Title - "Area 88"
Alternative title(s) - "Area Hachijhachi"/"Area Hachijuuhachi"
Genre(s) - Military action and drama

"Area 88" was first brought out as an anime in 1985. Project 88 and Studio Pierrot were the studios behind it, King Records did the music and at the time, the series was only known for six years. Then, a television series was made earlier this year to celebrate its 25th birthday. Avex did the music, Group TAC and View Works were the studios behind it and the series was broadcast on TV Asahi, who also brought forth some music.

So, what's so different this time around? The television series introduces a character named Shinj Makoto who happens to be a photographer of someone. The one pilot who catches his attention is Shin. They both happen to be Japanese and Makoto wants to know why Shin goes through dangerous missions.

Overall, there are 3 OVAs and 12 television episodes. Though I never saw the former, how will I grade this series? I'll give out a score that this series deserves over the years people have known this series. Oh yeah. The former was picked up by Central Park Media.

Fun - 9

If you can get past the early questions and the questionable new character, this is a fine series. The charm is still there. 25 years and the charm is still going strong.

Life - 9

Classic or remake, both are great to keep. Both have their flaws, but both have ways that make the saga great. That's all that I'm going to tell you.

Story - 9

See what I have said already.

Audio - 10

The actors fit like a glove and the music fits the surrondings. I especially love the remake's theme song. It could be a good dance song for a future game. Ha ha ha!

Art - 10

The remake looks real good and the classic is just that: a classic form of art. After all of these years, I will never figure out how Shin can make his hair that wild. Ha ha ha!

Overall - 10

Well, yes, you hear the swooshes in the air. You hear the gun fire. You hear the characters speaking. You see the planes move in motion. It's just that it's not as impacting as the manga. Well, if you can't find the manga, the anime will do.

+

The intensity is still boiling after all these years.

-

The new character does ruin the flow of the series and early on, some questions do rise up.

Date of creation - 3/28/04

Last update - 8/10

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