After the run-in with the military, the Gekkostate seek refuge in an abandoned mine to take on supplies and make much-needed repairs. With Eureka’s emotional condition worsening and tensions running high amongst the crew, even this stage of their journey proves to be eventful.

It doesn’t seem to matter what else is on my review pile – the next volume of Eureka Seven always ends up at the top and gets the first viewing. When the material on offer is of this quality though, it’s hardly surprising: there’s comedy, drama, intrigue and suspense delivered with a consistency that leads me to believe that this is one of the most enjoyable titles to hit our shelves this year.

Initially I thought that things would settle down and be quite dull for Renton and his friends now that they have gone underground with no trapar to ride and no money to get the Gekko airworthy; it turns out that there’s more than enough going on to keep us occupied! During their stay the crew meet a couple of colourful characters in the form of an old miner and a drunken aircraft engineer who play their own small part in moving the story along as well as being interesting enough in their own right to avoid falling into the ‘filler’ category.

The strained relations between the Gekkostate prove to be the focus of this volume however, not least the dismay Renton feels as Eureka’s condition deteriorates. Although he is the first to notice her plight his characteristic clumsiness does nothing to help the situation; interestingly it’s another one of those Hideaki Anno-esque dream sequences complete with inventive art styles and striking imagery that provides him with the much-needed kick up the rear end to pull himself together and set things right.

These moments of strangeness colour the grey and dismal setting of this volume which seems to use the events that unfold to highlight the emotional journey the characters are undertaking - no doubt they'll take on much greater significance in the long run too. Renton is still going through the turbulent times of adolescence but as certain other scenes prove, the likes of Holland and even Eureka also have much to learn about themselves those around them. For all the vibrant animation, great mecha designs and energetic soundtrack, it’s often the dynamics between the characters that make Eureka Seven such a winner.

The production values are still really high though, from the gloomy mine tunnels to the glorious sunshine and lush green vegetation of the surface. The music bursts into life with dance-inspired beats or retreats to sombre melodies as required: this is a series that moves quickly and effortlessly between cheerful and much more serious so it’s great to see that the animation and soundtrack are able to keep up and feel appropriate for the mood. While we can view it as a bold and fun sci-fi adventure it’s also about people growing up, taking responsibility for their actions, forming bonds with those around them… and so much more besides.

In Summary

I’m afraid that yet another Eureka Seven review has turned into an enthusiastic rave about how thought-provoking and downright brilliant this series is proving to be. It certainly knows how to deliver the hard-hitting moments as far as the characters are concerned but rest assured that it’s presented in a way that is invariably gripping and entertaining; this series is still truly outstanding and shows no sign of disappointment yet.