Anime: Fire Tripper

This is the very first Takahashi Rumiko anime that I ever watched. For a 50 minute OVA, the story is surprisingly well-balanced, with a nice twist to it that is not too far-fetched, considering this involves time travelling. I usually find time travel to be a stupid idea to start with if you don't make a few sanity checks along the way, but Fire Tripper, while still being a fantastic story, has no major plot hole.

If you are the alert type of person, you will probably guess the ending of this OVA, but this fact doesn't mean it won't be enjoyable. The feeling I got throughout was eerie, and I love eerie feelings :) The subtle (yet definitely saxophone-and-keyoard cheesy by today's standards) BGM contributed a lot, as well as the pacing of the events. There are lots of silent scenes that stretch for a while, yet the story moves on and ends without any disappointment or feeling of uncompletion.

The characters are pretty straighforward Takahashi characters that will surely remind you of a few other pairs, like Kagome and Inuyasha: similar behavior and similar appearance. It's somewhat unoriginal, but for any Rumiko fan out there this won't disappoint I guess. Suzuko, the main character, was OK and believable though a bit girly and stereotypical, Shukumaru was funny but less developped and polished. Overall don't expect to be surprised or moved by them.

This is an average, yet enjoyable OVA, one that should be added to your Rumiko collection if you are a fan, but could be overlooked if you are looking for something more romantic/action-driven/recent.

I also realize this is probably my most *yawn* review up to now..... lol.