Betterman, Vol. 2: Metamorphosis (1999)
Review by Dindrane
Film:
DVD:

Written by Hiroshi Yamaguchi
Directed by Yoshitomo Yonetani
Starring Kappei Yamaguchi, Colleen Blackmore, Takehito Koyasu

Features:

• production gallery
  
• textless closing
  
• Mode Warp File #2
  
• reversible cover
  
• large foil art card
  

Dindrane's Anime Warnings:

• you have to pay attention to the plot
• mythical monster death
• family angst
• sad little girl

Released by: Bandai
Region: 1
Rating: 13+
Anamorphic: No

My Advice: Get it.

Betterman volume 2 leads the gang to India, where they believe they will find answers to the mystery of who Betterman is and what the evil Algernon really wants. The first episode is wild, as the crew heads to India and has to confront ghosts from their past, sacred texts with an agenda, and a host of mysteries they'd really rather leave unanswered. The abilities of the Drivers headline here, as we see another side to their powers and what they can mean in contexts other than driving the Kasuseijin.

This volume adds in some Indian mythology, most notably the "cry of the Behemoth" as mentioned in the Bible, and links it to Algernon. There's also a nice bit of conspiracy theory mixed with the mysticism, as research teams go missing when some ancient ruins are discovered way underground in India. Now it's up to Sakura and the team to figure out what's down there, what these mysterious cries are, and what the connection might be to Algernon.

The show's art continues to be good. The frequent appearance of characters with variations of Keita's mutli-colored and spiky hairdo is getting a little odd, but then, we don't yet know what the connections may be, if any. Betterman's various forms are all interesting and distinctly drawn, adding another layer of mystery and complexity to the show. The combination of CGI and cel animation mimics the dance of reality and illusion on the show.

The sound is equally good, especially during the Betterman monster battles; when Betterman fights the Behemoth, the echoes do an excellent job of providing a counterpoint to the gentle whispers of Sakura. Unfortunately, most of the sound effects are nice too, including the tearing of Betterman's limbs.

The features list includes a clean ending, a bonus for fans of the show's art. The production gallery shows how concept sketches become characters and how artists get a handle on personalities through facial expressions, poses, costuming, etc. The Mode Warp File #2 is a nicely presented set of Q&A text pages that provide additional information on elements of the show, such as what neuronoids are. Fans of the show will love this, and it will help make some things seem even cooler while watching.

Overall, if you enjoyed the first strange and interesting volume of Betterman, then you'll love the continuing story. If you missed the first volume, then go back and watch it, rather than trying to jump in here. The show should appeal to anyone who appreciates a complex, but not just plain weird plot, as well as cool characters, and a fresh look at anime. The sound and look of the show are great, and with the creative, detailed plot, mystical mysteries, and nicely-done characters, this show is a winner, all-around.