REVIEW: ‘Fena: Pirate Princess,’ Episode 10 – “Raising the Curtain on the Climax”

Fena: The Pirate Princess is a joint Crunchyroll-Adult Swim exclusive adventure anime from Production I.G. Having deciphered the key to finding Eden’s location, Fena and her compatriots arrive at their destination. But what awaits them once ashore? And how long do they have before Lord Abel catches up to them in Fena: Pirate Princess Episode 10?

Ever since episode one, Fena: Pirate Princess has slowly revealed its plot to viewers in a way that has kept the story enticing to watch. At first, it was the truth behind a strange object left behind by a deceased father. Then it became embroiled with Joan of Arc and finally the map to Eden itself. With such ever-escalating stakes, I cannot help but wonder if the series will deliver a payoff equal to the build-up. However, if the final two episodes can capture the magic Fena: Pirate Princess Episode 10 brings to the table, it certainly has a great shot at it.

Our story opens with the Bonito arriving at the destination derived from the coordinates they deciphered in the last episode. Right out of the gate, the arrival at Eden expands the scope of the adventure yet again, as Fena and the crew witness something extraordinary. Eden knows how to make a first impression.

Once ashore, the company is again directed along their path by Fena’s unwavering intuition. As they search the beautiful island, they are drawn ever inwards to greater mystery and amazement. As they travel, every character is given a few chances to take center stage as each has their unique reactions to the surprises that Eden holds for them. I won’t spoil what awaits them, but it is worthy of the powerful reactions of the crew.

Beyond just their reactions to the unfolding world of Eden, I also loved the crew’s now open attempts to make Fena and Yukimaru acknowledge what we all already know is between the two of them. These moments deliver the heartwarming glow that the two always elicit when together while also adding some well-timed humor from the rest of their companions. And it is to the two budding love-birds that Fena: Pirate Princess Episode 10‘s greatest moment belongs to.

Let me just say it has been a phenomenal week for anime utilizing music in incredible ways to augment storytelling. Whether it was The Heike Story highlighting Biwa’s playing in its latest episode or Takt op.Destiny introducing viewers to a world where music is at once both forbidden and powerful, the representation of music in anime has been mind-blowing! And Fena: Pirate Princess is ending the week with one of the most visually stunning anime sequences I have ever witnessed, all set to a melody that is equal parts haunting and gorgeous. Production I.G. outdoes itself with how it captures Fena throughout this sequence. It is nearly causing me pain staying vague; I want to talk about it so bad. But, I will not ruin it for you.

Beyond this highlight sequence, the animation throughout continues to deliver all the grandeur, exploration, and antics of its story with all the quality one would expect of this A-tier production.

So, when all is said and done, Fena: Pirate Princess Episode 10 delivers the arrival at Eden with all the wonder, beauty, and humor I could ask for. My hype for what comes next is only growing as more wonders wait to be revealed.

Fena: Pirate Princess Episode 10 is streaming on Crunchyroll and Adult Swim.