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Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha A’s - Review

Title: Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha A’s
Genre: Action, Comedy, Drama, Magic
Rating: 9/10

Summary:
After the events of the Lost Logia case, Nanoha waits patiently for the day she can reunite with her newfound friend, Fate. Although being an exceptionally powerful mage, Nanoha spends her days normally with her friends on Earth. But peace is once again suddenly shattered, as Nanoha is without warning attacked by a powerful mage. A group of violent mages have been attacking anything with magic power for their own goals. Nanoha and Fate, along with their friends Yuuno, Arf, Chrono and the Space/Time Administration Bureau must once more band together to stop these renegade mages from hurting anyone or anything else. Takes place after the first season of Lyrical Nanoha.






Once in a while we get to see shows that far surpassed its predecessor and I have to admit that this season 2 of Nanoha is one of the good example of those shows. Finding such shows is very rare since most of the sequels that came from really impressive shows usually doesn't live up to the fan's expectations and thankfully Nanoha A's didn't chose the path of being mediocre. This season 2 is the one that actually made me appreciate not only this series but also the genre of mahou shoujo, if I haven't watched this my rating for the Nanoha movie would be lower.

Story: 9/10
The story resumes where the first season left off (in my case, where the movie left off). Nanoha reunites with her friend Fate but in a very dangerous circumstances. The gang now faces new opponents that are willing to go against them just to save their mistress from impending doom. Our protagonists might be strong but the new enemies are stronger and were defeated in the first few episodes of this season and it force them to upgraded their weapons in order to stand a chance against the enemies. Then just like the movie, the conclusion is very moving and a bit sad and once again ended the series in a high note.
Sure the story of the first season/movie is already good but this sequel ramped it up to the next level. Revelations are shocking and sometimes I don't know whose side I'll pick, since if I were in the Knight's shoes I'll probably do the same since I want to save the person most important to me. The plot is really unique and in my entire anime career I've never seen something similar to it. I also like how this 2nd season have expanded the magical world in this series so as it boast that this world is more than what you think it is with the unpredictable story, impressive emotional ride and surprising revelations. Another thing that I like is how the writer/director didn't waste any episode with some irrelevant fillers.

Character: 9/10
This time around the characters of Nanoha & Fate are given more depth compared to their movie counter part. Even the people of the Space Time Administration Bureau like Lindy, Chrono and Amy also had their share of screen time so the viewers was able to get to know them better and also introduce the side of the Bureau. The Knights on the other hand, are nicely fleshed out and was able to individualized each and every Knights. Honestly, those Knights are really interesting and I like how they were able to somehow justify their actions. The problem is the characters from the previous season have been overshadowed by the new ones and as the cast increase in number, there's just not enough time to cover them all.

Animation: 9/10
Well since this series aired during the time where 4:3 is the standard ratio which was around 6 years ago so I have to admit that the animation is showing its age but despite that I have to admit that the animation is good specially during the action scenes but of course you can't compare that to the movie that was aired last year (was it last year?) but still it is fluidly animated. The special attacks of the characters are nicely executed and very unique in its own way. I also love how the lines are crisp so the hair and faces stand out. I'm surprised that the expressions in this season also is as dynamic as in the movie. Can you believe it, the action is a LOT more exciting than in the movie that I finished this in one sitting 'cause honestly the story and action is so gripping that I don't want to stop watching it. I also love the costumes of the Knights since its very stylish and greatly portray the personality of each one of the Knights. Not only is the costumes stylishly designed but also the weapons of each of the characters which also distinctly complement the personality of the characters. I just love the character design in this series, they are all oh so adorable and cute XD (specially Fate & Nanoha). Oh my, I’m gonna miss this 9 year old version of Nanoha and Fate….If before I’m a bit hasty in watching transformation sequence, now I’m enjoying it *drools* haha!! below is the summary of my reactions…
(sorry it’s a bit dirty XD)
comic strip

Sounds: 8/10
Just like in the movie I love how the bgm get you into a certain scenes, gets you pumped up in a crucial or action scene and evokes you emotions during emotional scenes. The OP song "ETERNAL BLAZE" by Mizuki Nana gets you pumped up every time you watch it though its not that catchy but I like listening to it every episode. The ED song on the other hand "Spiritual Garden" by Yukari, Tamura is a sweet song and somehow reflects the innocence of our main characters also when this song was played at the last part of the final episode it just made things more memorable and sweet. Oh I almost forgot, I love the voice acting of Mizuki Nana (Fate) and  Tamara Yukari (Nanoha) specially the part where the masked guy impersonated Fate & Nanoha.

Enjoyment: 9/10
Oh yes, I will say this again I enjoyed this season of Nanoha. We have new a gripping story with surprising revelations and we get to see our favorite characters back in action. Without this season I may have never appreciated the first movie better. You know what I really like about this series, its how they ended every season since we get to see the character’s lives after that incident that makes you feel happy for them. This Nanoha A’s sure blew my mind away. Awwwww….the 3rd season of Nanoha is the last one so I’m a bit sad that it already ended Crying face

Overall: 9/10 (High Priority Watch)

until then...

~ja

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