Soul Hunter Volume 2: All the Queen's Menby Barb Lien-CooperReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk. Studio
Credits Grade: 7 Among the features on this DVD, we’re given a glossary of terms, translator notes, and a relationship tree with character interactions. Yup, ADV Films loves their anime and their audience so much that they go that extra mile for we viewers. Thank goodness for it, too, as this DVD collection is a project of epic proportions and any aids that can be given to the audience are very much appreciated.In the first volume of Soul Hunter, it looked to be a comedy with some dramatic moments. Well, the truth is, Soul Hunter is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. While it looks to be a kiddie cartoon in places and even acts like one, at heart, it is actually an ambitious fantasy based on old Japanese mythology or some such. As such, the epic structure of Soul Hunter is somewhat like a Shakespeare historical tragedy. We have the big drama about trying to seize the power of the kingdom, with the actual title character, Soul Hunter Taikoubou providing the broad comic relief. It’s odd to have the title character and hero be the least able, least noble good guy imaginable, but it adds something to the proceedings. The plot so far: the evil demon Dakki, in the shape of a gorgeous, brilliant, and sexy red-haired woman, has taken over the Emperor of the Yin Dynasty’s heart and mind. First, Dakki defeated the four Great Lords, who could have opposed her evil plan. Next, ala Richard the 3rd, Dakki has her eye on the Empress (yes, the Emperor is engaged in a little demon-emperor hanky panky) and the two young heirs to the throne. The Empress is arrested on trumped up charges, forcing people loyal to the dynasty to take the two young children into hiding. In some rather shocking plot events, there’s some suicide for honor’s sake deaths that happen in order to protect the two heirs. And what’s Taikoubou doing during all this? He’s trying to gather allies so he can beat Dakki. He does a rather funny little “drunken master” fight style at one point. He isn’t exactly the person to defeat Dakki, but he’s the guy who got the job, so heaven help the Yin dynasty. As an adult, I am finding myself fascinated with the conspiracy plots involved in this DVD series. Dakki seems almost undefeatable. Any potential doers of good are too weak to fight her, too loyal to the emperor (our emperor right or wrong is one of the basic mores in the society of these people and to break it would be, in their minds, to be less than honorable and the result would be chaos), or too disorganized. I want the good guys to win, but it’s going to be a long road there. They certainly aren’t ready yet. You have to give this DVD series commitment, but if you do, you’ll be justly rewarded. The story only becomes more fascinating as the series goes on. There’s plenty of humor, suspense, and neat plot points going on here. I’d let a kid watch this DVD, but I’d also be there to explain about why the Emperor isn’t living with the Empress and other grown up plot points. The plot, however, may be a little complex for children. The 12 plus warning label on the back of the DVD is pretty accurate - not for what’s on the DVD, but for the sheer denseness and lushness of the plot. The animation is beautiful, ranging from the courts of the Emperor to the battles in the mountains and in the air. The writing is witty, although I prefer the Japanese version in terms of writing and in terms of voice acting. Written: May 17, 2002
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