English Dub Review: Dark Moon: The Blood Altar “Waning Moon – Mortal Combat in Autonal”

Overview (Spoilers Below):
The boys arrive in Autonal in search of the sword, but a powerful enemy stands in their way!

Our Take:
The second chapter of the boys’ rescue mission sees them heading to their next destination, the city of Autonal.  Since we’re close to the end of the season, we can expect a lot more obstacles and surprises for the vampiric boys and even the werewolf gang to confront.  Unfortunately, despite the episode’s title having the phrase “Mortal Combat”, we shouldn’t expect any cameos from the hit video game franchise to appear like Raiden or Shao Khan.  It’s a shame, too, as that would’ve been a perfect opportunity to promote the upcoming sequel to the recent “Mortal Kombat” film adaptation.  However, that doesn’t mean there’s less bloodshed to be had in this episode, as Heli and the others battle the formidable vampire sisters, Trisha and Trena, whose mind control abilities put them at a deadly disadvantage.
Given the circumstances of the boys staring death in the face, this episode would’ve been bold enough to kill off some, if not most of the friends who have stayed by Heli’s side since day one.  However, thanks to Sooha’s powers, Heli and the boys survive to fight another day or, in this case, night, since the ritual is close to happening.  Fortunately, that didn’t mean the stakes of their latest battle against a vampire were any less engaging, as the characters’ depth from previous episodes made me care about their survival.  With the showdown between Heli and Dardan finally upon us, the final episodes would definitely have to provide a convincing enough bite to conclude this surprisingly enjoyable anime on a high note.