The emotional strain is nothing when compared to the physical strain of the Witchblade, and it looks like Masane is fast approaching the end. Rapidly deteriorating, the farce of normal life continues as all plot and plan around her. Forces begin to gather by the thousands. The good news: Wado's been unseated and Takayama's taken charge. The bad news: This time the lives of everyone in Tokyo are at stake. High atop Tokyo Tower, a solitary soldier takes her place in the cruel history of the Witchblade...

Adapted from the hit Top Cow comic book series, that inspired the live-action TV show starring Yancy Butler, the animated Witchblade series relocates the action from present day New York to a near-future Tokyo, where a new bearer has been chosen to wield the awesome power of the Witchblade.

An ancient, supernatural, sentient weapon of unparalleled destructive force that also holds a seemingly limitless potential for protecting its bearer, the Witchblade has been coveted and sought throughout history by countless men eager to control it. But for reasons unknown, this fearsome artefact can only be bestowed upon a woman, chosen by the blade itself and one whose fate will forever be scarred by the burden of its power.

Volume 6 of Witchblade contains episodes 21-24 and sees the conclusion to the show:

Vow: Masane is recovering in hospital, but Takayama is told that she hasn't got long to live. Takayama goes back to Douji in order to find information that can help Masane’s condition. Masane awakens and discharges herself from hospital. She also tries, unsuccessfully, to remove the Witchblade. When she realises her battle is futile she vows to make sure that it's destroyed when she dies.

Inform: Masane has to somehow explain to Rihoko that she hasn't got long to live. Rihoko is already making big plans for their future, but how can Masane tell her that she won't be there to share them with her? Meanwhile Maria is making plans to grab the Witchblade for herself, and Wado also sends out several I-Weapons in order to capture the Witchblade.

Chaos: While thousands of malfunctioning I-Weapons head into the centre of Tokyo, Masane's friends find out, the hard way, Masane's secret.

Light: Tokyo Tower plays host to the showdown between Masane, Maria and Dohji.

Extras include Japanese Cast Interview - Voice of Maria (9 min, 32 sec interview with Nana Mizuki); 3 x Japanese TV Spots; Textless Songs; and trailers for other releases.

To be honest the last four episodes felt extremely stretched and some may feel that the ending is a little weak. While, on balance, this was a great show it's such a shame it didn't go out with more of a bang.

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Nick Smithson