DNAngel Volume 5: Darkside of love

Review Date: 2006 May 22 08:21

Reviewed by: Azure

Released by: ADV Films UK

Age Rating: U

Region: 2 - UK

Volume 5 of 7

Length: 100 minutes

Subtitles: English

Audio: English Dolby Digital 5.1
Japanese 2.0 Stereo

Summary

Daisuke’s life seems to be getting increasingly complicated; first he’s late for school he arrives only to find out he’s been voted female lead in his class play and then there’s the school trip to think about. On top of this Daisuke begins to understand his true feelings, whilst he is blissfully unaware of the trap laying in wait for himself and Dark. Meanwhile Mio has second thoughts about her mission, and Risa begins to examine her own feelings.

Review

DNAngel is a series of many faces, it can be deadly serious one moment and a sweet and gentle rom-com another. This volume continues with the lighter side of things rather than Dark’s adventures. There’s also the obligatory school trip episode this DVD which is actually placed later than it was in the manga and it’s easy to see why, the trip provides the perfect excuse for Riku and Daisuke to get some time alone. It’s very rewarding to watch this episode as a lot of relationships that get hinted at finally get time to develop.

Risa also matures this volume as she takes Dark’s words to her to heart and she finally puts the feelings of others before herself. Risa finally notices the similarity between Dark and Daisuke providing some great comic relief, rather than putting two and two together she simply weighs up whether this similarity makes Daisuke more likeable!

Mio is also a strong focus this volume as the true danger she is in is revealed. Heart strings are also tugged, as we learn that Mio has doubts about what she is doing is right, showing in her a different light to the cold heartless girl last volume hinted at. Again this volume there’s no treasure hunting, it’s all about relationships. Whilst Dark’s absence made a refreshing change, his character might have pulled back a little too far. He only popped into Daisuke’s thoughts briefly and it would have been interesting to hear his point of view on how Daisuke’s life is progressing.

The extras continue to remain strong with a number of Japanese T.V spots, a commentary and a small video following the ending theme band, this means that both dub and sub fans are well served.

There’s some absolutely stunning animation this volume and a lot of really lovely night scenes. It’s nice to see a series unafraid to take time out from the main plot to develop characters, rather than have a throwaway summer special This development will make this a rewarding viewing session for fans keeping up with the series, you won’t be disappointed, one of the best shoujo anime for ages.

Rating: 8/10

Notes

A trailer is available on on the ADV website.