Banner of the Stars I
Synopsis
At the end of Crest of the Stars was a sneak peak into Banner of the Stars. Sporh is promoted to Admiral of the First Fleet of the Abh Star Forces. Jinto finishes his schooling and achieves the rank of supply officer, while Lafiel is now the commander of the assault ship Barsroil. The war that was started in year 952 with a surprise attack by the United Mankind is full underway as both sides mobilize their strength.
Review
Based on the novels by Hiroyuki Morioka, Seikai no Senki (Banner the Stars I, Banner of the Stars I, even Battle Flag of the Stars I) takes place three years after the events of Crest of the Stars. The Barsroil, consisting of crew without any battle experience, is famous for a strange reason: the presence of two nobles on a ship at the same time. One is Captain Abrial Nei Dobrusk Baron Paryunu Lafiel (how’s that for a title), the princess of Abh. The other is Lin Syonu Rock Prince of Hyde, Jinto. Banner of the Stars is a suitable title for the sequel. A banner is a flag, some piece of cloth, used by a monarch or commander in wartime. Lafiel possesses both qualities, is captain and in line to be empress one day. Her banner is a hornet, which she hangs proudly on the bridge representing her ferocity and her relentlessness to sting the enemy. Her second banner is Jinto that she also carries wherever she goes, who symbolizes her compassionate and dignified side. Jinto is the only one who can refer to Lafiel by her first name, the only candidate who can cheer and restore confidence in her, the only person who can put her at ease.
The Breakdown
For completions sake, Banner of the Stars I is worth the investment. Some sequels like Slayers Next and Slayers Try do a remarkable job. Banner doesn’t quite do that.