The new “Witchblade” has some serious credentials: It’s made by Gonzo, the studio behind “Afro Samurai”; Yoshimitsu Ohasi, who did “Galaxy Angel,” directed it; and it's being shown on IFC, who previously aired great animes like “Samurai 7.” So it’s a big disappointment that the anime isn’t as solid as any of its predecessors. It has plenty of stylish action and some potential, story-wise—instead of a New York cop like in the comics, our wielder is a single mother who’s not sure how she wound up with the Witchblade, but will use it to fight evil and protect her kid regardless—but unfortunately, that’s all undermined by a pervasive cheesy tone.
Who’s that?: Jamie Marchi, who’s done voices on animes like “Fullmetal Alchemist” and “Basilisk,” is the Witchblade wielder Masane Amaha; Carrie Savage from “Ergo Proxy” and “Trinity Blood” is the voice of her daughter, Rihoko; and Robert McCollum, who worked on such animes as “Dragon Ball GT” and “One Piece,” is Yuusuke Tozawa, a freelance photographer investigating the Witchblade.
Buzzed about: Though it features a different wielder, this Japanese cartoon is based on a cult favorite comic book that has a huge, loyal following.
The “ooh” factor: Beautifully illustrated, this anime looks light years beyond its American counterparts.
The “eh” factor: The stories often feel like laughably flimsy excuses to show lingering shots of our buxom, curvaceous heroine in super-skimpy clothing—clothing that’d make even Pamela Anderson blush. The reliance on her barely-there outfits completely detracts from the show's integrity.
The verdict: This could’ve been a cool—and very cool-looking—adult action ’toon. But instead, it just left us feeling dirty and cheap. On a positive note, we now feel more comfortable and confident using the term “boob tube"…
”Witchblade” premieres Friday, Jan. 4 at 11:30 p.m./10:30c on IFC.
