Saga of Tanya the Evil: The Complete Series [Blu-ray]

This show is funny and entertaining in ways I didn’t expect it to be, but I didn’t know what to expect to be honest. The story is pretty interesting too, and here’s to hoping the movie gets an English dub and blu ray release, but we do have confirmation for a season 2! It’s only $20 right now, and for that price it’s worth it no question. For me this was a blind buy, and sometimes I regret blind buys, but this was one that I didn’t regret. It follows a salary man who’s killed/murdered and reincarnated as a little girl with all his previous memories from his life as a salaryman. She joins the military as a child and quickly climbs through the ranks, I wouldn’t say shes a psychopath, but it highlights just how twisted our own world is for Tanya to be so broken right from the start. Even her superiors are taken aback by how twisted and broken this child is. Highly recommend to those who find the idea interesting, or entertaining, it’s a very good show.This is an anime adaptation of the light novel series, and if you enjoy the anime it’s worth looking into, as the light novel is very well written. It’s very wordy and can be difficult to read, and I’d say it’s target audience is more young adult/adult, than it is teen. The novel is more focused on the tactical side of warfare, more so than just pure action like the anime. The manga is really good too.But I’d really recommend this series to anyone who enjoys isekai anime, anime as a medium, or anyone wanting to be entertained or be surprised in a good dark twisted way. There’s not really anything else out there that reminds me of Tanya/Youjo Senki. It’s definitely a must watch in my opinion. Enjoy!

This is a review of the blu-ray edition of "The Saga of Tanya the evil". IThe series comes on two discs. There are some extras but really these are nothing special and can be safely ignored. I have not listened to the English soundtrack. I can't imagine anyone being able to reproduce the Japanese version Tanya's voice in any way that is satisfactory. The subtitles and Japanese soundtrack are great.The Plot - Tanya is a ten year old gril who fights for the army of the Empire against a motley collection of European enemies. She is a battle mage with extraordinary powers and a dark, cruel side which belies her charming, doll-like looks. Funny thing is Tanya has a secret. She's a Tokyo business man who is proud to claim a raft of personality disorders. When he is killed by an employee he has just fired god (Being X) saves him only to discover he's saved an unbeliever. Rather than a nice comfortable rebirth he is thrust into the world of the Empire so he can find belief.Tanya joins the Imperial army where her genius and power are recognised. When the war goes badly she forms a specialist mage unit which helps turn the tide but her methods are borderlime. The action is great, the links to 20th century history and international law are well done. Tanya should lose but you have to root for the girl. GO Tanya go!Commentary - This is an Isekai and in particular it reminded me of Re:Life particularly around the idea of experience leading to a form of rebirth. The rewriting of World War 1 and World War 2 military and politiical history and the investigation of international law add a depth of thought to this which is very unusual and much appreciated.This is really about Tanya. Her character is undoubtedly over done but it works. The action is great and the plot leads you through the series so well. Evil was never so much fun.Summary - Go Tanya go. Evil was never so much fun. This shouldn't be so much fuun. Tanya should be a villain, but she isn't. This is very enjoyable and thought provoking (if you let it be). It reminds me of anime from the 80s, 20s and noughties. It's more realistic, not set in a high school and has an emotional depth and clarity of thought behind it that haven't been seen in current anime in a long time.If you like this you might like: Jin Roh, Bento, Bubblegum Crisis 2048, Goku, Mad Bull.

This anime really sounds like it should be stupid - a sociopathic Tokyo businessman dies and is reborn as a little blonde girl with magical powers as the Great War of this alternate 1900's World is about to kick off. With her magic powers, she joins the totally-not-German army, and quickly becomes its most valuable champion. Not only that, but she's (he?) also on the side fighting a battle against God to determine whether He is even necessary in an age of technology and reason. Yeah, it's pretty crazy and most people will dismiss it with the typical "oh, another dumb anime" excuse, but that's where I'm gonna stop you right there.This story that shouldn't work happens to be helmet and crafted by some of the BEST storytellers in anime. he writing of the characters, the plot events, and world-building are just superb. Tanya is easily the up their among the most unforgettable characters of this generation, as you find yourself cheering for this selfish, nihilistic, murderous little girl who cares nothing for the lives of anyone but her own. Your desire to see her succeed outweighs the nagging of your conscience telling you that what she's doing is wrong - all because the God she's fighting against happens to be far, far worse than she ever could be.I don't want to say much more than that, but I'll end with saying that this is just such an incredibly smart show. It delves deep into some very interesting philosophical subjects while seamlessly transitioning into some of the best action set pieces you will ever see in anime. Seriously, these fights are insane, and I can't tell you how many times my little brother and I were hooting and hollering at the screen like a bunch of WWE fans watching a Sunday Night Smackdown. They're visceral, they're impactful, and they're entertaining as hell.The only criticism I have is that after an amazing first few episodes, this first season slows down quite a bit in the middle, though it picks up again near the end and ends with a very strong final episode.Overall, it was a great buy for me.

Good show.