Gravion Zwei: Eye of the Storm (vol.1)

Reviewed By: Carla Land

ADV DVD

Review based on volume 1 (episodes 1-4)

Rating TV MA

What it’s (basically) all about: Earth is under attack by aliens, and the only thing that has been standing in the way of mankind and total annihilation is the Earthgertz group- pilots of giant robots that kick major butt. However, now they are getting some competition from the government- can they all work together to stop the Zeravire aliens from taking over?

Nitty Gritty: This is a sequel to Gravion, which is the series that first introduces the characters and their situation. Gravion Zwei doesn’t depend upon audiences having seen the previous series, though, because enough is revealed over the first couple of episodes to give you somewhat of an idea of what is going on.  (Zwei is apparently pronounced "Zwhy," in case you were curious.)

The language is of the 9pm prime time kind- damn, b*tch, hell, goddam, “jack off,” etc are all used. What you really have to look out for is the fan service and nudity. Most of the women of Earthgertz are all well endowed, none more so than Mizuki (who’s chest is literally twice the size of her head.) When Sandman, their leader, decides they need some R & R he takes them to a hot spring, and there is nothing left to the imagination for some characters, including Mizuki..

Costumes are skin tight and most of the staff of the castle (their base of operations) is dressed in frilly maid outfits. However, there aren’t any inappropriate sexual situations, though Mizuki does good-naturedly tease some of the male members of the team.

There are a bunch of special features. Anime Network and Newtype Magazine ads start off the disk, and there is a volume 2 preview that plays at the end of episode four. It is also accessible through the menu.  Also included are clean open/ closing animation (there is stylized nudity in the closing), lots of profiles of the characters and art galleries (some of which have lots of text that help explain the show), original Japanese commercials, and DVD credits. Previews include Get Backers, Cyberteam in Akihabara, Cromartie High School, Gantz, E’s Otherwise, and Peacemaker.

The absolute coolest special feature is an “Inside the Actor’s Head” documentary that runs about fifteen minutes. The show has an all-star cast, including Greg Ayres, Christopher Patton, Luci Christian, Jason Douglas  and Vic Mignogna- all of whom are interviewed here.

Survey says: Adult collections, if only because of the nudity, and the cover.

Personal Ad: When I think of this series, two words come to mind: cheese and camp. If you like giant robots and campy scenarios, then you’ll love this show. I tried so hard to like it, but it’s just not my thing. Still, the “Inside the Actor’s Head” special feature was so good that I watched it twice.