Saiyuuki Reload: Burial

Before watching Saiyuki Burial, I suggest you at least watch Gensoumaden Saiyuki or be up to speed on the manga. It may be a prequel to the series, but it is always good to have some insight on the characters.

And if you've seen the other three seasons, then don't go into Burial expecting the light-heartedness and filler that the other seasons were. Burial is very dark, and the light moments are very scarce.

Also, SHOUNEN AI hints. Nothing too bad, but it's definitely noticeable.

Story: The regular story of Saiyuki is based on Xi You Ji -- or, Journey to the West, as known ... in English. It is an ancient Chinese folktale about a monk, a Kappa [water sprite], a pig demon, and the monkey king going on a journey to India to stop the evil Gyumao.

Saiyuki Burial is the prequel to Gensoumaden Saiyuki, and focuses on how all of the characters met each other, and their relationships.The first OVA focuses on Genjyo Sanzo, the priest in question, as a child. His adoptive father meets a young priest named Ken'yuu that is trying to become a Sanzo Priest (As Sanzo is the title of the highest ranking priest).

The second OVA focuses on a grown-up version of Sanzo, and how he is hearing a mysterious "voice" calling him. He follows the voice to a mysterious mountain far, far away that all of the villagers say that there is, supposedly, a monster sealed up there.

The third, and final OVA, deals with Hakkai and Gojyo. Hakkai is known as a "sinner" for reasons I won't explain, and Gojyo is a half-breed; half demon, and half human. He has crimson hair and eyes, as all halfbreeds do. He finds an injured Hakkai on the road and takes him in. Then, a year later, an old room mate named Banri appeares....

Art: Compared to Gensoumaden, Reload, and Gunlock, the art was beautiful. I really enjoyed it, especially the shading. It took me by complete surprise.

Sound: I enjoyed the opening song; it fit the theme of the show very well. It was very eerie and it really set my hopes high for the show. The music was eerie when it needed to be, and it helped set the theme of the show.

Enjoyment: I've loved these characters for a long time, and although I read OVA2 and OVA3 in the manga, I enjoyed it very much. I always thought it was such a shame that the art was awful in Gesoumaden (Due to its age; it's rather old), and it really didn't do the characters justice. I enjoyed learning about Ken'yuu and how he knew Koumyou (As it was hinted throughout the previous seasons), and little Goku tagging along after Sanzo like a lost puppy was just too adorable NOT to love. Hakkai being jealous over Banri was adorable, too.

Overall: Overall, I enjoyed these OVAs and I'm hoping that they will redo Gensoumaden in this art style. I enjoyed re-connecting with the characters and I DEFINITELY recommend this to any Saiyuki fan. After all, kid!Goku is FAR too cute to pass up. :]

It has been a while since I've watched the Saiyuki foursome so I wanted to start over and get an overview of how they came together...

Main Characters: Genjo Sanzo, Son Goku, Cho Hakkai, Sha Gojyo

Story: 8/10 - since this will basically be an "introduction" before the Journey to the West, i believe that they did a pretty good job... i must admit i got confused at first since the Sanzos kinda looked the same and the names are pretty difficult to remember (with all those Sha-Cho-Kyo)... i would've liked it better if it was extended to at least 5 episodes... the Genjo Chapter was very ... detailed... it really focused on our blonde priest and his backgound... I was still moved by the Son Goku Chapter and i actually pitied the poor 'lil monkey... the Hakkai and Gojyo Chapter was rushed, unfortunately...

Art: 7/10 - this was too sharp for my taste since i did not particularly like the long faces... the most weird part for me is that Gojyo's eyes can be seen behind his red/purple hair... also, characters kinda looked the same... where's the originality?

Sound: 6/10 - i'll give this a 6... i did not like the OP/ED songs... BG music is just okay, if there was one...

Characters: 8/10 - loved the character development for Genjo and Goku... i wished they could have done the same with Hakkai and Gojyo... though, if my memory serves me right, Hakkai's story will be in JttW so i guess that would make it redundant... i like the Genjo-Goku "father and son" relationship... i've always wanted to see Hakkai fight w/o his limiters but i was disappointed again... Gojyo for me is still the weakest of them all and he is my least favorite...

Enjoyment/Overall: 8/10 - after i was done wrapping my head around the priests' names, the faces, and all, i actually enjoyed watching Saiyuki again...

Not really sure if I would be recommending this to people who haven't heard of JttW... I guess for the Saiyuki fans, yes... maybe for those interested in seeing a gun-totting priest and his 3 youkai friends, then by all means, pick this up since it will give a new light to the JttW TV series... :)