Anime Colony: Master of Mosquiton

Exclusive review: Inu-Yasha:
Rumiko Takahashi's (Ranma 1/2, Maison Ikkoku, Mermaid Tales) new hit TV series in Japan

  Rating: R (Nudity, adult situations, violence)
  U.S. Distribution Rights: ADV Films
  Genres: Comedy, Action, Horror

Master of Mosquiton (OVA)

Description: It is the early 1920's and pretty young adventurer Inaho Hitomebore has just discovered the dusty remains of ancient vampire! Deciding that a vampire would make a fairly useful assistant, she revives the undead creature with a drop of her own blood and becomes the Master of Mosquiton! Now, with her not-quite-domesticated nosferatu in tow, she has embarked on a journey in search of the fabled "O-Parts", which legend says will grant the holder eternal life. Unfortunately, both Inaho and Mosquiton have a great number of supernatural enemies who intend to make sure that our heroine will never complete her quest, and poor Mosquiton usually finds himself caught in the middle of the firefight! No one ever gives a blood sucker and even break in this riotous new series from Akahori Satoru, the creator of Sorcerer Hunters, Saber Marionette J, Maze and Bakuen Campus Guardress.

Overall Grade: 89.5% (B+)

The Master of Mosquiton '99 (TV) Review
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Reviewer #1: Roman Martel
Episodes reviewed: 1-6; Dubbed

Grade: 91% (A-)

What happens when you combine a spazzy 17 year-old girl, a goofy, angst-ridden vampire, and the 1920's? Master of Mosquiton happens, and this is a good thing. From the minute you hear the opening theme music you know you are into something good.

The animation in this series ranges from O.K. to very good. What stands out here is the 20's atmosphere. You've got the crazy looking bi-plane, the clothing, even the sepia-tone pictures in the opening credits add to the feel. The sound work is pretty good. Once you get the other-worldly plot kicking in there are all kinds of crazy sound effects.

The plot combines Raiders of the Lost Ark with vampires and comedy. It works really well. There are plenty of great moments in this show. Inaho and Mosquie have some really funny banter, and when Mosquiton's wife shows up... Well, it gets a little messy (in a very funny way). The "action" part of the plot is pretty cut and dried, but the comedy more than makes up for it.

This is another new ADV dub and overall it's pretty good. All the main characters are well done. Inaho is appropriately spazzy, and Mosquiton is nice and sarcastic with her. My only gripe is that Rasputin sounds like Mojo Jojo from the Powderpuff Girls doing a Russian accent. It was kinda weird. The music in this series is just great. Lots of 20's style jazzy tunes, and some great ambiance music combine to make this a memorable soundtrack.

All in all, Master of Mosquiton is very entertaining. You'll definitely be laughing almost all the way through it. The ending is a bit strange, but it fits the show and leaves you wanting more. This is a must see if you're in the mood for some adventure and comedy all rolled into one anime.

Reviewer #2: Clyde Adams III

Grade: 88% (B+)

This is a very good comic fantasy, highly recommended. The production values, music (which invokes the jazz age, when the story is set), art, and character designs are all very good.

17-year old Inaho, willful and resourceful, is determined to find the "O-Part" that will give her eternal youth. The story focuses on Inaho's quest, which drives the plot. Inaho enlists the reluctant aid of her companion and love interest, the centuries-old vampire Mosquiton.

The quest brings them into confrontation with many dangerous, magically endowed opponents, some truly terrifying, others mostly silly. The most effective ally and the deadliest opponent of all turns out to be Mosquiton's other personality, whose feelings for Inaho are strictly murderous.

A love triangle also unfolds, as a rival for Mosquiton's affections is unearthed (not quite literally), a vampire lady who had been his lover 100 years before.

Characters are well-developed, and atmospheres of eerieness and suspense are mostly handled skillfully. The opening scene of the first episode, where Inaho seeks out Mosquiton's tomb, is a favorite of mine, with its deft building of mood with music and images.