Summary: >

Sometime in the future the Earth is being assaulted by a race of aliens known as the Radam. Part of this attacking alien force are the elite warriors known as Tekkamen. The primary force left to deal with the losing battle with the aliens are known as the Space Knights. While putting up a good fight, it doesn't look like the space knights are doing much better. However all of that changed when a young man who came to be called D-boy (D is for dangerous - no I'm not making that up) appeared, who can transform into Tekkaman Blade. Blade was the last hope for the Earth, and actually did manage to repel the alien attacks. However the Radam are still out there.

Ten years have passed, and the Space Knights are now the primary line of defense. There are more Tekkamen now and Blade has long since become a part of history, but seemingly no longer taking an active role with the Space Knights. But the time has come for the new generation of Tekkamen to hone their skills for the inevitable alien attack. And the newest recruit happens to be a somewhat air headed girl who was only working as a mechanic.

While fairing alright at first with a shaky start, the space knights soon come to face an enemy far beyond their level. With no hope for these green recruits it doesn't look good until Tekkaman Blade shows up to do battle. But even at Blade's level, this won't be an easy fight. In fact it seems somewhat unlikely that Blade will win at all, and if Blade falls, so does the last line of defense. The fate of the Earth once again lies in the hands of Tekkaman Blade!

Thoughts: >

For some reason I had this urge to watch 90's mecha anime. No seriously, I did. I am aware of the Tekkaman series, however Tekkaman Blade seems to span way to many episodes. Tekkaman Blade II however sits at a nice 6 episodes on one DVD. Perfect! And it's a good thing I wanted a 90s anime cheese anime, because this is SOoo cut and dried 90's mecha anime... And for this genre it's quite a good title, but even I had to cringe at certain elements here. The transformation sequences sort of got unnecessary after a while. Especially since the same music plays each time it happens. While I love Megumi Hayashibara that sort of wore thin after a time.

You don't need to watch the original Tekkaman Blade to understand this one since the concept is pretty simple Each episode lays out in some new dramatic event, with the climax of course hitting a battle between Tekkamen. The story, while a little weak; is supported by a character lineup stronger than you would expect. Some elements are pretty surreal though. Like the when air headed Yumi bumbles around the station only to end up in the office of D-Boy. I'm trying to figure out what D-Boy actually does there, because it appears he just hangs out all day with his sun glasses on (indoors mind you) and not talking to anyone. Uh, I want THAT job! And then there is this guy who appears known as "Dead". Guy or girl, no one really knows. I'm still not 100% convinced it's a guy either.

One strange but funny thing about this series when you think about it, is Tekkaman Blade himself. I mean the series starts off with all these other Tekkamen in training so you would assume that's the point of the series. But around half way through D-Boy has had enough of their wailing "Wah, we're getting our asses kicked again". Well you know what? Step aside and let D-Boy show you how crap gets done. When I was your age I stopped the entire Radam invasion by my self and you didn't hear me wining! Oh, looky there - I just cleaned house without breaking a sweat. Yeah, that's right. You kids are just a bunch of cry babies. You see that hot chick who's your boss that all the guys drool over? Yeah I bang that every night. I get payed more than all you punks combined too!

And then for the finally, there is the showdown with Blade. But it's not an easy fight and it looks like Blade is going to get his clock cleaned. And THEN Aki pipes in with this speech. "You know why Blade will never lose? because he NEVER gives up.". I'm like, holy crap did I really hear that? He doesn't lose because he doesn't quit? Keep in mind that while she's saying this Blade has had the tar thoroughly beaten out of him, and looks like a hairball a cat upchucked into a trash compactor. Yes 90s anime at its finest ^_^

So would I recommend it? For most people no. Tekkaman fans will find it right up their alley, as will probably many mecha anime enthusiasts. For me, I wanted a cheesy 90s mecha anime, and I'd say right up and down that's what this title was.