Like I said at the end of my review for Battle Beast’s second album, I would be checking out an anime that fits the theme of Power Metal. I have to admit it’s actually been a while since my last anime review (Late March, if you were curious), and I apologize for this. Compilation Month & Catchup Month really didn’t leave much room for me to check out a shows, and that is the only excuse I will give. Anyways, onto the anime for today’s review. Given how often fantasy (Both Eastern & Western) enters this animated medium, there were a wealth of options to pick. Ultimately, I picked a more simplistic show to close out the month. Something that would be easy for all of you to digest, given I got something intense to end out this fantasy-flavored event. In any case, sharpen your sword, dust off your spellbook, and get ready for a look at Ruin Explorers. Let the review begin!
Story/Setup
Taken from the description on Amazon:
“Ancient curses, enchanted artifacts and plain old fashioned dungeon diving: that's what Fam and Ihrie do for a living - whenever these lovely young ladies can get someone to pay them for it, that is. As two highly trained magic users with slightly faulty spelling abilities (Fam can't do anything destructive and Ihrie keeps turning into a mouse,) they're off on a quest for the "Ultimate Power." All they have to do is find three artifacts: the Proof Of Royalty, the Sword of Sargus and the Mirror of Truth. So how hard can it be? Unfortunately, Sorceress Rasha and her muscle-headed partner Migel are on the same quest, as are the mysterious Prince Lyle, the anything for a buck merchant Galuff with his dog Gil, and the sinister magician Rugudurol! And to make this epic odyssey even more odd and complex, it's not really clear as to exactly which ones are the bad guys! Hold onto your talismans and amulets, because the road to high adventure is about to have a multi-mage pileup, and the fate of all humanity may just be in the hands of two underpaid young women trying to make a living as RUIN EXPLORERS!”
I have to admit, but this is a really cool story! It’s got all the signs of a really great fantasy anime, and it can really draw you in. Here’s the problem.....this show doesn’t last long. In fact, Ruin Explorers runs for only 4 episodes! With a story like this, I’d expect it to go on for 10 to 13 episodes. Due to this short run time, you really can’t get attached to the story & characters (Although I think the characters fair better somewhat). In fact, once you get to episode 3, it almost feels like you missed a few episodes that probably had some story elements to them. It’s a crying shame, as what we are given works. I just wished we had a few more episodes to flesh things out more. That’s all.
Animation
As you’re watching this show, you’re probably thinking to yourself “Huh, this reminds me of Slayers”....and you’d be right! In fact, the original creator/director of Slayers actually worked on this, and it shows. Both have the same strengths, weaknesses, issues......and I like it! Both Slayers & Ruin Explorers are consistent with how they look, and it’s always great to see this, especially in old-school anime. I’ll explain in greater detail when I review Slayers itself, but that might be a while.
Voice Acting
I am pleasantly surprised by the voice acting in Ruin Explorers. ADV Films always had a good stable of voice actors, and for the most part their dub jobs were good, although there were some exceptions (Ghost Stories comes to mind). This show has a good dub job, as everybody puts in a good amount of effort with their assigned roles. Though I wasn’t able to recognize most of the actors, I was able to pick out Jessica Calvello & Brett Weaver when I was watching. You might recognize those names from the list of voice actors that worked on Excel Saga. Jessica voiced Excel for the first half of the series, which Brett took on the mantle of the psychotic Nabeshin. The effort from that show seems to come over to Ruin Explorers in regards to their roles, but overall everybody does a good job.
Characters
Due to the short length of the story, you’re not given enough time to bond with the cast of Ruin Explorers. However, what time you are given does give you some understanding of how they work. Ihrie, the spellcaster & swordslinger of the group, is very headstrong & tomboyish. Fam on the other hand is a little ditzy & innocent, but at the same time is very optimistic & kind. The rest of the cast have personalities that seem very typical, but at the same time work so well it’s actually hard to complain. As the story goes on you see changes in everybody, but their core nature never really shifts.
Availability & Pricing
ADV Films were the original holder of Ruin Explorer’s license, and as such has become something of a tough title to find. Luckily, Amazon always seems to pull through. I should mention that I bought my new copy years back, and it was relatively inexpensive (Forgot the price). Nowadays a new DVD from ADV will cost you about 20 dollars, while used copies start at $7.75. Luckily, Section 23 re-released Ruin Explorers back in 2013, and the prices are a little more reasonable: $11.99 for a new DVD, and $7.72 for used.
Overall Impression & Rating
Ruin Explorers is a fun little OVA. It might not be the most essential anime to watch, nor is it the most required for one’s collection, but if it somehow comes your way, give it a look. You’ll find this little series to be a lot of fun. It might be forgettable in some ways, but it has enough energy & intensity that you’ll definitely be paying attention when it’s on the screen. In short, I say get & watch Ruin Explorers. It might not be high on your chart, but it certainly gets the job done if you need a fix.
Ruin Explorers gets a 7.5 to 8 out of 10.
So that was a look at Ruin Explorers. Maybe a little like Slayers, but at the same time has enough of it’s own identity to be a series all on it’s own. It might not be massively memorable, but it’s fun regardless. With this, we conclude Ladies Month here during Power Metal Pandemonium. So see you all next month (Technically tomorrow) when we reach the final part of this fantasy-fueled journey, as we look at a band that’s devoted to the tradition of Power Metal, but has a militaristic twist to their music. Until then, may you explore all sorts of ruins.
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