Vampire Princess Miyu - Initiation (TV Vol 1)
Toshihiro Hirano (Magic Knight Rayearth) directed both the earlierVampire Princess MiyuOAVs and these less dramatic but more graphic broadcast episodes based on themangacreated by his wife, Narumi Kakinouchi. Instead of wandering, Miyu enrolls in an urban high school, makes a few friends, and battles the local "demon-gods" orShinma. "Larva" has become "Lava," more of a companion than a servant, who removes his stark mask to reveal the face of a standardbishonen, or beautiful boy. He and Miyu are joined by Shina, a spirit who resembles a cross between a rabbit and the Pokémon Clefairy. Hirano and the writers draw on more Western elements in these stories, despite thesakuhachi(bamboo flute) music. This version of Miyu is less aloof and more human, although she remains a formidable warrior. Still, the broadcast adventures lack the panache of the OAVs. Unrated; suitable for ages 13 and up: violence, brief nudity, grotesque imagery.--Charles Solomon