Galaxy Fraulein Yunaby Sheena McNeilReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk. Studio
Credits Grade: 6 This DVD includes both short OVAs for a total of five episodes. In the first two, Yuna, Savior of the Light, is accused falsely of high treason by the mysterious Fraulein D. She's framed while she's off rescuing a puppy (with the help of the whole town, who are thus saved from the rampage of the fake mecha suit). With help from her other super-powered friends and a little truth from those on Earth who love her, she is cleared, but will they be in time to save her from Fraulein D's sinister end? The latter three are much darker - with a more serious plot and much more devastating villains and consequences. Luna nad her friends must save the galaxy from the three Demonic Sisters. One she can befriend, but will that be her ultimate downfall?Not quite mecha, but not really "girls with guns", Galaxy Fraulein Yuna is more like Sailor Moon where the girls actually get armor when they transform (and the identities are not really all that secret). The character designs remind me a bit of Ah! My Goddess! while the humor in the first episodes reminds me of Slayers only not so slapstick. Overall though, I felt like I was watching a weird alternate version of Sailor Moon. The heroin is blond (including the silly/happy, little ditsy sometimes, but full of heart characterizations), wants to save all her enemies by making them her friends, has a team of supporters willing to risk their lives to protect her, constantly oversleeps, etc - if you combined Yuna with her best friend Yuri, you'd have Usagi's eating habits as well! It was a weird deja vu feeling during the viewing. However, the first story is fun and enticing, and the second is gripping and dramatic. I watched it all in one sitting and loved it. The subbed version is far better, but the dub isn't the worst I've heard. I really wanted a bit more action of the girls in their armor and Yuna in her mecha-like El-Line, but there are some nice space battles, and the final climactic battle is just awesome! - with an impressive use of total silence! I love the oldest of the three Demonic Sisters - her design, and those killer wings are great. A little unfortunately that battle's followed by one of those really slow intros to the credits where they sing, and smile as Yuna reunites with her friends (who should have died ... but then again, it is Sailor Moon-esque and needs a happy ending). If you're a fan of the other anime mentioned in this review you should give Yuna a try. It's a fun little series that is well worth the watch. Written: March 5, 2008
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