Space Symphony Maetal

[DB]

Seen all 13 eps.

It took me over a year to watch this, partially because it took a while to get the fansubs out, then for me to get a media player that could handle the format when it changed, then to remember I hadn't watched it all.

Anyway, this is yet another retelling that takes place in the Captain Harlock universe (there's only about 999 of them). This series focuses on Maetal of Galaxy Express 999 fame (one of the few compilation movies that was superb and deserves in 8 or 9 out of 10). Here she's back on the nearly completely mechanized planet that her mother, Promethius, is in charge of. The evil queen is in the process of mechanizing her entire population, even those that don't want it, treating the full blooded humans like second class citizenry, and it's up to Maetal and her allies (a young lad, which is typical of the Shouta complex she seems to have whenever she pops up) her sister, Emeraldas, and of course Harlock and his crew.

Hmm. What to say about this. It sure as hell doesn't suck like most of the  Harlock stuff since 90. It takes a while to set up, but once it gets going, it becomes entertaining. The artwork is excellent, and music is solid. The characters are entertaining in the Morimoto way. Maetal does tend to brood a lot, but then I am forced to recall she is actually a subtle, soft spoken character that is not proactive, rather than her take charge sister or Harlock. All the Harlock Universe elements are there, so if you like them, you'll like this, and if you hate them, you'll want to avoid it.

Me, I give it a 6 out of 10. It was entertaining, but felt longer than 13 eps.  it has rewatchability factor, but not a right away one.