They're back, and they've returned to their old ways. Kurumi remains the faithful servant of Nakahito, doing anything and everything it takes to please him. Saki's still in love with her sister for all the wrong reasons, and Karinka is just as bratty as ever. Steel Angel Kurumi Encore is a direct continuation of where Steel Angel Kurumi leaves off, so it's obviously catered to people who watched and enjoyed Steel Angel Kurumi and who crave for their next fix of Steel Angel cuteness. With that said, you'll probably want to sit through the first season of Steel Angel Kurumi before jumping into Encore, butto be honest it doesn't really make too much of a difference. While Steel Angel Kurumi Encore does indeed pick up where Steel Angel Kurumi left off, it doesn't really spoil the events of the first season much--if at all. Encore almost feels like a spin-off, where characters are put in situations that you would never expect to see while watching the first season, and in a way that's exactly what it is. None of the characters seem to have matured very much considering what just happened at the end of the first season, and everyone seems to have settled into their old grooves rather easily. Encore mostly works to provide fans with some of the old playful Steel Angel Kurumi charm that dominated the first half of season one. This is what I enjoyed about Encore, because personally I wanted to see how all of the characters were doing after the ending of the first season, and apparently they're doing just fine--better than fine, really. Saki becomes a film actress in a matter of days, which has to be a first for a Steel Angel. Besides that, Kurumi and Nakahito seem to have gotten closer, and Kamihito is probably on screen more in the four short episodes of Encore than he was in the entirety of Steel Angel Kurumi. Speaking of which, Encore keeps the tradition going with each episode only being fifteen minutes in length. With only four episodes, Encore is the type of anime that you have to watch with your eyes wide open, because if you blink you'll miss it.
Even though the stories in each episode were short, I enjoyed every last one of them. It was just plain fun to see all of the characters back at their typical routine of arguing with each other and pining for one another. This is what I thought Steel Angel Kurumi should be all about. Forget the storyline; this is a robot maid anime we're talking about. Just give me humorous situations and quirky characters for my enjoyment, and I won't say a word. Steel Angel Kurumi is just the kind of anime that even if you could take seriously, you don't want to take seriously. Encore helped Steel Angel Kurumi feel fun again, so in turn I was able to have fun again. Episode four--or twenty-eight, depending on how you look at it--was easily my favorite episode of Encore. It was entirely nonsensical, but it was also entirely fun to watch. Seeing a bunch of women compete for a kiss from the shy and young Nakahito was a lot more enjoyable to watch than you would think. Kurumi trying to become a traditional Japanese woman was also rather interesting. I found it funny how the most powerful Steel Angel on the planet--faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, and able to leap tall buildings in a single bound--has a total meltdown when she tries to become a prim and proper Japanese housewife. Now I know Kurumi's limits, and I also shed a tear for Japanese housewives everywhere. Like I said before, none of the stories really felt like they could fit into the storyline of Steel Angel Kurumi, but that's part of what makes Encore worth watching. It's too bad that, with Encore being so short, it had the misfortune of ending abruptly and leaving a bad taste in my mouth because of it. I was thirsty for more Steel Angel Kurumi sweetness, but I was left high and dry.
Audio and animation-wise, Encore is on the same level as Steel Angel Kurumi. The intro song is the same as before, Kiss Kara Hajimaru Miracle, but the ending song is a new piece called Suki-suki-suki-suKisu Shite! and is a welcomed change from the original, as it better compliments the primarily comedic subject matter of Encore. Unfortunately I was forced to stick with the Japanese audio while watching Encore because I didn't have access to the English dub. This wouldn't have been so bad if I hadn't already gotten used to the English voices, but I have to admit it hindered my experience a little bit. The Japanese audio isn't bad by any means, but I still prefer the English cast over the Japanese cast. Animation in Encore is exactly the same level as Steel Angel Kurumi. Lush scenery with bright colors, and very smooth animation. Character designs also haven't changed, but it is nice to see characters wearing different outfits from time to time throughout Encore. I especially liked the old fashion dress that Saki wore while on the set of her movie. Minor adjustments here and there perhaps, but nothing really noticeable in the audio and video quality of Encore when compared to Steel Angel Kurumi.
There are few animes out there that are as short and sweet as Encore is. Most short animes leave you wondering what the hell just happened, while others make you ponder as to why such an anime needed to exist in the first place. However, Encore survives as being just another installment to a popular series, and it's sure to be a welcomed addition for Kurumi fans. Steel Angel Kurumi Encore is just what the doctor ordered if you're a fan of the first twenty-four episodes of Steel Angel Kurumi. Its short length and basic comedic content make it an easy watch for even the busiest of people. It's short, sweet, and fun to watch. If you can't get enough of Kurumi's trademark squeal, Karinka's constantly running mouth, and uh'Saki's incestuous obsession with her sister, then be sure to check out Steel Angel Kurumi Encore.
My Score: 8.5
Version Watched: Sub
