Slayers
For those who like their magical girls without sailor suits
Review by: Craig "Black Knight" Norris
Length: 26 episodes
Genre: Fantasy, comedy
Watched: 1-26, subbed
What self-respecting anime fan hasn't at least heard of Slayers? As with any series as widely known and revered as this, I was curious to see what all the fuss was about. So, with expectations high, I sat down to watch it. It didn't take me long to find out that all the hype was well deserved.
Plot synopsis: The young sorceress Lina Inverse has made it her cause to seek out and destroy thieves and robbers... while keeping their loot for herself! However, her latest acquisition is a strange statue that has the interest of the mysterious Zelgadis. He and his minions attempt to acquire the statue from Lina by any means necessary. However, Lina has never been one to give up easily. Especially since finding out that the legendary Rezo, the Red Priest is also interested in the statue. With the help of the swordsman Gourry and the diminutive sorceress Amelia, Lina must use all her magic to keep the artifact from falling into the wrong hands.
Artwork: The artwork, though eight years old, refuses to show its age. It is still on par with the majority of series today. The character and creature designs are well done, with rich and vivid color to complement them. Backgrounds are expansive and detailed. Action sequences flow smoothly, and comedic moments utilize typical jerky and exaggerated motions that make them very successful. Overall the show is visually appealing on almost every level.
Music: Well, it is primarily a comedic series, so music is not at the forefront of the production value. The noticeable music is all j-pop, which works for this particular genre. The opening theme is catchy, with THE Megumi Hayashibara (who voices Lina Inverse) belting out her silky voice in all its glory. It's always a fair bet that any soundtrack she has a hand in will not be sub-par. While not at all a disappointment, the soundtrack does not offer up anything unique. But what it does, it does well, and is generally worth a listen.
Characters: The reason why this series is such a success is because of the way the characters play off one another. Particularly dynamic is the relationship between Gourry and Lina. Lina is no damsel in distress; she is independent, vulgar, obnoxious, and an all-around pain in the ass. However, one cannot help but like her, as her energy and enthusiasm always seems to rub off on those 
around her. Gourry is a skilled swordsman, but he's not too quick in the brains department. In fact, there are times when his memory seems worse than that of an Alzheimer's patient, and his skull seems thicker than a New York City phone book. But he does have a kind heart and will do just about anything for his friends. Amelia is a pint-sized sorceress with delusions of grandeur. Though her magic isn't nearly as powerful as Lina's she fancies herself as some kind of superhero, using her powers for TRUTH, JUSTICE, and the AMERICAN WAY!... She takes after her father, Prince Phil, a rabid pacifist who often resorts to violence to spread his nonviolent beliefs. This is where we all say "WTF?!" together. Zelgadis is about as close to a badass as this comedy series will allow. He is brooding and bent on revenge, and shows very little outward emotion. However, even he is not immune to raising an eyebrow at Lina's vulgarity, or gaping at Gourry's stupidity. Rezo is a very mysterious man, probably the most complex character in the series. His blindness obsesses him, and he tries every conceivable method to cure it. Sylphiel, who shows up later on in the series by offering Lina and Gourry sanctuary, is a little bit ditzy and often casts defective magic. As a result, she and Gourry seem to be the perfect match for each other, and she does indeed display romantic interest 
towards him. Aside from an engrossing plot, viewers are made to keep watching just to see what the characters will do next.
Plot: The show is actually split into two separate main plot lines, with the first being the search for the Philosopher's Stone (did I just hear J.K. Rowling hiss?) and the second being the quest for what is only referred to as Rezo's Legacy. These two plots are interconnected, and there are a few filler episodes tossed in as well. Most of the comedy occurs in these filler episodes, and in my opinion can get more entertaining than the plot-relevant episodes. For maximum gratification, this series should be watched in order, as the plot progresses in a purely linear fashion.
CHICKS!: I haven't seen a woman yet who can wear a cape like Lina. She can be kind of tomboyish at times, but more than once does she reveal her desire for a handsome prince on a white horse to come and sweep her off her feet. However, her often too casual demeanor will probably safeguard her from that ever happening. Though a lot is made of her being relatively flat-chested, she does have a nice figure that remains petite and feminine, even though she eats like a swine. Amelia is a little too young to find appealing, even though her breasts are still larger than Lina's. Her youthful naivete and blind effort are irrepressible, which only further displays her inexperience with life in 
general. Sylphiel is pretty and reserved, and her crush on Gourry shows the shy and delicate way she would approach a relationship. It's no secret that she doesn't like violence, and she's no good at combat, which might make her the perfect choice for someone who just wants to cuddle next to the fireplace. The chicks in this series all have their good points, but it's not the spectacular harem that would satiate the appetite of most ecchis. With the possible exception of the evil sorceress Eris, who shows up for a few episodes near the end. If there was a casting call for an anime bondage film, she'd be first on the call list in her tight black leather. Punish me, mistress; I've been a naughty boy!
Overall: This show tries to do a lot, and never seems to miss a single step in getting it all done. The plot flows nicely, the characters are well done and likeable, the artwork is solid, the music is decent. Believe me, I'd like to complain, but I can't really find anything wrong with this series. The only thing I can do is recommend it highly. Believe the hype; Slayers is the real thing!
IN A NUTSHELL
+ Good artwork
+ Character dynamics
+ Hilarious moments
+ Non-typical leading lady
- (For once, I have no complaints)
Rating: 9/10
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