| Average |
6.7 |
| Animation |
7 |
| Sound |
6 |
| Story |
6 |
| Character |
6 |
| Value |
8 |
| Enjoyment |
7 |
| Considering the series was produced in 1972, I'll be more lenient in the technical aspects.
The series was based on a manga by Osamu Tezuka. Also some of the best anime artist that would later take part in the production of many great series participated here.
Today the series would not appeal to all viewers who are used to better and more detailed animation and better story.Children of course wouldnt mind.
But remember, 40 years ago there werent CGI video games and cartoons and computer enhanced shows.
Instead viewers could spent their time on outdoor activities, watch Kamishibai, shadow or puppet theatre etc.
The series often reminds of Kamishibai a lot since the animation is very limited. But despite this and the predictable plot, I found the series original and even today it would be a nice contender for younger viewer among the many mediocre or repeated series.
Basically the series borrows a lot from stories found in the West. From Greek mythology and films such as Jason and the Argonauts to Moby Dick and H.P. Lovecraft. Most characters have names based on Ancient Greek mythology but the similarities end there.
Today all would appear very cliche but when you consider how old the series is, it actually mades the newer series of its genre look cliche.
The initial episodes were a little tedious and some of the characters like the two male dolphins got on my nerves. But after the series starts to really kick in the episodes finish quickly, each having something new to offer thanks to the borrowing of Western mythology and literature. A successfull pastiche overall.
Despite the dated animation some characters are very good and funny, especially the female white dolphin.
There are also the vilains, each episode featuring the villain/monster of the week. Fortunately this doesnt turn tedious as in many mecha series during that time.
Here instead of spaceships you have giant fish, mythology monsters and Poseidons troops.
As for the main lead, he's the typical hero found in many shonen manga and anime, same goes for his mermaid companion.
Some scenes would be a little harsh for todays standards, eg in two scenes Triton slaps and punches Bibi respectively to make her shut up. It features some dark moments, even horror scenes that made anime to differ from TV cartoon series in the West.
The final episode was a little dissapointing but a simple and succesfull plot is better than an complex and contrived one that so many series try to imitate.
I'd recommend viewers interested in watching or rewatching old series to give it a look, since some animated moments are visually interesting.
The ED especially is very original for an animated series.
This title was popular and was dubbed in many countries so you can either get a dub or the Japanese DVD.
Now if the graphics make you stay away, it is the same as liking the MGS games for the PS1,2,3 and avoiding the original ones for the MSX that retain more of the originality of their creator.
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