Another day, another evil force sealed ages ago by the forces of good is about to be awakened. Now I still wonder why the forces of good just can't get the job done right the first time?
The plot this time is the "evil" Seigfried von Mittgard, leading a pack of Neo-Nazis from a German castle, is set to complete an ancient prophecy and become "The Regent of Darkness." One of the keys required is a mystical Dragon Orb. A mysterious warrior is set upon reaching the Orb before the Nazis, and the Buddhist protectors of the Orb are not about to let any outsider take it from their temple. All this, and a young apprentice priest becomes a target of evil forces, trying to prevent him from discovering his true power.
Perhaps this is not the most original of premises, but PEACOCK KING is another foray into the supernatural action/adventure genre.
The animation style is definitely indicative of Mad House, the animation studio responsible for such shows as NINJA SCROLL (JUBEI NINPUUCHO) and WICKED CITY. The detailed character design of the heroes and villains, and the super human actions will be familiar to fans of their work. There is much more emphasis placed on action than erotic situations this time, however. The production values of this piece are relatively high as well, with the animation moving very smoothly.
The dubbing is adequate as a translation, but some character voices were not well cast and many parts lack proper emotion. The symphonic style music is very appropriate though.
My largest complaint with Peacock King however is the unbelievable nature of some of the plot situations. I often found myself questioning why, for instance, the evil forces could get away with certain actions (and after every scene, a zeppelin would appear from nowhere and whisk them away).
Overall, PEACOCK KING clocks in as a standard piece set to appease fans of supernatural situations. It certainly succeeds in this goal with lots of action and violence, powerful heroes and villians, and a dark, omnious setting. I can certainly suggest this to fans of the genre (like NINJA SCROLL or DOOMED MEGALOPOLIS) who want more in a similar vein will not be disappointed by PEACOCK KING. But newcomers might be better off with another title, because, as far as its story goes, it could have been better.

Peacock King: Spirit Warrior 1 ©1994 Ogino Makoto/Shueisha Inc./Pony Canyon/Pioneer LDC, Inc. English Subtitled version ©1997 Central Park Media Corporation Dubbed Catalog #: USM 1549 Approx. 49 minutes VHS Suggested Retail Price: $19.95 Available Now (US)