Anime Review by Jeff Anglea
Posted: March 2002

Critic Score: B+

Om Shura Sowaka!

"The best and most underappreciated anime ever made..." - Arcadia's Shulato Shrine

"Tenkû Senki Shurato," or "Legend of Heavenly Sphere Shurato," is a story based on Hindu and Buddhist mythology. "Shurato" is a spiritual tail of good against evil. It's a wonderful story about friendship, camaraderie and betrayal. I recommend watching episode 1-25 ONLY and here's why.

I was fortunate to have been able to watch this anime when it began in 1989. "Shurato" was released towards the end of popular shows like "Saint Seiya" and "Yoroiden Samurai Troopers" (a.k.a. "Ronin Warriors"). By that time, mythology-based anime with warriors donning enchanted armor had already reached its peak.

Toys, models, and other merchandise were made but unfortunately they did not sell. Consequently these factors weighed heavily on production. After episode 25 the animation began to lose it's quality and viewers like myself lost interest.

The anime has three chapters. Episode 1-25 tells the story of how Shurato and Hyûga try to convince the Deva clan that they did not attack Vishnu. The episodes are very dramatic and full of action. Episode 26-35 is about the great battle between the Deva clan and the evil Asura clan, which in all fairness had a decent storyline, but this is where the animation goes downhill. Episode 36-38 are followups to the entire series. One character gets married and another battles against an evil sohma (life force) within. The last three episodes aren't too bad but I wish the producers of "Shurato" ended the series at episode 25. Oh well...

Personally, I love "Shurato" and feel that the anime did not gain the popularity it deserved. The first chapter is definitely worth watching.