 Tokiko Mima isn't your average teenaged girl. For one thing, she's a robot. A well constructed robot, but a robot none the less. This has made fitting in with the other kids somewhat difficult at times. The few friends she does have call her Key. Secondly, she's about to face a challenge greater than merely trying to get along with her peers. Her grandfather/creator has just passed away which casts doubt on her own future. She has "grown" over the years only because of his occasional upgrades to her body and her batteries will eventually wear out. In his dying words, however, he has given her a glimmer of hope. There's a chance she could achieve
the one thing she's always wanted; to become human. But, he tells her,
she will need power. Power that comes from the love of friends. A lot of
friends.
In all, he's calculated it will take 30,000 friends for her to achieve her goal.
A 15 part OAV series released by Pony Canyon in Japan, Key The Metal Idol is being translated, subbed and dubbed, and released in the States by Viz Video. Key's story is broken down into four parts called "Program One" through "Program Four". There are seven 25 minute episodes, or "versions", in Program One, six in Program Two, and the last two Programs are the single 95 minute episodes Version 14 and 15 respectively. The first episode of Program One was released in Japan in January of 1995, the last episode (version 15) isn't slated to be released until Fall of 1997. Version 14 was only just released this past March. Viz's first release in the States in late April contained the first three episodes of Program One, which is one more episode than usual for a Viz release, and they have already released the second tape in the series. |
 Les' Review:
First, let me say that I went into watching this release with much doubt in my head about whether or not I'd like it. I'm not much for animes which feature idol singers as a major plot point. Having said that, let me also say that I am hooked after having seen only the first three episodes. I love any story that keeps you guessing about what's going on and Key The Metal Idol does just that. There's just enough information to leave you pondering what it all means and what the motivations of the various characters involved really are. The animation is well done and the sound is excellent. As per my usual habit with Viz releases, I picked up the dubbed version. So far, the voices have matched with the characters pretty well and if you're happy with other Viz dubs then this one shouldn't disappoint. Of special note in this series is the music. Any anime with an idol singer as a major plot point poses a potential problem for any type of a dub done on it. There are two approaches one can take in such a situation: 1) leave the songs in Japanese and use subtitles or 2) do a dub version of the song. Obviously, option one is the less risky route to go and it's the option Viz usually uses for it's opening themes in other series such as Ranma. For Key, Viz took option 2 and did an excellent job of it. The hardest part in dubbing a song is translating the lyrics into something that not only makes sense in English, but which sounds good when sung. A straight translation from Japanese generally isn't going to work too well. After the translation, you have to have someone who can actually sing. Viz has scored high on both points making the dub version of Key The Metal Idol even more worthwhile than normal.  |
 Hairboy's Review:
Hairboy's review is pending.. |
| Eric's Review:
Eric's review is pending... |
Mirahla's Review:
This is one of those animes that is just intriguing enough to suck you in and keep you coming back for more. The first tape seemed to fly right by, making me wonder where the time went. With a genuinely unique story, great animation, and a big surprise in how good the music was, Key The Metal Idol certainly far surpassed my expectations. (“A story about a robot girl who can only become real by making 30,000 friends? C’mon, sounds stupid.”) This one is definitely worth viewing. But be sure to pace yourself – there is nothing worse than getting caught up in a story only to discover to your horror that the next plot twist won’t be available for several months ! Music plays a big role in this series, and I have to admit I was rather worried about how the music would sound – let’s admit things don’t always translate over terribly well. But I was pleasantly surprised at how the music sounded. The opening theme is quite nice ! Although I must say on a “sound” note, the noise of Key’s robot body churning and clicking (like when she is recharging on the roof of the school) gives me the heebie-jeebies in a big way. You know, no matter how many good dubs I see, and no matter how good the dub in one series is, all it takes is ONE ridiculously untalented voice actor to shatter the moment for me. **sigh** Sorry gang, but give me subtitles or give me death. Well, maybe not death…how about, “please just give me subtitles?” Overall, the voice acting in the dub of Key The Metal Idol is great. Key’s voice is very good – it can’t be easy to remember to deliver all your lines in “robot” speak. But I have to say, the background characters really kind of suck. Mainly the way over-the-top schmuck in the very beginning who delivers a “dramatic monologue” – I cringed. By the way, if anyone knows of a Pizza Shock in Michigan, you gotta let me know! “Prices so cheap, it’s shocking! Pizza so delicious, it’s shocking! Delivered so fast, it’s shocking!” I gotta get some – their ad campaign is FABULOUS! ;-)  |
The Official Key The Metal Idol Homepage is J-Pop.com's promo page for KtMI. You can sign up here to become one of Key's 30,000 friends and perhaps win some nifty prizes in the bargain.
Key The Metal Idol - The Web Page is a well done site by Christopher Rider. It has episode synopses, character info, and availability info.
The Teeny-Tiny Key The Metal Idol Picture Gallery has a small selection of images available for download. We used some of them here on this page until I can get a chance to go to Erics and "borrow" is image capture board to grab some new shots from the Viz releases.
Key The Metal Idol yet more character and background info on Key. This time coming from the folks at Fuji Creative Corporation.
Obligatory Copyright Notifications:
Images from Key The Metal Idol copyrighted by Viz Communications/Hiroaki Sato/Pony Canyon/Fuji TV/FCC/Studio
Pierrot.
That's a lot of friends for anyone to find, let alone a robotic girl. Key is determined to try, though, and that means leaving the small village in which she grew up for the bustling cityscape of Tokyo. Big city life turns out to be a little tougher than Key at first expected. If not for bumping into her childhood friend Sakura, Key might have ended up proving just how well constructed she really is on film.