Synopsis:
Tenchi has always been quite content with his life. He goes to school, helps out with chores, and practices swordsmanship with his grandpa. Things start to get crazy when Tenchi unwittingly releases a strange girl from a crypt. More complications arise when Tenchi discovers that he is actually descended from alien royalty. Soon, a whole bunch of girls are after him. Just about every female who gets to know him, wants him. Add some notrious villains and you've got yourself a wacky, fun-filled adventure that is Tenchi Muyo!

Review:
This is the first and original Tenchi... the mother of all Tenchi series, movies, etc. -- the very same one that hooked legions of fans around the world.

Tenchi Masaki is an ordinary young man. He's not handsome, nor is he exceptionally smart... just the typical boy-next-door. Everything changes when Tenchi eventually discovers that he's more than just plain ol' Tenchi Masaki. He's actually a descendant of the planet Jurai's royal family, for his grandfather Yosho is the crowned prince. Soon (don't ask how) Tenchi has a whole bunch of girls who want him -- the space pirate Ryoko, the Jurai princesses Aeka and Sasami, the bumbling galaxy police officer Mihoshi, the somewhat mad scientist Washu, and even the cabbit Ryo-ohki! This results in a variety of humorous situations, and Tenchi often finds himself in a tight spot.

Tenchi Muyo has everything -- humor (albeit on the naughty side), action, fantasy, sci-fi... it also boasts of a wide array of characters, almost all of whom are distinctly defined and developed. There is someone for every fan. I find the Tenchi characters best portrayed in this series. They look their best and they have so much more personality.

Art and animation wise, this series tops all other Tenchi Muyo's around (including the movies). Everything and everyone look no less than spectacular all the time. The theme songs are very catchy and fitting, and you'll probably find yourself singing along by the 3rd episode or so. The English dubbing is generally okay. I can't stand some of the voices (like Aeka's and Ryoko's) but the acting is fine. The Japanese language version is so much better. Be warned though: the ending leaves some unanswered questions. Still, I had a great time all in all.

If you're going to invest in a Tenchi series, I highly recommend this. The DVD set contains all the OAV eps and a bonus Tenchi Encyclopedia disc (heaps of images, info, and clips). It's well worth the price.

Miscellanies:
Ack! Ryo-ohki can get really irritating.

Screenshots:

Shopping - click on title to purchase:

AnimeNation Tenchi Muyo! (OVA Series) (DVD Set)
Rightstuf Tenchi Muyo! (OVA Series) (DVD Set)

[ Anime Series Index | Back to Main Menu ]