DVD Review: Kenichi: the Mightiest Disciple season 2 part 2

Kenichi: the Mightiest Disciple Season 2 Part 2

(Funimation, 290 minutes)

http://www.funimation.com/kenichi/

Kenichi: the Mightiest Disciple isn’t a show that will wow audiences with its animation, nor will it stand out above the rest for having a deep involving story. Even so, what the series lacks in depth, it more than makes up for in fun martial arts combat.

Kenichi: the Mightiest Disciple first landed on the scene as a manga in 2002 spawning 38 volumes and counting. The series eventually made the leap into animation where it enjoyed a run of 50 episodes. Since then, the series about a young man wanting to learn martial arts to protect the girl he loves has arrived here in the States courtesy of Funimation, with two seasons and four releases under its belt.

The show stars the title character, Kenichi Shirahama, who wants to become a master of the martial arts to protect his crush Miu, who is a formidable fighter in her own right. The lengths Kenichi is willing to go to get the girl are pretty hysterical and usually result in him taking a beating.

Over the course of the series, Kenichi has evolved from a wimp to a more than descent martial arts master, learning skills and tackling other elite masters. Eventually, he landed himself in the sights of the rival group known as Ragnarok, presenting new and deadly challenges for the young disciple. Pretty soon the action began dominating the plot, and continues to do so in this final release. Of course, as with the bulk of the series, there is plenty of training left to do and plenty of rivals still to conquer.

The primary arc flowing through the set is Kenichi’s upcoming showdown with his ultimate foe Ryuto, who was at one point his childhood friend. Ryuto is leader of Ragnarok and a powerful warrior in his own right. Over the years, he has grown into a darker person, developing a vendetta against Kenichi. When Kenichi engages him in final battle, he does so hoping to save his former friend.

The animation in Kenichi: the Mightiest Disciple isn’t anything to write home about. There isn’t anything wrong with it; it can only be considered average. The final release comes in a pair of slim disc cases with full frame aspect ratio. Each disc houses 6 episodes a piece, leaving little room for extras.

All in all, viewers who have stuck with Kenichi through the finale of his journey, this set is a must have. If you’re new to the series, this is definitely not where you want to begin. Though there is little plot development to be found, the abundance of action coupled with the emotional final battle is sure to provide solid entertainment.
Kenichi: the Mightiest Disciple season 2 part 2 - B