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Tsubasa RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE 4-5

Tsubasa RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE 4-5

Written by Ross Locksley on 21 Aug 2008


Distributor Revelation • Certificate PG • Price £15.99


As we enter the fourth and fifth volumes charting the quest to revive Sakura's scattered memories, we're taken to new worlds plagued with demons (and maids!). The tragedy remains that by recovering her memories, she would still never remember her love for Syaroan.

I'm still surprised at just how gorgeous this series looks - for a TV series, it boasts some excellent animation and attention to detail. Character designs are sharp and attractive, with plenty of vibrant colours and moody set pieces.

The stories show no sign of letting up the pace, with plenty of monster bashing for those that love a good fight, and pathos for those who demand angst from their anime protagonists. Tsubasa is an excellent mix which makes it an excellent choice regardless of your gender, and while Clamp's style has always been on the shoujo side, it still manages to make it's leads look commanding.

Highlights include volume 5's street battle between some demons fighting both Faye and Kurogane set to a beautiful ballad which serves to further both characters. The Demon fighting arc covers both discs, and will run into volume 6. This elongated stay really helps to flesh out the story, and is a welcome change from the 2 episode hops of earlier volumes.

There's little left to add to my previous review in terms of production quality, except to say that the music is still as enchanting as ever, and that fans of the series won't find anything to cast a doubt during the 10 episodes on offer across these volumes. Rivalling Gundam SEED for most rounded anime epic of recent years, Tsubasa will sit well in any collection and should keep you entertained from start to finish.


Extras:

Faces in the Crowd - a glossary of which character originated in which series
Character Guide
World Guide
Textless opening/ending
Trailers


10
A series with depth and quality to rival any other series on the shelf. Bag it.

Ross Locksley
About Ross Locksley

Ross founded the UK Anime Network waaay back in 1995 and works in and around the anime world in his spare time.


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