Mezzo Shell One - Detroit News
- Detroit News
- Eric Henrickson
- 11/16/04
- click here
'Mezzo: Danger Service Agency' vol. 1 (ADV Films) -- With a generous five episodes, viewers really get a feel for the world of 'Mezzo,' a world of aliens, mobs and the usual bad guys in a series.
Our entry into this world is Mikura, a kick-butt girl with dead-on aim and amazing gymnastic moves. She's part of the Danger Service Agency, a detective agency run by Mr. Kurokawa (Pops), a former police detective. The third member is Harada, a tech whiz with an unusual haircut.
The first two episodes are a bit out there -- one involving drugs and a man seeking revenge for the murder of the girl he loved and the other one involving an alien. But just when you think the show is going all 'X-Files,' the next three episodes have more conventional themes. Episodes four and five actually run parallel to each other as Mikura splits from the gang to meet up with an old friend. Harada and Pops are on their own, but their path constantly crosses with Mikura's, and the dual storytelling is a creative approach.
The fourth character to make up the little family is Asami Igarashi, a girl Mikura saved in the first episode who wants to become her pupil. More often than not, she's a bit annoying as she tags along with the adults and is potentially in harm's way, but she's a nice twist on the sidekick character.
'Mezzo' is full of nice twists, fun twists, exciting twists. Its characters' backgrounds are handed out in dribs and drabs, just enough to maintain steady interest. The jiggle/panty factor is a bit over the top, but there's enough going on inside Mikura's head to rise above it. And Hamada's always running round without a shirt on, so at least there's a bit of balance.
Even though many of the voices are familiar, it's always nice to hear the ADV stable of voice actors do something a little different and stretch with their voices. Luci Christian is her usual bubbly self as Mikura, but she puts a hint of an edge in her voice, which helps the character. Jason Douglas sounds great as Hamada.
With strong animation and a strong story, 'Mezzo' is one for the collection. GRADE: B+
Posted on Tuesday, November 16, 2004 (Archive on Thursday, December 16, 2004)