Mania Grade: B-
Disc Grade: B
Reviewed Format: DVD
Rated: 17+
Stars: (English cast) Kelli Cousins, Kira Vincent-Davis, Charles Kennedy, Claudia Black; (Japanese cast) Atsuko Enomoto, Houko Kuwashima, Tamio Ohki, Hirotaka, Suzuoki
Writer: Naruhisa Arakawa
Director: Yuriko Chiba
Distributor: ADV Films
Original Year of Release: 1999
Retail Price: $29.98
Extras: English and Japanese language tracks; documentary; essays; production sketches; translator notes; previews; clean opening animation; Kurumi Fortune Teller; English subtitles

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STEEL ANGEL KURUMI: ANGEL ON MY SHOULDER

Don't get too excited by STEEL ANGEL KURUMI's cover art featuring a topless Kurumi in repose or by the suggested rating of 17+: this is definitely a show aimed for kids, with a touch of suggestive humor thrown in for adult appreciation. Personally I'm surprised that ADV (www.advfilms.com) gave this series such a mature rating, for the violence is rather subdued in comparison to some of their lower suggested-rating shows (SOUL HUNTER, LEGEND OF CRYSTANIA), and the infrequent nudity is rather chaste. Perhaps future installments of the series will justify the 17+, but for now it feels more like a 12+. (Those looking to shake the rocks to KURUMI best look elsewhere.)

During the Taisho Era of Japan's history (1912-1926) Dr. Ayanokoji created a new type of robot that mixed science with mysticism, the Steel Angels. Looking like idealized young girls with boob jobs, these angels possessed untold power in a small, enticingly dressed package. Lord knows what Dr. Ayanokoji originally intended them for, but when he finds out that the government intends to use them as weapons, he freaks and goes into seclusion. It is at this hideout that Nakahito, a young mystic of the Onmyou tradition, stumbles upon Steel Angel Kurumi after being forced by some local bullies to investigate a supposed haunted mansion (Dr. Ayanokoji's hideout). As circumstance would have it, Nakahito inadvertently winds up kissing more like presses lips against Kurumi, activating her. (Steel Angels are, according to design, only able to be activated by Onmyou mystics.)

Since Angels are programmed to obey the will of those who activate them, Kurumi takes Nakahito as her master. But there's more, since the Angels are more than mere robots; having personalities and feelings, Kurumi falls madly in love with Nakahito. Nakahito, being a confused adolescent, is not sure how to deal with this wildly attractive female succumbing to his every whim and tries to put an arms length between the two of them. Meanwhile, the government wants the Angels back and after destroying Dr. Ayanokoji's hideout which Ayanokoji manages to escape from thanks to Kurumi they find some un-activated Angels, and their power sources (hearts), and take them in hopes of discovering Dr. Ayanokoji's secret. One thing leads to another and before you know it a traitor on the government side of the project steels away the remaining Angels and all the research info. What ever will happen?

Now I'll be the last to admit I've got a good grasp of Japanese history, but I was stunned to discover that in 1912-1926 Japan the military not only had giant Steel Angel Kongo robots that looked like humanoid tanks, but also the technology to develop humanoid androids - the Steel Angel women - with souls. Since cartoons never lie, I've added this info to my latest pamphlet, "A brief history of Japan, by a guy who watches a lot of television." New information aside, I must say that I found STEEL ANGEL KURUMI to be rather enjoyable, though not "the most exciting animated series of the year" as the box so boldly states. Still, to be fair, I'm only addressing the first six episodes which mostly concern character development. The main character of Kurumi is a combination of ass-kicking she-devil and fetishized female. Her antics consist of talking in a child-speak, being jealously protective of Nakahito, and busting heads (when they need to be busted). Having said that, I don't think I have to point out her awesome appeal. (If only they sold these Steel Angels at Target.)

So you've got an idealized female strutting around in a sexy maid outfit, pressing her ample cleavage against the face of her "master" whenever the opportunity arises (playing into fantasies of young boys and filthy old men everywhere, but in a tame THREE'S COMPANY kind of way), but what else? Well, each episode features at least one robot battle or explosion of some kind, and that's something we can all appreciate. The awkward antics of Nakahito in response to Kurumi's unashamed affection do get a little stale, but hey, didn't I just say there were robot battles, and does it not say in the Bible, "and on the eighth day God created robot battles, and all was good"? Heck, not only are there robot battles but one battle concerns two svelte Steel Angels battling to the death in a sequence that will have Female Wrestling fans quite happy. Oh, and the two kiss, so... hey, don't run off to buy your copy right now!

Anime fans will likely be impressed by the high quality of graphics in this series. The show incorporates a variety of styles to convey the different moods of the piece for example, in action sequences beautifully rendered stills are employed, and in comical moments the characters are drawn in a more cartoonish, large head, small body style.

The disc features six episodes, but before you start freaking out in excitement, these are mini-episodes of approximately 15 minutes in length. So in a way it's like only getting three episodes of a regular series.

The DVD transfer is quite nice with the episodes being presented full frame (1.33:1) and the sound quality is good.

Included in the extras is a 30-minute documentary, "Conversations with Angels," in which the American voice-over talents such as Kelli Cousins and Kira Vincent-Davis talk about their feelings on the show. There are essays on "Taisho Era Japan" and the "Onmyou Tradition." Production sketches are available for your perusal as are the translator notes, which will clue you in to gags you may have missed. Don't forget to watch the extended episode previews for, well, for the fun of it. The clean opening animation can be pulled up so as to play the catchy theme song that you'll be humming for centuries afterwards. A Kurumi Fortune Teller and ADV previews wrap up the disc.