009-1, Volume 2 - Active Anime

 

"009-1 hits the target …once again"

▪ RELEASED BY: ADV FILMS
▪ ASPECT RATIO: 16:9 ANAMORPHIC WIDESCREEN
▪ AUDIO: ENGLISH DD 5.1 AND JAPANESE DD 2.0
▪ RUNNING TIME: 100
▪ RATING: TV MA
▪ RELEASE DATE: 08/21/2007
▪ REVIEW DATE: 08/19/2007
▪ REVIEWED BY: ROMMEL SALANDANAN


A view from the past and more in-depth stories stirs up everything in this powerful second volume of 009-1.

The volume starts with Mylene getting involve with a gold and contraband smuggling operation while on vacation, and ends with an explosive battle in Rome against a mysterious woman she helped escape from the Bat Agents. Then Mylene has the daunting task of bringing in her mentor when he fails to report with a deadly mutant serum from the Eastern Bloc. Zero-Nine then tails a young kid as a former Eastern Bloc female actor is using the boy to smuggle data. A powerful closing episode ends with the Zero-Zero Organization questioning Mylene's integrity and feelings in her next mission, as she must kill the spy that facilitated her own defection to the Western Bloc when she was a young child.

The episodes in this second volume are more refined and focused on the other facet of Mylene's character, her emotions and her past, and as she faces her most challenging missions yet. Viewers will get to see the cold hearted and most deadly Western Bloc agent when she was inexperienced when her origin is revealed. However, the volume has enough shrewdness, sexiness, and top-notch action to keep the series entertaining. The series also continues to display one of Mylene's most noticeable characteristics: her willingness to do whatever it takes to complete her mission, no matter what happens now and in the past.

This series also has a fashion statement. Mylene's character wears a different outfit in every episode, and I might add that it is very stylish for its purpose. It is something minute to anime, but it is a welcome addition in my point of view that is different from the norm where characters wear the same clothing all the time.

With complicated stories, the series shows more depth and sagacity. The series keeps on improving from one episode to the next.

EXTRAS:
The Extras comes with a collection of two 009-1 Japanese DVD commercials and soundtrack, a weapon and gadget information, and the Japanese pilot video for the series. Clean Opening and Closing animation, ADV Previews (which includes the upcoming series Red Garden), and DVD Credits close this part of the disc section.

Moreover, if you think you already know 009-1 after watching two full volumes, think again. The Secret Information Report booklet that came with disc is a fascinating read as it gives more information about 009-1 hidden facets that the first two volumes has not revealed. The booklet also contains other information about the characters in this volume.

IN SUMMARY:
A refine and sophisticated series, as 009-1 hits the target …once again.

Posted on Thursday, September 06, 2007 (Archive on Saturday, October 06, 2007)