Director: Koji Masunari
Starring: Yuuki Kaji, Erik Kimerer, Kaori Ishihara, Erica Mendez, Haruka Tomatsu, Cristina Vee, Daisuke Ono, Matthew Mercer, Jun Fukuyuma, Sean Chiplock
Running Time: 300 minutes
Certificate: 12
This second collection of episodes for the ‘Arabian Nights’ inspired series goes a lot heavier on the action, but whereas many anime fail to fully develop the motives and emotions behind particular fights, Magi: The Labyrinth Of Magic hits hard. The first arc sees a corrupt king overthrown and an entire political system dissolved. Such a plot is handled with simplicity for a younger audience, without undermining the gravity of a very real situation. It also explores how sometimes a so called ‘hero’s’ actions cannot always please everyone and that life is more complicated than rights and wrongs.
This leads into an epic battle between Alibaba and an old friend, in which emotions run high and due to spectacular voice acting from both language casts, we get a real sense of what is at stake. These action sequences are also strong in the animation department, with the landscapes and dry settings brought to life by great shading and lighting. Fairly utilising both magical and physical combat, gives the fights a much needed diversity preventing any sense of the battles becoming stale.
A more complex overarching plot begins to develop, which seemingly connects events and will probably run for some time to come. Although still in its earlier stages, the writers decide not to play the mysterious game for too long and give us enough information to feel involved with the events. The plot also doesn’t immediately forget previous events or ignore the adventure aspects that make this such a great show. Often we see animes trip over themselves as they become far too complex with too many characters. Even though the character limit increases here, it is also kept in check.
The dungeon crawling, which will appeal to JRPG fans, is dark and beautiful at the same time. Bright colours don’t necessarily mean safety here, and it’s that uncertainty which can often add an unexpected element of fear. When dungeons, mazes and the like are explored, it isn’t just a repetitive and longwinded way of getting from A to B, but teaches us something about the individual characters based on how they react to events.
Magi: The Labyrinth Of Magic continues on its path of excellence and accessibility. It does begin to include some generic boob focus, which isn’t necessary, but it’s also mostly a pleasant and inventive time that excels in exploring a classic tale in a brand new way.
[usr=4]Magi: The Labyrinth Of Magic Part II is released on DVD and Blu-ray on 12th May via Manga Entertainment.
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