Noein Volume 2
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Some questions are answered while more are posed in the second volume of Noein. Haruka is taken to the dimension of La’cryma by Karasu. She learns that this dimension is parallel to her own and 15 years in the future. She meets some of her “friends” in the future, but they insist they are not really the same people because of the infinite dimension principle. Karasu feels differently.

Meanwhile Haruka’s friends in her dimension are frantically looking for her. They find out that the cop is driving around a quantum physics scientist. She insists that
Haruka was taken into another dimension, while the others will not believe her. Yuu’s feelings waver between guilt, fear and anger that Haruka was taken right in front of him. His mother, irresolutely enforcing her iron fist regime of studying, causes Yuu to snap. He decides to run away for good. Mrs. Goto has a revelation that made me get a bit misty-eyed.

The artistry is still consistently beautiful and haunting. The animators create a fascinating backdrop for the underground world of La’cryma. The computer animation for the most part synchs well with the hand animation. My favorite are the Shangri-La ships that look like Hindi god-babies with insect legs. (They look cooler than they sound.) The science behind the character’s world is also done well. The theories are explained enough for us to understand how this world works, but not too much to make it hokey. It is simple enough for those of us that are not rocket scientists, yet still leaves room for thought. Extras include a still gallery of characters with a phrase printed below each one, the second part of the director/voice actor interview, and trailers for other anime.

Other plots develop in volume 2. Atori and another Dragon Calvary woman are stuck in Haruka’s dimension. They contemplate what this means, while Atori is set on revenge. The scientist is involved in something much bigger, which could have terrible consequences for their little village. Karasu swears to protect the Dragon Torque. This causes another team to come after them both. It ends on a cliff-hanger again. I would definitely pick up the next one. The characters are well developed and you really care about them. The plot is thought out, and pulls you in. Like I said, I even got a little teary-eyed at one part. The extras aren’t fantastic, but this doesn’t need extras to make it good. I give Noein 4 cans.

Added:  Monday, February 05, 2007
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