Exhilarating action anime Last Exile is one which proves to continually diverge into an innovative dream-like realm of its own creation – a true masterpiece aesthetically and otherwise.
As we’ve previously introduced, Last Exile is a highly unusual series amongst many factors – the Steam Punk genre in particular is already one which is not of the norm and will of course have its fair share of strangeness alongside a typical dislike by the general audience. The sole few able to appreciate such a strikingly exquisite work however will certainly be a fairly happy few.
Reaching the fifth episode, the series has entirely alternated from an open, clear, and slightly dangerous yet easygoing atmosphere to something much more serious. The plot is clearly proving to be a heavy-hitter as its quickly gone gritty in an uncontrollable conflict.
Claus and Lavie partake in a profession of delivery – in episode one we’ve immediately learned of their close relationship, yet if it is one of blood ties remains unclear. After prepping their aerial vehicle dubbed a “Vanship” they set out to deliver a letter in a territory stricken with wars in the sky – such a feat ended intense yet it proved to be no more than an introduction to the epic awe awaiting.
Following up upon their successful delivery, they went to a race of Vanships – from the clues given it’s clear they’ve attended several times before yet haven’t had a victory, not entirely surprising as although they are skilled pilots, their Vanship is worn.
Our mistake was to assume it would be a fun easygoing slice of life story from there.
During the race, an accident occurs entering them into the route of the real story behind the series in which they find a girl named Al – thus carrying the responsibilities of another life along with them.
Al appears to hold some sort of prominent role or perhaps something important is embedded within her – as of yet it remains a mystery. For either of those purposes, she is continually hunted down by strange craft which, unlike the Vanships, are much more robotic in nature, walking with several legs and having the ability to fly or hover. A member of an entity within the series known as Silvana called these monstrous machines “Guild Starfish” – implying they are from a faction referred to even by our main characters as the “Guild”.
Silvana snatched Al out of the hands of our main crew, Claus and Lavie, and after a attempting to recover her they themselves simply ended up as guests among the ship – shortly thereafter it became under immense attack by Starfish.
What makes this series so great, so quickly, and only ever so slightly into it, is the never-ending instant action crafted by intricate and unreal machines, original characters, amazing atmosphere, and so much one one cannot even imagine alone as it is simply so refined and well done.
Multiple aspects are developed simultaneously – the series will teach you about several characters during a mere conversation without needing to go to extravagant lengths or idiocy. Put simply, everything done is meaningful – and not only that, but it’s engaging, effective, and astoundingly presented.
Last Exile is certainly a series unappreciated as it offers a bold experience well described as “shockingly refreshing” – one which unfortunately few will find of interest.
