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| Angelic Layer (TV) |
Decent |
Misaki Suzuhara leaves the country to go to school in the Big City and hopes to see her mom, who she hasn't seen since Kindergarden. Once she arrives, Misaki sees a "white angel" firghting on TV, discovers that it's a game called ANGELIC LAYER and is suckered into buying a doll by a wierd guy in a white lab coat. She learns to use her fighting doll and enters into the national tournement, not knowing her mother is also entered in the tournement. Misaki, of course, makes several friends on and off the tournement floor. The reasons for her not seeing her mother is different from the manga; I feel the anime reasons are much better. This is a CLAMP title. This anime is not as "adult' as some of their others, but it is not bad. Written 2-11-06 |
| Black Butler (TV) |
Very good |
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| Cardcaptor Sakura (TV) |
Very good |
Sakura Kinomoto sets free a deck of magical cards (Clow Cards) and meets the talking plushie(Kero) that was supposed to be guarding them but he fell asleep for about 30 years. Kero calls Sakura "the Cardcaptor" and that he's chosen her to get them all back (since she's the one who set them free, even though he was supposed to be guarding them). Sakura has a huge crush on her brother Toya's best friend, Yukito who has a huge secret even from himself. Eventually Sakura is found out by her best friend, Tomoyo and eventually they are joined by Shaoran, a decendant of Clow Reed, Sakura's predecessor. Shaoran was sent by his mother to capture the Clow Cards but didn't know about Sakura until he arrived in town. Usual boy/girl stuff of competing against each other, then liking the same person, then liking each other much to the dismay of big brother Toya. Unlike many other animes, the boy realizes his feelings first rather than the girl. There is a second arc where Sakura must convert the Clow Cards into Sakura Cards in order for her to continue to use their magic. And someone seems to be causing problems just perfect for requiring her to convert each card. Excellent storylines. You can see Sakura grow into herself which is always a part of the "Magical Girl" storyline. The graphics are good as is the dialog. Stay away from the English version of this anime, it was destroyed to try and make Shaoran the lead character. Written 2-11-06 |
| Cardcaptor Sakura The Movie 2: The Sealed Card |
Very good |
Shaoran and his cousing Meilin come back to vist just in time for a festival and for the Sakura Cards to disappear! Sakura and Shaoran go off to recover the cards before all that they know is gone and Sakura realizes just who her special someone is. Excellent graphics. The English dub of this is the best out of the entire Cardcaptor Sakura line. Written 2-11-06 |
| Cardcaptor Sakura: The Movie |
Very good |
Takes place somewhere in the middle of the first story arc. Sakura wins a trip to Hong Kong, takes Toya, Yukito and Tomoyo with her. Once there, she runs into Shaoran and Meilin and is introduced to Shaoran's mother. Sakura also runs into a Sorceress who has a grudge against Clow Reed, Sakura's predeccessor. Excellent grpahics. Okay dub. Watch the subtitled, I feel that it's better than the dub version. Written 2-11-06 |
| Ceres, Celestial Legend (TV) |
Excellent |
Aya Mikage turns 16 and discovers that there is another being inside of her name Ceres. Because Ceres, most of her family wants her dead. Aya's twin, Aki, is being consumed by a being inside of him that just wants his "woman" Ceres who is inside of Aya. Just before her birthday, Aya meets a mysterious man who rescues her, just before she is hit by a car, and who later helps her escaped from her murder-minded family. She also meets Suzumi Aogiri, and her brother-in-law, Yuki. Suzumi takes in Aya and shelters her. The story goes on about how Aya deals with Ceres, her brother and family, and the mystery man, Toya, who becomes very important to her and her future. Aya has to deal with a great deal of death: her own attempted murder and the deaths of several people that she knows. You can see in this anime Aya grow from a self-centered brat to a strong woman. The pace on this anime is good and doesn't drag. It really keeps you hooked the entire time. While certain story arcs in the manga are left out and a major character is reduces to a minor one, the overall story is not ruined because of it. This story is VERY TRAGIC!!! Have lots of tissues handy. The animation on this is excellent as is the dialog of both Japanese and English casts. Written 2-12-06
Ceres - Which was originated by the same Manga-ka as FY (Yuu Watase). This is about Aya Mikage. She turns 16 and her life goes to hell. She finds out that she has a seperate being inside of her who can take over her body and morph it. The being, Ceres, has a serious hatred for the Mikage family especially Aya's twin Aki, who has some serious...emotional/physical feelings towards Ceres and Aya. There is also Toya, Aya's love of her life, who also has his own issues towards the Mikage and Aya. Again, very good, humorous (you may like Alex Howell - anime fan boy ), there is also murder, rape and betrayals of family and trust. Tissue recommended also.
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| Chrono Crusade (TV) |
Very good |
This is a wonderful story. Rosette Christopher is looking for her brother and the demon, yes, demon, who abducted him. To do so, she made a pact with another demon, Chrono, to help her find Joshua and Aion. Chrono used to be an ally of Aion until Aion betrayed him. Together, Rosette and Chrono fight demons, make new friends, fight with one of said new friends and continue their search for Aion and Joshua. Throughout the story they laugh, cry, argue and love each other very much. While I prefer happy, or at least semi-happy, endings with my anime, the ending for this story is the only one that fits. It's perfect. This is a wonderful story and I recommmend it to everyone. Written 1-9-07 |
| CLAMP School Detectives (TV) |
Good |
I just finished this (in the English dub. I haven't listened to the Japanese yet). Not a bad series. The English VAs to a pretty good job. The only one that I had a problem with was the VA for Akira - she tried a little too hard to be young and bouncy. The other two were okay and gender neutral. The sound was good. The animation and character design is dated to today's standards but this shouldn't keep you from enjoying this series. Enjoy it! Written 3-3-09 |
| D.N.Angel (TV) |
Very good |
Daisuke Niwa has spent most of his life in training and on his 14th birthday discovers why: He is the carrier of a magical thief named Dark, who is a completely sepearate personality from Daisuke. Dark's purpose is to steal and seal away the magic of various artworks. To add to Daisuke's troubles, he's in love with Risa Harada, who doesn't love him but is in love with Dark. Risa's twin, Riku is falling in love with Daisuke but hates Dark. And to add to Daisuke's troubles, his friend, Satoshi (an other in a long line of too young anime cops) is out to get Dark and is is trying to keep his own secret sealed. The graphics are good, but there are spots where the computer graphics are very obvious. It is a good story and I really enjoyed it. Written 2-12-06 |
| Full Metal Panic! (TV) |
Very good |
Teenager Sousuke Sagara has been a soldier all of his life and has been assigned to the most dangerous assignment of his life: Go to high school and guard Kaname Chidori. Why is this so hard for him you ask? Well, he's never attended school like "normal" kids and Kaname is a person who has black tech hidden deep in her unconciousness. Kaname at first is unable to stand being around Sousuke, attacks him for stalking her but when what could possibly be the worst school trip ever occurs, she begins to trust him. This is a great and fun anime. It also has it deep and serious side. Most enjoyable. Written 3-17-06 |
| Full Metal Panic! The Second Raid (TV) |
Excellent |
WOW!!! This is terrific so far. The regulars are the same as always, so I'm happy. Gates is one loony modderpocker! I think that I'm going to feel sorry for Yu Fan and Yu Lan. I also don't think that their story will be a happy one in the end. Written 12-13-06 Yup, Gates is a very, very insane person and things did not end well for Yu Fan and Yu Lan. And what poor Sousuke and Kaname went through! To be torn apart the way they were without any warning or being able to talk to each other! That was unfair! But it was interesting to watch Sousuke's decent into depression. But what was really amazing was who Yu Fan and Yu Lan's teacher was and how he actually snapped Sousuke out of his depression. Of course, Kaname finished the job but the "teacher" started it. Watch this series. I highly recommend it. Written 5-6-07 |
| Full Metal Panic! The Second Raid (OAV) |
Good |
This really doesn't have anything to do with the actual series. But it does deal with Tessa trying to figure out what exactly she had done the night before when she'd been tricked into having a drink by Melissa. In trying to find out, she does learn some things about the people under her. For example: Andrey Kalinin has been trying to make borscht that's just like what his late wife used to make and Belfangan Clouseau is an anime fanboy who doesn't exactly appreciate his anime being tampered with. This is purely for fun. Written 5-6-07 |
| Full Metal Panic? Fumoffu (TV) |
Good |
This was extremely funny. I'm not really certain but I think that it takes place during Full Metal Panic! as side stories. There are usually 2 stories per episode and they are all extremely funny. Sousuke at his undercover in high school best and Kaname beating the snot out of him with her fan. Of course, when he does rescue her, she is appriecative. The best stories are the one about the pervy "Pony Man" and one involving school repairs and a fish. You'll enjoy and laugh til you hurt! Written 3-17-06 |
| Fullmetal Alchemist (TV) |
Very good |
Edward & Alphonse Elric learn alchemy to try and resurrect their dead mother. In trying to do so, not only to they fail, but Al loses his entire body and Ed is leg. Ed secures Al's soul to a nearby suit of armor, losing his arm in the process. The story continues with how Ed becomes a "dog of the military." Ed and Al meet several people in their travels, including Col. Roy Mustang and his team, various other alchemists, a group of homunculus named after the 7 deadly sins and a scarred man who is out to kill every State alchemist he can get his hands on. The theme of this story, in my opinion, is consequences and the results. This is a tremendous story and one that people should see. Written 9-8-06 |
| Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (TV) |
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| Fullmetal Alchemist: The Movie - Conqueror of Shamballa |
Very good |
The story continues with Ed in "our' world and Al in "theirs." Ed is living with another boy named Alphonse Heiderich, who looks the way Al should if Al was his correct age. Heiderich is interested in the science of making rockets and such and has convinced Ed to go with him to a carnival to help promote rockets. On the way, they come across a group of Gypsy women, one of whom looks VERY familiar to Ed. And then the story takes off...It does help if you know a little bit about the History of Germany Post-WWI and Pre-WWII but it isn't really necessary. The movie ties up pretty much all of the loose ends from the TV Series, some are left unanswered but they won't cause you to stay awake at night. I think the theme of this movie is Fear. The Fear of something that is like you but you perceive it to be different from you. The animation of the movie is the same quality as the TV Series but I am a bit disappointed that they didn't take it up a notch since it is a movie with a presumably larger budget. But it's still a good movie and a good ending to the entire series. Written 9-8-06 |
| Fushigi Yugi (TV) |
Excellent |
This is a story about Miaka Yuki and her best friend Yui Hongo. While visiting the National Library, Miaka sees a red bird and follows it to the rare book room and finds "The Universe of the Four Gods." As she and Yui start to read it, they are sucked into the book and find themselves in ancient China, where they are attacked by slavers. They are saved from a terrible fate by a mysterious boy and somehow Yui is sent back to our time, while Miaka stayed in the book. Miaka, who doesn't know that Yui is back in the 'real' world, thinks that the boy has taken Yui away and goes in search of him. Several events happen and she learns that the boy's name is Tamahome. They end up being captured and sent to the Imperial dungeons. They escape, accidently get seperated and Miaka meets Hotohori. More things happen and Miaka agrees to become the Priestess of Suzaku to save the kingdom of which Hotohori is Emperor. To succeed in saving the kingdom, Miaka must find her Celestial Warriors, two of whom are Tamahome and Hotohori. Eventually, Miaka finds cross-dressing Nuriko, priest Chichiri, bandit Tasuki, doctor Mitsukaki and child genius Chiriko. On the other hand, Yui also re-enters the book, but doesn't end up in as a nice situations as Miaka as she is confused and manipulated by Nakago, a general of Kouto, the enemy. Nakago uses Yui's confusion and the actions of Miaka and her companions to get Yui to go after the same things Miaka's needs. This is a great story. Lots of love, romance, angst and action. Based on the manga of Yu Watase. This is a must have for any collection. Written 3-25-06
This is about Mika Yuki and her friend Yui Hongo who go to the National Library, wind up in the rare book room reading a book and somehow both are sucked into the book. Yui makes it out of the book and for about 1/3 of the story is in a way the Narrator (the other 2/3s is Mika's brother, Keisuke). Mika stays behind and becomes the Priestess of Suzaku, who must make 3 wishes, hopefully using them to save the country against the evil clutches of another country. Part of the first half is Mika looking for and finding the Warriors to help her make the three wishes. The second half is much darker. Yui re-enters the book, becomes the Priestess for the enemy, becomes Mika's enemy, etc...Mika and her crew have to go against Yui and her group to get magical objects to help them summon the Gods because of problems in the first half of the story. It's very good, there is humor throughout, but there is also murder, rape and betrayals. Tissue recommended. |
| Fushigi Yugi (OAV) |
Excellent |
This takes place after the events in Fushigi Yugi TV. Tamahome is with Miaka and they are beginning to start a new life with each other when he is sucked back into the world of the book. Miaka follows and they fight against the demon Tenko. They win but in doing so, Tamahome is told that he can't be with Miaka. This is also very good. A must have. Written 3-25-06 |
| Fushigi Yugi (OAV 2) |
Excellent |
Miaka is once again with her beloved but now his name is Taka and he has no memory of being a Celestial Warrior. Miaka is now in high school and a mysterious boy name Ren is spreading lies about her and causing classmates to attack her. When her classmates throw her off the school roof, Taka tries to save her but before it is too late, they disappear into a red cloud...ending back in the book. They meet their old friends and discover that to save everything, they must find the memories of Tamahome and give them to Taka, otherwise Taka and everything else will disappear. This is a wonderful conclusion to the the main Fushigi Yugi story. This is also a must have. Written 3-25-06 |
| Fushigi Yugi Eikoden (OAV) |
Very good |
This takes place after Miaka and Taka get married and find that they are expecting a baby. Somehow a girl name Mayo discovers the book "Universe of the Four Gods" and enters it to make Taka hers. Just as Mayo enters the book, Miaka collapses, is sent to the hospital and it is discovered that the baby in her womb is missing. Taka, to save Miaka and their child, enters the book and discovers that Mayo is carrying the baby and is telling everyone that she and Taka are married. Taka denies everything of course but in someways goes along with Mayo's delusions to protect the baby. Taka goes in search of his fellow warriors to help turn things back to the way they should be. It's a good story. I enjoyed it. Written 3-25-06 |
| Gunslinger Girl (TV) |
Very good |
Terrific show! I really, really enjoyed this. There were scenes that made me laugh but many that made me cry. Henrietta is a terrific little girl and the tragic decision that Rico made, made me gasp! This really is a must see title! Written 12-12-07 |
| Gunslinger Girl: Il Teatrino (TV) |
Good |
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| Gunslinger Girl: Il Teatrino (OAV) |
Very good |
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| Last Exile (TV) |
Very good |
Claus Valcan and Lavie Head are Vanship pilot and navigator (respectivly). They take courier jobs to make a living then one day, accept a job that takes them into a battlefield. And that is the start of the dramatic change in their lives. When they participate in a race and are about to win, they are knocked off-course by another vanship pilot with a special cargo, a young girl. Claus and Lavie promise to deliver the girl, Alvis "Al" Hamilton, safely and that's when their lives REALLY go off-course. They end up on the "Kill 'em All" Silvana, captained by the tall, dark and brooding Alex Row, who knows them from his and their past but won't remind them. They also meet the XO Sophia Forrester, who has a few secrets of her own, one of which isn't has hidden as she thinks. Claus and Lavie grow and change and develop throughout this story but it isn't all about them either. There are a few side stories that keep you going as well. And the main villian...well, this person is the "best" villian I've seen in a while. The animation of this series is stunning. A must have for any collection! Written 9-4-06 |
| Leave it to Kero! Theatrical Version (movie) |
Good |
Food addicts in the form of plushies are funny! |
| Magic Knight Rayearth (TV) |
Excellent |
Hikaru Shidou, Umi Ryuuzaki, and Fuu Hououji, ordinary Jr. High school girls (different schools), on a school trip to Tokyo Tower. Suddenly there is a bright light and a voice asking them to save Cephiro. The next thing the girls know, they are falling through the sky in a strange place. Rescued by the magical pet of Master Mage Clef, the girls learn from Clef that they are the ones chosen to save Cephiro and the Pillar of Cephiro, Princess Emeraude, from High Priest Zagato. Clef gives Hikaru her magic just before they are attacked by Zagato's minion and Clef's student, Alcyone. The girls escape, Hikaru's magic becomes evident and Alcyone is thwarted. Eventually, the girls learn from Master Smith Presea and Clef what their quest is. In their travels, they come across mysterious traveling swordsman Ferio, who helps them out every now and then. They also meet more of Zagato's minions: Ascot, Caldina, Lafarga and Invouva. And all three develop and grow their magic powers and weapons skills. Eventually they come up against Zagato and learn who the REAL enemy is. Wonderful story! Developed by CLAMP. A must have for anyone! Written 5-11-06 |
| Magic Knight Rayearth 2 (TV) |
Excellent |
This takes place after the events of the first season. The girls return to Cephiro and find that it has changed a great deal. They meet all of their old friends again. And they learn that a new Pillar of Cephiro must be found or else the entire country (world) will be lost forever. But there are problems! Other countries have learned of Cephiro's plight and have come to take over/control and to try to become the new Pillar of Cephiro. From Autozam: Eagle Vison with Geo Metro and Zazu Torque. From Farhen: Aska with Chang Ang and Sang Yung. From Chizeta: Twins Tatra (seemingly dippy elder sister) and Tarta (hot headed and determined younger sister). But along comes the real danger: Nova, who looks a lot like Hikaru, and her "Mother" Debonair. And then there is the younger brother of Zagato, Lantis, thrown into this wonderful mix. This part is even better than the first! Written 5-11-06 |
| Marmalade Boy (TV) |
Good |
Miki Koishikawa is an ordinary high school student with wierd parents. Her parents go on vacation to Hawaii, come back, say that they are going to get a divorce and that they are going to marry two people that they met on vaction and who are going to do the same thing. (Hope this makes SOME sense) And the other couple have a son Miki's age and so that both kids can be with all their parents, everyone is going to move in together. Miki is, needless to say, stunned, shocked, hurt and appalled. In the inital meeting with the entire group, she tries to get the other couple's son, Yuu Matsuura, to agree with her but he says that if that's what his parents want, it's okay with him. Miki seems to give up but is determined to keep her parents together if at all possible. After they all move in together, Miki still has issues about the whole thing and thinks that school will be her refuge...until Yuu enrolls. This is very much a character driven story with several storylines. Love triangles? Far too simple for this story: Miki loves Yuu; Ginta, Kei and Michael love Miki; Akiko, Arimi and Jinny love Yuu, Brian and Bill love Jinny...needless to say things get REAL interesting. There is also the relationships between Miki and her best friend Meiko Akizuki, Meiko and a teacher, Meiko and the student body president who just may be related to Yuu, Meiko and her parents, Yuu and his parents....WOW! Just lots going on. And lots of people falling in love with each other or someone who doesn't love them, heartbreak and misunderstandings. The animation on this series is obviously older but it is still very enjoyable.Written 5-11-06 |
| Marmalade Boy (movie) |
Good |
This is not a sequel to the TV series. Nor is it a prequel. This take place as the same time as the beginning of the TV series from the viewpoint of Yuu Matsuura when he is told about the divorce and remarriage plans. While this is going on, he see this girl who catches his eye, so he follows her around for the day. Then comes the introduction dinner... Good story from Yuu's viewpoint. Written 5-11-06 |
| Martian Successor Nadesico (TV) |
Good |
Akito Tenkawa was a native of Mars but when it was attacked by the Jovians, he somehow ended up on Earth. He starts working as a chef, but after one disasterous day, he's fired then almost run over by the car of Yurika Misumaru, a girl Akito knew as a child. Yurika is the captain of the Nadesico, a privately owned space battleship. Akito follows Yurika to find out about his past but Yurika takes is the wrong way...thinking that Akito's in love with her the same way she's in love with him. The Nadesico is crewed by some of the biggest misfits ever to go into space. But, they work well together. This series is very funny, some episodes have absolutely nothing to do with the main story but are also very funny. There are several storylines in this, Akito's past with Yurika, Ai, and Inez. Various love stories. But the main theme is what the Jovians are up to and why and who they really are. Great series, and very enjoyable. Written 5-11-06 |
| Mirage of Blaze (TV) |
Very good |
Takaya Ohgi, high school student and a bit of a punk, has always defended his best friend Yuzuru Narita from bullies. But one day, Yuzuru defeats the bullies but doesn't remember how. As the 2 boys are walking home, they come across a girl who is suddenly enveloped in purple flames that only they can see. Soon after, they meet Nobutsuna Naoe, who tells Takaya that he is actually Kagetora, a nobleman from the Warring States era, and whose job it is to defeat spirits and demons and send them back to the other side and keep the peace. Not only does he have past lives that he only partially remembers but he also has the issue of being somewhat attracted to Naoe who has past lives and issues of his own. Naoe is attracted to Takaya mainly because of the fact that Takaya is also Kagetora, the man Naoe has served for many centuries. Naoe loves Kagetora but due to actions in their most recent past lives, the love has become twisted and dark. Both Takaya and Naoe have to overcome the past but still remember it to defend the future. Good story! The relationship between Takaya and Naoe is twisted, convoluted and painful to both of them. One of the main questions is will they be able to defeat their past memories and move ahead to the future. Excellent animation. I really liked this story. It is my understanding that this is based on a series of books, unfortunately not released here in the US. Written 5-12-06 |
| Mirage of Blaze: Rebels of the River Edge (OAV) |
Very good |
This is a sequel to the TV series but it focuses a little bit more on Ayako Kadowaki, one of Takaya/Kagetora's helpers. This shows one of Ayako's past lives battling evil, when she meets a young doctor and falls in love. And she has been waiting all this time for him to be reborn and find her. Then she comes across a man who looks like her former lover, but isn't. Takaya is still trying to deal with his feelings/relationship with Naoe who is working as a secretary/bodyguard for a businessman. Of course what Tayaka is looking into and who Naoe is protecting is linked to Ayako's lover-look-a-like. This is also a very good story in that it gives you a further glimpse into the lives of the main characters. Written 5-12-06 |
| Ouran High School Host Club (TV) |
Very good |
Saw this in the May 2006 issue of NEWTYPE USA. Hope it makes it here to the United States. Looks interesting. Written 5-7-06 |
| Prétear (TV) |
Very good |
This is labled as a retelling of Snow White, since there is the Heroine and 7 warriors, but it could also be Cinderella (sort of, no cleaning of fireplaces, etc.) since there is a Stepmother and 2 stepsisters. Himeno Awayuki's father, Kaoru, marries Natsue who's two daughters, Mawata and Mayune, are less than thrilled with the entire situation. Himeno tries her best to deal with Mawata's ignoring her and Mayune's constants petty attacks and pitfalls. Then one day she meets Hayate and the other Knights of Leafe. Himeno is told that she is the Pretear, the one who will defeat the Princess of Disaster who wants to suck all of the Leafe (life) from the world. Of course, Himeno has the usual doubt, fears and falls in love. This is a great story. Enjoyed the heck out of it. This is a must see. Written 5-12-06 |
| Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon (live-action TV) |
Good |
Saw this as a bootleg (once again bad me). The english subtitling SUCKED. The timing was off in several places. But I still got the gist of everything. Not bad, deviated a bit from the original but that did not detract from the overall Sailor Moon that we all know. If anything, the deviations added extra enjoyment to the series. Written 2-9-06 I would have to say that the biggest character change would be that of Minako Aino (Sailor Venus). In this series, she's a pop idol, knows a whole lot more than the others girls and is very, very serious about what she needs to do and really doesn't want to join with the other girls. VERY unlike the animated Venus. That and the ultimate reason why the world was destroyed in the past. Written 1-17-06 |
| Princess Nine (TV) |
Good |
Ryo Hayakawa is the pitcher of a town baseball team when she is scouted to be in a girl's high school BASEBALL (yes! BASEBALL) team. Of course, the stuffy board of the high school are entirely against the entire thing since GIRLS shouldn't play like that, but they are overridden by the Chairwoman, Keiko Himuro. Keiko has had this dream ever since she was younger and knew Ryo's father. Ryo is joined on the team by eight other girls including Izumi, Keiko's daughter. All of them, especially Ryo, deal with doubts, fears, family problems, old secrets and love. Oh, and before I forget, their coach is a slightly lecherous drunk! Good story! Written 5-12-06 |
| Princess Tutu (TV) |
Excellent |
Duck really is a duck. A duck that has become a girl for a special reason. To restore the heart of the Prince (Mytho). But people stand in her way: Fakir, who isn't exactly as he seems and Rue, who isn't exactly as she seems either and then there is Mytho himself. This is an incredible story. Obviously, it's intent is a tragedy, after all, aren't most ballets and good stories tragedies? But, as with all stories, there are unexpected twists and turns. The Opening Sequence is one of the most beautiful ones I've ever seen, both visually and musically. The music throughout this series uses recognizable classical pieces throughout. You may not be able to name the piece but you will know it. While this is an absolutely incredible series and the ending of the tale quite outstanding and appropriate, my romantically inclined heart wishes that it had turned out a little different for Duck. Ah, well, the ending is still very, very good. If you are able to get your hands on this series, I strongly recommend that you do so! Written 5-20-07 |
| S.A (TV) |
Very good |
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| Sailor Moon (TV) |
Excellent |
Tsukino Usagi is not your typical Japanese junior high school student. She has poor grades, a klutz, a crybaby and is a food-devouring machine. One day, late for school as usual, she rescues a black cat with a crescent moon on it's forehead. Later that evening, the cat, called Luna, finds Usagi and tells her that she is Sailor Moon: Champion of Justice! Not only does she have to protect the weak, etc.; she also has to find her fellow senshi, find the Imperium Silver Crystal AND locate the Moon Princess. Naturally, Usagi doesn't want to do any of this and Luna has to do some serious convincing, but Usagi begins to get into her role of being Sailor Moon after her best friend Naru is attacked by an energy-seeking monster and Sailor Moon is helped/saved by a hot guy who identifies himself as Tuxedo Kamen. Eventually, Usagi and Luna find the other Sailor Senshi: Ami/Sailor Mercury, Rei/Sailor Mars, Makoto/Sailor Jupiter and last but not least the mysterious Sailor V reveals herself as Minako/Sailor Venus and her crescent-mooned cat, Artemis. In between her battles, Usagi struggles with school, her crush on the arcade guy, her brother, and her arch enemy Chiba Mamoru. Usagi also learns the true identity of Tuxedo Kamen, the true face of their enemy and why they are stealing energy from innocent people and why they, too, are looking for the Imperium Silver Crystal and she finds out who the Moon Princess is. This was the first anime I truly watched. I still love it to this day even though I've discovered anime that have even better story lines. This is still enjoyable. Pretty girls and a guy, magical transformations. It also has what I like: seeing characters grow into the roles that they have to play/be. Usagi really does the most growing up throughout the entire Sailor Moon series. This is a great story. If you can get your hands on it, do so. Written 7-18-06 |
| Sailor Moon R (TV) |
Excellent |
This season really has two arcs: The Doom Tree arc and the Dark Moon arc. The Doom Tree arc basically takes place right after the end of season one but Usagi and the others have forgotten all about being Sailor Senshi. To aliens name Ail and En arrive on Earth to get energy to feed to their tree which also keeps them alive. Once again, poor Naru is attacked and Luna has to revived Usagi's memories of being Sailor Moon so that she can save her friend. Eventually, she meets up with the other Senshi (who Luna has to revive their memories as well) and they do their best to defeat Ail and En and their Cardian minions. Usagi also discovers another problem, Mamoru doesn't remember anything about her or being Tuxedo Mask. AND there's a guy that behaves like Tuxedo Mask, i.e. saving Sailor Moon in the nick of time, but he calls himself the Moonlight Knight. This arc is only about 13 episodes so it goes by pretty quickly. The Senshi all power-up (but you never see these skills again), they defeat Ail and En, discover the truth behind the Moonlight Knight and Mamoru regains his memories. In the second arc, Dark Moon, the girls still remember who they are and are looking forward to some quiet time, especially Usagi who is dating Mamoru. Then out of the clear blue sky, a little girl with pink hair comes crashing into their lives. Quiet time is over because the little girl, Chibi-Usa, is after Sailor Moon's Silver Imperium Crystal and there are people looking for HER. The Sailor Senshi and Tuxedo Mask once again leap into action against the 4 Dark Moon Sisters, their handler, Rubeus and then they come up against Emeraude, Sapphire and Prince Diamond, who has the hots for Neo-Queen Serenity who is Chibi-Usa's mother and the future form of Sailor Moon. In this arc Sailor Pluto, the Guardian of Time, is introduced and the Sailor Senshi power up (which you continue to see throughout the rest of the Sailor Moon series). This is a great season as well. The Doom Tree arc is completely original: The anime was being produced quicker than the manga, so they made up their own story to give Sailor Moon's manga-ka a chance to come up with a continuing story (Dark Moon). Again, it has what I love: a good story line, cute girls and guys and the growth of characters. Once again, if you can get this, do so. Written 7-18-06 |
| Sailor Moon R: The Movie |
Excellent |
This movie takes place in the Dark Moon story arc of Sailor Moon R after Chibi-Usa discovers the "real" identities of the Sailor Senshi. Mamoru, Usagi, Chibi-Usa and the other girls are visiting a beautiful public garden for the day. After his attempt of a private kiss with Usagi is interrupted by a bunch of peeping Tomasinas, Mamoru walks along a path and suddenly flower petals fall out of the sky and everyone is entranced by the sight up until Mamoru is approached by a young man about his age and is told that the young man has come to keep their promise and that it was time to leave. When Usagi tries to tell the stranger that Mamoru wasn't going anywhere because he's HER guy, the stranger rudely shoves her to the ground and promises Mamoru that he'll be back to complete their promise, of which Mamoru has no clue of what he's talking about. The next day, the girls are heading off to school, when they find people laying in the street drained of their energy. And then they are attacked by these same people who are now being controlled by a really dangerous flower. They defeat the flower and the stranger reappears calling himself Fiore and that he's going to destroy the Senshi and all of those who hurt Mamoru. Once again, Tuxedo Mask goes to Sailor Moon's rescue, is hurt and is captured by the enemy and, once again, Sailor Moon and crew go off to rescue HIM. You see how Mamoru and Fiore met and you see the actual first meeting between Mamoru and Usagi in this world/lifetime. Good story. No manga connection whatsoever. I enjoyed this story in and of itself. Written 7-18-06 |
| Sailor Moon S (TV) |
Excellent |
Once again Usagi and the girls are in a fix! And they discover that they have a new enemy when Rei is attacked! Poor Usagi isn't able to help her because her Senshi powers fail her and Rei is actually saved by two mysterious shadowed figures who turn out to be Sailor Senshi as well, but they want nothing at all to do with the original 5. In fact, the new 2 tell the others to fight their own battles. Of course, Usagi regains her powers and even powers up a notch. This time the Senshi are up against the evil Professor Tomoe and his lovely but evil assistant Kaorinite, who uses the diamons created by the Professor to hunt for the Heart Crystals that will reveal 3 objects of power which will in turn reveal the Holy Grail that will give the user immense power. Naturally it takes a while for the Senshi to learn about this but they, along with Tuxedo Kamen, do their best to protect the lives of all those attacked. Along the way, Minako develops a HUGE crush on Tenoh Haruka, a very pretty boy who turns out not to be a boy after all. And of course, Haruka has a good friend (wink, wink) named Kaioh Michiru and these two have more than just one secret of their own. Chibi-Usa returns and she has a surprise for everyone - She, too, has become a Sailor Senshi; although her powers aren't quite as strong as the older girls, she's able to delay the diamons long enough for the older Senshi to get their acts together. Sailor Pluto makes her return as Meioh Setsuna and helps in her own way to reveal the 3 objects of power that are in the possession of Haruka and Michiru, who are Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune respectively, and the Holy Grail. Chibi-Usa makes a friend with Tomoe Hotaru, the daughter of the Professor. Hotaru is a delicate girl in poor health, but she enjoys being with Chibi-Usa just as much as Chibi-Usa likes being with her. But Hotaru also has other problems besides her health; She's Sailor Saturn, the Scout of Destruction, and Pluto, Uranus and Neptune want to kill her before she destroys the universe but SURPRISE! Hotaru has been possessed by Mistress Nine who is in league with Pharaoh 90 and they want to take over the Earth. But Hotaru along with Sailor Saturn has a few surprises up their sleeves for Mistress Nine and Pharaoh 90. This is just as good as the other seasons. You get to see Usagi and the others grow and develop more. Of course, there is the usual silliness, fights and arguments that the girls' have with each other. But that's the power of friendship that they have, which makes them stronger than their enemies. Buy this and the others, you won't regret it. Written 7-19-06 |
| Sailor Moon S: The Movie |
Excellent |
The girls are enjoying the Winter break from classes and are watching preparations for a space launch on which a Japanese woman, Nayotake Himeko, is going to be on. But, once again disaster looms for the Earth and the Sailor Senshi. Snow Princess Kaguya has returned from the depths of space and is hell-bent on taking over the Earth and turning it into a frozen wasteland. She sends ahead of her, a piece of herself that is discovered by Ozora Kakeru, scientist and long time friend of Himeko. Kakeru, not only being one smart cookie, is also the savior of Luna when she falls ill and is nearly hit by a car. Luna develops a huge crush on Kakeru much to the shock and dismay of Artemis. Snow Princess Kaguya uses Kakeru's energy as well as her own to try and take over the world but Sailor Moon and ALL of the Senshi, including Chibi Moon, Pluto, Uranus and Neptune unite and kick some snow butt. The main premise of this story, though, is love; crushes, true love, love of friends and of where one lives. This is the only movie that has a corresponding story in the manga. It's just as good as all the other Sailor Moon stories, although I remember laughing my butt off when I saw Sailor Moon's transformation sequence (I hadn't seen the S TV yet at the time). Get this and enjoy. Written 7-19-06 |
| Sailor Moon Sailor Stars (TV) |
Excellent |
Excellent, unfortunately the only way that I have seen this one is by a bootleg DVD (bad Me). It definitely concludes the entire Sailor Moon story arc. The beginning actually concludes Sailor Moon SuperS then goes into Stars. This final season really shows how much Usagi/Sailor Moon has grown and matured as a woman and as a Scout. Written 2-8-06 The subtitling was pretty good. Just a couple lines were missed here and there but I was still able to understand what was going on. Written 2-9-06 |
| Sailor Moon SuperS (TV) |
Excellent |
This particular season really revolves around Chibi-Usa. In her dreams she meets and talks with a Pegasus and wishes that she could meet him in real time. Then, when people are attacked and Dream Mirrors are forced out of them, Sailor Chibi Moon and Sailor Moon are unable to defend the people and defeat the enemy, the Pegasus appears and helps Sailor Chibi Moon and Sailor Moon power up to defeat the enemy and save the dreams of the people. This story isn't that bad. Actually I liked the first three seasons better but still this is good. You get to see more of Chibi-Usa and what she deals with on daily basis. Usagi seems to have slipped back into a less grown-up role than in the last season but pulls through and is more grown up in the last episodes. All of the Sailor Senshi power up in this season after going through some self exploration. Pluto, Uranus, Neptune and Saturn do not make an appearance in this season. Chibi-Usa probably does the most growing up in this season since it does revolve mostly around her. The best episode is when she does "grow up" and wants the Pegasus, whom she now knows as Helios, to like her new look. The enemies are fairly the same as the other seasons, you start out with one group and when they fail at their task, they are destroyed and another group takes their place and eventually you meet the ultimate bad guy/gal, in this case her name is Nehelania and she is the Queen of the Dark Moon. She is essentially the opposite of Sailor Moon's Mother, Queen Serenity or Sailor Moon's future self, Neo-Queen Serenity. Good story. Buy it now! Written 7-21-96 |
| Sailor Moon SuperS: The Movie |
Excellent |
In this movie the evil witch Badiyanu wants power to absorb the Earth and the way she's going to do it is to use the children of Earth and their lovely dreams. And the more children she captures the bigger her Black Dream Hole gets. Of course it's up to the Sailor Senshi to defeat her. And to do that, they have the help of a boy Chibi-Usa meets, named Peruru who used to be with Badiyanu until he discovered what she was doing and decided to do his best to put a stop to it. Pluto, Neptune and Uranus join the other Senshi in this movie to help defeat the witch and save the Earth and the dreams of children. Good story. Get it now. Written 7-21-06 |
| Sakura Taisen: Ecole de Paris (OAV) |
Good |
Haven't gotten off my lazy butt to make a decent comment |
| Sakura Taisen: Sumire (OAV) |
Decent |
Haven't gotten off my lazy butt to make a decent comment |
| Sakura Wars (OAV) |
Very good |
Haven't gotten off my lazy butt to make a decent comment but I enjoyed this a great deal |
| Sakura Wars (TV) |
Good |
Haven't gotten off my lazy butt to make a decent comment but I enjoyed this a great deal |
| Sakura Wars 2 (OAV) |
Very good |
Haven't gotten off my lazy butt to make a decent comment but I enjoyed this a great deal |
| Sakura Wars: The Movie |
Very good |
Haven't gotten off my lazy butt to make a decent comment but I enjoyed this a great deal |
| Samurai Deeper Kyo (TV) |
Very good |
Mibu Kyoshiro and Demon Eyes Kyo: Two men living in the same body! And both have a bounty hunter, Shiina Yuya on their tail. This is a excellent story. It takes place after the battle of Sekigahara in the 1600s in what has become an alternate history of Japan. This story tells of Yuya meeting the shy but lecherous medicine man Kyoshiro because he did a dine n dash and now has a bounty on his head. As they are waiting for the morning to come they are attacked by a monster wanting to attack Demon Eyes Kyo. Kyo emerges and defeats the monster but wasn't strong enough to keep control of the body. Later on, Kyo does come out to play and stays. Kyo is looking for his "real" body that Kyoshiro has hidden somewhere. And the reason why he wants his body back is so that he can defeat Kyoshiro and prove that he is the strongest. Yuya is also searching for someone - the person who killed her older brother. These two meet others who come along with them in their search. This is an excellent story. Everyone will enjoy it. And you can see the various characters grow, change and develope into stronger people. Written 6-8-06 |
| Scrapped Princess (TV) |
Excellent |
Pacifica Cassul is the "Poison that will destroy the world" if she reaches the age of 16. But she actually likes living and her older siblings, Shannon and Raquel, plan on helping her achieve that goal. When you meet Pacifica, she comes across as a nasty tempered spoiled brat but as time goes on, you sort of see why she's that way and you also see that she has a soft, kind heart and a lot of love and compassion in her...when she isn't making Shannon's life hell. Raquel is a bit vague, a bit dippy and the most powerful mage you ever want to come across. Shannon seems to be zoned out most of the time, but he loves his little sister even if he does want to strangle her at times. He has made a very difficult promise to Pacifica. Oh, and when Shannon merges with a certain someone to protect Pacifica and the world she lives in...watch out! As our three heroes travel along, they meet various others: Leo - an aspiring Knight who will have a difficult decision to make; Winia - a nice, hard-working girl who falls in love at first kidnapping...ummm, sight; Zephris and Cin - opposing sides of the same coin. Steyr - who definetly has her own agenda, Chris - who's duty is to kill Pacifica but learns that all may not be what it seems and Forsythe - Pacifica's twin and who has his own grim decision to make. There are others that they meet along the way who are just as important to the story but I will not name. This is a terrific story. I enjoyed it very much. The animation is stunning and the opening and closing credit songs are beautiful. Get this series...you won't regret it. Written 9-18-06 |
| Stellvia (TV) |
Good |
Haven't gotten off my lazy butt to make a decent comment but I enjoyed this a great deal |
| (The) Story of Saiunkoku (TV) |
Very good |
I enjoy this series. Shurei is a delightful girl and a strong one. Ryuki is the pain but he's trying. Or at least trying to impress Shurei. The rest of the cast are interesting. Several have secrets. Two of the secrets, the makers really didn't try to hide but one character's secret really surprised me...but it shouldn't have - you really have to watch the quietly dippy ones. There are a few other characters with secrets and mysteries of their own. |
| Tokyo Babylon (OAV) |
Good |
Haven't gotten off my lazy butt to make a decent comment but I enjoyed this a great deal |
| Tokyo Babylon 2 (OAV) |
Good |
Haven't gotten off my lazy butt to make a decent comment but I enjoyed this a great deal |
| Tsubasa RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE the Movie: The Princess in the Birdcage Kingdom |
Very good |
I got the Clamp Double Feature and this is a great story. It's only about 35 minutes long. A little bit longer than a regular episode but it's a good little story. The animation was excellent and the story has a small tie in with xxxHolic the Movie: A Midsummer Night's Dream. An enjoyable, self-contained small part of the series. Written 3-10-08 |
| Tsubasa: RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE (TV) |
Excellent |
Now that the series is out legitimately, I threw away the bootleg that I had and I'm enjoying immensly this series. It's a bit slow going but as it unfolds it just gets better and better. At least in my opinion! Written 12-12-07 |
| (The) Twelve Kingdoms (TV) |
Excellent |
This is an absolutely incredible series. I really enjoyed the heck out of it. Youko is a wonderful heroine. She definitely changes in this series. She goes from a conflicted goody-goody to a strong warrior. Of course, the strongest opponent that she battles is herself and her own weaknesses but she works past them and realizes that they will probably ALWAYS be a weakness for her. I don't think that I've seen many characters like that. Her friend Sugimoto is one who took a different path than Youko but, in her own way, ended up in the same place. The world that Youko goes to is well thought out and described. The animation is very good and there wasn't anything in the animation that stood out as a glaring issue for me. The only reason that I did NOT rate this a "Masterpiece" is because when they are in the middle of telling one particular story, they break off and start another one. Unfortunately, they don't go back to the other story so you don't know how it ends. That's why I'm going to start investing in the novels! Barring that one thing, I recommend that everyone watch this at least once. Written 5-12-07 |
| Wedding Peach (TV) |
Good |
When I first started watching this, my immediate thought was "OMG! This is totally a Sailor Moon knockoff!" Well, it is in the way the main characters sometimes behave, transform, transformation devices, fighting uniforms, big pre-attack speeches, their magical attacks and the search for the magical item. There is also the crush of the main Character, who spends much of the series making fun of her but gradually, reluctantly falls in love with her, the mystery man who suddenly appears, gives verbal courage and occassinaly fights the villian. And there are the villians themselves, the Evil Queen who doesn't go out and sully her hands but sends out her henchmen and their flunkies and when the henchmen fail...they receive a slight case of dead by her hands. The henchmen send out their "monster of the week" flunky and after that one is cleansed, always seems to say "I'll get you next time!" BUT, as I watched this, it developed a charm all of it's own and I have been able to seperate it from Sailor Moon. I like this series. It's fun. The animation is "old": Mid 1990s but what the heck, everything gets old sooner or later. Written 12-24-06 And it turns out the Crush of the Main Character has a tremdous secret of his own, it's so secret, even HE doesn't know about it!. I enjoyed this series. While I thought at first that it was a Sailor Moon knock-off, Wedding Peach has a story line and a charm all of it's own. I don't regret having watched this series. Written 1-1-07 |
| Wedding Peach DX (OAV) |
Good |
LOL What is it about Magical Girl anime where the main characters lose their memories after the first season? Oh, well, at least the girls asked for their memories to be erased for good reasons. In this short OAV, the girls regain their memories of being Fighting Angels of Love, they power up and they manage to keep their secret from the boys that they love. In a way, with this Wedding Peach could have continued with another story line but I think that this has ended in a satisfactory manner. I enjoyed the way the girls received their Power-Ups and how they were utilized in the series. I also enjoyed the various stories. This one you HAVE to watch after the Wedding Peach TV series, otherwise you will not understand some of what is going on. Written 1-1-07 |
| Witch Hunter Robin (TV) |
Excellent |
Robin Sena returns to Japan after living overseas for most of her life, to help out the STN-J, the Japanese branch of her organization that hunts down Witches. Robin, herself, is a Craft user who's talent is fire. She arrives at the STN-J offices and begins to make herself somewhat at home. It's a little difficult because she is the youngest at 15. The others she works with are Micheal Lee, computer wiz that works there...or else; Miho Karasuma, a lovely lady with a talent for touch telepathy; Haruto Sakaki, the young hot-head; Yurika Dojima, the pretty girl slacker who is not what she seems to be and Amon, Robin's partner, a tall, dark, brooding man with more than a few secrets of his own and a difficult choice in the future. Other cast members are the mysterious office head, the stereotypical second-in-command who isn't so stereotypical, the office flunky and the all-seeing restaurant manager. You see Robin and her co-workers go through tough times, hard changes and chilling realizations about themselves and each other. And you get to see them hunt down Witches, then become the Hunted themselves. This story twists and turns and when you think that one person is one thing, they turn into another. I love this story. It is well written, the characters are well developed and you actually regret not liking some of them some of the time. The animation is also well drawn and designed' the coloring is dark but it is a dark story; light really wouldn't work here. I recommend that everyone see this at least once, but you do need to watch it at least twice to pick up on subtle things that you may have missed. Written 11-6-06 |
| X (movie) |
Good |
This version came out way before the TV series and obviously before the manga has even finished. There are most of the same characters except that Kazuki the dreamseeker was replaced by Shogo who enjoys his "work". The story goes a little too fast on this, not enough time to really understand the characters and their motivations. But it still ends just as tragically as the TV series and the manga will probably be the same way (if it's ever finished). The animation is terrific but then movies always get the better budgets. I still enjoyed this movie nonetheless. Written 10-8-06 |
| X (TV) |
Very good |
Kamui Shiro has returned to Tokyo after 6 years. And his goal is to retrieve the Shinken (divine sword) and return to his new home. But he is prevented from taking it by the sword's Guardian. But before Kamui can try to get it again, the sword is stolen and the Guardian gravely injured. From there Kamui learns that he must decide if he is going to become a Dragon of Heaven - one of the Seven Seals who believe that the Earth should be maintained as it is now or a Dragon of Earth - one of the Seven Angels who believe that the Earth has been abused for far too long and should be destroyed and reborn. In making his decision he meets the members of the two groups. Dragons of Heaven: Sorata Arisugawa - a priest of Mt. Kouya, told that his duty is to protect Kamui but that he will die for a woman. Arashi Kishu - the hidden priestess of the Ise Shrine and the one that Sorata has chosen. Yuzuriha Nekoi - granddaughter of the Mitsumine Shrine Master and her friend and Spirit Protector, Inuki. Yuszuriha is happy to be in Tokyo especially now that others can see her beloved friend. Subaru Sumeragi - Yin-Yang master, greives for his murdered twin sister Hokuto and continues to search for her killer, his former best friend. Seiichiro Aoki - Editor at a publishing company, loving husband and father, windmaster. Karen Kasumi - a firemaster with an abusive past. Hinato - Dreamseer with a sinister secret. And the Dragons of Earth: Kakyo Kuzuki - Dreamseer - knows what will truly happen and greives for everyone. He continues to greive for his beloved Hokuto (Subaru's twin) whom he never truly met. Satsuki Yatouji - Comuputer genius and beloved of the Beast. Nataku - emotionless clone searching for it's father. Seishiro Sakurazuka - assassin. The murderer of Hokuto. Yuto Kigai - charming, pretty boy public servant but still deadly. Kusanagi Shiyu - soldier and the first person (outside of family) to see Yuzuriha's Inuki. Kanoe - Hinoto's younger sister. While she isn't a dreamseer, she can watch her sister's dreams. While she wants to free her sister, she has no idea of what she is unleashing. Other important characters are: Kotori Monou - Kamui's childhood sweetheart, budding dreamseer and tragic pawn. Hokuto Sumeragi - Twin to Subaru, Beloved of Kakyo, and caster of a powerful, final spell. Finally, Fuma Monou - Kamui's childhood best friend and Kamui's Twin Star. Which side will Kamui choose? The Dragons of Heaven and make sure that the ones he loves are safe and happy or the Dragons of Earth and destroy everything including his own hurts. This is a great anime! A truly must have. It's one of those stories where you can see that both sides have the right idea. Written 7-26-06 |
| xxxHOLiC (TV) |
Very good |
I really, really enjoy this series. CLAMP's character designs on this series do take a bit of getting used to. They are long, lanky and angular. I do like how non-important people to the story are blank outlines walking by. Not only is it a money saver but it doesn't distract you from what you should be focusing on. Watanuki and Yuko have a fascinating relationship with each other. He doesn't want the spirits to follow him and she really doesn't want to get close to anyone. But, even though Watanuki gets really frustrated with her flakiness, drinking and various other foibles, she does grow on him. It has been interesting to see him relax more around her and around the magical/spiritual situations that he ends up getting involved in. But, he does spazz out at least three times an episode; usually due to Yuko's drinking or sudden decisions in what she wants to eat, Himawari's presence and the fact that Domeki walks the earth. I really enjoy this series and recommend it...especially if you are a CLAMP fan. Written 7-20-08 |
| xxxHOLiC the Movie: A Midsummer Night's Dream |
Very good |
I got the Clamp Double Feature and this is pretty fun. Watching Watanuki deal with the spirit was interesting. Certainly makes you wonder what people walking by must think of the weirdo! This is a self-contained story. I don't think that it's really connected to the series but I did enjoy this. And there is a small connection at the end to Tsubasa RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE The Movie: Princess of the Birdcage Kingdom. Written 3-10-08 |
