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Ultramaniac Vol. 3 and Jubei-Chan 2 Vol. 2 Anime DVD Reviews

© Holly Ellingwood

Ultramaniac Volume 3 'Magical Stone' continues the rich teenage romantic comedy from Geneon. From the creator of the fan favorite Marmalade Boy, this anime series is filled with uplifting teenage magical antics, comedy and romantic angst. The story centers on regular girl Ayu and her deepening friendship with Nina, a girl from a magical kingdom. The only one who knows her secret, Ayu tries to help Nina adjust to life in the regular world while dealing with her own teenage dilemmas; such as pinning away for the high school tennis star Kaji. We get to laugh at how Nina's spells often go wrong and the misunderstandings that ensue due to them. And then there is ample, not too angst filled, misunderstandings due to people misconstruing things they see and what they half-hear, all in typical soap opera fashion. Light-hearted and fun filled; this is the perfect anime for younger viewers and those who are young at heart.

Volume 3 takes an intriguing turn as we learn a little about five magical stones. Whoever should find all five will become the strongest magic user in the kingdom. However, it is obvious from what is said and left unsaid that there is more to be told. What pain filled secret behind the stones is Nina keeping from Ayu? And what will happen after someone close to our heroines discovers that Nina is a witch? Filled with drama, comedy, a butler-would-be-knight, an evil doll, and a magic kimono, the spell binding story continues in this anime and earns a glittering 8/10 kendo swords. Extras: Extras in this volume include Geneon previews.

Rating: This anime series is rated 7 and up.

Release Information: Ultramaniac Volume 3 (of 7) 'Magical Stone', containing episodes 9 to 12, is available now.

Jubei-Chan 2 Volume 2 'Vendetta' continues the story of Jiyu, a girl who is the reincarnation of the legendary samurai Yagyu Jubei. Whenever she dons the Lovely Eye Patch, she is possessed by her ancient spirit to fight evil doers threatening her and those she cares for. However, Jiyu wants only to be an ordinary teenaged girl. If only a band of Siberian assassins and a girl bent of revenge, Freesia, would let Jiyu be an ordinary girl with an ordinary life. Although slow to start, by the end of the first episode on this second volume, the pace picks up considerably. The story and tone also take on a more dramatic atmosphere as we learn Freesia's reasons for wanting to get revenge and take the Lovely Eye Patch as her own. The story builds to a clash between these two girls who might otherwise have been friends. While the tension mounts, Jiyu's world crumbles as her family and friends disappoint and betray her. We see Jiyu torn and wounded emotionally and physically, the story making her a tragic heroine truly unwilling to have to fight. Freesia, the main antagonist, is created into a sympathetic though flawed person who the viewer can deeply sympathize for. Filled with high quality samurai action sequences, a story that is shaping up to be a compelling piece quite unlike the first series of Jubei-Chan, this second series is growing in esteem with each volume. An anime about reincarnation, those trapped by their past and fighting to be free of it in the future, torn between duty and friendship, love and betrayal, this anime is definitely building into a great story. It rates a well earned 8/10 kendo swords.