This is an curious entry in the mecha category. Yes, I know that I’ve mentioned that I don’t like Giant Fighting Robots shows and mecha usually evolves into it, but this is done with a bit of a different take on things.
“Comet Lucifer” (“Kometto Rushifā”) takes place on the planet of Gift. (Is there a planet called “Returns”?) On this planet are glittering blue crystals known as Giftium, which are buried deep underground. A young boy named Sōgo Amagi (on the right) lives in the prosperous mining town of Garden Indigo. Sōgo, whose hobby is collecting rare crystals, becomes involved in a dispute between his classmates, including Kaon Lanchester (on the left). He wanders deep into the ruins of a mine and discovers an underground lake. There, Sōgo meets a mysterious blue-haired girl with red eyes named Felia (in his arms) who is looking for something that takes them to the edge of their planet and into the adventures that follow.
The thing is that everyone is looking for a red gem called Lucifer, which contains great powers and abilities. However, nothing is as it seems and there may be backstage shenanigans going on, which unfold during this quest or trek or journey. One important character you do not see is Mo Ritika Tzetzes Ura. (Seriously, who has a name like that? You lose days calling it out fully.) Although it looks like a crystal, when danger rears its ugly head, Mo transforms into the mecha and will defend the two of them. Too bad he spends more time looking at the sky than actually turning the tide of battle. I might as well throw soda cans at the enemy. I mean, he’s game, but has to rely on others to save the day. And he doesn’t seem to improve. Seriously, you learn fast or you burn fast, right?
Also aiding them in this journey is Roman Valov. He owns a mecha car and wants to help them achieve the goal that drives Felia. As we soon discover, there are forces afoot with a dark and hidden agenda that propels a dark and hidden purpose. The problem that I had is that there were too many loose ends and shady dealings going on to keep it all straight. Yes, I realize that you want to discover the same thing Felia is looking for, and at the same time as she does, but the fights in nearly every episode tended to drag things down. The real disappointment is the rather flat ending in and of itself. I know I shouldn’t give away things, and I won’t, but rest assured that it feels needlessly complicated and irritatingly predictable. I was expecting a lot more regarding this journey of discovery and hope, and not the same old same old.
On a scale of 1 to 10:
Artwork 8 (Very good, especially the backgrounds)
Plot 6 (Good start, bad close)
Pacing 6 (The fights slow it all down)
Effectiveness 7 (It lost its way)
Conclusion 7 (It reaches a ‘coupler point’, but hasn’t ended)
Fan Service 3 (A similar show would be “Wedding Peach”)
Overall 6 (Ends on a weak note)
And remember, it’s first run until you’ve seen it. I have to help her.