Angelic Layer
Publisher
ADV
Director
Hiroshi Nishikiori
Production
Project Angelic Layer, Dentsu, TV Tokyo
Country of origin
Japan
Format
Series
Running time
26 episodes
Year
2001
Angelic Layer volume 4: Faith, Hope & Love (eps 13-16)
By John Huxley
2nd Dec 04  Even the most ardent of Angelic Layer fans must have been tiring of the repetitive storylines that have marred an otherwise enjoyable three volumes of this toy-based martial arts fantasy. Despite benefiting from CLAMP's usual high standard of design work and a novel concept, Angelic Layer has failed to really impress as I'd hoped it would. Now, this fourth volume (of six) doesn't really represent a change in direction and it doesn't offer anything particularly new to help revitalise the stale formula; it simply gives us more of the same albeit it delivered at a much faster pace that's surprisingly effective in alleviating much of the tedium that has previously hampered Angelic Layer. Misaki, having defeated enough opponents to win a place in the semi-final, finds herself face-to-face with the best Angelic Layer players in the Kanto region. Our spirited newcomer has drawn a seemingly gentle and friendly girl who boasts possession of one of the earliest models of Angel, making her a skilled veteran of the sport. Misaki has her work cut out for her if she's to keep her promise to meet and challenge the young prodigy Hatoko once again! The first two episodes may revolve around this epic fight, but it's the background story that really lifts the action to another level. Angelic Layer has always treated us to a little backstory, more often than not involving Misaki's opponents and their reasons for fighting on the Layer. However, this is no inconsequential subplot that you'll struggle to remember the following morning - this is a story that involves pivotal developments concerning not only Misaki but also her mother, Icchan and the birth of the Angelic Layer game itself. Admittedly this is wholly predictable stuff - you'd probably be able to write the script yourself with a little effort - yet it's effective enough to give Angelic Layer that added extra layer of potency that will have you glued to the screen throughout the four episodes on this disc. When you're suitably distracted by an engrossing storyline such as this you suddenly find yourself able to overlook even the most obvious of shortcomings - characters are given a new lease of life, you find yourself laughing at the jokes, heck, even the fights begin to appear more exciting! The epic battle between Misaki faces early on is every bit as melodramatic as we've come to expect from Angelic Layer yet you find yourself somehow engrossed by this hackneyed brawl. At the risk of dissuading a few potential viewers, it even reminded me a little of my first experience with Dragonball Z; ridiculous, stupid, predictable yet utterly absorbing regardless. Thankfully Angelic Layer doesn't take its foot off the pedal, successfully maintaining the momentum gained from this stellar storyline right through the last two episodes on this disc and hopefully beyond. Don't worry, I won't go and ruin the surprises this volume has in store for you (go on, bet you can't guess the outcome of Misaki's fight!), just rest assured that you'll be left pining for the fifth volume by the time you're finished here. Unfortunately for many it will already be too little too late for Angelic Layer - three volumes of mediocrity salvaged by four decent episodes is not enough to warrant a purchase - but to its fans this will represent the long overdue fulfilment of all that promise. If you've already bought all three volumes of Angelic Layer please don't give up now, go buy this DVD and give this show one more chance to prove itself. Just like its plucky little heroine Misaki, Angelic Layer pulls through when it really matters.
R2 DVD Notes
Features: English 5.1 and Japanese 2.0 audio, English subtitles, voice actor commentaries, production artwork, ADV previews
Release information: UK: Out now, ADV
Notes: Returning with a blue colour scheme this month, the package ADV have put together for Angelic Layer is as good as ever. The four page leaflet/poster features an action-ready Misaki on the layer and a few new character profiles on the reverse. The extras will be familiar territory for Angelic Layer fans, with the voice actor commentary making a welcome return. There's also a little production artwork for you to flick through as well as all the regular trailers. Another good Angelic Layer disc.
-- John Huxley 2nd Dec 04
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