Zeguy

video sleeve

Official Blurb:

"High school students, Miki and Sayaka, face fear and terror when their peaceful life in modern-day Japan is suddenly disrupted. The girls are mysteriously transported into the ethereal Empire of the Clouds by the power-hungry Himiko and her cruel conspirators. In their wicked quest to open the mighty Gateway of the Wind, Sayaka is immediately imprisoned but Miki is rescued by the ancient Guardians of the Gateway. She helps them fight against Himiko's forces in an attempt to preserve the power of the Supreme God Zeguy and thus protect the world."

"Miki's true identity and vital role in this great battle eventually comes apparent.... but will they triumph?"

Creator:         Kazuo Suzaki
Director:        Shigenori Kageyama
Screenplay:      Shigenori Kageyama
Copyright:       Shigenori Kageyama/KSS Inc.

Language Format: English Language
Running time:    65 mins
  (NB: The running time given on the tape sleeve is incorrect)
Certificate:     PG
Label:           Manga Video
Catalogue no:    MANV 1052
Price:           £8.99
Release Date:    12th September 1994

Review:

This 65-minute video, also known as "The Labyrinth of the Sea Clouds" was almost unknown in the fan scene. It is in fact an alternate-world fantasy in which Miki and Sayaka, two naive schoolgirls, are transported to the Empire of the Clouds, a world of adventure where heroes and villains contest for the power of the god Zeguy (pronounced Z-gai). There's plenty to delight the eye, and adventure, invention and comedy are skilfully mixed in a fast-paced plot. The fantasy world is internally consistent, and the airships and other special effects would have cost tens of millions of dollars in a live action production. The characters could have been better developed, and so could the details of the Empire. ZEGUY isn't quite in the same league as PROJECT A-KO or the Miyazaki movies, to which it bears a more than coincidental resemblace, but with the promised PG rating offers lots of fun for fantasy fans of all ages. Check it out.

My nephew also saw ZEGUY, of which he says: "I think this video was aimed at a younger age group, maybe about 10 and under. Not as funny as MARIS or CAT GIRL NUKU NUKU. They could have made more of the story which was a good idea." [Geoff Cowie]