Strike Witches OVA

In 1939, after the world has been devastated by an invasion of the "Neuroi"—alien war machines of unknown origin—humanity continues to struggle in an uneven fight. With no conventional arms able to pierce through the aliens' hardy armor, resistance forces spare no expense in their search for a way to level the playing field.

Eventually, the so-called "Striker Unit" is designed—a state-of-the-art device utilizing the innate magical powers of young girls and turning them into deadly weapons. The women who are now gathering from all around the world to fight for the survival of the human race are known as "Witches," with the 501st Joint Fighter Wing—the "Strike Witches"—standing at the forefront of the deadly conflict.

[Written by MAL Rewrite]

Miyafuji, Yoshika Main

Fukuen, Misato Japanese

Sakamoto, Mio Main

Chiba, Saeko Japanese

Bishop, Lynette Main

Nazuka, Kaori Japanese

Clostermann, Perrine H. Main

Sawashiro, Miyuki Japanese

Wilcke, Minna-Dietlinde Main

Tanaka, Rie Japanese

Litvyak, Sanya V. Supporting

Kadowaki, Mai Japanese

Hartmann, Erica Supporting

Nogawa, Sakura Japanese

Juutilainen, Eila Ilmatar Supporting

Ohashi, Ayuru Japanese

Lucchini, Francesca Supporting

Saitou, Chiwa Japanese

Barkhorn, Gertrud Supporting

Sonozaki, Mie Japanese

Yamazaki, Satoshi Producer

Aoki, Takao Producer

Sugishima, Kunihisa Director, Episode Director, Storyboard, Series Composition

Yoshida, Tomohiro Sound Director

Reviews

May 5, 2012

ChibiAnime84

Recommended

OVAs usually aren't as "good" as an actual series, nor are OVA's held with as high regard as an acual series.

The Strike Witches OVA is a stark exception.


In my opinion, this pilot episode of sorts is actually better than the main Strike Witches series, far better really, and I'll explain why.

The first 30 seconds of the Strike Witches OVA are some of the most awesome moments I've ever seen in any anime. The blue sky, saturated with white clouds, is penetrated by a rising and bright yellow sun. An epic orchestra is building up to a climax. As a blast of brass and ... drums sound, the brave lasses of the 501st Joint Fighter Wing come gloriously into view, each Witch gettng a little face-shot so that the viewer can get an idea of who the characters are. The roar of their mighty Striker Units fills your ears, almost as if the Witches have flown out of the sceeen and just blazed right past you. They ride hopefully on into the horizon until they disappear from sight. The Strike Witches logo then appears and slams onto the screen in a fancy manner, as an ear-splitting rifle report signals stars to appear. The insruments that have been playing all the while give one last victorious "umph!" right as the words "Strike Witches" clashes onto the screen.

And this is all within 30 seconds. My hair stands on end and I get chills every time I see it. I deeply wish this was the canon opening for the actual Strike Witches series, because the actual opening to me is quite boring, bland, and uncreative. The show would be so much better if it was.

The rest of the show is also pretty amazing. The biggest difference between this OVA and Strike Witches 1-12 is the art. It is not as flashy or fleshed-out, but I think it looks better. The "lesser" quality of the art is appealing to me. It's kind of kawaii in it's own unique way. Sometimes, the characters are shabbily drawn in a QUALITY style. But this is appealing in its own regard.

Another thing this OVA has that I wish was in the main series is Yoshika's tiny pet dog. He only appears for a second, but he's pretty cute and could have made Strike Witches 1-12 even better. But alas, he it not, instead being confined to the OVA and the manga.

The Strike Witches' hairstyles are also different. Yoshika, the main character's hair, is the most noticable, as it looks vaguely like cat-ears. Again, I wish the designers kept this look in the main series.

There is also a distinct lact of fan-service in the Strike Witches OVA, especially when compared to the amount found in the main series. This might be a good thing, as it leaves more room for creative writing and pointful scenes. Not that some fan-service is a bad thing, just too much of it is, and Strike Witches really is pushing the "too much" button.

The plot of the OVA is a summary of the Strike Witches world, showing the day-to-day lifes and struggles of the Strike Witches. The OVA plays out like a regular Strike Witches episode and gives the viewer a generalization of what Strike Witches is all about.

I can hardly say enough good things about this anime. it is what Strike Witches should be, and sadly could have been. Either way, this OVA and Strike Witches are great animes worth watching.

Reviewer’s Rating: 10

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Mar 17, 2020

robert788

Mixed Feelings

Strike Witches OVA (2007)

Not so much an OVA but a promotional video from before the main show was released. Now, as far as a promotional video goes it is pretty good but also terrible.

It is also pretty badly animated. Had I seen this first I probably of hesitated from watching the show so I don't think it really helps it. It does work in the way of what it wants to achieve but also doesn't.

You see a fair few characters on screen but again it's a short that is not designed to develop.

I would honestly say overall that it isn't too bad ... as a promotional video but the animation choice just really does make me question whether it would have helped people watch the show.

Reviewer’s Rating: 6

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Mar 2, 2016

Zaku88

Not Recommended

This Strike Witches OVA can be thought of as a 7 min prototype/preview for the Strike Witches TV show. I consider it more of a prototype than a preview as many aspects, as I'll explain later, differ significantly from the actual TV show.

The OVA introduces the main setting and characters but has a dreary story line, if it can even be considered a storyline... If you're thinking of watching this to see if you might be interested in the TV series, just skip this and go directly to ep 1 of the TV series.

Animation:
The animation quality and drawing style are different from the TV series. ... In addition to character styling changes, even the base and mechanics of the striker units are different (the strikers in the TV series don't have wheels...). Strangely enough, even though this is an OVA it has less fan service than the televised version. In summary, the animation is fairly dated and sub par compared to even the TV production, which is likewise quite dated by today's standards.

Sound:
While the entire cast of Strike Witches is introduced, only a subset of them are voiced (others just appear briefly or are mentioned by name). The BGM is orchestral, and you'll hear Wagner's Lohengin, Prelude to Act 3 repeatedly. This is not representative of what you'll hear in the TV series.

Story:
This introduces the setting (somewhat) and gives you some ideas of what to expect, though it glosses over a lot; well there's not too much you can showcase in 7 min...

Character:
The one standout in Strike Witches was the unique personality and interactions of the characters. This is pretty much completely absent in this OVA, and thus my score reflects this.

Value:
In my opinion, this is for purists only. For those just browsing, I recommend going straight to the TV series.

Reviewer’s Rating: 3

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	Poll: Strike Witches Episode 1 Discussion zq - Dec 28, 2007	42 replies	by Serafos »» Mar 23, 2022 4:05 AM
	Music during the battle? throwaway513846 - Jul 20, 2009	0 replies	by throwaway513846 »» Jul 20, 2009 11:48 AM