region2 DVD: pub: Revelation Films. FUN72802. 1 DVD 125 minutes 5 episodes plus extras. Price: £15.99 (UK).

check out website: www.revfilms.com and www.moonphase.tv

Also available in a starter set with volume 1.

On the face of it then 'Moon Phase' is all cuteness, but I think with this volume you start to see a lot more of the darker elements. It starts off pretty much as we left things in volume one. In episode six, we get to meet Kouhei's family. This has the effect of highlighting even more distinctly Kouhei's lack of spiritual abilities as the rest of the family are highly gifted in that regard. This being a highly traditional family and the fact that they adhere to the idea of arranged marriages leads to a slightly flat comical highlight. Hazuki finds out that Kouhei is betrothed to one of his two cousins, Hikaru and Kaoru, and, of course, sparks start to fly especially with Hazuki being a vampire. The girls though seem more set on the idea of marriage even with their young age. Kouhei, though, doesn't seem quite as keen.



This leads onto the next episode which deals with Hazuki realising that she can get on just fine without using her abilities. It also includes a rather bizarre fashion show which I think is aimed at 'cute' but somehow a bit too fan service for my liking.

Things heat up in episode eight. We've had the whole story thread of Elfriede's attempts to get Hazuki back to the castle and for her to become mistress Luna. Things heat up when Elfriede's master, Count Kinkel, arrives to retrieve Hazuki. We've had little explanation of why Count Kinkel, one of the vampires, seeking Hazuki is so adamant to get Hazuki back and to be honest you don't get that much revealed in the next few episodes. We still don't really know who Luna is. Things though definitely heat up in pace and drama when the count kidnaps Hazuki and Kouhei being the man he is not going to sit on his laurels. Over this episode and the next, we have a series of set piece battles culminating in what can be described as a boss fight that most games would be proud of. Kouhei's family gets stuck in fighting with even grandpa getting involve in the fray. The suspense is kept up without dragging things out and the pace is kept fresh and quick.

Episode ten goes back to a slower pace revolving around Kouhei being hospitalised and allows relationships to develop and strengthen. Hazuki's viewpoint of Kouhei being her slave shifts as well. It's all a bit sweet and syrupy for my liking, but it's not over the top and I can see why it's there.

I still wonder if there is enough given to keep you interested in the whole Luna side of things. The fast action of episodes eight and nine break up the slow pace and provide a refreshing change. As does the varying styles and animations that appear through the episodes. Differing viewpoints and sometimes almost minimalistic artwork along with the changing titles and differing episode structures add interest. Visually, this is very pleasing to the eye. There is also the whole 'cute' factor balancing the darker side of the story. There are dangling carrots aplenty. Who is Mistress Luna and why do these vampires want her so much? The love element doesn't quite sit right and although it provides comical asides needs to develop more to really work. A lot better than volume one, better pace and the music and dialogue are very good, too.


Phil Jones