BLOOD WORK: SUSPENDED ANIMATION: IRIA ~ ZEIRAM THE ANIMATION (1994)

I have been a fan of Anime (Japanese Animation) for quite some time, since the Cartoon Network DRAGON BALL Z craze in the late 1990's and early 2000's. Even before then there was the occasional anime airing on Saturday mornings on the Sci-Fi Channel. Back then I didn't know what I was watching. After diving in head first into the world of anime I recalled some of my earlier encounters, wonderful stories that have left lasting impressions and remain favorites unto this day.

IRIA: ZEIRAM THE ANIMATION is a six episode anime mini series that was produced in 1994 and directed by Tetsuro Amino. The series is loosely based off of the Japanese live action science fiction film ZEIRAM (1991) and its sequel ZEIRAM 2 (1994). Some have said the anime series is a prequel to the live action films but there are continuity problems between them. That's just a long winded way of saying that you don't have to watch either film to enjoy the anime. The Iria anime is a completely self-contained story, beginning, middle, and end. And it is one helluva experience.

Iria, the six episode anime series, is one of the best action sci-fi epics I've ever seen.

THE PLOT

A far off galaxy in the distant future. A murderous alien creature called Zeiram, said to be unkillable, terrorizes the local solar system. When prime bounty hunter Gren is sent to a space colony on a rescue mission with his apprentice/sister Iria, the two hunters are shocked to discover Zeiram rampaging onboard. Only Iria makes it out alive. When she returns to her home-planet she is attacked by forces from the very corporation who hired her brother for the mission. Iria discovers not all is as it seems. Someone knew Zeiram was aboard the colony and knowingly sent Iria and her brother to their deaths. But they didn't expect Iria to return alive. What was the real mission and what does it have to do with Zeiram?

THE GOOD

Iria and Zeiram. One of the first aspects of this anime that captured my attention was the unstoppable terror of the title villain, Zeiram. A force of nature unto itself, Zeiram has a particularly eastern influenced design (obviously) resembling that of a frightening Japanese monk with a wide brimmed kasa (a traditional Japanese straw hat). Zeiram evokes the same presence as Arnold Schwarzenegger's original Terminator (1984) and adds an alien layer on top of it similar to the Venom Symbiote from Marvel Comics. Just like the Terminator, you don't fight Zeiram. You run from Zeiram. It's an exciting and rare breed of character.

Zeiram

Iria on the other hand, one can't help but like. Iria travels along an epic character arc from Apprentice to full fledged Bounty Hunter, from having to be constantly saved by her brother to ultimately accomplishing what her brother could not. Iria is a fully fleshed out character that avoids falling into female cliches or stereotypes. Her character design and costume is futuristic and unique and (with one or two aspects aside) not as objectifying as most anime women are. She was one of the first female action heroes I ever witnessed and is still to this day one my favorite anime characters.

The World. The hallmarks of truly great science fiction storytelling are the fully developed alien worlds in which the stories take place. Everything in the world of this story is unique and its own. The technology, the architecture, the landscapes, the clothing, words and phrases, damn near all of it is unlike any other. It's a totally immersive story taking the viewer on a wild and exciting ride. Adding to the world, making everything come to life, is gorgeous animation. The world of the story wouldn't be half as noteworthy if the viewer wasn't able to see everything clearly and beautifully animated. Coupled with great voice acting by both the Japanese and English casts as well as an exciting soundtrack to create a fantastic experience on all fronts.

THE BAD

Honestly not much stands out as obviously in need of improvement. There are little spots of poor animation here and there, wide shots of burning aliens that look cheaply rendered. But those instances are few. This was a seminal anime for myself personally, a gateway drug to a world of animated storytelling I never knew existed. In that respect my vision of Iria may be slightly skewed. I love this anime and it will probably be forever close to my heart. Having watched it years ago over and over again, then having not watching it for almost ten years, now going back and rewatching it today was a total joy. Having more of a critical eye now than I did ten years ago, I see more strengths in Iria today than weaknesses.

THE VERDICT

Iria: Zeiram the Animation is one of the best anime experiences one can have. The show stands on its own and is a completely immersive science fiction experience. Whether you're new to the world of anime or have been a longtime advocate, this show is an example of wonderful storytelling. Iria possesses the rare quality of being accessible while offering layer after layer of depth to its characters and world. And it's cool too.