3×3 Eyes: Legend of the Divine Demon by Lady Sage

Sazan Eyes: Seima Densetsu
Also Known As: 3×3 Eyes II
Genre: Romance/Action/Horror
Format: 3 OVA
Allegiance: Studio Junio
Director: Takenouchi Kazuhisa, Sayama Seiko
Vintage: 1995-1996
Intelligence Agency Report by: Lady Sage
Pai disappeared four years ago, yet Yakumo has never stopped searching. But once he finds her, he discovers that Pai is living as a normal high school student. She has no idea who he is… or who she was. To restore her memories, they must travel to the land of her origin. But is Pai suffering from simple amnesia, or is there something more sinister afoot?

Field Agent Report by: Lady Sage 
Plot
Characters
Impact
Visual
Audio
7.50
8.50
8.25
8.75
8.75
Overall 8.25

3×3 Eyes: Legend of the Divine Demon is a sigh of relief for the fan community after the uproar over the inconclusive and unsatisfying ending of the original 3×3 Eyes. Although it has its share of weaknesses, this sequel has many of the merits the original lacked.

Although it has fewer episodes, 3×3 Eyes II actually has a longer net running time than the original 3×3 Eyes. This greater running time allows for character development; side characters come in early on and actually stay, instead of appearing and then disappearing rapidly. Most of the side characters are fairly likable too, though I wish the “arrogant American” stereotype could be eradicated from the medium. There’s also a rewarding glimpse at the origins of Pai and the Sanjiyan and how they came to be how they are now. Pai and Yakumo’s romance also finally gets the development it deserves, instead of feeling tacked on as it did in the original.

The technical side is about on par with the original, which is not a bad thing. The animation is the usual mid-90’s OVA quality, and the character designs are consistent with 3×3 Eyes. The music is mostly made of orchestral pieces and ranges from lighthearted to ominous, but always fits the mood.

Muddy and incomprehensible, the plot is easily the weakest part of 3×3 Eyes II. It assumes prior knowledge of Hindu mythology, something few fans in the Western world are familiar with. Instead of attempting to explain the background, the series assaults viewers with unfamiliar names and myths, expecting them to keep up.

Although 3×3 Eyes was easier for viewers to understand, this sequel surpasses it in the two aspects that really count: characterization and completeness. The reward of finally getting to know the characters and reaching closure outweighs the obscure plot, making 3×3 Eyes: Legend of the Divine Demon a worthwhile watch.