Magic Knight Rayearth Review by aznwolfe
BACK

	Audience:	13+ (girls)
	Genre:	Drama/Action
	Usual Running Time:	OAV made up of 3 videos
	Contains:	Animated Violence, Brief Nudity
	Music:	B
	Animation:	A
	Plot/Storyline:	B
	Rating:	B

Magic Knight Rayearth is about three young girls who are suddenly transported into another world when they visit Tokyo Tower. There, in the magical land of Cephiro, they find out that they are the legendary Magic Knights: destined to protect Cephiro and do as the Pillar (which is like a leader) wishes. Hikaru, Umi, and Fuu must fight against the evil unleashed in the land of Cephiro. But that's the story for the TV series. The OAVs are somewhat different from the TV series story-wise. Instead of things taking place in Cephiro, it all occurs in Tokyo. A strange yet powerful person (Eagle Vision) has sent people out to destroy the world. But don't worry, in the hands of fate are three young girls who will save the day. Along with the help from other magical people like the wizard Clef and the mysterious yet handsome Lantis, Hikaru and the girls will try to find their own powers as well as theirselves to defeat the evil Eagle Vision. If you like mechas, this may be fun for you to watch. The artistic quality was just great as were the voices (Japanese). Some news: The MKR TV series (both first and second season) and OAVs are finally out in the US!

The Rayearth OAV series are more condensed and aimed at MKR fans who like to see results immediately. If you've never seen the series before, the plot may confuse you at first, but nonetheless, it is pretty fast moving and entertaining. The OAV has a unique ending and the music was great. Rayearth differs from the MKR TV series with it's change in good/bad guys. Eagle Vision (the pretty white haired guy) is evil and sinister and takes Zagato's role as residential bad guy. Lantis (the classic tall, dark and mysterious man) is also changed somewhat. He is still heroic, but is less brooding and suspicious...a little bit, anyhow. ^_^* The Princess Emeraude is shown as a full grown woman, while in the TV series she looks like a child. But of course, in Cephiro, appearances are always deceiving. The characters were wonderfully designed, but the only thing that annoyed me was the girls' dresses. Yuck! They look like umbrellas!

Image not created by me. Magic Knight Rayearth By CLAMP. MKR is also available in manga form.