Green Legend Ran

Green Legend Ran: A Nostalgic Yet Flawed Gem of the ’90s

If you’re a fan of classic anime with a dystopian twist, Green Legend Ran might have crossed your radar. Released as a three-part OVA in 1992 and 1993, this series is a product of its time—filled with bold visuals, a post-apocalyptic setting, and a story that tries to pack a punch despite its short runtime. But does it hold up today? Let’s dive into what makes Green Legend Ran both memorable and, at times, frustrating, based on what fans are saying.

The Premise: A Deserted Earth and a Fight for Survival

The anime is set in a future where Earth has been transformed into a barren wasteland, with water becoming the most precious resource. The Rodoist cult controls what little water remains, while mysterious monoliths loom over the landscape, hinting at a deeper, alien influence. The story follows two young protagonists, Ran and Aira, as they navigate this harsh world and uncover secrets that could change everything.

Fans appreciate the world-building, which feels expansive despite the OVA’s limited runtime. The dystopian setting is grim but intriguing, with a mix of sci-fi and fantasy elements that keep things fresh. However, some viewers felt the lore could have been explored further. As one fan put it:
“It set up an interesting lore, and I thought things were going to be getting resolved at the end, but it just sort of ended without it feeling like it did end.”

This abrupt conclusion left many wanting more, with some suggesting that even an extra 10 minutes could have tied things up better.

Characters: Love Them or Question Their Choices

Ran, the determined young hero, is easy to root for, but it’s Aira who sparks the most debate. Her innocence is a double-edged sword—adorable yet frustrating. One fan vented:
“How stupid is Aira? She spent like 10 minutes listening to that ‘woman’ talking about killing off all of humanity, she even hears her say it directly to Ran, and then she acts all surprised when it actually starts to happen.”

While her naivety might be a narrative choice to contrast the bleak world, it doesn’t always land well. Still, her charm and limited screen time make her a bittersweet presence in the story.

The supporting cast, though underdeveloped, adds depth to the world. The adults are broken, leaving the fate of humanity in the hands of kids—a theme that resonates with some viewers but feels overdone to others.

Animation and Sound: A Mixed Bag

The art style is reminiscent of other ’90s anime like Final Fantasy: Legend of the Crystals, with detailed backgrounds and fluid action scenes. Fans praised the animation, calling it “good” and “consistent” across all episodes. The soundtrack also received positive remarks, with one viewer noting:
“Enjoyable, and the music is really good, both sub and dub.”

However, the dub vs. sub debate is alive here too. While the music stands out, some felt the voice acting could have been stronger, especially in emotional scenes.

Final Thoughts: Worth a Watch, But Don’t Expect Perfection

Green Legend Ran is a nostalgic trip for older fans and a curious oddity for newcomers. It’s a fun adventure with solid world-building, but its rushed ending and occasional character missteps hold it back from greatness. As one fan summarized:
“Show Rate Meter Guide – (5 Great _ 4 Good _ 3 Fine _ 2 Not Good _ 1 Bad). [Story] – 3 [Art/Animation] – 4 [Sound/Music] – 3 [M-Character] – 3 [S-Character] – 3 [Enjoyment] – 3 [Overall] – 3.”

If you’re into ’90s anime aesthetics or dystopian tales, give it a shot. Just don’t expect everything to click perfectly—sometimes, the journey is more interesting than the destination.

Final Verdict: A flawed but fascinating relic of its era. 7/10.