When you really think about it, it is somewhat surprising that more anime don't reflect on war. I'm not talking about humans fighting against aliens like you might find in other series, but the real, true to life events, or close to it at least. Grave of Fireflies is one of the few series that does, though it's not so much about war as much as the tragedy that can occur because of it. One of the closest things that you'll find is Area 88, and though it may have a fictional setting, the feeling is still there. "Tightrope at the Speed of Sound" is the third volume of the series and though it doesn't have much as far as plot development, it has some outstanding stories to tell.

Although Area 88 may be the story of one may who has been unintentionally enlisted in a war that he has nothing to do with, it may be a tale of a man separated from his love, it is also about those that fight the war along side him. It's also not just about people, but the battles they are involved in and the problems that can occur in any hostility. The three episodes presented in this volume tell those tales, and they are extraordinary.

The volume begins with Area 88 being short of supplies, and more importantly gives the Kim character more personality. He knows that he's not nearly as good at fighting or shooting down enemies as his fellow soldiers, but he's managed to get by, even using what he can find or buy to improve his plane. We find Kim to be extremely resourceful for his age. The base then comes under a unique assault and a sniper literally has everyone pinned down. This is another interesting story as we find that our gunman, who ultimately remains unseen and unknown even by the end of the episode, will take his craft to much different lengths. For example, he starts out by making a mess of things by shooting out the tire of one plane causing it to crash into another. Finally, the squadron must fly a deadly mission into a canyon that will claim the lives of some.

There are also some interesting things that seem minor, but are very much a part of war. Superstitions are really a key element. In Area 88 we see that many pilots have a certain chair they must sit in during meals because they believe it will bring them luck This actually leads to a rather somber moment when we find one of the cooks putting out meals for those that haven't returned. It's her way of not only mourning but also paying respect to their memory.

Makoto also shows that he can be useful. He helps to locate the sniper simply by snapping pictures and pinpointing a difference in the image. He also decides that he needs to experience what every pilot goes through during missions for himself. Though there are many that don't care much for him since he makes money from suffering, there are those at Area 88 that are becoming a little more friendly with. Kitri, the female addition to the squadron still has a presence, but not nearly as much as I would have through, especially since she is a new character that never appeared in the part incarnations of the series.

Area 88 has had some great extra features, and this volume has more of the same. There are two different interview segments, the first featuring Isamu Imakake and Satoshi Yano, respectively the director and sound director. The second once again features Imakake-san along with the director of photography, Shinichiro Tachi. Both interviews discuss various aspects of the production of the series and give a tremendous amount of information for those curious about just what goes into the production of an anime series. There are character bios as well as airplane specs and clean versions of the opening and closing animations. Area 88 however has contained a great deal of information that should make fans of the original and new series quite happy.

Even though there isn't much in terms of story development, Shin's "issue" primarily, contained in these episodes, the stories really are what drives them. I can handle one-shot episodes if they are done well, and these are fantastic. I've never been pleased with the recent trend of remakes that have been coming out, but this new version of Area 88 is one of the few that I approve of. Even if you've never seen the original series, Area 88 steps away from the commonplace magic girls, nerdy guys and beautiful girls or giant robot tales that we are accustomed to seeing. It's good story telling combined with edge of your seat action that is guaranteed to be a direct hit with any fan.

Episode 7 - Sweet Solider

Supplies are running short at Area 88, and both fuel and ammunition are in high demand. There is a squadron of fighters and jets that has been spotted and only three pilots can be sent up; Shin, Kitri, and Kim. The unlikely trio might just be successful, and one of them might prove to be more valuable than some have even imagined.

Episode 8 - Bullets from the Sand

A sniper has made taking off from the base impossible. With everyone now grounded, making money and fighting the war is a distant memory, but Shin has come up with a plan that might allow him to get into the air long enough to eliminate the treat . . .. if the sniper can be found.

Episode 9 - Tightrope at the Speed of Sound

With another of their refineries destroyed, the only hope that Area 88 has is to take one from the enemy. The mission however is going to be a difficult one involving a flight through a treacherous canyon Makoto has decided to come along to experience the same hell that the pilots do.

-mike-
 

Genre: Action   Series Director: Isamu Imakaki   Written by: Episode 7 & 9 - Yuichi Nomura Episode 8 - Hiroshi Ohnogi Based on the Manga by: Kaoru Shintani   Voice Cast: Takehito Koyasu (Shin Kazama) Shinichirou Miki (Makoto Shinjou) Tomokazu Seki (Mickey Simon) Hiroki Takahashi (Seki Vashtar) Ryo Hirohashi (Kim Aba) Chikao Ohtsuka (McCoy) Masaya Takatsuka (Greg Gates) Sanae Kobayashi (Kitri Parveneh) Satsuki Yukino (Ryoko Tsugumo) Hikaru Midorikawa (Satoru Kanzaki)

DVD Features: Full Frame - 1.33:1 Audio: Japanese Dolby Digital 2.0 & English Dolby Digital 5.1 English subtitles Clean Openings/Closings Production Sketches Aircraft Specs Character Profiles Interview w/ Isamu Imakaki, Satoshi Yano & Shinichiro Tachi Contains Episodes 7 - 9