, also known as ''Saber Marionette J: Plasmastic Crisis'' or ''Saber Marionette J+'', is the 1997

sequel A sequel is a work of literature, film, theatre, television, music or video game that continues the story of, or expands upon, some earlier work. In the common context of a narrative work of fiction, a sequel portrays events set in the same ...

to the 1996 Japanese

anime is hand-drawn and computer-generated animation originating from Japan. Outside of Japan and in English, ''anime'' refers specifically to animation produced in Japan. However, in Japan and in Japanese, (a term derived from a shortening of ...

series '' Saber Marionette J''. It is a six episode

OVA , abbreviated as OVA and sometimes as OAV (original animation video), are Japanese animated films and series made specially for release in home video formats without prior showings on television or in theaters, though the first part of an OVA s ...

which continues the story of its predecessor, following the eventful life of Otaru Mamiya and his three marionettes Lime, Cherry and Bloodberry.

Plot

The

war War is an intense armed conflict between states, governments, societies, or paramilitary groups such as mercenaries, insurgents, and militias. It is generally characterized by extreme violence, destruction, and mortality, using regular o ...

with Gartland has officially ended, and Terra II has returned to a state of serenity. Otaru and his marionettes have reunited under the same roof and are living a relaxed, uninterrupted life. Penitent for mistreating his Saber Dolls during his reign, Gelhardt von Faust requests through a letter that he would like Tiger, Panther and Luchs to live with Otaru to improve their etiquette and culinary skills. Initially the idea is a controversial one, but they all learn to accept each other as companions and settle in a coexistence. The following day an unidentified

thief Theft is the act of taking another person's property or services without that person's permission or consent with the intent to deprive the rightful owner of it. The word ''theft'' is also used as a synonym or informal shorthand term for some ...

, locally

nicknamed A nickname is a substitute for the proper name of a familiar person, place or thing. Commonly used to express affection, a form of endearment, and sometimes amusement, it can also be used to express defamation of character. As a concept, it is ...

"The Whirlwind Bandit", is found to be responsible for multiple thefts around the Japoness area. This stealthy

kleptomaniac Kleptomania is the inability to resist the urge to steal items, usually for reasons other than personal use or financial gain. First described in 1816, kleptomania is classified in psychiatry as an impulse control disorder. Some of the main ch ...

turns out to be a marionette by the name, or model number, NSM-X1. Following a brief confrontation with her, Lime's benevolence uplifts the marionette and her personality changes to a more friendly, obsequious one. This convinces Lime that she has a good heart. Her introduction to the group begins roughly, but having returned stolen property and feeling remorse, she is befriended, unanimously being given the name "Marine". Marine acclimates with her new lifestyle, but suddenly develops androphobia. Concerned about her unusual fear, the group take Marine to Lorelei who

diagnoses Diagnosis is the identification of the nature and cause of a certain phenomenon. Diagnosis is used in many different disciplines, with variations in the use of logic, analytics, and experience, to determine "cause and effect". In systems enginee ...

her behavior as the effects of

puberty Puberty is the process of physical changes through which a child's body matures into an adult body capable of sexual reproduction. It is initiated by hormonal signals from the brain to the gonads: the ovaries in a girl, the testes in a bo ...

. This has an inscrutable effect on Lime, who soon begins to exhibit a similar uneasiness around Otaru. Later in the day, things only intensify as Otaru accidentally trips into Lime and incidentally kisses her in the process. Marine goes on a rampage from seeing this and shockingly generates a plasma storm. Otaru rushes to tackle Marine to protect her from under a lightning strike and it is this courage that leads her to appreciate him. Throughout the day Marine's proficient ability to multitask (chop the wood, set up the restaurant) irritates Lime, who is criticized for being lazy. In an attempt to show Marine up in front of Luchs, Lime attends a trip to dig up edible bamboo shoots. During their stay in the fields, they encounter a polymorphic cyborg hell-bent on killing Marine. Lime and the other marionettes combat the cyborg, but their efforts are fruitless. Enraged at the creature, Marine incinerates it with plasma energy, overheating herself. The marionettes are brought to castle Japoness for recovery and it is there that Lorelei finds three maiden circuits within Marine. Just as the discovery is made, multiple cyborgs infiltrate the establishment. Outnumbered, Otaru, along with Lorelei, are taken hostage with Marine as the ransom. Lime and the others refuse to hand her over, and instead decide to fight back. Their efforts work, but with a midnight payment deadline, they rush to save Otaru and Lorelei. They are late, and the remaining cyborgs assimilate to form a hideous flower-like monstrosity which lassos the marionettes. Faust angrily attempts to kill it himself, but is caught off-guard and beaten. He screams in pain and this immediately awakens a now infuriated Tiger who roars to the top blasting the monster off of Faust. With Marine's help, the two manage to kill it. Just as things begin to settle down, the entire planet of Terra II begins to split and a powerful plasma storm is generated. Otaru attends a meeting at the castle to discuss a disastrous future event. Faust reveals that every 80,000 years a catastrophic plasma storm develops with strength enough to destroy the planet. Additionally, Otaru learns that Marine is a prototypical saber marionette, developed by New Texas to have a tolerance to plasma and utilize it as a weapon. However, because of overlooked design flaws, these features greatly overpower her and death is certain if she continues to mature. Otaru realizes what that means and refuses to sacrifice her to save the planet. Unbeknown to them, Marine eavesdropped on the conversation and now understands, and wishes to fulfill, her existence. Lime is particularly against this and rushes off to save her friend in the newly developed plasma-defusing experimental vessel. Despite incredible speed and strength, she fails to arrive in time; Marine has already absorbed most of the energy and is ready to defuse it herself. This proves to be gravely damaging, with Lime being the only conscious survivor of the two. Marine is taken to the castle for recovery and repairs; Lorelei promises to fix her. The group departs from their visit but not before Lime leans a conch shell next to Marine's ear, reiterating their promise of one day, visiting the sea together.

Cast

Music

*Episode 1 Opening: ''"Sakaseruze! Dokyo-bana"'' (Performed by

Yuka Imai is a Japanese former voice actress who was previously represented by Gekidan Moonlight and by Atomic Monkey at the time of her retirement. She was born in Atami, Shizuoka. On August 30, 2018, she announced her retirement from voice acting, whic ...

) *Episode 1 Ending / 2 - 6 Opening: ''"Hesitation"'' (Performed by

Megumi Hayashibara is a Japanese voice actress, singer, lyricist and radio personality from Kita ward in Tokyo and is affiliated with self-founded Woodpark Office. One of the most prominent Japanese voice actresses since the 1990s, Hayashibara is best known for ...

) *Episode 2 Ending: ''"Mamotte Ageru"'' (Performed by

Akiko Hiramatsu is a Japanese voice actress affiliated with Ken Production.Doi, Hitoshi.Hiramatsu Akiko. ''Seiyuu Database''. June 11, 2010. Accessed June 28, 2010. Filmography Anime OVA Movies Video Games Dubbing *'' Bootmen'' (Linda ( Sophie Lee)) *' ...

) *Episode 3 Ending: ''"Heart Break Down"'' (Performed by

Yuri Shiratori Yuri may refer to: People and fictional characters Given name *Yuri (Slavic name), the Slavic masculine form of the given name George, including a list of people with the given name Yuri, Yury, etc. * Yuri (Japanese name), also Yūri, feminine Ja ...

) *Episode 4 Ending: ''"Kage Ni Nare"'' (Performed by Ai Orikasa) *Episode 5 Ending: ''"Kazeno Uta Wo Kikinagara"'' (Performed by

Urara Takano , known by her stage name is a Japanese actress, voice actress and narrator from Togane, Chiba. She is currently affiliated with and representative of REMAX. Her most prominent role has been in the '' Sakura Wars'' video game franchise, where s ...

) *Episode 6 Ending: ''"I'll be there (Ballad Version)"'' (Performed by

)

Episode list

#Everyone's Happy (November 25, 1997) #The Beautiful Marin Blue (December 18, 1997) #Suddenly, a Love Comedy (January 25, 1998) #The Silent Assassin (February 25, 1998) #Time of the Heart's Awakening (May 25, 1998) #Return to the Sea (June 25, 1998)

References

External links