Anime: R.O.D. The TV #4
The Paper Sisters attack Doksensha’s headquarters in Hong Kong to rescue Nenene, although they must first defeat legions of machinegun-wielding security guards, laser-firing robots and an even more dangerous foe: another Paper Master.
The one big point I took away from this volume of R.O.D. The TV is this: Anita kicks ass. But even as she’s besting every other character, we’re given some significant insight into her past and other characters’, that starts to really draw the plot together. At this stage, references to the Read Or Die OVA start cropping up regularly, so having seen that release might help you see the significance of some of the developments.
On the visual and audio fronts, it’s very much business as usual. The animation and art are gorgeous, especially during the fight sequences. Likewise, the soundtrack reinforces the action brilliantly, although I’m starting to find the non-fight music a little repetitive. The dub is also excellent, with more outstanding work from Rachel Hirschfeld and Siobhan Flynn as Anita and Wendy respectively.
Verdict: 19/20
While the background story slows the pacing a little, the story’s new direction keeps things very interesting. R.O.D. is a great show highly recommended, and this volume is no different.
Episodes 13-16 (100 mins approx). Rated 12. Released by MVM.