Soul Eater – Part Four (a J!-ENT Anime DVD Review)

July 20, 2010 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

An awesome final volume of the action anime TV series “Soul Eater”. The story, the dramatic elements and of course the action-packed battles is elevated to an all new high and as a viewer, you are literally hooked! If you have watched the previous volumes of “Soul Eater”, there is no doubt that the payoff of how the series ends will make fans happy but also clamoring for more! Definitely recommended!

DVD TITLE: Soul Eater – Part Four

DURATION: Episodes 40-51 (320 Minutes)

DVD INFORMATION: 16:9 Anamorphic Widescreen, English 5.1 Dolby Surround Sound, Japanese 2.0, English subtitles

COMPANY: FUNimation Entertainment

RATED: TV 14

Release Date: July 27, 2010

Originally created by Atsushi Ohkubo

Directed by Takuya Igarashi

Series Composition by Akatsuki Yamatoya

Music by Taku Iwasaki

Character Design by Yoshiyuki Ito

Art Director: Norifumi Nakamura

Sound Director: Kazuhiro Wakabayashi

Director of Photography: Yohei Miyahara

Anime Production: BONES

Featuring the following voice talent:

Chiaki Omigawa/Laura Bailey as Maka Albarn

Kouki Uchiyama/Micah Solusod as Soul Eater Evans

Yumiko Kobayashi/Brittney Karbowski as Black Star

Kaori Nazuka/Monica Rial as Tsubaki Nakatsukasa

Mamoru Miyano/Todd Haberkorn as Death the Kid

Akeno Watanabe/Jami Marchi as Liz Thompson

Narumi Takahira/Cherami Leigh as Patty Thompson

Toru Ohkawa/Vic Mignona as Death Scythe (Spirit)

Rikiya Koyama/John Swasey as Shinigami-sama (Lord Death)

Yuya Uchida/Chuck Huber as Dr. Franken Stein

Chieko Honda as Mari Mjolnir

Emiri Katou/Leah Clark as Blair

Houchu Ohtsuka/Barry Yandell as Little Demon

Houko Kuwashima/Luci Christian as Medusa

Junko Noda as Mira Nygus

Keiji Himeno/Sonny Strait as Ragnarok

Maaya Sakamoto/Maxey Whitehead as Chrona

Masafumi Kimura/Kent Williams as Sid Barett

Michiko Neya as Arachne

Takehito Koyasu/Troy Baker as Excalibur

Toshiko Furukawa/Chris Patton as Asura/Kishin

As students of the Grim Reaper at Death Weapon Meister Academy, Maka is a Meister and Soul is her Weapon – literally. When they take on the supernatural forces of evil, Soul transforms into a razor-sharp scythe and Maka wields him in battle. He gets deadlier with every defeated soul he consumes and each victory strengthens their bond – but Maka, Soul, and their classmates might not be ready to face the darkness headed their way.

After 800 years, the witch Arachne has returned to spin a web of wickedness, leading an army of ghoulish minions in a war against Death Weapon Meister Academy. As demons from the past rise amid betrayal and madness, Maka and Soul are definitely in for the fight of their lives. But, hey – luckily for the fate of the world, they’re a freakin’ lethal team!

In 2003, mangaka Atsushi Okubo created his Japanese manga “Soul Eater”. Published by Square Enix, the manga had several one shots and eventually serialized in Square Enix’s “Monthly Shonen Gangan”. The manga went on to receive an English translation in 2009, several video games on various consoles but in 2008, the series received its anime adaptation by Bones and shown on TV Tokyo and featured a total of 51 episodes. FUNimation Entertainment will now be releasing the final episodes with this fourth volume.

“Soul Eater” is directed by Takuya Igarashi (“Ashita no Nadja, “Ojamamo Doremi”, and many “Sailor Moon” episodes), series composition by Akatsuki Yamatoya (“Blue Dragon”, “Fullmetal Alchemist”, “Inuyasha”, “To Love-Ru”), character designs by Yoshiyuki Ito (“Fullmetal Alchemist”) and music by Taku Iwasaki (“R.O.D.”, “Gurren Lagann”, “Getbackers”, “Persona – trinity soul-”).

The meisters and their weapons collect various souls that they are assigned to, but at times, the missions are quite difficult, challenging and can be deadly. And if they do not collect the correct soul, by the rules of academy, their soul collecting is reset to zero.

As Lord Death runs the school, the evil Medusa wants to unleash Asura, who tried to plunge the world into the darkness until he was sealed beneath the DWMA. Medusa was able to succeed and in doing so, now Asura and Medusa’s evil sister Arachne intend to spread their madness throughout the world. Meanwhile, another evil group led by Noah is also interested in joining with Asura who also despises the DWMA.

Can the DWMA stop Noah, Arachnophobia and Asura before it’s too late?

The main characters of “Soul Eater” are:

Maka Albarn – One of the primary characters who is dedicated as a scythe meister of the demon scythe known as Soul Eater (Soul Evans). She and her partner Soul Eater want to collect 100 souls in order to make Soul Eater into a Death Scythe and surpass her father Spirit, who she doesn’t get along with. She cares about her partner Soul.
Soul Eater (Soul Evans) – Maka’s partner and a cool person who loves to eat souls and crazy about sexy women with big boob. He and Maka tend to argue quite a bit but he is loyal to her.
Black Star - A very egotistical young ninja/meister who thinks he is the best there is. He is the sole survivor of his Black Star ninja clan and is partners with Tsubaki. He is very athletic and very persistent but at the same time, sometimes his emotions get in the way and thus prevents him and his partner from collecting souls.
Tsubaki - Black Star’s partner and is a “dark arm” weapon. She can turn into various ninja weapons and in human form, very calm and quiet girl.
Death the Kid – The son of the Shinigami and partners with Liz and Patty Thompson. He is a powerful fighter but is obsessive compulsive about things being in symmetry and that everything must be balanced in his life. This obsession also affect his focus.
Liz and Patty – The weapon partners of Death the Kid. They can turn into guns. The eldest Liz tends to bicker with Death the Kid but is often scared while Patty is always cheerful. These two can wield each other if needed.
Shinigami (Lord Death) – The founder and head of Death Weapon Meister Academy. Often secretive and playful.
Spirit Albarn (Death Scythe) – The weapon of the Shinigami and also the father of Maka who is divorced from her mother and is often drunk and messing around with women. All he wants is his daughter’s attention but she doesn’t give it to him and thus it makes him depressed.
Dr. Franken Stein – The mad scientist of the Academy. Always wants to research and dissect things. Also, a three star meister who can fight.
Marie Mjolnir – A Death Scythe in charge of Oceania. Wears an eye patch and dreams of being married one day.
Crona – The child of Medusa who was forced by Medusa to become evil (even though she didn’t want to) who was once and enemy is now a friend and member DWMA and has developed a bond with Maka.
Excalibur – The legendary weapon but also so annoying that every meister that controls it, dumps it because he talks and sneezes too much.

Arachnophobia

The nemesis of the DWMA with goals of joining Asara and spreading evil and madness throughout the world.

Arachne – The Heretic Witch and leader of Arachnophobia. The sister of Medusa (who she doesn’t get along with) who wants to join Asura in spreading darkness throughout the world.
Mosquito – Arachne’s loyal servant and will do whatever he can to protect her by fighting the DWMA.
Mifune – A samurai who likes children and protects a witch named Angela Leon. He believes that in order to protect her, he must join Arachnophobia. He becomes the rival of Black Star.

“Soul Eater – Part Four” features episodes 40-51 on two DVD’s. Here is an episode listing featuring spoiler-less summaries:

DISC 1:

EPISODE 40 – The Cards are Cut – Medusa Surrenders to the DWMA? – Medusa makes a deal with the DWMA to show them the location of “The Brew” in return for their protection and freedom.
EPISODE 41 – Twirl ‘Round and ‘Round – A New World in Which the Doc Dances? – Crona and Marie decide to search for Medusa and rescue Stein.
EPISODE 42 – Charge Baba Yaga’s Castle! Things Are Kind of Gloomy? – While Crona and Marie go after Medusa, Maka is confused about the latest decisions made by the DWMA.
EPISODE 43 – The Last Magic Tool – Missing Impossible for Unarmed Kid? – Kid enters the mysterious town of Sekkikan and takes on a clown.
EPISODE 44 – Weakling Crona’s Determination – For You, For Always Being By My Side? - Maka and Soul try to join up with Crona and Marie who are taking on Medusa.
EPISODE 45 – Anti-Magic Wavelength – Fierce Attack, The Anger-Filled Genie Hunter – Maka, Soul, Marie and Crona vs. Medusa and Stein.

Disc 2:

EPISODE 46 – Resonance Link – Play the Melody of the Souls? - The final battle between Black Star and Mifune.
EPISODE 47 – The Battle for Brew – Clash: The DWMA vs. Arachnophobia? – The Brew is activated by Eibon.
EPISODE 48 – Mosquito’s Storm! Ten Minutes to fight in the World of the Past? – Asura revived. Asura vs. Lord Death.
EPISODE 49 – Unleash the Seven’s Resonance Link! A Recital of Destruction and Creation? - Maka, Black Star and Kid along with their weapons take on Asura.
EPISODE 50 – The Detective’s First Case – Kid Exposes the DWMA’s Secret? – Black Star and Kid take on Asura while Make tries to save Soul.
EPISODE 51 – The Detective’s First Case – Kid Exposes the DWMA’s Secret? – The final battle… Maka and Soul vs. Asura.

VIDEO:

“Soul Eater” is an interesting anime series when it comes to animation and character design. With mangaka Atsushi Okubo inspired from Tim Burton and David Lynch films, “Soul Eater” is anime series that features many vibrant colors but also uses minimal detail. Character designs are quite simple and not detailed nor are they shaded, but the art backgrounds are detailed and colorful and thus enhance the look of the character designs.

Typically, I’m not a fan of anime series that feature minimalistic character designs but in the case of “Soul Eater”, because of its Burton-esque flavor, Okubo’s world around these characters is brought to live in animation and for the most part, the quirkiness and creative style works for this action-driven anime series.

AUDIO:

As for the series, the anime is presented in English 5.1 Dolby Surround Sound and Japanese Stereo. Voice acting on both the Japanese and English dub is well-done but of course, the action scenes are much more pronounced audio wise for the English dub. Although, for those with modern home theater receivers, you can definitely enjoy the Japanese stereo track via setting stereo on all channels for a more immersive soundscape.

Subtitles are in English.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

“Soul Eater – Part Four” comes with the following special features:

Disc 1:

Episode 44 Commentary – Audio commentary with voice talent Colleen Clinkenbeard (Marie), Monica Rial (Tsubaki) and Maxey Whitehead (Crona). The three talk about the series and what they love about the show and the characters.

DISC 2:

Soul Eater Late Show - (19:24) Featuring late show clips for episodes 40-51. Japanese promo/teaser spots for each episode. This time featuring more Excalibur, spots for the video game and more! Each promo spot lasts around a minute and a half each.
Textless Opening Song – (1:32) Tommy Heavenly6 – “Resonance”
Textless Closing Song – (1:32) Abingdon Boys School – “Strength”
Trailers – FUNimation Entertainment trailers.

For many months and for the last previous three volumes of “Soul Eater”, I have complimented the artistic style of the series but also how each volume has gotten better and better.

Here we are now with the final volume of “Soul Eater” and as a final volume, this series literally ends with a bang! Not only do we get more action-packed battles but there is good amount of dramatic elements as certain characters (may or may not) die to a much more better conceived storyline that really worked out in the end.

When the series first started, the focus was primarily on Maka and Soul but then the series started to branch out with focusing on storylines that included Black Star and Tsubaki, Death the Kid with Liz and Patty and then we got to see things change a bit with Medusa and Crona, Dr. Stein and more. So, I figured this anime was a series that focused more on an ensemble group of characters. But in the end, the show reaches full circle and the primary characters Maka and Soul become the main protagonists and literally the two who put everything on the line in order to fight the powerful Asura.

And if you are more of a fan of Black Star or a fan of Death the Kid, no need to worry as there are a good amount of action scenes featuring these two as they take on Arachnophobia and other enemies. These characters still get a lot of face time in this final volume.

And as mentioned, the dramatic elements were definitely in full force as we see Crona trying to prove herself as a friend and wants to fit in with her new DWMA friends, we have Black Star willing to put his life on the line against Mifune and of course, the battle between Maka and Soul vs. Asura takes an interesting twist. I was definitely happy that the writer Akatsuki Yamatoya definitely set the pace and built up the storyline towards the end. The payoff for following the series this long was definitely worth it!

After watching every episode, I will say that the series is not a type of series that you want to jump in at any point, you will want to watch it from beginning to end to understand Medusa’s intentions, who is Asura and Arachne, who is Excalibur and more. But with that being said, the series was enjoyable from beginning to end. Stylishly cool, humorous and action-packed.

Part four was a spectacular final volume of “Soul Eater”. The story, the dramatic elements and of course the action-packed battles is elevated to a new high and as mentioned before, each volume I have said, the storyline gets better and better. Well, this final volume definitely got better and as a viewer, you are literally hooked!

Overall, an awesome final volume of the action anime TV series “Soul Eater”. The story, the dramatic elements and of course the action-packed battles is elevated to an all new high and as a viewer, you are literally hooked! If you have watched the previous volumes of “Soul Eater”, there is no doubt that the payoff of how the series ends will make fans happy but also clamoring for more! Definitely recommended!

Filed Under: Anime on DVD, TV BOXSETS: DVD/Blu-ray

Soul Eater – Part Three (a J!-ENT Anime DVD Review)

June 19, 2010 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

The action and drama is stepped up a notch for “Soul Eater – Part Three”. Featuring the battle between the DWMA students and Arachnophobia, “Soul Eater” fans will definitely enjoy this action-packed volume! Definitely recommended!

DVD TITLE: Soul Eater – Part Three

DURATION: Episodes 27-39 (315 Minutes)

DVD INFORMATION: 16:9 Anamorphic Widescreen, English 5.1 Dolby Surround Sound, Japanese 2.0, English subtitles

COMPANY: FUNimation Entertainment

RATED: TV 14

Release Date: June 1, 2010

Originally created by Atsushi Ohkubo

Directed by akuya Igarashi

Series Composition by Akatsuki Yamatoya

Music by Taku Iwasaki

Character Design by Yoshiyuki Ito

Art Director: Norifumi Nakamura

Sound Director: Kazuhiro Wakabayashi

Director of Photography: Yohei Miyahara

Anime Production: BONES

Featuring the following voice talent:

Chiaki Omigawa/Laura Bailey as Maka Albarn

Kouki Uchiyama/Micah Solusod as Soul Eater Evans

Yumiko Kobayashi/Brittney Karbowski as Black Star

Kaori Nazuka/Monica Rial as Tsubaki Nakatsukasa

Mamoru Miyano/Todd Haberkorn as Death the Kid

Akeno Watanabe/Jami Marchi as Liz Thompson

Narumi Takahira/Cherami Leigh as Patty Thompson

Toru Ohkawa/Vic Mignona as Death Scythe (Spirit)

Rikiya Koyama/John Swasey as Shinigami-sama (Lord Death)

Yuya Uchida/Chuck Huber as Dr. Franken Stein

Chieko Honda as Mari Mjolnir

Emiri Katou/Leah Clark as Blair

Houchu Ohtsuka/Barry Yandell as Little Demon

Houko Kuwashima/Luci Christian as Medusa

Junko Noda as Mira Nygus

Keiji Himeno/Sonny Strait as Ragnarok

Maaya Sakamoto/Maxey Whitehead as Chrona

Masafumi Kimura/Kent Williams as Sid Barett

Michiko Neya as Arachne

Takehito Koyasu/Troy Baker as Excalibur

Toshiko Furukawa/Chris Patton as Asura/Kishin

“Soul Eater” is a series that focuses on a group of students who attend the Death Weapon Meister Academy in a place known as Death City in Nevada. The school is run by the Shinigami known as Death and human wielders train with their weapons which are known as meisters. The meisters and their weapons collect various souls that they are assigned to, but at times, the missions are quite difficult, challenging and can be deadly. And if they do not collect the correct soul, by the rules of academy, their soul collecting is reset to zero.

The main characters of “Soul Eater” are:

Maka Albarn – One of the primary characters who is dedicated as a scythe meister of the demon scythe known as Soul Eater (Soul Evans). She and her partner Soul Eater want to collect 100 souls in order to make Soul Eater into a Death Scythe and surpass her father Spirit, who she doesn’t get along with. She cares about her partner Soul.
Soul Eater (Soul Evans) – Maka’s partner and a cool person who loves to eat souls and crazy about sexy women with big boob. He and Maka tend to argue quite a bit but he is loyal to her.
Black Star - A very egotistical young ninja/meister who thinks he is the best there is. He is the sole survivor of his Black Star ninja clan and is partners with Tsubaki. He is very athletic and very persistent but at the same time, sometimes his emotions get in the way and thus prevents him and his partner from collecting souls.
Tsubaki - Black Star’s partner and is a “dark arm” weapon. She can turn into various ninja weapons and in human form, very calm and quiet girl.
Death the Kid – The son of the Shinigami and partners with Liz and Patty Thompson. He is a powerful fighter but is obsessive compulsive about things being in symmetry and that everything must be balanced in his life. This obsession also affect his focus.
Liz and Patty – The weapon partners of Death the Kid. They can turn into guns. The eldest Liz tends to bicker with Death the Kid but is often scared while Patty is always cheerful. These two can wield each other if needed.
Shinigami (Lord Death) – The founder and head of Death Weapon Meister Academy. Often secretive and playful.
Spirit Albarn (Death Scythe) – The weapon of the Shinigami and also the father of Maka who is divorced from her mother and is often drunk and messing around with women. All he wants is his daughter’s attention but she doesn’t give it to him and thus it makes him depressed.
Dr. Franken Stein – The mad scientist of the Academy. Always wants to research and dissect things. Also, a three star meister who can fight.
Crona – The child of Medusa who was forced by Medusa to become evil (even though she didn’t want to) who was once and enemy is now a friend and member DWMA.

“Soul Eater – Part Three” features episodes 27-39 on two DVD’s. Here is an episode listing featuring spoiler-less summaries:

DISC 1:

EPISODE 27 – 800 Years of Bloodlust – Advent of the Heretic Witch – Maka and Crona fights against Giriko and the golem. Meanwhile, Stein finds a heretic soul inside the golem.
EPISODE 28 – The Sword God Rises – Does It Have a Sweet or Salty Taste – Blackstar takes on Arachne’s new bodyguard, Mifune.
EPISODE 29 – Medusa’s Revival! A Spider and Snake’s Fateful Reunion? – A young girl is possessed by Medusa’s snake. Stein teaches the students about “Duel Arts”.
EPISODE 30 – The Red Hot Runaway Express – A Magic Tool Left Behind by the Great Wizard – Kid, Liz and Patty investigate a magic tool and confront Mifune.
EPISODE 31 – Drying Happiness! Whose Tears Sparkle in the Moonlight? - Crona encounters the revived Medusa.
EPISODE 32 – Legend of the Holy Sword 3 – The Academy Gang Leader’s Tale? – A story about Hero and his sword Excalibur.
EPISODE 33 – Resonance Link – Play the Melody of the Souls? - Is Stein going insane?

Disc 2:

EPISODE 34 – The Battle for Brew – Clash: The DWMA vs. Arachnophobia? – The DWMA and the Arachnophobia fight for the magic tool “Brew”.
EPISODE 35 – Mosquito’s Storm! Ten Minutes to fight in the World of the Past? – The group encounters the powerful Mosquito.
EPISODE 36 – Unleash the Seven’s Resonance Link! A Recital of Destruction and Creation? - The battle against Mosquito continues and the group try to pull of the resonance link.
EPISODE 37 – The Detective’s First Case – Kid Exposes the DWMA’s Secret? – The introduction to Joe Buttaki of DWMA Internal Affairs Division.
EPISODE 38 – Asura’s Temptation – The Big Man’s Uncontrollable Irritation? – Black Star challenges Kid in a duel.
EPISODE 39 – Crona’s Escape – Show Me Your Smile, Please? – Maka and Soul look for Crona.

VIDEO:

AUDIO:

Subtitles are in English.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

“Soul Eater – Part Three” comes with a few special features. Included are:

Disc 1:

Episode 30 Commentary – Audio commentary with voice talent Cherami Leigh (Patty Thompson), Todd Haberkorn (Death) and Jami Marchi (Liz Thompson).

DISC 2:

Soul Eater Late Show - (19:24) Featuring late show clips for episodes 28-39. Japanese promo/teaser spots for each episode. That range from opening and closing theme, naughty-like teasers, bumper art galleries to character-based goofiness. Each promo spot lasts around a minute and a half each.
Textless Opening Song – Tommy Heavenly6 – “Resonance”
Textless Closing Song – Diggy-Mo’ – “Bakusou Yumeuta”
Trailers – FUNimation Entertainment trailers.

“Soul Eater” just gets better and better with each volume.

In “Soul Eater – Part Three”, the war between the DWMA and Arachnophobia steps up and the series is becoming much more thrilling as the fight between the two groups and Medusa’s revival is starting to make this series more action-driven but also a storyline that is getting more intense with each episode.

Where in the previous volumes, the DWMA students were often confidence but this time around, their confidence has been shattered and it’s going to be interesting to see how they pick themselves up and prepare themselves for the upcoming battle ahead.

And as mentioned in my previous two reviews about creator Atsushi Okubo’s appreciation for Tim Burton’s films and how it influenced Okubo’s character designs and designing the world of “Soul Eater”, for those who appreciate what Tim Burton was able to do for his own dark films can easily appreciate the twisted, dark world created by Atsushi Okubo. The look and feel of “Soul Eater” is quite different from any other anime series that I have seen and that’s a positive. Sure, character designs may be a bit minimal without the usual shading and detail that people expect from an anime series, especially from Bones. But I really dig the character designs because it’s fresh and different from what I’m usually seeing and for the most part, it works.

Overall, “Soul Eater – Part Three” was a much more enjoyable volume than the previous two. Seriously, this series gets better and better with each volume that I can’t wait for part four! Definitely recommended!

Filed Under: Anime on DVD, TV BOXSETS: DVD/Blu-ray

Soul Eater – Part Two (a J!-ENT Anime DVD Review)

April 17, 2010 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

If you enjoyed the action and craziness from the first part of “Soul Eater”, this second part features more intense action and hard hitting battles! Get into the trippy, dark fantasy world of Atsushi Okubo’s “Soul Eater”. Definitely an anime series worth watching!

DVD TITLE: Soul Eater – Part Two

DURATION: Episodes 14-26 (315 Minutes)

DVD INFORMATION: 16:9 Anamorphic Widescreen, English 5.1 Dolby Surround Sound, Japanese 2.0, English subtitles

COMPANY: FUNimation Entertainment

RATED: TV 14

Release Date: March 30, 2010

Originally created by Atsushi Ohkubo

Directed by akuya Igarashi

Series Composition by Akatsuki Yamatoya

Music by Taku Iwasaki

Character Design by Yoshiyuki Ito

Art Director: Norifumi Nakamura

Sound Director: Kazuhiro Wakabayashi

Director of Photography: Yohei Miyahara

Anime Production: BONES

Featuring the following voice talent:

Chiaki Omigawa/Laura Bailey as Maka Albarn

Kouki Uchiyama/Micah Solusod as Soul Eater Evans

Yumiko Kobayashi/Brittney Karbowski as Black Star

Kaori Nazuka/Monica Rial as Tsubaki Nakatsukasa

Mamoru Miyano/Todd Haberkorn as Death the Kid

Akeno Watanabe/Jami Marchi as Liz Thompson

Narumi Takahira/Cherami Leigh as Patty Thompson

Toru Ohkawa/Vic Mignona as Death Scythe (Spirit)

Rikiya Koyama/John Swasey as Shinigami-sama (Lord Death)

Yuya Uchida/Chuck Huber as Dr. Franken Stein

Chieko Honda as Mari Mjolnir

Emiri Katou/Leah Clark as Blair

Houchu Ohtsuka/Barry Yandell as Little Demon

Houko Kuwashima/Luci Christian as Medusa

Junko Noda as Mira Nygus

Keiji Himeno/Sonny Strait as Ragnarok

Maaya Sakamoto/Maxey Whitehead as Chrona

Masafumi Kimura/Kent Williams as Sid Barett

Michiko Neya as Arachne

Takehito Koyasu/Troy Baker as Excalibur

Toshiko Furukawa/Chris Patton as Asura/Kishin

Maka is a Meister and Soul is her Weapon – literally. When Soul transforms into a razor-sharp scythe and Maka wields him against the supernatural forces of evil, he gets more deadly with every defeated soul he sucks down. They’re a freakin’ lethal team – but that bond is about to be tested.

The witch Medusa and her ghoulish minions are out to unleash the Kishin, who isn’t just a demon: he’s the greatest force of darkness ever known; a wicked fiend of unspeakable power. Luckily, Maka and Soul are used to saving the world from evil. But if they can’t stop Medusa’s freakish army in time, Maka, Soul, and their fellow Weapon/Meister classmates will be fighting to save themselves!

In 2003, mangaka Atsushi Okubo created his Japanese manga “Soul Eater”. Published by Square Enix, the manga had several one shots and eventually serialized in Square Enix’s “Monthly Shonen Gangan”. The manga went on to receive an English translation in 2009, several video games on various consoles but in 2008, the series received its anime adaptation by Bones and shown on TV Tokyo and featured a total of 51 episodes. FUNimation Entertainment released volume 1 earlier this year and now the second volume covering episodes 14-26 has been released.

The main characters of “Soul Eater” are:

Maka Albarn – One of the primary characters who is dedicated as a scythe meister of the demon scythe known as Soul Eater (Soul Evans). She and her partner Soul Eater want to collect 100 souls in order to make Soul Eater into a Death Scythe and surpass her father Spirit, who she doesn’t get along with. She cares about her partner Soul.
Soul Eater (Soul Evans) – Maka’s partner and a cool person who loves to eat souls and crazy about sexy women with big boob. He and Maka tend to argue quite a bit but he is loyal to her.
Black Star - A very egotistical young ninja/meister who thinks he is the best there is. He is the sole survivor of his Black Star ninja clan and is partners with Tsubaki. He is very athletic and very persistent but at the same time, sometimes his emotions get in the way and thus prevents him and his partner from collecting souls.
Tsubaki - Black Star’s partner and is a “dark arm” weapon. She can turn into various ninja weapons and in human form, very calm and quiet girl.
Death the Kid – The son of the Shinigami and partners with Liz and Patty Thompson. He is a powerful fighter but is obsessive compulsive about things being in symmetry and that everything must be balanced in his life. This obsession also affect his focus.
Liz and Patty – The weapon partners of Death the Kid. They can turn into guns. The eldest Liz tends to bicker with Death the Kid but is often scared while Patty is always cheerful. These two can wield each other if needed.
Shinigami (Lord Death) – The founder and head of Death Weapon Meister Academy. Often secretive and playful.
Spirit Albarn (Death Scythe) – The weapon of the Shinigami and also the father of Maka who is divorced from her mother and is often drunk and messing around with women. All he wants is his daughter’s attention but she doesn’t give it to him and thus it makes him depressed.
Dr. Franken Stein – The mad scientist of the Academy. Always wants to research and dissect things. Also, a three star meister who can fight.
Crona – The child of Medusa who was forced by Medusa to become evil (even though she didn’t want to) but with a mean weapon named Ragnarok and being locked in the dark, she now becomes the ruthless enemy of DWMA.

“Soul Eater – Part Two” features episodes 14-26 on two DVD’s. Here is an episode listing featuring spoiler-less summaries:

DISC 1:

EPISODE 14 – The Super Written Exam – Heart-Pounding, Reeling, and Restless. You’re Kidding!? – The students of the DWMA must prepare for a big test but a few decide to resort to cheating.
EPISODE 15 – The Soul Eating Black Dragon – Scaredy-Cat Liz and Her Merry Friends? – Kid, Liz and Patty investigate the Black Dragon.
EPISODE 16 – Fierce Battle Aboard the Ghost Ship – The Hell Inside My Head? – Kid vs. Crona and Ragnarok.
EPISODE 17 – Legend of the Holy Sword 2 – Wanna Go Drinking, Gambling, and Playing? – A story about Ox Ford and his encounter with the legendary sword Excalibur.
EPISODE 18 – The Eve Party Nightmare – And So the Curtain Rises? - Medusa and crew begin their attack on Death City.
EPISODE 19 – The Underground Battle Commences – Break Through Medusa’s Vector Arrow? – Lord Death talks about the threat and the origin of Asura. Meanwhile, the battles begin!
EPISODE 20 – The Black Blood Resonance Battle! – A Small Soul’s Grand Struggle Against Fear? - Maka and Soul versus Crona and Ragnarok.

Disc 2:

EPISODE 21 – May My Soul Reach You – A Dry Heart Inside Unbearable Isolation? – In order to fight Cronus, Maka allows madness to consume her.
EPISODE 22 – The Seal Shrine – The Immortal Man’s Tricks? – Kid and Free continue their fight but Kid gets some help from Black Star.
EPISODE 23 – Dead or Alive – In the Rift Between Revival and Dazzlement? – Stein and Medusa fight to the death, while Kid and Black Star take on Free and Eruka.
EPISODE 24 – The Battle of the Gods – Death City on The Verge of Collapse? – Asura attacks Death City and Lord Death is forced into battle.
EPISODE 25 – The Death scythes Convene – Stop Dad’s Staff Reassignment!? – With Asura now free, Death summons the Death Scythes. Spirit fears that because he was unable to protect Death Scythe, he will be demoted.
EPISODE 26 – The Exciting and Embarrassing Trial Enrollment! The DWMA New Lifestyle Support Fair Is open? – Maka and Marie try to help Crona with her new surroundings at DWMA.

VIDEO & AUDIO:

Subtitles are in English.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

“Soul Eater” comes with a few special features. Included are:

DISC 2:

Episode 23 Commentary – Audio commentary by Vic Mignona (Death Scythe), Chuck Huber (Dr. Stein) and Lucy Christian (Medusa) talk about watching the fully rendered episode and hearing the other voice talents voices. Also, what they love about the show.
Soul Eater Late Show - (22:24) Featuring episodes 14-26 Japanese promo/teaser spots for each episode. That range from opening and closing theme, naughty-like teasers, bumper art galleries to character-based goofiness. Each promo spot lasts around a minute and a half each.
Textless Opening Song – T.M. Revolution – “Resonance”
Textless Opening Song Version 1 – Style
Textless Closing Song Version 2 – Style
Trailers – FUNimation Entertainment trailers.

“Soul Eater” is becoming a pretty awesome action/comedy anime series. This latest volume is pretty cool because it’s more action-driven as Medusa and her group begin their attack on the DWMA. And where the first volume was somewhat lighthearted when it came to the action scenes, things get a bit more darker with this series.

Especially some of the enemies, as one enemy who looks like a thin, frail man….has the ability to stretch his skin to attack. In some way, it’s kind of a disgusting character to watch as it’s mannerisms of fighting was unlike a character I have seen before. Typically stretching characters ala “Fantastic Four” Mr. Fantastic or Justice League’s Plastic Man look cool when stretching and fight in battle but this character of Free is just disgusting to watch as he just stretches out skin from his arms and each hit smacking their enemies with such force.

The storyline with Crona is quite interesting as well because you feel bad for her character and what Crona had to put up with. The battle between Medusa and Stein is also awesome to watch.

But overall, this second part of “Soul Eater” really steps up the action and definitely sets things up for the third part as they will have to deal with a powerful nemesis that can bring the DWMA down.

For those who appreciate what Tim Burton was able to do for his own dark films can easily appreciate the twisted, dark world created by Atsushi Okubo. The look and feel of “Soul Eater” is quite different from any other anime series that I have seen and that’s a positive. Sure, character designs may be a bit minimal without the usual shading and detail that people expect from an anime series, especially from Bones. But I really dig the character designs because it’s fresh and different from what I’m usually seeing and for the most part, it works.

Overall, “Soul Eater – Part Two” was even more enjoyable than the first part and the series has turned out to become an action-packed anime series which left me wanting more! I look forward to part three!

Filed Under: Anime on DVD, TV BOXSETS: DVD/Blu-ray

Soul Eater – Part One (a J!-ENT Anime DVD Review)

February 18, 2010 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

Crazy, action-packed and all-out fun! Get into the trippy, dark fantasy world of Atsushi Okubo’s “Soul Eater”. Definitely an anime series worth watching!

DVD TITLE: Soul Eater – Part One

DURATION: Episodes 1-13 (315 Minutes)

DVD INFORMATION: 16:9 Anamorphic Widescreen, English 5.1 Dolby Surround Sound, Japanese 2.0, English subtitles

COMPANY: FUNimation Entertainment

RATED: TV 14

Release Date: February 9, 2010

Originally created by Atsushi Ohkubo

Directed by akuya Igarashi

Series Composition by Akatsuki Yamatoya

Music by Taku Iwasaki

Character Design by Yoshiyuki Ito

Art Director: Norifumi Nakamura

Sound Director: Kazuhiro Wakabayashi

Director of Photography: Yohei Miyahara

Anime Production: BONES

Featuring the following voice talent:

Chiaki Omigawa/Laura Bailey as Maka Albarn

Kouki Uchiyama/Micah Solusod as Soul Eater Evans

Yumiko Kobayashi/Brittney Karbowski as Black Star

Kaori Nazuka/Monica Rial as Tsubaki Nakatsukasa

Mamoru Miyano/Todd Haberkorn as Death the Kid

Akeno Watanabe/Jami Marchi as Liz Thompson

Narumi Takahira/Cherami Leigh as Patty Thompson

Toru Ohkawa/Vic Mignona as Death Scythe (Spirit)

Rikiya Koyama/John Swasey as Shinigami-sama (Lord Death)

Yuya Uchida/Chuck Huber as Dr. Franken Stein

Chieko Honda as Mari Mjolnir

Emiri Katou/Leah Clark as Blair

Houchu Ohtsuka/Barry Yandell as Little Demon

Houko Kuwashima/Luci Christian as Medusa

Junko Noda as Mira Nygus

Keiji Himeno/Sonny Strait as Ragnarok

Maaya Sakamoto/Maxey Whitehead as Chrona

Masafumi Kimura/Kent Williams as Sid Barett

Michiko Neya as Arachne

Takehito Koyasu/Troy Baker as Excalibur

Toshiko Furukawa/Chris Patton as Asura/Kishin

Maka is a Meister and Soul is her Weapon. As students at the Grim Reaper’s Death Weapon Meister Academy, their study habits couldn’t be more different. But in battle against the supernatural forces of evil, they’re a freakin’ lethal team.

That’s when Soul transforms – literally – into a razor-sharp scythe, and every defeated wicked soul he sucks down makes him more deadly. That’s when Maka unleashes the merciless slayer within, wielding her partner and dropping monsters. Seriously. Monsters. Like the witches, werewolves, and zombies that lurk in the shadows and feed on the souls of the innocent.

Every freakish ghoul Maka and Soul take out strengthens their bond, and fighting alongside their fellow Meister/Weapon classmates, Maka and Soul are the world’s last line of defense against evil.

Contains episodes 1-13.

In 2003, mangaka Atsushi Okubo created his Japanese manga “Soul Eater”. Published by Square Enix, the manga had several one shots and eventually serialized in Square Enix’s “Monthly Shonen Gangan”. The manga went on to receive an English translation in 2009, several video games on various consoles but in 2008, the series received its anime adaptation by Bones and shown on TV Tokyo and featured a total of 51 episodes. FUNimation Entertainment has released the first 13 episodes of “Soul Eater” ala vol. 1.

The main characters of “Soul Eater” Part 1 are:

Maka Albarn – One of the primary characters who is dedicated as a scythe meister of the demon scythe known as Soul Eater (Soul Evans). She and her partner Soul Eater want to collect 100 souls in order to make Soul Eater into a Death Scythe and surpass her father Spirit, who she doesn’t get along with. She cares about her partner Soul.
Soul Eater (Soul Evans) – Maka’s partner and a cool person who loves to eat souls and crazy about sexy women with big boob. He and Maka tend to argue quite a bit but he is loyal to her.
Black Star - A very egotistical young ninja/meister who thinks he is the best there is. He is the sole survivor of his Black Star ninja clan and is partners with Tsubaki. He is very athletic and very persistent but at the same time, sometimes his emotions get in the way and thus prevents him and his partner from collecting souls.
Tsubaki - Black Star’s partner and is a “dark arm” weapon. She can turn into various ninja weapons and in human form, very calm and quiet girl.
Death the Kid – The son of the Shinigami and partners with Liz and Patty Thompson. He is a powerful fighter but is obsessive compulsive about things being in symmetry and that everything must be balanced in his life. This obsession also affect his focus.
Liz and Patty – The weapon partners of Death the Kid. They can turn into guns. The eldest Liz tends to bicker with Death the Kid but is often scared while Patty is always cheerful. These two can wield each other if needed.
Shinigami (Lord Death) – The founder and head of Death Weapon Meister Academy. Often secretive and playful.
Spirit Albarn (Death Scythe) – The weapon of the Shinigami and also the father of Maka who is divorced from her mother and is often drunk and messing around with women. All he wants is his daughter’s attention but she doesn’t give it to him and thus it makes him depressed.
Dr. Franken Stein – The mad scientist of the Academy. Always wants to research and dissect things. Also, a three star meister who can fight.

“Soul Eater – Part One” features the first 13 episodes on two DVD’s. Here is an episode listing featuring spoiler-less summaries:

DISC 1:

EPISODE 1 – Resonance of the Soul – Will SoulEater Become a Death Scythe? – Meiser Maka Albarn and her partner Soul Eater need one more soul in order for Soul to become a Death Scythe. Will they accomplish their mission?
EPISODE 2 – I Am the Star! The Big Man is Showing Up Here? – Black Star and Tsubaki are sent on a mission. Will they collect their first soul?
EPISODE 3 – The Perfect Boy – Death the Kid’s Magnificent Mission? – Death the Kid and his partners Liz and Patty go on a soul-hunting mission inside a pyramid.
EPISODE 4 – Engage the Witch Hunter! A Remedial Lesson in the Graveyard? – Because Maka, Soul, Black Star and Tsubaki have not collected a soul, they must take a remedial class.
EPISODE 5 – Shape of the Soul – Enter the Ultimate Meister Stein? – Maka, Soul, Black Star and Tsubaki take on Dr. Franken Stein.
EPISODE 6 – The New Student – Kid’s First Day at the Academy – Will it be an Entrance to Remember? – Death the Kid enrolls at the Academy and Soul and Black Star decide to go against him.
EPISODE 7 – Black-blooded Terror – There’s a Weapon Inside Crona? – Maka and Soul go on a mission but they encounter another young meister named Crona.

Disc 2:

EPISODE 8 – Medusa the Witch – The One Who Possesses a Great Evil Soul? – The aftermath of the battle against Crona and Ragnarok.
EPISODE 9 – Legend of the Holy Sword – Kid and Black Star’s Great Adventure? – Black Star and Death the Kid go on a search for Excalibur.
EPISODE 10 – The Enchanted Sword Masamune – Break the Soul Possession – Black Star and Tsubaki are sent on a mission to collect the soul of the demon blade Masamune.
EPISODE 11 – Tsubaki the Camellia Blossom – What Lies Beyond the Grief? – Part 2 as Tsubaki takes on Masamune.
EPISODE 12 – Courage that Beats Out Fear – Maka Albarn’s Great Resolution? – Medusa continues her infiltration of the Academy, while Maka wants to become stronger.
EPISODE 13 – The Man with the Magic Eye – Soul and Maka’s Diverging Soul Wavelength? – Medusa sends Free, the werewolf to kill Maka and Soul.

VIDEO & AUDIO:

Subtitles are in English.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

“Soul Eater” comes with a few special features. Included are:

DISC 1:

Episode 7 Commentary – Audio commentary by Zach Bolden (ADR Director), Laura Bailey (voice actress of Maka) and Micah Solusod (voice actor of Soul). The voice talent talk about working on “Soul Eater” and enjoying the series.

DISC 2:

Soul Eater Late Show - (20:59) Featuring a total of 13 Japanese promo/teaser spots for each episode. That range from naughty-like teasers, bumper art galleries to character-based goofiness. Each promo spot lasts around a minute and a half each.
Textless Opening Song – “Resonance” by T.M. Revolution
Textless Closing Song – “I Wanna Be” by Stance Punks
Trailers – FUNimation Entertainment trailers.

After watching the first episode of “Soul Eater”, I thought the series was about two people and we followed their adventures in trying to conquer demon souls. But after a few episodes later, I realized that this is a series about a group of characters who are all trying to make their own place as meisters or weapons of the meisters and prove to themselves that they can be among the best in the Academy.

In some way, what I enjoyed about the series is that it had that “Naruto” like vibe, in the sense of friends from different groups who can act as rivals but also as friends when they go out on a mission. But aside from that, “Soul Eater” is an interesting anime series on its own with this wacky but really cool and twisted, dark world created by Atsushi Okubo.

For those who appreciate what Tim Burton was able to do for his own dark films can easily appreciate “Soul Eater”. The look and feel of the series is quite different from any other anime series that I have seen and that’s a positive. Sure, character designs may be a bit minimal without the usual shading and detail that people expect from an anime series, especially from Bones. But I really dig the character designs because it’s fresh and different from what I’m usually seeing and for the most part, it works.

Oh, and for the unusual and twisted worked that was inspired by Tim Burton, Okubo said that his inspiration for this series also was from David Lynch, so I’m waiting to see what Okubo has planned in upcoming episodes. Especially if he gives the series a David Lynch style of conclusion.

The first volume of “Soul Eater” was quite entertaining and I have to admit that my favorite episodes are the ones that feature the ninja meister “Dark Star”. A young and brash kid who thinks of himself as the best hero out there despite not receiving the attention or respect of his fellow students and those who he tries to save. But overall, each of the characters have been quite fun and it’ll be interesting to see if more characters will be added and what kind of missions that these groups will take on. You can easily tell that the first round of episodes are more or less, character development episodes. They feature a lot of action but it’ll be interesting to see if the episodes will retain its humorous and action-driven flair or will it get more serious.

Overall, “Soul Eater – Part One” was a fun and action-packed anime series which left me wanting more! Definitely an animated series worth checking out!

Filed Under: Anime on DVD