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What is it: 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' mission is to dominate the world, starting with the city of Fukuoka. However, Excel and her colleague Hyatt frequently get involved in absurd and hilarious situations, often sabotaging their own plans. The series is known for its cultural references, parodies of other anime, and a narrative that breaks the fourth wall, making it a cult classic among anime fans.
Excel Saga Main Characters
The characters in Excel Saga are one of the main attractions of the series, each one bringing a unique dose of humor and eccentricity. Excel, the protagonist, is a hyperactive and dedicated young woman, whose loyalty to Il Palazzo is unshakable. Hyatt, her colleague, is a fragile and sickly character, who often faints or temporarily dies, 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, who she keeps as an "emergency food reserve", and Nabeshin, a parody of the anime's director Shinichi Watanabe, who appears in several absurd situations.
Animation Style and Direction of Excel Saga
Excel Saga's animation style is vibrant and dynamic, reflecting the chaotic and unpredictable nature of the series. Directed by Shinichi Watanabe, also known as Nabeshin, the anime is famous for its irreverent and experimental approach. Each episode of Excel Saga parodies a different genre, from action films and science fiction to romances 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 eccentric humor and his ability to balance moments of absurd comedy with well-choreographed action scenes.
Cultural Impact and Legacy of Excel Saga
Excel Saga has had a significant impact on pop culture and the anime world, often being cited as one of the best comedy series of all time. Its satirical and parodic approach has 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 that they are in a TV series and interact directly with the audience. Additionally, Excel Saga is frequently studied in media and communications courses for its innovative approach and its clever use of cultural references.
Excel Saga Soundtrack and Dubbing
Excel Saga's soundtrack is as eclectic and vibrant as the series itself, composed of a mix of original songs and parodies of themes from other anime and musical genres. The opening song, “Love (Loyalty)!”, sung by Excel (voiced by Kotono Mitsuishi), is a perfect example of the energetic and chaotic tone of the series. The Japanese voice acting is of high quality, with memorable performances from 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 capturing the essence of the characters brilliantly.
Where to Watch Excel Saga
For anime fans looking to watch Excel Saga, the series is available on various streaming platforms and on DVD. In Brazil, it is possible to find the series on services such as Crunchyroll and Funimation, which offer subtitles in Portuguese and, in some cases, dubbing in Portuguese. Additionally, the series has been released on DVD by several distributors, allowing fans to collect and watch the series at any time. Excel Saga continues to be a beloved and influential series, and its unique humor and memorable characters ensure that it remains relevant and entertaining for new generations of anime fans.
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