First Look: Sengoku Otome Momoiro Paradox
Title: Sengoku Otome: Momoiro Paradox Genre: Action, Comedy
Summary: Hideyoshi is a normal modern middle-schoolgirl. However, she is one day transported to a world very similar to feudal Japan, with the exception that there are no men! There, she meets Oda Nobunaga whose ambition it is to unite all the land under her rule and gather together the “Legendary Crimson Armor”.
First Look: I’ve watched five episodes so far, and I have to say it is a lot different than I expected. When I first read the summary I didn’t have the highest expectations as some of you may know after reading my Spring Preview comments. But can you blame me? Given many of the anime out today, one based solely around a feudal Japan consisting of ONLY women probably wont get much credit. After preparing myself for the worst of continuous pantie shots and revealing armor, I was a bit shocked. Sengoku Otome: Momoiro Paradox doesn’t seem to be what I originally thought. In fact, it is filled with a decent story, pretty good comedy, and entertaining action.
The story is to collect the “Legendary Crimson Armor” that happened to be held by the different leaders of the land. Although it seems to be common knowledge that collecting the set of armor will allow rule over the land, many of the fighters don’t seek out such a goal. Many of the generals seem more focused on just living out their lives as is than becoming something more. Once Nobunaga comes to seek out the armor, the generals start to get a little curious. While most still don’t’ care for the armor itself, they do try to find excuses to challenge Nobunaga. Normally a story like this wouldn’t interest me because it’s a very common plot line. However, Sengoku Otome: Momoiro Paradox isn’t doing a bad job. I think what makes it different is most of the piece holders don’t actually mind giving it up. Many of them act as though the legend is fake (which I’m sure most people in modern society would think the same). Even if they know of the legend and believe such a story, they still show no interest in ruling the land. I feel it is common knowledge that there is always someone out there who wants to be above the rest, but on the same token those are others who are content with what they have. I guess what I’m saying is the anime does seem to take into account a more common look on social standing. Sadly the anime is still just a action comedy so I’m probably thinking way too hard on this and I’m sure the creators didn’t actually think that deep into it. Still, an entertaining story and characters to say the least. Especially since Nobunaga is voiced by Megumi Toyoguchi who was also Revy from Black Lagoon.
The art is pretty well done. I think it stands out to me more because it doesn’t rely on CG like some other anime, but it still has great scenes. The action scenes are probably the most appealing aspect of the anime. Many of the fights are short which is unfortunate. However, when there is a battle or challenge the anime always seems to catch my attention. I really like the variety of weapons and special moves the creators have given the generals. They did a great job with both choreography and visual effects. The rest of the anime isn’t bad either in terms of art. The character models are clothing design are well done. The lighting, shading, and backgrounds are pretty standard though. I would probably consider it a more modern looking Inuyasha in terms of art.
Final statements: Surprised from the decency of this anime I’ll keep it on watch. It isn’t one that I look forward to each week, but it does kill time and entertains me for a good twenty minutes. I’m still not expecting great things from it, but I’m sure it wont be the worst I watch this season.