Copyright © 1995 Watase Yuu / Shogakukan Shoujo Comics

For an in-depth article on FUSHIGI YUUGI, be sure to check out our special look at The World of FUSHIGI YUUGI way back in EX 1.5. Or you can read our interview with Watase Yuu.
EX has certainly checked out the Pioneer release before as well, with a review of the first volume in EX 3.7, a follow-up in EX 4.3 and another follow-up in EX 4.7. Phew!
The climax of the series is coming, and major events are happening at a fast pace in this volume. I will issue a warning now to interested FUSHIGI YUUGI viewers who have not yet watched the series up to date—the following may contain minor spoilers (so go read our older articles instead!).
The Suzaku Seven have suffered trials and sacrifices up to this point in their quest for the sacred objects required to summon Suzaku. However, even though weakened in number, the group is on the verge of winning and summoning Seiryu instead. Yui, while still having doubts about her feelings towards Miaka, is ready to betray her friend once more and Nakago seems to be unstoppable.
This volume presents some interesting twists in plot development that truly surprised me as the events unfolded. We are introduced to more of the guardians of the past Priestess of Byakku, and Miaka's brother uncovers some secrets of his own in the real world. Nakago's true desire for manipulating Yui comes out, and at this point the audience is still unsure (as is Yui herself) as to what she will do.
The animation quality can vary wildly from the high standard of the first episodes to a real low (look at episodes 25-26 for an example), but this volume tends to fare well in the scope of the series.
My only warning to potential purchasers who have followed the series so far: upon viewing this volume, you will have an intense desire to instantly watch the rest of the series to see the conclusion. According to my crystal ball of release dates, it appears the last two tape volumes of the TV series will be available by August 8, 2000. But, if you are a DVD follower like myself, you will have to wait until the FUSHIGI YUUGI: SEIRYU DVD BOX is released, and that may come as early as November (although some of Pioneer's DVD release dates have been slipping as of late).

Released in North America by Pioneer Entertainment (U.S.A.) L.P.
VHS, 75 minutes
Dubbed, PIFY-0014D, $24.98
Subtitled, PIFY-0014S, $29.98
Available now in the USA
Where to buy