REVIEW: ‘Fena: Pirate Princess,’ Episode 4 – “The Mystery of the Stone”

Fena: The Pirate Princess is a joint Crunchyroll/Adult Swim exclusive adventure anime from Production I.G.  Having learned the potential origin of the stone her father left her, Fena and her crew set sail to see if they can uncover its secrets. What they will learn about the stone will only deepen the mystery in Fena: Pirate Princess Episode 4.

Through the first three episodes of this season Fena: Pirate Princess has delivered charming characters, beautiful locales, and an interesting story to hook me with. The potential of a globe-circling sailing adventure filled with pirates and ninjas alone was enough to have me looking forward to what fate awaited Fena. But with the reveals of Fena: Pirate Princess Episode 4 my interest has skyrocketed. While I don’t expect the revelations of this episode to change the moment-to-moment feel of the series, it changes the scale and potential importance of the mystery’s conclusion. Rather than simply a prize important to Fena, the treasure hidden behind the mystery of the stone could be one that changes the world.

As the episode opens we are privy to a dream that comes to Fena. It is an odd abstract dream, but it certainly has some hidden meaning I cannot wait to learn more about. Once Fena has stirred from her sleep she sets out to occupy herself by seeking out training for herself.

Her quest begins with Shitan, as she asks if he can train her in the use of a bow. This begins a sequence that is equal parts humor and heart as Fena finds herself approaching each of her crew seeking help with her desire to improve herself. The way the writing manages to blend a genuine naturalness to the crew’s interactions, while still giving it that little bit of over-the-top personality that is a hallmark of anime is impressive.

Once our protagonists reach their intended location, Fena: Pirate Princess Episode 4 shifts its focus back to the quest to discover the origin of the stone. As previously stated, what the crew discovers is a definite curveball that changes the potential magnitude of what the mystery’s solution may bring.

While the search for answers dominates the back half of the story, the episode still works in more wonderful character and humor into its narrative. The show also continues to grow the interaction between Fena and Yukimaru skillfully. While the two’s friendship grows in a highly predictable manner, it is nevertheless executed flawlessly.

The animation in this episode delivers everything beautifully. From the humor and emotion to the quieter moments, every scene is delivered with grace and precision. Also, I need to call attention to a visual note I have been remiss to mention yet in these reviews. I don’t know exactly how the animators at Production I.G. can make hair caught flowing in the wind so captivating but they do! I swear, if we still lived in the age of screen savers I would demand one of the crew standing on the deck with all their hair just flowing in the breeze.

So, to recap, Fena: Pirate Princess Episode 4 is a phenomenal episode that builds upon all the character and charm of the previous entries while expanding the potential scope of the story. More so than ever, I cannot wait to see what awaits Fena and her pirate-ninja crew.

Fena: Pirate Princess Episode 4 is on Crunchyroll and Adult Swim.