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The OVA collection for UFO Ultramaiden Valkyrie is respectively seasons three and four of the series with six episodes contained in the third season and a mere two in the fourth. This also comes across as definitely being much more of a release that is focused on the fans and not the newcomers to the series as there isn’t much in the way of back-story given for those who might need it. It actually didn’t take me too long to remember the series and it was Ms. Sanada who helped me recall much of it. There’s something about a busty maid with a fetish for cats that is strangely sexy, unless of course you’re into Nordic types like Valkyrie, but that’s a discussion better left for forums. At times the episodes go the route of being nothing more than one-shots with a simple storyline started and completed within the episode itself while others expand on the overall premise of the series. The main plot point that is addressed is the impending wedding between Kazuto and Val, though if you’re expecting that the series will in fact finally bring this to a close in these OVA’s, that’s where you’d be completely incorrect. Like many other anime, UFO Ultramaiden Valkyrie seems content to simply let things ride for now and not provide any closure at all; the number of other titles that have done this is tremendous. The OVA’s do take time to make sure that all of the fan favorites are present and accounted for with Kazuto and Val getting most of the spotlight, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t time for characters like Hydra, Ms. Sanada, Pharm, Laine or Chorus to shine, though maybe not nearly as brightly. While Laine does get an episode of her own dealing with time travel, she often feels more like a second string character, someone included when there’s not much else to work with, and Chorus is easily forgettable. Ms. Sanada though often seems to deserve a bit more and her alter-ego, the “mysterious” caped catgirl does add in some good moments. Even though there isn’t a great deal of remarkable additions to the overall story, there is one interesting moment where Valkyrie becomes two separate people. If you’ve followed the series you already know that we usually see Val as a child, but when she kisses Kazuto she becomes an adult which I guess kind of makes her a pedophiles dream date. The child and adult versions of Val end up being separated which later leads to something of a running gag of the younger Val being the older ones daughter, at least until all of the facts are sorted out. The collection unfortunately doesn’t have much in the way of extra, just clean version of the opening and closing animations. Given the fact that the second DVD only has two episodes on it, it really felt like there should have been just a little more to fill up the space and show the fans some appreciation. If these were to ever come out on blu-ray, I would hope that there might be some other extras added or at the very least, all episodes included on a single disc, something which shouldn’t be difficult to do. UFO Ultramaiden Valkyrie, as far as an OVA collection, is a great reward for fans, but it’s not the introductory point for anyone who has heard of the series and wants to learn more about it. Much of it is really based around you already having some prior knowledge and even though you can pick up on the more important points, there is still quite a bit that you’ll miss out on by only watching the OVA’s. This is truly a fans only release, but if you fall into that category, you won’t want to miss out. Season 3 Pharm has now become a teacher at Kazuto and Akina's school and before long, every female student has started wearing glasses just like hers, even taking things as far as to start their own club. Sanada however thinks there’s something nefarious going on and the battle of the cat maids begins. Episode 2 – Inarba, the Goddess of Judgment Inarba has come to visit and has decided on the best time for Kazuto and Valkyrie’s wedding. Not everyone is happy about her visit however; some of the girls are actually terrified due to her “Words of Doom,” something that seems to keep coming up and punishing them with unspeakable horrors, at least in their eyes. Episode 3 – The Caped Catgirl is Here Valkyrie and Kazuto are to collect twelve Spirit Stones as Inarba feels they will help to bless their wedding. The catch is that they have to treasure hunt alone, but that doesn’t mean that someone “unknown” can’t lend a hand, or a paw as Ms. Sanada becomes her alter-ego; the Caped Cat Girl. Episode 4 – Laine, Laine, Laine Laine decides to take a trip down memory lane which lands her in the past with a younger version of herself. After the two are pursued, they land in yet another time with another version of Laine and when they try and set things right . . . . everything is quickly becoming a mess. Episode 5 – Runaway Princess Valkyrie Valkyrie decides to spend some time away from home and enjoy her time with friends. Later, after kissing Kazuto and transforming into her adult form she becomes worried about the wedding and once again “runs away,” this time seeking advice. Episode 6 – The Battle of the Wedding Chapel in the Sky The wedding day has finally arrived for Valkyrie and Kazuto and a legendary mural has even been found. Unfortunately there are others who are after this prized artifact, pirates, and it looks like they might ruin the wedding before it can even begin. Season 4 Yumir, one of Valkyrie’s former classmates, comes to inform her that there’s going to be a class reunion which Pharm has set up at the bathhouse (without getting approval from anyone else.) The separation of Val and her younger self has some confused, at least until they manage to set things right, and the Catmaid Squad springs into action to help get things ready. Episode 2 – Star of Hopes, Star of Dreams Akina is asked to be the priestess at the upcoming Banquet of the Celestial Comet, something which will require a great deal of preparation in a short amount of time. It shouldn’t be too difficult, not with Inarba assisting, but will Akina be ready in time? -mike-
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