Animeigo presents the second volume of tales featuring the Shinma-hunting Vampire Princess Miyu and her companion Larva. This time, the series delves deeper into Miyu's past and her relationship not only with the silent Larva, but also human spiritualist Himiko. If you haven't read the review for volume one, check that out first!

Episode 3 - Fragile Armor
Himiko is approached by Miyu, and the vampire asks the spiritualist for her help; an unknown force that Miyu is unable to fight has trapped Larva. Himiko agrees on the condition that Miyu reveals her the truth about her vampire heritage. Out of the mist a suit of medieval armor confronts the women, announces it is a Shinma, and challenges Miyu. Miyu claims the monster is not a demon, and tells Himiko to deal with it. Himiko uses a spell to drive the behemoth away, but is left wondering why Miyu will not fight it. The monster is seen being berated by a second demon for its failure. Meanwhile, Miyu shows the trapped Larva to Himiko and tells her how she met him, and why Larva is bound to her as her companion, forever. Himiko sets up a spell to protect what's left of Larva, and researches the history of the armored suit. Himiko discovers the armor was the possession of a tragic couple - the husband died, and his wife committed suicide soon afterwards. But demon number two - Lemarus - has been following Himiko's quest, and leads her into a trap! Will his machinations lead to Miyu's downfall? And what will become of poor Larva?

Episode 4 - Frozen Time
Himiko goes to the city of Kamakura, a place she visited as a child. She remembers being chased by 'something' those many years ago. Himiko returns to the house where the incident had occurred, and finds Miyu is also there! Himiko now believes she must have seen Shinma as a child. Himiko and Miyu argue over the nature of vampires - Miyu claims her blood drinking is essential as Himiko's breathing. In a mirror, we see images of Miyu's parents. The vampire princess then relates her origin to an anxious Himiko. Now since this is the central core of the series, I won't reveal any details and spoil it for you, but suffice to say, you will understand why Miyu does what she does. Also, the relationship between Himiko and Miyu takes on a whole new perspective - one Himiko isn't too pleased about.

Vampire Princess Miyu Volume 2 differs from the first volume by delving more into the past of Miyu, Larva and Himiko, and not relying on the "find Shinma, fight Shinma, banish Shinma" formula. Even the armored monster in episode three is given a well-rounded back-story. There may not be much action, but Miyu's story is certainly interesting, and needed to understand her motivation. I was told this is the original Miyu series, and this volume gives one the history needed to appreciate the whole series. Since each Miyu DVD is only 50 minutes long, I question AnimEigo's decision to release the show in two volumes. Watched together, the episodes make sense and gives characterizations and story elements needed for a successful on-going series. It's a gestalt thing - volume one has the action, but little background, while volume two has the history, but is light on the fighting. To fully appreciate Vampire Princess Miyu, these DVDs need to be watched as one whole movie, if you will. Believe me anime vamp fans; it's worth the time.

The animation is very good, with some nice background work, as is to be expected from the creators. Picture quality is superb, as well as the clear, Dolby Stereo audio. Unfortunately, the only extra included on the second disc is an image gallery. There are several language options: English with or without subtitles (or just subtitled signs), or Japanese with or without subtitles.

Sometimes, the sum of the parts is greater than the individual parts themselves. This is certainly the case for Vampire Princess Miyu. Looked at separately, each volume lacks that certain something, but seen together, they create a series that has become a legend in the anime vampire genre. Long live Miyu! (and being a vampire, that's bound to be quite a while...)

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