In the early stages of WWII, the Japanese Army made first contact with extraterrestrials whose powers include the ability to utilize any man-made weapon simply by touching it. From autopsies of these aliens, scientists were able to figure out that the aliens' powers come from their "modules," and after further research, they were able to incorporate the "module" into giant mechanical exoskeletons and use them as weapons against the aliens. Unfortunately, the Third Reich also learned about it and now wants a "module" of its own... Kishin Heidan is a seven-episode OAV released by Pioneer in both the U.S. and Japan. Kishin is directed by Takaki Ishiyama, and its brilliant soundtrack is composed by the 74-member Shinsei Nihon Symphony Orchestra. In an era of anime shows with streamlined mecha whose movements are fluid to the point of being human, the first thing viewers will notice about Kishin Heidan's mechas is that they are big and clumsy. The retro look harks back to the days of the old Giant Robo and Iron Man 28 shows of the '70's. Kishin's world combines historically accurate people and events with sheer fantasy, and how history will turn out can only be answered in the remaining episodes. |