"Alexander Senki" (1997) TV series

User Rating:

7.8/10   

Director:

Yoshinori Kanemori

Writers:

Hiroshi Aramata (novel)
Sadayuki Murai (writer)

Seasons:

1

Release Date:

January 2003 (USA)

Genre:

Animation | Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi

Plot:

Alexander the Great was the world's most powerful warrior. Reign is a 21st century science-fiction retelling of the legend of this Macedonian king...

Plot Keywords:

King | World | Warrior | Greek | Greek Philosophy

Awards:

1 win

Cast

Tom Fahn	...	Ptolemy (9 episodes, 1999)
Wendee Lee	...	Euclid / ... (9 episodes, 1999)
George Lennon	...	Parmenion / ... (9 episodes, 1999)
Ralph Votrian	...	Narration (9 episodes, 1999)
Carlos Ferro	...	Darius (4 episodes, 1999)
Julia Fletcher	...	Olympias (4 episodes, 1999)
John Rafter Lee	...	Aristotle (4 episodes, 1999)
Matt McKenzie	...	Ptolemy (4 episodes, 1999)
Andrew Philpot	...	Alexender (4 episodes, 1999)
Michael Scott Ryan	...	Parmenion (4 episodes, 1999)
Jimmy Silver	...	Narration (4 episodes, 1999)

Also Known As:

"Alexander" (International: English title)
"Reign: The Conqueror" (USA)

Runtime:

USA:30 min

Country:

Hong Kong | South Korea | Japan

Language:

Cantonese | Japanese | English

Color:

Color

Certification:

Australia:M

Company:

CCHTV

Trivia:

Jack Fletcher and Peter Chung worked on the English adaptation of the first four episodes before the series was picked up by Tokyopop. John Rafter Lee (Aristotle), Denise Poirier (Cassandra), and Julia Fletcher (Olympias) provided voice work for these episodes. They were replaced after episode 4.

Appreciate the aesthetic

I find all of the negative response that 'Alexander Senki' has been receiving disappointing. I have been waiting years for it to be released domestically and I was hoping that since it aired on a major cable channel, its fan base would grow (all things considered, it has, but not nearly the way that I had look forward to).

Some complain that 'Alexander Senki' "looks like 'Aeon Flux.'" This is true. But would these same people complain that 'Neia_7' looks like 'Haibane-Renmei' (Yoshitoshi ABe)? Probably not. I'll admit that Peter Chung's style is an acquired taste, but even if you're not fond of the art, you should still give 'Alexander Senki' a chance.

The story was not meant to be presented as historical fact. The way I see it, it is an aesthetic journey into Alexander's world. The creators have glorified and twisted events even more than history has, and this makes for an entertaining series. 'Alexander Senki' takes place in a fantasy version of the ancient world that meshes well with mythology and legend. If you want fact (or, rather, as close to fact as you can come), read 'The Nature of Alexander' by Mary Renault or watch the PBS special 'In The Footsteps of Alexander the Great.'

Overall, I feel that 'Alexander Senki' is a refreshing change from the usual anime archetype, and is a series that everyone should try.