Introduction

After the vast improvement in the last volume, I was hoping for more of the same from this one, would I be disappointed? Or would I find even more improvement?, these questions were running through my head as I prepared to sit and watch D.N. Angel volume 4: Magical Girls.

The great thing that is the core of DN angel, is the feeling it gives you, it’s a kind of happy contentment, its not the best show in the world, but it has a storyline and looks beautiful. The characters are all explored almost equally and the story, while slow to start appears to be coming together nicely.

In these four episodes the trend of filler episodes continues, but it doesn’t have the same impact as before, I don’t find myself wishing it would pick up pace, or get back to the storyline quickly. The development of a potential romantic interest with Riku makes Daisuke question his feelings for Risa.

There is also a side story full of heart, which really brings a great deal of depth to the story. We are also introduced to Hinokio Mio a new student who has moved from America, the is very different and changes the dynamic of the show to some extent, truth be told, she is actually a little annoying to begin with, but that soon changes as a plot develops. Another character to be introduced is Eter, she is a little different, but quite entertaining.

Another point that deserves mention is the closing theme has changed and although

I don’t like it as much as the first one it is still a very good song, and is perhaps better suited to the program.

DVD content (may contain spoilers)

Episode 13

We find the two boys unconscious in the rubble around the statue where the last disk left off. Daisuke wakes up at the same time as Satoshi, they speak a bit about the statue before Satoshi disappears. Daisuke turns his attention back to the statue and ends up setting free the spirit that had been locked away. She instantly makes the connection between Daisuke and Dark. She tells them her name is Eternal Instruction but prefers to be called Eter.

Eter takes Daisuke 20 years into the future to revive the stone that was a part of her original form (the statue). She coaches Daisuke from above (her other form is a bird) and helps him to find its location.

Daisuke finds the stone but a kid grabs it and runs off. Daisuke follows and to his amazement, he arrives at his house. A woman opens the door and she spots Daisuke. They instantly recognize each other, it appears to be Daisuke’s mother but somewhat older, the young boy addresses the woman as 'granny.' She makes him return the stone and Eter takes Daisuke back to the present. The stone is smashed and Eter has used up all her energy. Dark gives her some of his and she becomes a permanent member of the Niwa household.

Episode 14

A strange 'American' girl arrives at Daisuke's school named Hio Mio.

She is extremely enthusiastic and bipolar, alternating from English back to Japanese, and instantly falls for Daisuke making Riku jealous. She is instantly popular and this makes Riku even more angry.

During swimming, Daisuke is affected by Hio's pendant and faints. Satoshi saves him (by giving him CPR) and Daisuke wakes up to find that everyone thinks he might be gay due to their shared ‘kiss’, He gets very embarrassed and ends up fainting again.

Later on, Daisuke wakes up and attempts running away from Hio but runs into a room and finds Risa changing. He freaks out and runs away but still begins transforming into Dark, who takes her out for a date and kisses her, this leaves a lot of thoughts running through daisukes head.

Episode 15

This is a bit of a filler episode, Risa and Riku's car breaks down on the way to their beach villa and they end up at Daisuke's house along with Hio. It becomes a competition on who gets to make breakfast for Daisuke (Hio wins). Eter and Daisuke's mom return from shopping and make a BBQ for everyone. Hio gets a mysterious phone call and ends up having to leave early.

Episode 16

Riku finds an old toy from her past that her grandmother gave to her it still appears to be in pristine condition. She shows Risa and Risa pulls hers out (it's old and dirty).

Dark stands up Risa instead of going on the date as arranged.

Riku begins to remember what happened to her toy when she hears of

the haunted mansion Dark is about to rob. She remembers that her toy had been tossed over the fence and someone had been nice enough to get it for her.

Risa attempts to follow Dark again and ends up falling off a roof. Dark saves her and baffles everyone by not stealing what he had told everyone he was going to. Dark then tells Risa that the only one he ever loved was her grandmother and that the only reason he liked her was because she looked so much like her.

Riku meets up with Daisuke (both of them are looking for the heart broken Risa) and Riku remembers that the nice boy that had saved her toy was him.

Daisuke eventually finds Risa (after saving her from a collapsing bridge).

Thoughts

This volume has some great points of interest, who exactly is Hio and what is the relationship between her and Satoshi’s father.

The 4th volume of DN angel was great, I am so impressed after the run of the mill beginnings of the series, that it would develop into this very romantic love story and drama.

I realise that the main storyline is not how I thought about the phantom dark, it is more about Daisuke’s feelings and relationships.

Its very different to most anime I have watched and I find myself realising that I am not the obvious target audience, but I really do enjoy it.
I would definitely recommend that if you enjoy romantic stories that a fun, then get this series.