Anime Geek: The Slayers

The Slayers is an anime that came to the U.S. in 1995 that was originally created in Japan in 1989. The two main characters are Lina Inverse and Gourry Gabriev. Throughout the series they pick up companions, such as Zelgadis and Amelia. For those who are looking for the buxom and beautiful Naga you will have to wait for the second series to see her. She is not in this first series. 

Through all the wackiness and fighting there is actually a small plot. In the very beginning Lina destroys a camp of bandits and then loots their treasure. In all the loot Lina takes there is a statue and within the statue is the Philosopher’s stone. The Philosopher’s stone is supposed to magnify any magic user’s powers.

The Great Red Priest Rezo wants the stone so he can restore his eyesight. He sends all kinds of monsters and magic users after Lina, including Zelgadis who joins Lina and Gourry. Rezo does end up with the stone and tries to restore his eye sight, but in the process is destroyed when he releases the evil deity Shabranigdo who is bent on the destruction of the world. 

Lina, Gourry, and Zelgadis do defeat Shabranigdo, but the adventure doesn’t end there. The trio find out they have large bounties on their heads. Lina and Gourry discover they are wanted in Sairaag so they make their way to the city. They are fought every inch of the way by bounty hunters and magic users. Once in Sairaag they discover Rezo the Red Priest is still alive and wants them dead and he doesn’t care how much collateral damage he causes.

Now I can’t stress enough that this anime is old school. If your library of anime is less than five years old you’re going to have a difficult time getting into this series. I know I did. 

The art was excellent for twenty years ago. This was when all animation was done by hand. I appreciate that sort of thing. It took a lot of work back then to do all of the animation by hand.

The strength of this anime is its wackiness. The innuendos border on adult, but nothing riskier than a few boob jokes. Through all the jokes and light-heartedness there are moments where the series tries to take itself seriously, but honestly I feel the drama and power that it could have are lacking.

So if you are looking for a light-hearted action story this should do it for you. Just remember it is old school. Personally, I'm looking forward to watching the next series of Slayers.

Thanks to:

Slayers 20 years ~ Ly-Xu

SLAYERS ~ Spring Temari

Rezo ~ Lina-Inverse