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Based on: Episode 1 (Previewed at MCM London Expo, May 2005)
UK Distributor: ADV Films (DVD Only) I'll be the first to admit that I've found the latest anime trend for cute n' murderous teenage girls with guns more than a little creepy, so I approached the preview of this fan favourite series with a little trepidation. However, if this first episode is anything to go by then any disturbing aspects are going to be more than outweighed by sheer enjoyment. This first episode introduces us to the DSA - a freelance organisation consisting of the intelligent Harada, edgy Kurokawa and the gun-toting, slightly psychotic but strangely likeable Mikura. The trio are hired by a mysterious woman to stop someone who intends to use an experimental virus for revenge, but the plot quickly thickens as the reasons for their target's bitterness becomes known. It's always hard to judge a series by a single episode but if this one is anything to go by you can see why Mezzo is so popular. The animation and music is excellent, particularly the hilarious intro sequence, and there is comedy and some great interplay between the main trio, but what really sets Mezzo apart is the action. The action on display here was fast and well executed, with some great set pieces and plenty of well choreographed gunplay as Mikura frequently demonstrates her trigger-happy impatience. The story in this episode was quite interesting too, although the ending was a bit out of kilter with the rest of the show, but the main problem was the occasional jumps between funny and slightly disturbing - particularly one character's nose job at the hands of a nutcase barber. A lot of shows have tried to balance comedy with serious tone like this recently, and few manage it, but Mezzo has enough going for it in the entertainment stakes to overcome this problem. Fun, action packed and slightly unpredictable, Mezzo looks to be a highly enjoyable series which will be well worth a look when it is released. Best Bit: The opening sequence. |
