7.5 / 10 (based on 1393 reviews)
Ilpalazzo wants one thing: to rule world so he can better it. Excel just wants to help. Too bad she sucks at her job.
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Drama, Sci-Fi
Main Cast: Kotono Mitsuishi, Takehito Koyasu, Jason Douglas, Omi Minami
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 26 episodes
Shows Most Like Heppoko jikken animêshon excel saga (1999)
Senran Kagura (2013)
6.1 / 10 (based on 226 reviews)
5 girls with abnormally sized breasts try to battle another group of girls who hate them for, reasons.
Genre: Animation, Action, Comedy
Main Cast: Hitomi Harada, Asami Imai, Kaori Mizuhashi, Yuka Iguchi
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 18 episodes, 25.0-minute runtime
Azur Lane (2019)
5.7 / 10 (based on 311 reviews)
The seas were taken over by a mysterious enemy known only as “sirens”. Humans then created humanoid female embodiments of real life warships in order to combat the sirens and take back ownership of the seas. Unfortunately, many human-like emotions were passed on to these warships, and a split occurred between these former allies. Separating into two groups known as Azur Lane and the Red Axis, these two groups now fight against each other. The Red Axis, comprised of warships from the likes of Nazi Germany (Ironblood) and Imperial Japan (Sakura Empire), has joined the evil sirens in their fight, utilizing advanced siren technology to obtain powers beyond that of their natural capabilities. Azur Lane, comprised of warships from the United States (Eagle Union) and the Royal Navy, still fights for the good of humanity, and believes the unnatural evolution of their Red Axis counterparts must be thwarted along with the sirens.
Genre: Animation, Action, Drama, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Main Cast: Mai Nakahara, Yui Ishikawa, You Taichi, Yui Horie
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 12 episodes, 23.0-minute runtime
Nekopara (2020)
6.1 / 10 (based on 373 reviews)
What’s NEKOPARA? Why, it’s a cat paradise. Kashou Minazuki, the son of a long line of Japanese confection makers moved out to open his own shop “La Soleil” as a patisserie.
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Romance
Main Cast: Luci Christian, Kristen McGuire, Bryn Apprill, Morgan Laure
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 12 episodes, 21.0-minute runtime
“Excel Saga,” or its full Japanese title “Heppoko Jikken Animêshon Excel Saga,” is a series that stands out in the crowded field of anime for its sheer audacity and commitment to parody. This show, which aired in 1999, is an eclectic mix of satire, slapstick, and surrealism, targeting not just the anime industry but various aspects of culture and society. In this article, we’ll unpack what makes “Excel Saga” such a unique offering in the anime world, including its narrative structure, characters, humor, and how it pushed the boundaries of the medium.
The Premise
At first glance, “Excel Saga” seems to follow a somewhat straightforward plot: the story of Excel, an overly energetic and fiercely loyal operative of the secret ideological organization ACROSS, which aims to conquer the city of F. However, simplicity ends there. The series quickly spirals into a chaotic blend of episodic adventures, each one parodying a different genre or aspect of Japanese society, anime clichés, and even Western pop culture.
Characters and Their Chaos
Excel
The protagonist, Excel, is an embodiment of hyperactivity and loyalty. Her devotion to Lord Ilpalazzo, the leader of ACROSS, knows no bounds, and her energy levels seem to defy the laws of physics and human endurance. Excel’s antics, often leading to her own demise (only to be immediately resurrected in the next scene), provide a consistent source of humor and set the tone for the show’s disregard for continuity and logic.
Lord Ilpalazzo
Lord Ilpalazzo is the enigmatic and stoic leader of ACROSS. His grand plans for world domination are often juxtaposed with mundane tasks he assigns to Excel, highlighting the absurdity at the core of many a megalomaniacal villain in fiction. His calm demeanor serves as a perfect counterbalance to Excel’s manic energy.
Hyatt
Hyatt, another agent of ACROSS, is introduced as a contrast to Excel. Prone to sudden bouts of illness and death, only to be revived moments later, she parodies the trope of the fragile, mysterious beauty. Her constant state of near-death is played for laughs, further emphasizing the show’s irreverent tone.
The Supporting Cast
From the emergency food supply dog Menchi, who serves as a running gag throughout the series, to the municipal workers tasked with dealing with the consequences of ACROSS’s actions, the supporting characters add depth and variety to the show’s humor. Each character, no matter how briefly they appear, contributes to the overarching satire.
A Parody of… Everything
“Excel Saga” is unapologetic in its mission to parody. Each episode targets a specific genre or theme, from sports dramas to science fiction, romantic comedies to horror. This approach not only keeps the series fresh but also showcases its creative team’s deep understanding of and affection for the mediums they mock.
Breaking the Fourth Wall
A notable feature of “Excel Saga” is its frequent breaking of the fourth wall. Characters often acknowledge their existence within an anime, directly addressing the audience or the show’s creators. This meta-commentary adds another layer to the series’ humor, inviting viewers in on the joke.
Pushing Boundaries
“Excel Saga” was groundbreaking in its willingness to push the boundaries of what was acceptable in anime at the time. Its final episode, famously unaired on TV due to its content, epitomizes the series’ commitment to going over the top. This boundary-pushing wasn’t just for shock value; it served to underscore the show’s themes of excess and parody.
Legacy
Despite its chaotic nature, or perhaps because of it, “Excel Saga” has left a lasting impact on anime. It demonstrated the potential of animation to critique and celebrate its own medium, influencing a generation of creators and fans alike. Its unique blend of humor, satire, and absurdity has ensured its place as a cult classic.
Conclusion
“Excel Saga” is not a show for everyone. Its frenetic pace, nonsensical plotlines, and relentless parody can be overwhelming. However, for those willing to embrace its madness, it offers a unique and unforgettable viewing experience. Its legacy as a pioneering work of satire in anime is well deserved, reminding us of the power of animation to not only entertain but to reflect and critique. In a medium often criticized for its reliance on tropes and clichés, “Excel Saga” stands out as a defiant celebration of creativity and chaos.