I was once told that there are only 10 plots for stories in the world and everything we do is based off of them. I got that feeling with “Dragon Crisis!” (“Doragon Kuraishisu!^”), as it smells like parts of “C3” and “Testament” (can you help out a damsel in distress?)

We begin with Ryūji Kisaragi, a mere lad of 15 summers (and that winter in Sapporo). His parents are ‘Lost Precious’ hunters (and keep your Gollum puns to yourself, please. We’ll have time for that at the end). Because his parents cross the world almost constantly, he is left to his own devices. His life gets upended when cousin Eriko Nanao (19 and very ‘healthy’) stops by. There is something afoot in the Black Market and a potential Lost Precious is being transported under cover of night and heavy security. They capture it (despite a car chase and a gun battle) only to find that it is the girl Rose. Ah, but a Rose by any other name would still be…a dragon?

The series contends itself with that which is hidden. Huh? Well, it seems that Ryūji is a Level 10 Breaker, the most skilled of those who search for and use Lost Precious’, and is one of seven in the whole world at that level. We also learn that this may not be the first time that these two have met, but they both have spotty memories. They have to fend off the advances of Fang, the secret organization that wants all this power, and other, nefarious, folks also in the hunt. There is also a series of adventures that involve Lost Preciouses and the final four episodes have the plot show up for a dragon showdown to determine the fates of those involved and how the world will proceed.

This is a good series to start people on or even have as a second series to view. There is certainly enough action and twists and turns to keep one entertained, but the relationship between Rose and Ryūji seems a bit forced, almost like the one I saw in “To Love-Ru”. I know it is a lot to ask of a 15-year-old to be less afraid and confused about things beyond his control, but it seemed he was a bit too afraid and confused, even though he has been doing this for about 10 years or so. Rose is forgiven, as she does appear to have a genuine memory lapse, but things become clearer to her (and to us) during the series.

However, if you are an established anime watcher, I would save this for a time when you are between shows and waiting for something new to show up. It will certainly fill the bill, but, at the end, comes off as a bit slight. Good, but not great.

On a scale of 1 to 10:

Artwork           7 (What is with those massive eyes?)
Plot                  7 (Seen before, done better)
Pacing              7 (Moves along consistently)
Effectiveness   7 (Helpful use of pointed flashbacks)
Conclusion       6 (It reaches a ‘coupler’, but hasn’t ended)
Fan Service      2 (A similar show would be “Okamisan”)

Overall            7 (Got a bit too soap opera for me)

And remember, it’s first run until you’ve seen it. I want to stay beside you.