Anime Quick Information

Title: Madlax #2
UK publisher: ADV Films
Genre: Action, Drama
Studio: Bee Train
Type: TV Series
Director: Koichi Mashimo
Year: 2004
Running Time: 1hr 40mins
Rate this anime:
Average Rating: 7

Andy's review

Andy scored this with 7/10. Disagree?

Madlax is a mercenary in the war-torn country of Gazth-Sonika that happens to be very good at what she does. Margaret Burton is a young aristocrat in peaceful Nafrece with a mysterious past. Somehow their fates are intertwined, and the only clue lies with a strange red book, written in an enigmatic language. But global crime syndicate Enfant has taken an interest in the book, and will stop at nothing to obtain it.

It’s no secret that I didn’t much care for the first volume of Madlax, so I can’t say I was looking forward to a second helping of tediously generic ‘girls n guns’ action. Imagine my surprise when I found myself beginning to enjoy it.

While the pacing hasn’t improved much, the story is certainly becoming more interesting. The red book that Margaret has taking a liking to seems to hold many secrets and strange powers. Stained with blood, it’s written in an ancient language that few understand, and which seems to drive those that read it mad — it’s no wonder Enfant are interested in it. Meanwhile, there’re more little developments amongst the gunplay and high-speed chases. Some bits of backstory are starting to fall into place, usually in the form of flashbacks, but Madlax continues to hold its cards close to its chest (or in this case, it’s well-rounded bosom).

Again, though, it seems that the stories are at their most interesting when they’re told from the point of view of other characters, with protagonists Madlax and Margaret taking up supporting roles. This is both the series biggest strength and greatest weakness; while the characterization is clearly strong, it often seems that too much time is spent getting to know people that will probably never be seen again, and not enough on the regulars. You know something’s not quite right when you care more for a guest character than you do a main one.

The music is starting to become annoying, as it seems the entire soundtrack is made up of a grand total of four tracks. Hearing the same music over and over again is really beginning to wear thin, and does little to shake the impression of ‘formulaic,’ particularly when it’s used in exactly the same way several times over the course of a few episodes.

About half of the extras included are more or less the same as on the first volume, which strikes me as being slightly redundant. There is, however, a new ‘Conversations with SSS’ — still the funniest thing on the disc, with some great parodies of Hollywood movie Phonebooth, technical support hotlines and charity drives, amongst others.

In Summary

After stumbling out of the starting blocks, Madlax is beginning to find its feet and show that there is indeed some substance beneath all the gloss. It’s not the most groundbreaking or unique thing ever made, but it does make for an entertaining enough diversion - and it looks that the best is yet to come.

Screenshots (click to pop out)

Review Information

Score: 7 out of 10
Review By: Andy
Date Published: Sun, 2 Jul 2006
Post your response to our review of "Madlax #2"

Editorial Spotlight

CLAMP’s xxxHolic continues here, with the ninth instalment of the popular supernatural fantasy tale.  Watanuki is now intrinsically linked to his perceived rival,.. Read more
'Death Note' enters its twelfth, and final, volume as if it were a chess game nearing its own conclusion with everything in the balance. This volume pits the two geniuses.. Read more
‘Death Note’ enters its eleventh, and penultimate, volume of the chess like game being played out between Light and Near. In the world of ‘Death Note’.. Read more

Latest Updates

Saturday, 6 September

xxxHolic #9

Thursday, 4 September

Death Note #12

[News Archive]

Got news?

Got some news? E-mail it to news@AUKN

Recent Comments

RJ on Ergo Proxy #6

Ergo Proxy has to be one of my favourite animes of all time, because it brings something that can't be put down in words. I completely agree... (Read more)

dd on Sorcerer Hunters

dd (Read more)

dd on Sorcerer Hunters

dd (Read more)

Trumpster on Ergo Proxy #6

After Reading your reveiw I feel even more confused than when I began, I suppose I rarely think things through with such intensity as I take... (Read more)

jeremy on Ergo Proxy #6

Well put! took the words from my mind and cleaned them up to make sense. i would call it a beautifully flawed series, if anything (Read more)

About Anime UK News

Anime UK News has been going since 2004, want to contact us or learn a little more about the site? Head to the about us page.