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What is: Excel Saga
Excel Saga is an anime and manga series that stands out for its unique and satirical approach to the comedy genre. Created by Kōshi Rikudō, the story revolves around Excel, an extremely energetic and loyal young woman who works for a secret organization called Across, led by the charismatic and eccentric Il Palazzo. Across's mission is to dominate the world, starting with the city of Fukuoka. However, Excel and her colleague Hyatt frequently find themselves in absurd and hilarious situations, often sabotaging their own plans. The series is known for its cultural references, parodies of other anime, and fourth-wall-breaking narrative, becoming a cult classic among anime fans.
Main Characters of Excel Saga
The characters in Excel Saga are one of the series' main attractions, each bringing a unique dose of humor and eccentricity. Excel, the protagonist, is a hyperactive and dedicated young woman whose loyalty to Il Palazzo is unwavering. Hyatt, her colleague, is a frail and sickly character who frequently faints or dies temporarily, only to be resurrected moments later. Il Palazzo, the leader of Across, is an enigmatic and charismatic character whose true motivation for world domination is often questioned. Other notable characters include Menchi, Excel's pet dog, whom she keeps as an "emergency food supply," and Nabeshin, a parody of the anime's director, Shinichi Watanabe, who appears in several absurd situations.
Excel Saga Animation Style and Direction
Excel Saga's animation style is vibrant and dynamic, reflecting the series' chaotic and unpredictable nature. Directed by Shinichi Watanabe, also known as Nabeshin, the anime is known for its irreverent and experimental approach. Each episode of Excel Saga parodies a different genre, from action and science fiction to romance and historical dramas. This variety of styles keeps the series fresh and unpredictable, appealing to a wide range of viewers. Watanabe's direction is marked by his offbeat humor and his ability to balance moments of absurd comedy with well-choreographed action scenes.
Cultural Impact and Legacy of Excel Saga
Excel Saga had a significant impact on pop culture and the anime world, often cited as one of the best comedy series of all time. Its satirical and parodic approach influenced many other works, and its iconic characters continue to be popular among anime fans. The series also helped popularize the concept of "breaking the fourth wall" in anime, where characters recognize they are in a TV series and interact directly with the audience. Furthermore, Excel Saga is frequently studied in media and communications courses for its innovative approach and clever use of cultural references.
Excel Saga Soundtrack and Dubbing
Excel Saga's soundtrack is as eclectic and vibrant as the series itself, featuring a mix of original songs and parodies of themes from other anime and musical genres. The opening theme, "Love (Loyalty)!", sung by Excel (voiced by Kotono Mitsuishi), perfectly exemplifies the series' energetic and chaotic tone. The Japanese dub is high-quality, with memorable performances by Kotono Mitsuishi as Excel and Mika Kanai as Hyatt. The English version is also well-received, with voice actors like Jessica Calvello and Larissa Wolcott brilliantly capturing the essence of the characters.
Where to Watch Excel Saga
For anime fans looking to watch Excel Saga, the series is available on various streaming platforms and DVD. In Brazil, the series can be found on services like Crunchyroll and Funimation, which offer Portuguese subtitles and, in some cases, Portuguese dubbing. Additionally, the series has been released on DVD by several distributors, allowing fans to collect and watch the series at any time. Excel Saga remains a beloved and influential series, and its unique humor and memorable characters ensure it remains relevant and entertaining for new generations of anime fans.
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