Texhnolyze - Spectacle (Vol. 2)
AsTexhnolyzewas created by many of the artists who producedSerial Experiments Lain, it's not surprising that the story unfolds in fragments. Trying to adjust to his incomplete cybernetic limbs, Ichise stumbles through the grubby streets and sewers of Lukuss. Ran follows him mutely, sometimes wearing a fox mask, which is traditionally associated with shape-shifters. The mysterious doctor who began the transplants completes the job, sheathing the skeletal metal and improving Ichise's coordination. Yoshii the wanderer precipitates a war between the rival gangs of Organo and the Salvation Union to observe the "raw energy" it unleashes. The bleak atmosphere feels more important--and interesting--than any of the characters. Fans ofLainmay findTexhnolyzeprofound and compelling; its detractors will dismiss it as pretentious hokum. Few viewers will regard it with indifference. (Rated 16 and older: considerable violence, nudity, sexual situations, alcohol and tobacco use)--Charles Solomon