CREATOR

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Yoshihara Rieko

PlOTLINE

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Originally existed as a novel (only in Japanese) by Yoshihara Rieko, and later developed into an OVA

The computerised city of Tanagura is controlled by a mother computer - Jupiter. Under this control, the people are divided into different ranks based on their hair colours - which have been pre-decided by the breeding centre. Silver hair commands the highest status, and those in direct contact with Jupiter have golden hair. They're generally termed as the 'Blondies'. And on the other end of the spectrum is the lowest-ranked, and basically viewed as the scum of the society, black-haired ones. Generally called 'Mongrels', they live in Ceres, the slums of Tanagura.

The story follows the tragi-romance between Iason Mink, the highest-ranked Blondie, Riki, the Mongrel he falls in love with, and Guy, Riki's pairing partner.

COMMENTS

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Has been said to be THE yaoi anime of yaoi anime, and yours truly kinda agrees. The lemon scenes are beautiful, and the relationship between the two main characters, as well as the minor characters, more than plausible. Also, the entire premise of the story is just very compelling. It's a must-watch if you're a yaoi fan.

MAIN CHARACTERS

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I count only 5 of them as main characters. The rest, you gotta read to find out.

IASON MINK. He's the number one commander of Tanagura for he's the one who directly converses with Jupiter. Beautiful and perfect, he places his future in danger when he falls into a forbidden relationship with his own Pet - Riki. Through Riki, he discovers his humanity, and ultimately, his downfall.

RIKI. A free-spirited, rebellious Mongrel who is rescued by Iason, and repays the unwanted favour with his own body. Later becoming Iason's Pet, he becomes trapped as the centre of a love triangle between Iason and Guy.

GUY. Riki's pairing partner. Starts off as a level-headed guy who later becomes crazed and obsessed when he loses Riki to Iason. (Windy : Hereby, I have to make it clear that I absolutely DETEST Guy. He's selfish, sick, and amazingly f***** up. He has NO saving grace at ALL.)

KATZE. Formerly Iason's Furniture (de-sexualised being), but after being caught for hacking into the secrets of Tanagura, is punished and his status denounced to that of a Pet black-market dealer. However, he still remains Iason's, and later Riki's, confidant.

RAOUL. Second-in-command of Tanagura, and Iason's best friend. He basically disapproves of the forbidden attachment between Iason and Riki, and tries to talk sense into Iason every chance he gets.

NOVEL DETAILS

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The story ran as a series in a famous Japanese shounen-ai magazine, Shousetsu June (No.22 December 1986 to No.27 October 1987).The story was then re-edited and has been published as a hard-cover book since 1990.

ANIME DETAILS

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Director : Nishimori Akira (OVA 1) and Akiyama Katsuhito (OVA 2)
Character Design : Onda Naoyuki
Episodes : 2
Status : Complete

ANIMATION

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The good first. The character design is not bad, although the characters' faces tend to look rather feminine at times. The animation is nicely done. Lemon scenes are tasteful, well-executed, action scenes run smoothly. Watch out for the ending scene. It made my eyes tear and my nose all funny. ;__;

And now the bad. Whoever did the anime obviously assumes that everyone is familiar with the story background. -.- Well, we don't. I for one, had to search for extra information on the Net.

SCREENCAPS

VOICE-ACTING

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Seki Toshihiko's brilliant as Riki, right down to the sounds he make during the sex. It might sound weird, but not every male seiyuu can get the sounds right. Get it wrong, and the whole lemon scene is ruined. Plus, he has a rather angsty timbre to his voice that makes him perfect as Riki. And of course, Shiozawa Kaneto who does a dark, dangerous, seductive Iason. I've heard Iason is also known The Voice. ^_~ Now you know what I mean!

MUSIC

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Hmmm...I didn't notice the music much. But there're like at least 4 AnK CDs out there so I'm not sure how I managed to let the music just fly by me. Anyway, I think the music fits in the mood of the animation. It's just bleak, and bittersweet.

RESOURCES

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AMOI NO KUSABI (Fan site)