Not the best, and not the worst, Ragnarok: The Animation probably would have been more fun to watch if I was around eleven years old.  Although, perhaps that lack of connection is because I've just missed out on the whole franchise.  The series is based off of an online role-playing game, Ragnarok Online, which in turn is based on a manhwa, Ragnarok, by Myung-Jin Lee.  The anime seems to be that "other cousin," three times removed.

This incarnation follows Yufa, an acolyte, and her childhood friend Roan, a swordsman, on their grand adventure.  The purpose of their quest isn't exactly clear; they seem to be traveling for the sake of finding adventure.  Yufa is recovering emotionally from the recent death of her brother, so perhaps their adventure is Roan's way of getting her mind off of her grief.  Whatever the reason, they soon meet up with a beautiful sorceress, Takius, who wears a blindfold as part of her training to sharpen her other senses.  She appears to be quite wise, and provides a bit of guidance for Yufa and Roan. 

Not long after, they acquire another traveling companion, Maya, who declares herself a merchant, but it is probably more accurate to say she sells what she manages to scavenge.  Maya is obnoxious and not particularly helpful when the others run into trouble, but she's shrewd and provides some of the more amusing comic relief.  Rounding out the group are Iruga, the strong, silent warrior type, and his companion, an archer named Judia.  Judia's English voice actor uses an awful, fakey, Southern accent that had me gritting my teeth.  Think Chou from Rurouni Kenshin.  Yes, it was that bad.  Regardless, Iruga was once friends with Yufa's brother, Keough, and she is delighted to see him again.  Yufa gushes over Iruga, creating a bit of jealousy on both Judia and Roan's parts. 

The series is action-packed with lots of fights involving ghosts (that literally wear sheets) and giant bugs.  The violence is bloodless, and Yufa has been gifted with the very handy ability to heal.  There are quite a few mysterious folks who pop into the story to utter cryptic lines, which certainly foreshadow future events.  So far, the adventures have centered around the increasing activity of the local monsters, and the appearance of all these mysterious folks must indicate that a much larger plot is afoot.  Added into the mix are strange sightings of Keough, who is supposed to be dead.  Most of this first volume meanders along, introducing the actors and setting the stage.  Perhaps later episodes will be more forthcoming with the story.

All that action is lightened by a healthy dose of humor.  Much of the humor revolves around the nature of Yufa and Roan's relationship.  Yufa insists they are only friends, but she protests far too much.  Roan just quietly wishes Yufa would stop insisting they are merely friends.  There is much bickering and goofiness and good-intentioned teasing between the characters.  The characters' disparate personalities play well off of each other, and many jokes are had.  Granted, much of the humor probably appeals more to the younger set, but it's good for a smile.  Mostly.

Ragnarok: The Animation is probably best enjoyed vicariously by watching one's children enjoy it.  It's a bit of harmless, silly fun, as long as one ignores the fact that it was most likely made in hopes of selling more memberships to the online game.

Details: Runtime 2:05, contains episodes 1-5.  The dvd sadly lacks any extras.