Divergence Eve

Review by Matthew Anderson

Preview Screener

Company: ADV Films

13 Episode TV Series

U.S. Release Date: March 2005

Rating: R (Language, violence, nudity, adult situations)

EXTERNAL EXAM

Instantaneous space travel is now a reality in the Year 2317. By using "inflation hole drive portals", a ship leaves our dimension, crosses a parallel universe, and reappears at "Watchers Nest" the gate at the other end. While the theory is simple, jumping isn't. It's even harder when strange creatures identified as Ghouls appear inside the jump gates an attack any ship that is trying to materialize. To help stop this "invasion" the Earth's government created the Seraphim Squadron. Led by Commander Lyar Von Ertiana, this elite team of combat suit pilots must risk not only their lives, but their sanity as they fight these creatures in the rifts between dimensions.

Kureha Misaki, one of the pilots of Seraphim Squadron, has a power that may save the 10 million people stationed at "Watchers Nest" and defeat the Ghouls. Yet, if they are not careful, Misaki may destroy them all before the Ghouls get their chance.

WIDESCREEN REVIEW

STORY: Created by Takumi Tsukumo, "Divergence Eve" can best be described as the spiritual cousin of Bandai's "Geneshaft". The stories are a combination of action, science fiction, and "Evangelion" paranoia. While it may not be ground breaking, the slick visuals, wonderful acting, and plentiful fan service makes it easy to overlook the lack of originality.

ACTING: If you love the voice actors from ADV, then you are in for a treat. Just about all of the ADV "all stars" make an appearance in Divergence Eve, and all do a top notch job.

I was pleased that Kira Vincent Davis did not give the character of Misaki some high pitched, overly squeaky, ditzy sounding voice. While the character certainly isn't a rocket scientist, Kira plays her as a young girl trying to do her job in the most trying of times. She can also growl pretty damn well when Misaki uses her "secret" powers.

Shelley Calene Black's reading is pitch perfect for the straight arrow Commander Lyar Von Ertiana. Luci Christian once again surprises us with her range as the cute and sexy Prime Snowlight, and the distinctive voice of Christine Auten is right on for tough chick Luxadara Frail.

Keep one ear cocked to catch the voices of Hillary Haag, Chris Patton, Greg Ayers, Jason Douglas, John Gremillion, Tiffany Grant, and a host of others!

FAN SERVICE: Holy crap, now I know why they call breasts "torpedoes". Every singe human female is a fan service babe to the max, with huge chests, bouncing buntlines, and in the case of Kureha Misaki, we get full frontal nudity! Who cares what other Science Fiction movies this anime references, the girls all have big boobies!

FINAL EXAM

Girls fighting against a mysterious foe is nothing new. From "Gall Force" to "Geneshaft", anime is full of tales of heroic women, overcoming the limitations of their sex, and kicking ass for all their worth.

Divergence Eve" is no different. You have a team of elite soldiers fighting an invincible foe while at the same time dealing with the machinations of a shadow organization. The characters consist of the stoic commander, the unwitting heroine, the sneaky science guy, the oblivious base commander, and a host of other pilots that will make excellent cannon fodder. By all rights, I should be decrying the lack of originality in this anime, and advocating that "Eve" be flushed into another dimension.

Well, I'm not going to because I like it, and not because of the fan service. Well, not just because of the fan service.

There are several reasons why this isn't a throw away series. The writing is some pretty damn good science fiction. The theories about multiple dimensions, hyperspace travel, wormholes, and other tenants of astrophysics presented here are quite intriguing. The writers do a good job at keeping the "techno speak" at a level everyone can understand.

This show is surprisingly tense, in spite of the obvious plot points. Right from the start, we know that the upcoming battle is going to decide the fate of the 10 million people stationed at "Watchers Nest". We also learn that there are some things going on behind the scenes, all centered around Misuki. The battle against the Ghouls is pretty intense, thanks to the tight direction of Atsushi Takada and the awesome CG work.

Speaking of which, the CG animation looks fantastic. The designs for the Ghouls and other creatures are both beautiful and creepy at the same time. The "Mechwarror" inspired mechanical designs are way cool and the detail on all CG elements is outstanding. The only negative is that the movements of the "monsters" is a little on the stiff side. Granted, that may be the intention of the directors, but it does somewhat mar a kick ass fight scene. The "traditional" animation is nothing to sneeze at either. It's very detailed, moves smoothly, and full of bright and vibrant colors. Overall, this is one good looking anime!

The musical score by Yousuke Houga score is downright spooky. The way the guitars and synthesizers are distorted, it sounds like someone screaming. It really sets the dark tone of the series, and adds to the feeling that something bad is going to happen. The "Nine Inch Nails" inspired opening theme is perfect for the overall vibe of the series; dark, moody, but full of energy.

In contrast, the ending theme "Pump Up" is the total opposite of the opening theme. Performed by Nao Nagasawa from "Ninja Sentai Hurricanger", it's an over the top, energetic, pop song, complete with scenes of Misuki in various states of undress. I don't know exactly what the staff was thinking, but wow, it certainly pops you back from the brink of despair. Once you hear this song, it will never leave your head.

Now, the part you have all been waiting for, the fan service. In a word "BOING!" There is fan service like in "Real Bout High School", and there is "FAN SERVICE!", and Divergence Eve has it. I don't think anyone is smaller than a G cup. I am amazed that they don't fall over due to the weight of their bosoms. Thank god their flight suits are up to the task, cause I don't think any bra could handle these things. They don't even make you wait until the last episode to see the main character naked. In episode two, BOOM! there is Misuki bare ass naked, her boobs bouncing all over the place. Come for the fan service, stay for the science fiction.

Divergence Eve is not a brilliant anime, nor is it original. Hell, it's just one step up from a video game. You know what, it doesn't matter. This is great looking, nerve wracking, uber fan service, science fiction anime that just plain rocks.

Return to Top

Back to the Special Features Page