Read or Die
R.O.D: Read or Die
Action
Spy
Sci-Fi
Adventure
Details & Synopsis
Yomiko Readman is a substitute teacher, a special agent of the British Library, and the most dangerous bibliophile on the planet. Codenamed "The Paper," she can manipulate paper into weapons, shields, and anything else her imagination can conjure. Three episodes. Ninety minutes. One of the tightest, most purely fun anime ever produced.
Released by Studio Deen in 2001, Read or Die is a James Bond film filtered through a love of books and animated at a level that had no business existing for an OVA. The opening sequence — set on the roof of the White House, shot with the Twin Towers still standing in the New York skyline — is unforgettable for reasons the creators never intended. The action choreography is still spectacular. The paper effects are still creative. Yomiko Readman is still one of the best protagonists of her era.
Three episodes. Watch them all tonight.
Released by Studio Deen in 2001, Read or Die is a James Bond film filtered through a love of books and animated at a level that had no business existing for an OVA. The opening sequence — set on the roof of the White House, shot with the Twin Towers still standing in the New York skyline — is unforgettable for reasons the creators never intended. The action choreography is still spectacular. The paper effects are still creative. Yomiko Readman is still one of the best protagonists of her era.
Three episodes. Watch them all tonight.
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
Episode List
001
Yomiko Readman, The "Paper"
May 23, 2001
canon
►
Meet Yomiko Readman, a dangerously obsessed bibliophile who secretly operates as a superhuman field agent for the British Library. When a clone of historical inventor Gennai Hiraga destroys the Library of Congress to steal a rare book, Yomiko must use her absolute mastery over paper to stop him and protect the world's literary history.
002
Rise Up, Oh Great Geniuses!
Jul 18, 2001
canon
►
The I-Jin—genetically engineered clones of legendary historical figures like Beethoven and Otto Lilienthal—launch a coordinated, devastating assault across the globe. Yomiko teams up with the phasing operative Nancy Makuhari (Miss Deep) and the grizzled mercenary Drake Anderson to infiltrate the enemy's heavily fortified base in India.
003
Let There Be Light...
Feb 6, 2002
canon
►
The I-Jin's terrifying master plan is finally revealed: using a satellite to broadcast Beethoven's "Suicide Symphony" and wipe out humanity. Reeling from a heartbreaking betrayal, Yomiko must push her paper-manipulation powers to their absolute limits to save a world she barely participates in.
