All of the plaguing questions that Madlax has been bringing into its story, especially in the last two volumes, are just about to be answered. What many saw initially as nothing more than a Noir clone, and I may as well include myself, has quickly been developing its own personality and its own life. No matter what direction you might believe that Madlax is heading into, despite what you think might be the ending, the seventh volume marks the end of the series. Brace yourself to get slapped back into “Reality.”

Madlax has undoubtedly been filled with some quite unexpected turns, and though the series initially seemed to be another action anime in the same vein as the fan-favorite Noir, more recent events have taken Madlax into somewhat paranormal and supernatural realms. There has been the mystery of the three books, brief flashes of details concerning what happened with Margaret’s real father, and just who Madlax might really be.

Everything will make much more sense by the end of the final episode, and once again my job as a reviewer becomes extraordinarily difficult. It simply wouldn’t be right to give every detail and deprive fans of viewing an ending that is extraordinary, touching, and action packed. However, there are a few very important details that can’t be overlooked.

The truth about Madlax does finally become absolute, and all you really need to know is that Madlax herself represents the crime of the past. She’s an embodiment of the desire to kill, the will to survive, and the kindness that suffers through senseless killing. Madlax is herself, and yet she is another that is contrast to her. This may seem confusing, and while that really is my intent, it will become much clearer once you’ve finished this volume.

There are a few other unexpected twists and turns as well as revelations come into play. You can expect another major character to be removed permanently from the cast long before the closing credits in a rather sobering moment in the series. It brings about something of a melancholy feeling to Madlax, and that same air really sticks in the final episodes. Madlax becomes touching in some ways, to an extent it also becomes thought provoking, but most importantly the last three episodes are riveting and incredibly captivating.

There are again a number of additional features that are found on this last volume, and ADV has done quite a good job with giving this series a little something more than just the usual. There is a promotional music video for the song “I’m Here,” and this is a song that at this point, should be very familiar to most fans as it has been used a number of times in episodes. There is also a karaoke version and this does include the original Japanese lyrics. What, did you think that you could try and sing it in English? There also is a collection of Japanese DVD packaging, and I want to point out as I have in the past that any who complains that there are too many DVD releases or volumes in an anime series, consider yourself fortunate. The Japanese had 14 volumes released for Madlax, and if you’ve seen the price on those, they certainly aren’t cheap.

There are more than just there features though. An alternate preview for episode 26 is included as well as a memorial video for another fallen character. You’ll also get a look at some of the Japanese commercials used to hype the DVD’s. The standard clean opening and closing animations couldn’t be forgotten, nor could another collection of design sketches. And, just as the case has been with all of the volumes, the English cast has a little fun again making their own dialog for the series. The DVD insert also comes with interview snippets from the Japanese cast.

Madlax has been an exhilarating series from start to finish, and this definitely isn’t like “that other series” like a number of people want to believe. There are similarities, but Madlax stands well on its own and is a gripping action adventure that delves into pseudo paranormal realities with an end result that may leave some questioning what they have just seen. Others will want to start it all over again, but no matter what, Madlax is an anime extravaganza that shouldn’t be ignored.

Episode 24 – Devoted Heart

Madlax and Limelda have yet another chance to face each other in battle, but not before Madlax can take out a number of Enfant’s units. Elenore continues her search for Margaret but after finally locating her, it seems that perhaps all hope is lost.

Episode 25 – Sacred Blood

Friday Monday has taken Margaret and the books into the netherworld between truths and lies now that he has gotten the final Secondari page. It is here that Margaret learns the truth about what really happened twelve years ago and just who, or what, Madlax really is.

Episode 26 – Shards

Margaret now understands perfectly who is what as well as what her true crime is. Now there are only two choices to follow: let reality be as it always has been or accept the past as the present.