Panda Z Volume 2

Pan-Taron is in the driving seat again as the pilot of the Panda Z, the awe-inspiring mecha that protects his friends from Skull Panda and the Warunimal Empire.

Okay, the Panda Z isn’t quite as awe-inspiring as, say, a Valkyrie from Macross, or the Mazinger Z that this series parodies so shamelessly. A giant rocket-powered robotic panda looks pretty cool though, right? If you think otherwise, this second volume will not appeal to you any more than the first one did. There isn’t much to say about these episodes that didn’t apply to the first batch: the second half of the series delivers more of the same in terms of cartoonish visuals and throwaway comedy. There are some more battles with the Warunimals (I have to admit that the combat scenes aren’t badly choreographed considering the show’s simplistic visual style) and some comedy-orientated episodes that feature ghost hunts, a rescue mission in the rain and Skull Panda still trying to beat Taron and his grandfather at cards.

Sitting through the entire run of fifteen episodes can be a bit tedious at times, so it is probably the type of show most viewers will dip into when they are in the mood. My own viewing was made easier by the great soundtrack: the background music is still the show’s main highlight, with a surprising variety of guitar driven, Pillows-inspired tunes. I have yet to find an OST CD on sale anywhere but if such a thing exists (I’m sure it does…somewhere), I’d recommend it more than the DVDs themselves!

At the end of the day, mecha that looks cute also looks weird. This and the particular styles of humour used – namely harmless, childlike slapstick mixed in with sending up giant robot shows – make Panda Z a title that certainly isn’t for everyone. Viewers looking for more ‘real’ homage and parody of the mecha genre ought to look to the likes of Nadesico and Dai Guard; as far as Panda Z is concerned, silliness and the ‘kawaii’ factor are the order of the day.

Surprisingly there is some semblance of story in this second volume: there’s the build-up to the final battle with Skull Panda and an episode that refers to Taron’s absent father. If this were the type of series that delves into the personalities of the characters and weaves a complex plotline, the latter idea would undoubtedly be pursued further. Alas, Panda Z is definitely not that type of show!

In Summary

At most, Panda Z will make you chuckle but at the very least it will raise a smile. Perhaps best recommended to open-minded giant robot fans with a childish streak, this is undemanding comedy that is still fun while it lasts; unfortunately it does not last long.