Excel Saga

Excel Saga is, essentially, the tale of a hyperactive teenage girl, a constantly-dying Martian princess, and a meglomaniac overlord who lives in a sewer and aspires to be a visual rock star.

Starting with the first episode, where Excel dies at least four times, this anime is as insane as its main characters. Rikdo Koshi, the original author of the Excel Saga manga, appears at the beginning of every episode to explain the theme of the episode (from "horror" to "girl anime") and to give his "seal of approval".

My Grade
Plot- B There is very little plot in Excel Saga, and it all comes at you at the end of the series. It's not a problem, really, but Excel Saga is not a show for those who love plot.
Characters- A The characters are interesting and fun, especially Kabapu and Il Palazzo. Il Palazzo's character development is amazing for such a plotless show.
Humor- A- Sometimes the humor is lost on American audiences, but overall it's pretty funny. There are wonderful parodies of video games, other shows and movies, and even the American military.
Ending- A- The story gets a little plot-heavy at the end, but it's a very appropriate and silly ending for the series. There are even some sad parts, too. The last, "banned" episode is uproariously funny but a LITTLE over-the-top with the sexual jokes.
Dubbed or Subbed?- Definately subbed. Excel Saga's sub is soooooo much funnier than the dub. The English voices are really annoying, and much of the humor is lost. Also, learn a little Japanese before you watch this. There are a lot of hidden things. That being said, the subtitles run a little fast, so you shouldn't watch Excel Saga unless you've had a lot of experience with subs.

Who would like Excel Saga?
I would recommend Excel Saga to someone who has watched a lot of anime, especially some of the older stuff that was brought to America. It's much funnier if you learn a little about Japanese culture as well. It's not a show that you should watch with your parents or your 5-year-old brother, but it's a great show for watching with your friends who all like anime.

Reviewed by Supergeekgirl

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