Kannazuki no Miko

Kannazuki no Miko: What can be said about it that hasn't been said before? It's an anime that really deserves some excellency! It is just that show that does not need to use on a few comedy scenes, fanservice, subtext or anything like that, that many Yuri anime(excluding certain ones) to a certain extent constantly use.(which has gotten out of hand)Sure the mechas may be a little displeasing, but at least it didn't take up half of the story, but it had one thing it needed the most: True love. And it was handled so well.

Typically, you would think there could be a perverted or fanservice moment but actually, one of the characters(one of the villains) disliked the 2nd main character(Chikane) since she has "big boobs", which is not common in anime! However, it is noteworthy that the manga is rather explicit, but not all throughout.

The few other villians did have some randomness, but other than that, it felt a little unique(and their mecha were based on their personalities), and they had very brief parts of their OWN past. And surprisingly one of them... well I will not spoil it.

The mecha was the one thing that caused some controversy from viewers, but this series used it not for comic relief purposes, but to help carry the plot of the show. I mean, it's not often that yuri tries to take a more diverse line in genres than yaoi, so it was start. Needless to say, some will find it pointless, but if you can past through it and focus more on the relationship, you won't have so much trouble. I think people would expect too much if they have a difficult time understanding the mech's role in the series. I would say the mechs bring back good memories of those old super-robot type animes like G Gundam and the works, it's great to add some action in it.

While the plot may not be "THE GREATEST STORYLINE EVER TOLD" or 200 and or 30 to 50 episodes special(since the episode length is very limited but many wonderful anime can be rather short, too.), the story has really nice Japanese-style feel to it, with a small fantasy mixed into it.
The story basically follows Himeko Kurusugawa and Chikane Himemiya who are the the reincarnations of the Solar and Lunar Mikos,(Priestesses) who's destinies are awaken during the first day of October(also known in Japanese as "kannazuki" or "the godless month") on their 16th birthday when the evil known as "Yamata no Orochi",(the one based off the Japanese folklore)wreaks its destruction on the village of Mahoroba. Soma Ogami, who is in love with Himeko, was originally destined to kill the priestesses, but later betrays them. Now, Himeko and Chikane must awaken "Ame no Murakumo", in order to destroy the Orochi, while Soma repels the Orochi, and protects Himeko. But the plot mostly focuses directly on one aspect in mind: The relationship between Himeko and Chikane.

Now the romance, which is a lesbian romance between the main characters, was the absolute best part of the whole anime.
Like some anime, where there are some scenes were characters have wacky or exaggerated expressions, the couple(Himeko and Chikane)did not need it and made it even better! What's also interesting is that since most shonen anime that feature lesbians as comic relief or fanservice, this one actually didn't. There is only few amusement scenes but fortunately, there rather brief. What is also special is that the fact there is ACTUALLY a happy ending, but I will not go into detail. However I will say that the ending was just so well executed, and that it is one of the first of many Yuri anime to HAVE a happy ending for a couple.(Something that some yuri critics seem to forget)

The supporting characters are good, as well. The other characters are supportive to the main characters(somewhat, but mostly Kazuki who is Souma's adopted brother), others, not so nice(3 female bullies who are fans of Chikane) and the male lead(Souma), is not too bad either. He may seem unlikeable to many, but look at this way: He is not those male characters where they are rude and selfish to their girlfriends, and later on the girlfriend decides to become gay and dump him, there. That would make it too easy.

The maid character, who is Chikane's personal maid, is good too, since she is not "psycho lesbian" obsessed with Chikane, but rather caring of her. She is a rather jealous towards Himeko and it can lead to a little implied humor there, but she is MORE serious than little humor, which is a GOOD thing.

The music is really captivating! The composer Mina Kubota(who happened to be the composer of the OP/ED music for Aria), did a well done job creating sad, moody, peaceful music, and some action music to go along during the mecha scenes. The music mostly feels depressing and somewhat peaceful, but it creates a strong sense of emotion that really touches you inside. And how about a good old Hotchiku, to set the mood for the more serious parts, which well-fitted the atmosphere of the show. But what really made me jump and blown away was the OP and ED. It's just so epic and fast-paced. KOTOKO really brought her best songs in this anime, and it was so brilliant!

The animation was excellent, and it made me feel not so guilty of watching bishojo/moe characters OR have that weird feeling you get when watching them. It was well colorful , and the drawings looked well done. It didn't look TOO bad at all, in fact I'd say the animators overall, took their time to creating this series. The mechas, looked pretty cool, especially Souma's, and Tsubasa's.

So overall, Kannazuki no Miko is a tear-jerking, giant robot, thrilling, romantic Yuri anime that really stays out on its own. It's more than just some lesbian anime with robots in it, it really has a heart-breaking story with so much sadness and eventual happiness, that it really is a work of art. And the romance is just so fulfilling, and so heart-warming, it is just something that some Yuri really lacks.(that's not to say ALL yuri lacks it)It's that amazing. If your a Yuri fan and want to look for a series that's worth it, definitely go with this!

Unlike the more action-packed Shonen Jump type stories that hooked me from episode one, this series took a while to reel me in. But when it did, the story got me pretty damn good.

Save for the few (terribly lame) cliché scenes with female bullies, the anime was fantastic. The best Shoujo-ai I've seen. It's a shame the series was so short.

I demand for a revamped and updated version. D<