I’m a Huge anime fan. Purchasing this & Last Exile (1st series), after discovering the 'Vanship’ – a gorgeous type of flying vehicle, whilst net surfing modelling sites (also an avid modeller !). This series is a 'sequel’ of sorts, set within the same world as the original . However, having seen both series back to back (enjoying both immensely), it could be viewed without knowing what came before. This story and it’s characters are unique enough to stand on their own, and the mix of traditional hand drawn & computer generated animation is once again beautifully executed . Fingers crossed that the film makers are planning to release more stories from this world soon !