⚠️ This review of Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha A's and Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha A's: The Movie 2nd will contain spoilers ⚠️
—Story/Characters
The feeling that this series gave me, was like something out of a Grimm Brother's fairytale; an unfortunate girl accidentally unlocks a mythical book full of mysterious, humanoid pages! The Delphic-type of cartoon imagery gave "Nanoha A's" a specific type of look, I would say that it was even more of a distinctive, visual identity than was seen in the first series; despite the concept being something relatively fresh for the time that it aired! Such a dense, gothic atmosphere is something that I've only ever seen in series like "Dantalian no Shōka" and "Dream Hunter Rem"!
Since I went in detail about the heavy, mystic vibe that this series has going... I guess it's about time to examine the character and story writing! Much of the entertainment that I got from the characterization of the Belkan Knights was a) their collective, nurturing feelings towards their master, Hayate Yagami and b) the aforementioned Knights' attitude towards Nanoha and Fate, like they're outsiders to their secluded, little slice of life! I've always found rivalries like that rather interesting! Not to mention, Fate's specific foil relationship with Signum (they are both coldly chivalrous and honor-bound)... as well as the hot-blooded, Vita's on-going enmity towards the egoless, Nanoha! The orchestrators of this particular arc sure did known how to stage an interesting battle! It's difficult to know whether to credit the original creator ("Masaki Tsuzuki") or the director ("Keizō Kusakawa") for setting things up in such an engrossing way!
I also found it fascinating how the Belkan Knights sort of had to juggle a double life of acting normal around Hayate, and also secretly opening up the Book of Darkness against her wishes, so that they can fight to preserve her existence! When the story would switch perspectives between them fiercely casting aside their emotions to duke it out with the heroes, versus their more friendly, laid back nature at home... it was really unique and fascinating to watch! It made the eventual summoning of Reinforce I feel like more of a culminating build-up towards her inevitable, rapturous awakening! The framing of this event really makes it seem as though the great harpazzo was going to rain down, if the girls weren't able to save the day! This series had some serious stakes!
In the case of "Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha A's" (TV) versus "Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha A's: The Movie 2nd" — I have them ranked equally, because each of them have their strengths and weaknesses! For example, the plot in the TV series is more tightly written, the film feels rushed by comparison. To get the maximum emotional effect from "A's"... you would have to watch the television series. But, on the other hand, "Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha A's: The Movie 2nd" has better visuals and ties together some gaping plot holes from the original TV airing! I would suggest watching both, and if you aren't willing to, pick your poison!
Luna's Favorite Works by Each Respective Creator = ✅
Keizō Kusakawa (director), notable works:
* Action Heroine Cheer Fruits
* Ahiru no Sora
* Aho Girl
* Akuma no Riddle ✅
* Asura Cryin' (series)
* Campione!: Matsurowanu Kamigami to Kamigoroshi no Maō
* Dog Days (Season One) ✅
* Fūka ✅
* Genei wo Kakeru Taiyō ✅
* Happy Sugar Life ✅
* Inukami! ✅
* Inukami! The Movie: Tokumei Reiteki Sōsakan Karina Shirō!
* Jūō Mujin no Fafnir
* KanColle Movie ✅
* Kantai Collection: KanColle ✅
* Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha: The Movie 1st ✅
* Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS ✅
* Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha: The Movie 2nd A's ✅
* Mondaiji-tachi ga Isekai kara Kuru Sou Desu yo? ✅
* Rō-Kyū-Bu! ✅
* Rō-Kyū-Bu! SS ✅
* Rō-Kyū-Bu! Tomoka no Ichigo Sundae ✅
* Sekirei
* Sekirei: Pure Engagement
Commentary: Mr. Kusakawa is less celebrated than he should be; the man can direct some very visually striking animation scenes — if you haven't watched the "Kantai Collection" film, I would suggest giving it a try, it is a gorgeous, hour-long slice of animation! I would say that his lack of popularity with English audiences is partially due to his focus on leading very niche projects, that are more popular with the "moe otaku" crowd, rather than appealing to your everyday, run-of-the-mill, anime-watching normie. The original GAME for "Kantai Collection" has never even received an international release, and I doubt that it would garner much of a following if it did, since "Azur Lane" has already wormed its way into the hearts of EN players! Despite being a very talented director, he doesn't normally land projects with highly-skilled animators or writers; that's the whole reason why "Akuma no Riddle" sunk! And he is typically designated to lower budget studios, but when he is granted a large sum of expendable income, like with the repackaged "Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha" films, his finesse really shows! Keizō Kusakawa is an incredible director, I would suggest "Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha," "Rō-Kyū-Bu!", or "Kantai Collection" as an entry point into his shows ("Mondaiji-tachi ga Isekai kara Kuru Sou Desu yo?" is pretty dang enjoyable, too)! The fight scenes are polished in the film and the emotional scenes brought me to tears, so kudos to Mr. Kusakawa and his animation team for the amazing amount of strife that they put into the project!
Good Seiyū Work = ✅
Really Enjoyed the Seiyū's Performance = ✅ ✅
One of Luna's Favorite Performances OF ALL TIME = ✅ ✅ ✅
Yukari Tamura as Nanoha Takamachi, notable roles:
* Michiru, Air
* Mine, Akame ga Kill ✅
* Mayu Watanabe CG-3, AKB0048 ✅ ✅
* Remon Yamano, Ano Natsu de Matteru ("Waiting in the Summer") ✅ ✅
* Asuha Tōhara, Astarotte no Omocha!
* Chihaya Ikaruga, Asu no Yo'ichi! ("Samurai Harem")
* Yamada, B-gata H-kei
* Koko Ninna-Nanna, Bōkyaku no Senritsu
* Fear Kubrick, C³
* Honey Kisaragi, Cutey Honey Universe
* Sakura Kisaragi, Da Capo
* Kaoru Tsunashi, Danna ga Nani wo Itteiru ka Wakaranai Ken ("I Can't Understand What My Husband Is Saying")
* Nia, DearS
* Dōnyatsu, Dōnyatsu
* Moro, Dotto Koni-chan
* Hikaru Saitō, Futarigurashi
* Chiharu, Fūun Ishin Dai☆Shogun
* Ranpha Franboise, Galaxy Angel ✅
* Saki Hanano, Gintama ✅
* Rino Rando, Gokujō Seitokai
* Io Euclase, Granblue Fantasy the Animation ✅ ✅
* Rika Furude and Frederica Bernkastel, Higurashi no Naku Koro ni ✅ ✅ ✅
* Rika Furude and Ōka Furude, Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Rei ✅ ✅ ✅
* Ruru Amour, Hug tto! PreCure
* Ai, I: Wish You Were Here
* Iori Minase, iDOLM@STER Xenoglossia —stand-in for Rie Kugamiya
* Maiko Tamaki, Interlude
* Tabane Shinonono, IS: Infinite Stratos ✅ ✅ ✅
* Rinne Ohara, Island ✅
* Haruka Minazuki, Kaitō Tenshi Twin Angel
* Mai Kawasumi, Kanon ✅ ✅
* Tomari Kurusu, Kashimashi: Girl Meets Girl
* Togame, Katanagatari ✅ ✅
* Nui Harime, Kill la Kill ✅ ✅
* Komaki Asagiri, Kujjibiki Unbalance
* Excel, Kurokami the Animation
* Elizabeth Midford, Kuroshitsuji ("Black Butler") ✅ ✅
* Yotsuba, Kyokugen Dasshutsu Adv: Zennin Shibō Desu Prologue
* Choco, Last Period: The Journey to the End of the Despair ✅
* Finis, Last Song
* Midori Sugiura, Mai-HiME
* Lu Amano, Miami Guns
* Ink Nijihara, Moetan
* Nightingale, Monster Strike
* Shuri Wakatsuki, Myself;Yourself ✅
* Muromi-san, Namiuchigiwa no Muromi-san
* Tenten, Naruto ✅
* Jibril, No Game No Life ✅ ✅
* Ringo Kinoshita, Nōrin ✅ ✅ ✅
* Kanako Kurusu and Meruru, Ore no Imōto ga Konnani Kawaii Wake ga Nai ✅ ✅ ✅
* Masuzu Natsukawa, Ore no Kanojo to Osananajimi ga Shuraba Sugiru ("Oreshura") ✅ ✅ ✅
* Akazukin, Otogi Jūshi Akazukin
* Zesshi Zetsumei, Overlord II ✅
* Misha, Pita Ten
* Clala, Quiz Magic Academy: The Original Animation
* Priscilla Barielle, Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu ✅ ✅
* Kanami Yuta, s.CRY.ed ✅
* Chiyo Yumehara, Saiki Kusuo no Ψ-nan ✅
* Hayari Mizuhara, Saki Zenkoku-hen ✅
* Beatrix Brehme, Schwarzesmarken ✅
* Eva-R, Seikon no Qwaser
* Tiriel, Shakugan no Shana ✅
* M4 SOPMOD II, Shàonǚ Qiánxiàn ("Girls' Frontline") ✅
* Ellis Valentine, Shinkon Gattai Godannar!!
* Kazane Shishidō, Sora wo Kakeru Shōjo
* Suzuha Amane, Steins;Gate (series) ✅ ✅ ✅
* Saku Tōyama, Tantei Opera Milky Holmes
* Ai Kunugi, Teizokurei Daydream ("Ghost Talker's Daydream") ✅
* Frederica Bernkastel, Umineko no Naku Koro ni ✅ ✅ ✅
* Michiru Munakata, Uta-Kata ✅ ✅
* Hisako Ichiki, X-Men
* KōRyū, AnRyū, and TenRyūJin — Yūsha-Ō GaoGaiGar Final
Commentary: Ms. Tamura is an incredibly talented seiyū; as a testament to their legendary performances in the "Lyrical Nanoha" franchise, both she and Nana Mizuki (voice of "Fate Testarossa") received honorary voice actor Nendoroids, that Good Smile Company released after the original production of the Nanoha Takamachi and Fate Testarossa figures! Their collection performances (in the first two series particularly), are just that monumental! I would compare Ms. Tamura's role in "Lyrical Nanoha" to her roles as Michiru Munakata ("Uta-Kata") and Io Euclase ("Granblue Fantasy the Animation"), though Ms. Tamura is one of the most versatile voice actresses, when it comes to the variety of characters that she's voiced over the years! Fantastic work with the character!
Nana Mizuki as Fate Testarossa, notable roles:
* Nanase Kotobuki, "Bungaku Shōjo"
* Allison Whittington and Lillianne Aicasia Corazón Whittington-Schultz, Allison to Lillia
* Akiko, Aoi Bungaku Series
* Oboro Iga, Basilisk
* Kururu, Binzume Yōsei
* Saya Kisaragi, Blood-C
* Angelise Ikaruga Misurugi, Cross Ange: Tenshi to Ryū no Rondo
* Misaki Kirihara, Darker Than Black: Kuro no Keiyakusha
* Nanami Takatsuki and Ricotta Elmar, Dog Days
* Hannah, Dragon's Dogma
* Sieglinde Baumgarde, Dragonaut: The Resonance
* Cisqua, Erementar Gerad
* Wrath, Fullmetal Alchemist ✅ ✅
* Bi Fei, Gin no Guardian
* Lydia Carlton, Hakushaku to Yōsei
* Tsubomi Hanasaki, HeartCatch! PreCure! ✅ ✅ ✅
* Yu Minamoto, Ichigo 100%
* Kotoko Aihara, Itazura na Kiss
* Tsugumi Shibata, Jigoku Shōjo ("Hell Girl") ✅ ✅
* Sora Yamato, Jikū Tantei Genshi-kun
* Tiz, Jū Ō Sei
* Yin Fu, Ken En Ken: Aoki Kagayaki
* Roya, Kiba
* Yuno Rukina, Kiss Dum: Engage Planet
* Alois Trancy, Kuroshitsuji II ✅ ✅
* Janice Quatlane, Layton Kyōju to Eien no Utahime ("Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva")
* Nyamo Naamo, Love Hina
* Sayaka Mizushiro, Magical Canan ("Magical Kanan")
* Fate and Alicia Testarossa, Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha ✅ ✅ ✅
* Hotaru Shirakawa, Memories Off
* Mizuki Hibara, Mokke
* Magaret Liones, Nanatsu no Taizai ✅
* Hinata Hyūga, Naruto ✅ ✅
* Kaho Serizawa, Natsu-iro no Sunadokei ("Hourglass of Summer") ✅ ✅
* Shinobu, Ninin ga Shinobuden ✅ ✅
* Ann Takamaki, Persona 5 ✅ ✅
* Rue Kuroha, Princess Tutu ✅ ✅
* Yufa, Ragnarök the Animation
* Rin Ogata, RideBack ✅ ✅
* Moka Akashiya, Rosario to Vampire
* Pandora, Saint Seiya: The Lost Canvas ✅ ✅ ✅
* Tsubasa Kazanari, Senki Zesshō Symphogear
* Mave, Sentō Yōsei Shōjo Tasukete! Mave-chan
* Nana Suzuki, Shichinin no Nana
* Kanon Seena, Shining Tears X Wind
* Utau Hoshina, Shugo Chara!
* Morinas, Simōn
* Aria, Sister Princess
* Suzu Edogawa, Tactics
* Colette Brunel, Tales of Symphonia the Animation ✅ ✅ ✅
* Sylvette Suede, Tegamibachi ✅ ✅
* Neju Na Melmas, Tenchi Muyō! GXP
* Chizuru, Tokyo Marble Chocolate
* Sunao Konoe, Tsuyokiss
* Matsuki Akino, Wakaokami wa Shougakusei! ✅ ✅
* Maria, Witchblade
* Rina Ogata, White Album ✅ ✅ ✅
Commentary: The one word that I would use to describe Nana Mizuki as Fate Testarossa is: heartfelt. Ms. Mizuki is able to alter her glass masks between the abused, little girl to the fiercely, cold magic user in a matter of seconds; despite Fate's fractured persona, the performance came off as organic and natural, and nothing seemed forced. I would say that this was Ms. Mizuki's "career-defining" role, and the adulation and recognition that the character receives is well-deserved! Compelling character!
Kana Ueda as Hayate Yagami, notable roles:
* Paladin, Bikini Warrior
* IF, Chōjigen Game Neptune, localized as "Hyperdimension Neptunia" ✅✅
* Rin Tōsaka, Fate/stay night ✅✅✅
* Momo Kawashima, Girls & Panzer ✅✅✅
* Chikage Izumi, Hagure Yūsha no Aesthetica, localized as "Aesthetica of a Rogue Hero"
* Yūko Morigaya, Hina Logi: From Luck & Logic
* Neon Nostrade, Hunter x Hunter (2011) ✅✅✅
* Hazumu Osaragi, Kashimashi: Girl Meets Girl
* Yuiko Hawatari, Loveless ✅✅
* Yumi Fukuzawa, Maria-sama ga Miteru, localized as "Maria Watches Over Us" ✅✅✅
* Kurumi Momose, Paniponi Dash!
* Anastasia Hoshin, Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu, localized as "Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World-" ✅
* Honami Takase Ambler, Rental Magica
* Luna Shirogane, Ryūsei no Rockman, localized as "Megaman: Star Force"
* Saki Miyanaga, Saki ✅✅✅
* Fumika, Shigofumi ✅✅✅
* Heidemarie W. Schnaufer, Strike Witches: The Movie ✅✅
* Kareha Suzuka, TOKKÔ
Commentary: Ms. Ueda is known for having a very youthful, yet mature presence. This is the character of Hayate Yagami in a nutshell, she is very naïve and pure because of her age, but her terminal illness has given her an emotional complexity that makes her wise beyond her years. I would compare her role is "Nanoha A's" to her roles as Fumika ("Shigofumi") — I will avoid going into spoilers here, though this explaining the character of Fumika is difficult without stepping into a minefield of them, but put simply, she is a Shinigami that lost her mortal life at a young age and has seen a lot of things... there, I simplified it to the best of my ability, now go watch "Shigofumi"! I would also compare her performance as Hayate Yagami to Neon Nostrade ("Hunter x Hunter"), if you know how brutal the world of Hunter x Hunter, you would know that a cute girl would simply not just exist within that realm, and Saki Miyanaga (the titular character of "Saki"), she comes off as boyish and unsophisticated, but she's actually a mahjong genius! Incredible and moving performance in "Nanoha A's"!
Asami Sanada as Vita, notable roles:
* Kazuki Kazusano, Amaenaide yo!! ("Ah, My Buddha")
* Kurumi Tokisaki, Data A Live ✅ ✅ ✅
* Di Gi Charat, Di Gi Charat ✅ ✅ ✅
* Louis Fort Drake, Ginga Tetsudō Monogatari ✅
* Sawako Yamanaka, K-On!! ✅ ✅ ✅
* Mari Nishino, Kono Minikuku mo Utsukushii Sekai ("This Ugly Yet Beautiful World")
* Chizuko Ōe, Mahoromatic ✅
* Vita, Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha (series) ✅ ✅ ✅
* Kanako Miyamae, Maria†Holic ✅ ✅ ✅
* Reisuke Hōjō ("Fifth"), Mirai Nikki ✅
* Ai Kamui, Mutekiō Tri-Zenon
* Shiina Tamai, Narutaru: Mukuro Naru Hoshi Tama Taru Ko ✅
* Jun Sakurada, Rozen Maiden (series) ✅ ✅ ✅
* Matoi Tsunetsuki, Sayonara Zetsubō Sensei ✅✅
* Jay, Wonderful Days
Commentary: Vita has been in my favorite character list on the @EggheadLuna "MyAnimeList" profile page, since its conception, so warning: I am very partial towards this character and her seiyū! Ms. Sanada portrays this character as a spitfire that is slightly tsundere in her affection towards Hayate, I would compare the performance to Ms. Sanada's roles as Sawako Yamanaka ("K-On!!") and Kanako Miyamae ("Maria†Holic"), both are very excitable and fiery, though Ms. Yamanaka's flame is hidden for a large portion of the show, because she has to at least PRETEND to be a professional in the field of teaching and as the girl's club advisor! It's kind of funny, too, because Sawako was my favorite girl, other than Ui, from "K-On!!" — I picked Mugi as my favorite out of the main cast, but in all actuality, I found the side characters much more interesting! Very talented voice actress, every role that is in enthralls me, regardless of how serious the character is!
Kaori Shimizu as Signum, notable roles:
* Alice Hayashi, Ａ・ＬＩ・ＣＥ
* Kumi Kawamura, Alien 9 ✅
* Boogiepop and Tōka Miyashita, Boogiepop wa Warawanai ("Boogiepop Phantom") ✅✅
* Nozomi Daichi, Chikyū Bōei Kazoku
* Kuon Ginga, Gokujō Seitokai
* Chihaya Kisaragi, iDOLM@STER Xenoglossia —stand-in for Asami Imai
* Noriko Nijō, Maria-sama ga Miteru ✅✅
* Nonoha Itō, Phi Brain: Kami no Puzzle
* Akira Takano, School Rumble
* Ekuryua Naurh, Seikai no Senki ("Crest of the Stars") ✅
* Sylphid, Sentō Yōsei Shōjo Tasukete! Mave-chan
* Lain Iwakura, Serial Experiments Lain ✅✅✅
* Lō Rōx, Shinkon Gattai Godannar!!
* Yuko Miyabe, Strange Dawn
* Shizuha Doi, Stratos 4
* Lamia Loveless, Super Robot Taisen OG the Animation
Commentary: Signum is the "Saber" (from "Fate/stay night") in Nanoha's expansive universe, she's so forbearing and knightly! It's kind of funny that she voices both Tōka Miyashita ("Boogiepop") in "Boogiepop Phantom" and Lain Iwakura in "Serial Experiments Lain" — she's like the queen of stoicism! Ms. Shimizu did a nice job acting as this character, she seems to be very good at those types of performances!
Ryōka Yuzuki as Shamal, notable roles:
* Minagi Tōno, Air
* Tokiko Tsumura, Busō Renkin
* Yukino Sakurai, Candy Boy
* Takako Shimizu, Chobits ✅✅✅
* Satsuki Kiryūin, Kill la Kill ✅✅✅
* Ino Yamanaka, Naruto ✅✅
* Tetsuko, Oh! Super Milk-chan, localized as "The Super Milk-Chan Show" ✅
* Charlotte Hazelrink, Princess Lover!
* Cattleya, Queen's Blade ✅
* Marie, Sister Princess
* Akio Fudō, Trinity Seven
* Erurū, Utawarerumono ✅✅✅
* Arashi Kishu, X (TV) ✅✅
* Shizuka Hiratsuka, Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Comedy wa Machigatteiru, localized as "My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU" ✅✅✅
Commentary: Ms. Yuzuki is very talented at portraying anime girls that have traditionally demure, bishōjo-like temperaments! I would compare her performance in "Nanoha A's" to Erurū ("Utawarerumono") and Cattleya ("Queen's Blade"), because she plays a more subdued and effeminate character! Great work!
Kazuya Ichijo as Zafila, notable roles:
* Fō Lafine, B'tX (series)
* Ritsuro Yoshinari, Boku wa Konomama Kaeranai ("I Shall Never Return")
* Raō, DD Hokuto no Ken (2013) ✅✅
* Greyfass, Jūsenshi Gulkeeva
* Jin Ōya, Kirameki☆Project
* Shirō Amakasu, Me gumi no Daigo: Kajiba no Baka Yarō
* Machahiko Kondō, Sexy Commando Side Story: Amazing! Masaru
* Ken Masters, Street Fighter Zero the Animation
* Hiroyuki Fujita, To Heart ✅
* Motomi, Togainu no Chi ("Blood of the Reprimanded Dog")
Commentary: Mr. Ichijo's filmography is interesting, he received acclaim for his role as Hiroyuki Fujita in the original "To Heart" and then most of his other roles are either archetypal bishōnen characters or parts in shōnen-ai (or yaoi) OVAs! That is a strange plot progression, if I've ever seen one! The character of Zafila has the least amount of presence or spoken lines, out of the Belkan Knights, but his character still comes across as extremely caring and sympathetic towards Hayate's struggles! Great job!
Sanae Kobayashi as Reinforce I, notable roles:
* Pi, .hack//GU
* Mai Minase, .hack//Liminality
* Shamrock, .hack//Quantum
* Ennis, Baccano!
* Tōne Requiem, Bōkyaku no Senritsu ("The Melody of Oblivion") ✅✅
* Cha-Che, Buzzer Beater
* Allen Walker, D. Gray Man ✅
* Suzanna Bluestein, Divergence Eve ✅✅
* Namie Yagiri, Durarara!!
* Asuka Atsukawa, E's Otherwise ✅
* Lucy, Elfen Lied ✅
* Justeaze Lizrich von Einzbern, Fate/Aprocrypha ✅✅
* Ao, Freedom
* Maya Kitajima, Glass no Kamen (2005) ✅✅✅
* Kitten, Gravity Daze the Animation
* Kumi Mashiba, Hajime no Ippo
* Rahzel Anadis, Hatenkō Yūgi
* Akira Tōya, Hikaru no Go ✅✅✅
* Satsuki Kitaōji, Ichigo 100%
* Miyuki Tanokura, Kaze no Youjinbō
* Ogin, Kyōgoku Natsuhiko: Kōsetsu Hyaku Monogatari
* Catherine Glass, Macross Frontier ✅✅✅
* Sara Nome, Macross Zero
* Madlax, Madlax
* Madara and Reiko Natsume, Natsume Yūjinchō ✅✅✅
* Kiyori Miki, Nodame Cantabile
* Kotaru, Papuwa
* Yuzuriha Crane, Saint Seiya: The Lost Canvas ✅✅
* Chun Hyang, Shin Angyo Onshi
* Yakumo Yūrakutei (child ver.), Shōwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjū ✅✅✅
* Christopher Thorndyke, Sonic X
* Kanon Memphis, Sōkyū no Fafner: Dead Aggressor ✅
* Reika Ko, Sōsei no Aquarion
* Ilia Silvestri, Star Ocean: Anamnesis
* Physis, Terra e... (TV) ✅✅✅
* Lilith, Yami to Bōshi to Hon no Tabibito ✅✅
* Asuka Tenjōin, Yū-Gi-Ō! Duel Monsters GX ✅
Commentary: Ms. Kobayashi is an unsung talent in the industry, many of her roles are downright incredible, and her role as Reinforce I doesn't detract from that title! "Nanoha A's" (TV) has very a choppy, children's show-type of aesthetic, but Reinforce's harrowing performance had me glued to the screen! She is an incredibly strong character, with a great voice! I would compare the character to Reiko Natsume ("Natsume Yūjinchō"), because Reinforce I is also a misanthrope, that is distrusting towards humans... and Yakumo Yūrakutei (child ver.) in "Shōwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjū"... another pensive character, that has his heart closed off! Absolutely amazing job with the character!
Yukana as Reinforce II, notable roles:
* Yuri Tanima, Ai Tenshi Densetsu Wedding Peach
* Mina Nakanotani, Air Master ✅ ✅
* Ai Nanasaki, Amagami SS
* Mayumi Kino, Ao no 6-gō ("Blue Submarine No. 6") ✅ ✅
* Kongō, Aoki Hagane no Arpeggio: Ars Nova ✅ ✅
* Azusa Noyami, Azuki-chan
* Aki Hino, Bakegyamon
* Rinslet Walker, Black Cat (TV)
* Měilíng Lǐ, Cardcaptor Sakura ✅ ✅
* Kotoko, Chobits ✅ ✅
* Chocolat Aikawa, Chocolat no Mahō
* C2 ("C.C."), Code Geass ✅ ✅
* Eriko Nanao, Dragon Crisis
* Teletha Testarossa, Full Metal Panic! ✅ ✅
* Honoka Yukishiro, Futari wa PreCure ✅ ✅
* Kanako Ōno, Genshiken ✅ ✅
* Tama, Gugure! Kokkuri-san ✅ ✅
* Big Sister, Halo Legends
* Fuyumi Irisu, Hyōka ✅ ✅
* Kanna, InuYasha ✅ ✅
* Cecilia Alcott, IS: Infinite Stratos ✅ ✅ ✅
* Reinforce II, Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha A's ✅ ✅ ✅
* Mashiro Blan de Windbloom, Mai-Otome
* Four Murasume, Kidō Senshi Zeta Gundam: A New Translation ✅ ✅ ✅
* Mirai Ozora, Moldiver
* Mika, Otogi Story Tenshi no Shippo
* Amane, Phantom of the Kill: Zero kara no Hangyaku
* Shia, Pita Ten
* Selma Scheele, Power Dolls
* Mica Minzuki, Rakushō! Hyper Doll
* Gemini Paradox and Integra, Saint Seiya Omega ✅ ✅
* Chinori, Sci-Fi Harry ✅
* Kazehana, Sekirei
* Mirai Kaname, Shin Megami Tensei Devil Children
* Takane Shishidō, Sora wo Kakeru Shōjo
* Tear Grants, Tales of the Abyss ✅
* Natsumi Hayamiya, Tetsuwan Birdy
* Felicia, Vampire Hunter
* Kūgen Tenko, Wagaya no Oinari-sama.
* Yuzuriha Nekoi, X/1999 ✅ ✅
Commentary: Reinforce II isn't really a character until the very end of "Nanoha A's" but, Yukana did a wonderful job at making her cute and perky, departing from her initial cynicism and becoming a reformed character! Great seiyū!
To conclude my review, I think that "Nanoha A's" has the strongest narrative in the series, though the film didn't quite surpass the TV series like the film version of the first season did! Without the "Nanoha A's" story in the continuity of the franchise, I don't think I would be as attached to the characters, to the degree that I am. If you've watched the first series or first FILM, "A's" is an essential watching experience! I give "Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha A's" (TV) a 7/10 and "Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha A's: The Movie 2nd" a 7/10, as well.
Rankings:
Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha A's ★★★★☆
Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha A's: The Movie 2nd ★★★★☆
