Azure Flame

When we think of Studio Gonzo, what comes to mind? Inevitably it seems to be CG bullet time, ugly and unnecessary mecha, inconsistent production values and a complete and utter inability to properly adapt a manga series without losing what made it appealing in the first place. Is the studio properly deserving of this reputation, or is it an impression built up by a few failures? The only way to find out is to take a closer look at their work. Continue reading Gonzo: Style over substance and messed up manga adaptations…

Gonzo may have cornered the market when it comes to messing up manga adaptations, but a quick look at Xebec’s catalogue indicates that they may not be the only studio who has problems adapting a series from page to screen (let us not forget the Negima fiasco). Do their original works make up for it, or is Xebec just an unremarkable studio in a sea of better offerings? Continue reading Xebec: From Fafner’s Kazuki to Busou Renkin’s Kazuki…

Founded by former Sunrise members who had sworn off the dango, Studio BONES will celebrate its ninth anniversary this year, but in that time, what has it brought us? A quick glance at the studio’s catalogue certainly reveals some strong contenders, but should we assume that everything they touch turns to gold? The only way to find out is to take a closer look at their work. Continue reading Studio BONES: does creating some of my favourites make up for the existence of Jyu-Oh-Sei?…

The camera pans over a beautifully rendered yet ultimately motionless background, a melancholy Yuki Kajiura tune plays in the background…what else could it be other than a Bee Train anime? Famous (or perhaps infamous) for their distinctive “minimal motion” style, Bee Train’s output may be small, but they have stuck around for almost a decade- and now they have the dubious honour of being the first studio to be highlighted in my planned series of studio review articles. So, without further ado, let’s skip ahead and examine Bee Train’s successes…and its accompanying failures.

Continue reading Bee Train: All stills and not much else?…