Read or Die
R.O.D: Read or Die
Action
Spy
Sci-Fi
Adventure
Details & Synopsis
Yomiko Readman is a substitute teacher, a British Library special agent, and the kind of person who will risk her life for a book without considering that unusual. Her codename is The Paper because she can turn loose sheets into blades, shields, ropes, aircraft, and whatever else the next impossible situation requires.
Read or Die was released in 2001 as three OVA episodes, which means it has about ninety minutes to introduce a paper-wielding bibliophile, clone a collection of historical figures, threaten the world, and stage an action sequence over Washington that still looks expensive. It does all of that and leaves before the idea can wear out.
This was prime early-DVD and fansub recommendation material. Short enough to finish in one night, strange enough that the premise sold itself, and animated well enough that nobody had to apologize for handing it to a first-time viewer. The rooftop opening with the World Trade Center still in the skyline also fixes the production to a specific moment in a way nobody involved could have intended.
Three episodes. No franchise commitment required. The television sequel is a different thing and worth discussing later. Start here.
Read or Die was released in 2001 as three OVA episodes, which means it has about ninety minutes to introduce a paper-wielding bibliophile, clone a collection of historical figures, threaten the world, and stage an action sequence over Washington that still looks expensive. It does all of that and leaves before the idea can wear out.
This was prime early-DVD and fansub recommendation material. Short enough to finish in one night, strange enough that the premise sold itself, and animated well enough that nobody had to apologize for handing it to a first-time viewer. The rooftop opening with the World Trade Center still in the skyline also fixes the production to a specific moment in a way nobody involved could have intended.
Three episodes. No franchise commitment required. The television sequel is a different thing and worth discussing later. Start here.
Alt Title
R.O.D: Read or Die
Studio
Studio Deen
Network
OVA
Aired
2001 - 2002
Episodes
3
Genre
Action, Spy, Sci-Fi, Adventure
Status
Completed
Guides and reference pages for this series. More coming.
