Script by Sadayuki Murai, based on the original story by Leiji Matsumoto
Directed by Taro Rin

Features:

• Puzzle piece
  
• Textless opening
  

Dindrane's Anime Warnings:

• Psychic violence
• Physical violence
• Impossibly thin women
• Zombies

Released by: Geneon Pioneer
Region: 1
Rating: 13+
Anamorphic: N/A; appears in its original 1.33:1 format.

My Advice: Grab it.

This volume continues the tale of Herlock and the Arcadia vs. the Noo. The Fata Morgana, the erstwhile research ship that once contained an archaeological research team, now contains bodies housing the wicked Noo. The fleet of the Space Sheriff Station attacks the Fata Morgana to get at the Noo, but the Noo use their psychic abilities to turn the crew against each other. It is now up to the Arcadia to brave the proximity of the other ship and learn what the Noo want and how to stop them. Herlock believes in his crew, that they can withstand the psychic fear assault of the Noo, but is his faith misplaced? Or will the secret of his crew prove to be their strength? And what of the wounded, but still alive commander of the Space Sheriffs? Will he finally capture his long-time nemesis, Herlock?

Herlock doesn't just have the longest and most unwieldy title in anime history, it also has one of the biggest fan-bases and for good reason. Many a lesser title could learn a great deal about how to create gripping characters from this title, and they do it relatively easily. Whether you like earnest boys who can't quite figure out what's going on, older ladies who know the depths of loyalty and faith, or enigmatic anti-heroes with a John Woo fashion sense, there's a character to cheer on here. If only there could be more scenes focusing upon Yuki or Herlock himself.

The plot is fascinating and while it spans several discs, it's neither too complex to follow comfortably nor so shallow it hurts your eyes to watch it. The plot, reminiscent of movies like The Thing or the X-Files episode "Ice," involves body-stealing aliens, zombies, psychic powers, and age-old vengeance, but combines these elements in a fresh, fascinating way. If you thought zombies were cliché, check this series out.

The show's visuals aren't as stunning as those of a title like Last Exile or Fushigi Yuugi, but the art is perfect for the moody, epic Herlock. The digital transfer makes the most of this, as do the sound effects and music. The voice actors in both languages do a bang-up job, with the emotional skill edge perhaps going to the Japanese cast. The producers have also kindly programmed a subtitle track that provides signs only, as well as the usual dialog plus signs. Nice.

The only feature is a textless opening, which is a nice addition, but a little weak for a series this good and this popular. The DVD also comes with another piece of the reversible character portraits Arcadia ship portrait puzzle.

In short, if you haven't seen this Herlock series yet, then get it immediately and check it out. It combines all that is great about anime: metaphysical philosophizing, good art, good music, deep, round characters, and an engrossing plot. If you're new to anime, you could do much worse than start your education here, and you couldn't do much better. If you're a science fiction or horror fan, then definitely check this one out.