SYNOPSIS:
The world is about to be turned upside down for Hajime Murata. First, a strange alien ship appears over Tokyo, and then a mysterious new transfer student arrives at his school wearing an ancient school uniform. His name is Muryou, and with his arrival, everything begins to change. Students suddenly begin to display amazing psychic powers, a giant white guardian keeps appearing in the skies over the city to fight off gigantic alien creatures, and men with threatening weapons are haunting the shadows of the school grounds.

With all these strange events taking place around him, Hajime is determined to figure out the truth about a world he thought he already knew. This is his story: a tale of aliens and humans, starships and spies, and friends who are often more than they appear. Join Hajime as he uncovers the mystery of Shingu: Secret of the Stellar Wars!

The complete 26 episode TV series is collected here on 5 DVD volumes in a thinkpack complete with art box.

REVIEW:
An unusual journey about life, youth, and hope, Shingu is a unique anime. It is a quiet and reflective journey for the viewer as we learn about the small town of Tenmo that hides a secret of galactic proportions. Part comedy, part drama, and with an understated science fiction story, the enigmatic nature of the anime is its appeal.

As the story of the village unfolds, it quickly becomes clear that this is not your regular science fiction anime series. First, there is no main character. Even though the story is narrated by the calm and curious Hajime, the story focuses on the various people of the town, never lingering overly long on any one character (although the mystery of Muryou remains constant). Another unusual quality is its relaxed pace. Although this story is about a possible galactic invasion and aliens that might destroy the planet, the anime proceeds at a lackadaisical pace, unhurried despite the usually urgent matters that are occurring within the story. It proceeds more like a slice of life anime, giving the day to day life of the people of Tenmo with the focus mainly situated on the youths.

Another unusual quality of the series is the animation itself. Even though it was done as recently as 2001, it has a retro look to it that is reminiscent of the 1970s and 80s. Even the music and score seem more in tune with anime series of the 70s and 80s. This gives the story of Tenmo and its people a “Golly gee whiz” innocence that is nostalgic and permeates the atmosphere of the series to give it a sweetly lulling appeal.

Despite the underlying plot about galactic forces wanting the power of Shingu that has been harnessed by the people, specifically the youths, of Tenmo, the story spends more time on the slice of life occurrences at the school. While the young people, aliens and townsfolk deal with imminent alien invasions, spies amongst them, men in black, and a myriad of other strange occurrences, they still focus more on their final exams, the sports festival, the cultural festival, summer break and first love. In fact, one of the things that stand out is the unreal pragmatic reactions of everybody in Tenmo to the weird extraterrestrial occurrences happening around them. They don’t react in a mass panic, or hysterical fear, most don’t even seem surprised. The odd, almost anti-reactionary response grabs attention for being different from the average sci-fi series. It’s not about action or explosions of which there are precious little. Instead it’s about people, a mystery, and what’s most important in life. For the people of Tenmo, who appear to have aliens and more, living amongst them, the answer of what’s most important is not only peace, but hope, hope for the future, the kind of hope that resides in the potential bundled in the life of our children. Granted, this kind of message is not new to anime, but the manner of it being told in Shingu certainly is. It impresses with the noted lack of action and angst, instead calmly approaching the subject matter with an innocent heart and sincere earnestness.

The people who bring this extraordinary story with its standout-understated manner are a mixed collection of notable talent. It was created by director Tatsuo Sato who brought us This Ugly Yet Beautiful World and Nadesico. Yuuji Ikeda did the character designs (Gungrave, Saiyuki, Monster). Shingu’s planning was done by none other than Masao Maruyama who is known for his work on both Gungrave and the legendary cult hit Death Note. These diverse talents worked together to bring about an anime series that captures attention not with big bangs, but with a gentle spirit.

EXTRAS:
Bonus features in this box set include original production notes, clean opening animation, trailers to other Right Stuf animation, Shingu US trailer, character bios, line art gallery, and a 43-page booklet. The booklet holds extensive production notes, mini comics, an interview with director Tatsuo Sato, and a myriad of animation images, background art, and conceptual sketches. Both the character bios and booklet hold a lot of information that give away some of the secrets of Shingu, so if you don’t want the story spoiled for you, wait until you’ve see the entire series before indulging in the book and the DVD bonus features.

IN SUMMARY:
Shingu Secret of the Stellar Wars is a sci-fi anime that impresses with its gentle and earnest nature, understated approach and intriguing mystery.