Strange Dawn truly fits its name, for it is truly strange. This delightful series is a coming of age story that takes place in on an alternate Earth where the people are very small and quite cat-like. The story centers on two junior high school girls, Yuki, an obnoxious, indifferent, but secretly sensitive girl; and Emi an oversensitive, cowardly, and bold heroine. Yuki and Emi are mysteriously dropped into the desert of this alternative Earth by a flash of light, only to be captured by cat-like little people who believe they are goddesses.

     The little people are citizens of a kingdom in the middle of a civil war, and their village Bellzagale is at the center of this war. It is the hope of Bellzagle's military leader Sharl, that Yuki and Emi are his villages Great Protectors. Unfortunately Yuki and Emi do not think they are up for the job. Especially Yuki who abrasive attitude toward the kids, plainly spells out that she and Emi are not interested in helping despite Emi's timid inklings to assist the people of Bellzagale.

     However, Yuki is not the only one who does not believe that she and Emi cannot protect the village. Recca, the village elder's daughter and her friend Mani are skeptical of the girls supposed powers. While Sharlu's second in command Darl, seeks to usurp Sharlu's position as commander and instead pull Bellzagale into war. But Sharlu's problems are greater than anyone can even imagine. Sharlu has been accused conspiring with enemies of the Kingdom's princess to kidnap her, leading to even his brother seeking to end his life.

     Strange Dawn is very exciting but it does drag. The real action doesn't take place until episode seven when Levian, a shrewd little lady, and leader of one of the Bellzagle's neighboring villages captures Sharlu, Yuki, Emi and company. Which means you have to buy the first two DVDs in order to get into the series. But there is some bonafide action along the way to keep you interested. The little people like to 'get it on' so to speak. They carry swords in pouches on their bellies or their backs. Plus one group of little people known as the Valgidan dress like ninjas that have cat like features and love to ambush and murder.

     Lest I forget, plenty of people perish between episode one and seven for those believing this too immature for their liking. Do not let the little people's 'strange and kawaii (cute)' appearances fool you-they are adults in very real adult situations from romance to war. There is even an attempted 'rape' scene where Darl seeks to remove Reca's shoes (seeing someone's feet is the equivalent to seeing them naked and engaging in a sexual act).

     As far as the art it is spectacular, and is totally hand drawn (a skill that seems to be becoming lost with the advent of CG). The music of course is on par with most anime series in being nothing short of romantic and full of fantasy. I often found myself changing between menu selections in order to hear the music blurbs over and over. And the opening and closing songs are haunting.

     Parents should take caution with some of violence and content, though recommended for most ages. Also, do not look for any extra DVD goodies, because they are few, primarily trailers and some series pics, but not many of those at all. But DVDs are not just for the goodies, they take up less space than VHS, so I strongly encourage you to get STRANGE and view Strange Dawn.

     Send comments and questions about this article to JenniferJ@ybfree.com.

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