Home » Film & TV » Anime » Anime DVD Reviews of Kyo Kara Moah v.1 and 2, Saiyuki Reload v.3, and Human Crossing v.3

Anime DVD Reviews of Kyo Kara Moah v.1 and 2, Saiyuki Reload v.3, and Human Crossing v.3

© Holly Ellingwood

Kyo Kara Maoh! is one of those highly entertaining comedic fantasy adventures that doesn't come along very often. As an added bonus, Geneon is releasing the entire 45 episode anime tv series on only 9 volumes. That's five episodes per volume! As a consumer I appreciate the extra episode in a day when it's rare to get more than four episodes per anime disc. The adventure begins when Yuri, a normal high school student, stands up for a barely known classmate against a group of bullies. For his troubles his face is flushed in a toilet yet suddenly he finds himself transported to an alternate world, that of the Great Demon Kingdom. And he turns out to be the long lost Demon King! Suddenly thrust into a world of demons and humans living not together, but in a precarious balance on the brink of war, Yuri must find the strength to rule and hopefully avert a world wide war. He is helped in this by a cast of very colorful characters, primarily the nobility that once served the former Demon King. Yuri, who has a strong sense of justice but a kind nature, has a rough start as the new Demon King. And although the beginning concept may sound dramatic, this is a fantasy comedy of hilarious proportions.

This anime grabbed me right from the start with its energetic opening theme. Volume 1 does a tremendous job of introducing us to the wacky world and a host of characters that involve poor Yuri in adventures and mishaps that are often laughable and meant to be. One of the characters who is hates him the most, the good looking nobleman demon Wolfram, starts off despising Yuri, as he hates all humans. After a harsh insult, Yuri slaps him, only to quickly learn that such an act now means the two young men are engaged to be married! By volume 2, the two are arguing and having misunderstandings that are reminiscent of the comedic bickering between Akane and Ranma from Ranma ½. It also is becoming evident that perhaps the feelings of anger are hiding something more romantic but leading to no less hilarity on the part of Wolfram towards Yuri. In volume 2, we see more of the world as the gang goes on a quest for a demon sword, are put in the way of a sinister plot, and must uncover an evil lurking to bring war. Granted, there are some honestly dramatic moments in regards to the issues of the human/demon prejudices and the threat and consequences of war. However, this fantasy series is driven by its comedy and the many funny misunderstandings and situations Yuri gets himself into and rarely out of without some absurdity ensuing. I haven't had this much fun watching an anime in ages. It ranks a high 8.5/10 kendo swords.

The copyright of the article Anime DVD Reviews of Kyo Kara Moah v.1 and 2, Saiyuki Reload v.3, and Human Crossing v.3 in Anime is owned by Holly Ellingwood. Permission to republish Anime DVD Reviews of Kyo Kara Moah v.1 and 2, Saiyuki Reload v.3, and Human Crossing v.3 in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.