crest

The Anime Librarian Home What's New? Reviews Core Collections Activities Features Glossary Links Contact Us		Crest of the Stars
		Crest of the Stars is hard core science fiction: no cute aliens, funny characters, or gee whiz heroics. Set in the far future, the story begins with the subjugation of the human planet Martine by the Abh Empire. The Abh are "human-kind," genetically altered to dominate the vastness of space. They are stronger, more beautiful, and longer-lived than humans, and they know it. Aloof, fearless, and proud, they look down on the human clients they choose to run the planets they conquer. Despite their characteristic blue hair and long, elfin ears, the Abh are not racist, accepting select members of conquered peoples into their Empire, training and treating them as equals despite their obvious physical differences. This is not historically far-fetched, as witness the ancient Roman policy of taking hostages and raising them as citizens to cement their ethnically diverse empire. One such hostage of the Abh is the son of the President of Martine, Jinto, an unlikely hero if ever there was one. A child during the chaotic invasion, Jinto is baffled by the hate that greets him as the son of the leader who surrendered to the Abh. Jinto matures, but is painfully unsure of himself. He is, after all, a collaborator, the son of a man branded traitor by his people. He is a weak, awkward figure despised by the humans who see him dressed in Abh regalia. Not the makings of a Luke Skywalker! This is a story told from a perspective alien to most Americans: that of a conquered, occupied people, trying to accommodate themselves to their conqueror. But it is a very Japanese theme, one they lived not so long ago. The Occupation appears as a theme in much of their postwar film and literature, and even in such anime as Skies of Arcadia. Jinto is complex and fascinating, more accomodater than heroic rebel, so perhaps this is why we secretly feel closer to him than the usual superheroes of science fiction epics. Through his eyes we view the strange world of the Abh, and his first contact with the master civilization: Lafiel, the other main character of the series. Lafiel is of royal blood, her quiet arrogance tempered by an easy competence in all she does. Obviously, she is an exceptional pilot, warrior, and leader. The Abh are not exactly the most likeable people you'll meet in anime. There is a sort of glacial, Teutonic sense of superiority about them, though without the Weltschmerz. But it ain't bragging if it's true, and the mastery of the Abh is no accident: it's genetic. Yet as the series progresses, both characters change. Jinto grows in stature as he faces a myriad of challenges, proving more courageous and resourceful than first appeared. Further, another side of Lafiel is slowly revealed. Despite a hard and ruthless exterior, there is the vulnerability of growing up too fast, meeting too many expectations and bearing too many burdens at a young age. It is fine example of how characters in anime grow, develop, and surprise. Visually, the series is epic, with rousing space battles and a sense of sweep and majesty befitting a story of empire. The orchestral score is suitably grand, but knows when to be quiet. The Japanese voice actors for Lafiel and Jinto are superb. Both bring out the uneasiness of their first meeting, and the growing interest and curiosity about each other as they work together. Crest of the Stars shows that epic science fiction needn't rely on special effects and big budgets to excel. It's a lesson Hollywood could take to heart. (Note: the sequel to Crest of the Stars, Banner of the Stars, will be reviewed separately)
		Studio: Bandai Format: DVD Episodes in series: 13 Series Completed: Yes Number of DVDs: 4	Audio Tracks: English, Japanese Subtitles: English Genre: Science Fiction Ages: 13+ Cautions: Language Reviewer: George Core Collection: Science Fiction