In these final four episodes, the saga of Vash the Stampede builds to the climactic confrontation between Vash and his vicious twin, Knives. Director Satoshi Nishimura and writer Yosuke Kuroda also sort out the fates of the other characters: gun-toting preacher Nicholas V. Wolfwood reveals a surprising past; sorrow gives Milly an unexpected strength, shifting the balance between her and Meryl. Vash also has to deal with the last of the Gung-Ho Guns, including Legato Bluesummers. These confrontations involve some agonizing decisions, and voice actor Johnny Yong Bosh articulates Vash's suffering in an exceptional performance. Before the final face-off, the filmmakers show some of the backstory of Vash and Knives, which they began to explore in episode 17. But Nishimura and Kuroda fail to supply some important information: it's been clear all along that Vash isn't human, but what is he? Trigun ends on an upbeat note that will please its many fans, despite the unanswered questions. Apparently no one expected the series to become so popular when it hit the states in 2000; there's already talk of additional episodes or a feature. Sometimes comic and kooky, sometimes gentle and earnest, Vash stands out as one of the most appealing and individual characters in recent anime. It seems unlikely that the artists would end the adventures of a figure with so much potential--and so many fans. Rated 13 and up for violence and mild profanity. --Charles Solomon
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