Allison & Lillia: Generation 1

An ambitiously conceived but generally lackluster anime, Allison & Lillia takes place in a circa-1920s alternate world dominated by a single continent shared by two nations—Roxche and Sou Beil—that have been in conflict for as long as anyone can remember. War orphans raised together, spunky aviatrix Allison and historian/marksman Wilhelm are initially platonic Roxche buddies (the “Lillia” in the title refers to their offspring, appearing later in the series), who retrieve an archaeological relic that brings uneasy peace between the countries in the initial three-episode arc. Afterwards, the pair and their matched duo of new Sou Beil friends, Fiona and Benedict, are involved in standard-issue dramatic intrigues: a secret survivor of slain royalty surfacing to reclaim her legacy, an assassination attempt on a slippery and traitorous arms dealer, and a finale that offers one of the better surprises in the saga. Biplanes and locomotives combined with handsome retro production-design art provide impressive eye dazzle, while the script strives to flesh out the characters with verbose soul-searching, coupled with extended exposition and touches of romance. Compiling the first 13 episodes from 2008 in a two-disc set, in Japanese with English subtitles, rated TV-14, this is an optional purchase. [Note: Allison & Lillia: Generation 2 is also newly available.] (C. Cassady)