Strike Witches Review

Strike Witches Review

Girls armed with artillery, rocket shoes and wearing no shorts or pants but only their panties, you betcha! If you want, action, adventure and a whole lot of shenanigans of fanservice and fun, then this anime will hit you right in the spot!

In a land of war and a time of chaos the destiny of a young girl rests upon her shoulders, her name is Yoshika Miyafuji a girl who has trouble with events in her ordinary life trying to help others but it all changes when a young feminine commander recruits her because of her unique powers to heal severe wounds on others that have fallen to near death. Now Yoshika joins a special force called the “Strike Witches” to fight a foe deadly to man, known as the Neuroids as well as find out more about her father’s creation and try to fit in with others to become the best Witch to protect others precious to others.

Now let’s get to the important part: the originality and concept of the anime series on how it was made. The concept follows the time of WW2 in 1944 which shows the impact of its originality  through the aircraft and warships where it mixes with action scenes to fight the Neuroids to achieve peace to the land they live in to the fun times the characters have that involves a lot of fun and intense fanservice in the anime series. The character concept and design is done with high quality and the concept follows the character’s unique arc and their past on how it impacts on the later episodes. Each represents a unique WW2 reference for each pilot. The mix with magic and sci-fi as well as some history works well in this anime, and may engage others to watch the series for the anime as well as learn a few elements to the WW2 history. The character’s animal features show a lighter side to battling enemies with magic and guns show a fun element and exciting scenes of the battle to make it interesting and engaging to the viewers through its stunning visuals and unique CG graphics of the Neuroid mecha.

The elements and themes show a strong impact in the series that can go straight through your heart such as losing someone you love through death, the bonds of family and friendship that can never be severed and of course, the strong heart and will to never giving up. At first, it starts off fun and enjoyment of a slice of life, to the serious changes of how the characters react to dangerous situations that place their lives and fates in danger with an intense cliffhanger to make viewers get out of their seat with excitement to see what will happen next. However for the dedicated anime collector or viewer, you will enjoy the high fanservice from the baths to the battlefields of seeing the characters wearing no pants but only their panties. It may be a turn off for some but it will be a full turn on for any collector (including me) who wants an exciting anime with comedy, action, and some fanservice to keep them coming back for more instead of a typical anime with no cliffhanger, action or any elements of what an exciting anime should be.

The soundtrack shows a strong impact on the action scenes as well as the strong, passionate opening song to the episode to introduce the characters and the battles as well as their roles to a sweet and cheerful ending song as the icing on the cake to sweeten the end of the episode. The dramatic and melancholic scenes show an impact on the character’s pasts and their pain they have experienced in their life.

The dub casts will include some recognisable actresses such as Cherami Leigh (Shuffle!, The Sacred Blacksmith) with her energetic, cheerful character as Yoshika and Anastasia Munoz (The Sacred Blacksmith) who commands as the tough but caring character, Mina-Dietlinde Wilcke. There are a lot of other recognisable actresses such as Caitlin Glass (Shuffle!) and Stephanie Sheh (The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya) in the series but I’ll leave the rest to find out for yourself!  

The extras are a neat feature featuring the commentary of Cherami Leigh (Yoshika Miyafuji) and Kate Bristol (Lynette Bishop) and ADR director Scott Sager which is a great item to explain more about the series, characters and the episodes in the series. The clean OP and ED are a must watch and enjoyable that will make you want to watch the great visuals and listen to the upbeating music as well, so if you’re watching it on a LCD TV with 5.1 Channel Audio system, turn the volume to high (but not too high) and enjoy the epicness!

Overall, Strike Witches may not suit other viewers but it will attract many viewers who enjoy action, comedy and some fanservice this is a must watch for any collector or viewer who want to take a walk on the wild side of watching an anime series! There’s more to the show than the fanservice and no pants idea but you will enjoy the action and battles as well as learn a few history items that you won’t need to learn from a giant history book ever again!

Dub: A+ (great dub roles that are familiar and suit the characters role in the series!)

Sub: Coming Soon!

Soundtrack: A (Shows a strong impact on the OP and ED to the important scenes and action scenes)

Art and Visuals: A++ (Stunning. Absolutely stunning. You will enjoy the character design, the CG visuals and the quality of the art of the background and scenery of the WW2 era, no questions asked)

Overall: A+ (A- for those who are not into the fanservice)

Cherrybrook Akatsuki/CAAGSpodcast Editor’s Choice Certified by Luffy III

Viewed on the LG 106cm LCD TV Full HD 1080i and Yamaha surround sound system, 5.1 Channel system for Dub.

Strike Witches is licensed by Funimation Entertainment and distributed by Madman Entertainment.

WARNING: It is rated MA15+ and may not suit children who are underaged. But if your over 15, screw the rules, buy this anime and take chances to watch this anime!!!