RAHXEPHON

Orchestration 2 : Tonal Pattern
Orchestration 3 : Harmonic Convergence

What has changed since Orchestration 1?

Not much. To start in order of importance:

Story continues fresh. A bit slow though, but still highly entertaining and intriguing. I expected super-pace to continue, but in these two volumes, study turns to characters and developments - don't know how many fans will have patience and endurance to memorize all relations and innuendos emerging. One thing is a huge plus by my account: battle scenes are sidelined completely. This is not 'mecha-fight + follow the pilot' story. RahXephon is just a robot piloted by Ayato. It's engagement sometimes spans mere seconds, but believe me, it is so effective and intense, you will remember each and every duel and it's ending. In many situations control loses contact with pilot, he's close to death (and actually has flatlined once) adding unnecessary over-dramatization. Romantic relations suffer of same ailment. I know that series span for 26 episodes, but it's time for something to happen! Subplots are in abundance, carefully weaved around main story. Another credit to 'Bones' team.

Design? As mentioned in my review of previous volume, it is of highest class. Names of Mr.
Hirotoshi Sano and Shiho Takeuchi must be mentioned and remembered. Episode after episode, more and more complex (both in design and function) 'Dolems' challenge RahXephon. Inventiveness at it's best.

Which can be said also for Yutaka Izubuchi's direction. He stirs his original creation with confidence. Without any pretentious designs he solves even the most difficult scenes. Ayato's fall into Tokyo Jupiter dimension, Quon's visions, Reika Mishima's appearances and many other situations will really strain your brain due to complexity of the story, but you will find director's presentation of events and visual decor skillful and poetic at the same time.

So, what really changed after all?

Little things: annoying music at times, too much engagement in teenage-like character games, inert story movement. Orchestrations 2 and 3 demand patience and involvement. They pay in abundance with fantastic battles and visual mastery, but I am not convinced that many people will value complexity of relations and plot. 'Blood and games' is what we need.Still, with reasonable hope and trust in 'Bones' team, I can expect pure perfection in future volumes. These two are just a 'bridge' in symphony of RahXephon.