Galaxy Angel Z, Volume 2: Galaxy-Size Combo

Mike Ferreira (Editor) — February 6th, 2006
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The Angel Brigade is back and ready for even more action. The insanity continues through six more misadventures as the Brigade presses onward in an endless search for Lost Technology. Even after so many episodes, Galaxy Angel continues to deliver hilarity, and is simply fun to watch.

One would think that, after thirty-nine episodes, a series with no continuing storyline would run out of steam. Galaxy Angel, however, continues to keep the laughs rolling in. The disc's six episodes: a combining robot ride, a vengeful Normad, and an odd piece of Lost Technology that causes victims to swap bodies, set the stage for more insane hijinks. Of particular note is the episode, "Wedding Cake Combiner Special." This episode sees the valiant Galaxy Angels entering a combining robot, such as those found in Getter Robo and Voltron. Things quickly turn sour when the Brigade realizes that Ranpha is missing, and ready to be married. The group therefore tries, and inevitably fails, at getting the robot to combine, as the threat of the Galactic Beasts (and a pay cut) grows ever larger. The episode really proves to be a lot of fun, and pokes fun at the mecha genre, particularly Go Nagai's classic Getter Robo. Nothing, be it an overblown theme song (performed by a Hironobu Kageyama impersonator no less) or a cheesy 1970s-styled montage, is safe from parody.

Well, do you feel lucky, PUNK!? I only have eye for you.

A few serious, character-oriented episodes managed to slip into this volume, somehow. These episodes place extra emphasis on the backgrounds of Forte and the oft-forgotten Volcott. The first of these episodes, "Deep Fried Egg Rolls of Love," delves into the Colonel's background, as he recalls a mission with his original comrades: the Fairy Brigade. The episode proves to be an interesting watch, and Volcott gains some depth as a character. Additionally, viewers get a chance to see the over-the-hill colonel in his prime. The second of these episodes, "Steel Jambalaya," brings attention to Forte's past. This time around, Forte revisits a traumatic ordeal when a self-aware mechanical assassin went berserk. Unlike the rest of the cast, who have obviously seen very little combat, Forte stands out as the combat-hardened veteran.

Once again, fans are given a painfully light release. The cover uses an image of Ranpha, Vanilla, and Normad as they pose in front of a teddy-bear background. The only extras available in this volume are the "Now I get it! GA Lectures," which have become a mainstay for the series.

With the second season approaching its finale, Galaxy Angel has not failed to deliver in quality comedy. Even with so much left unexplained, there is little doubt that the creative team will be able to create a satisfying finish.

Distributor: Bandai Entertainment
Creator: Broccoli
Released: 2005