The best part of the DVD release (at least the series I bought circa 2005) was a pop-up video style notes explaining obscure jokes and references, especially to Japanese culture.
I dunno, for my money, it was the complete nonsense anti-piracy message ADV put on there. "The Don't toucha my toot-toot pact" always gets a laugh from me.
Yes, and those were actually not included in the new Funimation release. So for anyone looking to purchase the show, I highly recommend you track down a copy of the Excel Saga Imperfect Collection box set for this very reason. As long as you can find it complete for a good price.
For those who didn't know (since Sage didn't mention it), the final episode of Excel Saga was banned in Japan for multiple reasons... but all were because the team at Excel Saga were trying to get it banned. The episode's title does imply this, but they tried to do many different things to make the episode unable to air on TV... including making the episode 1 minute longer than allotted airing time (forcing the episode to be unairable on Japanese TV).
One of my favorite things about Excel Saga is how it uses its own absurdity to actually hide from the audience how clever it is. It seems random, but it's not. Notice how, even with how fast and non sequitur a lot of the gags are, none of the cast goes out of character, and the internal rules the show creates for itself are never broken. And because the jokes come so quick, Nabeshin gets away with throwing in jokes that would otherwise cross a serious line in Japan, or blatantly mentions things in Japanese society that Just Aren't Talked About. True, he does this a lot more and more pointedly in Nerima Daikon Brothers, but Excel Saga was where he cultivated that skill. I could go on and on about this comedy, but a lot of the pure appeal was captured here. The rest, as was said, is best discovered for oneself.
True this. I'm pretty sure it's the only comedy series I've seen that makes a joke out of one episode *not being a comedy*... Instead of following the rules, I'd argue that they actually mutate them constantly, though. Just with plenty of lampshade hanging. It's kinda like playing a video game with all the dumb ridiculous cheats left on at the same time, forming it's own outsider art logic.
I LOVE Excel Saga too!! That POOR DOG!!! It also got me to buy Steel Angel Kurumi, which was a preview on Excel Saga DVD 1. I loved Steel Angel Kurumi too! Few people even talk about Steel Angel Kurumi though!
Omg I don't know who you are but we have to be friends now. I LOVE Steel Angel Kurumi. Even though dbz and Sailor Moon was the first anime I ever watched, Steel Angel Kurumi was the first anime that I knew was anime lol and it was just so wonderful to me and I was sad when it actually ended.
SAK is kinda meh that does not hold up well. It got by with its earworm OP theme, stunt voice casting, and riding the then current zeitgeist of the "robot maid" sub-genre. SAK2, however, deserves to be roasted by Sage, because that is pure garbage.
I was told a fascinating tidbit about Op singers Yumiko Kobayashi and Mikako Takahasi (aka The Excel Girls), that for the live Op music video (you can find on YT), the company not only made them do it, but also made them pay for it- it ain't recorded in no Production Studio, but something akin to a karaoke bar.
I have heard of the name of this anime for years but I think this is the first time actually seeing footage of it. It definately looks like off the wall fun.
John O ́neil Keep in mind, the second season ended December of 1999. Thus the motivation to pull all the stops. Episode 26 is all that needs to be said. However, trust me when I say this, save the best for last. There was a reason why ep. 25 went the way it did.
I always loved how even Excel's fantasies about Il Palazzo were backhanded and dismissive of her. Really, that whole "Rambo B-Movie" episode was absolute brilliance overall.
I've seen the series so often without skipping the intro, that I can sing the complete normal (short) version of the song as seen in most episodes, despite neither understanding the Japanse language nor generally liking Japanese music.
Oh, Excel Saga. It is easily my second favorite anime (FLCL being my favorite). It's a beautiful comedic smorgasbord of references, silliness, slapstick and utter, utter insanity. I can't tell you how much I love it. It really is a must-see for any anime fan. There's something in there for pretty much everyone.
One of the best quotes : In the name of the moon, I'm going to slap yo' butt! This is one of those animes that the dubbing was bad. But good bad that you can clearly hear that the voice cast had so much fun with it and went along with it. It's that kind of charm that you don't see much around now a days.
Big Guy and Rusty, Excel Saga, and now BLACK JACK? Three stone cold classics in a row. Which means... you might have something coming down the pipe that is going to be unfathomably stupid. Can’t wait.
Parents just cleaned out the attic. Came to visit and brought me all my old anime DVDs!!! Excel Saga and Cromartie High box sets. I had to look up some reviews on the tube. This is bringing me back to my childhood and for that… I thank you.
Oh yeah. I dare you to fix the live-action Transformers movie series by explosions. It won't-. *Michael Bay's house explodes with him in it* ... I stand corrected.
No that's not how you're supposed to do it it's supposed to fill it in with cement because of all the giant plot holes that happened to be in the story then you fill the cracks of the story with good story concrete and I totally makes more sense than explosions totally
From the ones I've seen, ADV did pretty well with their dubs: Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi, Martian Successor Nadesico, Welcome to the NHK, RahXephon, Chrono Crusade, Full Metal Panic, Kurau Phantom Memory and the gag dub of Ghost Stories.
Excel Saga can be annoying at times, but the scene with the dog swimming down a flooded street barking Ode to Joy was one of the funniest goddamn things I have ever seen.
1:48Excel Saga was the anime that showed me that video/dvd rental stores were pretty much dead. I could either hire the first three volumes (of six total) on a three nigh hire for five AUD each from the video rental place. OR, I could go to the library branch just a five minute walk from that rental store, and borrow all six of them for one week for FREE (I didn't see them in the library until a few weeks after I rented them from the video place)
Excel Saga from 1999. It was hilarious...so many aspects made me laugh so hard... Excel's incompetence, her dog looking like a cat, 4th wall breaking, the appearance of the director...talk about comedy gold. This anime is super good even today.
Duuuuude! You finally did it! This is one of my favorites too. I first saw the series in my early 20s but holy damn did it crack me up. Such a funny show. Right on!
The big fight Pedro gets into that parodied DBZ and the part where the antagonist takes off his shoe I will never forget, so good. Nice final clip of excel at 18:35
"No one wants to watch a second time." I... specifically bought a second copy BECAUSE I wanted to watch it again, and my last copy had the second disc stolen out of it.
The best part of the ADV DVDs was the "Pop-Up Video: subtitle screen that explained all of the cultural references. Excel Saga is not for anime newcomers. Nor is it for younger fans whose gateway series was post One Piece or Naruto. The more you know of the old school anime, the more you will enjoy this series.
Colleywoodstudios Kicking computer viruses off our desktops was all part of the adventure! How my comp didn't melt from all the game ROMS I'll never know.
**Nabeshin smile** I approve it! Edit: Also is it bad that even now as an adult, whenever something super unfortunate happens in life I hear Pedro's "Por Que?"
Sage! You finally reviewed it! My tears they fall like water falls! I love this show. One of my anime buddys back in the day lent it to me. My boss and I will sing the outro song together. That last episode is intense.
I remember renting the dvd collecting the first four or five episodes of this from the new Movie Gallery that had just opened in my home town in the early 2000s, along with the first four episodes of the original Helsing anime, Knights of Ramune (please review this someday!), and Princess Mononoke. I was a young teenager just getting deeper into anime after religiously watching the Toonami line-up for the past 3-4 years. The Movie Gallery would be gone within 4 years, but I still have fond memories of being introduced to new anime, both good and bad, thanks to them
Ah, Excel Saga. I remember when I brought it to my high school Japanese class to watch it subbed (the teacher would sometimes bring in Japanese media to help us learn the language and accepted contributions from his students). We only got through a few episodes before class ended and the next day he asked me not to bring it in again because it was in his words "a bit much".
What I find REALLY funny about Excel Saga is that it has a parody of Gungirls... before that was actually an anime. An entire episode that serves as a perfect parody and hole in that anime's premise. (Gun Girls is about Child aged girls serving as assassins for the government who use their child appearance to go unnoticed)
did you stay sane though? Or do you sometimes have lapses where you recall an incident from the anime and you giggle yourself silly... That's how you know you're gone.
This was my go to series back in high school. I even got my dvd signed by Nabeshin himself. I can actually thank you Sage for helping me get the more obscure anime references with your reviews. Great episode, dude.
My favorite comedy skit is Excel daydreaming about her and Lord Il Palazzo in a stylized meadow. I actually forget what all happens, but it nearly makes me hyperventilate in laughter!
The problem with that "This is how you make a Gary Stu" That's the problem with most Gary/Mary Stu's most writers don't know that they've made one untill the aduiance informes them, and then are in denile for forever after if they can't take critisim.
True, but there are other anime that are as self aware as Excel Saga. Kogarashi from Kamen no Maid Guy is basically invincible and is given new random superpowers every episode, but the series is driven by him using his powers to "help" his master with no self-awareness for the hell he is putting everyone through. Hayate from Hayate the Combat Butler does it too where even the other characters know that he can do basically anything and compare him to a Gundam, but the universe hates him and he needs to be a Gary Stu just to survive all the crap that gets thrown his way.
Gary Stu /Mary Sue is fine if they don't mind being part of the joke (One Punch Man, for example). It just sucks if they are too serious and demands us to take them seriously (Captain Marvel = if you don't like me, you're misogynist'). Are they there to give the audience a good laugh, to entertain the audience? Or are they there to... impose their 'superiority' or 'spread the message', self-glorifying but patronizing the audience?
How come this anime from early 00's has better art style than most modern anime? Look how awesome Excel herself is drawn. Her eyes, her hair... so shiny and awesome. Compared to her, most modern anime girls don't look... as anime-like as she does.
I need to re-watch this series. I originally watched it over my brothers shoulder in Japanese. And I could only follow so much until I went to do my own thing. The dog is still my favorite character.
Great stuff. I just wish you went into some of the stuff like that opening or that ending or that poor dog or that scientist that likes to stay at the playground or the robogirls or that the final arc is played straight or the neighbor romance or...yeah I get why you wouldn't...not enough time
I'm not an Anime nut by any means. I own a few OVA and I see a new show about once a year. This is the only complete series I own on DVD. A buddy of mine let it too me back on the mid 2000s. It was love at first sight. I ran out and bought it at my first given opportunity. To this day I threaten to eat my dog at least a few times a week. PS: Kazzaa
Always a guilty pleasure watching and even with the snipits of this video I chuckled It is a anime that can put a smile on your face and you don’t know why
I LOVE Excel Saga! It was one of the first anime I saw and I had a great time watching it. I have a Menchi doll and got to meet and get autographs from both the English voice actresses for Excel and Hayate. In fact Excel’s voice actress (her first voice actress Jessica Calvello) was surprised I had it because I looked so young. And holy cow you’re going to review the Black Jack OVA’s!? This is going to be AWESOME!
they also have some gasphon figures. excel saga gasphon: img00.deviantart.net/985b/i/2009/345/7/d/excel_saga_gashapon_collection_by_gunarmdyne.jpg and Excel Saga: WHITE Nishiki Ropponmatsu 1/8 Scale PVC Figure sep.yimg.com/ca/I/animebooks-com_2271_2392984645.jpg
This was the first not “Saturday morning cartoon” anime I ever saw. I was barely 11 and my parents rented it for me and my brother cos it looked like “something we would enjoy”. I was immediately hooked it’s the best, in this essay I will-
Bennet, I came across the channel again by happenstance, and WOW did you slim down. I had to jump back to the Angel Blade (ft. Suave) just to confirm, and for as much as I like Excel Saga, the sudden jump is distracting. Well done!
I honestly couldn't take more than five minutes of the dub. The Japanese language track however is pure comedic gold. And the entire series is available for free on youtube. Both Subbed and Dubbed.
There's only a couple of opinions that I don't share with you, and the first is that I don't find Excel obnoxious, but really endearing. She's laser focused on her "job", but unlucky as hell; she's madly in love with her boss, but she doesn't have a chance; she's beautiful and sexy, but completely unaware of it; she's dirt-poor, but full of optimism; she's young, but completely out of touch with technology. You really feel for her, and want her to succeed. I've never seen a character like her, before or since. The other thing is that the manga is really, really good, and I wouldn't trade it for the anime: they complement each other very well, but the real heart of Excel Saga is the manga. In the anime, laughs often come from the fluid nonsensical animations and the breakneck speed of the dialogue and the throwaway gags; Koshi Rikudo's sense of humour in the manga is way more subtle, but very smart.
I started buying the DVDs when they first came out, though only the first 2. I know some where i still have that Across membership card that came with one of the DVDs. Along with that Menchi grill that they made.
Oh my God! Excel Saga! I think that was probably the third anime I Limewired back in the day (The first two being Outlaw Star and Hyper Police). The second I saw it at an anime convention, I bought it right then and there, same with Outlaw Star luckily enough. And the episode where they play it straight was just phenomenally good and so heartbreaking.
I think I first saw this show on the anime network when we had that channel for free for a few months, This has always been one of my all time favorites also since I saw it, and I have rarely heard anyone else seeing it, but I always try to show my friends.
I quite found your channel by accident. You do some good work on your anime reviews. I would love, love to see you review Kino's Journey. I found myself getting into it, after my mom's death. It'll give you a break from the Tentacles and Tiddies you usually review.
Shaman Xeed I would argue Gintama is the better comedy. The delivery doesn't rely on horrendous shrieking to be funny, and the "lol randumb" humor is not as bad. Not to mention it actually has something of a story to make binge watching more enjoyable. This isn't saying Excel Saga is bad, but rather that it's not as well rounded and written. Also Gintoki is a way more interesting protagonist that doesn't rely on you hating him as a character for you to want him to be karmically punished when he deserves it.
No, that would imply pop team epic wasn't absolute shit. Excel Saga actually has good production values, actors, and jokes. Excel Saga is more like Monty Python. Pop Team Epic is like UA-cam Poop.
"What the hell do you want, Excel?" "I. Love. You. So. Fuck. Ing. Much." I haven't watched Excel Saga in years, and I had forgotten about that. And now my keyboard is covered in my lunch from the spit-take. Thanks for that.
This review can only go three ways:
1) Tell a lie
2) Tell the truth
3) Put it in
So underrated! I love that reference :D
I believe #3 is a choice we can all get behind ... As in the butt
I’m sorry if I don’t get it but what’s the reference again
@@rossenator101 The options in the mobile dating game from Excel Saga Episode 4.
The best part of the DVD release (at least the series I bought circa 2005) was a pop-up video style notes explaining obscure jokes and references, especially to Japanese culture.
Yeah and it's the only comedy anime to do that, unfortunately.
I dunno, for my money, it was the complete nonsense anti-piracy message ADV put on there. "The Don't toucha my toot-toot pact" always gets a laugh from me.
I had a paranoia agent collection that did the same. Thought it was really cool.
It seems like the UA-cam variant of mst3k when they explain the references that Joel and his robot friends state...
Yes, and those were actually not included in the new Funimation release. So for anyone looking to purchase the show, I highly recommend you track down a copy of the Excel Saga Imperfect Collection box set for this very reason. As long as you can find it complete for a good price.
For those who didn't know (since Sage didn't mention it), the final episode of Excel Saga was banned in Japan for multiple reasons... but all were because the team at Excel Saga were trying to get it banned. The episode's title does imply this, but they tried to do many different things to make the episode unable to air on TV... including making the episode 1 minute longer than allotted airing time (forcing the episode to be unairable on Japanese TV).
Really that's the only reason because I was really sure had something to do with hentai really not that
One of my favorite things about Excel Saga is how it uses its own absurdity to actually hide from the audience how clever it is. It seems random, but it's not. Notice how, even with how fast and non sequitur a lot of the gags are, none of the cast goes out of character, and the internal rules the show creates for itself are never broken. And because the jokes come so quick, Nabeshin gets away with throwing in jokes that would otherwise cross a serious line in Japan, or blatantly mentions things in Japanese society that Just Aren't Talked About. True, he does this a lot more and more pointedly in Nerima Daikon Brothers, but Excel Saga was where he cultivated that skill. I could go on and on about this comedy, but a lot of the pure appeal was captured here. The rest, as was said, is best discovered for oneself.
True this. I'm pretty sure it's the only comedy series I've seen that makes a joke out of one episode *not being a comedy*... Instead of following the rules, I'd argue that they actually mutate them constantly, though. Just with plenty of lampshade hanging. It's kinda like playing a video game with all the dumb ridiculous cheats left on at the same time, forming it's own outsider art logic.
But he did got huge flacking when Excel comes out.
I LOVE Excel Saga too!! That POOR DOG!!! It also got me to buy Steel Angel Kurumi, which was a preview on Excel Saga DVD 1. I loved Steel Angel Kurumi too! Few people even talk about Steel Angel Kurumi though!
Omg I don't know who you are but we have to be friends now. I LOVE Steel Angel Kurumi. Even though dbz and Sailor Moon was the first anime I ever watched, Steel Angel Kurumi was the first anime that I knew was anime lol and it was just so wonderful to me and I was sad when it actually ended.
I still need to try me some menchi :P
I haven't watched Kurumi in forever. I'd be curious to look back at it again, but my tastes have changed significantly since I did~
SAK is kinda meh that does not hold up well. It got by with its earworm OP theme, stunt voice casting, and riding the then current zeitgeist of the "robot maid" sub-genre. SAK2, however, deserves to be roasted by Sage, because that is pure garbage.
they actually EAT the dog???? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Pedro's tears fall like waterfalls!!
I was told a fascinating tidbit about Op singers Yumiko Kobayashi and Mikako Takahasi (aka The Excel Girls), that for the live Op music video (you can find on YT), the company not only made them do it, but also made them pay for it- it ain't recorded in no Production Studio, but something akin to a karaoke bar.
I have heard of the name of this anime for years but I think this is the first time actually seeing footage of it. It definately looks like off the wall fun.
Oh it is! Along with a very generous helping of mind-breaking sanity too, mmmmm, insanity.
John O ́neil Keep in mind, the second season ended December of 1999. Thus the motivation to pull all the stops.
Episode 26 is all that needs to be said. However, trust me when I say this, save the best for last. There was a reason why ep. 25 went the way it did.
Just be ready to say wtf all the time lol
Off the wall, up the wall, through the wall... The fun levels are to be had.
buddsbuddha _BREAK THE WALLS DOWN!!!!_
Excel Saga was a really good capstone to 90's anime. Really captures and celebrates something.
Limewire for life.
Watched it via a VPN on Hulu
Lifewire.
Terry Gat My dude, hi five!
Terry Gat Hell yeah!
My brother.
Excel Saga is so crazy and stupid as hell...
And it is _glorious._
You nailed it !
I always loved how even Excel's fantasies about Il Palazzo were backhanded and dismissive of her.
Really, that whole "Rambo B-Movie" episode was absolute brilliance overall.
I love the way she said "I love you so fuck-ing much" to that drawing she did of him
And then you reach the episode of the rock star and realize he does likes her and is as mentally insane as her.
I'd also say that the opening theme song to ES is probably one of the best in anime history
easily. it's one of the few i just let play instead of skipping it.
I've seen the series so often without skipping the intro, that I can sing the complete normal (short) version of the song as seen in most episodes, despite neither understanding the Japanse language nor generally liking Japanese music.
I can't help but to sing along to it
And it was done by Shinichi Watanabe (Nabeshin).
SORE WA AI JANAAAAAAAI
Oh, Excel Saga. It is easily my second favorite anime (FLCL being my favorite). It's a beautiful comedic smorgasbord of references, silliness, slapstick and utter, utter insanity. I can't tell you how much I love it. It really is a must-see for any anime fan. There's something in there for pretty much everyone.
Wow Fooly Cooly fans like Excel Saga
I should buy the Excel Girls gone wild dvd boxset again
One of the best quotes : In the name of the moon, I'm going to slap yo' butt!
This is one of those animes that the dubbing was bad. But good bad that you can clearly hear that the voice cast had so much fun with it and went along with it. It's that kind of charm that you don't see much around now a days.
We need more Gag Dubs.
I can't hate Excel's dub voice, it just fits too well with her character.
Jessica Calvello is a treasure.
She was also Rip Van Winkle in Hellsing Ultimate Abridged.
Yes, the Team Fourstar work.
My favorite was "there's been a homocide on yaoi st" or something along those lines. The word play was....juvenile perfection.
Too bad about that throat injury. But now she's Hange Zoe.
Big Guy and Rusty, Excel Saga, and now BLACK JACK?
Three stone cold classics in a row. Which means... you might have something coming down the pipe that is going to be unfathomably stupid. Can’t wait.
And I actually am afraid to know what that anime is going to be....god help us all
He HATED the ending to black jack according to his Twitter feed
It's gonna be Suave's review of Bible Black dubbed version, isn't it?
Parents just cleaned out the attic. Came to visit and brought me all my old anime DVDs!!! Excel Saga and Cromartie High box sets. I had to look up some reviews on the tube. This is bringing me back to my childhood and for that… I thank you.
Explosions fix everything
Roy S. Oh hi Michael Bay
Nabisheen was fixing things with explosions since before Bay was even out of film school...
Oh yeah. I dare you to fix the live-action Transformers movie series by explosions. It won't-.
*Michael Bay's house explodes with him in it*
... I stand corrected.
No that's not how you're supposed to do it it's supposed to fill it in with cement because of all the giant plot holes that happened to be in the story then you fill the cracks of the story with good story concrete and I totally makes more sense than explosions totally
Mr. Pedro, the greatest tragic hero in all of anime.
From the ones I've seen, ADV did pretty well with their dubs: Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi, Martian Successor Nadesico, Welcome to the NHK, RahXephon, Chrono Crusade, Full Metal Panic, Kurau Phantom Memory and the gag dub of Ghost Stories.
The anime version of Monty Python's "Complete Waste of Time".
The Fightin' Hobbit But worth the price of admission.
Excel Saga can be annoying at times, but the scene with the dog swimming down a flooded street barking Ode to Joy was one of the funniest goddamn things I have ever seen.
1:48Excel Saga was the anime that showed me that video/dvd rental stores were pretty much dead. I could either hire the first three volumes (of six total) on a three nigh hire for five AUD each from the video rental place. OR, I could go to the library branch just a five minute walk from that rental store, and borrow all six of them for one week for FREE (I didn't see them in the library until a few weeks after I rented them from the video place)
will you ever review BOBOBOBOBOBOBOBOBOBBOBOBOBO Bennett?
THIS. So much this.
Yes, yes, yes!!
How do go by that anyway
I DEMAND TO BE BEYOND CONFUSED.
Featuring Bobobo Bo-bo Bobo?
I like how it pokes fun at various animes.
Excel Saga from 1999. It was hilarious...so many aspects made me laugh so hard... Excel's incompetence, her dog looking like a cat, 4th wall breaking, the appearance of the director...talk about comedy gold. This anime is super good even today.
Duuuuude! You finally did it! This is one of my favorites too. I first saw the series in my early 20s but holy damn did it crack me up. Such a funny show. Right on!
Now to sit back and wait till you have to survive Pumi Pumi Poemy.
oh my god that will be glorious.
Why oh why was it only 2 episodes?😢
He won't. Hell _I_ barely survived it.
Nobody watches puni puni poemy and comes out the same.
Hopefully When Sage does puni puni poemy, It won't kill him.
I first saw Excel Saga in AMV Hell.
Cypher Oh my God I remember seeing Excel in that a lot, too. I think it's what finally got me to watch it after hearing about it for so long.
SAME
Same!
Gentlemen behold corn
I first saw Excel Saga in an old AMV called “The Upper Echelon”.
I haven't watched your channel in a while! It's about time you talked about Excel Saga!
"OW THAT HURT! YOU MAKE-A ME BLEED!"
That line will never, ever, EVER fail to make me hurt my ribs laughing.
The big fight Pedro gets into that parodied DBZ and the part where the antagonist takes off his shoe I will never forget, so good. Nice final clip of excel at 18:35
"No one wants to watch a second time."
I... specifically bought a second copy BECAUSE I wanted to watch it again, and my last copy had the second disc stolen out of it.
Excell Saga, the Pop Team Epic of the early 2000's
"I fucking love you so much" that's what Amy feels ever time she...does something while thinking about Sonic
Ah, Jessica Cavello your screeming in the role of Excell-Excell was priceless!!
The best part of the ADV DVDs was the "Pop-Up Video: subtitle screen that explained all of the cultural references.
Excel Saga is not for anime newcomers. Nor is it for younger fans whose gateway series was post One Piece or Naruto. The more you know of the old school anime, the more you will enjoy this series.
K your so cool
CLAN LIME WIRE STILL STANDS!!!... okay no we dont but still we all have fond memories of giving our computers aids for some music lol
Colleywoodstudios Kicking computer viruses off our desktops was all part of the adventure!
How my comp didn't melt from all the game ROMS I'll never know.
tailgunner2 indeed. I've lost one laptop to BitTorrent and a second to idm
**Nabeshin smile**
I approve it!
Edit: Also is it bad that even now as an adult, whenever something super unfortunate happens in life I hear Pedro's "Por Que?"
Sage! You finally reviewed it! My tears they fall like water falls! I love this show. One of my anime buddys back in the day lent it to me. My boss and I will sing the outro song together. That last episode is intense.
I was on Team Limewire, but only because Morpheus and WinMX died horrible deaths.
Zelkiiro god I miss those file sharing services.
I was a Kazaa addict, my only woe was the AOHELL dial-up connection at the time. (1999-2002)
I remember feeling like a space-man when we upgraded to 56k. Songs download in only 15 minutes instead of 30 minutes!
Zelkiiro remember having to use a download manager? Don't forget to set the downloads up before going to bed!
Zelkiiro good old WinMX...
Welp, this thread is where old people talking.
I am one and yes I know what down load manager and the sound of death of phone modem
Yes! This was one of my favorite series. I haven’t watched it in forever, but way back I had saved up to get the box set. I still have it.
I remember renting the dvd collecting the first four or five episodes of this from the new Movie Gallery that had just opened in my home town in the early 2000s, along with the first four episodes of the original Helsing anime, Knights of Ramune (please review this someday!), and Princess Mononoke. I was a young teenager just getting deeper into anime after religiously watching the Toonami line-up for the past 3-4 years.
The Movie Gallery would be gone within 4 years, but I still have fond memories of being introduced to new anime, both good and bad, thanks to them
I've been a fan for years now, Bennett. And you've delivered again. Good taste as always, also a favorite of mine. Thanks for doing what you do.
Ah, Excel Saga. I remember when I brought it to my high school Japanese class to watch it subbed (the teacher would sometimes bring in Japanese media to help us learn the language and accepted contributions from his students). We only got through a few episodes before class ended and the next day he asked me not to bring it in again because it was in his words "a bit much".
I binge watched it and I loved it all!!! You got great taste sage!!!
POOR PEDRO!!!?
I remember seeing a warning label on the DVD box set saying if nothing in this anime offends you there's something wrong with you
What I find REALLY funny about Excel Saga is that it has a parody of Gungirls... before that was actually an anime. An entire episode that serves as a perfect parody and hole in that anime's premise. (Gun Girls is about Child aged girls serving as assassins for the government who use their child appearance to go unnoticed)
God I loved this show. I still remember nabushi's "afro song" from one of the dvd's menu's.
I binged watched the entire series, I survived hahaha
I hope your iq didn't drop from binge watching Excel Excel
did you stay sane though?
Or do you sometimes have lapses where you recall an incident from the anime and you giggle yourself silly... That's how you know you're gone.
This was my go to series back in high school. I even got my dvd signed by Nabeshin himself. I can actually thank you Sage for helping me get the more obscure anime references with your reviews. Great episode, dude.
Whoa. That was fast
My favorite comedy skit is Excel daydreaming about her and Lord Il Palazzo in a stylized meadow. I actually forget what all happens, but it nearly makes me hyperventilate in laughter!
The problem with that "This is how you make a Gary Stu" That's the problem with most Gary/Mary Stu's most writers don't know that they've made one untill the aduiance informes them, and then are in denile for forever after if they can't take critisim.
True, but there are other anime that are as self aware as Excel Saga. Kogarashi from Kamen no Maid Guy is basically invincible and is given new random superpowers every episode, but the series is driven by him using his powers to "help" his master with no self-awareness for the hell he is putting everyone through. Hayate from Hayate the Combat Butler does it too where even the other characters know that he can do basically anything and compare him to a Gundam, but the universe hates him and he needs to be a Gary Stu just to survive all the crap that gets thrown his way.
Gary Stu /Mary Sue is fine if they don't mind being part of the joke (One Punch Man, for example).
It just sucks if they are too serious and demands us to take them seriously (Captain Marvel = if you don't like me, you're misogynist').
Are they there to give the audience a good laugh, to entertain the audience?
Or are they there to... impose their 'superiority' or 'spread the message', self-glorifying but patronizing the audience?
Omg another review so soon.... hot damn! Thank you Sage!
While I still can't stand dubs, I do love Excel Saga and seeing it here being recommended is great!
Now I await your views on Puni Puni Poemi.
How come this anime from early 00's has better art style than most modern anime?
Look how awesome Excel herself is drawn. Her eyes, her hair... so shiny and awesome. Compared to her, most modern anime girls don't look... as anime-like as she does.
Anime of the Century
I need to re-watch this series. I originally watched it over my brothers shoulder in Japanese. And I could only follow so much until I went to do my own thing. The dog is still my favorite character.
There's another anime done by the same studio/director , this time it's a school girl who is also a magical girl, Puni Puni Poemy.
Full Metal Panic Fumoffu does the parody gag humor pretty well without becoming annoying.
And Fumoffu is almost one-tenth as funny as Excel Saga. Almost.
Nope, it's actually better. Now fuck off kindly :)
Perhaps it is better later on. The first episode of Fumoffu was so bad I never watched any more.
It's got one big problem, though: Kaname. She's a total bitch.
Love Excel Saga to bits. Rewatching it from time to time and I still find something new.
Nabe-Sen was also in Nerima Daikon Brothers.
And diakon was amazing
I died laughing at the Michael Jackson parody
DiscipleofPentagon dude that was the best portyrayl of Jackson
Picked this anime up randomly at HMV over a decade ago.
Great stuff. I just wish you went into some of the stuff like that opening or that ending or that poor dog or that scientist that likes to stay at the playground or the robogirls or that the final arc is played straight or the neighbor romance or...yeah I get why you wouldn't...not enough time
Stupid fact : The main characters are named after Hotel chains.
I'm not an Anime nut by any means. I own a few OVA and I see a new show about once a year. This is the only complete series I own on DVD. A buddy of mine let it too me back on the mid 2000s. It was love at first sight. I ran out and bought it at my first given opportunity. To this day I threaten to eat my dog at least a few times a week.
PS: Kazzaa
Always a guilty pleasure watching and even with the snipits of this video I chuckled
It is a anime that can put a smile on your face and you don’t know why
Excel Saga was one of the first anime I watched and I think it created my love of the super wacky anime shows.
I LOVE Excel Saga! It was one of the first anime I saw and I had a great time watching it. I have a Menchi doll and got to meet and get autographs from both the English voice actresses for Excel and Hayate. In fact Excel’s voice actress (her first voice actress Jessica Calvello) was surprised I had it because I looked so young. And holy cow you’re going to review the Black Jack OVA’s!? This is going to be AWESOME!
So Excel is pretty much female Japanese Deadpool?
Dylan Tennant surprisingly accurate
Oh God. Your right. Just subtract Deadpools cool factor. That is scary.
Nah, that would imply she gets shit done.
Then fast forward to a few years back, when you got Deadpool appearing in the anime tie-in to Marvel Disk Wars.
Zachary Erickson but she does run her mouth, make fourth wall jokes, and killed her creator, like Deadpool.
Back in 2010 me and my cousin found this gem of a show and watched all 26 episodes. Best. Summer. Of. My. Life.
I got all ADV Excel Saga DVDs! $25 a pop! I got them back in the mid 2000s!
Good
I bought Excel Saga the dvd box set for 20 bucks
Lol, i bought them all one by one for that price too! Remember all the Menchi merchandise?
nope
they also have some gasphon figures.
excel saga gasphon:
img00.deviantart.net/985b/i/2009/345/7/d/excel_saga_gashapon_collection_by_gunarmdyne.jpg
and
Excel Saga: WHITE Nishiki Ropponmatsu 1/8 Scale PVC Figure
sep.yimg.com/ca/I/animebooks-com_2271_2392984645.jpg
When I get married I'm not going to collect anything. Not a thing. Just a few comics.
This was the first not “Saturday morning cartoon” anime I ever saw. I was barely 11 and my parents rented it for me and my brother cos it looked like “something we would enjoy”. I was immediately hooked it’s the best, in this essay I will-
*Quack Experimental Anime XD 😂😂😂*
I mean technically the Excel Saga does continue in Puni Puni Poemi.
Oh and if like Excel, do check out Miami Guns which is basically proto Excel Saga.
Didn't the voice actor for Excel also voice Keio from Keio Flying Squadron on the Sega Saturn.
Keio Flying Squadron is on Sega CD. Keio Flying Squadron 2 is the one on Saturn.
Bennet, I came across the channel again by happenstance, and WOW did you slim down. I had to jump back to the Angel Blade (ft. Suave) just to confirm, and for as much as I like Excel Saga, the sudden jump is distracting. Well done!
I honestly couldn't take more than five minutes of the dub. The Japanese language track however is pure comedic gold.
And the entire series is available for free on youtube. Both Subbed and Dubbed.
Hello anime Pinky and the Brain!
And if you're old enough to get that joke, you'll love this series!
Haaaaaaaaiiiiiiilllllll Il Pallazoooooo!!!!
There's only a couple of opinions that I don't share with you, and the first is that I don't find Excel obnoxious, but really endearing. She's laser focused on her "job", but unlucky as hell; she's madly in love with her boss, but she doesn't have a chance; she's beautiful and sexy, but completely unaware of it; she's dirt-poor, but full of optimism; she's young, but completely out of touch with technology. You really feel for her, and want her to succeed. I've never seen a character like her, before or since. The other thing is that the manga is really, really good, and I wouldn't trade it for the anime: they complement each other very well, but the real heart of Excel Saga is the manga. In the anime, laughs often come from the fluid nonsensical animations and the breakneck speed of the dialogue and the throwaway gags; Koshi Rikudo's sense of humour in the manga is way more subtle, but very smart.
EXCEL SAGA SO GOOOOOOOOOD! :-)
I started buying the DVDs when they first came out, though only the first 2. I know some where i still have that Across membership card that came with one of the DVDs. Along with that Menchi grill that they made.
You've forgot e-mule ;-)
Oh my God! Excel Saga! I think that was probably the third anime I Limewired back in the day (The first two being Outlaw Star and Hyper Police). The second I saw it at an anime convention, I bought it right then and there, same with Outlaw Star luckily enough. And the episode where they play it straight was just phenomenally good and so heartbreaking.
HAIL ILPALAZZO
I think I first saw this show on the anime network when we had that channel for free for a few months, This has always been one of my all time favorites also since I saw it, and I have rarely heard anyone else seeing it, but I always try to show my friends.
*OMG YES EXEL SAGA!!!! Poyo!!!
I love this damn series. As soon as I saw you made a video about it I had to click XD
Dammit I want to see Excel crossover with Deadpool now...
THAT is one movie I'd pay to see!!
I think Deadpool would be in over his head on that one.
I quite found your channel by accident. You do some good work on your anime reviews. I would love, love to see you review Kino's Journey. I found myself getting into it, after my mom's death. It'll give you a break from the Tentacles and Tiddies you usually review.
so is Excel Saga like a proto Gintama?
Excel Saga is a spoof of Britney Spears
NO
Shaman Xeed I would argue Gintama is the better comedy. The delivery doesn't rely on horrendous shrieking to be funny, and the "lol randumb" humor is not as bad. Not to mention it actually has something of a story to make binge watching more enjoyable. This isn't saying Excel Saga is bad, but rather that it's not as well rounded and written. Also Gintoki is a way more interesting protagonist that doesn't rely on you hating him as a character for you to want him to be karmically punished when he deserves it.
@@LatteDragon but if there's no excel saga there will be no other absurd 4th wall breaking crazy anime
The whole bit with the dog and how it plays into the ending theme, was mainly what got me aboard with this show.
WHAT ABOUT POOR PEDRO!?!?!
His wife turned into Nadie Fuentes
Than you Sage i have wanted you to do Excel Saga for years it honeatly got me into anime
It was the Pop Team Epic of it's day.
Pop Team Epic is trash though.
you just hating @level 69 Jizz Wizard
OR, or..I watched it and found it to be total shit.
If you like excel or pop check out daikon Bros
No, that would imply pop team epic wasn't absolute shit. Excel Saga actually has good production values, actors, and jokes. Excel Saga is more like Monty Python. Pop Team Epic is like UA-cam Poop.
"What the hell do you want, Excel?"
"I. Love. You. So. Fuck. Ing. Much."
I haven't watched Excel Saga in years, and I had forgotten about that. And now my keyboard is covered in my lunch from the spit-take. Thanks for that.
Kazaa in my case
The theme song is gonna be something that always sticks with me about this series. One of a few anime opening I've actually got on my music list.