Dragon Half - Cult Anime Review

Dragon Half, the OVA from the early 1990s, holds a peculiar, almost nostalgic, place in my memory. During this era, when anime began to truly gain traction outside of dedicated fan circles, shops like Forbidden Planet and my favourite, Rodneys Books and Games, were treasure troves for enthusiasts. It was in these establishments that I would discover new series, import manga, and immerse oneself in this burgeoning subculture. And it was in these very shops that I saw the distinctive Dragon Half cover art, featuring a half-dragon character who looked cute. Despite its persistent visibility (and the countless times I must have walked past it) Dragon Half remained unwatched by me... until now!

Dragon Half is a two-episode OVA clocking in at 50 minutes that follows the chaotic adventures of Mink, a spirited young girl who is half-human and half-dragon. Her unique lineage stems from her human father, a famed dragon slayer, and her dragon mother. Mink's main goal is to win the affection of Dick Saucer, a handsome crooning pop idol and legendary dragon slayer. To achieve this, she seeks a potion that can turn her into a full human. So far, so Little Mermaid, but her quest is complicated by the persistent pursuit of the demon king, Azetodeth, who wants to marry her, and sends his various eccentric minions to capture her.

Watching this now, I can honestly say that Dragon Half feels like a quintessential example of early 90s anime comedy, which was a period known for its unbridled absurdity and relentless pace. It doesn't bother with deep plots or character development, instead opting for pure, unadulterated hilarity. I really enjoyed the OVA as it was a relentless barrage of slapstick comedy, parody, and over-the-top gags.

The animation is vibrant and expressive, switching from super deformed chibi to an angular, stylised fantasy character design, which is perfectly suited to its comedic tone. Sure, while some of its humor might feel dated to modern viewers, its charm lies in its commitment to being as outlandish as possible. It parodies classic fantasy tropes with a gleeful disregard for convention, and its rapid-fire jokes and visual gags ensure there's rarely a dull moment.

For those who appreciate zany, no-holds-barred comedy and a nostalgic trip back to a simpler era of anime, Dragon Half is a cult classic that delivers laughs without taking itself seriously. It's a short, sweet, and utterly bonkers ride that deserves a reboot.