Orphen - Reviews

I love this show. It has a really nice feel to it and pulls at your emotions well. The light hearted emotions they have in it only help keep the show from becoming to dark. Though the artwork is rather vintage and has small hiccups sometimes, it is still a very good series of anime.

I love how Orphen acts even though he can be pretty much a jerk. He doesn’t take a lot of things seriously except what he actually deams worth his time. He’s shrud and stand-offish though he really does care about the other characters. Magik is pretty much like a cluts though he is a ladies man even when he doesn’t try. He’s gentle and sweet, always caring about others. Cleo is well… mostly a brat, though she does grow the most in the show. She first starts out rather like a spoiled brat and then slowly warms up to Orphen. I do like her pushy attitude and her go get ‘um personality but sometimes I think she is way too hard of Orphen.

The storyline is a bit odd though and feels a bit like they have a lot of filler. For a lot of the time, it seemed like only side quests even though we already knew the story line and what it would lead up to. I like when it leads up to giving us the bigger picture instead of telling us all at once.

The animation is rather vintage, just a bit grainy though the colors are soft and perfectly shows the characters. It’s almost like your looking threw a very light fog and makes the artwork even more beautiful. I do have a problem with the name screen as it is in poor 3D animation. They could of easily drawn the image rather then make it look better then that. Sometimes there are times where the animation seems to hold for a second before switching over to the next scene.

The first thing that stands out is the opening music. It’s rather up beat and fun, yet gives a rather mysterious feeling to the show. The voices are actually really well done, the English are a lot better in my mind then the Japanese, though the script sounds like it is a bit forced. It was very hard to feel for the characters when you had to read it. Sadly, the script is hard to understand even in the English though because it gives little hints until the very end.

"Orphen" (1998) is a true classic in the world of fantasy anime. This series, based on Yoshinobu Akita's light novel, offers a captivating and enchanting journey that is timeless in its appeal.

First and foremost, "Orphen" stands out for its well-crafted world-building. The creators have woven a rich tapestry of magic, mythical creatures, and enchanting locations, creating a setting that feels both immersive and spellbinding. You can't help but get lost in the mystical world of sorcery and adventure that this anime presents.

The characters are another highlight of "Orphen." Our titular hero, Orphen, is a complex and multifaceted protagonist, and the supporting cast each brings their unique charm and quirks to the story. Their growth and development throughout the series are a joy to watch.

One of the strongest aspects of "Orphen" is its balance between humor and drama. The series masterfully transitions between light-hearted moments and intense, emotionally charged scenes. It keeps you engaged and invested in the characters' fates.

The animation and art style, while dated by today's standards, possess a nostalgic charm. The character designs are distinctive and memorable, and the magical battles are beautifully choreographed, showcasing the creativity of the animators.

The 1998 version of "Orphen" may not have the flashy visuals of more recent anime, but it more than makes up for it with its compelling narrative, memorable characters, and enchanting world. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the series, "Orphen" remains a must-watch for any fantasy anime enthusiast. It's a timeless gem that has stood the test of time, and its magic continues to captivate audiences to this day.