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When you have a series like Excel Saga that’s full of parodies, high on comedy, and a little low on overall story, how do you manage to stretch it out long enough to fill an entire run? Simple. You not only make changes to the original manga, but you add some side stories as well. We initially see Rikudo at a convention while the director and his underlings come in requesting that they are given clearance to use one of his older series that served as the template to extend the stories. Although he flatly refuses, it’s too late. The series creators have already assumed control, even taking his precious name stamp as their own. That brings us full circle back into the beginnings with each episode being turned into whatever anime fits the bill, but now with Rikudo typically yelling in the back in vain protest that in fact, he said nothing of the sort. A brief side story finds Watanabe and his friends in yet another of Kabapu’s wild schemes. Not only is it wild, it’s the most blatant parody even presented in the series. The Department of Security is transformed in a group capable of saving F City from the forces of evil. Now under the guise of the Municipal Force Daitenzen, the group seems ready to stop any vile threat, and even without the use of a Zord. We also get another Menchi solo adventure, or escape attempt rather as well as the premier of “Pedro: The Movie.” There are site gags a plenty in this episode. In particular, check out the last episode where a new minor character, Key, makes an appearance. A musician through and though, including the darkly poetic temperament and need to be in “the mood” to play, we get a nice mini concert in the girls apartment that leads to hilarity with shadowy penis jokes. And just member, this is the last episode on the disc, so you can imagine what the humor is like that builds up to that. This is one that will remain in fans memories for some time to come. I also have to make note that the commercial for Ann’s ALPS company is an incredibly accurate portrayal of what Japanese commercials are really like, although I can’t be sure that everyone can truly appreciate the humor, especially if you’ve never seen one. For a quick fix on what some Japanese commercials
are like click
here. If you ever felt that there just weren’t quite enough extras on Excel Saga, fear no more. This volume is filled to the brim with extras. There’s an interview, although text only, with creator Ridko Koshi with quite a bit of history on his entry into the manga world. There’s two Puni Puni bits, one that’s a “staff interview” that really is just one of the seiyuu running around getting in everyone’s way. There’s also a brief bit with Shinichi Watanabe, and he wasn’t lying when he said he dressed and looked just like Nabeshin. And with Pumi Pumi getting closer, there’s a great look at some of the characters that you’ll be meeting in the series. There may even be a little hidden goodie or two, but I’m not telling you where those are. It’s going to be interesting to see exactly where the series finally ends up, but the fact is that it’s been a hell of a ride so far, and I can honestly say that my stomach hurts from laughing so much. I don’t think I have to tell fans of Excel to grab this one, but please do make sure you follow the directions on the back of the package and call your sales clerk “Shirley”, they like that (except for that one guy at Best Buy.) Episode 18 – Municipal Force Daitenzen Just because Excel and Hyatt aren’t in F City, that doesn’t mean the city is free from evil. Well, maybe the two are more dumbfounded that evil, but the city still needs to be protected, and Kabapu has the perfect solution. The members of the Department of Security are transformed into Municipal Force Daitenzen, and team of heroes that look suspiciously like Japan’s famous Power Rangers. F City may never be the same. Episode 19 - Menchi's Great Adventure 2: Around the World in 80 Hours Fate on her side once again, Menchi manages to escape and finds herself in the loving arms of a new companion. A rich girl named Ann is working on traveling around the world in 80 hours in order to inherit her family fortune, and she’s bringing Menchi along for the ride. Ann also has the mysterious ability to speak with and understand animals, but what’s more disturbing (and at least explained) is that someone from Menchi’s past makes a return and is determined to put an end to her life. And it’s not to make her a snack of any sort. Episode 20 – The Best of Mr. Pedro The moment Excel fans have been waiting for is finally here. Pedro: The Movie finally debuts. Well, not really. Actually, the episode is a retelling of the events that have happened to Pedro to date, in chronological order of course. But, there’s some new footage as well. Maybe Hyatt said it best: “Maybe they just ran out of ideas.” Whatever the case maybe, behold the power of the Afro. Episode 21 – Visually Appealing Type Excel Saga certainly may not be Rock ‘n Roll High School, but that’s not going to stop it from taking a jab at the world of musicians. ACROSS has sent a messenger, Key, with important news for Illpalazzo. Unfortunately, Key is undergoing on of those typical musician moments where he just doesn’t feel the music flowing in his veins, so Hyatt and Excel are asked to keep an eye on him and help him find that inner musical chi. -mike-
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