For those of you who have been following this captivating series I am sure by now that you are as entranced by the Charcoal Feather Federation as I am. This show, unlike others associated with Yoshitoshi ABe, is not a dystopian science fiction piece, but a low-key character piece of a group of people trying to find their own way in the world. These Haibane unlike humans are blessed (or is it cursed) by angelic wings and halos' but due to this are outsiders living under a set of forced restrictions until they can take their Day Of Flight. The Haibane of Oldhome are still mourning the loss of Kuu, with Rakka in particularly missing her friend. But there are so many mysteries surrounding the Haibane, and so little time left for the show just where is this all going?

With Rakka still despondent and troubled

after losing Kuu, the other Haibane of the town have to do some soul-searching in this volume. Reki, Namu and the rest all have their own issues to be dealing with. This show provides us with an exploration of outsiders trying to find their own place in the world. Whilst this of course concerns Rakka, it is becoming increasingly clear that she has also been a catalyst for the growth and changes amongst the other Haibane at Oldhome. Several characters in this volume come to a certain understanding about their lives, whether stalled, in a rut or willing to move forward. This volume, more than the earlier releases, is all about setting in motion the closing act of the show when these vital, real characters must make life-altering decisions.

The tone set in the opening volume has been kept throughout this series so far. Its

ambling pace leaving all the room needed to develop these characters and make us truly care for the characters. The creative talent behind this show have also made the conscious decision to let this narrative flow at its own pace. This lackadaisical pace to this show fits the tone and point to this show perfectly. Somehow the people behind this show have delivered a show that feels complete in every single way. The characters that we are coming to care for are brought across as very believable, each having their own personalities brought about by their uncertain beginnings and vulnerability. Some become brash or hardened, others wearing their hearts on their sleeve - making that same vulnerability a strength. These are characters that everyone can identify with. The look of the show as well helps with this sense of reality. The only incongruity with

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the 'real' world would be the fact that the Haibane are born with wings.

Haibane Renmei - Free Bird continues to deliver the superb quality of story-telling that the first 2 discs provided so well. With only one volume left to go this show does have a lot of questions to answer, but I am sure they will not be rushed in tying up the loose ends. With so many of the characters having little personal issues to resolve as well as the overarching questions of just what the Haibane are, the final volume is going to close what has been so far an amazing series. Sumptuous on the eye, wrenching on the heart and yet still uplifting this, show has gone from strength to strength. I cannot recommend this show enough, just watch it and you will know what I'm talking about.