Mezzo DSA


Mezzo DSA is a 13-episode anime series created by Yasuomi Umetsu and the first not to be licensed by Anime Works, but instead licensed by ADV Films. It is a follow-up to the 2001 OVA Mezzo Forte.

Synopsis

Mikura, Kurokawa, and Harada are the three members of the Danger Service Agency. Mikura is the brawn of the group, Harada is the brains, and Kurokawa is just a bitter ex-cop who likes to think he's in charge. They'll take on any job as long as it involves much danger and, of course, money. Their biggest case, however, could prove to be finding out why someone wants Kurokawa assassinated.
The DSA's headquarters is an old red British double-decker bus that has been converted into living quarters for the three main characters. It has been placed on the rooftop of a two-story building which houses Mugiyama's barber shop on the ground floor. They drive an old-style pink Volkswagen Beetle.

Characters

Major characters

The series concerns three characters who comprise the Danger Service Agency, as well as a young acquaintance of theirs. The main characters include:
;Mikura Suzuki
;Kenichi Kurokawa
;Tomohisa Harada
;Asami Igarashi
;Chiyoki Mugiyama

Minor characters

There is also a selection of minor characters in the series, some of which even have major significance with the major ones.
;Sakura Sakurada
;Manon Asakura
;Kazuto

Manga

A manga adaptation which covered all 13 episodes in 1 tankobõn volume, was released in April 2004, a month after the anime ended. It has currently not been licensed or translated by any American company.

Anime

The opening theme is "「スキマミマイタイ」 Suki Mami Mai Tai" by Barnabys while the ending theme is 蜜 by Barnabys.

Production notes

  • Mikura has pigtails in this adaptation, and blue eyes instead of yellow, though Mikura is occasionally shown without pigtails in some episodes. She is seen with same pigtails at end of Mezzo Forte.
  • "Shell of Lies" is shown in two character perspectives. Part 'Posi' being Harada and Kurokawa, and part 'Nega' being Mikura.
  • "Shell of Memories" depicts Harada with black hair.
  • In episode one "Shell of Love", a flashback shows two doctors discussing the autopsy of a famous musician. The name shown is Paul Lenon, most likely a reference to The Beatles, namely Paul McCartney and John Lennon.
  • The opening credits begin with a heart transition, with Mikura dressed as an old woman, pulling off her mask and looking at the camera. This is based on a scene in the Majokko Megu-chan opening in which Megu appears as an old witch, removes her mask, and winks to the camera.
  • Unlike the first two feature films Kite and Mezzo Forte which are licensed by Kitty Media and Anime Works, it was the first work by Yasuomi Umetsu not to include sex scenes and not to be licensed by Anime Works.