Project A-ko (Manga Videos)

Most followers of anime are familiar with Nanoko Takeuchi’s Sailormoon series – about 5 superpowered sailor-suited heroines. However, before these champions and avengers of justice were able to defend the world against evil in the wildly popular sailormoon series (or even the manga), there was the anime "parody" film - Project A-ko.

The main titular character (A-ko Magami) is a typical Japanese schoolgirl (red-hair colour withstanding ^_^) – or so it would seem….. In actual fact she is the mightiest girl in the world with such powers as super strength, super speed. The film follows the antics of A-ko along with her best friend, C-ko Kotobuki and her nemesis – the extremely rich and brilliant, B-ko Daitokuji.

What struck me most about project A-ko was how funny and enjoyable it was to watch. For the eagle-eyed views there are plenty of "anime"parodies and in-jokes For example, when the girls are at the cinema – they appear to be watching an "Akira" like film. Fist of the north Star Fans will no doubt recognise one of B-ko’s Henchwomen – the muscle-bound Mari (a very funny sight !) – as being kenshiro-esque! Even A-ko’s parents brings about some speculation, since they look an awful lot like the alter-egos of super man and wonderwoman (explaining the superpowers of A-ko perhaps ?) !

The main plot of the film follows the continuing feud between rivals, A-ko and B-ko (in her special super suit – which to say the least is a rather revealing !) to win the friendship of C-ko. However, within this basic framework are such things as alien invasions, property damage (and by that I mean a lot !), war, love, sword fights, guns and loads of explosions !! – something for everyone I guess !

This review is only meant to give a very brief overview as to the film – to get a better feel for the film you no doubt have to see it to witness the comedic brilliance of the rather off-beat "anime" film - if you’re like me and enjoy fun and wacky anime then this film is for you !

Rating (out of 5) – 5/5 – a definitive classic in "fun" anime films

Reviewed by Susan Johnson