Anime Colony: Black Magic M-66

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Rumiko Takahashi's (Ranma 1/2, Maison Ikkoku, Mermaid Tales) new hit TV series in Japan

  Rating: PG-13
  U.S. Distribution Rights: Manga Entertainment
  Genres: Sci-Fi, Action

Black Magic M-66 (OVA)

Description: The exciting futuristic adventure of Sybel, a freelance video journalist who becomes involved in a dangerous military fiasco when two top-secret military android assassins, know as M-66 units, are lost. One of the deadly M-66 units escapes with a mission to eliminate Ferris, the granddaughter of its creator. Time is running out as Sybel faces the deadly M-66 android in an epic battle to save Ferris.

Overall Grade: 85.5% (B)

The Appleseed (OVA) Review
The Appleseed (Manga) Review

Reviewer #1: Clyde Adams III
Episodes reviewed: subtitled

Grade: 91% (A-)

This is a gripping science-fiction drama, full of action and suspense, highly recommended. The production values, art, and character designs are all very good. Screenplay and direction were done by manga legend Masamune Shirow (Ghost in the Shell, Appleseed, Dominion), based on his manga of the same title. I'm told this show is a very loose adaptation of the manga, which I haven't seen.

The resourceful, unspeaking killer robot, with its almost human form and its woman-like long "hair," focused on its deadly task, is thoroughly chilling. The soldiers who oppose it are chilling in their own way; tough, competent, callous, unforgiving.

The focus is on the two women trying to stay one step ahead of the robot. Their characters, especially Sybil's, are well developed for us. We identify with their plight as we watch them barely escape death again and again. We identify with the resourceful and courageous Sybil. As a white-knuckle thriller ,this show is one of the best.

Reviewer #2: Mariela Ortiz
Episodes reviewed: OVA, subtitled

Grade: 80% (B-)

It's funny how even when Masamune Shirow works on the animated version of his work, it seems to bear little resemblance to his work. But that's more his problem than mine and Black Magic M-66 does deliver as a straightforward science-fiction thriller. It doesn't not try to over reach its limited running time by cramming in sub-plots or even hinting at a larger world. Killer robot on loose, stop killer robot before it kills innocent girl. It has a purity of purpose that is to be admired.

The animation has not aged extremely well, but is certainly nothing to sneeze at. It also features a talented voice cast including Chisa Yokoyama (Sasami in Tenchi Muyo) in her debut role as the damsel in distress. There is action, cool weaponry and an unmistakable resemblance to The Terminator, all of which make for a good short film. A good introduction to the works of Shirow, besides the ubiquitous Ghost in the Shell.