Director: Shinji Ishihira,
Starring: Aye Hirano, Cherami Leigh, Tetsuya Kakihara, Todd Haberkorn, Rie Kugimiya, Tia Ballard, Yui Horie, Jad Saxton
Running Time: 300 minutes
Certificate: PG
After a lengthy and engaging story arc, Fairy Tail Part 7, slows things down with a few filler episodes that remind us of the fun we can have in the wonderful eponymous mage guild. A little festival and some fun and games allow us to relax before venturing into the next larger story and it’s a good thing too. There’s nothing more jarring than jumping from one extremely important plot to the next and since our favourite characters (assuming you are a fan of the show) have mostly been doing battle and exposition, seeing them blow off steam is required.
The latest main arc could have very easily been a wasteland of unravelling ideas, as this time we deal with a parallel world in which things are similar but also a tad topsy-turvy. This has always been one of those plots, along with time-travel and “What would happen if…” stories that seem to be inventive, but also suggest that the writers are running out of ideas. Of course we have the expected humour and confusion as the likes of Natsu and Lucy come across their alternative personalities and fans will either delight in the upside down view of well known characters, or roll their eyes.
What the writers have done expertly well though, is also look at elements that offer a lot more than just comedy or confusion. One alternative universe doppelganger is that of a deceased friend, causing a great set of flashbacks reminding Natsu of how he failed to save her. Other characters are also shown a darker side of themselves, or are allowed to prove themselves more powerful in this skewed reality. All of this results in not merely doing the opposite of what we expect, but seeing how the characters we do know are personally effected when faced with an alternative way of living.
Other parts of the series are also expanded upon with Carla and Happy, the two magical cat beings, finally visiting their homeland, which is beautifully realised. The cartoonish nature of such a setting is underlined by a twist that has Carla questioning herself and her past in what becomes some pretty heavy material. With such a creative outlook in expanding the universe, Fairy Tail gives us a collection of episodes that are never dull and constantly challenging. If you want fun and drama, then this is the place to be.
[usr=4]Fairy Tail Part 7 is released on DVD and Blu-ray from 28th April via Manga Entertainment.
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