A dynamic series that evolves into tension and complexity, "Blue Seed" offers a number of interesting characters, weighty themes, exciting action, and, at its core, a coming-of-age romantic drama.

Considering the series' age (1993), the animation is surprisingly vibrant. The colors are bold and its only major weakness is the visible video grain from the transfer. The designs of the Aragami monsters, although a constant plant variety, do become monotonous.

There are so many levels and variation to the story from ancient tales to science-fiction to obsessive love. The overall objective of the characters is to protect the human race. But the story takes its time developing the characters and brings in new and interesting additions in later episodes, changing the dynamic and adding tension and resolve. Momiji's main motivation of gaining Kusanagi's affection does get tiresome.

Momiji's English voice has a Valley girl twang and becomes gratingly high when she's upset. The translations are smooth without noticeable errors.

The menus are well laid out and offer music with each. Episode and the language selections are offered directly from the main screen. The chapter and episode selection layout is clean and easily recognizable.

Constant Momiji underwear shots and some strong violence, complete with shots of flying limbs in a later episode, may not be suitable for younger viewers.

Momiji's constant "Why me?!" questions and screams for Kusanagi exasperate very quickly. Learning that her long lost twin sister was killed, and being thrust into the position of defending the human race, warrants some self-pity. It's another thing when her moaning centers mainly around her crush on Kusanagi.

Once Momiji gets some confidence, with her discovery that she harbors mystical powers, she still whines but is empowered enough to hunt Aragami alone and to use herself as a shield in protecting others from Aragami attacks.

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