Disgaea

2006

published in Empire No.81, Sydney
Complete Collection

2008

Disgaea falls into a clearly developed subgenre of anime: pre-teen comedic quest adventure based on a successful RPG-style video game. Disgaea is a polished smart alec roller coaster ride of a mythic journey following the unlikely bonding between super-cute angel-in-training Flonne who awakens Netherworld overlord-heir Laharl. Each is a hyper-compressed version of a florid femininity and surly masculinity, providing a surfeit of boy-versus-girl love-hate interaction. Dragons, swords, pendants, castles plus assorted demons, goddesses and the occasional human make up the chessboard of this entertaining but predictable kiddie anime.