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[ café reviews ]

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Episode 6: Ankokuou No Ken
(The Sword of the Dark Emperor)



Copyright: © 1990 Kadokawa Video (Japan), 1995 US Manga Corp / Software Sculptors (North America)
Length: 40 minutes
Rating: NR, parental guidance suggested
Format: Subtitled (VHS/Hybrid Quicktime CD-ROM)

Based on the novels by: Yasuda Hitoshi and Mizuno Ryo Executive Producer: Kadokawa Tsuguhiko Producers: Tamiya Takeshi, Ikeda Kensho, Maruyama Masao Screenplay: Watanabe Mami Director: Sakai Akio Character design: Izubuchi Yutaka Music: Hagita Mitsuo English version producer: John O'Donnell Translator: Neil Nadelman


[ plot summary ]

volume 3

Having learned from the great sage, Wort, the nature of the centuries-old Karla, Parn and his party race back to Valis. The Marmo forces continue to advance at an alarming rate, leaving behind nothing but death and destruction. Unwilling to leave so many needy people unattended, Slayn, Ghim and Etoh stay behind, tending to the injured while Parn, Deedlit and Woodchuck continue to Valis to inform King Fahn of their discovery. For completing his dangerous mission, Parn is named to the order of the Holy Knights of Valis, and is awarded a suit of armour. But Parn still keeps the memory of his father within him, and refuses to part with the armour of his father. While contemplating the upcoming war, King Fahn reveals the true reason why Tessius, Parn's father, had been disgraced. Meanwhile, Beld sends Ashram and his army in advance, in hopes of catching Kashue's advance troops unawares.


[ capsule review ]

Parn's first major battle approaches, as Fahn's and Beld's armies prepare for a war that has been brewing for thrity years. The minor acting roles get annoying at times (such as the groans of anguish coming from the injured survivors of the battles), and a lot of footage gets reused over and over again -- sure signs that this production was done on a tight budget. Regardless, story continues to maintain a good pace, and the build-up to the battle works well. A lot of character development occurs in this episode, especially between Deedlit and Parn (I still have a tough time understanding the attraction for Parn's character.) Nice little string piece played by Deedlit in this episode. Of particular interest in this episode is the depiction of Tessius, Parn's father, who has more than a passing similarity to King Kashue. A lot of foreshadowing of the upcoming battle between Ghim and Karla, as well. As if the story wasn't complicated enough already, the writers throw in yet more story elements -- a love interest for Ashram, in the form of the Dark High Elf, Pirotess, and perhaps even more interesting is the hint that Narse, the Ancient Dragon, will play a large role down the line... Love it! - AN


Advance parties from both sides clash as the battle between Marmo and Valis nears. The story continues to captivate your attention as the warring factions battle for control of Lodoss. Who will triumph? We also have some interesting background regarding Tessius, Parn's father. The music continues to be excellent and adds to the overall feel of the series. In this episode, they reused some of the battle animation from the previous episode and it stood out since the clips are fairly distinctive. This detracted somewhat from the overall experience, but the story itself and the solid voice acting continues to be very gripping. - JYN



[ café rating ]

Original: Subbed: Dubbed:
Story: N/R 4 stars N/A
Direction: N/R 4 stars N/A
Acting: N/R 3 stars N/A
Animation: N/R 3 stars N/A
Music: N/R 3 stars N/A
Translation: N/R 5 stars N/A
Overall Rating: N/R 3 stars N/A



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