Mezzo DSA

“A Second Take”

Are you on the hunt for a new anime to dive into? With many options available, figuring out where to start can take time. Enter Mezzo DSA, a high-octane thriller that flew under the radar, probably for a good reason. Being associated with Mezzo Forte, a two-episode OVA released in 2001, does not guarantee a spot at the top. Mezzo Forte established a reputation as a hyperviolent, hypersexual film à la Wicked City, but with brighter colors and without the demons. So, is it worth your time? I’m referring to Mezzo DSA.

Mezzo DSA's plot and storyline are significant aspects of the game. As soon as the opening credits roll, viewers are thrust into a world of high-stakes action and peril. The opening is reminiscent of the first Hellsing anime, but once you get past that, the first episode is quite intense and should serve as a good indicator of what to expect from the rest of the series. All the episodes begin with the word "shell,” so just go with it. That's how it's supposed to work, but things stop occasionally before picking up speed again. There was a noticeable slowdown around the third episode, "The Shell of Fear."

Though it may seem shallow, this anime has some exciting layers. A recurring theme is that the episodes are episodic and unrelated; however, an underlying revenge plot weaves in and out of the story, culminating in a climatic episode 13. However, the episodes allow viewers to develop an interest in the main characters.

The plot thickens with each episode, and the unexpected turns are skillfully handled, making for an entertaining and tense watch. The crazy animation and nuanced character development, which we'll discuss in more detail in the next section, add to the great plot, which includes gangsters, bioweapons, aliens, and ghosts. Think Scooby-Doo with guns and no talking dog.

As we take a closer look at the characters of Mezzo DSA, it's clear that character development plays a significant role in enhancing the overall quality of the anime. Every character has a unique personality, from the main character, Mikura Suzuki, whose stern exterior hides her emotional weakness, to the shy Harada or the excentric Kurokawa.

Character arcs are apparent, and while Mikura appears to have the most screen time on the surface, Shigenori Kageyama (ep. 8), Takao Yoshioka (eps. 3–13), and Yasuomi Umetsu (eps. 1–2), who all handled screenwriting duties, collaborated well enough that each character received enough backstory. As a side note, I am still not a fan of multiple screenwriters, as the anime often ends up disjointed.

The development of the characters in Mezzo DSA is a crucial part of what makes the anime exciting and memorable. It makes the anime more than just an action-packed thriller and keeps people interested in the characters' lives. The main characters go through a wide range of emotions as the story goes on (there is a reason why Harada is involved with Android parts). Mezzo DSA has some typical anime archetypes, but each character has their own personality and reasons for doing what they do. Characters in the anime are written with a lot of care, and I use the word "care” loosely as this anime is honestly a Japanese exploitation piece, which shows how good it is overall and is definitely one of its strengths.

Mezzo DSA's animation quality is undoubtedly one of its most prominent strengths. From the highly detailed character designs to the smooth and fluid animation, the anime's visual presentation is nothing short of impressive for the time it was released.

One of the standout features of Mezzo DSA's animation is its use of lighting and shadow. The careful attention to detail in the lighting effects creates a sense of depth and atmosphere that elevates the anime's overall tone. The vibrant colors are almost Seventies-style, highlighting that viewers shouldn’t take this anime too seriously.

The character animation is top-notch, with every action feeling organic and fluid. The characters' clothes fit, and the subtle changes add realism, drawing the viewer deeper into the story. When Mezzo DSA references Mezzo Forte, the original film often stands head and shoulders above the sequel. ARMS was responsible for the majority of the animation in Mezzo DSA.

The anime's sound and visual effects, such as explosions and gunfire, are excellent. They're not just eye-catching; they increase the scenes' sense of drama and urgency, giving them a cinematic quality. I like gun-pointing shots, and this anime has some nice ones.

Mezzo DSA's animation is generally good for its era and significantly contributes to the show's overall excellence. For action genre fans, it solidifies its status as a must-watch. Because ARMS is involved, there are references to other projects they've worked on. As a studio, ARMS is comparable to Studio Seven in that they create both anime and hentai. Aside from the reference to Mezzo Forte, there is also an apparent reference to the Night Shift Nurses series they would be involved with the following year. Aside from adult content, ARMS is best known for the Ikki Tousen and Queen's Blade series.

After looking at the different parts of Mezzo DSA, it's time to judge the anime. Unquestionably, one of the best things about the anime is how well it is animated. The three main characters, Mikura, Kurokawa, and Harada, often wear bright colors, with Mikura's trademark orange standing out. Asami, a secondary character, also gets much attention because she has such big, kind eyes. So give credit where credit is due. Yasuomi Umetsu suckered me in. Everything, from the characters' designs to the action scenes, is carefully made and put together, making it a treat for the eyes.

The background music is also a highlight, emphasizing the mood of each scene. The sound effects go well with the pictures, and the voice actors say their lines clearly and with feeling, though there were times when the acting felt unconvincing and flat. I cannot comment on the English dub; from what I’ve read, ADV took some creative license with this anime, adding extra profanity and trying to give it a more Western feel. This may appeal to some fans, so create your own adventure. Tomoko Kotani does a solid job as Mikura, so switching was never needed.

Mezzo DSA is not a ground-breaking film in terms of plot, but it is fun to watch. The anime follows a band of mercenaries as they take on a variety of missions, some of which are integral to the story. Even though the anime assumes you've seen the prequel, it still gives you enough information about the main characters and the bad guys to like and understand them.

Overall, Mezzo DSA is a good anime with decent animation and sound. While the story may not be the most original, it is still engaging and provides an excellent backdrop for the action and character interactions. If you're a fan of the action genre or looking for a thrilling ride, Mezzo DSA is worth checking out. Mezzo-DSA has its ups and downs, but it's a show worth a chance.

The animation quality is cool, and the character development is decent. However, more than the plot may be needed to satisfy those looking for a more complex storyline. Despite this, if you're a fan of action and intrigue, Mezzo DSA anime is worth checking out. As the saying goes, "There's no harm in trying." So give this anime a chance and see if it's your cup of tea. Who knows? You might discover a new favorite.