Angel Sanctuary
Synopsis
Setsuna Mudo is a 16-year-old high school student just trying to get by without running afoul of his bullying seniors. It doesn't help that he's in love with his younger sister, Sara, who only sees him once a month. But there's more to his life than just keeping his head down. Setsuna is ambushed by mysterious beings, angels, and demons, all professing to know his true destiny. The angels say he is the reincarnation of their leader Alexiel, while the demons claim he led them to war against God himself. As Setsuna struggles with his identity in such strange times, the eternal conflict between Heaven and Hell threatens to reignite. Will he be prepared when it does?
Audience Consensus
The audience is largely disappointed with the OVA adaptation of Angel Sanctuary, especially when compared to the manga. While some appreciate the unique themes and art style, the poor execution, confusing plot, and lackluster dubbing are major drawbacks. Most reviews suggest skipping the OVA and reading the manga instead, as it offers a more complete and satisfying experience.
Strengths
- The manga version is highly praised for its complex plot and beautiful artwork.
- Some viewers appreciate the reversal of traditional good vs. evil roles with demons as sympathetic characters.
- The art and animation style, despite being dated, are considered well-done for its time.
Weaknesses
- The OVA adaptation is criticized for its poor pacing, confusing plot, and failure to capture the depth of the manga.
- Characters are seen as flat, obnoxious, and lacking development compared to the manga.
- The English dub is widely panned for its cartoony voices that don't fit the serious tone.