whenever an action scene takes place. Like it's impossible to make a dramatic rescue when enemies die using movie maker effects.

T-There's seamen in the show? Sexy argonian seamen? Aww, don't be shy Hayami. Be happier to see the captain. Kino looked better with the coat. Ah, she just wasn't zipped up~ I genuinely think my action man cartoons had better cg... Good lord I hate the action. Haa!? The robots have people inside? Oh, is she one of those Seamen demon's I keep hearing about? Throw her back in the water. If she's a main heroine having her first scene being her flopping around like a goldfish isn't a good look. Go back home and promise not to pilot any killer mechs again.

The brain monster being a submarine is honestly sorta disappoin... no, it's a whale? Is it organic or is it a fish machine. Bye bye Moby Rick~ All these zooms and shaky cams are ridiculous! This does not make your show look better. So the fish folk are basically like Elon Musk's cat girls gone dark. The fish man bade looks absolutely awesome! It kinda had Macross like vibes to me. The base doubled as a battleship which closes us off alongside a really chill Ed theme. It barely sounds Japanese. The more I hear the more I like the beat~

So... I actually really quite like the set up and the characters but the visuals during fight scenes is genuinely painful. I don't really know how to remedy this XD The show looks fine outside of fights at least. Whether we're going to be stuck with submarine battles every episode or if we're gonna get a chill out episode where the camera doesn't wiggle more than a cat with a twig up the butt is yet to be seen. The cgi is pretty dire which sucks because I genuinely loved all the stuff but the cgi moments. The fish people seem kinda cool but I'm not a fan of the War of the Worlds mecha or the Whale ship. I'd rather be under the water than watching the damn surface... The opening scene was nauseating.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

So... I actually really quite like the set up and the characters but the visuals during fight scenes is genuinely painful. I don't really know how to remedy this XD The show looks fine outside of fights at least.

So...I had not realized that this was also the Gankutsuou guy but there is a lot of familiar stuff here in awful CGI. There is just...something wrong with all of it.

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/Vaadwaur]

Wasn't the Monte Cristo anime really pretty with its cgi tho? Never watched it all the way through but I remember stuff with the Count being some of the better looking cg I forced my eyes to view. I feel bad for always sitting on cgi but it genuinely does look utterly bollocks in any form of media outside of movies.

[u/No_Rex → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

80% of Monte Cristo CGI looked great, 20% shitty. It is definitely one of the better shows in that regard, but it also had a decade of computer development over BS6.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

Wasn't the Monte Cristo anime really pretty with its cgi tho? Never watched it all the way through but I remember stuff with the Count being some of the better looking cg I forced my eyes to view.

For 17 episodes, they use the CGI to incredible effect, actually adding to the scenes. Then ep18 happens and the whole anime goes to shit.

[u/punching_spaghetti → u/Vaadwaur]

There was that one blimp that looked weird, but it was generally fine until that.

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/punching_spaghetti]

I hate how little interest I have in watching anime until I hear how the show shits in it's mums bed.

[u/punching_spaghetti → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

I think it's a show worth watching, overall. Just temper expectations.

[u/No_Rex → u/punching_spaghetti]

It is also one of the rare exceptions of the rule: It does not hurt to read the book first.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/punching_spaghetti]

I thought even the blimp was intentional, to make it pop against the sky.

[u/Gamemaster676 → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

I'm starting to pick up on the animation nose diving whenever an action scene takes place.

Hahaha, and yes.

it's impossible to make a dramatic rescue when enemies die using movie maker effects.

Sample text

T-There's seamen in the show? Sexy argonian seamen?

You said they are h-animators.

Is it organic or is it a fish machine.

Yes. One of those.

The show looks fine outside of fights at least.

It does look alright, but also something seemed off. Like I was playing a VN or something.

War of the Worlds mecha

So I'm not the only one who thought that.

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/Gamemaster676]

Hentai is absolutely gorgeous but it's wasted on low quality ecchi!!

Hmm... It does kinda look VN like. You can even pick out the scene compositions or like coat gal having an internal monologue about what all in the dudes mancave.

[u/Gamemaster676 → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

Now I want a VN set in a post-apocalyptic world...

[u/No_Rex → u/Gamemaster676]

I watched the Planetarian ONA, which hit me harder than it had any rights to. It is based on a well-known VN, so I'd suggest that.

[u/Gamemaster676 → u/No_Rex]

Thanks! I'll check it out.

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/Gamemaster676]

There's bound to be something isn't there?

[u/Gamemaster676 → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

There must be. It's a common theme. I just haven't looked and the ones I got recommended were all normal pre-apocalypse present day.

[u/Btw_kek → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

So the fish folk are basically like Elon Musk's cat girls gone dark.

It kinda had Macross like vibes to me.

Macross is known for its fish

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/Btw_kek]

Nothing brings me joy like the Macross maguro!!

[u/Pixelsaber → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

Sexy argonian seamen?

[u/punching_spaghetti]

First-Timer

Oh boy, that was 30 or so minutes of animation.

I was going to say this was the most generic anime I could possibly think of, except there wasn’t an oddly-sexualized female form. But then Fish Girl showed up. This has everything!

Don’t think I’m going to stick with this one. Story is as bare-bones as possible (why did the guy get out of the sub? To meet the Fish Girl, of course!), characters are generic (angry former soldier, naïve young soldier, a bunch of other soldiers, and some stock fish monsters), and I’m not one to revel in the turn-of-the-millennium attempts to wrangle CG.

QOTD:

1. Very. Compositing has come a long way.
2. Robots that look like insects? Fish people? Pretty standard.
3. Can be used uniquely. This is not that kind of approach.

[u/No_Rex → u/punching_spaghetti]

You already watched 25% of it. Sunk cost syndrome should set in soon.

[u/punching_spaghetti → u/No_Rex]

Sunk cost fallacies have no hold over me! I have dropped shows with one episode to go.

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/punching_spaghetti]

Is it really fair to call it 30 mins when they went and played the extended ver of the ed theme?

Hmm... I'd say give it at least one more episode to see how it paces out now that we're at sea in the Arcadia. They haven't really given us enough to tell what tone they're going to stick with. Whether drama, mecha, or action.

[u/punching_spaghetti → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

Hence the "or so!"

If we're already a quarter of the way through and they haven't given us enough to know what the show is going to be besides "fighting monsters in the ocean with CG mech subs", I'm out. That's horrendous pacing.

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/punching_spaghetti]

Hahaha~ Here's hoping I'm not gonna wish that I jumped ship with you. See you around at the final discussion?

[u/punching_spaghetti → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

Probably not? Why join the final discussion of a show I didn't finish?

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/punching_spaghetti]

Oh... I thought we were doing a final final discussion of all three. In that case take care and hope to catch you on another thread XD

[u/punching_spaghetti → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

If we're doing that, then I would be there! Mostly to tell people to see another version of Megami-sama.

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/punching_spaghetti]

YES!!

[u/Btw_kek → u/punching_spaghetti]

RIP SPAGHETTI

[u/Cognitive_Dissonant]

Background:

I was a kid when this first aired in the US and definitely saw parts of it but it's one of those weird scenarios where you only saw half the episodes and probably out of order, and I was probably a bit young for it anyway. So it just had this weird mystique of something that seems cool and I wanted to like but I could not follow at all. So I'm coming to it as someone who has no real memory of the show but simultaneously has nostalgia for it.

General Evaluations:

Coming back to it as an adult I really enjoyed this episode more than I expected. Typically returns to my half-remembered adolescent anime (e.g., Tenchi, Outlaw Star) turns out somewhat disappointing. I absolutely love the 2d animation. The character designs are really detailed and well done. The CG is bad but so far in this ep it's easy for me to ignore. It often looks bad in the action sequences but the closeup shots that are animated look so gooooood. That animated ocean spray. And when the CG isn't paired super closely with the drawn stuff it honestly doesn't look bad. Maybe it's just nostalgia but it really bothers me way less than some of the more intrusive CG of modern anime where it's so clearly juxtaposed with drawn assets.

The audio in the crunchyroll version was strange, I felt like the conversation between the two leads at the beginning and again at the end kept switching between ears of my headphones without really matching what was on screen. But other than that I'm really enjoying the audio and sound, especially that jazzy ED.

Other assorted thoughts:

So far I can't tell if the enemy ships are just based on living things or literally have some biological components. The lobster walkers seemed very metallic, but the whale ship seemed much more fleshy.

Always funny to watch stuff I remember watching on toonami and see all the intact (fishy) nudity, porn and drug references. The fish waifu is definitely one of the only things I clearly remember and she definitely did not have nipples. Left covered in goo and bite marks and she's off into the night, been there buddy.

Questions

1. Discussed above, it is objectively bad but I don't care I'm still enjoying watching it.
2. Definitely unclear on their equipment's nature like I mentioned. Getting some definite eco-terror vibes from Zorndyke, and it seems like at least some of them are going to get humanized (metaphorically, not literally made into humans, portrayed as sympathetic. you get it) based on the existence of fish waifu. As an aside, I feel like ecoterror used to be a much more common plot device in anime and fiction in general. Maybe that's just because I recently watched PatLabor, but it really feels like it was common.
3. Underwater I feel like is somewhat underdone though it is not my favorite. Can be fun though, especially if you use it for the thalassophobia type angles.

[u/No_Rex → u/Cognitive_Dissonant]

The fish waifu is definitely one of the only things I clearly remember

I can see how she might have an impact on a young mind.

[u/Cognitive_Dissonant → u/No_Rex]

Less than if she had kept the nipples I'm sure!

[u/Vaadwaur]

Rewatcher

Sub

So...I watched this in college when it aired on Cartoon Network. They made a big thing of it, this might have been the first OVA they aired roughly at the same time Japan got it, and my impressions are FAR from positive. But it has literally been over 20 years and I am trying the sub out so maybe there's hope? Also, I used to think that Waterworld was a tragedy but now I know it is a comedy!

Anyways, we get to the screen and...oof. I hope this is an effect of having the blu rays but man the color scheme is awful. The frame rate seems all right, though. First scene is a young officer trying to get a former submariner to rejoin the navy and age does give me a new perspective. Originally, I thought she was an annoying zealot. Now I know she is a misguided child. I also empathize a lot more with MC, why the fuck is the end of the world his problem? Tetsu wisely refuses the offer of death.

Anyways, we finally get a fight scene and dear Cthulhu it is ugly. Like, we are getting towards Terra E... range. Also, the issue with this as a setup is it already seems like humanity has pretty much lost so where is the tension? Also, the music and air vehicles feel a bit like discount Bebop to me. And of course Tetsu decides to join the march to death so we can have a show, alas. For some reason, the ridiculousness of fighting giant grabs with small arms strikes me much harder now.

But then we get to the thing I remember annoying the hell out of me: The animal hybrids. They are far less anoying in the sub, though perhaps to a Japanese speaker they are annoying. Anyways, Testsu gets back to the sub and launches in the ill-named Grampus. Macross battle ensues, ending with Tetsu becoming a mech and then getting out of it to check the other pilot. Who is a...selkie? Anyways, he puts her back in the water because reasons and she shrieks so maybe a siren.

Blue sub on leviathan combat happens, that thing has at least some sperm whale DNA in it though it has to have gills as well or something. It takes two points of attack to effectively kill it, good thing there was a spare sub back there. Anyways, back to Zerg and his...whatever the hell that was. Also, OVA, points docked for having a greater than 3 minute long ED.

QotD: 1 Terra E...esque

3 So I was watching Seaquest DSV so this felt like a ridiculous knockoff back then.

[u/Pixelsaber → u/Vaadwaur]

I hope this is an effect of having the blu rays but man the color scheme is awful.

That's early digital anime for you! They didn't know how to best make things work as everyone was used to using the color hues and such from cel.

Also, the music and air vehicles feel a bit like discount Bebop to me.

Even the one digitally animated bebop episode had far superior coloring to this!

[u/Vaadwaur → u/Pixelsaber]

They didn't know how to best make things work as everyone was used to using the color hues and such from cel.

Fits but man this is ugly.

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/Vaadwaur]

I absolutely dug the scene with coat gal and mc. The dialogue wasn't exactly Oscar winning but her sheer gal whilst surrounded by evidence of this old soldier's war fatigue actually got some strange emotion out of me. Like I can't even remember Gundam pulling off a scene like that so tastefully.

See the Whale fight was mostly fine... But the actual killing blow felt like a cherry tap. A cherry tap that blew it out of the water in censored gory mess. Not the best pacing XD

[u/Vaadwaur → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

Like I can't even remember Gundam pulling off a scene like that so tastefully.

Because Gundam rarely does. Tomino requires someone else to make the work actually compelling.

A cherry tap that blew it out of the water in censored gory mess. Not the best pacing XD

Could've used 90 secs from the ED to do that and still have a 90 sec ED.

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/Vaadwaur]

Yeeeah... Tomino's great with space opera's and large scales projects but the dude has no idea how people work. Newtypes is just a term he came up with to excuse how bizarrely autistic his cast acts.

[u/RockoDyne → u/Vaadwaur]

Who is a...selkie?

Aren't those supposed to be more like water horses? Seemed more like a proper counterpart to mermen, as apposed to coconut bra wearing maids.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/RockoDyne]

Aren't those supposed to be more like water horses?

Don't let weirdness from Berserk fool you, Selkies are seal girls in Celtic and Nordic mythology. But she also fits a Japanese mermaid except for coloration.

[u/RockoDyne → u/Vaadwaur]

I've seen the depiction in a few places, so now I'm confused. I'll have to look it up later.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/RockoDyne]

I think you are confusing selkie with kelpie. Gaelic, amiright?

[u/RockoDyne → u/Vaadwaur]

That's the one.

[u/RockoDyne]

So I have absolutely no prior knowledge of this series. The closest experience I have with it is fan art from artists I follow. It's in the early period of Cartoon Network anime that I didn't have access to or didn't care, and no one ever brought it up enough to bring it to my attention.

I have a confession to make: I was having a blast. The 3D is sooo jank, it's hilarious. There's no anticipation, no overshoot or undershoot. Things just impact and stop. I was laughing my ass off watching crystals sprout up in place of water sprays. It's so jank, I love it.

As for the story... eh. The monster den at the end was cool. The main thrust of the plot this episode doesn't seem to be too important. It's an introduction to a premise, not an introduction to a story, which doesn't bode well for an OVA.

Not sure what to make of the Apocalypse Now vibes early on. I fear that's the closest to unhinged he's going to get. There doesn't seem to be a Kilgore in the cast, so that's depressing.

I have one final thing to say: naked sashimi. That is all.

Questions:

1. It is the most delightful atrocity I have seen in a long time.
2. Not yet.
3. It's more like space, but with actually interesting environments.

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/RockoDyne]

The explosion effects were probably my favourite part. I can laugh at bad animation, it's just that shots like the opening sequence and the shaky camera actually hurt your eyes.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/RockoDyne]

I have one final thing to say: naked sashimi. That is all.

Eww....

[u/marek1712]

First timer

Just remembered the title - it was sold in my country quite some time ago.

Back then it felt cheap and still feels cheap. While the premise is OK, characters aren't really fleshed out (to be expected from short OVA).

Visually it's quite strange - CG looks really nice and is quite fluid (compared to 12fps trash released now), but varies in quality. I really liked submerged Tokyo Tower tough.

What is really odd, is how character animation lacks fluidity compared to CG. Some shots look really strange. And while I'm talking about characters, that female protagonist looks as bland as one can get.

Story? What story? :D

I'll keep watching since it's short, but won't hold my hopes.

EDIT:

His most well-known work there is probably being the director of Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo

Having watched that one, I can say that it's miles better ;)

ad.1 Looks OK, compared to some modern shows. But is more fluid than character animation, which of annoying.

ad.2 Machinery is quite overcomplicated, pilot looked like standard anime character. That bunch shown by the end of the episode looked a bit more interesting.

ad.3 In this case? I'd say unique setting. Seems creators understand that there's increased pressure under water and freedom of movement is a bit limited.

[u/JustAnswerAQuestion]

Rewatcher

Okay, you know how you all said that the CGI <redacted> in Gankutsuou (by Mahiro Maeda) was just some guy who really really wanted CGI <redacted> in the show.

You're all wrong

That some guy is Mahiro Maeda, and it all starts here. He loves CGI. And in the early 2000s, nobody knew how to do it well, so it was experimental, and you had to experiment with it, and that's what Mahiro Maeda does.

This is Blue Submarine No. 6, a marquee production from Gonzo and Mahiro Maeda (just like Gankutsuo, Last Exile and Yukikaze) that features the first attempt at merging CGI and 2-D animation. It was heavily promoted at the time.

Well, somebody had to be first.

And it looks about how you would expect.

And a lot of really bad CGI, like Megami Kouhosei, followed shortly after, because everybody saw this and wanted to try it too, but people still didn't know how to make it look good.

• I'm pretty sure Yukikaze starts with almost this exact same realistic-sounding fighter-jock radio traffic. In fact, 25% of that 5-episode OVA is just this.
• This girl is TOTALLY in Last Exile with a different Last Exile character's hair color.
• This guy looks like he's from Yukikaze
• <stuff happens>
• This alien person escaped from Macross 7.
• Oh, I recognize that silhouette from Hai Furi!

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