Saiyuki RELOAD - burial - is a three-episode OVA that takes viewers back to the time before the story of Gensomaden Saiyuki began. For hardcore fans of the Saiyuki series, this installment is a crucial puzzle piece that unravels the background of the complex relationships among the main characters, especially the painful and beautiful past of Sanzo, Goku, and Master Komyo.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
This OVA takes place before the events of Gensomaden Saiyuki, focusing on Genjō Sanzō (known as Sanzo) as a young man and his master Kōmyō Sanzō, as well as the first meeting between Sanzo and Son Goku, a child bound by a spell on his forehead with immense power and lost memories. It also reveals the backgrounds of Sha Gojyo and Cho Hakkai before they became travel companions. Despite being only 3 episodes, the content is packed with drama, battles, and questions about predetermined fate.
Performance and Characters
All voice actors performed excellently, especially Mitsuru Miyamoto as Komyo, who conveys both compassion and sorrow deeply, while Katsumi Toriumi voices young Sanzo with harshness yet hidden vulnerability. Soichiro Hoshi gives Goku an innocent and endearing voice. New characters appearing in this OVA are well-developed and enrich the world of Saiyuki.
Direction, Visuals, and Music
The visuals faithfully maintain the style of the Saiyuki series with sharp lines and fluid action scenes. Although produced in 2007, the quality of the artwork and animation remains high. The music composed by Daisuke Ikeda and Kōtarō Nakagawa creates an atmosphere that is both tense and touching, especially the soundtrack in key scenes that enhances the emotions effectively.
Editorial Analysis
From the editorial perspective, Saiyuki RELOAD - burial - is not just a prequel that fills gaps in the main story, but a testament that the Saiyuki series can convey themes of 'forgiveness' and 'acceptance of the past' powerfully. Although short, every minute is valuable, especially in taking viewers to explore the hearts of characters who seem strong but are fragile from past wounds. The concise and focused storytelling makes this OVA stand out from other installments in terms of emotional impact.
Verdict
<p>For die-hard fans of Saiyuki, <strong>Saiyuki RELOAD - burial -</strong> is an essential work because it fills the gaps in the story and adds depth to the characters. For those who haven't watched the main series, it might be better to start with Gensomaden Saiyuki to understand the context. But if you love storytelling that focuses on the inner conflicts of characters, this OVA will surely impress you.</p>
👍 Pros
- +Intense story delving into key character backstories
- +Premium quality visuals and action
- +Powerful and emotional voice acting
👎 Cons
- −Only 3 episodes, which may leave fans wanting more
- −Requires prior knowledge of the Saiyuki series for deep understanding
Top Cast
FAQ
This 3-episode OVA is available on DVD and Blu-ray. Currently, it can be streamed on some platforms that offer classic anime.
This OVA is a prequel set before Gensomaden Saiyuki, focusing on the relationship between Sanzo and Master Komyo, including the first meeting with Goku.
It has a total of 3 episodes.
It is enjoyable and intense, especially for fans who want to know the backgrounds of the main characters. The drama and action are well-balanced.
