Angelic Layer Vol. 2: On a Wing and a Player
Angelic Layer is one of many series that captured fans hearts and attention before it even was released outside of Japan. With the first volume, I made mention that I had actually seen Japanese episodes before the release here, and wasn't too taken in by it. I imagine that part of it, at least as far as the fans are concerned, is due to the fact that CLAMP is behind this one, but you can't ever base a liking simply on the fact of who the creator is. But like many series that I haven't liked at first, I'm still of the mindset that the first volume really doesn't always show the real soul of a series. There have been many that started out very slowly, and suddenly became quite a surprise, but then again, there is the reverse side of that as well where a series begins in a spectacular fashion, and simply becomes trite about midway through. Angelic Layer did show some potential in the beginning, thus making it worth another go.
To catch you up in case you still haven't watched the first volume, Angelic Layer is actually the name of a game that's all the rage in Japan. Players buy dolls, design them to their liking, and then taken them into an arena known as The Layer. The Angels are controlled by though, making this a step up from your standard video game, and tournaments are held regularly to determine whom the best is. Misaki Suzuhara has only just moved to Tokyo, but she's already showing quite a bit of promise playing Angelic Layer, and by the end of the first volume, we've followed Misaki through her rudimentary training procedures and watched as she began to win her way through the ranks of more experienced players, much to the surprise of the fans.
Much of this volume continues to cover Misaki's advancement through the tournament. I'm going to give some credit here, and I really do like seeing the tournament end of things happen sooner rather than later. It does quite a bit to add to the whole feeling of the series instead of simply making a short trek from place to place, fighting to prove your worth and earn a new badge, and then finally, after countless episodes that have went with the same theme, finally making it into the tournament, but I really can't think of any series that stuck with this premise at all, like let's say, Pokemon. There's a decent balance between the combat going on inside the Layer, the reaction of the crowd, particularly Misaki's friends, and then her own feelings. We also have the very strange Icchan showing his face from time to time as well, and he's monitoring her progress very heavily, though we're still left wondering exactly why this is.
In fact, I don't even mind the often times repetitive nature of the series. The fights are at least done interestingly enough, there aren't any annoying special moves that are blatantly announced each and every time they are used, and we even see Misaki suffer defeat at the hands of Hatoko, making it a little more realistic and avoiding the plight that often befalls anime where our main character immediately comes into their own and becomes and invincible force. There's even those side gags that make the show enjoyable, such as Ogata, Icchan's assistant, constantly finding himself in some situation that results in punishment, and it's generally something that humiliates him.
The problem that I have with the series however is that there seems to be very little in terms of real plot or character development so far. Misaki may be improving in her fighting skills, but that's really been the real extent of things. Misaki really needs to have a protagonist added in, and not just some kindergarten child that acts as simply a friendly rival. Instead, we simply get no name opponents that come and go too quickly. And even though Icchan has been pointed towards many times as the creator of Angelic Layer, the history behind it still remains shrouded in mystery, but I can only assume that it's something that will be covered later on down the line.
There isn't a lot added as far as the extras go. However, ADV is continuing on with adding commentary on selected episodes from the English voice cast. While I'd prefer to have commentary from the original Japanese cast, director, or anyone else, I can't complain too much about there at least being something added like this, and it's easier I'm sure to take the dub actors aside, set them in a room after their voice over session, and get thoughts, opinions, and a few laughs as well. Aside from this however, there are simply production sketches, but the disc does come with a poster with bios on a few of the characters in the series.
Angelic Layer still hasn't completely won me over. While I will say that I find it a little more viewable that I had with the first volume, I can still think of many other series that would hold my interest longer. There are plenty of episodes left that might completely change my thoughts on the series, and while they aren't as negative now as they were before, I still can't get up on my proverbial soap box and shout to the masses how great Angelic Layer is. However, I will say that I have a little more expectation with the next volume; I just hope they aren't dashed.
Episode 5 - I Don't Want to Lose! Please Believe in Hikaru
The Angelic Layer preliminary tournament continues. So far, Misaki has shown that she's a force to be reckoned with, but when she's placed face to face with a heavy hitter, it may be the end of the line for her and Hiraku.
Episode 6 - Suzuka the Speed of Light! Hatoko's Declaration of Rivalry
The winning streak continues, but now Misaki and Hiraku are pitted against an opponent that may prove to be even tougher than any she's faced before. Hatoko has offered Misaki plenty of kind advice as she's learned the ropes of Angelic Layer, but now the undefeated rookie must go up against the fan favorite, it's Hatoko isn't gong to pull any punches.
Episode 7 - Fight at the Edge . . . Misaki's Last Chance
The tournament has finally come down to the final few participants, but only a few will go on to the Kanto Tournament. Misaki's opponent however is taking the whole game far too seriously, teaching her that maybe it isn't just about winning, but having fun as well.
Episode 8 - Misaki vs. Misaki? A Dangerous Classmate
Both Misaki and Hatoko have managed to make it to the next phase in the tournament, but right now, they have some time off. It's going to be the prefect time for Misaki to prove herself as one of her classmates, Ryo Misaki, challenges her to a battle in, but this time it's more of a battle of the sexes.