3x3 Eyes: Legend of the Divine Demon

Sazan Eyes: Seima Densetsu

Also Known As: 3x3 Eyes II

Genre: Romance/Action/Horror

Format: 3 OVA

Allegiance: Studio Junio

Director: Takenouchi Kazuhisa, Sayama Seiko

Vintage: 1995-1996

Intelligence Agency Report by: Lady Sage

Pai disappeared four years ago, yet Yakumo has never stopped searching. But once he finds her, he discovers that Pai is living as a normal high school student. She has no idea who he is... or who she was. To restore her memories, they must travel to the land of her origin. But is Pai suffering from simple amnesia, or is there something more sinister afoot?

Field Agent Report by: Lady Sage

Plot
Characters
Impact
Visual
Audio

7.50
8.50
8.25
8.75
8.75

Overall

8.25

(not an average)

3x3 Eyes: Legend of the Divine Demon is a sigh of relief for the fan community after the uproar over the inconclusive and unsatisfying ending of the original 3x3 Eyes. Although it has its share of weaknesses, this sequel has many of the merits the original lacked.

Although it has fewer episodes, 3x3 Eyes II actually has a longer net running time than the original 3x3 Eyes. This greater running time allows for character development; side characters come in early on and actually stay, instead of appearing and then disappearing rapidly. Most of the side characters are fairly likable too, though I wish the "arrogant American" stereotype could be eradicated from the medium. There's also a rewarding glimpse at the origins of Pai and the Sanjiyan and how they came to be how they are now. Pai and Yakumo's romance also finally gets the development it deserves, instead of feeling tacked on as it did in the original.

The technical side is about on par with the original, which is not a bad thing. The animation is the usual mid-90's OVA quality, and the character designs are consistent with 3x3 Eyes. The music is mostly made of orchestral pieces and ranges from lighthearted to ominous, but always fits the mood.

Muddy and incomprehensible, the plot is easily the weakest part of 3x3 Eyes II. It assumes prior knowledge of Hindu mythology, something few fans in the Western world are familiar with. Instead of attempting to explain the background, the series assaults viewers with unfamiliar names and myths, expecting them to keep up.

Although 3x3 Eyes was easier for viewers to understand, this sequel surpasses it in the two aspects that really count: characterization and completeness. The reward of finally getting to know the characters and reaching closure outweighs the obscure plot, making 3x3 Eyes: Legend of the Divine Demon a worthwhile watch.

Field Agent Report by: Miki

Plot
Characters
Impact
Visual
Audio

5.00
8.00
4.00
9.00
9.50

Overall

6.50

(not an average)

This series had so much going for it. It had all the questions from the first OVA to answer. It started off playing the amnesia angle well. However, while the visuals and the acting remained superb throughout, the story just fell apart in the sequel. The plot twists barely twisted, mostly because they came out of nowhere. The whole thing suffered from DBZ Syndrome—the baddies kept having one more trick up their sleeves, with some new power that seemed purely random.

Thematically, it had a couple of nice ideas about humanity and identity, but they played out poorly. When it came time for these themes to come to the forefront in the series's climax—as themes are wont to do—the most heavy-handed route was taken. For example, if one is trying to claim that mortality gives people the power to sacrifice themselves for others, the best way to prove this is NOT to make the entire cast lose their wits and stupidly hurl themselves at an immensely powerful villain. Yes, it gets the point across, but it almost makes the theme moot via overkill.

As for closure, the answers to the questions raised in the first OVA await patient viewers. However, the sequel's denouement is just as open-ended as the original, but at least without the addition of further questions—situations resolve and people go on their merry way. It doesn’t help, though, that there is no indication at all when the next plot event from the long-running manga would occur in the characters' lives.

3x3 Eyes: Legend of the Divine Demon is, like its predecessor, an entertaining ride with a few good points to its credit. However, this sequel falters in more ways than the original, counteracting its nicely animated action scenes and phenomenal voice acting with a script that ultimately goes nowhere.