Review: The Immortal Grand Prix (IGPX) is extremely fast and furious, Racing is done between three man teams, each piloting his/her own unique mecha. Rocketing along the 60-mile roller coaster-like track at speeds up to 400 mph, the competition dissolves into a wild free-for-all as racers try to block or disable their opponents to allow teammates to move ahead.
IGPX wisely avoids the endless tournament pitfall of Dragon Ball Z, spending a large amount of time off the track. the sizable cast doesn’t get caught up in bizarre espionage plots in their spare time, instead they experience the triumphs and tribulations of ordinary young people. This is a refreshing dose of realism , but with little of that series’ humor the personal drama. It’s heavy with generic components common to competition stories: the hotshot “Maverick” hero, the sinister “Iceman” rival.
In 2049 IGPX is the world’s most popular motor sport, and the young Team Satomi has just graduated to the premier league. They join five other elite teams from around the world for the start of the new racing season. Not all is well though, for ace pilot Takeshi Jin’s teammates fret over his recklessness and lack of teamwork. Yamma, lead pilot for fearsome competitor Team Sledge Mamma, is mysteriously antagonized by these up-and-comers and warns Takeshi to watch his step.
Takeshi is a typical young male who busies himself working, playing video games, or thinking about girls. He’s somewhat of a slacker savant who succeeds on the track despite modest motivation. Generally laidback, it’s difficult to get a rise out of him. And even more so teammate Amy Stapleton, who is one of those stereotypical cute, hardworking anime girls who is docile and gentle to the point of lifelessness. Bringing some balance to the team is the spunky hothead Liz Ricarro , who tries to light a fire under Takeshi. The odd member out is the outspoken River Marque, who grows increasingly frustrated about warming the bench. The gangster-like Sledge Mamma proves to be more entertaining. Timma is a half-witted sidekick in the classic Hanna Barbera mold, and the snake-like Yamma lies somewhere between a Bond villain and high school bully.
The voice acting is very strong for a dub, if without any real standouts. On the minus side Takeshi must get annoyed that no one can pronounce his name correctly.
IGPX’s money shots all come on the track, and they’re quite impressive. One really gets a sense for the incredible speed and chaos of the races. Yamma claims there’s never been a fatality, but that’s hard to believe.
Its real strength is the animation, and the racing footage that exceeds anything I’ve seen so far in a few anime series. It’s almost as impressive as the recent Appleseed film. The intricate mecha designs are a real treat, as one would expect given the staff’s Appleseed and Gundam experience. Off-track the animation is traditional cel and very fluid. .Obviously the races look spectacular and the teenage squabbling of the teams is fun.
It looks great, there's a lively up-to-the-minute techno soundtrack, and a telepathic cat - the only real innovation. Luka the cat acts as a co-pilot - he has a little cyber-suit and everything!
it gets a 8/10
Igpx
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