Review of Astra Lost in Space
I’ve always been drawn to stories of survival. There’s just something about man being out of his element. Being forced to do anything to survive. It’s like the classic underdog story just with more psychological elements and a wilderness setting. In the same way I’ve always found space to be fascinating. It’s the great beyond where no one knows what really exists out there. I just love the mystery aspect of it. This season I was blessed to discover an anime that fit all the different things that I love. Kanata No Astra or it’s English name “Astra Lost In Space” opening shot gives this senseof panic and horror as this person is floating alone in the dead of space. It feels a lot like the movie Gravity for you movie buffs out there. The person is desperately trying to gain control of their surroundings but it all seems hopeless. Dread starts to set in. Then as the character is endlessly spinning around, hope appears, but even that hope may not be what it appears. Now is when it all starts to get real. Just that opening scene sets the tone for the kind of story you are going to get and I love it. The atmosphere (no pun intended) is nailed within the first 10 seconds to the point where I am already sold. That is rare to do.
Moving on, the person who was floating uncontrollably around in space gets rescued only all is not what it seems. For this person is not the only one in a dire situation. Seven other people are in the same boat as her, each carrying their own baggage and a sense of confusion. Stranded alone in deep space this young inexperienced crew will need to band together to make it home alive. Leading them is their self appointed captain Kanata alongside the quickly rebounded and bubbly Aries who not long ago was in panic mode. Throw in your usual stereotypes of the pretty popular girl, the shy girl, the cute guy, the loner, the super serious I wear glasses dude, and of course the little sister. All of them band together with the sole intent of finding their way back home. The only problem is someone doesn’t want them to reach home.
Yes, in space no one cares about cliches. In addition to being inexperienced space travelers they must now contend with an enemy among them. What follows is some of the most ridiculous cliffhangers that would make any soap opera writer jealous. Seriously, I enjoy this show to bits but some of the plot reveals are just too much. Another problem with Kanata no Astra is the predictability of their reveals. They make it all dramatic having the audience waiting on pins and needles for the reveal that anyone could have seen coming a mile away. There is one thing though that Kanata No Astra does exceptionally well, that is its world building. All of the planets that they visit on their journey are unique with their own special features and obstacles that the characters must overcome.
Another thing that saves Kanata No Astra from its cheesy writing is the characters. Yes, most of them are the standard stereotypes that you’ve seen before. However they are still enjoyable to follow. I like getting to hear their stories and the bonds they form on their journey. Even more so when the characters are actually useful. They all have something to contribute on this journey making sure that no one is deadweight. Of course there is also some romance for all of you shippers out there.
When it comes to art and animation, I want to go back to the beginning where I mentioned atmosphere. Kanata No Astra does a good job of making space look bleak but also full of life at the same time. The ship they fly on can look a little wonky though as it is CGI. Though it’s not much of a distraction or a big deal. I can’t really say much about the opening song because they only play it like half the time. Seriously, I don’t think I’ve ever come across an anime that skips their opening as much as Kanata No Astra does. Guess they wanted to fit as much content in as possible.
For all of its plot problems, I will say this. Kanata No Astra tells a complete story. There is a beginning, a middle, and an end. That’s something you usually don’t get so in that respect I don’t mind it’s flaws too much. Lastly, the reason why I enjoyed this is precisely because it feels so familiar. It’s not just because it’s a space survival (though that is a big reason), it’s because it hits all the right notes for me. I enjoyed going on their journey with them. I enjoyed getting to explore all the unique worlds that they came across. I enjoyed every ridiculous plot reveal after plot reveal. I enjoyed the relationships that the characters built with each other. I flat out just enjoyed this anime.