Strait Jacket Anime Review

What would the world be like if magic and science existed side by side? Would we be more efficient? Happier? Richer? More powerful? In the anime OVA, Strait Jacket, based off the popular novel by Ichiro Sakaki, the world is neither better nor worse, but much more interesting.

Plot Summary

The world has been changed. In 1899, magic was brought into existence using science. Since sorcery and science now co-exist in the world, anything is possible. But such rampant and easily accessible power comes with a dark side- anyone too careless in wielding this arcane sorcery runs the risk of turning into a bloodthirsty demon. These transformed individuals require a special brand of exterminator- Tactical Sorcerists.

Sorcerists, also called Strait Jackets, use magical armor, Molds, to combat demons. They too run the risk of going demonic, higher than any other magical profession, but they choose to serve and protect. When a terrorist cell threatens the city with a surge of demonic outbreaks, the Sorcery Management Bureau calls in all available sorcerists, including the unlicensed sorcerist, Leiot Steinberg, to quell the infestation.

Leiot has a shrouded, troubled background, however, and is considered a bane to his profession. Now, the rogue sorcerist’s past has come back to haunt him as he tries to redeem himself. Will his past stand in the way of his duty, or will it swallow him and the city he protects?

Review

Strait Jacket is an anime with a rare commodity- a unique idea. Magic in anime is common, but magic coupled with modern science, and believably so, is something more rare. The difficulty in making an anime which centers around sorcery, is making it believable to audiences. Strait Jacket addresses this issue immediately by treating magic as energy.

As with any new energy source, man finds uses for it in medicine, technology and inevitably, war. Strait Jacket uses magic just like electricity or nuclear technology, with mixed results and a higher price. No worries about pollution or depleting the source. Don’t sweat environmental impact or species extinction. No carbon footprint here, just the downside of having users morph into murderous, unstoppable monsters.

The anime sells the idea people are fine with this trade, and makes the world of the anime believable in doing so. It’s not hokey, but scary.

In creating a world where audiences are convinced of its authenticity, the anime can tell its story without an overabundance of dragging explanations. The story itself is good, not terrific or profound, but entertaining. The angle is inventive, so the story can be forgiven for not being as such. Pacing and action take the place of drawn out revelations, although there are at least two scenes, most which involve an annoying female character, which grind the anime to a dead halt. The anime tried, just a little, to stick a message into the OVA, but thankfully, it didn’t take.

Character Development

Leiot’s character is recognizable as the troubled hero who’s perpetually misunderstood, but he’s not too terribly well defined. However, I like the way no apologies or excuses are gives for his lack of depth. Strait Jacket is an action anime, not a moral fable, it’s a one hundred percent demon-butt kicking gore fest with fancy equipment and and good animation.

The anime was too short to cram anything resembling development into the mix. If the studio did try it, it would have failed. Instead they stuck with the action and made a fun anime. Perhaps a longer series would be a better place to explore the characters.

Character Design

Strait Jacket has great character designs. The demons are the best, however. They’re all frightening and gruesome, all mockeries of the former individual. The demons designs’ take the story to another level.

Magic use is defined by glowing circles inscribed with runes, and the Molds use power pellets in the shape of the Tree of Life. Some authenticity in the designs add a nice touch, and little details here and there are recognizable from different sects.

Technology in the anime is a cross between early industrial and steampunk. It’s slightly confusing,but still unique.

Animation

The animation for the OVA is rich with details and smoothly done. Feel, the animation studio, picked a color palette filled with vibrant hues to define the world of Strait Jacket. Details abound, from tiny glints of light bouncing off metal to glowing circles of magery and runes. The anime was truly well animated.

Music

Much can’t be said about the music except that it suited the anime. It was orchestral with a Celtic feel in the intro. Throughout, it built suspense, accompanied tense moments and was soft in lighter scenes.

Voice Acting

The voice acting was good. Either the Japanese or the English would be good choices for viewing the OVA.

Production

The packaging for Strait Jacket is attractive, with a hologram and embossed sleeve. Minus two points for no liner notes to flesh out the series better.

Conclusion

Strait Jacket tried in places to be something it wasn’t, but thankfully it never reached the depths it aimed for. Instead, it achieved in becoming a savvy, novel anime filled with action and unique ideas. The world of the anime alone is worth the price of admission, but audiences will be treated to far more than picturesque scenery.

Rating

Strait Jacket gets 4 outta 5 Hammies!

Retail Info

• Publisher:Manga Entertainment
• Release Date: October 7, 2008
• Retail Price: $19.99
• Run Time: 76 minutes
• Rating: Not Rated
• Language: English, Japanese
• Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
• Format: Animated, Color, Dolby, DVD-Video, NTSC, Subtitled, Anamorphic Widescreen