"STRATOS4 SPECIAL FAN DISC II" review: A must-see special edition for fans

Detailed review and recommendation of STRATOS4 SPECIAL FAN DISC II

"STRATOS4 SPECIAL FAN DISC II" is an OVA released by Bandai Visual on December 23, 2004. This work is an original anime work by Studio Fantasia, directed by Takeshi Mori. It consists of one 60-minute episode, and is a long-awaited special disc for fans.

Story and setting

The Stratos IV series is about intercepting comets that threaten the Earth. The protagonists are pilots called Comet Blasters, and are tasked with protecting the Earth using super-high altitude interceptors and anti-comet space interceptors. This special fan disc contains new episodes and backstories for the main characters of the series.

The story is set at Shimojishima Base, and depicts the growth and struggles of young pilots undergoing training there. In particular, four characters, Mikaze Honjo, Karin Kikuhara, Saiun Nakamura, and Shizuha Doi, are central to the story. Although each has a different background and goal, it is moving to see them working hard towards a common goal.

character

Honjo Mikaze is a 16-year-old girl who is training to become a Comet Blaster at Shimojishima Base. She comes from a family of pilots and has a secret dream of going to space. Her first sortie makes her goal clear and her growth is depicted.

Karin Kikuhara is a 15-year-old girl who is also undergoing training at the Shimojishima base. She is not good with cats and has a lack of facial expression, but this is due to a tragic experience she had in her childhood. It is impressive to see her open up through her interactions with Mikaze and the others.

Ayamo Nakamura is a 17-year-old girl who is passionate and has a strong sense of justice. Her struggle to protect peace on Earth is charming and fitting for a protagonist. There are also scenes where she gives encouragement to Mikaze, and her positive personality adds excitement to the story.

Shizuha Doi is a 16-year-old girl who is a license maniac with various qualifications. She is always reliable and acts like a big sister to everyone, but she is also enthusiastic about obtaining qualifications for the future, and she considers the Comet Blaster to be part of that.

In addition, many other characters, such as instructors, pilots, and maintenance chiefs at Shimojishima Base, appear and enrich the story. In particular, the relationships and past episodes of Sayaka Kisaragi and Kazuma Iwasaki are also interesting.

Mechanics and Items

In this work, various mechanics appear, such as the ultra-high altitude interceptor TSR.2MS and the anti-comet space interceptor SAC-1. The TSR.2MS is based on a prototype that began development in the UK in 1957, and is characterized by its launch using ZELL (zero distance launch). Technical details are depicted, such as the two electronic circuits to avoid EMP effects and the vacuum tube backup system.

The SAC-1 is a two-seater space interceptor with a Comet Blaster aboard, and is mounted with missiles in a huge lifting-body shaped fairing. The sight of it using the Earth's gravity to intercept comets with a high-speed swing-by is magnificent and beautiful.

Another important item is the comet interceptor missile "Trident." This missile has an innovative technology that can destroy comets by drilling a hole in them and placing a bomb inside. The name comes from Poseidon's trident in Greek mythology, adding depth to the story.

Production and staff

The work is produced by Studio Fantasia and produced by Bandai Visual. Character design, mechanical design, and general animation direction are handled by Noriyasu Yamauchi, while 3D mechanical design and 3D supervision are handled by Tomohiro Kawahara. The production team includes Akira Itoman as art director, Masamichi Amano as music director, and Yota Tsuruoka as sound director.

In particular, the depiction of the mechanics by 3DCG director Hiroaki Matsuura is realistic and powerful, greatly enhancing the visual appeal of the work. In addition, the beautiful backgrounds by art director Tokumitsu Kobayashi and color designer Osamu Mikasa also enrich the worldview of the story.

cast

The cast of this work is also luxurious, with many talented voice actors participating, such as Kakazu Yumi as Honjo Mikaze, Orikasa Fumiko as Kikuhara Karin, Kikuchi Shiho as Nakamura Saiun, and Shimizu Kaori as Doi Shizuha. In addition, the performances of the voice actors who play unique characters, such as Ohara Sayaka as Kisaragi Sayaka and Tsujitani Kouji as Iwasaki Kazuma, are also superb.

Theme songs and music

The theme song for this work is "1st Priority" by "TM1", with lyrics and music by Hinata Megumi, arrangement by Seki Junjiro, and singing by Melocure. This song is a perfect fit for the theme of the story and has the power to draw viewers in.

Related Titles

There are many other related works in the "Stratos 4" series. You can enjoy the entire series with "Stratos 4", "Stratos 4 X", "Stratos 4 Advance", "Stratos 4 Advance Final Chapter", "STRATOS 4 SPECIAL FAN DISC", "STRATOS 4 LOG BOOK", "STRATOS 4.1 CODE: XXX DUTCH ROLL", etc.

Recommendations and ratings

"STRATOS4 SPECIAL FAN DISC II" is a must-see for fans of the series. It contains new episodes and character backstories, giving you a deeper feel for the story. Also, don't miss the detailed descriptions of the mechanics and items. In particular, the technical explanation of the comet interceptor missile "Trident" will be of interest to science fiction fans.

The appeal of this work lies in the portrayal of character growth and human relationships. Although each of the four, Mikaze, Karin, Saiun, and Shizuha, has a different background and goal, it is moving to see them working hard towards a common goal. The relationships between the instructors and pilots are also interesting, adding depth to the story.

Furthermore, the production by the luxurious staff and cast is also superb. The depiction of the mechanics by 3DCG, the beautiful backgrounds, and the performances of the talented voice actors attract the viewers visually and aurally. The theme song "1st Priority" is also a perfect fit for the theme of the story and has the power to touch the hearts of the viewers.

To enjoy the entire Stratos IV series, this special fan disc is a must. It is recommended not only for fans of the series, but also for those who are interested in science fiction and mechanics. Please enjoy this work and feel the fight to protect the Earth and the growth of the young pilots.