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Saiyuki Vol. 5: Sting of the Scorpion
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The journey west continues on, and it's set to be quite a lengthy trip.
The
fifth volume of Saiyuki, "Sting of the Scorpion," brings us all
just a step closer to the end of the first season, but keep in mind that
there still is a full second season just around the corner, as well as at
least one OVA, and yet another installment in the title, a new series
entitled Saiyuki: Reload. While there hasn't been any official word
yet from ADV regarding anything past the second season, anything can
happen, and my guess is that they're just biding their time and waiting
for the prefect moment to present itself before giving any real credence
to anything beyond the second season.
Fighting, main characters on the brink of death, and berserk rages are the
real
focus in this volume. In some ways, it may sound similar to what we've
seen in
other episodes, but with Saiyuki, there's always a way to take
ideas and reuse
them in new and interesting ways. Though the first episode on the disc is
a bit
convoluted, the other episodes are done extremely well, with much more of
those
interesting camera shots and overlays that are such a staple of the
series. While there is a slight bit of CG used in a few episodes, for the
most part, it isn't something that really becomes a burden or takes away
from the series. In fact, in some instances, it's actually used in ways
that enhance some of the visuals, something that I've found to be rather
rare when it comes to anime as for the most part, CG really hasn't been
very impressive in my opinion.
There is a slight bit of background revealed, but there isn't too much
that's substantial, however it all does start to add up. The two main
characters that
are the focus are Sanzo and Goku, and though there isn't any sort of
shocking
revelations, there still is plenty to give the characters a little more
personality, although that's something that neither of them really need at
all. The highlight however involves Sanzo getting poised and unexpected
arrival by Kougaiji and Dokugakuji. Though there have been figbhts between
these opposing forces before, Kougaji offers to help, assuming of course
they can kill him in battle. The only solution is of course for Goku to
remove his demon limiter, resulting in a frenzied rage that just about
costs everyone their lives. This actually was about the point I had come
into the original Japanese Saiyuki prior to it getting released in
the states, and was the one thing that managed to hook me into the series,
regardless of how strange it was.
Good episodes make up for sub par extras in this case. While I don't mind
seeing clean versions of the opening and closing, having it every volume
does
in fact get a bit repetitive. It's not easy though to always find extras
for the series, and I'll doubt that in the process of any series being
created, there isn't a definitive opinion on how the series will fare.
There are cultural notes however, something that to date, we've seen with
every volume, as well as a fairly well detailed origin on Goku. However,
in the future, keeping season two in mind, I really would like to see ADV
go the same booklet arrangement that has been used with series such as
Zaion and Sakura Wars. Having the cultural notes in hand while
watching the series works a bit better, for me at least. Lastly, there's a
rather nice Lirin poster included, and it's something that I'm sure that
some fan boys will spend hours drooling over.
Saiyuki may be a little different, but it's still not something
that should be
overlooked either. I know that quite a few other sites haven't quite taken
to
the series as well as they have with others. It may not have the series
nature that some series have, and I've often read criticism regarding
dragon's transforming into cars, but let's keep in mind the impossibility
of having giant robots defend the freedom of Japan, or having oversized
aliens attacking Tokyo. This is anime after all, where the impossible
becomes possible, and if you keep to that frame of mind, Saiyuki is
just as good a series as any.
Episode 19 - Maidens of Sorrow
As their journey continues Sanzo and his friends have a chance encounter
with
four beautiful sisters. Sanzo however is the only one that's not
interested, and warns his friends not to get involved. He may be right, as
the sisters themselves are the victims of a parasite demon and he's agreed
to leave their bodies, assuming of course they can kill the Sanzo party.
Episode 20 - The Quicksand Trap
The desert holds many perils, but that isn't going to stop Sanzo from
making an unexpected stop. He's searching for a lost scripture, but the
lair of the demon is buried much deeper than anyone could imagine, and the
Scorpion demon lurking beneath the sands has set the perfect trap to
capture the party.
Episode 21 - Berzerking Towards Destruction
Sanzo has been poisoned and lies dying. It seems like it's impossible to
find an antidote before the poison takes its effect, but when Kougaji
arrives, he offers a solution. However, it means that Goku must defeat him
in combat, and he sees only one alternative in achieving victory.
Episode 22 - The End of Battle
Goku's battle against Kougaji rages on, and even though he's won, without
his demon limiter, he's completely out of control. Even his friends can't
stop his bloodthirsty rage, but that's when Sanzo manages to summon up just
enough strength to put him in his place, but it might not be enough.
-mike-
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Genre:
Adventure
Series Director:
Hayato Date
Directed by:
Episode 19 - Masahiko Murata
Episode 20 - Tomoki Kyoda
Episode 21 - Rion Kujo
Episode 22 - Hitoyuki Matsui
Written
by:
Episode 19 - Akatsuki Yamatoya
Episode 20 - Daisuke Yajima
Episode 21 & 22 - Katsuyuki
Sumisawa
Based on the Manga by:
Kazuya Minekura
Original Japanese Title:
Gensoumaden Saiyuki
Voice Cast:
Toshihiko Seki (Sanzo
Genjo)
Souichirou Hoshi (Son
Goku)
Hiroaki Hirata (Sha
Gojyo)
Akira Ishida (Cho Hakkai)
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DVD
Features:
Dual Language
Japanese/English
English Subtitles
Clean Opening/Closing
Cultural Background Notes
Saiyuki Tailer
Production Sketches
Poster Included
Contains Episodes 19 - 21
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