Will say that one should not expect a one hundred percent faithful adaptation of 'Iron Hans' when watching this episode, it will not exactly satisfy on that front. On its own terms, there is enough to make one intrigued into checking 'Iron Hans' out and the series 'Simsala Grimm' in general, and it is a nice above average episode judging it without comparison. Have always found that a better and fairer way to judge and it does make the viewing experience more enjoyable that way generally.
'Simsala Grimm' is not a consistent series (though never terrible), but deserves more credit as a standalone as it does fare well on that front, a good way to introduce youngsters to the stories if not done already. Children are more likely to enjoy the series more than adults, but it will be hardly a chore for older audiences who should find the different spins on the stories interesting. It was great to see a nice mix of the famous and oft-adapted tales and also the not so familiar and not often adapted ones. The 'Grimm Masterpiece Theater' anime from the 80s also does this very well, perhaps even better. On its own merits (again best forget about expecting something faithful), 'Simsala Grimm' is pleasant, though not one of my favourites, and those not familiar with the original stories may find themselves intrigued into checking them out.
'Iron Hans', based on an intriguing story that deserves to be better known, is not without imperfections. Like other 'Simsala Grimm' episodes, the character designs are somewhat derivative and dare it be said recycled, anybody who has seen many of the previous episodes will see a lot of similarities in the character designs between those and this.
Some 'Simsala Grimm' episodes have less than great writing (especially 'Beauty and the Beast' and 'Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp', the latter being my least favourite of the series), with 'Iron Hans' not being without its corny moments, though these are occasional moments. Some occasional moments that feel like filler that doesn't add an awful lot to the narrative.
Having said that, 'Iron Hans' fares well. Doc Croc and Yoyo do serve a point here and they play helpful roles, not feeling like wasted filler generally, though one can question whether they are entirely needed within the context of the story. Both are also likeable characters. Hard to tell who's my favourite between resourceful Doc Croc and adorable Yoyo. The original characters are handled very well, 'Simsala Grimm' generally does very well characterising the original characters with some misfires, like the Prince from 'King Thrushbeard' and almost everybody in 'Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp'. The titular character especially is interesting.
Again, enough of the (traditional hand-drawn) animation is pleasing, the finesse is not always there or the imagination, but there are some lovely and never flat colours and it's nicely detailed. The music fits well (likewise with the never hammy or bland voice acting) and the main theme is catchy. Have always really liked the once upon a time approach to the intro.
The story really does charm and involve, and actually there is less corny writing than other episodes in the series while not being devoid of it. There is not an issue generally with pacing with it not feeling too hasty or dull, there is no trouble understanding what is going on yet it doesn't feel like it was dumbed down too much.
In summary, pretty good. 7/10 Bethany Cox
'Simsala Grimm' is not a consistent series (though never terrible), but deserves more credit as a standalone as it does fare well on that front, a good way to introduce youngsters to the stories if not done already. Children are more likely to enjoy the series more than adults, but it will be hardly a chore for older audiences who should find the different spins on the stories interesting. It was great to see a nice mix of the famous and oft-adapted tales and also the not so familiar and not often adapted ones. The 'Grimm Masterpiece Theater' anime from the 80s also does this very well, perhaps even better. On its own merits (again best forget about expecting something faithful), 'Simsala Grimm' is pleasant, though not one of my favourites, and those not familiar with the original stories may find themselves intrigued into checking them out.
'Iron Hans', based on an intriguing story that deserves to be better known, is not without imperfections. Like other 'Simsala Grimm' episodes, the character designs are somewhat derivative and dare it be said recycled, anybody who has seen many of the previous episodes will see a lot of similarities in the character designs between those and this.
Some 'Simsala Grimm' episodes have less than great writing (especially 'Beauty and the Beast' and 'Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp', the latter being my least favourite of the series), with 'Iron Hans' not being without its corny moments, though these are occasional moments. Some occasional moments that feel like filler that doesn't add an awful lot to the narrative.
Having said that, 'Iron Hans' fares well. Doc Croc and Yoyo do serve a point here and they play helpful roles, not feeling like wasted filler generally, though one can question whether they are entirely needed within the context of the story. Both are also likeable characters. Hard to tell who's my favourite between resourceful Doc Croc and adorable Yoyo. The original characters are handled very well, 'Simsala Grimm' generally does very well characterising the original characters with some misfires, like the Prince from 'King Thrushbeard' and almost everybody in 'Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp'. The titular character especially is interesting.
Again, enough of the (traditional hand-drawn) animation is pleasing, the finesse is not always there or the imagination, but there are some lovely and never flat colours and it's nicely detailed. The music fits well (likewise with the never hammy or bland voice acting) and the main theme is catchy. Have always really liked the once upon a time approach to the intro.
The story really does charm and involve, and actually there is less corny writing than other episodes in the series while not being devoid of it. There is not an issue generally with pacing with it not feeling too hasty or dull, there is no trouble understanding what is going on yet it doesn't feel like it was dumbed down too much.
In summary, pretty good. 7/10 Bethany Cox