There can be no refute by seasoned experts that The Visions of Escaflowne is a staple of anime fantasy since it’s 1996 release in Japan, and its global release four years later; Combining medieval duels with subplots of betrayal and romance and a well-chronicled storyline. However its first exposure to the west, was edited by Fox Kids’ syndicated run, aimed for younger audiences. A faithful adaptation would not be seen until DVD release by Beez Entertainment in 2006, serving as a pure incarnation of the Japanese format. Yet by then the expectations of the anime industry, with a preference for computer-drawn animation, caused the better qualities of Escaflowne to be overlooked.

The story unfolds through the perspective of Hitomi Kanzaki as she tries to make sense of a fate that feels ill-designed for her whilst confronting her feelings of love. Ostensibly an ordinary high school student, who discovers her talent for fortune telling, is more than just child’s play.

Only when her high school status quo becomes interrupted by a dimensional portal does her potential in clairvoyance manifest itself; Preventing the death of Van Fanel, prince of Fanelia, in mid-struggle against a dragon-like creature, both natives of a mysterious world from another dimension.

Any explanation into Hitomi’s premonitions is abruptly ended when the portal uproots her and Van, into Gaea, an anachronistic world similar to a medieval plane. What seems to be a peaceful world is threatened by schemes of swift and sweeping conquest by the Empire of Zaibach. A powerhouse in technology, set to exploit the ignorance of overlying nations, in order to divide and conquer.

While a romantic theme is enduring, it is kept neatly alongside Escaflowne’s main plot so the larger setting can flourish on screen. This includes an injected pastiche of styles from other anime titles, presented evenly, with dramatic pivotal points intercut with appropriately timed action sequences.

This also combines science fiction and fantasy in the form of Guymelefs (mechanised suits) as well as a mythology of its mystical origins, and a brief overview into Gaea’s inhabitants and history. This provides enough variety to give the world a sense of life and intrigue.

While a handful of characters do serve as comic relief, the main protagonists have depth in the manner of individual motives and secret dispositions. An aspect of storytelling that fantasy often struggles with, settling with protagonists having single-minded aspirations of heroism. This group dynamic can feel fabricated to cause Hitomi romantic hardship, however this does not stall plot progression and is interwoven efficiently into the main narrative.

While the romantic devices can feel convoluted, The Vision of Escaflowne is a solid show including well rounded characters and a consistent quality in narrative, set in a compelling setting. The plot is slightly simplistic but executed brilliantly and keeps pace while never sacrificing storytelling for entertaining elements. It still holds up as an entertaining show despite its age with an effective balance in storytelling rarely seen in modern fantasy anime titles.

Nathan Al-tai

Rating 4/5 stars.

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