Based on a smash-hit manga by Keiko Takemiya, this review covers the remake anime series released in 2007. The anime should have also been a smash hit, with its sublime quality. It is a story of the human race who been forced to leave Earth [Terra], after it has been destroyed environmentally by pollution and abuse. Humans leave the planet for other worlds until Terra can be repopulated. However in order to prevent the same problems, a “big brother” computer system is set into motion that controls every aspect of life. People are born in test tubes, and raised to parents that are not blood relatives so parental attachment is a minimum. Adulthood is reached at age 14, and at that time you must pass a "Maturity Examination." Your memories of life before 14 are blurred, and eventually destroyed, so you may become an effective member of society. This system is complicated, however, by the introduction of the Mu, humans who develop psychic powers before or during the exam. Unwanted in the Utopian society, genocide occurs. Certain Mu who have escaped, under their leader Soldier Blue, long for peace, coexistence, and their home Terra. The story begins with Jomy Marcus Shin, the day before his own adult examination….

Toward the Terra features a cast of complicated, enjoyable characters. No one is really who they seem. If they are there is much more to their personality than is readily visible. One of the problems of this anime seems to be within the first episode or two, when the main character apparent appears as young and whiny. However, don’t be discouraged by this. Every character blossoms and fleshes out so beautifully within the episodes, it feels almost like watching something come to life. Some of the cast even hold symbolic meaning, like Soldier Blue, whose greatest wish is to return home to Terra….but I’ll let everyone see this mastery for themselves.

There are two areas where this series really excels [although it excels everywhere], and one of these is definitely music. Starting with the opening and ending music, one performing group includes the rising star Uverworld on the first opening “Endscape.“ Personally I prefer the second set of songs, which are “Jet Girl” [Hitomi Takahashi], and “This Night” [Chemistry]. “This Night” especially is just a perfect song and has such a great feeling to it in particular, thanks to the pop duo Chemistry. Music for use in the series itself is generally perfect. The soundtrack can vary from heartrending to glowingly happy to action-go! with such ease and transition…. It never has boring or annoying moments. The most memorable moments also have the most memorable music [however, it is possible the scenes are more memorable for having the music accompanying]. All anime should have soundtracks this exceptional.

As previously stated, this anime has two areas that are particularly excellent. One of these is the music, the second is the animation. Do you remember frustration at a favorite anime with generic or lazy backgrounds? Recall the strange looks you gave to your favorite character as his or her arm suddenly formed into a three fingered Simpsons look-alike? Or do you recall disappointment at the beauty of the opening animation never transferring to the anime itself? Toward the Terra never has an awkward moment in the animation. The characters are -never- off proportion. They are always perfectly [or at least apparently] drawn up, shining just as wonderfully as they did in the opening animation. One of the best parts of the characters is the soft subtlety to the coloration of everything to their person, to clothes and accessories. However, the souls of the characters are shown so well by their detailed expressions and eyes which nearly resemble gemstones but never gain such static coldness. Motion is fluid and realistic. Some people may not like the 3D effects used for vehicles and ships, on a final note. However, unlike many series that use this, Terra really makes it work.

Overall, Terra is a series that nearly defies description in its subtle beauty and deep messages. One must watch the show through for themselves to fully appreciate it. A definitely must-see.