OVA 04 – Darker than BLACK -黒の契約者 外伝 (Kuro no Keiyakusha – Gaiden)
This episode was an excellent way to end the Gaiden OVA arc, and probably the best of the entire OVA series. Influence from the animation studio, Bones, is clearly seen in the action scenes in this OVA. The action scenes are fluid, swift, and are thrilling to watch.
The plot this time around was well executed. We pretty much see how the EPR members from the previous OVA were all killed by Yin, and we delve further into Yin’s gradual awakening into Izanami. The illusionist contractor, interestingly enough, didn’t really care for money or power. He eventually used his power to trick Hei into giving Yin an electric shock. I don’t know if it was the shock itself, or Hei’s ability of molecular manipulation, that triggered the change in Yin, but most likely it was the reason that Yin finally loses control of herself and undergoes her awakening.
It does make me wonder though; since the illusionist induced Hei to shock Yin, did he know for certain that Hei’s shock would trigger her awakening? If so, how did he know that in the first place? I guess there’s a little plot hole regarding this, but I guess it’s nothing major.
The best aspect to this final installment of Gaiden has to be the actual plot and turn of events. The emotional tension between both Yin and Hei, especially after the awakening, really produced some wonderfully intense scenes that had me at the edge of my seat the entire time.
This also finally shows us why Hei was acting so differently towards the beginning of DTB: Ryuusei no Gemini, than we were accustommed to from DTB season one. The loss of Yin really hit him hard, but when it was revealed to Hei that Yin was still alive, you could just see his face change back to his usual serious demeanor.
Interestingly enough, the OVA also briefly shows Yin, while unconscious, talking to an unknown entity inside herself. I’m guessing it has something to do with how the second season ends, and further elucidates the point that Yin’s awakening is quite an odd phenomenon. Which, of course, makes the plot much more intriguing.
The music at certain parts this episode were well done. The music was more subtle at points, and it really helped bring focus to the finer aspects of this OVA. However, it wasn’t as great as, say, the first season’s music. Nevertheless, it is still a solid soundtrack.
Overall rating: 8/10
Production Quality: 8.5/10
Characters: 9/10
Story: 8.75/10
Overall enjoyment: 8.5/10
Now where’s my Season 3 announcement??? I seriously hope Bones doesn’t leave the series hanging like this. D:
Screenshots are later in the post.
Distant Paradise 