Innocent Venus

Cruel World Order

Volume 1

Madman Entertainment

R4 DVD

In 2010, a catastrophe struck. After many changes of climate, world-wide hurricanes devastated the globe, killing over 60% of the population. Europe and North America were sealed under ice and much of the rest of the world was inundated with floodwaters. Japan recovered relatively quickly from the catastrophe with the help of highly developed forms of technology including a form of powered-suit mecha.

It isn't long before the world’s political and social alliances are redrawn, battles continue between many of the world’s powers, but in Japan a new order develops. This social structure is based on the strict segregation of the rich and poor (called Logos and Revinus). Even after the Logos have fought off external threats from other countries and established Japan as the new major power, internal problems develop as the Revinus begin to fight back.

Innocent Venus portrays the world of 2010 as a post-apocalyptic landscape ruled by a corrupt police state which suppresses all opposition violently and without mercy. Their specialized military squads are disturbingly violent and have callous disregard for human life.

Sana, is a young girl who is special, very special, it is only with the unfolding of the series that we come to appreciate her significance. She is protected by Jin and Joe, who are unusually skilled in being able to use the mechs against the enemies as they have been trained by the special unit Phantom but broken away after seeing what it does to its members.

The storyline includes all the right elements, a post-apocalyptic landscape, battling countries, spy and counter spy, superb mecha and pirates. This is not a simple “us versus them” battle, but one government unit working against another, pirates whose alliances are unclear and Jin and Joe whose motives are always somewhat murky. This ambiguity in storytelling makes this an even more compelling series as it is not a simple futuristic tale. At the same time there is lots of action, there are some amazing Mecha battles, constant explosions, escapes and near escapes, pirate ships and so on. This is a constantly moving series which quickly moves you along with its interesting storyline and action packed style, not to mention its superb animation and CGI.

The visual presentation of the DVD cannot be faulted, it is impeccable. The colours jump off the screen, the backgrounds are beautifully done and the CGI is impressive.

The soundtrack makes an excellent use of the rear speakers and is atmosphere and immersive, the DD5.1 English soundtrack is really the only way to go, though a DD2.00 Japanese soundtrack with sub titles is also provided. The English language dub is easy to follow and the characters voices are believable. As usual the cutesy intro song track is fun.

This is volume one of three and includes four episodes.