The Irresponsible Captain Tylor is a fantastic science fiction comedy that doesn't forget what the best science fiction is or forget that humor is usually balanced by the realities of the human condition.

A war is brewing in space. The Emperor of the Holy Raalgon Empire has been assassinated, and his 16 year-old daughter, Azalyn, ascends the throne. The warmongers claim the USPF (the humans) are to blame, but are they really? Still, the USPF is ready to go to battle. Death will reign down on both sides as soldiers go to war.

So, Justy Ueki Tylor (age 20) decides to join the military because it's such an easy job. You get paid, you always have a place to stay, and you always get fed. Normally, one would say that Tylor isn't exactly ready for the military. Then again, Tylor isn't normal, and the military isn't ready for him! After joining up, seducing, and subsequently pissing off the psychological evaluation computer, Tylor is assigned to the pensions department, the perfect desk job for him. In a couple of unbelievable steps, Tylor foils the plans of two kidnappers (who happen to enemy aliens) without any bloodshed while at the same time angering his superiors. Knowing that publically they have to reward him, they give Tylor command of the Soyokaze (an old space battleship with the uninspiring name "Gentle Breeze"), because no captain has lasted more than three days there. Tylor does last, and goes on to win battle after battle (usually by running away).

Dressed up in full military regalia, Tylor looks almost respectable!	Captain Tylor takes command of the Soyokaze, winning battle after battle using some rather "unorthodox" techniques.

The above description in no way conveys the humor of the 26-episode series. The humor comes in all forms - slapstick, satire, parody, situation - you name, it's there. And the wonderful thing is - it works. The plot is never predictable, which is fantastic. And, while the crew and its irresponsible captain are constantly embroiled in shenanigans, the back-story remains rather serious. However, this is not a heavy series. Not until it's truly over do the viewers recognize that there were subtle lessons being taught. It's a light, breezy, fantastic show that has depth in its simplicity.

The animation is excellent for the period and the style of the show. It was originally animated in 1993, before digital assistance, yet the colors are phenomenal. The character designs are a perfect match for the environment and for the personalities of the crew. The excellence of the designs is really hard to recognize until you actually start watching the show.

The music strikes a great balance between the whimsical and the stirring. Since the show moves between comedy and military action, it's important that the music flow equally as well as the plot, and the composer, Kenji Kawai (Ranma ½, Patlabor, BlueSeed, Vampire Princess Miyu) does an excellent job! The opening and closing music segments are not only fun to watch, but have some great sounds. The soundtrack has been released in the U.S., so there is no reason not to run out and pick it up.

You really can't go wrong with this series. It's all about quality right from the start.

In conclusion, I'm going to address the sweeping statements I made at the beginning of the review, because they're too powerful to on without some discussion. First, the best science fiction takes us to another world that helps us interpret our world better. In the case of Tylor, we get a better understanding of conflict and why people fight (on a national or personal level), as well as pretty much showing us how stupid we are as a race for letting it continue. Second, periodically, reality pokes through. This is a stark contrast to the comedy and heightens it. Human issues and pain are not ignored, but, through the comedy, the series shows that they can be survived.

Captain Tylor is one of the most enjoyable series I've ever seen, live-action or animated. It actually makes you want to live life for the joy of it. Watch it - you won't be disappointed.

Distributor: Media Blasters
Creator: Big West/King Records/VAP
Released: 1993

Plot: A
Character Design: A
Animation Quality: B+
Music: A
Overall: A+