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Neo Ranga combines two fascinations of the Japanese: giant robots and the South Seas. Neo Ranga, an enormous mecha from the Pacific island of Barou, swims to Japan in search of the three Shimabara sisters. Regarded by the Barou islanders as a god, the Japanese reaction to Neo Ranga provides a sometimes funny, sometimes biting commentary on post-bubble economy Japan. Despite an almost dainty effort to avoid damage to Tokyo (he even stops for traffic lights), Neo Ranga is initially regarded as a Godzilla-like terror. Later, parked outside the house of the Shimabara sisters, the giant becomes a media sensation, gawked at by tourists and TV cameras. In the end, the massive robot becomes a part of the scenery, virtually ignored by people with their own mundane concerns.

Though a sharp political and social satire permeates the show, the primary focus is on the three orphaned sisters. Minami is the oldest, working at a TV studio and playing the reluctant part of the family's mother. Perhaps naturally, she is so intent on keeping the family afloat that she is obsessed with money, and sees the bottom line in all she does. The middle sister Ushio has all the idealism and anxieties of an early adolescent. One minute she burns with righteousness, and the next is immobilized by gnawing doubt. The youngest sister, Yuuhi, is the most complex character. An embittered elementary school student, contemptuous of the hypocrisy of the adult world, she uses her wiles and charm to manipulate and subvert. At times she is disturbing and more than a little scary. Yet her vulnerability as a child abandoned in a parentless world is both touching and sad.

Visually, Neo Ranga is on odd blend of pastel Pacific paradise and grungy, down-and-out Japan. The show is a creation of Studio Pierrot, famed for their magical girl shows, and the character designs are witty and attractive. The music is an eclectic blend of smooth jazz and weird native-esque rhythms. The voice acting is superior, and quickly distinguishes the distinct character and personalities of the sisters. Originally part of the Japanese anthology series Anime Complex, the episodes are only 15 minutes long, so distributor AD Vision has packaged eight episodes with each DVD. Given a large number of episodes, the series is able to meander into a wide variety of different situations and perspectives. The series is funny, moving, and action-packed in turn, but never loses its focus. Watching this odd family of three orphaned sisters struggling to find their place in a world gone topsy-turvy is a genuine delight

• Studio: A. D. Vision
• Format: DVD
• Episodes in Series: 35
• Series Completed: No
• Number of DVDs: 3
  

• Audio Tracks: English, Japanese
• Subtitles: English
• Genre: Science Fiction
• Ages: 15+
• Cautions: Nudity, sexual innuendo, violence
• Reviewer: George
• Core Collection: High School