Anime review : Legend of the Galactic Heroes

Legend of the galactic heroes AKA: (銀河英雄伝説 /, Ginga Eiyū Densetsu )

Where to start with this gargantuan OVA. The release spanned over 10 years and there are one hundred and TEN! Episodes.

So, as you can probably tell. Ite pretty old and long.

To Outline the story of LOGH, two factions have been warring for galactic superiority. And you follow two brilliant minds. (one on each side of the factions)

Now, this setup might seem cliché, but the skirmishes and Battles in LOGH are on fantastic scales. And much of the warfare is done as if they were at sea, which is pleasant because during the battles a tactician might show a diagram of the stratagem they will use, although some of them do not go to plan, and I have to say. There is not much action in LOGH, but it sure keeps you hooked because you will know that some of the outcomes of these skirmishes or battles will drastically change the whole direction of the show.

The cast in LOGH is extremely expansive. I have to say, it is also one of the most impressive casts of any piece of fiction I have ever seen or read. Every single character gets development, every character has their own little backstory. And something to also mention is that every character has an original voice actor, you will never hear two people with the same voice in this show. That's extremely impressive considering you have around 30-40 Main characters within the show. The best thing is, the writer was not afraid to kill off developed characters.

The two main characters; Reinhard von Musel And Yang Wen-li are both gifted minds (within the story of course, haha ) And they both face their own hardships and while none of them are “good” or “bad” You will end up sympathising for one of them more then the other.

Indeed, the characters in LOGH are extremely deep and you will feel like you personally know them every time they come on screen. For example; Throughout the series you see Yang wen-li drinking tea, however there is a certain point where he is served tea, and just stares at it blankly because he only has his tea “this way” or “that way”. It's this kind of depth that the character has In LOGH that really gives them a flaring personality. No doubt you will be able to relate to some of the situations put forward in LOGH too.

The Soundtrack to LOGH is done by Germany Symphony Orchestra (correct me if I'm wrong)

and it just sounds magnificent when drawn to the political and warfare side of things in this series.

The fact that it fits well and still isn't some tacky techno-jpop makes me happy. Even the Openings and endings mean something in LOGH. If you watch the first opening, predominantly its just faces moving. However when you get to the second, third and fouth openings. It displays the various things going on in characters lives and so on. It's subtle, but brilliant.

The animation in LOGH differs depending on what episode you are on as I said before, it was released over the course of 10 years, and there is great difference if you compare episode 1 to 110.

But it is quite fluid and nice for it's time.

There is not a lot I can say about LOGH without spoiling it. But it is truly, the greatest anime to have ever been released. I really cannot express this enough, even if you have half a brain you will be able to follow the narrative and political aspect of the whole show (which is a LOT)

I feel that it cannot be plugged enough, and should be up there with the great “Mature” anime With Death note and Gantz.

Overall, I feel that 110 episodes were worth it, very, very worth it. Not only do you get a deep, engrossing story with well developed characters. There are also twists and turns where just as you think; “Alright, this is getting boring, I've had enough”

IT completely catches you by surprise and you just fall prey to the beast that is LOGH.

It's a fantastic anime, the best I have ever watched. There are also side stories and movies to accompany the OVA.

I really cannot stop recommending this to anyone who comes my way, even though most are deterred by the longevity of the series, it is worth watching. It will pay off.

Personally, this is my favourite piece of fiction of well, all time. You will not be disappointed if you watch this. I guarantee you.