Aika R-16: Virgin Mission

Viewed on Tubi.

OVA miniseries that follows Aika Sumeragi, a high school student whom has recently acquired her salvager's license (she can pilot a sub), and as such is invited by her school's "Adventure Club" to go on an expedition to a mysterious set of co-ordinates that were left in a message hidden in the butterfly tattoo of another student whom is amnesiac regarding her past (I'm not making this stuff up).

At it's core this could have been a pretty fun setup for a sort of lighthearted "Indiana Jones" like fare, but it gets really "out there" way too fast with way too short a run time (only 3, short, episodes), that it's hard to care about any of it by the time it's over. Granted, I'll give it effort for at least realizing it's silly & doesn't take itself too seriously (during the numerous gunfights it's mentioned that they're only using tranq rounds & no one is dying), and hey if you're here for the cheesecake fan service it delivers (It's nearly omnipresent, even if oftentimes OTT & ridiculous).

Animation is fine. Not the most accomplished out there, but the action has relatively good flow to it & I really enjoyed the design & look of the sub (too bad we didn't get more action inside of it). My biggest complaint (that really shouldn't be levelled against the show itself) is that it's clearly the SD version of an HD show on Tubi (granted, this is probably more on the rights holder uploading a DVD copy rather than a Blu-Ray).

The AiKa saga never ceases to amaze me now that I'm taking the time to watch it.

I'm impressed by the amount of stupid analysis you can read online from people who are paralyzed by the fan service and can't make a good story.

AiKa R -16 is a prequel that tells us about the first big adventure of our famous protagonist. Without wasting time, we are introduced to an intelligent, adventurous, but above all, brave AiKa.

Three important concepts can be highlighted during the development of the plot.

The first is the formation of a trio of tough friends, AiKa, Eri and Karen. The author understood that he only had three chapters and thanks to that he does not waste time developing the characters. In a short time you will get to feel their personality and that will hook you with the story.

Second, an engaging and challenging plot. Once again, there are only three chapters. But that is enough for the author to generate interest in the plot, create a plot knot and leave a well-made outcome, which at the same time leaves the promise for a sequel.

Third, a large dose of fs, which fans of the genre will enjoy at every moment. Please, let's not give space to people who say "fan service is not necessary" For your information, fan service is a genre! Saying that fan service is not necessary is like saying that love is not necessary in the development of a romantic story.

The reality is that the AiKa saga is an example of a great story, great characters with a dose of fan serivce and all in perfect balance.

It is a MUST see for lovers of the genre.

THE GOOD. Perfect balance between fan service, Plot and characters.

THE BAD. Only three chapters? Why?

THE SAD. The paladins of good customs who are willing to destroy everything they don't agree with instead of being objective.

If I could meet the man who made this I would thank him for making every other anime look like a masterpiece in comparison.