Anime Reviews

Planetes

For those looking for true Science Fiction, without giant robots or magical powers, you should definitely try Planetes. Focussing on a large company in Earth orbit in a future where space is being used for it’s wide resources the series follows a small division of the company called Debris Section. The job of these astronauts is to clear left over junk, no matter how big or small, from past accidents and satellites in space. Though looked down upon by their superiors, Debris Section knows that they are the most important part of their company because in space even a small screw can cause a catastrophe.
People who are interested in NASA and the space programs all over the world will love Planetes. They are historically and scientifically accurate throughout the series. The interactions of the characters is also written well enough that you get a fun, entertaining story on top of the well animated beauty of space. There are six volumes in the series and they are all available for rent and good for all ages.

Ah! My Goddess TV

If you loved the Ah! My Goddess OVA from the early 90s as much as I did, then you will surely love this TV series which stays closer to the manga. This story is classic in the world of anime, loser boy meets perfect girl who, after a few hiccups, stays with him and loves him forever. The character designs have been lightly updated for more current tastes, but all your favourite characters are still here, Belldandy, Urd, Skuld and Keiichi, plus new characters that didn’t make the cut from the first anime! The first season is completed, it contains six discs, and the second season should be released fully by 2008. A far cry from the original VHS series, this story has more character development and more of what this story is all about, Keiichi and Belldandy’s relationship growing from Goddess and wish holder to partners (through demon fights, possessions and wackiness!). This series is suitable for all ages and is a great romantic comedy. I recommend it for people who enjoyed Ranma 1/2, Inu Yasha, Chobits and Azumanga Daioh.

Midori Days

This is by far one of the strangest stories I have ever come across in my years of watching anime. Stranger than giant robots, weirder than a bath house for the gods, Midori Days is about the time a young girl spends as her crushes right hand. Not his metaphorical right hand, his actual right hand. One morning high schooler Seichi wakes up with a miniature young Midori as his right hand, and as you can expect wackiness ensues. It sounds very bizarre, but the stories are actually very sweet and hilariously funny. I will warn you, there is some nudity, as seen in the likes of Ranma 1/2, but it is all in good comedic fun.

Gankutsuo Count of Monte Cristo

Classic literature and high tech animation collide in this new scifi update of Alexander Dumas Count of Monte Cristo. Set in a future Paris when aristocracy again rules, the Count, rather than being a fugitive like in the book, is accused of being an alien, a vampire and an immortal mutated astronaut all within the first two volumes. We currently have volumes one through four for rent and it has a green dot rating. I would suggest this series to anyone who enjoys stories like the Count of Monte Cristo or Zorro and has liked Gonzos work in the past with series such as Blue Submarine and Last Exile.

Fullmetal Alchemist

We now have the first three volumes of the fantastic shonen series on the shelf for rent, and even though I call it shonen it has something for everyone. Based on the manga written by Hiromu Arakawa this two season series follows the lives of two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, as they try to restore what they lost when trying to bring their mother back from the dead.
This anime is fantastic, it is one of my all time favourites. The story is the perfect mix of mystery and intrigue, action and disturbing. The beasts the brother come up against will give you the shivers, and the love that they show for each other will bring you to tears.
If you like the series then be sure to check out the manga as well. Hiromus story is slightly different for the first four or five volumes and then takes a completely new twist. She will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Samurai Champloo vol.1

Take the attitude of the modern Hip Hop scene and stick it in feudal Japan and you are on your way to what makes Samurai Champloo an amazing series. In the first volume we are introduced to the three main characters, Fuu the orphaned ditsy waitress, Mugen the amazing violent warrior and Jin the wandering Ronin. These three embark on a mission to find a man Fuu only remembers as smelling of Sunflowers.
Even from watching only the first four episodes it is easy to see that this series is going to be fantastic. The fight scenes are amazingly animated by people who worked on Kill Bill and Last Exile. The series is directed by Shinichiro Watanabe the director of Cowboy Bebop and also parts of the Animiatrix. All of this talent comes together beautifully in Samurai Champloo. If you liked Rurouni Kenshin or Trigun you will definitely like Samurai Champloo. The first DVD has four episodes and we have given it a Red Dot rating.

Aquarian Age: Sign for Evolution (Winter 2005)

No, this miniseries is not based on the Aquarian Age: Juvenile Orion manga, though both are based on the same card game from Broccoli. There are warring factions unseen to normal humans in Japan. These factions are fighting for control of our reality by being born into human bodies. Sign for Evolution follows one girl, Yoko, as she must decide to become one of two leaders, one good the other horribly evil. There is also a special faction called Mindbreakers who use their powers to control all others in the war, Yokos boyfriend is one of these people.
This series is very good; there are some plot holes that would probably make more sense if you had played the card game. Unfortunately the game is not available in North America, so we must learn as much as we can from the manga and OVA based on the same ideas.
There are three volumes for Aquarian Age, thirteen episodes in total. It is a romance story with a large amount of occult battles and would probably appeal to fans of X the TV series, Witch Hunter Robin and Arjuna. This series has a green PG rating.

Voices of a Distant Star (Early Winter 2004)

This short film is a marvel to watch, and so touching it will be with you forever.
Makoto Shinkai is a solo computer animator who has won awards for his short animated film She and Her Cat, also featured on this DVD.
Voices of a Distant Star is about love and loss during war, but with a twist.
Rather then a war being fought on earth, this one is in space, light years away and only one of the couple in love is fighting. When traveling at light speed through space you age more slowly, how do you think that would affect your romance?
The animation technique of this film is very unique, and amazingly beautiful. The story, though the film itself is only a half hour, is so moving that I remember it vividly even though the last time I watched it was over a year ago. If you like anime at all this is a must see.

Kinos Journey (Fall 2004)

There are so many twists and turns in this thirteen episode series that you may think that you are imagining most of what you see. Each episode follows Kino, a young traveller who never spends more then three days in any one place. The countries Kino visits have strange customs and laws that Kino does not always understand, but the journey keeps going. I highly recommend this series, especially for anyone who enjoyed Haibane Renmei, Trigun and Key the Metal Idol. The plot is so unique that you will want to watch every volume as close together as possible.
We have all four volumes in the store for rent and this series has a green rating.

Azumanga Daioh vol.1(July 2004)

Azumanga Daioh is not your typical anime, there really is not much of a continuous plot and comedy is what keeps this series going. Each volume follows the lives of a group of highschool girls and their teachers through what seem the smallest of tasks. This series is based on a manga formatted in three panel shorts, each story containing a punchline, and the episodes are separated much the same.
This series is great fun and I highly recommend it to otaku of all ages and people who enjoy series such as Love Hina, Chobits, DNA2 and Risky Safety. Each DVD has four episodes and we have give it a green rating (all viewers). We currently have volumes 1 and 2 for rent.

Last Exile(Spring 2004)

This is one of the newest series from studio Gonzo, the people behind Hellsing, Vandread and Blue Submarine No.6. The combination of interesting story and fantastic digital and cel animation makes this series one of the forerunners in North American popularity right now.
In this complex futuristic world the main mode of transportation is flight. Plane like vehicles are used for all things, transportation, shipping and military battles. A pair of sky porters, Claus and Lavie, get themselves intangled in a web of mystery involving their precious cargo and an on going war.
Fans of Blue Submarine No.6, Sol Bianca and Trigun will probably like Last Exile. It has a green rating and the first DVD, which is currently available for rent, has the first four episodes on it.

Haibane Renmei (January 2004)

This is one of the newest series from the creative team behind Serial Experiments Lain. The animation is similar, with a few improvements, and basic character design is becoming a company trademark. This series follows a group of grey winged angels as they work in a small town and try to learn why they exist. The story is very mysterious and intriguing, and the characters likeable.
We currently have the first three volumes on DVD for rent and we have given this series a Green rating, though the story may be too indepth for younger children. Other series in the same strain are Neia Under 7, Serial Experiments Lain and Noir.

Full Metal Panic(Fall 2003)

This is a great series, it is funny and animated quite will with a combination of classic cel and digital. If you like silly mech anime with slight tense romance then this one is definitely for you. There are only four words to describe this series, Worst Secret Agent Ever.
We currently have the first three volumes on DVD for rent, each has been given a Green rating.

Noir (Summer 2003)

We currently have Noir volumes one and two for rent on dvd. Female assassins, amnesia and great fight scenes, what more could you ask for in an anime series? three episodes, each a half hour long. The series is distributed by ADV and has a suggested rating of 15 and up due to violence.

Fruits Basket vols. 1-2 (March/April)

Fruits Basket is a series full of fun. The main characters are a group of cousins living in a house together with a homeless high school girl. The catch is, those three cousins are from a cursed family. When ever they are hugged by a member of the opposite sex they transform into animals from the Chinese zodiac. Loads of laughs and cute gestures happen throughout the first two DVDs. Make sure to check this out if you like Ranma or Love Hina.

Love Hina vol.1 (February)

Who has not heard of Love Hina? Put up your hands if you have no clue what I am talking about, and then come in and rend volume one of this great series. Love Hina is about a young man trying to get into Tokyo University, and failing miserably. The reason for his determination is, of course, a girl. That is all I will say about the plot, if I give too much away you will not need to see this fabulous series. We have volume one for rent on DVD, and the Christmas Special OVA, which fits into continuity somewhat. IF you like Ranma , Masion Ikkoku or Oh My Goddess then you will defiantly enjoy Love Hina.

FLCL vol.1 (January)

FLCL is one of the newest releases from Studio Gainax the company that gave us Neon Genesis Evangelion. It follows the interconnecting stories of Haruhara Haruko and a young boy named Naoto. This is the series with the infamous girl on the yellow Vespa. We have it for rent on DVD only and it comes with special features like bloopers and an interview with the creator in subtitle mode.
This series has a green dot rating and the first DVD contains the first two episodes. More DVDs will be released in the next few months.

Hellsing vol.1 (December)

Vampires hunting each other is the basic premise of this series. It follows the Hellsing Organization in its quest to send the impure souls of vampires to eternal rest in hell. They accomplish this task by using weapons and other vampires to do their dirty work. This series is good if you enjoy vampire mythology. We have given it a red dot rating, which means no one under 17 years old may rent it due to violence, sexual content and coarse language.

Ranma 1/2 ( November)

This series is one of the staples of comedic anime otaku. In the first episodes you will meet Ranma Saotome a young man being trained in martial arts by his father Genma. Unfortunately while training in a mysterious spot in China the two accidentally fall into cursed hot springs that transform their lives forever. Most people have heard of this series, and know what it is about, but for those who have yet to see or hear about it, that is all I am going to say.
I recommend this series if you are a fan of shinannigans and mishaps then I suggest you check this series out. Each tape contains three episodes and has a green dot rating. There is some brief nudity throughout the series, though you can read about that on our websites ÒWhat Anime is All AboutÓ article

Trigun (October)

Have you watched this great series yet? If not, you need to give it a try. There are eight tapes in this series each containing up to 4 episodes of futuristic cowboy fun. The story follows Vash the Stampede, a young blond man accused of being the destroyer of cities all over the world. Two insurance investigators are sent to find this man and thank him for all the work he is supplying for them.
Of course there is more to it than that, as any good anime otaku knows the real plot of a series is never given away in the first few episodes. This one is well worth seeing, there is comedy, shootouts, amazing feats and of course a deep meaningful plot that will hit you in the face half way through. It is completely enjoyable.
I recommend this series for anyone who likes Cowboy Bebop, Rurouni Kenshin or Sol Bianca. This series has a green dot rating.

Spirit of Wonder (September)

This lighthearted movie follows the young Miss China, a Chinese restaurant owner living in a small British village and her adventures with her scientist room renters. Many may over look this video on the basis that it is not a mainstream title, or a long running series. BUT! The animation is quite good and different, and the story is really nifty. I am not going to give it away, you will have to watch it yourself to find out what I mean.
I recommend this film for anyone who enjoyed Kikis Delivery Service or Maison Ikkoku. It has a green dot rating.

The Vision of Escaflowne ( Aug )

Most people know that this popular series was shown on North American television a few years back, brought to us by the good people at Bandai they unfortunately did nothing to better the series when the imported it. The English dubbing is good, but the episodes that were shown on television were horribly cut apart and pasted back together to create a less detailed version of the original story, and as any anime fan knows, that is unfair to both the audience and the series creators.
Hitomi is a girl with visions. She sees dragons, angels, ancient looking mecha and a world not her own. Van is a young king from a different world who unknowingly needs Hitomis help to save his world, Gaea. Escaflowne is his mech battle suit, and the key to the future of Gaea. This series is very enjoyable, the action moves through every episode and the plot contains twists that will leave you in the dark. A bonus from my point of view, the score of this series was written by Yoko Kanno (Macross Plus, Cowboy Bebop). We have the first six tapes on the self to rent, and the series and movie are available for purchase on DVD.

The Mysterious Play/ Fushigi Yugi (July 17th)

There are sixteen videos in this series, followed by three OAV releases, and if you start watching this one, you will have to watch them all. The story follows two high school friends, Miaka and Yui as they are transported to mystical ancient China. Here they become enemies and must gather together groups of celestial warriors to grant them the powers of ancient gods.
There is a strong resemblance to the Never Ending Story films, and this is definetly a Bishojo anime for it is extrememly soap opera like and very addictive. I suggest Mysterious Play for anyone who enjoys Sailor Moon, Ah My Goddess or Magic Knights Rayearth. This series has a green dot rating.

Martian Successor Nadesico ( July 10th)

The Mars Colony has been invaded and all but destroyed. The same alien force that already killed thousands, the Jovian Fleet, now threatens Earth. The Nadesico and her crew are all that stand in the way, and that is what this series is all about.
Space battles including ships and mech battle suits, unseen enemies, and hilarious romantic antics make this a fun series to watch for both bishojo and shojen fans. The character designs are clean and bright, and the voice acting in the dubbed version is well done. We have the first four volumes on the shelf for rent and anyone who likes Dirty Pair Flash or Vandred.

Cowboy Bebop (July 3rd)

One of the newest series on our shelves is Cowboy Bebop. We have tapes one through eight of this action pumped series which each contain two episodes. The story follows bounty hunters in a futuristic reality of spaceships and cowboy ethics. The main character is a suave hunter named Spike who works with others like Jet, his trusty partner and pilot, Faye, another bounty hunter and Ein, a dog with a human equivalent IQ.
This series is loads of fun, its off beat and fairly new in North America. ItÕs been such a big hit across the continent that it received a review in Entertainment WeeklyÕs DVD new releases section. The character design is beautiful and elegant, there is a realness to the backgrounds and vehicles. The thing I love most though is the musical score. Written by Yoko Kanno, the same woman (yes woman!) who wrote the music for Macross Plus and Escaflowne to name a few, Cowboy Bebop is a mix of jazz and modern beats, and is a great trip for anyone who loves good music.

Grave of the Fireflies (June 12th)

The first anime feature film I ever saw was Grave of the Fireflies. In 1994 it was called the ÒBest Animated Feature FilmÓ by the Chicago International Childrens Film Festival, but it is not a childrens film.
The story follows two young children after the American fire bombing of their Japanese city. Suddenly a 14 year old boy and his 4 year old sister are forced to fend for themselves without the aid of family or friends.
Grave of the Fireflies is an amazing film. The story is real and from a perspective we in North America usually do not see when watching war movies. It is emotionally charged and moving, and will make you reconsider how you look at ÒanimatedÓ films for the rest of your life.

Bubblegum Crisis 2040 (April 13th)

The interesting thing about Bubblegum Crisis 2040 is that fact that it is a Bishojo, or pretty girl anime that does not involve magical powers or cute fuzzy animals. Instead it melds the classic Ôgirl super teamÕ idea with mech battle suits and creates a full series plot that grips till the end.
The animation quality is amazing, the light and dark contrasts are beautiful and the characters are cleanly drawn. There are twelve tapes in this series, which is a remake/sequal to the origianl Bubblegum Crisis from the late eighties. Each tape runs approximately 90 minutes and most of them are subtitled. We have given this series a Green Dot (PG) rating for some robot violence and ÔcomedicÕ nudity.

Key the Metal Idol (April 10th)

Key the Metal Idol... IÕm not going to beat around the bush on this one, its my favorite anime series, plain and simple. The story follows a young robot girl named Key in her journey to become a real girl. To do this her recently deceased Grandfather/ Creator has given her the task of making 30 000 friends. But the story goes deeper than that.
IÕm not going to say anything more on the basic plot of this series because it really is something you must watch, the story is too in-depth to explain in a short review. There are eight tapes in the series, the last two are movie length episodes. When the series was first developed the animation budget was rather slim, so the quality is about that of North American cartoons, but it gets better as the series moved along. It may not catch your attention immediately when you watch it for the first time, but trust me, its worth sticking to it till the end. I would recommend Key the Metal Idol for anyone who enjoyed series like Serial Experiment Lain and Neon Genesis Evangelion.

Magic UserÕs Club (January 23rd)

What can I say about Magic UserÕs Club? A whole lot! This series is great, its funny and senseless, with a hidden plot that peeks its head out ever few episodes.
The story is about a Japanese high schoolÕs magic club, focusing on a sophomore student named Sae. She and the four other members of the club learn to use magic for the betterment of the human race, they arenÕt supposed to use magic for theyÕre own needs... but in the nature of any comedic anime they do, and the end results are hilarious.
DonÕt be put off by the series because the boxes say that they are tapes 4 and 5. The OVAs for this series were marketed before the television series, like a mini series, but the story isnÕt totally important. Tape 4 is the beginning of the television series, the first episode touches a bit on the previous story, but does not loose your interest. I would suggest this anime for anyone who likes fluffy stories and comedy, things like Sailor Moon, Magic Knight Rayearth, DNA2, El hazard, Ranma and Tenshi Muyo. WeÕve given it a Green Dot rating (unrated/13 up), but parents should be warned that there are a lot of sexual innuendoes, all in good fun. the first tape has a running time of 100 min the second, 75 min. I highly recommend it!

Revolutionary Girl Utena the Series (Jan.6th)

This month the Revolutionary Girl Utena Movie was released. This movie is amazing, but the series should not be forgotten. From the creative mind of Chiho Saito and directed by Kunihiko Ikuhara of Sailor Moon the artistic touches in this series are astounding. The story follows a young highschool girl named Utena attending the private Ohtori Academy, a seemingly happy school, but the student body on a whole doesnÕt know what goes on behind the closed doors of the Student Council. The mystery grows when Utena becomes involved the battle for the Rose Bride, a young girl named Anthy. The fate of this girl is tied to the one who wins her in elaborate fencing duels.
The first 13 episodes have been released in North America, and the Dragon has them for rent. It should be known that the series and the movies have very little in common, you donÕt have to see every episode, or any of them, before you see the movie. We have give Revolutionary Girl Utena a PG rating, and each tape averages 90 minutes.

Gate Keepers 1 (October 31st)

One of our newest releases on our rental shelf is Gate Keepers: Open the Gate! This anime is released by Pioneer and contains the first three episodes of this on going series. Based in 1969 Japan the story follows a group of teenagers with the ability to open ÔgatesÕ, magical portals of power. Each power is unique to the person opening it and is used to aid A.E.G.I.S, a government agency fighting the so called Invaders.
The animation quality is quite good. There is a nice blending of computer and classical animation. The story is very fast moving and simple, its is the kind of anime where you meet a new main character each episode. It was enjoyable to watch, and I would suggest a PG rating. The running time is 80 minutes, and the tape is dubbed.�

 
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