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Slayers Next Vol. 2

Slayers Next Vol. 2

Written by A. H. on 28 May 2009


Distributor MVM • Certificate 12 • Price £15.99


Hunting dragons, dealing with monsters and searching for rare spell books are all in a day's work for super-sorceress Lina Inverse - But what happens when you lose the powers that have made you so feared across the land?  Such is the dilemma that faces Lina for most of this second volume of Slayers Next, and it couldn't come at a worse time with evil forces running rampage in a plot to kidnap Prince Phil which runs far deeper than it first seems.

Of course, this being Slayers even such grave matters aren't allowed to get in the way of the light-hearted fun, slapstick and quick-witted dialogue which is the signature of the series, and somehow even the most heart-rending of tales are turning into a figure of fun by Lina and company on their various travels, trials and tribulations.

Truth be told, that's more or less all there is to be said about this volume of Slayers Next, which continues along the exact same path that the franchise has displayed from the very start - If you've enjoyed prior volumes of this show, then there's little in these episodes that will dampen your spirits or enthusiasm.  Despite my initial misgivings about Slayers on account of its age (which it continues to show it in terms of both animation style and quality) and tone, it's ended up winning me over in terms of its sheer entertainment value.  It may not deliver deep, thought-provoking plots or compelling character-centric dilemmas, but it mostly succeeds in the area it targets the strongest - Actually being something fun to watch, and sometimes that's all you want or need from an anime series.

On the technical side of this release, MVM are continuing with their modus operandi of piling on the episodes by the boat-load (there are seven instalments to enjoy on this single DVD release) in lieu of any extras, while the audio and video quality is pretty much as good as you can expect from this now relatively aged transfer.

All in all then, you've probably already made your mind up about Slayers, and indeed Slayers Next, long before reaching this volume of the series - It isn't deep and it isn't ground-breaking, but in a sense that simplicity and sense of fun is a blessing in itself if you're in need of a relaxing night or two's viewing that won't tax your brain or your emotions overly.


Extras:

English and Japanese 2.0 audio, English subtitles.


6
Slayers continues on its merry, fun-filled way with little sign of deviating from its tried and trusted formula.

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