Fushigi Yuugi Eikoden OVA

Fushigi Yuugi Eikoden is an original video animation (OVA) series that is part of the larger Fushigi Yuugi franchise, also known as the "Mysterious Play" or "Curious Play". It serves as a sequel to the earlier animated TV series and OVAs. It was created by Yuu Watase, who is well-known for her work in the shoujo (aimed at a young female audience) genre of manga and anime. The Fushigi Yuugi series blends elements of fantasy, romance, and historical adventure, with Eikoden adding to the rich tapestry of this acclaimed universe.

Eikoden’s story follows Mayo Sakaki, a young girl who finds herself drawn into the Universe of the Four Gods, a mythical book that transports her to an ancient Chinese kingdom within its pages. Within this world, the gods bestow powers upon chosen individuals who become linked to mystical beings known as the Celestial Warriors, who serve a priestess in her quest to summon deities for the benefit of the kingdom. The priestess and her warriors play a pivotal role in the balance and well-being of this magical realm.

The narrative of Eikoden revolves around self-discovery, love, and the enduring nature of friendship. Mayo Sakaki is initially shown as a seemingly self-centered teenager, dealing with typical adolescent issues such as unrequited love, jealousy, and insecurity. Her journey begins when she is captivated by the mystical Universe of the Four Gods, which she recalls from stories that happened before her time. Overcome by her own desires, she is unwittingly sucked into the book's world.

Once inside the book's realm, Mayo finds herself assuming the role of the priestess, but not everything is as it seems. The world of the Four Gods is fraught with political unrest, tensions between nations, and celestial intrigues. As Mayo navigates through this fantastical environment, she encounters a number of interesting and complex characters, many of whom are Celestial Warriors with their own unique abilities and backstories.

Throughout Eikoden, previous characters from the Fushigi Yuugi series, including some fan favorites, reappear, maintaining the continuity of the universe while introducing new dynamics and relationships. Although one doesn't necessarily need to be familiar with the original series to understand Eikoden, prior knowledge of the characters and nuances of the Universe of the Four Gods enhances the viewing experience.

The OVA retains the franchise's characteristic romantic drama and emotional intensity, touching upon themes such as destiny and the consequences of one's actions. It challenges Mayo, and indeed all characters entangled in its events, to face their personal flaws and grow beyond them. As Mayo delves deeper into the world and its affairs, she is forced to confront the reality that every decision she makes affects not only her fate but also the fate of the entire kingdom and the people connected to it.

One of the strengths of Eikoden is how it continues to build upon the mystical elements of the series, expanding on the lore and magic that underpin the narrative. Magic in this world is not just for spectacle—it's bound to the characters' emotional journeys and moral dilemmas. The intricate and often precarious balance between this world and its gods takes a central stage as the characters engage with mythological creatures, face dire prophecies, and undergo various trials.

Visually, Eikoden follows in the footsteps of its predecessors with a style that resonates with that of the 90s era of anime, featuring detailed costumes, memorable character designs, and vibrant settings that breathe life into the story's ancient world. The series also benefits from a poignant musical score that captures the epic scope and intense emotions that run through the core of the Fushigi Yuugi world.

As Eikoden progresses, viewers are taken on a rollercoaster of emotions as bonds are tested, and characters confront the power of fate versus free will. Through Mayo's eyes, the audience is presented with awakening realizations about the true meaning of strength and bravery. The series asks profound questions about what one would sacrifice for love and the greater good and how one's personal narrative fits into the tapestry of a larger, grander story.

In essence, Fushigi Yuugi Eikoden is an imaginative continuation of a beloved series that offers a blend of fantasy, romance, and action within a beautifully crafted anime universe. It caters to both new and returning fans of the franchise, welcoming them into a mystic realm where the fantastic is possible, and the drama of the human heart reigns supreme. It is a tale of maturity, responsibility, and the weight of legacy, and is an invitation to ponder the very nature of human desires against the backdrop of an extraordinary world.