Though manga readers can surmise what happens during the Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card
Prologue OVA – the likes of which I got a chance to see at Anime Expo this year – this first anime episode in the franchise in over 20 years is, without a doubt, worthy of your time.
From the outset, this prologue set to give a glimpse of the next Cardcaptor installment captures the same charm and innocence that made the original series so special. Though the scenario is helmed by a different staff, it's obvious that the minds behind Prologue are well-versed with the style and animation of the original, preserving the same feel that fans first got to experience two decades ago.
The returning cast of characters all look and sound the same in their native Japanese language, and the story picks up almost immediately after the point in which the series last left off (which I won't go into detail for the sake of not spoiling anyone who has yet to jump in on all the Sakura goodness). Needless to say, the continuity is kept so well that it's hard to realize there's been a huge gap of time in the first place.
Speaking of story, Prologue's self-contained narrative is cute, sweet, and a blissful reminder of why so many love the series even to this day. Witnessing Sakura deal with the problems and feelings of budding adolescence is a gentle reminder of our own more innocent days and is sure to bring a smile across everyone's face.
Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card
Prologue's producer stated that the main reason why CLAMP was bringing back the franchise was to introduce Sakura to a new generation of young adults. The anime adaptation does exactly what it sets out to accomplish, all the while giving long-time fans even more incentive to love their favorite magical girl.