The new story arc ushers in new dangers, new threats to the peace in the world and the happiness Kaito and Lucia have only just found.

If this were an anime series, volume 5 of Pichi Pitch would be the beginning of the new season. The chapters are even referred to as episodes in the book. Kaito, after discovering he is a prince and twin to Gackto, has come to terms with his life and his love for the mermaid who saved him those many years ago, princess Lucia. Yet their happiness is not meant to last. Lucia is plagued by disturbing dreams of Sara and a young mermaid named Seira who is destined to be the new orange pearl mermaid. The fragments of her heart are missing and now it’s up to Lucia to find them and save the girl from the evil lurking in the shadows. But a more personal nightmare arises when Kaito goes missing and when he returns, has no memory of Lucia or of who he truly is! Can Lucia save the world and regain Kaito’s love? This may be more than an even the brave princess of the sea can handle!

This is shoujo adventures at its best. Very much in line with such tales of heroines and action series as Sailor Moon, you have Lucia, a mermaid princess, fighting to protect the world from various attacks from the new villain, Michel. Curiously enough, the new girl in Kaito’s life is named Michal, and her handsome older brother Rihito, keeps crossing paths with Lucia. It would seem that with this new story arc, new love interests (rivals) have entered in the picture for both Kaito and Lucia.

The new and varied enemies are just as interesting. They seem to be from the element of wind versus Lucia and the mermaid princesses who are the element of water. These new foes have some very nice designs, creative and interesting, sporting different kinds of wings depending on the character. For example, one has the wings of a demon or bat while another has beautiful butterfly wings. The new characters and challenges are a great start to the new story arc and promises an exciting new story for fans.

The art work remains at a high standard for a shoujo series. The manga overall in this volume holds some more mature content than previous ones, with the relationship between Kaito and Lucia heating up quite a bit at the beginning, and later a desperate move by Michal has her undressing at an unexpected moment. It shows the characters growing up and evolving to a more adult level, but the series still retains the softness and gentle heart of the first arc.

Manga extras include translation notes, a preview of volume 6 in the original Japanese, and a chart with which to figure out which mermaid you are most like and then read the astrology-like write up on that mermaid.

IN SUMMARY:
Pichi Pichi Pitch volume 5 delivers readers a new exciting story. There are new dangers, new enemies and a threat to Kaito and Lucia’s blossoming love and peace in the world. This will most definitely appeal to fans of Sailor Moon. Don’t miss out on one of the most exciting series of a Sailor Moon nature, especially if you’ve loved Disney’s The Little Mermaid.