After viewing the second volume of Saishu Heiki Kanojo, its opening sequence has left a firm impression of itself in my fragile brain tissues. The images and the music really get you into the mood for watching the show. Of course, opening sequences are designed to do just that, but few actually do it well. Story-wise, Volume 2 brings more players into the game, along with a few new ideas that really make things interesting.

While still being largely narrated by Shuji in this volume, the focus of the story turns to Chise and her struggles to stay normal despite her changes. The young couple has decided to fall in love, and this inspires Shuji to think up some crazy ideas. In episode 2, Watashi, Seichou Shiteru (I'm Getting Bigger), he acts rather spontaneously to boost her confidence in herself. She's locked in to a responsibility that she couldn't possibly have wanted, and he's struggling to find out what he can do to help her live with it. Episode 3, Futari de... (Just the Two of Us), fleshes out their relationship a bit, and makes it look like a real romance is forming. Episode 3 also brings about a character from Shuji's past, named Fuyumi. Episode 4, Fuyumi Senpai (Ms. Fuyumi), reveals a bit more about how she and Shuji relate, or once did. Chise and Shuji also have their first real date.

Chise's struggles with her own changes are a big part of this volume.	A figure from Shuji's past stirs things up a bit.

Part of what is making this story work so well is its setting. While the rest of Japan is stricken with war (we are more or less told this), the little town on Hokkaido where Chise lives is peaceful. It's no surprise that she is oft sought after by the military for her abilities. The fact that she gets called out so often puts a strain on her and Shuji's relationship, though, spurring his spontaneity. By the end of this volume, I felt a real connection to the characters. Almost every important part of the story is masked by hinting and suggestion. This subtlety actually makes it easy to relate to, rather than causing confusion.

Saikano continues to be a winner in the presentation department. The cover art for the DVD sports a colorful shot of Chise in one of her changed states, with a backdrop of a charred battle zone. She has a blank look on her face, as if she has no idea what just happened. The insert also has a great picture of Chise, with a bruised body and torn clothes and a look of longing on her face. There's nothing new to say on the video and audio fronts, really. The video quality is still excellent, but lacks the animorphic capability that we conventional TV users have come to love. The audio is still good as well, and the sound effects used during the sparse action scenes continue to impress.

While volume 1 of Saikano didn't contain enough to make a sound judgement of the series, volume 2 provides solid evidence that this series is worth following. Takahashi-san certainly appears to have an appreciation for how difficult it is to achieve a good life and how much energy a relationship needs to work, and it really shows in this anime adaptation of his work. This is an anime series that appears to be well worth picking up in its entirety. For those who find the Region 2 prices unsettling, fear not. This is a title that I expect to cross the Pacific at some future time.

Video Quality: A
Audio Quality: A
Presentation: A+
Content: A
Overall: A