Copyright © 1999 AIC / Pioneer

When I first heard Pioneer had commissioned new SOL BIANCA videos, I was thinking "Great! Now we'll understand the ending of the second volume." Then it turned out to be a totally new series (nuts!) using digital animation (which I'm still not sold on) and heading in a new direction.
Also, I'd had my fill of remakes of all-female sci-fi animes (SILENT MOBIUS TV, BUBBLEGUM CRISIS 2040) that I didn't care for. So what did I think after watching volume 2 of the new SOL BIANCA series?
Actually, I kind of liked it.
The third episode called "El Arreglo /The Cleaner" has our heroines hiding from patrol forces. After landing the ship, Jani decides to go shopping, while the others elect to sleep. When they wake up, the ladies are tied down and the Sol Bianca is in the hand of a powerful psychic who's especially good with electronics. Fortunately, Jani returns with a new friend and a new toy to handle the situation.
In the following episode "Lamovrex / Lovers," Feb gets caught in a situation which leads to her being stuck with the enemy. When April attempts a rescue however, things don't go exactly as planned.
This leads to my only problem with the new SOL BIANCA: Feb's co-dependency. I really liked her in the original series for her sharp steady demeanor. (I would think that is required to fire an orbital sniper rifle.) I really don't understand this trend remake writers have with switching established personalities. First Sylia Stingray, now this. Don't they understand there were reasons people liked certain characters in original versions?
But I'm digressing from the review, which will be positive, I assure you. I generally enjoyed SEPARATION. It has nice artwork. I'm not totally into the all-computer generated look of newer OVA titles. To me, everything looks too clean in them and the movement appears somewhat stilted. However, this was better than other similar efforts of late and serves to remind me that, like anything else, digital animation is a constantly evolving art form that will get better with newer advances.
The story itself seems pretty cool. We still have a set of female pirates with an advanced spaceship kicking butt. The action scenes are decently executed. Though, at times, the art style made me think I was watching SPAWN THE ANIMATED SERIES with its basic color usage. Still, it and the cliffhanger ending held my interest and made me look forward to the next chapter.
However, I must say the hidden star of this video is the music. There are some nice BGM styles present including industrial, R&B and jazz. If nothing else, I will definitely buy the soundtrack for the new SOL BIANCA.

Released in North America by Pioneer Entertainment (USA) L.P.
VHS, 60 Minutes
English Subtitled, PIVA-2362S
$29.98
Available now in the USA
Where to buy