a review by Nalini Haynes
Studio: Manglobe
Director: Masamitsu Hidaka
Distributor: Madman
Cecily Campbell became the head of the Campbell house upon the death of her father a month earlier. Tradition dictates that, as head of the family, Cecily join the Knight Guard of the Independent Trade City of Housman. Cecily has more faith in the family sword than in herself, so takes up this sword only to have it break in a fight. Cecily seeks out someone to repair the sword, hence she needs the Sacred Blacksmith.
Luke, a blacksmith, and his assistant Lisa, who save Cecily with their power to create a new, powerful sword. Luke refuses to make one for Cecily, claiming he has vowed only to make swords for himself. His refusal seems contrary as he leads Cecily on when, at times, he appears to agree to make her a sword only to make the cost too high. Lisa and Cecily become friends in spite of all this.
A Demon Sword who can take the shape of a young woman called Aria joins the trio as prize to be protected, then quickly becomes a friend. Later Aria protects Cecily in battles.
Fanservices include a focus on weaponry, a running joke about Cecily’s rather large breasts, her armour that draws attention to them and the armour’s tendency to fall off at inopportune times. It appears Cecily does not wear undergarments. The rest of the animation is well drawn, some of landscapes look like pretty watercolours.
From the limited number of episodes in the preview copy it’s hard to tell how the series develops or if the series relies on a forumula. Theron Martin gave the series a B. I thought this was worth watching even though it is rather sexist, aimed at the male gaze.
Previously published in Dark Matter issue 4, July 2011.
