The original is pretty mediocre on pretty much all aspects and besides its movie i wouldn't really recommend any of it. THIS on the other hand has a lot of potential, it establishes the world and conflict quite well, especially when it comes to the guardians. They have their own lives and their own conflicts outside of the Priestess, which is why initially most of them are reluctant to join Karin, or even downright reject her.
From the very beginning Karin isn't babied because she's the priestess, she's instantly faced with the difficulty and responsibility of being the Priestess of the white dragon, also with all the political and social consequences that entails. The feeling of isolation and loneliness makes Karin very likable as a heroine from the get-go, as well her modern way of being (such as playing ball with the nobles, something unheard of for a lady to do at the time).
One thing I don't understand though is why the change of character design and names when it's obvious who is supposed to be who from the 2004 version. Like seriously, ThErE'S sO LiTtLe ReSeMbLaNcE IT'S AMAZING! *obviously sarcastic*
I can't treat it as a sequel either despite the "2" in the title since it's basically the same thing, just an alternate setting of events. I guess that's exactly what it is and the designs were changed in order to maybe, either differentiate it from the original to make an entirely new experience, or maybe they thought it'd have been more marketable to introduce more bishies than keep the original cast...I wouldn't know tho. xD
Still...very good. I wish it were an actual series
