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In “RWBY: Volume 5,” Ruby, Weiss, Blake, and Yang are each entangled in journeys of their own, but they all share one destination: Haven Academy. Whether it’s the promise of ancient relics, mystical maidens, or simply more power, it’s clear that the stage for the next great battle for Remnant has been chosen. The question is, with so many players in this game, who’s going to come out on top?
You’re either an anime fan or you’re not. There really isn’t an “in-between.” Whether you respond to the Japanese style of animation depends on your appreciation of unnaturally large character eyes, unnaturally heightened emotions, unnaturally (for a toon) explicit displays of sex and violence and unnatural narrative structure – or what the unfamiliar Western eye may perceive as just plain weirdness. Hayao Miyazaki’s Studio Ghibli output arguably came closest to appeasing both anime aficionados and those new to it, Ghibli’s hand-painted majestic vistas, environmental themes and mythical wonder transcending cultural differences.
But those are feature-length animated films – I’m talking about popular-but-“hardcore” anime series, such as “Cowboy Bebop,” “Dragon Ball Z,” “Neon Genesis Evangelion,” and “Fullmetal Alchemist.” They have a huge following Stateside from folks – both kids and adults – who adore their intricate, off-kilter plotting and energy. “RWBY” was created by – I’m guessing – such a fan, Monty Oum, a self-taught animator who passed away tragically in 2015 due to a severe allergic reaction. Originally released on YouTube, his series quickly became viral and caused some controversy for even being labeled as “anime,” due to its American origins. Whatever. Though both overly complex and a bit shallow, “RWBY” pays decent tribute to the aforementioned anime classics, as well as stands on its own as a fleshed-out entity.
The show’s name derives from its four main female protagonists, Beacon Huntresses Ruby (Red), Weiss (White), Blake (Black) and Yang (Yellow), each sporting their respective theme color. Together they are on a quest to defeat the evil “Creatures of Grimm” and the main antagonist, Salem. After being separated in the previous season, they re-team in the darker Volume 5, which focuses more on Ruby, the traitorous Raven and the Beacon Academy Headmaster, Ozpin, reincarnated as Oscar Pine – a mysterious figure, at least up until this point.
The latter character – or rather, a concoction of multiple characters in one – make up the most fascinating bits of this volume, as we learn about Ozpin’s relationship with Salem and the Four Maidens, his role in shaping the world and his inevitable future. That said, Ozpin remains distant and enigmatic – almost frustratingly so. As for the armless Ruby, she is coming to grips with the fact that the world is darker than it seemed, while Raven’s cowardice is explored in further detail, following her multiple betrayals.
I can’t say “RWBY” is the easiest show – or anime, for that matter – to follow, or that it ranks among the best. It’s not particularly well-written, but it has stunning visuals to gawk at and complex character and world-building that anime fans will lap up. Monty Oum’s legacy lives on in his well-produced series. Whether you “get it” or not depends on your tolerance for anime – which, make no mistake, “RWBY” most certainly is. Here’s to Volume 6.
Available on Blu-Ray/DVD Combo Pack, DVD, Special Edition Combo Pack and Transactional Digital Platforms June 5th
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