Jyu Oh Sei

Twin brothers Thor and Rai were cast off in a planet called Chimaera after their parents were murdered. Helpless and confused, the two wander around the strange planet where plants attack humans and humans attack each other for territory and power. Later Thor was told by their rescuer that the only way to leave the planet is to become the Beast King by beating the top guys of the four Rings, the different gangs that comprise the human population. As much as Thor wants to leave and find the murderers of their parents, he also learns that escape comes at a great price.

From left: Thor, Tiz, Third and Zagi

This 11-episode sci-fi series started off good but it has failed to sustain the excitement. One factor is the character played by Tiz and her relationship with an inconsistent Thor. Thor is not easy to understand or appreciate. I think there was an attempt to make him a smart, resourceful lead character but sometime in the series he underwent changes that seemed inconsistent with how he was presented in the first few episodes. I can't exactly point out the difference but I think they wanted to make him a tragic and hesitant hero but failed.

Besides that most of the series is okay, but it's not something I'd be willing to watch again. The action scenes are fairly good and the setting seems interesting enough. I just do not like how the lead character is portrayed. I don't understand him and I can't sympathize with his cause. The supporting cast are no better, though there are a few whose motives are unknown and therefore worth watching.

Rating: 6 out of 10