Angelic Layer Volume 3: Idol Worship - Underland Online
- Underland Online
- Mike
- 03/01/01
Angelic Layer Vol. 3: Idol Worship
My early thought on Angelic Layer may have been a little bit premature. With the first two volumes, I wasn?t really finding that it was the sort of series that I was enjoying, and already had it in my mind that it was just going to drag on for its given run, ending without really leaving much of an impression on me at all. In fact, often times if I know that something that has released and ADV may have simply forgot to send it, I?ll shoot them a quick e-mail and request it, if it?s not asking too much. When Angelic Layer volume three didn?t arrive, I wasn?t really stressing it, but then three and four came simultaneously, and I recall a heavy sigh.
But, I have often said that with many anime series, the third volume can either make or break a series, and the third volume, for me at least, definitely has made the series for me, at least a little.
Misaki of course has managed to make her way to the Kanto Games, something that has surprised those that are more than just a little jealous of her skills, especially since she?s a novice at Angelic Layer. Her friends have believed in her this whole time however, but the competition here is going to be fierce. Aside from having to face idol singer Ringo Sato, she?s going to have even tougher competition when she faces off against a rival that has forgotten the true meaning of the game. That?s where we see a bit of cheating come into the mix, something that I was kind of wondering if we would see or not.
Part of my change of heart is the fact that we?ve managed to get past some of those slower parts, and although Misaki does still tend to be a bit too timid when it comes right down to it, she is progressing quite well. What I really do enjoy here though, is the fighting. I?ve often found myself wondering why it is that there isn?t a video game for the series, and after doing a bit of research, there actually was one published for the GBA, brining me back to my other question of why it is that more US anime companies don?t get into releasing the games that the titles they carry are based upon. That?s beside the point; the real thing here is that there are some fantastic battles that are probably some of the best to date in the series.
Finally, some real action, and a few things are starting to finally come together as well. We?ve all seen that woman that?s in the wheelchair that has been watching Misaki for afar, and just as I had suspected, it?s her mother, but the producers already give away the fact that if Misaki manages to make it through the tournament, then she?s going to have to face her in the final battle. Misaki and Kotaro finally get the chance to go on a date, of sorts, but it?s more so that he can show her some of his karate moves in the hopes of giving her some ideas for her battles, and also because it has been brought to her attention that she has one weakness in her technique. That?s all well and good, but why not some Thai boxing instead?
The series may finally be starting to draw me in a little, but the extras still aren?t so impressive to me. This is one series that I really wish ADV had opted to go with a collectors box that gave details on the Angels that are presented in the episodes as well as their owners, but that?s not the case unfortunately. Instead, there are the standard clean versions of the open and closing, although I began to realize how catchy the ending theme to the show is. There also are production sketches on the disc. The other extra is episode commentary by David Williams, the ADR director, and Shelly Black who takes on the role of Madoka. However, I found that the commentary isn?t so much reflective of the episode so much as what?s going on in their lives, but at least I know that there had been a flood in Texas.
I?ll have to retract some of the remarks that I had made with the first and second volumes; I can see a little bit more now why this series has managed to garnish some much attention and praise from fans. In many ways, it showcases the things that have made CLAMP such a popular name in the first place, and it?s much more interesting that Cardcaptor Sakura, but most of their work is, to me at least. I still wouldn?t exactly call myself a fan, but I can say with all honesty that Angelic Layer is fairly entertaining, and some of that harmless and innocent fun that can be enjoyed by those younger than the suggested 13 age bracket.
Episode 9 ? Sing Misaki! Is the Deus and Idol?
Misaki has finally made her way to the Kanto Tournament, but the competition there is going to be some of the toughest she?s faced yet. The games kick off with her going up against the crowd favorite, Ringo Sato, the popular idol singer. Misaki however may turn out to be impressive enough to gain her won fans, and become an idol in Angelic Layer.
Episode 10 ? Mean Sisters! Hiraku, The Target
Misaki?s next battle is against Madoka, but she?s not about to lose to anyone. She?s got a personal vendetta to settle with Hatoko, and together with her sister Alice, they?ve got a plan that might give them more than an advantage.
Episode 11 ? Finish it Off! Hikaru and Mao?s Important Game
The battle between Misaki and Madoka continues, and it seems that Alice?s little gadget that is taking control of Hikaru is working like a charm. Misaki it seems may be out of the tournament sooner than anyone expected, unless of course Madoka can realize what it really means to play Angelic Layer again.
Episode 12 ? Misaki and Kotaro. Their Exciting Date
With a little time to kill before the Kanto Games start up again, Kotaro decides that it would be a good idea if Misaki took some time to see karate in order to refine her skills. It seems like the perfect date, but it?s not as if the two of them really see it in that light at all, although everyone else does.
Posted on Thursday, March 01, 2001 (Archive on Sunday, April 01, 2001)