Saint Beast ~ Ikusen no Hiru to Yoru Hen [Episodes 1-2]

Alright, let’s dive into “Saint Beast ~ Ikusen no Hiru to Yoru Hen” Episodes 1-2. First off, this OVA is a prequel to the TV series, right? It dropped back in 2005, so it’s a bit of a throwback, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth checking out. The story centers around six powerful Saint Beasts—Judas, Luca, Gai, Shin, Rey, and Kai—who were chosen to protect Heaven. But things go south when Judas and Luca lead a rebellion, leading to their banishment to Hell.

From what I gathered, the first two episodes set up the conflict between Heaven and the rebels. The animation style is classic 2000s, with vibrant colors and dynamic fight scenes. Fans on MyAnimeList mentioned that the character designs are super detailed, especially the Saint Beasts’ animal forms. One user even compared the art to “Yu Yu Hakusho,” which is a big compliment!

The plot moves pretty quickly. We get to see the Saint Beasts’ daily lives in Heaven before the war, which helps build their relationships. Judas and Luca’s bond is a highlight—their loyalty to each other is both heartwarming and tragic. When they decide to rebel, you can feel the tension. The action sequences are intense, with lots of energy blasts and sword fights. Some viewers noted that the pacing might be a bit fast for newbies, but if you’re into fantasy anime, you’ll probably keep up.

What’s cool is that the OVA explores themes of justice and betrayal. Is the rebellion justified? Are the Saint Beasts really the “good guys”? These questions had fans debating on forums. One commenter said, “I love how it doesn’t paint anyone as purely evil. Even the rebels have their reasons.” That moral gray area adds depth to the story.

The voice acting is top-notch too. The cast includes some big names from the era, which brings the characters to life. Judas’s voice actor, in particular, does a great job conveying his conflicted emotions. The soundtrack is epic, with orchestral pieces that amp up the drama during key moments.

Now, let’s talk about the downsides. A few fans mentioned that the animation quality dips slightly in some scenes, but that’s common for OVAs from that time. Also, the character development for the other Saint Beasts (Gai, Shin, Rey, Kai) is a bit lacking compared to Judas and Luca. But hey, it’s only two episodes—maybe they get more screen time later?

Overall, “Saint Beast ~ Ikusen no Hiru to Yoru Hen” Episodes 1-2 are a solid start. They hook you with the rebellion plot, develop the main characters well, and deliver some awesome action. If you’re into fantasy, drama, or just want to revisit 2000s anime, this is definitely worth a watch. Just don’t expect it to be perfect—its charm lies in its nostalgic vibe and complex characters.

So, would I recommend it? Yeah, especially if you’re a fan of the genre. It’s not the most groundbreaking anime out there, but it’s entertaining and has a lot of heart. Give it a shot—you might find yourself invested in the Saint Beasts’ fate! 🐉✨