"Makendo" review: A story of passionate battles and growth

The appeal and evaluation of the OVA "Makuendo!

The OVA "Makeru Na! Makendou" released in 1995 is based on a game, and its unique world view and characters have captivated many fans. In this article, we will introduce detailed information and reviews of the OVA, related works, and recommended points.

Overview

"Makeru Na! Makendou" is an OVA released by Datam Polystar on March 25, 1995, and is a short 30-minute work with one episode. The original work is a Super Famicom game, and the world of the game is animated. It is directed by Murata Kazuya and produced by Datam Polystar and OLM.

story

Doro, a detective in the world of monsters, asks Mai Kenno, a monster exterminator, to enter a martial arts tournament to decide the next Prime Minister of Monsters. However, Mai is not interested in a case that does not directly concern her and declines the request. Meanwhile, Mai's younger sister, Hikaru, intervenes, and Doro flatters Hikaru by suggesting that he enter the tournament as "Makendo No. 2." Meanwhile, in another place, monsters are plotting to modify a boy and take over the human world. These two stories intertwine as the story unfolds.

character

The main character, Mai Kenno, is voiced by Kotono Mitsuishi. She is a calm and strong female character who is a professional monster extermination expert. Her younger sister, Hikaru Kenno, is voiced by Mika Kanai and is a cheerful and energetic character. Doro, played by Ryo Horikawa, is a detective in the monster world who also has a humorous side. Dr. Mad, played by Shigeru Chiba, is a scientist who plays an important role in advancing the monsters' plans. Makenkar, a character played by Nobuyuki Hiyama, is a key figure in the story.

staff

The script was written by Yasuhiro Komatsuzaki, the animation director was Sayuri Ichiishi, the art director was Chikara Nishikura, the cinematographer was Motoaki Ikegami, and the sound director was Masafumi Mima. The co-producers were Akiko Tomikawa and Tomoko Aoki, and the producers were Toshiaki Okuno and Shukichi Kanda. The collaboration between these staff members has succeeded in bringing out the best in the original work.

Theme songs and music

The opening theme "Because You Are in My Heart" was written by Ryota Kiyari, composed by Yoshiro Kuwahara, arranged by Osamu Kurimoto, and sung by Mika Kanai. The ending theme "It's Not Goodbye" was written by Ryota Kiyari, composed by Ichiro Miura, arranged by Osamu Kurimoto, and sung by Kotono Mitsuishi. These songs add to the atmosphere of the story.

Related Titles

"Makeru! Makendou" has been developed in various media, including games, drama CDs, and comic books. The Super Nintendo game "Makeru! Makendou" was released on January 22, 1993, and its sequel "Makeru! Makendou 2: Decide! Yokai Prime Minister" was released on March 17, 1995. The PlayStation version "Makeru! Makendou 2" was released on November 10, 1995, and the PC-FX version "Makeru! Makendou Z" was released on March 20, 1998. The drama CD was released on April 26, 1995, and it was also made into a comic book. There is also a North American version of the game "Kendo Rage". By enjoying these related works, you can experience the world of "Makeru! Makendou" more deeply.

Rating and Recommended Points

The OVA for "Makeru! Makendou" is short but features a dense story and appealing characters. In particular, the relationship between sisters Mai Kenno and Hikaru Kenno, and Doro's humorous character are memorable. The theme of the conflict between the world of monsters and the world of humans is also intriguing and has the power to draw viewers in. The animation quality is also high, with the skills of animation director Sayuri Ichiishi shining through. In terms of sound, the sound effects and background music, directed by Masafumi Mima, add excitement to the story.

The first thing I would like to recommend about this film is that it is a must-see for fans of the original game. It faithfully recreates the world of the game while adding new charms that are unique to anime. It is also praised for the way it depicts the story so well in such a short time. Furthermore, the theme song and ending theme are excellent, so you can enjoy the afterglow of the film after watching it.

The OVA of "Makeru! Makendo" is not only an anime based on a game, but also a standalone entertainment piece that can be fully enjoyed. Recommended for those who like monsters and martial arts, and those who want to enjoy a dense story in a short amount of time. Please give it a watch.

Conclusion

The OVA of "Makenai! Makendou" is a wonderful work that maximizes the appeal of the original game while adding the unique charm of anime. The short but dense story, the charming characters, and the high-quality animation and sound will draw viewers in. There are also many related works, allowing you to enjoy this world even more deeply. Please watch it once and experience its charm.