Vol. 2: The Courage of Convictions
· Yuu's Battle
· The Hometown Flame

Copyright © 1998 Sunrise, Inc.

As a follow-up to Chad's BRAIN POWERED review, this was actually my first real exposure to the show. And, after viewing it, I will probably put a happier spin on the series in general.
This volume starts getting into more details of the characters past and motivations, perhaps clearing up some of the confusion of the previous volume. "Yuu's Battle" has Yuu prepare a surprise for his former comrades from Orphan whom he knows will be after him. Meanwhile, Hime tries to find someway to convince Yuu to help the amateur group from Novice Noah, and her group gets involved in the ensuing conflict with Orphan. At the same time, a tsunami threatens Hime's hometown where they all happen to be.
The next episode has Yuu revisit his old home to think matters over, and by a partial coincidence meets with Kanan on her own mission for Orphan. Yuu attempts to convince Kanan that Orphan is wrong and she should leave as well, while Hime's group follows Yuu who still refuses to join them in fighting Orphan.
For TV quality animation, I found this volume to be somewhat above average, with no real jarring differences in quality in either the action or the still screens. However, I do agree with Chad that BRAIN POWERED's opening animation is the furthest thing from what the show is actually like. It does not surprise me that later versions of the opening which aired on Japanese TV have been censored in minor ways.
I think the main thing BRAIN POWERED is guilty of is trying to cover too much plot in too little time. It definitely is not EVANGELION, but the scenario is interesting in its own right. In general, this volume has created enough interest in the story in my mind and, as such, I plan on eventually watching more of the series myself.
Overall, I can see that BRAIN POWERED is an acquired taste, as I have heard feelings of dislike to the coincidence and confusion. Others consider BRAIN POWERED to be one of the more enjoyable series this year. To fans looking for a GUNDAM-like story set in a dystopian near future setting, I would suggest giving BRAIN POWERED a try. You will either like it or not.

Released in N. America by AnimeVillage.com
VHS, 60 minutes
English Subbed: ISBN 1-58354-258-2 $24.98
Available now in the USA
Where to buy