Angelic Layer Volume 6: Inherit the Layer - Underland Online
- Underland Online
- Mike
- 06/01/01
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Angelic Layer Vol. 6: Inherit the Layer
You didn?t seriously assume that Angelic Layer would just be about fighting, did you? Okay, I?ll admit that I was fairly certain that was the direction that the series was going to take, and while I may not have cared too much for it initially, my opinion on the series did in fact change after a few volumes. However, keep in mind that there has been a bit of romance going on behind the scenes as well, and the sixth volume of the series, ?Inherit the Layer,? finds an opportunity to take some time out and look a little more closely at that portion of the story.
A love story would be the last thing you would expect to find here, but some of it has been more than obvious. We all know that Kotaro has shown that he has feelings for Misaki, though he?s never admitted them, and the affection that Tomoyo has for him I?ve felt has been pretty straight forward as well. But, there?s more that?s added into the mix as well, including a few things that came as a bit of a surprise, but you?re going to have to watch to find that out. However, this isn?t something that really takes away from the series at all, and really does present a very nice change of pace and give us, and the characters, a bit of a breather.
There are only three episodes on the disc unfortunately, but I will state that the third episode, which features a battle between Misaki and Ohjiro, is perhaps one of the greatest battles that Angelic Layer has featured yet. It?s fast paced, just like the other battles have been, but there?s a very heavy dramatic element played off here that seriously has you cheering when it reaches its conclusion and gripped with anticipation throughout most of it. It?s also a good lead in to the final battle and I really can?t wait to see what is in store for that, but you can bet it will be fantastic.
The one thing however that I have been finding to be the most infuriating about Angelic Layer is one single character, and that?s Miasaki?s mother. I know, it?s just anime, but seriously, she just needs to get over that ?pathetic me? attitude and see her daughter. It?s been how many years? I?m sure that I?m not the only one that?s annoyed by this aspect of the story, and while it does add a nice element into things, I feel that it?s also something that causes that occasional tendency to yell at the TV screen simply out of frustration. At this point though, she?s finally reached a point where this is no way to continue avoiding the inevitable.
There isn?t much difference with the extras that are included at this point, but I really wasn?t expecting there to be this late in the series. It?s rare when you find a change up thrown in at the last minute, and for the most part we see most of the good stuff early on. The volume includes clean versions of the open and close as well as production sketches. Also included are voice actor commentaries from the English dub cast, but from what I?ve heard on past volumes, I decided not to bother with it this time. There is also a poster included, just as before, that features character information. All in all, it?s fairly standard.
The next volume will unfortunately be the last, but I will say that it?s been a great ride so far. What started for me as an anime that I couldn?t understand why it had such a following has turned into something that I?ve been looking forward to. Angelic Layer gives its all with every episode and has that victorious spirit that makes it memorable. The last episode alone on the disc is well worth purchasing the volume, but that true fan can?t be without this one, and really, they shouldn?t be.
Episode 21 ? Summertime at the Sea! Someone is in Love With Someone!
Misaki and her friends take a little time out from the Angelic Layer tournament and set their sights on a day at the beach. Everyone is there, including Icchan and his companions, Misaki?s mother included, but as usual, circumstances keep the two apart. And, a love affair that has been blossoming is finally brought out into the open.
Episode 22 ? Suddenly Just the Two of Us. Secret Double Dates
Love is definitely in the air. Misaki has a date with Ohjiro and Tomoyo and a date with Kotaro. Misaki of course is blind to the obvious as always, but has an enjoyable time just talking with Ohjiro, but as of Momoyo and Kotaro, their day together is a little more troubling when they find themselves trapped in an elevator. And, the finals begins
Episode 23 ? Break Up the Magic Wall! Misaki Versus Ohjiro
The bout between Misaki and Ohjiro continues, but it?s the rookie?s toughest battle yet. Hikaru has seen some fierce opposition, but nothing like Ohjiro?s Wizard, and his Angel?s Magic Guard is going to prove to be a difficult defense to overcome. However, Misaki finally learns the secret to break the technique, and one of the greatest battles finally begins.
Posted on Friday, June 01, 2001 (Archive on Sunday, July 01, 2001)