Finally, the return of Junta, Karin and the wacky cast of DNA2 (that's 'squared') in their fourth DVD of all-out craziness! If you're new to the series, check out the earlier reviews first, because this is a series that just loves to go on a tangent. For those of you who've been following Junta's exploits all along, get ready - things get a mite wild this time!

Episode 10
Karin, inept as ever, has accidentally shot Ryuuji with the DNA bullet meant to stop Junta from becoming the Mega-Playboy. This has caused some strange changes for Ryuuji - he finds he can now shape-shift! Swearing revenge on Junta (because Tomoko loves the idiot, not him), Ryuuji transforms into Junta and entices Ami into a storage room to 'talk'. Meanwhile, the real Junta tries to convince Karin she hasn't failed in her mission (and therefore won't be executed) because he can control the Mega-Playboy. Karin scoffs at his claim - how can anyone control their DNA? Ryuuji fails to molest poor little Ami, but finds he has a further power; he can absorb DNA from people. Still a vindictive SOB, Ryuuji turns into Junta again and harasses Tomoko. The next day, Ryuuji confronts the real Junta, and reveals his new powers. He gloats that he's ruined Junta's life, and challenges him to a fight. What the heck is Junta gonna do now? Is there anyway to save his relationship with Ami? Or Tomoko? How can he defeat the new Ryuuji?

Episode 11
Junta tells Karin about Ryuuji's superpowers, and tells her it's her fault for shooting the cad with the DNA bullet. Junta feels the only way to stop Ryuuji is to become the Mega-Playboy. Karin warns him if he does, Junta will remain the Mega-Playboy forever. Kotomi comforts a shaken Ami, and advises her to trust Junta, despite what he's seemingly done. Karin admits her screw-ups to her boss Yokomori, but vows to put things right by besting Ryuuji herself! Ami follows Junta to Karin's ship. Yokomori tells the duo of Karin's plan. They go together to Ryuuji's house to stop her suicidal mission. Meanwhile, a now costumed Ryuuji ('cuz he's a 'super hero' naturally) has absorbed the abilities of a gang of thugs, just as Karin confronts him. Does our time-traveling babe stand a chance against the masked marauder? And what good is a normal Junta gonna be, even if he gets there in time?

Episode 12
A battered Karin pleads with Junta not to become the Mega-Playboy - he'll never revert to the normal Junta again! She asks him what will become of Ami then? Junta halts the transformation, and as usual, runs away from the crazed Ryuuji. It doesn't help - Ryuuji finds him and beats the tar outta him. Ryuuji slaps around Karin some more when she interferes in his 'fun'. An enraged Junta finds the courage to slug Ryuuji.... which has absolutely no effect. Tomoko chooses this time to arrive at the house. Ryuuji gleefully smashes Junta into a pancake to impress her, and readies to snuff his rival's life. If you wanna know how this whole messuggah winds up, you're just gonna have to watch.

Well, DNA2 VOLUME 4 certainly can be classified as "action-packed". Having established all the character's personalities, these episodes are a roller coaster ride too the finish. The creators pulled in all those loose plotlines and finally put them all together. It was nice to see Junta finally find the courage to face his problems, instead of puking them away. In fact, the resolutions of all the divergent plotlines were handled well, from Ami's indomitable love for Junta to Karin's true feelings for him. The part I really didn't like was a tacked-on 'happy ending' bit, which lessened the impact of the show's finale'. It was obvious that these were the concluding episodes, but in the grand Hollywood 'tradition', we need to set-up for a sequel. The heavy-handed approach at the end of Episode 12 was just weak, and left me unsatisfied. DNA2 had finally gotten its act together, and this just undermined the impact of the climax.

DNA2 VOLUME 4 the DVD has several extras included for fans. There is an art/sketch gallery, DNA2 trailers, previews of other anime titles, and a short featurette with voice actor Liam O'Brien (Junta). The picture quality is excellent, as expected for a TV anime series. The sound is good, also to be expected.

I had my doubts that DNA2 could be an overall good anime series. Despite the many unnecessary tangents and a weak last 5 minutes, I think it succeeds as wacky comedy fun. Having resolved all the character's crises, I have my doubts to how successful a sequel would be however. As is stands, DNA2 would be an acceptable introduction to anime for the high school crowd or older (because of some of the subject matter). Junta can now have relationships without barfing, but I'm sure the schmuck will do something to screw up his life...

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