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魔法騎士レイアース [Magic Knight Rayearth] #4-6
Magic Knight Rayearth II, Boxed Set
Hikaru, Umi, and Fuu must try to defend the land of Cephira as Magic Knights.
650 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2003
6 people are currently reading
221 people want to read
About the author
Clamp
743 books3,136 followersŌkawa Nanase 大川七瀬
[born: 2 May 1967; Ōsaka, bloodtype: A]
Mokona Apapa もこなあぱぱ
[born: 16 Jun 1968, Kyōto; bloodtype: A]
Nekoi Mick 猫井みっく
[born: 21 Jan 1969, Kyōto; bloodtype: O]
Igarashi Satsuki 五十嵐さつき
[born: 8 Feb 1969, Kyōto; bloodtype: A]
CLAMP originally began in 1989 as a twelve-member dōjinshi circle, but by 1990, the circle had diminished from twelve to seven. Of the remaining seven, Tamayo Akiyama, Sei Nanao, and Leeza Sei left the group during the production of the RG Veda manga. Other former members of CLAMP also included Soushi Hishika, O-Kyon, Kazue Nakamori, Yuzuru Inoue and Shinya Ōmi. Currently, there are four members in the group.
In 2004, CLAMP's 15th anniversary as a mangaka group, the members changed their names from Nanase Ohkawa, Mokona Apapa, Mick Nekoi, and Satsuki Igarashi to Ageha Ohkawa, Mokona, Tsubaki Nekoi and Satsuki Igarashi (her name is pronounced the same, but written with different characters) respectively. The August 2004 issue of Newtype USA, a magazine specializing in events of the anime and manga subcultures, reported that the members of CLAMP simply wanted to try out new names. In a later interview with Ohkawa, it was revealed that initially Mokona wanted to drop her surname because it sounded too immature for her liking, while Nekoi disliked people commenting that her name was the same as Mick Jagger's. Ohkawa and Igarashi, wanting to go with the flow of Nekoi's and Mokona's name changes, changed their names as well.
In 2006, they made their first USA public debut at Anime Expo in Anaheim, California. They were well received at the convention, with 6,000 fans in attendance at their panel.
[born: 2 May 1967; Ōsaka, bloodtype: A]
Mokona Apapa もこなあぱぱ
[born: 16 Jun 1968, Kyōto; bloodtype: A]
Nekoi Mick 猫井みっく
[born: 21 Jan 1969, Kyōto; bloodtype: O]
Igarashi Satsuki 五十嵐さつき
[born: 8 Feb 1969, Kyōto; bloodtype: A]
CLAMP originally began in 1989 as a twelve-member dōjinshi circle, but by 1990, the circle had diminished from twelve to seven. Of the remaining seven, Tamayo Akiyama, Sei Nanao, and Leeza Sei left the group during the production of the RG Veda manga. Other former members of CLAMP also included Soushi Hishika, O-Kyon, Kazue Nakamori, Yuzuru Inoue and Shinya Ōmi. Currently, there are four members in the group.
In 2004, CLAMP's 15th anniversary as a mangaka group, the members changed their names from Nanase Ohkawa, Mokona Apapa, Mick Nekoi, and Satsuki Igarashi to Ageha Ohkawa, Mokona, Tsubaki Nekoi and Satsuki Igarashi (her name is pronounced the same, but written with different characters) respectively. The August 2004 issue of Newtype USA, a magazine specializing in events of the anime and manga subcultures, reported that the members of CLAMP simply wanted to try out new names. In a later interview with Ohkawa, it was revealed that initially Mokona wanted to drop her surname because it sounded too immature for her liking, while Nekoi disliked people commenting that her name was the same as Mick Jagger's. Ohkawa and Igarashi, wanting to go with the flow of Nekoi's and Mokona's name changes, changed their names as well.
In 2006, they made their first USA public debut at Anime Expo in Anaheim, California. They were well received at the convention, with 6,000 fans in attendance at their panel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
May 9, 2021
It's a rather standard and typical 1990s CLAMP's girl-manga creation, I re-read Magic Knight Rayearth for the first time in years and I'm still impressed by the artwork, the characters might be a bit typical but I do like how there is no real villain in the story, the conflicts lie mostly on the characters trying to reach their own goals and happiness in their different ways.
I think it's a good 'magical-girl' series for teenage audience.
I think it's a good 'magical-girl' series for teenage audience.
December 11, 2020
4 for the story plus an extra star for presentation - this is an absolutely gorgeous collection. The story is a bit more interesting than I remember, and I can absolutely see how later Clamp titles, like Clover and even Tsubasa grew out of this one. I also completely missed the homoerotic subtext between Lantis and Eagle when I was in late high school. Surprise!
March 23, 2012
Since I’m already very familiar with the second series of “Rayearth”, I’m just going to be covering the differences between this rerelease and the original US release from Tokyopop in the 90′s.
To be honest, I never did figure out why CLAMP did another installment of “Rayearth” when the first ending felt so complete. It wasn’t really an “unresolved war”, even though both the anime and manga series said so in the second installment. Perhaps that’s just a difference of opinion, but regardless, this second series of “Rayearth” was produced and I devoured it as a teenager. It’s not my favorite CLAMP work, this second “Rayearth” installment, but it’s still very enjoyable. However, Dark Horse has done yet another fantastic job with another CLAMP series, and I salute them.
Tokyopop also had this title and it was also one of their first translations done after “Sailor Moon” and the first “Rayearth” trilogy, so it’s really nice to see a new translation along with a nice, fresh digital freshening up of the original drawings that make up this story. It’s also wonderful because there’s no “translatese” (awkward English when it’s obvious the editor or the translator couldn’t find an equivalent in English) and it makes the original story so much easier to understand.
Also, it’s a lot cheaper than the original prices – three volumes in one for only $20 USD. When Tokyopop released the original volumes I think they were something like 9.99-11.99 USD each, and the end product was pretty crappy. Even though this second Rayearth installment isn’t one of my favorite CLAMP works, I just remember as a teenager feeling really pissed off after spending my well-earned allowance on what felt like a rush job. At the time, I couldn’t speak Japanese, but asking friends who could speak Japanese and after doing my research online, as well as actually reading the translated text, it just felt all wrong. Dark Horse makes the old new again in all of its glory.
So, even though this isn’t my favorite CLAMP story (though I still adore the first series), I still consider it worth reading, especially if you’re still getting started in the mahou shoujo genre. It’s a classic, and I’m glad that Dark Horse finally gave it the release it so badly deserved for all of these years. “Magic Knight Rayearth: Omnibus II” is out April 11, 2012 in North America from Dark Horse, who has my heart forever. Be sure to check it out then and if you’re able, see if you can find some comparisons between the original Tokyopop translation and this one. I think the difference will startle and amuse you. Either way, it definitely deserves a read.
(posted to goodreads, shelfari, and birthofanewwitch.wordpress.com)
To be honest, I never did figure out why CLAMP did another installment of “Rayearth” when the first ending felt so complete. It wasn’t really an “unresolved war”, even though both the anime and manga series said so in the second installment. Perhaps that’s just a difference of opinion, but regardless, this second series of “Rayearth” was produced and I devoured it as a teenager. It’s not my favorite CLAMP work, this second “Rayearth” installment, but it’s still very enjoyable. However, Dark Horse has done yet another fantastic job with another CLAMP series, and I salute them.
Tokyopop also had this title and it was also one of their first translations done after “Sailor Moon” and the first “Rayearth” trilogy, so it’s really nice to see a new translation along with a nice, fresh digital freshening up of the original drawings that make up this story. It’s also wonderful because there’s no “translatese” (awkward English when it’s obvious the editor or the translator couldn’t find an equivalent in English) and it makes the original story so much easier to understand.
Also, it’s a lot cheaper than the original prices – three volumes in one for only $20 USD. When Tokyopop released the original volumes I think they were something like 9.99-11.99 USD each, and the end product was pretty crappy. Even though this second Rayearth installment isn’t one of my favorite CLAMP works, I just remember as a teenager feeling really pissed off after spending my well-earned allowance on what felt like a rush job. At the time, I couldn’t speak Japanese, but asking friends who could speak Japanese and after doing my research online, as well as actually reading the translated text, it just felt all wrong. Dark Horse makes the old new again in all of its glory.
So, even though this isn’t my favorite CLAMP story (though I still adore the first series), I still consider it worth reading, especially if you’re still getting started in the mahou shoujo genre. It’s a classic, and I’m glad that Dark Horse finally gave it the release it so badly deserved for all of these years. “Magic Knight Rayearth: Omnibus II” is out April 11, 2012 in North America from Dark Horse, who has my heart forever. Be sure to check it out then and if you’re able, see if you can find some comparisons between the original Tokyopop translation and this one. I think the difference will startle and amuse you. Either way, it definitely deserves a read.
(posted to goodreads, shelfari, and birthofanewwitch.wordpress.com)
May 10, 2021
Really enjoyed this!
For my full thoughts, check out this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymaK4...
For my full thoughts, check out this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymaK4...
January 2, 2024
Finde MKR II noch einen ticken besser als MKR I, weil die ersten zwei Bände nicht nur aus World Building und Erklärungen bestehen. Es wird zwar auch viel Erklärt aber die Charaktere können sich hier einfach besser entfalten.
Die Story ist nicht innovativ aber CLAMP versteht es das ganze trotzdem sehr charmant auszuschmücken und langweilig wird es schon gar nicht!
Die Story ist nicht innovativ aber CLAMP versteht es das ganze trotzdem sehr charmant auszuschmücken und langweilig wird es schon gar nicht!
September 18, 2021
4 stars for story and 4,5 stars for presentation
I admit I enjoy the part 2 of MKR rather than part 1. The pace of part 1 is very fast, too much RPG like so lack of character development and how the 3/4 part feel detached from the final part. Part 2 aka the sequel deal with the consequences of the truth behind the legend of Magic Knight. I won't tell the story because I think if you are CLAMP fans, chance that you already read MKR, hahaha. I appreciate the character development of the girls, how they now try to think thoroughly about what happen to them. Although, I'm not a fan of how CLAMP seems to favor Hikaru over Umi and Fuu, make them more like side charas toward the end. I think the best part about MKR is the friendship between Hikaru, Umi and Fuu, and for me in part 2, the story geared more to Hikaru, then Umi and unfortunately Fuu got sidetracked. Hikaru also got 2 love interest (Lantis and Eagle, and poor 10 y.o me, I didn't realize the shonen ai vibes between them back then XD), while Umi got Ascot (eww, is he still a child although his body is adult?). At least Fuu got her HEA with Ferio XD.
I still think MKR suffer from how CLAMP want to make a complicated story like they did with RGVeda or X or Tokyo Babylon, but they must cater to the young reader since MKR published in Nakayoshi. They kinda success with Cardcaptor Sakura or Angelic Layer, tho, but I can feel that MKR is their first attempt to combine a complex story with meaningful message but still try to lighten its tone (although I will said the tone for part 2 is far from light). I can feel that CLAMP can expand MKR story, make it have character development, and also explain some of the world building because some aspect of Cefiro didn't make sense for me. Like, it's a country full of magic and wonder, yet the citizen is just a few and I can count it with my finger XD.
Like boxset part 1, part 2 also include the artbook and there's some commentary from CLAMP. This little bit tidbit is what make the artbook wonderful. Also the art, OMG THE ART!! Such a feast of the eyes!! I hope I can show the art to y'all but it's a hassle to upload it to 3rd app, so maybe you can search it yourself on net. Just like boxset 1, boxset 2 is also worth every penny and even though I have some issues with the story, MKR is still one of my favorite CLAMP's manga to date!
I admit I enjoy the part 2 of MKR rather than part 1. The pace of part 1 is very fast, too much RPG like so lack of character development and how the 3/4 part feel detached from the final part. Part 2 aka the sequel deal with the consequences of the truth behind the legend of Magic Knight. I won't tell the story because I think if you are CLAMP fans, chance that you already read MKR, hahaha. I appreciate the character development of the girls, how they now try to think thoroughly about what happen to them. Although, I'm not a fan of how CLAMP seems to favor Hikaru over Umi and Fuu, make them more like side charas toward the end. I think the best part about MKR is the friendship between Hikaru, Umi and Fuu, and for me in part 2, the story geared more to Hikaru, then Umi and unfortunately Fuu got sidetracked. Hikaru also got 2 love interest (Lantis and Eagle, and poor 10 y.o me, I didn't realize the shonen ai vibes between them back then XD), while Umi got Ascot (eww, is he still a child although his body is adult?). At least Fuu got her HEA with Ferio XD.
I still think MKR suffer from how CLAMP want to make a complicated story like they did with RGVeda or X or Tokyo Babylon, but they must cater to the young reader since MKR published in Nakayoshi. They kinda success with Cardcaptor Sakura or Angelic Layer, tho, but I can feel that MKR is their first attempt to combine a complex story with meaningful message but still try to lighten its tone (although I will said the tone for part 2 is far from light). I can feel that CLAMP can expand MKR story, make it have character development, and also explain some of the world building because some aspect of Cefiro didn't make sense for me. Like, it's a country full of magic and wonder, yet the citizen is just a few and I can count it with my finger XD.
Like boxset part 1, part 2 also include the artbook and there's some commentary from CLAMP. This little bit tidbit is what make the artbook wonderful. Also the art, OMG THE ART!! Such a feast of the eyes!! I hope I can show the art to y'all but it's a hassle to upload it to 3rd app, so maybe you can search it yourself on net. Just like boxset 1, boxset 2 is also worth every penny and even though I have some issues with the story, MKR is still one of my favorite CLAMP's manga to date!
March 17, 2020
Cuanto estrellas por el final, si no iba para 3. Es increíble cómo por gran parte del manga está abajo del manga original de Reyaearth!
August 1, 2021
Well.... it was a sweet and lovely read.
From being want to fight so they can go back to Japan to fight for Zypher for themselves and the growth in their relationship with everyone, it was heartwarming and a perfect conclusion for the series.
From being want to fight so they can go back to Japan to fight for Zypher for themselves and the growth in their relationship with everyone, it was heartwarming and a perfect conclusion for the series.
August 17, 2012
A very good sequel. There's a lot here that I didn't remember, or didn't remember correctly, so it was fun to go through the original version of this story again. I do wish a bit more time was devoted to Fuu and Umi, though I understand why Hikaru is the focus.
July 3, 2017
Here we have the sequel to the original MKR trilogy and it suffers from the same problems as the original, so, hey, points for consistency.
Here we have the continuation of the story of the girls sucked into another world to save it and it is a nice thought, getting to revisit the world to see what happens after the story ended. Until maybe 15 years ago, sequels to RPGs weren't really a thing. But here we have even more characters with little development introduced and I think the development of the characters from the original series is kind of minimal. We get a little more fleshing out of Guru Clef and Ferio, but JUST a bit. The information you learn about the world of Cephiro is interesting and the direction the plot goes into is good, but once again, the story is kind of bare bones. Without the element of development, even the big reveals fall kind of flat.
I like the new characters, but once again, more information and development would have been appreciated. But even with all that, if CLAMP decided to revisit the series and do a follow up trilogy, I would throw my money at it so fast it would make your spin if for no other reason than to see what happens to character that we will not discuss because no spoilers, yo.
Here we have the continuation of the story of the girls sucked into another world to save it and it is a nice thought, getting to revisit the world to see what happens after the story ended. Until maybe 15 years ago, sequels to RPGs weren't really a thing. But here we have even more characters with little development introduced and I think the development of the characters from the original series is kind of minimal. We get a little more fleshing out of Guru Clef and Ferio, but JUST a bit. The information you learn about the world of Cephiro is interesting and the direction the plot goes into is good, but once again, the story is kind of bare bones. Without the element of development, even the big reveals fall kind of flat.
I like the new characters, but once again, more information and development would have been appreciated. But even with all that, if CLAMP decided to revisit the series and do a follow up trilogy, I would throw my money at it so fast it would make your spin if for no other reason than to see what happens to character that we will not discuss because no spoilers, yo.
April 5, 2025
This time around, I actually like the manga’s story for this arc over the anime’s. I wonder why the latter didn’t stick with the original. Mokona is more than the cutesy fluffball everyone thinks.
One thing I really like about the whole story is the worldbuilding and how nothing is completely black and white. Therefore, there is no actual villain here; just characters with conflicting interests and motives. Also, in this arc, colonization is an important topic. One of the countries, Chizeta, wants to claim Cephiro to expand its borders, and the princesses say they are not to going to oppress Cephiro’s people. Yet the question remains: “Can you still invade and not oppress?”
Looking forward to the reboot, whenever that’ll be.
One thing I really like about the whole story is the worldbuilding and how nothing is completely black and white. Therefore, there is no actual villain here; just characters with conflicting interests and motives. Also, in this arc, colonization is an important topic. One of the countries, Chizeta, wants to claim Cephiro to expand its borders, and the princesses say they are not to going to oppress Cephiro’s people. Yet the question remains: “Can you still invade and not oppress?”
Looking forward to the reboot, whenever that’ll be.
April 2, 2021
Even though the Anime goes into way more depth with the characters and relationships in Rayearth 2 I still enjoy the manga more. The pacing is quick and it keeps the story moving along but it never truly feels too fast or that any details are left out. The only lacking thing really is just more character interactions to develop the relationships more. With that said, it is still an amazing Clamp work and honestly my favorite. I could re-read this many times and never get tired of it. The reveals in both the First arc and the second are done really well, they both feel unpredictable enough that the reveals are still emotional and surprising.
August 13, 2017
Personally, this era of CLAMP eye-candy appeals to me the most. It's refined, without loosing all of it's jagged character. The illustrations alone make it a worthwhile artbook. However, the story is weaker in this second arc than the first. It takes itself way too seriously while it drags its feet and skirts around the plot. The final volume might have been all we needed for the second trip to Cefiro. The last chapters are hard to put down though, and the nostalgia-packed ending is lovely.
* * *
Minor spoiler:
Can someone tell me why Guru Clef's tiara melts?
* * *
Minor spoiler:
Can someone tell me why Guru Clef's tiara melts?
July 21, 2022
This was a good read from my childhood! Its a great story about three girls who are complete strangers getting sucked into another world filled with magic. CLAMP again tells a unique and wonderful tail filled with adventure and romance. The art in this is still top notch and I appreciate the extra art that was added to the omnibus. One of my favorite story arcs is that these girls have no idea who each person is and yet they support and love eachother without question. I love stories about strong girls overcoming crazy odds!
Another great read for Manga lovers!
Another great read for Manga lovers!
December 30, 2021
I only read this a few months ago but I barely remember it! I always enjoy CLAMP art and character designs, and this was no exception, but obviously the story did not make much of an impact on me. I did like
December 5, 2021
This was pretty interesting. I could of done without the robots but everything else was interesting. So there is great chemistry between hikaruxlantisxeagle, it’s not a love triangle. Hikaruxlantis, hikaruxeagle, and Lantisxeagle all have great chemistry together and it’s canon. Clamp always has good lgbt representation.
June 28, 2022
Okay, I'm gonna start this one off by saying I liked this more than the first series, but they need to be read in order, to understand the story. Now even though I liked this one better, I loved the first one. And the review is based on the whole. The girls are back, MOKONA is back! Cefiro needs saving again. Old characters are joined by new ones, and of course CLAMP's amazing artwork.
May 12, 2025
I'm giving it a 4 because, even though I cherish CLAMP, even my nostalgia glasses cannot can't get past their version of "true love". The magic knights are 13-14. Y'all.
Still. Gorgeous art. Fantastic story. Still went by too fast and would have liked for it to be a much longer, much more fleshed out series.
Still. Gorgeous art. Fantastic story. Still went by too fast and would have liked for it to be a much longer, much more fleshed out series.
November 13, 2017
The ending is so warming ~
May 6, 2019
This was not as good as I remembered. I don't know why but I did not enjoy this as much as the first volume.
July 13, 2019
This one was a little easier to follow the art in. I really like this little series and the themes of love and friendship underlying it.
February 3, 2020
I was gonna give it 2 stars, but the twist that Mokona is god is too funny and I think the ending is alright, even if they do nothing to get there :D
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2021
I liked the story more than the first. I love all the characters and it was quite sweet.
February 2, 2023
Unexpected twist - this was better.
There are too many familiar faces here.
There are too many familiar faces here.
July 9, 2024
Una joya entre los mangas de fantasía, bellamente dibujada con personajes interesantes y enternecedores
March 3, 2017
A fantastic sequel to the original story. It actually expands on the story where it ended so tragically. Clamps writing is as beautiful as its art work. I chose Rayearth for the name at the end.
April 21, 2012
If you're a manga/anime fan, odds are that you've heard of Magic Knight Rayearth in some form or fashion. How could you not? It's by the incredibly talented mangaka team of CLAMP, which is oft heralded as the crème de la crème of the manga world and it's easy to see why. Regardless of what the current lineup is, their artwork is almost always something to admire.
This volume collects the second half of the Magic Knight Rayearth series into one big, wonderful volume. While I know that there's some that dislike the idea of having 600+ pages of manga in one big volume, the price on this (about $20) is rather good- which is going to be a relief for many fans used to shelling out $9-12 for one manga that might be around 200-300 pages. It's cost effective when you consider how much manga you're getting, which is something any manga fan will like. (There's a reason people joke that drugs would probably be cheaper than indulging your otaku habit!)
Now for the artwork. Unfortunately the copy I was given seemed to be pixellated at points, possibly to deter from theft, but the funny thing about this is that even despite this, the CLAMP artwork still looked pretty good. If it's going to be on par with the quality of the previous volume, you'll be in for an artwork treat. (My copy was an electronic galley, so no worries about the physical copies having any sort of glitches.)
What interested me most was the translation. I remember my old TokyoPop translations of the series, and even though it'd been a while since I'd read my editions I noticed a difference in the translation. It's similar enough that you won't shake your fist and say that someone translated wrong in either camp, but it's different enough that it was like a different experience, one that I liked. There are no worries about Dark Horse pulling some cutesy "let's rename EVERYTHING for the English speaking audience" nonsense, but then I'd imagine that those fears were mostly allayed by the release of the previous volume.
The end result is that this is a collection worth having. I'm not savvy enough with translations to know which of the TokyoPop or Dark Horse translations were closer to the source material, but if you're someone that's debating whether or not to get the Dark Horse books or scarf up TokyoPop's big book release of the series through some other source, go for the Dark Horse. The volume is nicer looking and seems like it'd last longer through multiple readings. (I'd seen editions of the TP one that were literally falling apart on the shelves, and that's when they were brand new.)
5 out of 5 stars
(ARC provided through NetGalley)
This volume collects the second half of the Magic Knight Rayearth series into one big, wonderful volume. While I know that there's some that dislike the idea of having 600+ pages of manga in one big volume, the price on this (about $20) is rather good- which is going to be a relief for many fans used to shelling out $9-12 for one manga that might be around 200-300 pages. It's cost effective when you consider how much manga you're getting, which is something any manga fan will like. (There's a reason people joke that drugs would probably be cheaper than indulging your otaku habit!)
Now for the artwork. Unfortunately the copy I was given seemed to be pixellated at points, possibly to deter from theft, but the funny thing about this is that even despite this, the CLAMP artwork still looked pretty good. If it's going to be on par with the quality of the previous volume, you'll be in for an artwork treat. (My copy was an electronic galley, so no worries about the physical copies having any sort of glitches.)
What interested me most was the translation. I remember my old TokyoPop translations of the series, and even though it'd been a while since I'd read my editions I noticed a difference in the translation. It's similar enough that you won't shake your fist and say that someone translated wrong in either camp, but it's different enough that it was like a different experience, one that I liked. There are no worries about Dark Horse pulling some cutesy "let's rename EVERYTHING for the English speaking audience" nonsense, but then I'd imagine that those fears were mostly allayed by the release of the previous volume.
The end result is that this is a collection worth having. I'm not savvy enough with translations to know which of the TokyoPop or Dark Horse translations were closer to the source material, but if you're someone that's debating whether or not to get the Dark Horse books or scarf up TokyoPop's big book release of the series through some other source, go for the Dark Horse. The volume is nicer looking and seems like it'd last longer through multiple readings. (I'd seen editions of the TP one that were literally falling apart on the shelves, and that's when they were brand new.)
5 out of 5 stars
(ARC provided through NetGalley)
July 23, 2015
*Spoiler warning ahead!*
So all I can say right now is WOW! I liked how the first volume ended nicely, but this was a great sequel. It closed off the loose ends from the first one and really developed a lot of characters while simultaneously introducing new ones.
I definitely felt this volume was a lot darker than the first one. The first one was certainly more lighthearted and adventurous, until we get to the ending with the death of Princess Emeraude at the hands of the Magic Knights. Volume 2 picks up immediately from that point. The girls are back on Earth and lamenting over what they did in Cefiro. Guilt plagues them all, we see that they're not as happy go lucky or carefree about their actions.
Suddenly they are called back to Cefiro! They earnestly wanted to return to see how the world is managing without it's ruler and to help in anyway they can. Cefiro is in ruins and facing invaders from other worlds, as they learn from their friends in Cefiro. It was pretty cool seeing how this multiverse is established and I liked the different themes/motifs each world had: the tecnological Autozam, the Arabian/Middle Eastern Citzeta and the Chinese/Asiatic Fahren. Each of the characters from those worlds were pretty cool and entertaining in their own regard.
From then on the story focuses on the three girls attempting to preserve Cefiro from these invaders. We see each of the invader's motives, some are noble like Autozam wishing to purify their polluted world. Others are selfish, like Cizeta wanting to add Cefiro as conquered territory or the Fahren princess, Lady Asaka, wanting to turn Cefiro into a land of candy. On the note of Lady Asaka, I hated her as a character when she was introduced, but by the end of the story she really matured and developed as character.
Character development happens throughout the story as the characters handle the loss of Cefiro's ruler, and the finding of a new pillar to take her spot. It's an interesting idea how it's handled, balancing the rights/happiness of one person over the happiness of an entire world. In the end(as I predicted) Hikaru is chosen to become the new pillar, and using her power she decides to end the unfair system, believing that everyone has a right to happiness.
I was not prepared to find out that Mokona is God! That was...unexpected to say the least.
So all I can say right now is WOW! I liked how the first volume ended nicely, but this was a great sequel. It closed off the loose ends from the first one and really developed a lot of characters while simultaneously introducing new ones.
I definitely felt this volume was a lot darker than the first one. The first one was certainly more lighthearted and adventurous, until we get to the ending with the death of Princess Emeraude at the hands of the Magic Knights. Volume 2 picks up immediately from that point. The girls are back on Earth and lamenting over what they did in Cefiro. Guilt plagues them all, we see that they're not as happy go lucky or carefree about their actions.
Suddenly they are called back to Cefiro! They earnestly wanted to return to see how the world is managing without it's ruler and to help in anyway they can. Cefiro is in ruins and facing invaders from other worlds, as they learn from their friends in Cefiro. It was pretty cool seeing how this multiverse is established and I liked the different themes/motifs each world had: the tecnological Autozam, the Arabian/Middle Eastern Citzeta and the Chinese/Asiatic Fahren. Each of the characters from those worlds were pretty cool and entertaining in their own regard.
From then on the story focuses on the three girls attempting to preserve Cefiro from these invaders. We see each of the invader's motives, some are noble like Autozam wishing to purify their polluted world. Others are selfish, like Cizeta wanting to add Cefiro as conquered territory or the Fahren princess, Lady Asaka, wanting to turn Cefiro into a land of candy. On the note of Lady Asaka, I hated her as a character when she was introduced, but by the end of the story she really matured and developed as character.
Character development happens throughout the story as the characters handle the loss of Cefiro's ruler, and the finding of a new pillar to take her spot. It's an interesting idea how it's handled, balancing the rights/happiness of one person over the happiness of an entire world. In the end(as I predicted) Hikaru is chosen to become the new pillar, and using her power she decides to end the unfair system, believing that everyone has a right to happiness.
I was not prepared to find out that Mokona is God! That was...unexpected to say the least.
April 16, 2012
Warning: Spoilers ahead.
The Deal: After the events of Vol 1. Uni, Fuu and Hikaru return to Cephiro, only to find it much changed since the Princess' death. The kingdom is crumbling bit by bit and three enemies are poised to take over any second now.
So the country is at the verge of war and they are without a Pillar, which makes the girls sudden return to Cephiro even more startling as the Chief Magician, Clef, knows of no one with a heart so strong as to bring them back.
On one hand, this is a big mystery, on the other it gives them hope that a Pillar does exist out there, that they just need to find it.
Meanwhile, the girls decide to stay and help Cephiro deal with the possibility of invasions, which means Fuu, Hikaru and Umi will eventually have to face Farhen, Autozam and Chizeta - the countries with their own reasons to want to invade Cephiro.
And they aslo start to explore the possibility of romance...
My Thoughts: Magic Knight Rayearth Vol 2 is the second and last volume of this compilation put together by Dark Horse. I've talked about the story before so I'll just say that, while the first volume of the manga and the anime adaptation are basically the same, the second volume and second seasons differ a lot.
In this version - the manga version - there is a bit of a difference on why the girls are able to return, and the villains Nova and Lady Debonair are absent as they were created specifically for the anime version. The ending is different too - but I won't spoil it.
But most of the stuff I loved about the second season of the anime are present, Including Zagato's younger brother Lantis who was the one person who always knew Zagato was really in love with the Princess and was just trying to set her free.
Now, this edition is awesome. The format works well, there is a new, smoother translation and the paper and illustrations are high quality. Plus, its a really good value - the book is over 600 pages and costs 20 dollars or less, depending on where you buy it.
If you're a CLAMP/Manga fan I highly recommend it
The Deal: After the events of Vol 1. Uni, Fuu and Hikaru return to Cephiro, only to find it much changed since the Princess' death. The kingdom is crumbling bit by bit and three enemies are poised to take over any second now.
So the country is at the verge of war and they are without a Pillar, which makes the girls sudden return to Cephiro even more startling as the Chief Magician, Clef, knows of no one with a heart so strong as to bring them back.
On one hand, this is a big mystery, on the other it gives them hope that a Pillar does exist out there, that they just need to find it.
Meanwhile, the girls decide to stay and help Cephiro deal with the possibility of invasions, which means Fuu, Hikaru and Umi will eventually have to face Farhen, Autozam and Chizeta - the countries with their own reasons to want to invade Cephiro.
And they aslo start to explore the possibility of romance...
My Thoughts: Magic Knight Rayearth Vol 2 is the second and last volume of this compilation put together by Dark Horse. I've talked about the story before so I'll just say that, while the first volume of the manga and the anime adaptation are basically the same, the second volume and second seasons differ a lot.
In this version - the manga version - there is a bit of a difference on why the girls are able to return, and the villains Nova and Lady Debonair are absent as they were created specifically for the anime version. The ending is different too - but I won't spoil it.
But most of the stuff I loved about the second season of the anime are present, Including Zagato's younger brother Lantis who was the one person who always knew Zagato was really in love with the Princess and was just trying to set her free.
Now, this edition is awesome. The format works well, there is a new, smoother translation and the paper and illustrations are high quality. Plus, its a really good value - the book is over 600 pages and costs 20 dollars or less, depending on where you buy it.
If you're a CLAMP/Manga fan I highly recommend it
September 23, 2015
Will if you are a true Clamp fan like I am you already know that in the begin of the animation series is the same in the book for the most part. The manga go’s into more information about the character of rayeath like meeting with Sorcerer Guru Clef he tell the girl about the mission to be come the legendry magic knight to save Cephrio and it people and their Princess Emeraude. But the funny part is when he tell them his age 745 yr. old.(LOL) In the end was pretty the same too. Then in the late few books that I have read when they want back for the second time to Cephrio with their heart wanted to do more for the good of Cephrio and not because the Princess wish to die because she was the Pillar was the only one to summoned the magic knight to their world. They were back, Clef was surprise they had return to their land because the legend was a sad one full of heart ache and pain. Told them what they needed to know about other countries Autozam, Chizata and Fahren but this time there is a road of light to lead them to how they can become the new Pillar of Cephrio. Then they where back to being the Magic knights, the rune god felt they were back they show them self to the girls. And heard what they had to say about the new pillar test. All three Rune God’s has waited for the time they them self could do more for Cephrio. So they don them to defend Cephrio in the battle field. In their first fight was with Autozam, when that was happen they meet Lantis & Primera for the first time what was a kicker. Well I guess I can’t give to much away. But they tell more about who or what is Mokona, and what happen when they found out about the new pillar. It’s definitely worth your time to read this manga by Clamp. On more thing in the manga they do go back the third time and you get to see more on you end up with who. Sorry if I Spoiler by giving to much info. Magic Knight Rayearth, Omnibus Edition
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