Video Backlog: "Tide-Line Blue"

Publisher: Bandai Entertainment (USA)
Format: Region 1 DVD, NTSC, Japanese Dialogue with optional English Dub and English Subtitles
Length: 13 Episodes x 25 mins
Production Date: 2005
Currently in Print (as of writing): Yes

Story Outline: A massive catastrophe called the Hammer of Eden struck the Earth some 14 years ago. As a result some 6 billion people died and 90% of the Earth is under water. An effort is being made to form a New United Nations, however things aren’t going to plan and disagreements break out between the member nations during a conference on the island state of Yabitsu. Adding to the volatile situation is a declaration of war to the New United Nations (who having a conference on the island) delivered by young boy called Teen under orders from a man named Captain Gould. The island is attacked by Gould while Teen makes his escape. Unbeknownst to Teen, his lost twin brother is on the island. Named Keel, he spends most of him time on the island swindling people out of money from gambling. However now he is in a bit of a jam as his carer, Secretary-General Aoi, has left him to fend for himself. Adding to his woes is that he forced to look after an older girl whom he has a crush on, Isla. She is heavily pregnant and due to the attack is beginning a premature labour. Luckily Teen arrives to help and deliver the baby. As teen escapes from UN security personal, he gives Keel his military badge and tells him that Captain Gould’s ship will give him and Isla sanctuary. However the crew of the submarine are initially hesitant to take them on board. Keel finds himself in the middle of a war and has to quickly shake off his naiveté.

Mini Review: I really expected a lot of nothing from this show, but I was rather pleasantly surprised. This is another submarine anime based upon an idea by Satoru Ozawa of “Blue Submarine No.6” and “Submarine 707” fame. The animation and designs are pretty good and the story is quite decent. The major problem I had was the shift between the seriousness of the war being fought and Keel’s bratiness and selfish behaviour. However you can mostly over look this flaw. The show doesn’t initially tell the audience too much about the Earth’s situation or the time frame (which we learn about in subsequent episodes) which can be a bit jarring, but I think this works quite well. There were a few plot holes and some unsolved mysteries such as what exactly was the Hammer of Eden, but I think it concluded rather nicely. Bandai didn’t make note of the fact on the cover that this show was in 16:9, so I got a bit of a pleasant surprise after popping the disc in player. Though not the best show I’ve seen, it’s pretty solid and fun. 7 out of 10.

Remaining Backlog: 18 months (it's much easier this way than listing the number of discs).