3x3 Eyes II

3x3 Eyes II (1995)

Format: 3 50-minute OVA episodes, usually found on DVD as part of a Collector’s Edition with the original series

Rating: R (N, AC, GV)

Type: Supernatural

American Production: Pioneer (now Geneon)

Japanese Production: Kodansha/Toei(?)

Grading
Premise:	B
Story:	B
Writing:	C+
Character Design:	C+
Animation:	B
Artistic Merits:	B
English Dub:	C+
Musical Score:	B
Opener:	n/a
Closer:	C

Humor Content:	n/a
Action Content:	B-
Drama Content:	C+

DVD Presentation:	not reviewed
DVD Extras:	not reviewed

OVERALL:	B-

Synopsis

NOTE: This review assumes you are familiar with the original series. If you are not, check out the review here.

Four years after the dramatic ending to the original series, Pabo, aka The Girl formerly Known as Pai, is not only acting like a typical human teenager but actually believes herself to be one, too. Her past is lost to her, the result of a tragic accident four years earlier that cost her both her parents and her memory (or so she thinks). Her world gets turned upside-down when Yakumo shows up on the scene one day after having spent the last four years trying to track her down. She doesn’t remember him, of course, but he is still linked to her by the Mark of the Void and has actually become a fairly accomplished fighter in the intervening years. The situation gets dicey when demons start showing up on the scene; apparently there are some rather powerful people who don’t want Pai’s true self to be awakened. The latter entails a trip to the Sanjiyan holy land in Tibet, a trip which Pabo is willing to take with Yakumo partly because regaining her past memory means everything to her and partly because she is somewhat smitten with Yakumo. The real truth about the reason for and source of the Pabo personality, when it is finally uncovered, is such a disturbing one that she is faced with some difficult choices about her future.

The Long View

I found this follow-up series to be a little better than the first one, partly because the technical merits are better and partly because Pabo is a very likeable and interesting character. We also get to see more of the history and background surrounding the Sanjiyan and their ultimate fate (and Pai’s role in it), and a couple of new characters – most notably an American thief and both a young and old monk – liven things up. The villains are also more interesting. Having seen the original series first is not absolutely necessary for understanding this one, although it will help.

This series does have some nudity in it and as much blood and gore as the original, so like the first one it’s not for the young or squeamish. If you liked the original series, though, then you will undoubtedly be happy with this one, too.

DVD Extras

Not reviewed.

Principle English Voice Actors

Role	Voice Actor
Pai/Sanjiyan/Pabo Ayonakoji	Brigitte Bako
Yakumo	Christian Campbell
Benares	Earl Boen
Dawn, minor roles	Dina Sherman
Jake MacDonald (the American)	Greg Rainwater
old monk/Tinzin	William Katt
Choukai	Ralph Lister
Ken-Ken	Lesley Boone
Naparva	Yuuji Okumoto
Fei-Oh	Taleisen Jaffe
Grandpa Ayonakoji	Edward Asner
Grandma Ayonakoji	Rosie Taravella
Doll Demon	Elisa Gabrielli