Eureka Seven: Episode 01-03

With the news of the recent addition of Eureka Seven to Adult Swim’s late-night line-up, curiosity nudges this blogger to take a small bite out of the series. And what an exquisite taste it is.

Not quite content nor satisfied, an ordinary boy begrudgingly accepts the state of his normal but boring life. Yet still, he dreams of riding in the sea of blue skies. One fated day (as it always is), a mysterious lass drops down from the clouds and disrupts his daily routine. Next thing he knows, his room is burned, his grandfather’s work place is destroyed, and he is whisked in the middle of cross-fire.

Amidst the chaos, the boy reaches an epiphany. He must choose. To pursue his dreams and risk everything. Or to run away and live with regret. The boy who vowed to protect his princess chooses to soar through the wind. He chooses to be a knight of the sky.

The boy closes a chapter in his book and starts anew. And thus begins Eureka Seven.

The premise of a lad in pursuit of his dreams has been infinitely used plenty of times, in various ways. Majority of them are atrocious. Some are competent at best. A handful are considered great. Rare is a masterpiece. The first three episodes of Eureka Seven fall in between competence and greatness. But it brims with potential to exceed expectations.

The cast is introduced in an easy way to discern their personalities and subtle idiosyncrasies. It is well-written enough that it manages to shy away from stereotypical characters. Coming from the much-lauded BONES should have clued me in the writing quality given to this title. If these first episodes are any indication, my worries might be for naught. While the strong narrative primarily holds my interest, the animation never settles in for second. It boasts of engaging visual feasts of sleek machines zipping past the wind, outmaneuvering each other while a sparkle of green dust trails from its feet.

With exception of the lovely ending theme, the use of music is hardly noticeable. It requires a second viewing to realize that it succeeds in amplifying the tone of a given scene.

What a fool I have been to brush off this series for all these months. To be oblivious to such series… My instincts have failed me. Yet again. Ironically, it’s April Fool’s Day. It is as if it mocks my ignorance for the potential splendor that is Eureka Seven.

Now, if you will excuse me, I have blogs to read and episodes to watch.