You know I tried to resist but “wacky and zany” pretty much sums up Galaxy Angel. It is a far-flung future where hysterical over-reaction is the standard response to any given situation and any notion of plot is subservient to comedic set-ups & pay-offs.
And where there is anime hi-jinx, a little fan service can’t be far behind. Discipline in the Galaxy Angels seems to be fairly relaxed with the standard issue uniforms undergoing a number of personal modifications. Forte’s cleavage and Ranpha’s midriff get plenty of exposure. At some point I thought one of the pair was going to break the fourth wall and ask me to, ‘talk to the hand’.
The characters are all stereotypes so the question is, is the comic premise of each episode and the gags strong enough to sustain Galaxy Angel? Honestly, the answer is it’s a bit hit and miss. Tough girl Forte’s fear of mice and new girl Mifuelle’s obliviousness to threats, feel a little tired. On the other hand, extensive use of a cut to the team’s emblem to inappropriately separate scenes had me chuckling as did a piss-take of the Matrix’s ‘bullet time’. Similarly a chase through an amusement park hit the right levels of absurdity.
The quality of animation from Madhouse (Ninja Scrolls, Hellsing) is high. The character designs are pretty much standard for this type of show with big eyes, floppy ears and multi-colored hair the order of the day. Overall the production has a real polish.
With each episode clocking in at approximately 15 minutes, Galaxy Angel never outstays its welcome. It is vibrant and energetic and there are some decent laughs to be had. If anime whackiness is your cup of tea then Galaxy Angel comes recommended. Me, I like my coffee black.