Mahoromatic: Automatic Maiden

Publisher
ADV
Director
Hiroyuki Yamaga
Production
GAINAX, Shaft
Country of origin
Japan
Format
Series
Running time
12 episodes
Year
2001

Mahoromatic vol 3 (eps 9-12)

By John Huxley
14th May 05

The third and final volume of Mahoromatic opens - somewhat surprisingly given the tight schedule - with a lighthearted episode in which Mahoro and Suguru embark on their first date. Besides the more dramatic (yet sadly underdeveloped) storyline revolving around an intergalactic war of some kind, Mahromatic has spent a good deal of time concerning itself with the blossoming romance between our two heroes, the android maid Mahoro and her master Suguru. Adding a little spice to this relationship is Suguru’s teacher, the energetic Miss Shikijo, who (unbelievably) continually pines after her young student. Naturally she jumps at the chance to disturb the young couple and ruin their perfect date, but considering that her rival is an ex-combat android armed to the teeth with all sorts of deadly weaponry, she really shouldn’t fancy her chances too much. Still doesn’t stop her from trying, though!

Despite all these shenanigans, Mohoromatic takes an admirable stab at creating a reasonably involving, if utterly unplausible, romance. Mahoro is undoubtedly an adorable character, even if the occasional nude scenes do subtract from her allure a little, and it’s great to see her and Suguru finally shacked up together (to use the term its loosest sense). However, this is no RahXephon or Voices of a Distant Star; their unsubtle and more importantly unconvincing romance is unlikely to have you reaching for the nearest box of kleenex (...). Which is slightly disappointing, because the potential for a real tear-jerker appears to be obvious to everyone except the writers of Mahoromatic. Mahoro’s limited lifespan and turbulent background have featured heavily throughout Mahoromatic, yet bizarrely very little is made of this when push comes to shove - something which brings us neatly to my next point...

Although the series is complete at three volumes, Suguru and Mahoro’s story doesn’t end here. As some of you may already know from reading Slerch’s review of Something More Beatutiful, Mahoromatic’s second series continues where the first series leaves us - with plenty of questions and very few answers. That’s not to say that this series of Mahoromatic has tormented us with a cliffhanger finale - it’s actually quite satisfying despite the loose ends - yet there are still many things left unresolved that will likely prey on your mind until ADV get around to releasing the second series which will (hopefully!) provide some answers.

Still, there’s plenty of enjoyment to be garnered from the last few episodes which chronicle Mahoro’s epic battle with her newfound nemesis/teacher and SAINT android Ryuga, a character who was introduced towards the end of the previous volume. Spanning a good portion of two episodes, this final battle exemplifies the stylish, original action direction for which Gainax have become renowned. Unfortunately the animation isn’t quite on a par with some of its CGI-enhanced contemporaries, yet Mahoromatic nevertheless does a great job of creating exciting action sequences such as this. As a show suitable for a wide audience, Mahroromatic balances this action-heavy storyline with some welcome dramatic elements that serve only to enhance the whole experience. Suguru’s mad dash to prevent Mahoro from sacrificing herself may be all too predictable, but it’s nonetheless an effective ploy that sets up a suitably touching finale.

Miss Shikijo fans will be distraught to learn that comedy is low on the agenda here, with barely a mention for the busty educator during the last three episodes. But fret not - I fully expect her to make a triumphant return during the next series (again, see Slerch’s review for a sneak preview). And it’s testament to this series’ success that I’m looking forward to getting my hands on the concluding part of the story sooner rather than later. It may not excel in any one particular area, yet the whole package is an entertaining spectacle indeed. As an example of generic anime there’s few better than Mahoromatic. So, as long as you’re not expecting sophisticated cinema, pick it up and enjoy what Mahoromatic has to offer. Until next time...

R2 DVD Notes

Features: English 2.0 and Japanese 2.0 audio, English subtitles, voice actor commentary, production sketches, ADV previews

Release information: UK: 2005, ADV

Notes: The cover features Mahoro ready for combat in her figure-hugging gear. Somehow the artist has managed to make her appear vulnerable even though she’s holding a knife...not too sure what to make of that to be honest. Oh well, I guess subtlety was never Mahoromatic’s strong suit, something strongly reiterated by the four-page leaflet packaged inside the box. With nothing but a sweet image of Mahoro and Suguru embracing each other on the first page, you might not be prepared for the risque double-page spread of Mahoro waring nothing but a cook’s apron, splayed across a bed in a playful pose. Not exactly PG stuff, but I guess this is an 18-rated title so it really shouldn’t offend anyone. Besides, it’s a nicely rendered image and fairly representational of the show itself. The extras are decent enough, with an art gallery and voice actor commentary vying for your attention. An interesting inclusion, the commentary isn’t actually a commentary in the traditional sense, it’s more of a post-production interview with a couple of the Japanese cast. A decent package from ADV, lets hope they can continue where they left off with the next series of Mahoromatic.

-- John Huxley 14th May 05

Mahoromatic: Automatic Maiden Images