Copyright © Akahori Satoru * Omishi Rei * Media Works/Bakuretsu Project * TV Tokyo * Sotsu Agency

Followup to the previous review in EX 4.3:

This volume puts the limelight on Gateau. In "Labyrinth Opera House" we finally find out how his ex-partner Opera died. There is some suspense, and the story tries to make you guess who did it and why. For something like SORCERER HUNTERS, the drama actually plays out fairly decently, and I feel some sympathy for the villain.
Then it's off to see Gateau assumes the role of The Man With No Name in "To Love a Vagabond." Like a Spaghetti Western, the plot is light and the actions trite. Even the one-way romance at first sight from the unhappy damsel seems so...John Wayne. In the end, there are gags, there is fan service, and of course, there are fights.
On the upside, the animation quality is very good. I always like Akahori Satoru and Omishi Rei's flamboyant style, and this volume lives up to my expectation. I'm not thrilled by the English dub though. The mediocre voice-acting and questionable puns are distractions that kept me from enjoying the show more. Then again, my opinions are probably biased as I recognized the return of the COMPILER cast. At least the over-acting is kept to a minimum this time.
Overall, I could have used a bit more plot. As it stands, this volume is a lightweight, even for SORCERER HUNTERS. The formula is treading dangerously close to being a drag-on. Let's hope mid-season rot won't kick in, and the next volume will have something wonderful to look forward to.

Released in North America by A.D.V. Films
VHS, 60 minutes
English Subtitled: VHSSH/004S $29.95
English dubbed: VHSSH/004D $24.95
Available now in the U.S.
Where to buy