Video Backlog: "Munto 2: Beyond the Walls of Time"

Publisher: U.S. Manga Corps (Central Park Media, USA)
Format: Region Free DVD, NTSC, Japanese Dialogue with optional English Dub and English Subtitles
Length: 60 minutes
Production Date: 2004
Currently in Print (as of writing): No

Story Outline: A year after the events of the first Munto OVA, Yumemi finds herself asking what happened to Munto and the Magical Kingdom. However mysterious earthquakes and strange weather continues to baffle those on Earth, as well as the brief appearance of the islands in the sky, which previously only Yumemi could see. Despite Yumemi’s injection of Akuto into the Magical Kingdom, a new war has erupted and Yumemi begins to have more visions of the world above her. In fact the source of the mysterious happenings on Earth is the result of both worlds merging together. Yumemi’s friend Ichiko is really concerned that her visions are taking a toll on her and attempts to make her snap out of it and to live life as an ordinary girl. Despite the fact Ichiko actually saw the islands in the sky a year ago, she seemingly no longer believes in Yumemi’s visions.

Mini Review: Wow, this is one of those rare instances where the sequel is far better than the original. I did like the first Munto a lot, but had problems with a sub plot with Suzume’s character that was horribly childish. While there was a lot of action in the first OVA, here it feels a lot more spread out and gives the viewer a chance to breath. The politics and worlds floating the sky above are nicely fleshed out this time as well. I also loved the sub plot with Ichiko. That was a good story. And the ending was quite good too. Nothing is really resolved as such, or should I say it’s not resolved neatly. I found this to be really refreshing. There’s a follow up TV series which re-edits and expands the OVAs (with new animation and new voice actors) called “The World Reflected in the Eyes of the Girl Looking at the Sky (Sora o Miageru Shōjo no Hitomi ni Utsuru Sekai)” and a movie compilation “Last War of Heavenloids and Akutoloids (Tenjo-nin to Akuto-nin Saigo no Tatakai)”, both released in 2009 but unfortunately not available commercially in English yet. This OVA however gets a respectable 7 out of 10 from me.

Remaining Backlog: 21 months (it's much easier this way than listing the number of discs).