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The last episode on the first volume left the combined forces of the Teikoku Kagekidan having tasted a bitter blend of victory and defeat, with loss being at the top of the list. But, don’t’ think that’s going to stop the girls, or Ohgami either. No matter how much shame they have accumulated in the heat of battle, it’s made them more determined than ever to harness their spiritual powers and master fighting with their Koubu. That’s the perfect opportunity to bring back some old favorites. First up, the return of Ri Kohran, the groups resident mechanic. Ri comes into the picture not just to take on the task of some much-needed repairs, but also to help the girls understand exactly how to work cooperatively with their Koubu. She might be fantastic when it comes to not only the repair work, but also helping everyone understand the bond between their machines, but there’s one thing that we all know all too well about Ri: she’s about as clumsy as they come, maybe even more so than Sakura. With Ri back in the picture, the next obvious returning girl on the list is none other than the martial arts expert Kanna Kirishima. Kanna might be tough, but she’s also a little bit crude when it comes to just speaking to people in general and she lacks the ladylike graces of Sakura or even the sophistication of Sumire. However, having her back in the fold not only adds in some muscle and mecha support, it means that Sumire has yet another thorn in her side, and if you’ve seen any of the OVA series in the past, then you already are aware that Kanna is a thorn that can hold her own quite easily. Aside from new characters though, there’s a little behind the scenes as we see the group hard at work, preparing for a one night only performance. But no matter how hard the girls practice, nothing can quite prepare them for their next major foe. Crimson Miroku was a fairly nasty demonic presence when the team faced her, but the latest demon to arrive may very well have their number as well. On a cultural side note, those that are taking the opportunity to enjoy the show in its original Japanese format will find a nice lesson, especially if you’re planning on, or already taking Japanese. There’s a slight misspelling of Sumire’s name, and a slight change to Tsumire, as we’re told later in the episode, means fish ball or dumpling. This is a great example of how proper pronunciation and spelling just as important in Japanese as it is any language. And yes, tsumire is a real food, made of a variety of fish and even chicken at time. As with the first volume, this one is made up of the same extras. Personally, I could watch the opening and listen to the theme song over and over again. So, having a clean version is quite a treat and while a clean closing isn’t bad, it’s rather bland, with or without credits. The disc also comes with another booklet of production notes, but unfortunately or review copy didn’t come with one of these included, so we really have no idea what exactly it contains. But, keeping in mind the quality of the last one, I will go on record as saying that I’m positive that it’s well put together and informative as well. If any of the three OVA’s or the first volume of the television series hasn’t already sucked you into the fantastic world of Sakura Wars, this is the volume that’s sure to do it. It has the perfect blend of characterization, action, and a touch of humor. And, with the slowly emerging story of the Black Sanctum as well as some pretty nasty foes that the girls are certain to face repeatedly, Sakura Wars has all the right ingredients to become a winning series, So run, lighting fast, down to your local retailer and pick this one up. You certainly won’t be disappointed. Episode 6 – The Koubu's Heart The battle with Crimson Miroku has left the Koubu’s in a heavy state of disrepair and has caused a great feeling of doubt among some of the members of the Teikoku Kagekidan. Yoneda decides it’s time to bring in someone a little closer to the situation to help not only with training, but help with the negative feelings, and Ri Kohran is brought back to the Imperial Theater. Will her advice help Sakura, or will it confuse the matter even more? Episode 7 – Tasty Order Kanna returns to the fold of the Imperial Theatre to meet the newcomers to the Teikoku Kagekidan. While things may seem liek they are returning to normal, a new threat appears in the form of Setsuna, a telepathic member of the Black Sanctum Council. Together with is behemoth of a partner, Resatsu, they prove to be a force to be reckoned with. Episode 8 – This is Revue The Flower Division prepares to perform a new play for the arrival of the Goodwill Ambassador, and it's a one night only event. Problems however strike before the show can even go on. Gonji, a servant to Sakura's family, arrives in an effort to bring her back to Sendai for her father's memorial service and she refuses to go. Sumire on the ohter hand has other problems. Her name has been misspelled on the shows programs and if that weren't enough, she sees everyone else as being inadequate in their performance, and thus refuses to go on. Episode 9 - A Girl Called Kazuar Sakura, in an effort to be friendly and make friends, mistakenly dredges up something very personal from Maria's past. While on a group outing for lunch, Sakura intends to apologize, but that's going to be cut short when Setsuna and Resatsu appear once again and Ohgami is kidnapped. Going against orders, Maria and Sakura attempt to find him before it's too late. - mike -
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