Dragon Half

Dragon Half, a two-episode original video animation (OVA) produced in 1993, is a highly condensed adaptation of a seven-volume manga series by Ryusuke Mita. It is even considered a cult classic in some circles, due to its chaotic humor and fantastical elements, leading to its enduring popularity.

The main character of Dragon Half is a vibrant and energetic young girl named Mink. The unique twist here - Mink is not completely human. She is the offspring of a fire-breathing dragon and a legendary swordsman, making her 'half a dragon'. This right off the bat, gives a glimpse of how the series successfully combines elements of fantasy, absurdity, and comedy into a wildly entertaining package.

As the product of a forbidden love, Mink faces the wrath of the jealous and vengeful King. The King has been smitten by Mink's mother (the dragon), and by extension, has made dragon slaying the national sport. This places Mink and her family directly in his crosshairs leading to all sorts of amusing complications.

The main goal of Mink, other than survival, is to win the heart of Dick Saucer, the most popular pop idol and also a notorious dragon slayer of the kingdom. Mink's romantic intrigue is as hilarious as it is problematic due to her non-human lineage and the fact that Dick Saucer happens to be the main dragon slayer. She embarks on a quest for a potion that will make her fully human, which would hopefully win over Saucer while allowing her to avoid any dragon-slaying threats.

The cast of characters surrounding Mink are equally outlandish. These include a goofy yet loveable demon-sealing shell (her father); Lufa, a magic wielder who toggles between friend and foe; and Pia, a rival princess who struggles to maintain her dignity while dealing with unforeseen issues like body odor. These wacky characters play a significant role in the comedic aspect of the show.

Beyond the comedy, the animation itself is notable for the early 90's time frame. While the unique art-style matches the sense of over-the-top humor, with frequently exaggerated facial expressions, comical movements, and visual gags, the series also displays moments of unexpectedly high-quality action. Mink, given her dragon blood, has significant physical strength, and the resultant fight scenes are surprisingly well choreographed.

The sound of Dragon Half adds another layer to its charm, which comes in the form of slapstick sound effects that enhance the comedic scenes and matches the animated visuals. Moreover, its music ranges from light-hearted and cheerful melodies that highlight Mink’s buoyant personality to more dramatic tunes that underscore the series’ exciting action sequences.

The series is known for convening subtle satirical elements that parodies classic tropes of fantasy, RPG, adventure, and even elements of romance anime genres. The common fantasy tropes such as a team of heroes embarking on an epic quest are humorously distorted and satirized. This not only provides ample laughter but also makes an amusing commentary on the genres it parodies.

It is worth noting that while Dragon Half is visually and thematically a product of its time, it's not exactly a comprehensive story. The OVA was reportedly unpopular upon its initial release, leading to the cancellation of proposed additional episodes. As a result, the series ends quite abruptly. Some aspects of the plot are left unresolved, characters are introduced and then quickly forgotten, and many of the parodies might not resonate with those unfamiliar with the specific cultural time frame it was parodying.

But while it doesn't offer a complete narrative, Dragon Half is a riotous romp through a fantasy land that's as absurd as it is amusing. The combination of zany humor, parodic elements, and lively animation style make it an engaging and entertaining experience. Despite its unfulfilled potentials and abrupt ending, Dragon Half and its unique characters remain fondly remembered by those who enjoy anime with a healthy dash of absurdity. Whether you watch it for the unique mix of humor and fantasy, for the intriguing premise of a dragon-human hybrid girl, or merely to experience a slice of early 90's anime, Dragon Half is sure to provide an amusing, fantastical ride.