The appeal and reviews of ROD -THE TV-: A must-see anime for book lovers

The appeal and reviews of ROD -THE TV-: A must-see anime for book lovers

The appeal and reviews of ROD -THE TV-: A story woven by the magic of books and paper

The TV anime series "ROD -THE TV-", which aired in 2003, is based on the light novel by Hideyuki Kurata and is known for its animation produced by JCSTAFF and Studio Deen. The work is set in a world five years after the OVA "ROD READ OR DIE" and depicts the exploits of the Hong Kong-based Three Sisters Detective Agency. The story of the girls who solve cases using the magic of books and paper gave viewers a fresh surprise and excitement.

Story and setting

"ROD -THE TV-" is set in Hong Kong, a little in the future. It is a world several years after the incident of the "Humanity Selection Operation" by the Great Men Corps. The "Three Sisters Detective Agency" located in a certain city in Hong Kong works day and night to solve cases related to books. The three sisters, Michelle, the eldest, Maggie, and Anita, the youngest, each have different personalities and abilities, but they use their special abilities as paper users to complete their requests.

Through their daily lives and the process of solving cases, viewers can feel the love for books and the magical potential of paper. In addition, the past and secrets of the three sisters that are revealed as the story progresses are also an important element that draws viewers in.

character

Each of the three sisters has a unique character and leaves a strong impression on the viewer. Michelle, the eldest sister, is an avid bookworm, so passionate that she spends her living expenses on books. Maggie, the second sister, is quiet and sensitive, and has a unique personality: she loves books and feels at home in small, dark places. Anita, the youngest sister, is a do-or-die girl who hates books, but she also has a cute side as she is small, selfish, and quick to anger.

The writer, Sumiregawa Nenene, also appears as an important character. She is proud and stubborn, but also emotionally fragile, and is characterized by her eccentric dialogue and writing style in which she broods darkly on herself alone. The drama woven by these characters gives viewers deep emotion and empathy.

Animation and Music

The animation of "ROD -THE TV-" is of high quality thanks to the collaboration between JCSTAFF and Studio Deen. The character designs are by Masashi Ishihama, and the color and art settings are also carefully done. In particular, the depiction of the scenes using paper magic is beautiful and full of visual appeal.

Music is also an important element that enhances the appeal of the work. The opening theme "ROD" was composed and arranged by Hideki Tanaka and performed by YKZ. The ending theme "Moments in The Sun" was written by kazami, composed by Kazunori Fujimoto, arranged by TANCO, and sung by kazami with Home Grown. These songs not only enhance the atmosphere of the story, but also leave a deep impression on the viewers.

Ratings and Recommendations

"ROD -THE TV-" has been praised for its unique worldview, charming characters, and story development that makes full use of the magic of books and paper. In particular, the episode depicting the growth and deepening bond between the three sisters touched viewers. In addition, it is linked to the original light novel and comic book versions, allowing fans to enjoy it in even deeper ways.

This work is highly recommended for book lovers and mystery lovers. It is especially perfect for those who are interested in the unique setting of paper magic and who want to enjoy the growth story of unique characters. It is also related to the OVA "ROD READ OR DIE", so you can enjoy the whole series.

More Information

■ Public Media
TV anime series
■ Original Media
Light novel
■ Broadcast period
October 15, 2003 - March 17, 2004 Fuji TV October 15, 2003 - March 17, 2004 (Episodes 1-20) Every Wednesday 26:58-27:28

*The terrestrial broadcast was discontinued after episode 20. Episodes 21 to 26 are included in packaged versions such as DVDs.
■Broadcasting station
CX
■Frequencies
half an hour
■ Number of Episodes
Episode 26
■Original Story
Hideyuki Kurata
■ Director
Koji Masunari
■ Production
・Animation production: JCSTAFF
・Production cooperation: Studio Deen ・Production: Aniplex
■Works
©Studio Orpheus/Aniplex
■ Story

A little bit into the future. A few years after the incident of the Great Men Corps' "Operation Human Extermination".

There was a detective agency in a certain town in Hong Kong. It was called the "Three Sisters Detective Agency."
The three beautiful(?) sisters there work day and night to solve mysteries related to books.

Their names are Anita, Maggie, and Michelle.

Not only the eldest sister Michelle, who is an avid book lover, and the second sister Maggie, but even the youngest sister Anita, who hates books, all have the special ability to use paper.

As they take on one request after another, sometimes using their abilities and sometimes not, what kind of case comes their way...?

*Quoted from the Aniplex official website

■Explanation

A TV anime series that aired in 2003.
The story takes place five years after the OVA.

The main characters this time are the three sisters Anita, McGee, and Michelle.
Additionally, Sumiregawa Nenene, who appeared in the novel and comic versions and only mentioned her name in the OVA, appears in this work and plays an important role.

A comic book version was also produced, featuring the three sisters as the main characters.

*Quoted from the Aniplex official website

■Cast

Anita/Chiwa Saito, Maggie/Hiromi Hirata, Michelle/Shoko Kikuchi, Nene Sumiregawa/Satsuki Yukino

■ Main staff

・Original story, scriptwriter: Hideyuki Kurata・Character design: Taraku Hanone・Director: Koji Masunari・Character design, chief animation director: Masashi Ishihama・Production design: Noriyuki Jinguji・Art director: Easter Yatsugumi・Art setting: Hiroshi Izumi・Color setting: Mayumi Tanahashi・Director of photography: Kazunari Nishida・Editor: Masaki Sakamoto・Sound recording director: Hiromi Kikuta・Music director: Takashi Kodama・Music: Taku Iwasaki・Producer: Tomonori Ochikoshi・Animation producer: Yuji Matsukura・Cooperation: Studio Orphee・Animation production: JCSTAFF
・Production cooperation: Studio Deen ・Production: Aniplex

■ Main Characters

Anita is a small, selfish, and quick to get angry. She also has a cute side to her: her face turns red when she gets angry. She drinks milk to grow taller. She hates books and is a man of action.
Maggie is the tall second daughter who is usually quiet and absent-minded. She loves books. She is sensitive and is the most considerate of the three sisters. She likes small, dark places and feels relaxed.
・Michelle is a fangirl, talkative, and carefree. She has a careless personality, both in a good and bad sense. She loves books so much that she spends all her living expenses on them, putting the family finances in a pinch! Can everyone trust such an eldest daughter?
・Nene Sumiregawa
22 years old. Female. Writer. Debuted at the age of 13 with "You Know Me." Became a best-selling author. She can be proud and stubborn, but also emotional. Although she can be eccentric in conversation, she is the type who broods alone in her dark thoughts when writing.

■Subtitle

Episode 1: Paper Has Fallen; Episode 2: Gather All You Losers; Episode 3: Meet Me in Jimbocho; Episode 4: Junior High School Year 1 Course; Episode 5: They're Making a Loud noise; Episode 6: The Right Stuff; Episode 7: In the Bush; Episode 8: Bewitched by the Night; Episode 9: Deep in the Darkness; Episode 10: Christmas Carol; Episode 11: Goodbye Japan; Episode 12: Twilight of the Papers; Episode 13: Twilight of the Papers Continued; Episode 14: Forest of Paper Leaves; Episode 15: At the Bottom of the Dark Earth; Episode 16: Fahrenheit 451; Episode 17: Sweet Home; Episode 18: Confession; Episode 19: Family Game; Episode 20: Hello Sadness

■ Related works

・ROD READ OR DIE

■ Theme songs and music

・OP1
・ROD
・Composition: Hideki Tanaka ・Arrangement: Hideki Tanaka ・Performance: YKZ

・ED1
・Moments in the Sun
Lyrics by kazami
・Composition: Kazunori Fujimoto ・Arrangement: TANCO
・Song/kazami with Home Grown

Conclusion

"ROD -THE TV-" is a moving story that depicts the growth and bonds of attractive characters, with a unique worldview based on the theme of the magic of books and paper. This work will give viewers fresh surprises and deep emotions, and is highly recommended for book lovers and mystery lovers. There is also a connection to the OVA "ROD READ OR DIE", so you can gain a deeper understanding and enjoyment by enjoying the entire series. Please try experiencing this wonderful work.

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