Lost Universe - Union of Evil (Vol 5)

As Lost Universe approaches its climax, the series shifts from a picaresque comedy-adventure about a happy-go-lucky trio of characters to a blatant Star Wars clone. Trouble Contractor Kain Blueriver finds himself at the center of Nightmare's efforts to conquer the galaxy. (Although Lord Stargazer, the head of Nightmare, already possesses such vast resources that it's not clear what he stands to gain.) In dreams, Kain is tempted by the mysterious blond known only as "Yami o Makumono" ("Spreader of Darkness") to come over to the Dark Side, where his psychic powers will reach their fullest expression. Kain resists but is traumatized. Rail Claymore, his old friend in the Universal Guardians, seems to be playing both ends against the middle, as he steals a newly discovered Lost Ship. Nina, Rail's addled, adoring assistant, joins forces with Millie. There are numerous battles involving the Swordbreaker, the Lost Ships of Nightmare, and ordinary battleships, which seem as disposable as tiddlywinks. Despite the myriad explosions and computer-animated ships swooping through space, the pace of the story often drags. The drawn-out nightmare sequences never tell the viewer why Kain is so important in this galactic struggle between good and evil. Contains these episodes: 17. "Universal Guardians Explode," 18. "The Scoundrel Is Swept Away," 19. "Darkness Lures," 20. "Nightmare Prevails," 21. "Field of the Burns." Unrated; suitable for ages 10 and up; grotesque imagery and violence. --Charles Solomon