Figure 17 (2001)
Animation Production: Studios OLM/Genco
Released Domestically by: Media Blasters
Official Website: Figure 17
Episodes: 13
By Area Seven Productions

Introduction

In 2001, animation studios OLM (Steel Angel Kurumi, Berserk) and GENCO (Azumanga Daioh, Please Teacher!) produced Figure 17, a sci-fi anime that did away with the traditional broadcasting format. Instead of a series of weekly 30-minute episodes, Figure 17 ran monthly at 46 minutes per episode. The series was directed by Naohito Takahashi (Steel Angel Kurumi, To Heart) and is currently available on six DVDs from Media Blasters under the AnimeWorks label.

Story

Tsubasa Shiina is a 10-year-old girl who recently moved to Hokkaido to live with her father. In school, she is very quiet and unsociable with her classmates. Then one night, she witnesses a UFO crash in the forest near her home. She rushes to the scene and finds the pilot, codenamed "D.D.", in a barely stable condition. Also in the scene is a Maguar, a hideous alien that hatched aboard D.D.'s ship. As the Maguar is close to taking Tsubasa's life, an alien lifeform known as a "Ribers" fuses with her body to form the mysterious battle armor, Figure 17, which shortly destroys the alien threat. The Ribers takes the name Hikaru and turns into an identical copy of Tsubasa. As time passes, Tsubasa becomes more open to everyone around her, thanks to her new twin sister Hikaru. However, with Maguar eggs scattered all over Hokkaido, their ability to form Figure 17 is needed to keep the alien threat in check until help from D.D.'s home planet arrives.

Review

At first glance, I didn't know what to expect from Figure 17. The first half of episode 1 focuses on Tsubasa and her inexperience with living in a rural environment. Then it suddenly changes when the alien subplot is introduced. When a Maguar makes its appearance Tsubasa and Hikaru become a human-sized Ultraman to destroy it.

Initially, both Hikaru and D.D. live in secrecy until they're spotted by Tsubasa's father. Because of this, D.D. brainwashes Tsubasa's father into thinking Hikaru is Tsubasa's twin sister who lived away from them for a long time. As Hikaru learns more about life and makes friends with everyone in school, Tsubasa's self-esteem improves gradually. Meanwhile, a backup from D.D.'s home planet arrives in the form of female pilot Orudina, who is not very pleased that a Ribers fused with a human child.

Even though there's not much action throughout most of the series, I find Figure 17 very enjoyable with its remarkable storytelling and likable characters. The animation is nothing short of awesome, with excellent character designs by Yuriko Chiba (Steel Angel Kurumi) and an outstanding use of 2D and 3D visuals. The fight scenes are very reminiscent of old-school Ultraman and Kamen Rider shows. In addition, Figure 17 has an emotional orchestra/rock soundtrack composed by Toshihiko Takamizawa. His band The Alfee performs the thunderous opening theme "Boy" and the light-hearted ending theme "Fairy Dance."

The DVDs are loaded with extras such as interviews with staff and cast members, a behind-the-scenes look at the production of the series, and textless opening & ending sequences.

Final Thoughts

For an anime that not too many people talk about, Figure 17 is an excellent title with its down-to-earth storyline and outstanding animation. Worth adding to your collection.

Rating: A+

Area Seven Productions