Sacred Seven is a new mecha/fantasy series from Sunrise, directed by Yoshimitsu Ohashi (Galaxy Angel, Planetes, Bakumatsu Kikansetsu Irohanihoheto), scripted by Shin Yoshida (Naruto Shippūden, Speed Grapher, Karas) and featuring suit designs by Ippei Gyōbu. The series will be streaming on Crunchyroll and Hulu (starting July 8th).
Synopsis
Sacred Seven is the story of Tandouji Arma, a solitary high school student living in Japan. He keeps to himself as most of his classmates fear him after, in an episode several years back, he put a handful of students in the hospital. He is approached by Ruri Aiba, CEO of the very wealthy Aiba Foundation and her butler Sugata Kagami. They're supported by a stone demon(?) named Hellbrick.
They approach Amra for assistance involving in incident monster, known as a Darkstone, attacked a passenger yacht. Arma has a mysterious power, driven by his rage, that's capable of defeating Darkstones. Arma's powers, and those of the Darkstones, are derived from magical gems which can be combined and utilized in different ways.
When the Darkstone attacks, Arma transforms with his power after seeing a fellow classmate who was injured. Unable to completely control the form Aiba gives him her own crystal: the power of the Sacred Seven, and with it, the a powerful new form to wield.
Opening
I can't say I like the opening song, Stone Cold by FictionJunction, as it's pretty basic dance/techno. The animation though is superb, making it one of the better openings currently airing.
Review
I really had no idea what this show was about when I saw [gg] pop up with sub and was pleasantly surprised by what I randomly happened upon. The animation is really strong, it reminds me of another series but I can't place my finger on it. I will be impressed if they can hold this consistence for the duration of the series. In the first episode the pacing is good while they do a good job setting up the premise without giving everything away. The orchestrated background tracks in the first episode aren't especially unique but fit rather well.
The designs are also another strong suit. The base character designs, while pretty unremarkable, fit rather well. It's the Darkstone forms that are pretty cool. Arma's true form is unique and does a good job personifying his rage, while his Sacred Seven form just looks like it's full of kick ass. The mysterious black Darkstone looks cool, especially with his scarf wings. Scarves are in. Since there appear to be plenty of these magical stones floating about, and combinations of them result in new forms, I think we're going to see a lot of interesting designs as the series progresses.
While the first episode is never a good indication as to how a series is going to play out, they've certainly left a good mark. There's a lot of potential here, it would be a shame to see it fall apart a few episodes in. I wonder how serious the series is going to be, considering that the Aiba Foundation is staffed with chicks in maid outfits. Although, I have the sneaking suspicion that they're not fully human. Everyone wants another strong series from Sunrise, and this may be it.
