I'm glad that the tournament arc of Flame of Recca hasn't fizzled out yet. I had my doubts, but this is a good volume of fighting action.

The first episode goes into full throttle with Recca facing the weak-looking Saicho. Saicho is wrapped in bandages, and it's not just because he's prone to getting his a** kicked. Saicho displays the full extent of his abilities and Recca tries his hardest to find a way to defeat Saicho's paper, which is all but impervious to fire attacks.

Out of all of Team Ku's five fighters, Saicho's abilities are the most interesting and unique. If you've ever gotten a paper cut, you know that being able to put that kind of ability to fatal use would be highly effective. You know, if this fighting style was real.

During the match, Saicho recalls the tragic history of the Ku dojo. It's a story of brutal violence and corruption. It's a good backstory and compared to the current Ku team, the previous practicioners are pure evil.

I won't tell you the exact outcome of episode 1, but it's pretty obvious considering there is a volume 7. Through some odd circumstances, the final member of team Ku has to fight in the tournament. With this new fight, the stakes are extra high, with Recca's team Hokage losing everything if they lose this round, even though they were ahead in the tournament.

Kukai, the gentle, peaceful master who founded the Ku style gives only 3 successful hits for his opponents until he will defeat him. Continuing in the third episode, the saint becomes a demon and Kukai gives the most brutal beating of this entire volume. These two episodes are the clear cut contestants for best episode of the volume, with episode 3 winning because in that ep we have our conclusion.

Episode 4 is underwhelming in comparison. There is more story and less fighting in this episode, most likely because some lighter hearted fare has to mix in with the serious violence. Team Hokage are allowed to venture outside of the arena. Recca and Yanagi dare to venture into the mansion of Kurei's "father" Koran Mori. There, they learn about another piece of the Mori master plan. Elsewhere, Domon and Fuko fall into a trap and try desperately to find a way out. They are late to return to the tournament, and a secret challenger comes to face the bestial Uruka. Uruka is a creature so fearsome it can defeat many men at once and as quickly as a flash. Again, there isn't much to see in this episode in terms of action, but the next volume is going to be full of fighting.


The only extras beside the previews of other anime on DVD, there's still just the gallery, which has gotten stuffed with more pictures but is still not good enough. The DVD Previews include "Project Arms" (which looked worthy of a rental) The second InuYahsha movie (also good), "Megaman NT Warrior" and "Ranma 1/2."

Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older