The Third – Aoi Hitomi no Shojo is another anime that went under my radar this season. I’ve been watching the first episode of pretty much every show this season so I don’t miss any gems. So did my intensive screening policy pay off with The Third?
The Third takes place in a post apocalyptic world. There’s been a war that turns most of the world into desert, and people are struggling to survive. There’s also this super race called “The Third” that have a third eye and reign over the normal humans.
Honoka is a “sword dancer” in this world, which means she kicks all kinds of insect ass with her sword. For some reason, bugs have gotten really big. She’s sorta the pacifist when it comes to killing humans, though.
In the first episode, we’re introduced to the world and a few of its characters. Along with Honoka, we have her AI (I think) tank computer, Bogie. At first I thought he was a human, but it turns out he’s hardware. While in the desert, Honoka saves a guy by the name of Ikus. I’m guessing he’s a mysterious type (who goes firefly watching in the middle of the giant ant desert?).
For some reason, this anime seems to me like the evil twin of Shakugan no Shana. Check it out:
- Shana & Honoka = flat chest.
- Shana & Honoka = kickass swordswomen
- Shana’s disembodied father figure = Alastor. Honoka’s = Bogie.
- Shakugan no Shana = Burning Eyes Shana. Aoi Hitomi no Shojo = Blue Eyed Girl!
- Shana’s Yuuji = Honoka’s Ikus (I’m just guessing on this one)
Of course, that’s not to say that this anime is a carbon copy of Shana. Honoka already seems a lot less abrasive than Shana. The setup definitely seems similar to me. Not that there’s anything wrong with that…
The animation and art for The Third are pretty sweet. Since Honoka is a “Sword Dancer,” she’s supposed to look awesome while slicing things up, right? It might be a little cliched, but I like the sword fighting animation. While there is a lot of CG in this anime, I can take it. I think animators are finally getting to the point where the CG fits with the use of cel shading, etc.
The background art is just awesome. For being in a post apocalyptic world, the desert sure is beautiful. It looks like they really spent a lot of time on the backdrops. I can understand how Honoka could get lost just staring at the clouds. It’s nice to have some mellow scenery to check out in between the action scenes.
Speaking of action and mellow, the OP is a more mellow tune, while the ED is more punk. It’s another nice contrast that this anime has going for it. When I was listening to the OP, it reminded me of this song from Final Fantasy VI. I like the OP a lot, but the ED is kinda boring to me.
Download the OP: “Sajou no Yume” by Yuko Sasaki
Download the ED: “ING” by Chou Hikou Shounen
I didn’t have any idea what this anime was about when I started watching it, but I’m glad I did. The Third seems to be carrying on the torch (ooh a pun!) passed by Shakugan no Shana. I, for one, welcome our new loli flat-chested sword-wielding overlords.
6 replies on “The Third ~Aoi Hitomi no Shojo~ – Anime First Impressions”
i have to concur, though The Third may seem like Shakugan no Shana the addition of a giant tank with really big guns(anyone else notice those really big things besides the main turret?) which i think will make the entire anime go in a different course.
Well I haven’t watched this yet.. but I think when you mention giant bugs.. that screams Kaze no Tani no Nausicaa.
“I, for one, welcome our new loli flat-chested sword-wielding overlords”
I’m pretty sure she only looks flat-chested because of the shirt she’s wearing.
@Miz: I don’t think you can really compare this to Nausicaa :/
For me, having seen 19 episodes “The Third” is an example of anime story telling at it’s very best. I would like to thank the series creators, they are the true masters.
Great anime indeed. Has anyone been able to find out if ‘Dana Myfree’ is an actual poet? I’ve googled all over the place but haven’t been able to find anything. Thanks
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just so that you know…this anime came out way earlier than shakugan no shana…Anyway, both animes are nice, but i prefer the third much more..Its one of the best animes over all those i have watch..truly a masterpiece.