This series is pretty amazing. It has tons of symbolic elements, the characters are interesting, and overall is something I have never seen before. This is the second arc in the Revolutionary Girl Utena series. It has a reoccuring theme in each of the episodes that can become predictable, but the final showdown makes it all worth it. I appreciate how the anime took a different route from the manga, since this adds more to the show in general. The manga took out this whole "season" if I recall. This box set in particular is pretty nice for the price I got. If you don't know about the series and somehow ended up here anyway, check it out if you want a good fantasy/action!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
The release of the second arc/season of Utena is a big deal-a very big deal for us in the states. The Black Rose arc is far from being the best Utena series, but is still better than most series. It's fighting sequences are better than that of the first season, but it dosen't focus on character relationships the way the 1st does, but gives us a good insight on the secondary characters of the show, such as:: Kanae, Kozue, Shiori, Tswuabuki, Wakaba & her Onion Price, and Keiko. It also introduces us to the so called "villians" of Utena, Mikage and Mamiya. The relationship between the two has scared some off from this series but please, there aren't any real fruity scenes between the two. It never goes farther than Mikage kissing Mamiya's fingers- so if you're homophobic, you'll still enjoy this series. Mikage is a very interesting character with a dark past that will give this series quite a shocking season finale. Don't pass up the series that shocked Japan and is flying off the US racks. Contains episodes 14-26Read full review
The second set of the series continues Utena's adventures. The new villians mostly serve to enrich the main cast, as most of them end up in a psychiatric elevator (yes, they really do), and we find out more of their dark sides and desires. The mysteries set up in the beginning continue. The 'story' episodes were the most enjoyable, while the 'fun' episodes that were cute and had nothing much to do with the story mostly served as filler. I enjoyed this set more than the first.
Absolutely loved this saga! Utena has always been one of my favorite animes and this season is well worth watching.
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