First off, let me just say that I know the English translation of Mizuiro Jidai is not "The Blue-Green Years," but rather something more along the lines of Aqua Age/Aquamarine Era. That being said, since the Techno-Girls who are fansubbing the series have picked the title "The Blue-Green Years," I will use the same title. If you need an explanation as to why Mizuiro Jidai is being fansubbed under this different title, go see the Techno-Girls homepage. I have read the explanation and agree with it 100%.

DESCRIPTION

The Blue-Green Years is an anime series based on the Mizuiro Jidai manga. Its focus is on Yuko, who is a girl just entering junior high school. She lives next door to her friend since early childhood, Hiroshi.

The story essentially is about Yuko going through her "Blue-Green Years" in junior high. This anime is a coming of age drama, with a bit of intelligent comedy inserted creatively, to keep things on the comedic side. I really think the best way to describe this wonderful show is that it is like watching "The Wonder Years" -- animated. For those of you who have never seen The Wonder Years (too bad, however, it is now being rebroadcast on Nickelodeon), it was a great show that was about a young teenager learning about himself and his surroundings while growing up. The show mixed in drama and comedic elements perfectly, and The Blue-Green Years does the same.

The storylines to each of the episodes are more episodic than most anime series, but each episode's storyline is done near perfectly. I haven't had this much fun watching a shoujo drama like this, since Marmalade Boy (which it somewhat resembles (with younger characters and without The Blue-Green Years using as much of the soap opera suspense and wacky comedic aspects)).

Some of the early episodes involve Yuko in her constant battles with teen love, hate, and not knowing the difference between the two. Also covered are friendship, fitting in, peer pressure, parent problems, and ethics (and that is just in the first four episodes)!

EVALUATION

ART/ANIMATION

Well, don't expect Ghost in the Shell animation here; but big deal! This is a shoujo coming of age drama series, animation is not a main concern here. I should point out that the series is very colorful and watchable. It is just not "blow you away" type of animation. Also, I should point out that the background art is wonderful and makes the setting for the show all the more believable.

CHARACTER DESIGN

This series has GREAT character designs! I absolutely love the designs of both Yuko and Hiroshi. Where the animation is lacking, the character designs make up for it and more!

MUSIC

The series has a very good soundtrack that grew on me the more I watched it. The opening and ending songs are both especially good.

STORY

This is always the area that I place the most weight on, when I am deciding the overall score, and IT IS SUPERB! Next to Gundam Wing, there is no better. The episodic way of telling the story fits in perfectly with this type of series; keeping the viewer entertained throughout. Yuko is hilarious at times in her trials and tribulations of junior high (those were the days ....). I just can't say enough positive things about each episode's GREAT STORY!

OVERALL

It goes without saying that this series is a MUST SEE! If you are an anime purist, and do not want to watch the Techno-Girls fansubbed version because of the changed name (*big* mistake. because they did a great job on the series), then join KASHA and request Mizuiro Jidai in the unsubbed form. Subbed or unsubbed though, the end result is the same -- near perfection! I also think any doubters out there will be pleasantly suprised with just how good this show really is! This is even more true if you enjoyed anime shows like Marmalade Boy, or regular TV shows like The Wonder Years. Whatever you do, JUST WATCH THIS SERIES!

ART/ANIMATION 8.5
CHARACTER DESIGN 9.9
MUSIC 9
STORY 9.99
OVERALL 9.7

REVIEW BY:"Dr." David Seid