Eureka Seven - TV-PG

High-action anime isn't completely innocent.

TV Rating: TV-PG Network: Cartoon Network Cast: Johnny Yong Bosch, Stephanie Sheh, Crispin Freeman Genre: Science Fiction
Available on: DVD

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that just because this Adult Swim offering is animated doesn't mean it's kid-appropriate. Violence -- in the form of military-style air combat and old-fashioned punching and kicking -- is a regular part of the storyline, and a few sexually charged plotlines toe the line in terms of decorum. This is an emotionally and visually intense anime with broad political and social themes, which, despite the fact that the show's protagonist is a 14-year-old, may be too much for some young viewers.

Families can talk about the value of having dreams that counteract real-world realities, as well as the power of standing up for what you believe in. Can kids, teens, and other young people really make a difference in world politics and global affairs? Are the things that parents and guardians want for their kids always best? What are the risks and potential consequences of defying your family and your government for a good cause -- even if it's technically illegal?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Kari Croop

Renton Thorston (voiced by Johnny Yong Bosch) is an average 14 year old with an uncommon passion for "reffing," a fantastical type of air surfing that involves riding transparent light particles through the sky. But to Renton, his love for reffing is more than just a hobby -- it's the only way to escape the oppressive boredom of his life in Bellforest, where he lives alone with his cantankerous grandfather, Axel (Steve Kramer).

Things really take off when a hulking LFO robot (that's short for Light Finding Operation) crash-lands in Renton's backyard and he meets the beautiful and mysterious Eureka (Stephanie Sheh), a fellow reffer who seeks Renton's help in getting her machine back off the ground. Joining up with her band of Gekko State rebels, he finally realizes his dream of reffing to his heart's content -- and he gets to do it alongside his idol, Holland Novak (Crispin Freeman).

At once bleak and beautiful, EUREKA SEVEN boasts a complex storyline that's downright hard to process and could be overwhelming for some young viewers. And while the action starts out innocently enough, it doesn't take long for excessive violence and sexual themes to creep in, transforming a seemingly innocent anime into animation that's better left for adults.

Of course, what teen wouldn't be drawn to a colorful animated series with plenty of shape-shifting robots and attractive young people? Kids are bound to want to watch, so parents should proceed with caution.

Other Adult Swim shows with Eureka Seven flavor include Fullmetal Alchemist, Neon Genesis Evangelion, and FLCL.

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content Two prominent female characters are shown wearing short skirts; one of them is dressed in an overtly sexual outfit that involves a belly-baring halter top and miniskirt. Sexual relations are sometimes implied between characters of consenting age, but even the 14-year-old protagonist shows signs of a sex drive. On one occasion, a sex toy is mentioned. On another, there's thinly veiled nudity.
Violence At the center of the show's plot is an ongoing battle between the military and a renegade squadron of human-piloted fighting robots with laser guns, which can actually "bleed" when "injured" in battle -- an aspect that's animated in a particularly graphic way. Characters are occasionally shown slapping, kicking, and yelling at each other.
Language While the language is clean for the most part, the 14-year-old protagonist likes to use the word "sucks," as in "This town sucks, my life sucks," etc. Another female character is described as having a "foul mouth."
Message
	Social Behavior As mentioned above, many of the show's female characters wear body-conscious clothing that subconsciously undermines their brainpower. And while they're up against a malevolent and militaristic government, the "good guys" in this case are renegade mercenaries. That said, they fight in the name of peace.
	Commercialism
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco One character named Stoner has longer hair, wears baggy clothing, and talks with a California "accent," gently implying that he might smoke marijuana. Another takes a special medication to regulate her mental health.