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Read or Die
Episodes Reviewed: DVD 1-3
Overall Grade: A
There's far too much to like about it. It's short and sweet personified. But a single flaw prevents it from a plus sign in front of that A.
Storyline: 10
First off, let's meet the main character. Her name is Yomiko Readman, and she's a part-time substitute teacher. Apparently she has some other job because she is able to pay for thousands of books that fill up her... um... living quarters is the best I can do. To say she's obsessed with books is an understatement. Well, one day she decides to get a book titled "Eternal Beloved," I think. It's ancient and in German... oh, and when she walks outside, a giant bug creature tries to steal it. Of course, he won't be getting it so easily. Take her book away and you find out about her hidden ability to manipulate paper and use it as a defensive and offensive weapon! That's why she's called "The Paper." She works for a secret organization, and her superior, "Joker," tells her that her book is the first of a two-volume series that holds a secret... the DNA of someone important is found in the first volume, and genetically recreated (read: clones) historical figures known as the I-Jin need it. But the I-Jin happen to be evil and hold special powers like "The Paper." And so, "The Paper" must protect the book and stop the I-Jin, with the help of partners "Miss Deep," who can go through objects (including bullets!), and Drake Anderson, who appears to be an ordinary munitions expert.
Type: Action/Comedy
Ch. Development: 4
Only one character shows signs of development in character, and it isn't even the main character!
Sexuality: 4
Aside from large, noticable breasts and skimpy uniform (on one character, yep, Miss Deep), and something else I won't even go into... there's nothing. Except maybe the meaninglessly practically nude figure seen in the intro. Take her out and the intro could be sooo much cooler.
Romance: 2
It's barely there for two episodes, so...
Drama: 6
Nicely done. The battles are exciting and the plot twists catch you completely off guard.
Action: 7
Lots of gunplay, special powers, and destruction. And for the first time in a long time, I actually see someone squeezing a heart!
Comedy: 4
Predominately gags and the obsession with books thing.
Dub
Dub Voices: 9
Dub Music: nonexistent
Dub Lines: 10
Read or Die is original, dramatic, exciting, and funny. Several elements haven't been done before, ever, the animation quality is nothing less of amazing, the CG used blends perfectly, and the music is awesome.
The single, solitary flaw? It's never told who created the I-Jin.
The action is fast and exciting, but I've already said that. The use of powers and codenames is reminiscent of "X-Men," but it isn't at all like it in style. However, by watching it, I finally found someone who has powers similar to Magneto and cannot be manipulated by him.
Usually, having only three episodes can be a flaw, but the story progresses so smoothly that after watching all three episodes, you get the same feel as if you watched an average 26-episode TV series! In short, it's a masterpiece in that sense.
There's nothing else to say. Buy it now!
That's my Story and I'm Sticking to it!
