The Big O

"The Big O is an anime that wears its inspiration on its sleeve: it’s a film noir"

"The Big O is set in Gotham-esque Paradigm City; 40 years ago, the inhabitants lost their memories in a bizarre occurrence referred to as “the Event.” Since then, people have scrabbled out a living in the half-ruined metropolis. Dashing Roger Smith (voice by David Lucas in the first 13 episodes; Stephen Jay Blum in the second 13), who looks a bit like a young Pierce Bronson, is officially a Negociator who handles difficult situations, but he’s really a covert superhero."

"The first season ended in mid-story, with the fate of the characters unresolved. The belated second season brought back all the main characters and the stylish designs. Roger’s nightmares/flashbacks, collages of robot attacks, burning cities, etc. led to a resolution of sorts, but once again, visual flash takes the place of clear storytelling. In some sequences, the cool, grayed-down palate, saxophone riffs and tough guy dialogue suggest the filmmakers are trying capture the film noir tone that made Cowboy Bebop a hit. But the stories lack the strong plot and gritty characters needed to support the stylish graphics. Spike Spiegel projected the intensity of a wounded lion; Smith feels superficial. Director Kazuyoshi Katayama simply lacks the visual pancahe of Shinichiro Watanabe, one of the most interesting directors working in anime."