Rumiko Takahashi, the author of popular anime titles such as Ranma 1/2 and Maison Ikkoku as well as OAV animes Fire Tripper and Laughing Target brings us the mermaid OAVs from Rumik World. Takahashi delivers a fairly straightforward plot in this horror story; but added to the hunt for immortality is also a love story as well as a story of long-sought revenge. The idea of hunting for immortality is nothing new as a general story plot line, however the addition of unreliable results adds an interesting twist to the old story.

For some reason, horror stories tend to be fairly uncommon in anime. Decent story line and characters combined with overall direction and music is a rarity. Unfortunately, Mermaid Forest doesn't quite qualify overall either. It does have a decent story and plot line, but the music tends to be quite unremarkable in this OAV. Likewise, the animation is more akin to TV quality anime. The backgrounds tend to be fairly static and simplistic although the clean lines and simple designs helps to develop a dark feel to the story.

Yuta's character has a decidedly experienced "been there, done that" feel and certainly he seems to be quite familiar with mermaids and people who have sought immortality. Mana on the otherhand is a bit odd and asks questions which one might expect of a 5 year old rather than a young lady who is immortal. Unfortunately we have no indication of when she ate mermaid's flesh but, one can certainly assume that she is older than 5. The attempt to make her seem innocent just doesn't sit well and makes her sound rather simple and stupid instead. A definite problem with the script-writing and the voice acting here; perhaps a touch more thoughtfulness in her lines would have made the questions more philosophical instead were that the intent. Unfortunately, since the story does follow-up on these (maybe philosophical?) questions, it does tend to leave a hint of an unpleasant feel overall.

The one problem I do have with the story is the idea of hanging all ideas of scientific knowledge for the sake of a Frankensteinian story. This is an all too common event in horror stories (let alone science fiction), where they try to use some form of not science, but popular science. Unfortunately popular science and reality are generally far from being one and the same.

Another problem I have with the story (regardless of the scientific objections) is that if cutting off the head of a being which has eaten mermaid's flesh is supposed to kill it, how did Towa expect to switch bodies with Mana? Never mind the total lack of any equipment, sanitary conditions, anaesthesia??

However, for those who are able to accept the storyline as given and are looking for a horror OAV, this makes for a decent watch. Overall, the translations while fairly literal are well done although there are a couple of awkward translations as well.
- JYN, 00.05.29