[US DVD] Karma Saiyuki

[Chris Beveridge]

http://www.mania.com/content_pics/000004/79/49/6dbdaa1c4a1a499d_thumb.jpgReview by Chris Beveridge (http://www.mania.com/karma-saiyuki_article_114720.html)

Mania Grade: B+
* Audio Rating: B
* Video Rating: A-
* Packaging Rating: B+
* Menus Rating: B
* Extras Rating: N/A
* Age Rating: 18 and Up
* Region: 1 - North America
* Released By: ADV Films
* MSRP: 29.99
* Running time: 40
* Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 Anamorphic Widescreen
* Disc Resolution: 480i/p
* Disc Encoding: MPEG-2
* Series: Karma Saiyuki


In Summary:
Karma Saiyuki is one of a small number of very good adult anime shows that have made their way over here in the last couple of years. As has been the case for far too many years now, the bulk of adult anime tends to center around the darker side and non-consensual side. There’s a lot to be said for living out fantasies through viewing things like this and I certainly agree on that, but there is a whole lot more out there as well. Positive, fun and upbeat expressions of sex like this is a welcome respite from the continuing slog of the oppressive material. This certainly won’t win general awards, but it’s a damn fun show and one that’s likely to fall under the radar of a lot of people. If you like classic anime and want to see some fun sex, yuri and futanari with it, then by all means grab this title. Very recommended.

[Hayate Kurogane]

If the character designs really seem familiar to anyone, it's worth noting that the two individuals responsible for the designs and animation direction are proteges of Takahiro Kimura, who is known most recently for designs and animation in titles such as Godannar, Gun Sword, and Code Geass.

Though I really could've done without the irritating and goofy Kappei-Yamaguchi-voiced lead male (which, to add to one of Chris' review comments, is itself an odd throwback to '90s hentai, whether intentionally or not), the girls are hot and the girl-girl sex is hotter. This is also easily one of the better-animated titles, hentai or otherwise, that I've seen in recent months. This title has also shot to the top of my prettiest animated vaginas list, for what that's worth. (TMI? :sweat:)

Why the androids get the front cover and the lead girls are relegated to the back, I don't know.

I also have no idea what the first few minutes have to do with the rest of the episode, especially when a bit of those first few minutes is referenced later in the episode. About halfway through, I'd decided that the whole Saiyuki thing we were seeing was some sort of alternate perception/visual allegory thing, based on the first part, but that's kind of missing the point, I think. Is this based on something else? A manga? Doujin? Game?

The padded runtime from 33 minutes to 40 also struck me as really stretching it a bit. It might have been a bit closer if the original Japanese ending were included. What the heck happened, ADV/Happy Carrot? It just goes straight from the main show to the English credits scroll over a black screen with no audio; the credits even properly credit the missing ending song. Bah!

Well, whatever my minor gripes, I highly recommend this title, for the hot, well-animated yuri+futanari sex, if nothing else. :catgirl:

[General Hentai]

I've mixed feelings about this title.

First, the opening was confusing setting things up in the present day, then, bam! we're in the past on a Journey to the West. With androids.

Intercut with that are images of the present (near future, rather), showing abandoned sexdriods, and a scene where a sexdroid is (realistically) beaten-up by her owner. So, there's a darker strain of violence against women present. This is a very dark sequence, a woman begging to please a man sexually, with the man beating the crap out of her, revealing that she's actually a sexdroid. Do not like...AT ALL!!

And, yeah, the male lead's voicing is annoying.

So, the story's a mishmash of a mess and there's violence against women.

However, the journey to the West sequence is very light and humourous. It does have an old school feel to it. The animation is very good, so this is visually a quality show.

And, aside from the abused sexdroid's brief scene, the sex scenes are fun and enjoyable.

But this is just a weird, weird mix of very light and very dark story elements, for no reason that progresses the storyline.

[dragoon]

Good to see a thorough review for this as I've been curious about it.

It sounds.... a little too hardcore for my taste... not really into this sort of genre so as much as I want to support ADV probably going to pass on this, but good for ADV for picking up a quality title. Like John Sirabella said some weeks ago, titles like these can help companies through these difficult times. I like the diversity in the business approach ADV is taking lately.

I will say I'm disappointed in the almost 0 marketing and hype machine, or lack-thereof from ADV/Happy Carrot. It's like they just release a show and based on worth of mouth alone expect stuff to sell???? I mean other than AoD is there any other large community or forum where there's a following for these types of shows? There was like no announcement of this show either other than through the solicitation. What happened to pomp and circumstance announcements and quiet retreats... shouldn't be quiet on both counts... :P