Review : Appare-Ranman!

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"How far can I go?" - Appare Sorano

Story: (4/5)

Around the late 19th Century, a quirky yet genius inventor named Appare, who was inspired by the book From the Earth to the Moon, decided to set off an adventure on his boat. Kosame is tasked to keep Appare under control, but instead was dragged to America with Appare under a series of events. Given the circumstances of not having money and no any other easy way of returning to Japan, they both agreed on entering the Trans-America Wild Race, which give the win-win opportunity for Appare to build an automobile, and Kosame the prize money for returning to Japan.

We rarely get to see anime focused on this era, the current mainstream anime usually results in mostly fantasy-themed or school-themed world setting, thus this historical anime gave me a new and fresh perspective, an immediate plus in rating. The story, I believe on episode 2 or 3 tackle woman rights and I like their approach and result (that punch was so satisfying). Comedy in this anime is good, Crazy TJ's adult jokes and Kosame being the comedy relief role are both well executed. There's quite some plot twists, in which some of them left me in awe and laughter, while one of them is THIS CLOSE on making me want to strangle the writer for giving me Gurren Lagann vibes. Although this anime isn't officially categorized as an action genre, the action sequence also is very cool, the gun scenes of TJ and Dylan also Kosame's fight later on in the anime was quite amazing.

Characters: (5/5)

Let's cut straight to the point, characters in this anime screams personality, even so the development part is not lazily done, that is impressive work given its an anime original, props to you PA Works!

Appare Sorano doesn't care about social norms and inheriting the family business of being a merchant, rather he's obsessed with gadgets and inventing new stuffs. In the beginning of the series, he is unsympathetic, unconcerned, and straight up rude towards others, but that changes as the series progresses, he started to open up to others, learnt to rely, help and believe on others. He is very confident in his crafts and aimed to construct the fastest vehicle in the race, and making rivals who admire him along the journey. 

Kosame Isshiki is a strong swordsman, but he has PTSD from the incident of his mother being slain to death protecting him while he was young, this event results in him wanting to become stronger and to protect the ones he care. But yet again due to his PTSD, even he's strong technical wise, he however couldn't raise the katana when it's needed, leading to Hototo thinking that Kosame is weak and will never understand his pain of losing the ones he loved. However later on, Kosame is finally cleared of his trauma as he realize his true goal of protecting others.

Side characters like Hototo, Xialian, Al, Dylan, TJ, Gil are all very unique amongst each other, their relatable backstory and development later on is applaudable. Oh by the way, after the last episode, I ship Appare×Kosame!

Music: (4/5)

The opening "I got it!" is a wonderful song did a great job of immersing the audience into the setting of the anime, I've found out this anime through YouTube's recommendation of this song, the scenes of the opening song intrigued me to watch this show. The ending song "I'm Nobody" highlights the personality of Appare, and the melody of the chorus makes you want to stay back for the credits!

Unfortunately, I can't find any OST album in the net or YouTube, but the OST played on those sad scenes are well composed, great job Evan Call!

Art/Animation: (4.5/5)

The character design is ground breaking, loved the design of every character, their artwork presents their personality so darn well, with Appare's being weird, Kosame's being traditional, Al's and Sofia's being elegant, Xialian's, Chase/Tristan's and Hototo's being very representative of their culture (Xialian's looks is quite the waifu material), and most importantly Crazy TJ's bizarre look is just fan grabbing. The design of every automobile is also very unique too!

The use of CGI is nicely blended, didn't feel any discomfort of viewing along with the gorgeous scenery. Animation wise, I particularly loved the well directed racing scenes and action choreography, also the cut scene when Kosame uses his ultimate techniques reminds me of Nanatsu no Taizai.

Conclusion: (9.6/Very Good)

This is those kind of anime that needs way more love and attention than it currently had, I can't really understand how is this hidden gem of anime is so underrated. And yeah, I sincerely wish for an OVA to be produced.