What training is complete without a little mudwrestling?

The busty beauties of Sekirei return for a second season in Pure Engagement for 13 more episodes and a juicy OVA!  For those yet to experience all the eye-candy, the series features warrior aliens known as sekirei, whose full powers emerge when the gals are bound to human masters, or ashikabi.  Awkward but sweet high school student Minato is one such master –and his bouncy harem of heroines is growing rapidly!  From the super endowed sekirei Musubi to tipsy Kazehana and little Ku, all the lovely ladies are back to battle for warrior supremacy, fight the mysterious MBI Corporation and secure Minato’s adoration.

Though the theme and format of Sekirei:  Pure Engagement is fairly typical of the harem anime genre, a nice balance of bouncy action, exciting fight scenes and endearing personalities keeps the series fresh.  Admittedly, viewers not fond of chesty characters might tire of the visual focus, but will find a healthy distribution of spunky, tomboyish, sweet , sexy and other female types.  Lead male Minato’s mild manner has appeal without being irritating, as happens with many harem anime shows.  The cast collectively makes for a fun, light-hearted action anime, with pinpoint moments of emotional drama.  Viewers who enjoy harem anime should dive into Sekirei, and those not fond of the genre will find themselves pleasantly surprised.

Highlights

Sekirei from the start has a decent pace and a nice mix of cheesecake visuals with endearing characters and interesting storyline.  Season Two improves on the often simple antics of its predecessor, as the drama and action increases.  Mysteries about MBI Corporation and its dangerous members are revealed, and characters introduced earlier in the series are fleshed out.  It is certainly a series to be watched in order, due to plot development.  Collecting the first season is highly recommended.  The following are a few standout and fun episodes; does contain spoilers:

·         E1.  Silent Omen.  A whirlwind of introductions of the season one characters.  Also a nice example of happy harem homelife.  Lucky Minato!

·         E2. The Winds Blows.  The often-drunk and super sexy Kazehana finally emerges, having fallen for Minato and learned to open her heart.  A sweet satisfaction for fans following this sultry character in season one.

·         E3.  The Wind’s Answer.  We meet Minato’s mom and learn more of the intricacies of the MBI Corporation.

·         E6.  Words of Binding.  Drama steps up with the addition of more dangerous foes than Minato and company have ever faced before:  rival ashikabi Hiba and his own formidable sekirei, under influence of MBI chairman Minaka.  Minato emerges Kagari –and her true gender!

·         E11.  Preparations for the Festival.  Minato and opponent Higa finally meet, while another ashikabi’s life hangs in the balance.  A new determination to confront MBI and its control arises in Minato.  Who will survive this game of power and where is the Sekirei Plan leading?  The plot really picks up here onward…

Special Features

This version of the second season is certainly a complete one.  Sekirei:  Pure Engagement includes both  DVD and Blu-ray formats on 5 discs, in a collector’s box.  There is box space for FUNimation’s Season One Sekirei set, although it is a fairly tight fit.  Box cover art is Musubi looking busty as ever on the front and sexy Amazon blonde Tsukiumi on the back.  Extras are commentaries on episodes 5 and 10, and the OVA “Two Gossip Topics.”  Textless songs and FUNimation trailers round out the rest of the goodies.

Audio

Choice of Dolby English 5.1 and Dolby Japanese 2.0 with English subtitles.  Sound quality for either language is crisp, although the Japanese dub for its acting and voice appropriateness is suggested. The girls in English tend to come off ditzy.   Minato (as with many males in dubbed anime) sounds too old and certain character names are even pronounced improperly.  Opening and closing songs are the sweet style common to fantasy anime.  The music is adequate, and is after all not the main point of the series.

Video

Fan service abounds in Sekirei, as the majority of character designs focus on giant boobage and how best to present them.  While the animation is not exactly top of the line or ultra shiny, the visuals are appealing –whether the movement is all fun bouncy bouncy or a violent fight sequence.  Costumes for many of the characters are fun, if simple, like Musubi’s traditionally influenced robes to Kazehana’s modern, stylishly cut dress.  More importantly, every gal’s garb rips easily in battle, in all the right places.  Sekirei in Blu-ray format is the expected step up in sleek visuals, smoothing edges and better defining subtitles.

Overall

For those who like their battles with bounce, Sekirei: Pure Engagement continues its delivery of sexy action and awesome characters.  Watching the first season beforehand is a must due to the somewhat intricate plot and large cast, unless one is in it purely for eye-candy.  Harem anime fans and even the skeptical should enjoy this playful, humorous and often touching romp.

ComicsOnline gives Sekirei: Pure Engagement 5 out of 5 motorboats.

Get your copy of Sekirei: Pure Engagement Complete Season on Blu-Ray/ DVD combo on Amazon now!

Sekirei: The Complete Series on Blu-Ray and DVD also available now!

Bounce over to ComicsOnline.com for more anime reviews and everything geek pop culture!