ADVANCED REVIEW: Fena: The Pirate Princess,’ Episode 2

Fena: The Pirate Princess Episode 2 I a joint Crunchyroll/Adult Swim exclusive adventure Anime from Production I.G. Having escaped the island she has lived on for years, Fena and her companions, Otto and Salman, now head toward a mysterious island where the next phase of Fena’s life will begin. Where it may lead her though could be the biggest surprise of all.

The most impressive element of this series’ premiere episode is how it managed to deliver everything it needed to start the story off strong. Characters, places, and themes were introduced in a fluid, unhurried manner that allowed each to be absorbed before moving onto the next step in the story. Happily, Fena: The Pirate Princess Episode 2 continues to build out the various aspects of the series while paying special attention to its star.

As Fena is introduced to the people of this new place, she is also brought face to face with the why of her escape. It turns out not everyone who aided her did so purely for her own benefit. Faced now with a challenge she seems ill-equipped to solve, Fena is forced to come to some hard decisions about what her next steps should be. How Production I.G.’s staff captures Fena through these moments is a stellar example of how early character growth should be handled.

As Fena faces the challenges that this episode presents her, she realizes she must become something different to face the task before her. While the viewer can see where Fena is clearly headed, the protagonist doesn’t simply flip a switch and become the hero she needs to be. We can see it in her, but for now, she is still the Fena singing on the balcony dreaming. The light touch that Fena: The Pirate Princess Episode 2 utilizes towards its main protagonist’s development has me feeling hopeful for how this show will grow her as the series moves forward.

While much of this episode’s time is spent looking forward, as is often the case in life, the future is intrinsically linked to the past. As more elements of where Fena comes from are clarified, both the viewer and Fena herself come to understand why she is so important to people. This shared revelation creates a bond between the viewer and Fena, as together they learn what has been, and how it links to what is to come.

The animation of Fena: The Pirate Princess Episode 2 continues to deliver the highly artistic presentation of the pilot. As Fena learns about herself, her history, and the residents of this new place, she runs the gamut of emotions from joy and wonder to worry and fear. The animation delivers all of these moments with their due care and potency.

For a sophomore outing, Fena: The Pirate Princess Episode 2 continues to build upon the strong beginning set up by the pilot episode, while further delivering on the potential depth and growth of its young star protagonist.

Fena: The Pirate Princess premieres on August 14 on Crunchyroll and Adult Swim.