Neither Studio Trigger nor its cofounder Hiroyuki Imaishi are strangers to anime fans. Having directed the irreverent “Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt” and the over-the-top “Gurenn Lagan”, Imaishi has made a name for himself with his work on stylishly unconventional media. Though neither as vulgar nor as action-packed as either work respectively, “Space Patrol Luluco” provided another notch on Imaishi's belt not just as director but as creator.
Luluco is a middle school student who yearns for a normal life. Unfortunately, living in Ogikubo- a district home to a variety of alien immigrants- renders normalcy a rarity for a young girl. When her father mistakenly consumes a pill that freezes him in a block of ice, Luluco must take her father's place in the Space Patrol. Falling in love with a fellow officer by the name of Nova, she fights intergalactic crime while trying to earn the affection of her crush.
The characters and plot are rather flat but thankfully take a backseat to comic amusement. Though the story is merely a platform for its humor, this is not a big issue considering the show's comedic strength. The familiar tropes that serve the scenario's basis accentuate the writing's unique absurdism. Further contributing to its entertainment, the jokes can come at a mile-a-minute at times. Despite each episode's short run time of 8 minutes, the rapid-fire punchlines and abnormal plots make them eventful. As well as this may work when consuming a few episodes at a time, the pace may leave viewers weary after extended viewing sessions.
The anime's most notable draw is the art direction which many laud Studio Trigger for. Nearly every frame bursts with eye-popping saturation. On top of that, facial expressions exaggerate, adding charm and personality to the visuals. The characters' line width varies not only within shots but between too. However, the dynamism does not stop with the characters. Interior scenes feature backgrounds that imitate color marker art that conveys a sense of comfort. Meanwhile, exterior shots of Ogikubo are estranged by the city's limited pallet and collage-like construction. Furthermore, other planets bare vastly different appearances as well. All in all, the show is a marvel to the eye that will consistently surprise viewers from episode to episode.
“Space Patrol Luluco” is a sight to behold with an emphasis on “sight”. Though the phrase “style over substance” is often used to downplay a material's quality, it is best not to undervalue the artistic worth of creative imagery in the medium of animation. Moreover, the show's structure is conducive to its visual priority. The short and sweet length of the episodes and series as a whole allow the series to focus on its animation. “Space Patrol Luluco” knows its strengths, and it is best watched by an audience who is willing to embrace these strong suits for their inherent worth. Although its simple characters and plot do not sustain lengthy viewings, its fast-paced humor and colorful eye-candy make for an entertaining watch albeit in small doses.
