Future Boy Conan

BarnacleBlister★ 9

This is a series so imiginative in its artistry and so mature in its execution, non-anime and non-cartoon fans couldn't help but be drawn in. "Future Boy Conan" provides one of the best examples of animated storytelling available to watch. To boot, its one of the most entertaining stories I've had the pleasure of watching. FBC is so entertaining because of its high technical and artistic merits. Technically, the animation and artistry is hard to match even today. The imaginitive settings are gorgeously rendered, and the shear number of places the story goes, like a giant solar tower or a flying fortress or rocket-come-house, willkeep you entertained and amazed. While the character designs are decidedly muted, it allows for truly comprehensive and kinetic animation. Each character is defined more through the detailed animation of their little actions and quirks than anything they say. Watch the amazing gymnastic feats of Conan (titular boy of the future), and you will be as impressed as the more technically advanced action shows of modern times. Of course, it's unfair to both "Future Boy Conan" and modern series to make comparisons between the two. FBC aims for much different goals than most modern action or drama shows. Specifically, FBC is less focused on its characters (each one more archetype than flesh and blood) and more plot and adventure oriented. Not to say the characters aren't entertaining, but don't expect real connections with any. "Future Boy Conan's" real strength is its charm. If you have seen any Studio Ghibli films, you will be familiar with Miyazaki's trademark whimsy present through all of FBC. The entire series feels like a classic Ghibli film extended into a 26 episode series. For any fan of animation and adventure, that is a good thing. I cannot recommend this series enough. "Future Boy Conan" is a real gem among animation. With child-like exuberance, the story never fails to engross you in its drama, but still maintains a kind of maturity in its animation and direction that makes it accessible to all audiences.

comppi★ 9

I absolutely loved Mirai Shounen Conan (forgive me for using the japanese name), the story is based on this planet, after the mankind has destroyed and polluted the earth in a world war. The story starts on a small island, where Conan lives with his grandfather, thinking they are the lone survivors of the war. But they come to see that there are others alive when a girl washes on the shore of their island.. The Story is an instant classic, with the theme of good vs evil. I think the story will appeal for every age, it has these certain catches, and twists in it also.It is also thought that the story and the whole serie is a prototype for Laputa, Castle in the Sky. But still, even if it is a prototype, I consider this anime to be as good as Laputa, or even better. The Animation is expectional for this old anime, obviously there is no CG, and very few duplicate frames. The overall animation is far above the standards of the 70's. The sound is also very good, but not perfect. There are some parts when there could have been better sounds, but still, excellent sound for anime more than 30years ago ! Now.. the characters. They are just excellent, they are all so well designed that you will fall in love with atleast one of them instantly! Conan is your typical wild boy, with a pure heart, and a strenght beyond a normal human. And he is the character I loved second-most in this serie. Then there is his friend Jimsy, who is the Conan's partner and he is also very good character, with lots of funny moments with him :) And of course the heroine part is played by a girl named Lana. I think she develops as a character excellently. But I who I loved above all others is a captain, who is in my opinion the most diversative character of the serie. He also develops as a character in the serie A LOT! So look forward for meeting him in the serie :) There are also bunch of a bit side-characters but still extremely well developed! I think the overall enjoyment couldn't have been better. I had lots of good time spent with this anime. Time went by with a smile on my face, with a serious face, laughing and a bit crying too :) Overall this anime is one of the best I've ever seen, with excellent and intriguing story, very good animation, and lots of memorable and excellent characters. This anime deservers a lot more appreciation that is has gotten. Don't look at the year when this anime was made, and don't start watching it with prejudice. Just go and buy this anime or download it from some fansub group, I guarantee that you won't be disappointed!!