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What is your favorite volume of an anime series?

Vol.7 of Rurouni Kenshin: Shadow of the Wolf.

As some of you know, this is my favorite TV series, and it is my favorite volume of any anime because it's the beginning of the Kyoto arc.

The transition from the lighter side of Kenshin in season one makes itself known with the appearance of spoiler[ Shinsengumi 3rd squad captain, Saitou Hajime (go Mibu-roh).]

If the change in music isn't plainly obvious, then the last episode of this volume should be more than enough to tell you the different direction that the franchise will take. While it's not the most memorable episode of anime in my mind, it certainly is my favorite of this series in terms of conveying the kind of mood shift that made Kyoto so freakin' enjoyable to watch.

Do you recommend watching the first arc or can I just skip to the Kyoto arc? I've been meaning to check out the series for a while now.

Anyone who just passed Mahoromatic off as lightweight derivative drivel probably didn't see that volume.

Do you recommend watching the first arc or can I just skip to the Kyoto arc? I've been meaning to check out the series for a while now.

as of now volume 5 of madlax. This where everything starts to come together, and there is lots of powerful scenes. and the music gets even more amazing!

I agree; it was definitely the best volume in the series, and is the place where the ecchi and harem minimizes greatly and the plot really picks up fast. I never thought I'd actually see spoiler[fast-paced, exciting, and well animated fights] in a series which appeared to be a simple harem at first glance. Though, I wasn't quite fond of the ending, which was somewhat inconclusive. Hopefully, Something More Beautiful will change my views.

No I am not asking for where to buy rather I am here to discuss this volume.
I know many of you have finished the series since it was on with Cartoon network (I originally saw it sub, and I am watching the series now Dub) well anyhow I finally got my hands on vol 9 and this is one of best volume that has come out to date. Vol 9 covers episodes 33-36, or they are four episodes dealing with spoiler[Izumi battles Greed while Al is kidnap, Ed battle with Greed, Lust's past and Winry discovering what happened to her parents.] I am going to go episode by episode (Dub version) in discussion of somethings that I found interesting.
Please note from this point forward there are major spoilers as all of the key parts of this volume are discussed; so if you don't want to know what is going to happen please don't read ahead.


Epsiode 33 Al Captured: spoiler[The first scene with Izumi and Dante is really interesting, because for a couple of reasons. First thing is Dante telling Izumi that she can't always protect Ed and Al. One of things about Fullmetal Alchemist that is forgotten (at least I think) is that Ed and Al and there maturity as individuals, and when you think about there only what 15 and 13 or something like that? Is it so strange that Izumi see them as Children still, and yet she knows that they have been through so many hardships. It part of that interesting question, how do you allow your children to grow up? There is a fine line between over protecting them, and allowing children to make their own decision regardless of the consequences at hand. One other part that kinda bugs me about this part is Dante stating that "You (Izumi) won't see me again" Ok I am a bit off (mainly because it been so long since I have seen the show) is that because she plans to transfer her body to the girl servant or is the servant girl already (what her name) that evil Lady?]

Episode 34 Theory of Avarice: spoiler[Great title by the way for this episode and it does if you know what avarice means. I really like the set up where everything ends with the beginning where as Greed life ends where it began. Greed VS Edward is such a great fight. Just like it is mention in the next episode that the beauty of the violence is what is so amazing......Is that possible, a bloody, brutal, savage battle be a thing of beauty, or is just some sick dream? After Greed passes we really see that human side of Edward, at the sight of death. Although Edward wanted to defeat Greed I am not sure he kinew the price it would take on him. Also at the end of this episode Ed, Al, and Izumi are standing over two grave one for Dante and one for Greed I am guessing. Didn't anyone think it was strange that they made a tombstone (Because I don't what they would of buried of Greed, maybe the bones?) for Greed. Or is that Edward showing remorse for his action.]


Episode 35 Reunion of the Fallen: spoiler[I really enjoy this episode because it gives Lust a whole other side, it makes her seem like a human. I always though that Lust had the best possible of leaving the group and becoming a part of normal society. But then again its hard to rejoin society when your not sure what you are. And even Lust has those thought in her head, what she really is what is her past. I love the last minutes of the is episode the music and the death of Lujon, with Lust tieing up her loose ends. And with that the death of everyone, with Lujon and Lidda in his hands.]

Episode 36 The sinner within: spoiler[I am so glad that the beginning of this episode had some of that humor, after the last three episode. After Riza explains what Roy did to stop an outbreak, its just one of many steps to show how much Roy value life after all the deaths and the lives taken by Roy. I love that line when Scar is walking away "Even in the darkest of suffering a man can sleep, but for the man who inflict the suffering his mind can not rest ever". It such a powerful line that it make you think about what could possible go on in the mind of these people. Right after that scene Winry learns of her parents true faith, that they perished at the hands of Roy Mustang. That train scene is so sad, where Riza describe how Soliders sometime must follow an order even if it doesn't make sense (sounds very much like Vietnam, and the stories my father has told me) or seems wrong. Winry finally learns what has happened to our poor Maes, that he would give his life in order to make Mustang the furher, and Winry tears carry us out of this volume. ]

Small side note: I really like the Dub for this volume a lot, beside that of Glutony, but for some reason it feels like scar (who didn't have a huge part in this volume) is getting a lot better. I always felt that Scar was alright but in this volume I really like Scar's dub.
Overall this volume is extremely sad and has so many twist and turns and really begins to the shape the series and how it will begin to play out. I can't wait until I get my next volume (and my new tin) to see how things turn out.