Ikki Tousen: Dragon Destiny Complete series (Litebox Edition)

James Neel wrote: "In addition to the 12 featured episodes in this series there are also an additional 6 "mini-episode" OAV's that are NOTHING but fanservice." This is not exactly true OVAs 2,4 are just Promotional Videos i.e. ads and different but not real OVAs in my opinion (short stories that supplement the main title) Playing disk-1 in the special features area I clicked on OVA 2 and it dropped directly down to the "Promotional Video" ad. So OVA-2 really doesn't exist as OVA-4 doesn't either. These OVAs are not full featured; only Japanese language and one English subtitle choice.I have played some DD disks from Online DVD rental service: nothing is different/upgraded otherwise; the 4 OVAs and 2 Promo Videos are not enough to justify this high price...very disappointed.

Ikki-Tousen: Dragon Destiny continues the martial arts battles of our reincarnated Fighters introduced in the first Ikki-Tousen series. This set features the three discs as originally issued in one collection which, unlike some other recent sets, preserves them in their complete format including all the "extras". ( In addition to the 12 featured episodes in this series there are also an additional 6 "mini-episode" OAV's that are NOTHING but fanservice. ) The only negative about the set is the essential flimsiness of the cheap and brittle so-called "premium box"; mine arrived cracked though the package showed no obvious signs of abuse.I've read negative reviews of this particular season, mainly because it jumps right into action taking up exactly where its predecessor left off. This is unfortunately a valid criticism - if you have no prior warning or experience of what this is or is about, you probably won't like it because none of it will make any sense. In a nutshell, this is a fan-service laden and violence-heavy retelling of a Chinese tale about an 1800-year-old struggle for domination, transferred to modern-day Japan. The contestants are groups of reincarnated "Fighters" in seven different area high schools within one region. The first Ikki-Tousen established the story and introduced us mainly to the students of one school and their emerging "leader", the air-headed and unlikely ( due to her elemental stupidity ) Sonsaku Hakufu; her mother Goei and protective cousin Koukin; and the members of the "Big Four" Fighters of their school, including fan-favorite, Ryomou. The season ended with the revelation that certain "leaders", Hakufu included, possess within them "dragons" that are the usually-malevolent spirits of ancient Chinese Warlords who carry their centuries-old antagonisms into the present conflict.The problem with the entire Ikki-Tousen universe and all the series that compose it is in its vastness: there are almost too many battling warriors to keep up with! And Dragon Destiny doesn't help with this at all, because it almost immediately introduces another entirely different cast of characters from another school: "Goddess of Martial Arts" Kan'u, seen briefly in the original series; her "partner" Chouhi; and their erstwhile "leader" Ryuubi who also possesses a "dragon", and whose reluctance stands in sharp contrast to Hakufu's enthusiasm. This trio, later joined by even more, quickly become the focus of Dragon Destiny as they confront yet another large group of characters from a third school vying for dominion over all the others, led by Sousou. In the ensuing struggle, Hakufu's company is relegated to almost that of supporting cast, until it becomes necessary for them to unite with that of Kan'u in order to suppress the truly evil spirit that has totally overtaken Sousou.It may sound as if I didn't care for Ikki-Tousen in general, or Dragon Destiny in particular - nothing could be farther from the truth. But be warned it takes a good bit of concentration to keep up with its huge and shifting cast of characters. I STRONGLY suggest doing as I have done and re-watch the original 13-episode series soon before attempting this additional dozen to "refresh your memory", so to speak, for the many "flashback" references herein. And don't become TOO distracted by all the panty shots, exploding clothing, blood, and gore, else you'll certainly miss some details of the plot; and YES, there IS one - a very convoluted and complex one at that! Dragon Destiny oddly and surprisingly enough tones down a good bit of the humor, fanservice, and violence of its predcessor to concentrate more on the intricacies of its plot and relationships, necessary to "keep up" with what's going on.

I miss Hakufu, and the original voice actors, and a bunch of other stuff. Dragon Destiny focuses mainly on Kanu and her friends. I admit that I do like Kanu, but the star of Ikki Tousen is supposed to be Hakufu. Although Kanu is hot and intensely loyal, she is way too serious, and a little too depressing of a chick to be the main character. Hakufu plays a small part in this series. She shows up in the end to stomp the bad guy and thats about it. On top that all the voice actors were different. Some of the voice actors didnt really capture the characters personalities very well. I like Dragon Destiny, but it lacks a whole lot of things that made the original better. If you like Ikki Tousen you may want to give it a shot. You may like it. But ye be warned its got a completely different feel.

I haven't even put the DVD in my player yet so I can't say anything about the series; I can however say that the cheap flimsy case that holds the DVDs means that you have a very good chance of 2 of the disks coming undone in shipping no matter how good the box is.The 3 disks are positioned in the case with one and two on the left (overlapping) and the third on the right, the ring clips that holds the disks in place are very shallow so the disks pop off easily and start scratching themselves all over the inside of the case.The first time I order the series the packaging was pretty minimal so I just blamed the sickening "thunk" sound of the DVDs crashing around on that, but the second time was from Amazon directly and they shipped it in a large well-padded box with other items and the story was the same.I finally broke down and opened the case the second time around to find exactly what I feared, disks I and 2 laying at the bottom looking significantly less graceful then their cover art counterparts.Sad, so here's to hoping they still play...

This is the third volume in the Ikki Tousen series. I think I bought it before Series 2 but watched the series in release order. I wish I hadn't as I'm not sure I'd have bothered with it. Somewhere along the line the Ikki Tousen series lost it's sense of humour. It didn't get it back here either. I won't bother with series 4 either. It has action and fan service but has lost its sense of fun and doesn't really carry the story forward far enough for me. If you like the action sequences then this will be fine but I missed the dopiness of the first series.

completely leaves the 1st season behind and starts with a new story for the same characters but still a solid anime and it's still ikki tousen so fans will enjoy it

Great DVD. Great show. Story line could of been better but the fight scenes make up for it.

It a second season of ikki tousen

Came in 4 days after ordering. Undamaged, even the outer plastic wrap was still properly holding the product nice and tight. A 3 DVD set, with a 4th bonus Trailer Disc titled Tokyo Shock. So 4 DVD's in total, a surprisingly great buy. This title covers Season 2 with all 12 episodes and 6 OVA's. Thank you Amazon (>_<)

Merci

I had previously watched Ikki Tousen on Crackle. So I was familiar with the series and purchased thisthinking there was something xtra included in this package. There is not. Quite the opposite. This isactually a condensed version. They have edited out all the comical parts. Perhaps in an attempt to makea more serious version. But if you're like me and have seen this before you will be dissapointed. It's thecomedic interaction between the Hakafu Sonsaku character and her mother that make the series fun towatch. She is suppose to be the main character but hardly appears in this version. If your a hard coreAnime collector you will probably buy it regardless. My advice if you want Ikki Tousen purchase theS.A.V.E. version complete series. I have bought others and they are complete and at a better price.

I am not that big on regular tv. I enjoy anime shows and allways like to get complete series when I can and then watch them over and over. This one is realy fun with great fight sceens and wierd characters. Yes it is houmerus to.

Great series!