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In this second collection of the series based on the video game, flashbacks reveal more about Elk's background. After seeing his father murdered while protecting a sacred statue, Elk was taken by soldiers to White House, the site of sinister human experiments. But Elk has enough in the present to keep him busy: Lieza is being followed by sinister men in dark suits, apparently on the orders of the Mayor of Prodias City and his oily assistant. When the Mayor unveils a huge statue of a Peace Goddess, Arc attacks in his air ship, the Silver Noah. Although Elk blames him for his past mistreatment, any anime fan can tell that the nobly taciturn Arc is no villain, and that the real explanation will be more complicated. After an aerial chase, Elk, Shu, and Lieza crash on the remote tropical island of Dr. Vilman. Lieza reveals an ability to heal wounds with her touch, but Shu vanishes without a word, setting the next adventure in motion. Arc the Lad sometimes threatens to degenerate into a formula action series, but the filmmakers maintain enough of an edge to keep it interesting: the images of Elk and Shu walking through an otherwise modern city in medieval costume are as engagingly incongruous as Prince Valiant strolling through Times Square in chain mail. Parental guidance suggested: suitable for ages 13 and up for violence and minor profanity. --Charles Solomon
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