Anime Reviews 2008 (II)

 Welcome to our Anime review section.  In this section our reviews are reviewed by our resident Anime Columnist Man in Black.  You can check out his monthly Anime Column HERE.  You can win many of the titles reviewed HERE

You can view page 1 of 2008's Anime Reviews HERE Page 3 HERE

 

MÄR (Märchen Awakens Romance) – Volume 1 (Episodes 1-13)

3 Discs (Distributor: Manga Entertainment) Running time: 294 minutes 

Ginta Toramizu is a school boy tormented by his classmates for his physical weakness, lack of stamina and constant daydreaming. Only his best friend Koyuki believes in his dreams about a fantasy world where he is a hero. One day, that dream becomes a reality when Ginta is transported to the fantasy world known as MÄR-Heaven via a Dimension Ärm (pronounced Ai-um) called the Gate Keeper Clown. Upon arriving in MÄR-Heaven, Ginta discovers that his physical strength and stamina have increased dramatically and he no longer needs his glasses. His first encounter is with a witch named Dorothy, who introduces Ginta to Ärms – magical accessories that transform into powerful weapons – and enlists Ginta’s help in finding an elusive Ärm of high value: the talking, form changing Ärm called Babbo. They find him asleep in a cave but when Babbo awakes he discovers he has lost his memory. Ginta saves Dorothy from an attack by a guardian Ärm using Babbo as weapon. Upon seeing how well Ginta and Babbo perform together, Dorothy gives Babbo to Ginta and they set off to explore MÄR-Heaven. And so the journey begins that sees our heroes meet a whole host of characters: some who become friends, others who are deadly foes.  

First they meet Jack, a young farmer with whom they fend off two bullying Werewolves, the Rogelu Brothers, who have been helping themselves to Jack’s crops. Next they encounter a mysterious boy named Alviss – who Ginta recognises as the same person who brought him into. Alviss explains that Ginta had been transported to his world to help combat an uprising from an evil group known as the Chess Pieces, as another human had done before him. He also reveals that Babbo was originally the Ärm of Phantom, the most powerful night of the Chess Pieces, and for being responsible for many deaths of the Cross Guard soldiers, Babbo must be destroyed. Of course Babbo has no recollection of this and Ginta refuses to hand Babbo to Alviss, creating tension between the two prospective allies.  

The trio soon find themselves additional companions in the form of the fugitive Princess Snow, a girl who is the exact double of Koyuki; Ed the man-dog who shares his body with a man called Alan and transforms into the other when one sleeps; Nanashi, the leader of Luberia, the Guild of Thieves; and Tom, a native of the haunted caves of Vestry, along with a constantly reappearing Dorothy. After some intensive training, the group set out to face the Chess Pieces as their path of destruction across MÄR-Heaven begins. 

Initial appearances suggest that MÄR is aimed specifically at the younger Pokemon/Yu-Gi-oh audience: and that is certainly true judging by some the character designs (Ginta strongly resembles of Yugi from Yu-Gi-Oh), overt japery and lack of blood and guts violence. Yet once the series gets past the opening few episodes, the story branches out and becomes more involved and darker, making it more of a younger cousin of a show like Bleach. And it is as clichéd as they come with just about every Shonen adventure character trait and element imaginable thrown in along with the kitchen sink. Yet despite that, MÄR is a ton of fun. 

Keen eyed viewers will no doubt spot the numerous fairy tale references a mile off - after all “Märchen” is the German word for “fairy tale”. First off we have Dorothy (named after the heroine from Wizard of Oz) and her ÄRM collection featuring a lion, a scarecrow, a metal Golem and her favourite, named Toto. Then Jack grows vegetables and has dreams of growing a huge vine that reaches the sky (beanstalk anyone?); Princess Snow who fled from the clutches of her wicked stepmother was told by a seer to find seven warriors (no dwarves) to help fight the Chess Pieces, and so on. And if you hadn’t already guessed it, the Chess Pieces are ranked according to the power the pieces in a real game of chess possess: King and Queen at the top, then Knights, bishops etc. 

Putting the hokey aspect of the series aside, there are some interesting subplots arising. Princess Snow and Dorothy look set to become rivals for Ginta’s affections; Ginta’s friend Koyuki not only resembles Princess Snow but appears to have such an empathy with our hero that she has dreams that exactly match Ginta’s adventures in MÄR-Heaven as they unfold. And the mysterious Boss, the saviour of MÄR-Heaven who lead the Cross Guard to victory over the Chess Pieces six years before this story is set, must have a direct connection to Ginta as the two seem to follow similar paths. Nothing has been revealed yet but the hints dropped thus far are pretty blatant. 

If MÄR has a downside then it is the lack of originality. As stated earlier there is little to distinguish it from every other sprawling Shonen fantasy Anime series featuring a young boy discovering latent powers and becoming the saviour of a mystical world by overcoming evil. Ginta is excitable and always shouting like Naruto; Babbo and Jack are the comedy figures; Snow is the positive, kawaii heroine; everyone and everything has a magic power; things transform into other things – it’s all here. Since this is aimed at younger viewers for whom such familiarity is a comfort, it is not an issue, but as the show has enough of an edge to appeal to slightly older fans of the Naruto generation that tried and tested formula is likely to be off-putting, which is a shame. 

That said MÄR moves along at a fairly quick pace with plenty happening in these thirteen episodes so one is unlikely to be bored. The story is easy to get into and nothing is too taxing for the brain as the script is simple and heavy on the explanations, making it very easy to get caught up with the action and be eagerly awaiting the next episode. And Manga continue to spoil the fans by offering this 3-disc set for the price of 2.  

So, go get yourself a slice of MÄR-Heaven!

 

Extras:  

English 2.0 Stereo

Japanese 2.0 Stereo

English Subtitles

Trailers (Disc 1 only) 
 
 

Main Feature:

Extras:

 

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Death Note Vol 2 (Episodes 9-16)

2 Discs (Distributor: Manga Entertainment) Running time: 183 minutes 

A note book with the power to kill anyone whose name is written in it, falls into the hands of brilliant student Light Yagami. His killing spree of convicted criminals in the hope of creating a righteous, crime free new world attracts the attention of eccentric master detective L. Thus begins an intellectual game of cat and mouse. 

Continuing on from the end of volume 1, Light is initially acquitted of being the prime suspect to be the true identity of the mass murderer named Kira, despite L’s continuing reservations. In order to satisfy his own curiosity L sits the entrance exam to To-oh University unbeknownst to Light. At the entrance ceremony, L introduces himself to a shocked but cynical Light, unsure if this scruffy looking oddball calling himself Hideki Ryuga really is L. After falling in defeat to Light in highly competitive game of tennis, L invites Light to join the Kira investigation team. With his guard firmly up, Light hesitates to accept until both men are caught out by the appearance of a second Kira. A video message is broadcast on national TV claiming to be from Kira and two news-broadcasters are killed in a demonstration of Kira’s validity. Light sees this as an opportunity to keep L at bay while his work continues by manipulating this other Kira to do his bidding and agrees to join the investigation team.  

Enter Misa Amane: model, idol and worshipper of Kira after her family were murdered before her and subsequently brought to justice at the hands of Kira. After a Shinigami named Gelus sacrificed his own life by using his Death Note to save Misa from a crazed stalker, his Death Note was passed on to Misa by another shinigami, Rem. Using the video messages broadcast on TV to flush the real Kira out with suggestions that they meet, Misa - who made the deal for the Shinigami Eyes (enabling a human the ability to see the names and life spans of other humans; although their own lifespan is halved as a result) – discovers Kira’s true identity (the lifespan of the possessor of a Death Note does not show up) and introduces herself to Light. She declares her infatuation for both Kira and Light, also offering her complete subservience in return for his exclusive affections. Light agrees to have Misa become his accomplice despite his doubts about her kooky personality; after all, her Shinigami Eyes and a second Death Note gives Light the upper hand in his battle against L. Or so he thinks… 

Death Note hit the ground running in its first volume and has really kicked into second gear with this volume. The tension continues to build as Light’s descent into righteous yet criminal madness is further exacerbated by the matching intellect of his rival L. Light takes his campaign to throw L off the trail while continuing to mete out his punishment against convicted criminals to new and disturbing levels; including - and not limited to - personal sacrifice. Of course, L is there ready to match Light’s malfeasance at every step with both men upping the ante with each move they make. 

The story takes a neat but brief twist with the arrival of the second Kira, which introduces us to the ditsy but well meaning J-Idol Misa Amane. This blond bombshell with a penchant for Goth fashion has become something of a cult figure in her own right among Death Note fans and general Otaku, her popularity matching that of Light, L and Ryuk. The dichotomy of Misa’s carefree approach to everything and Light’s meticulous and devious Machiavellian plotting makes for an entertaining - if tried and tested – subplot, that adds an extra dimension to an already intriguing and involved story. It not only highlights the extreme lengths Light will go to in order to achieve his ultimate goal of ridding himself of L, but creates a sympathy figure in Misa who finds herself caught up in this dangerous battle of wits lead by her heart, unaware that her affections are completely misplaced. 

Whereas before Light’s actions were polarising as he used the Death Note’s powers to punish those who he believed deserved it, at this stage of the story, the line between antagonist and protagonist have been clearly drawn, and the roles explicitly filled. Luckily for the viewers, the mental machinations of Light and L have their own narrative allowing us inside the heads of these two intellectual giants as they ruminate on their next move while never giving anything away before they execute said gambit. This is one of the strengths of the series, ensuring that the viewer is essentially in the same position as the characters in the show, eliminating any idea of predictability, allowing us all to be swept up in the moment of anticipation before the next stratagem is revealed. 

Death Note is a white knuckle ride of an Anime that provides nourishment for the brain as well as top notch entertainment. And Manga have once again provided the fans with value for money buy releasing this as a 2-Disc set for the price of one, making it even more of an essential purchase. 
 

Extras:  

English 2.0 Stereo

Japanese 2.0 Stereo

English Subtitles 

Disc 1: 

English Voice Actor Interviews and Recording Sessions

Audio Commentary for Episode 11

Production Art Gallery

DVD Credits 

Disc 2: 

English Voice Actor Interviews and Recording Sessions

Audio Commentary for Episode 14

Production Art Gallery

Trailers

DVD Credits 
 

Main Feature:

Extras:

 

 

Bleach Series 2 Vol 1 (Episodes 21-32) 

 

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3 Discs (Distributor: Manga Entertainment) Running time: 274 minutes 

Picking up directly from the last volume, fledgling Soul Reaper Ichigo Kurosaki and his friends launch a rescue mission to save Rukia Kuchiki from execution. Upon arriving in the Soul Society Ichigo, Orihime, Chad, Ishida and Yoruichi find that in order to gain entrance into the walled city of Sereitei, home of the Soul Reapers, they need to get past the giant gatekeeper Jidanbo. Ichigo steps forward and surprises the giant by destroying his axes with just one blow. Jidanbo concedes defeat and opens the gates prompting the arrival of top ranking Soul Reaper Gin Ichimaru, who attacks Jidanbo for this failure. Ichigo challenges Ichimaru, only to come off second best. Their overnight respite is interrupted by the arrival of a group of thugs riding wild boars. Their leader has a hatred for Soul Reapers - one killed his older brother - and singles out Ichigo for an inevitable physical confrontation. Yoruichi leads the group to see Kukaku Shiba, a skilled pyro-technician. Her plan is to fire the group into Sereitei with her giant cannon while they travel in a cannonball crated from concentrated spiritual energy. She enlists her younger brother Ganju to accompany the group – ironically the same guy Ichigo fought the previous night, their dispute being immediately resumed.  

Meanwhile Rukia learns that her execution has been brought forward by fourteen days and she is moved to a new cell. Her long time friend Renji Abarai is told confidentially by former Captain Sosuke Aizen that he suspects acts of malfeasance concerning Rukia’s harsh treatment. His main target of suspicion suspect appears to be Gin Ichimaru.  

Sereitei is put on red alert as intruders have broken through the city’s barrier.  The cannonball splits upon entry splitting the team into four separate groups: Chad and Yoruichi both land alone; Ichigo and Ganju are confronted by two Soul Reapers Ikkaku Madarame, who faces off against Ichigo, and Yumichika Ayasegawa who battles Ganju; and Ishida and Orihime find themselves squaring off against the mammoth Jirobo Ikkanzaka, brother of Jidanbo. Whilst trying to avoid capture from the 11th Division guards, Ichigo and Ganju take Hanataro Yamada hostage and escape underground. Hanataro, a healer and servant from the 4th Division, grew fond of Rukia after serving her while she remained in interment and vowed to help Ichigo and Ganju to save her. He leads them to the white tower, but waiting at the bottom of the staircase is an angry Renji Abarai. 

Bleach now enters its second story arc as we finally arrive in the fabled Soul Society. Surprisingly, the aesthetics of this fantasy world are very minimalist. There are no futuristic buildings or post-modern vehicles: Rukongai, the town on the outskirts of Sereitei, is a throwback to feudal Japan with dusty roads, modest shacks for homes and meagre standards of living; Sereitei is a considerable step up with bigger and better buildings with more impressive architecture but still maintains the simplistic motif. Yet if the world of the Soul Reaper was a bustling hi-tech metropolis it would directly conflict the easy charm that Bleach possesses. 

With this new territory comes an extensive new cast of characters to help freshen up the action. Many of the Soul Reapers take human form with bespoke appearances to respect their personalities or traits while others do appear to be alien-esque in design. And with this batch of new characters also comes an intriguing subplot to the main rescue mission angle. It would appear that high ranking Soul Reapers are not above political machinations for their own personal gain as in the human world – providing an internal threat to the balance of harmony within Sereitei.  

For now, Bleach is just hitting its stride. The main characters are beginning to gain confidence in their nascent powers with Orihime in particular starting to value herself more as an integral part of the group. Ichigo is still an impatient hot head unable to fully control the fire within but being taken to the brink of death twice brings out a more mature and thinking warrior in him. Along with plenty of action, the zany humour is still very much present although there are times when it seems overplayed and thrown in a bit too randomly. There are also a couple of episodes where we take a time out for reflection and a bit of back story that helps flesh out the newer characters while filling in a few blanks for the established ones. 

Once again Manga Entertainment has provided value for money with three discs for the price of two making Bleach and even more worthwhile purchase – if it wasn’t already one! 
 
 

Extras:  

English Language 2.0

Japanese Language 2.0

English Subtitles

Textless Closing

Production Art

Trailers 
 

Main Feature:

Extras:

 

 

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Shakugan no Shana Vol 2 (Episode 5-8)

1 Disc (Distributor: MVM) Running Time: 99 minutes 

Yuji Sakai is a high school boy who has just learned that he is dead when he meets a Flame Haze whom he names Shana. Yuji discovers he is a “torch”, a temporary replacement for dead people; yet he is no ordinary torch – he is a Mystes: a special torch with the Midnight Lost Child power that rejuvenates his flame every night at the stroke of midnight. This power is wanted by the Denizens of the Crimson World. 

When we left the story last time, Shana was on the receiving end of a beating at the hands of fellow Flame Haze Margery Daw, a defeat she doesn’t take to well. Yuji meanwhile is out on a date at the art gallery with classmate Kazumi Yoshida, who has a crush on Yuji but is too shy to tell him. There Yuji meets a man named of Lamies who is a Corpse Collector – a Denizen who takes the torches of those soon to depart. He warns Yuji of the City Devouring plan hatched by another Denizen, Hunter Friagne. Yuji rushes to tell Shana who immediately leaps into action, but refuses Yuji’s offer of help. Also keen to remove Friagne so she can concentrate on eliminating Lamies is Margery Daw, who enlists the help of two of Yuji’s classmates Keisaku Sato and Eita Tanaka in her campaign against the Denizens. 

With Friagne dealt with, Yuji asks Shana to train him so he can be of more use to her in battle. She initially has reservations but her growing affection for Yuji – which she doesn’t understand or recognise; along with the revelation that her skills and confidence in battle increase in his presence - persuade her to reconsider. When an Unrestricted Method seal is placed over the city by Margery Daw to help her locate Lamies, Shana and Yuji engage in their own pursuit of the Corpse Collector but with a different objective. Shane realises that Lamies is a harmless Denizen with no intentions of disrupting the balance of the world; Margery Daw hates Denizens and intends to wipe them all out. A battle between the two Flame Hazes ensues. 

For a show that is based around the concept or mortality Shakugan no Shana is very bright, fast moving and sometimes humorous, never once descending into the doleful and depressing. Aside from Yuji’s human outlook to his supernaturally imposed state and his questioning of existing for a sole purpose, there is no pontificating or any lengthy philosophical dissection of the transience of life.  

Story line development is swift but character development is slow. Yuji is gradually beginning to grasp the importance of his existence to the balance of the world and his acceptance of it has been remarkably mature. The almost inevitable thawing of hostilities towards Yuji by Shana and creeping signs of affection have already been introduced but not hastily incorporated into the plot just yet. Shana is also beginning to allow herself to enjoy the simple pleasures of the human world that we would normally take for granted, such as a hot bath or basic hospitality from Yuji’s mother. It is this pacing that stops Shana from falling into the same trap other Anime series do by having their characters change so quickly and thus go on a less predictable journey. 

Fans of shows such as Bleach, Fullmetal Alchemist, Elemental Gelade and Naruto should enjoy the fight sequences here as they are in a similar vein and superbly animated. The humour is injected sparingly and never intrusive or inappropriate while the script doesn’t get too bogged down with its own lexicon and vocabulary to the point it leaves the viewer either behind or just bewildered. 

It would seem that 2008 is the year for new Anime heroines to the UK, with Enma Ai (Hell Girl), Revy (Black Lagoon), Haruhara Haruko (FLCL), Tenma Tsukamoto (School Rumble) and Haruhi Suzumiya (The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya) and Shana is a more than welcome addition to that list. 
 

Extras:  

English Language

Japanese Language with English Subtitles

Textless Ending

Trailers

DVD Credits 

Main Feature:

Extras:

 

 

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Black Lagoon Vol 3 (Episodes 9-12)

1 Disc (Distributor: MVM) Running time: 94 minutes 

Starting as it means to go on, volume three of this white knuckle ride of a series kicks off with plenty of testosterone fuelled, foulmouthed, bullet spraying, blood spilling carnage. And that is just from the women. 

Continuing where we left off at the end of volume two, Lagoon Company arrives at the Yellow Flag Inn to deliver Venezuelan youngster Garcia to the Columbian mafia. But when they arrive, Garcia’s maid Roberta is already there, stoically filling the cartel full of lead from her umbrella-cum-machine gun. Lagoon’s resident gunslinger Revy comes off the worst in a brief exchange against Roberta, warranting a tactical retreat with the aid of her team mates with Garcia in tow. After turning the Yellow Flag into a fireball Roberta gives chase, turning Rock’s joke about her being just like the T-1000 from Terminator 2 into a chilling reality. Roberta’s relentless pursuit of Lagoon Company in order to rescue Garcia apes some classic moments from the aforementioned film. After the chase takes them to the docks, Revy and Roberta finally go mono et mono – until Balalaika from Hotel Moscow shows up with a small army in tow brining the gunfight to a close. Roberta’s true identity and history is revealed but Garcia just wants his old maid back. But first, Roberta and Revy need to settle their differences with fisticuffs. 

To close this volume out, the Lagoon Company is paid a visit by Mr.Chang whose Triad offices were blown up by a group of terrorists called the Protectors of the Islamic Front literally moments earlier. Chang has some valuable documents belonging to the terrorists and wants Lagoon Company to transport them to Basilan Island. The terrorists attack the Lagoon offices making the mission personal. Revy and Rock go to the island to make the delivery but Rock is kidnapped during a gunfight which began when a terrorist pretends to be their contact. Revy is saved from becoming Swiss cheese by the real contacts, the vain but deadly blade wielding Shenhuah and pothead Leigharch, with whom she plans to rescue Rock – something she swore she would never do. 

One of the strengths of Black Lagoon has been how they successfully mix the balls to the wall action with moments of human insight and philosophical ruminations. Unfortunately the latter is conspicuous by its absence in this volume, as the focus is on the action. That said the complexities of the relationship between Revy and Rock are briefly touched upon in the end of the fourth episode after Revy finds herself instinctively wanting to rescue Rock from the terrorists despite showing signs of intolerance and hostility towards him. It is this dichotomy that helps move the show along, especially as the other two Lagoon Company members Dutch and Benny are often relegated to supporting players. 

But since the main premise and appeal of the show is built around the John Woo-esque shootouts and Bond Style action sequences that we have come to expect from this series then it delivers the goods in spades. However, the story arc with Roberta the former soldier turned housemaid was verging a little on the ridiculous as entertaining as her feud with Revy was – due to her fighting in her amazingly maid’s uniform! And while the homage to Terminator 2 was probably well meaning enough, it sometimes felt a little too close to being a poor pastiche and felt a little incongruous within the tone of the show, even though it never takes itself too seriously in the first place. 

Despite this minor gripe Black Lagoon remains one the most exciting and enjoyable new series to be released this year. And in Revy they have one of the best kick-ass females characters ever, worthy of challenging Ghost In The Shell’s Major Motoko Kusanagi as Anime’s no 1 heroine.  
 
 

Extras:  

English Language 5.1

Japanese Language 2.0 w/ English Subtitles

Textless Closing

Promotional Videos

Trailers 
 

Main Feature:

Extras:

 

 

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Berserk Vol 6 – God’s Hand (Episodes 22-25)

1 Disc (Distributor: MVM) Running time: 94 minutes 

The violent and bloody saga of Guts and the Band of Hawk finally draws to a close. 

With Griffith still imprisoned in an underground dungeon a small group from the Hawks lead by Guts and Caska launch a rescue campaign. In their absence the Hawks’ camp is attacked by supernatural forest monsters headed by a luminescent fairy, wiping out most of the men. At the castle, Guts and his group find a dishevelled, malnourished, heavily scarred, mute figure in a metal mask which, they realise, is Griffith. Full of rage Guts leads the escape but slashing anyone or anything that stands in his way in half, decorating the castle grounds in blood. An attempt to ambush the Hawks as they take Griffith to a new camp is quickly foiled again by another violent outburst from Guts. Once safe, Caska tends to Griffith who is harbouring ill feelings towards Guts, blaming him for his downfall. After experiencing hallucinations that include flashbacks to his past and a bizarre presage of his future, Griffith flees the camp in a wagon, which he crashes into a small pond. 

Guts and the others catch up with Griffith, who holds in his hands a Crimson Beherit, a talisman in the shape of a small red head. It suddenly awakens and unleashes hell on earth known as the Great Eclipse, an event that only occurs once every 216 years. This brings out the an army of demons and their four kings known as God’s Hand that take the form of a giant naked woman with huge black wings; a grinning fat faced flying imp; a large red faced slug; and a giant skeletal faced creature with its brain mounted externally on its skull.  

They reveal that Griffith has been fated to become the fifth member of God’s Hand. The Beherit in Griffith’s possession proved his eligibility to join them, with the Band of Hawks to be the sacrifices for the banquet to celebrate Griffith’s membership into this demonic group. Guts refuses to believe that this was Griffith’s will until a look into his past brings about some startling revelations. 

First things first, this is unquestionably the most violent and graphic volume of the series, with the final episode eclipsing everything else before it. There are some minor scenes of a sexual nature but nothing to cause concern as such infamous titles as Urotsukidoji or Kite have in the past. No doubt those who have followed the series from the start shouldn’t be surprised that a show titled Berserk would end on anything less than a chaotic bloodbath. (N.B - the true final scene appears after the end credits of Episode 25) It has to be said that the rather surreal and supernatural ending seems to have come out of nowhere since there was little forewarning or even any clues dropped throughout the previous episodes. It’s not quite ill-fitting on an Evangelion level but it certainly feels like the ending to a different story arc. 

However it does tie in with the overall theme of fate and whether one has any control over their own fate or if it is controlled by a higher power. The question of destiny is debated across these twenty five episodes, pondering if a fated path is laid out for us or it is something we happen across. Guts seems to fall into the latter category, drifting from one place to another and never realising when he has it so good; Griffith on the other hand appear to have chosen his future at a young age and the paths he walked to fulfil his dreams were anything but providential.  

It would be easy to miss these themes when the lead protagonist is nothing more than an angry mindless slayer, who admittedly learns the value of friendship, loyalty and selflessness as time passes. A shame as the story is incredibly strong and belies the often gratuitous violence that will no doubt be the main appeal for some viewers. 

Berserk is something of a sleeper hit – a title you think you won’t enjoy that surprises you as to how good it really is. Bloody good! 
 

Extras:  

English Language

Japanese Language w/ English Subtitles

TV Spot

Outtakes

Paint It Berserk

Encore TV Opening

Forces Full Version 

Main Feature:

Extras:

 

 

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Gravitation Vol 1 – Fateful First Encounter (Episodes 1-4)

1 Disc (Distributor: MVM) Running time: 88 minutes 

Shuichi Shindou is an aspiring singer who, with his best friend Hiroshi Nakano, hopes their duo Bad Luck will be the next big thing in the pop world. One night when working on the lyrics for a new song, the paper blows out of Shuichi’s hands and is picked up by a tall blonde stranger. He reads the lyrics then tells Shuichi he has no talent. Shuichi takes this critique badly and develops a complex, forcing him to hunt down and confront this stranger. When he does, instead of being angry with the guy – who turns out to be top selling romance novelist Eiri Yuki, Shuichi – finds himself falling in love with him. Eiri denies any attraction on his part due of his reputation as a ladies man yet teases Shuichi with a kiss. 

Bad Luck are working under NG Productions, the president of which is Touma Seguchi, a member of the defunct band Nittle Grasper whose lead singer Ryuichi Sakuma is Shuichi’s idol. Yet it is new sensation ASK that Seguchi wants to concentrate on and looks to drop Bad Luck until Eiji’s sister and Seguchi’s wife Mika uses Shuichi to persuade Eiji to mend some bridges between him and his family in return for Seguchi’s support and tutelage. Bad Luck support ASK at a live show but Eiji’s presence forces Shuichi to experience about of stage-fright until he receives a helping hand from an unexpected source. Bad Luck are a hit, much to the chagrin of ASK. 

Seguchi decides that Bad Luck need a third member and recruits his 16 year-old cousin Suguru Fujisaki on keyboards. Shuichi resents this and is becomes deflated by the prodigious talents of his new band mate and the interest it creates for the group. Hiroshi pays Eiji a visit and pleads with him to take care of Shuichi, realising he is the only one who can reach out to him. Despite insisting he has no interest in Shuichi or a relationship with him, Eiji’s actions are often to the contrary, but these demonstrations of affection are enough to restore Shuichi’s confidence. After a successful appearance on live TV, Bad Luck appear to be on their way to stardom, leaving fellow stable mates ASK behind, something they are not prepared to take lightly. 

Gravitation is a shonen-ai (“boy love”) story based on the Manga by Maki Murakami. Shonen-ai stories concern non-physical relationships and love affairs between bishonen (“pretty boys”) and are mostly popular with teenage girls in Japan.  

Thankfully, while the relationship between Shuichi and Eiji is one of the central themes of the story, it plays second fiddle to the exploits of Bad Luck and their ascension in the music world. Unlike BECK - Mongolian Chop Squad, this show takes a more fanciful approach, exercising lashings of dramatic license with their depiction of the music business, suggesting that making it to the top – let alone getting a foot in the front door – is easy. Since this aspect of the story isn’t meant to be taken as seriously as the one in BECK, it can be forgiven for such frivolity. Fans of J-Pop may enjoy the soundtrack but so far there is just one song in Bad Luck’s catalogue which no doubt will be imprinted on your mind by the end of this volume. 

There is plenty of humour to be found in Gravitation largely courtesy of Shuichi and Bad Luck’s original manager, the hopelessly incompetent Sakano; the latter prone to panic attacks and moments of stress on an alarmingly regular basis. The dichotomy of the silliness that permeates throughout juxtaposed with the seriousness of the scenes featuring Shuichi and Eiji creates a show with an interesting light and dark dynamic. One can’t help but feel they are watching two different programmes as some of the random comedy moments would not be out of place in a series like School Rumble or Azumanga Daioh. 

The animation can’t be criticised although they have opted not to be so realistic with depicting the musical performances. There is one interesting technique employed in this series: the use of live action footage that has been blurred to appear animated. When we first meet Shuichi in episode one, he is in fact a live action boy seen running through the streets from a bird’s eye view until his first full screen appearance. As is the remit of the shonen-ai genre, the male character designs are fairly effete to the point that some are quite easily mistaken for females. 

In all honesty, Gravitation could have been a fine comedy based around the struggles of musical hopefuls without the shonen-ai elements but that is the selling point of the show. This could limit its appeal to UK Anime fans by alienating the male audience, despite shonen-ai being less off putting than its more explicit counterpart yaoi. 

A fun show overall that due to its central themes may be its own worst enemy in terms of widespread success. 
 
 

Extras:  

English Language

Japanese Language w/English Subtitles

Original Gravitation Trailer

Art Gallery

Trailers 
 

Main Feature:

Extras:

 

 

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Berserk Vol 5 – Requited Desires (Episodes 18-21)

1 Disc (Distributor: MVM) Running time: 95 minutes 
 

Picking up directly from the end of the last volume, we join the action to learn that Griffith had managed to foil the assassination attempt on his life by the Queen and the members of the royal court. He is quick to extract his revenge, banishing his enemies for good then sighting his sights on Princess Charlotte. However, Griffith learns that Guts wants to leave the Band Of Hawk and go his own way. Griffith won’t allow this and forces Guts to fight for his freedom, a battle which Guts quickly wins and goes on his way, leaving Griffith and the Band of Hawk devastated. 

A year passes by and Guts has been staying with swordsmith Godo and his young granddaughter Erica, and has been improving on his fighting skills. Just as he is about to leave and move on, a man arrives with an order for a batch of new swords from Godo, explaining that they are needed to apprehend a bunch of dangerous outlaws. Guts learns that the outlaws are in fact the Band of Hawk and he rushes to find them. When he does, he finds that their ranks have greatly diminished and Caska is now in charge. She explains that Griffith was found with Princess Charlotte and imprisoned in an underground chamber for treason, where he is routinely tortured. Guts and Caska plot a rescue mission, but first have some personal issues between each other to resolve first. 

What it may lack in artistic punch, Berserk certainly makes up for it in content and strong story telling. Despite what he was told numerous times in this volume, Guts has matured considerably since the early part of the story, and in some ways has even mellowed. That is not to say that he still doesn’t enjoy swinging his giant sword and slicing a few bodies in two, as he has come to the conclusion that is all he is good for. Yet the tenderness with which he embraces Caska with in the closing episode belies the violent and unforgiving persona Guts has built up for himself. 

The change in Griffith is probably the biggest shock of this volume. Though not fully explained, the loss of Guts affected Griffith deeply, and he changed from a confident and smart leader of the Band of Hawk, to a deranged and desperate man from whom his very soul seemed to have disappeared. Hopefully the final volume will shed some more light on what the relationship with Guts truly meant to him and why. 

The retro 80’s animation style to this series (it was made in 1998) may not be to everyone’s tastes and may seem anachronistic for a new release, but amazingly it actually suits the pseudo-medieval aesthetic. Upon reflection, the show would probably suffer if it contained the same fluid computer assisted style of modern Anime. 

Berserk has proved itself to be a true diamond in the rough but by no means a classic series, it’s still worth looking into. 
 

Extras:  

English Language

Japanese Language w/ English Subtitles

Interview with Kentaro Miura

Outtakes 

Main Feature:

Extras:

 

 

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Ergo Proxy Vol 6 – Deus Ex Machina (Episodes 21-23)

1 Disc (Distributor: MVM) Running time: 81 minutes 
 

It’s the end of the line for fugitive Vincent Law, Re-l Mayer and Pino as they return the domed city of Romdo in search of answers. 

The first of the three closing episodes finds a bored Pino setting out to find Vincent and Re-l after they left her alone on the ship. She finds a group of damaged and infected Autorievs and soon finds herself under gun fire. Re-l too has been exploring Romdo, only to discover the city in a state of chaos, as the people have turned against the Autorievs and have been destroying them. Re-l learns that Vincent incited the people to rebel against the system and goes in search of him. On her way she meets her other self who claims to be the genuine Real Mayer – but is in fact the creation of Re-l’s personal physician Daedalus, who was obsessed with her – despite being made in the image of Monad, the Proxy who the former love of Vincent.  

Meanwhile, Vincent – now in his true form as Ergo Proxy – hunts down the regent, Re-l’s grandfather Donov Mayer, where it is revealed that Ergo Proxy is the creator of Romdo and that he left Donov to run while he went away to be with Monad. Vincent Law was the alter ego Ergo Proxy created to help escape himself and his memories of being a Proxy. But Vincent isn’t the real Ergo Proxy; he is a clone himself known as Proxy One and when Re-l shows up she realises her own part in the grand plot to wipe out humanity, and concludes that Proxy One was in fact being controlled by a greater power – the real Ergo Proxy.  

More revelations and realisations come as Ergo Proxy and Proxy One face off in the ultimate showdown, Re-l comes to grips with her own “truths” and Raul Creed tries to atone for his past indiscretions as Romdo crumbles around them.  

If the above sounds confusing it’s because much like the rest of the series, it is difficult to do justice in précis form. Ergo Proxy may have saved all the explanations until the final episodes yet still managed to keep the viewer guessing with more curveballs, deep philosophising and essays on existentialism, with a smattering of opinion on creationism and mankind’s foolish ideas of playing God. From the onset this series have never followed a straight path so any hopes that the conclusion would tie up the loose ends and answer any questions may not be rewarded to the satisfaction of everybody. Not that such a deep and surreal story would work with a straight forward “happy ever after” ending anyway, but there is a sense of hope that permeates through the closing stages. 

There is a danger that Ergo Proxy is too smart for it’s own good and thus would alienate viewers, something that appears to be a standard characteristic for Asian sci-fi, which is a shame. A supremely intelligent series that not only explores a favourite theme of Anime in the relationship and ever blurring lines between man and technology, but also arguably serves as an allegory for how mankind has handled the responsibility of cultivating existence and civilisation after being left to its own devices once its creator has moved on. And quite a chilling one at that. The show is also peppered with historical and mythological references throughout, such as the fate of Monad in the final episode; to the use of well known philosophers names and their theories: most notably Descartes’ “I think therefore I am” (“Cogito ergo sum” – “cogito” being the virus that gave the Autorievs the power to think for themselves) being a central and recurring theme. 

Ergo Proxy is one of those shows that requires multiple viewings to fully enjoy and understand it, which no doubt will bring out something new with each viewing. But it is required viewing at least once for those who like ambitious and thought provoking – as well as visually stunning – Anime.  
 
 

Extras:  

English Language 5.1

English Language DTS

Japanese Language 5.1

English Subtitles

Trailers 
 

Main Feature:

Extras:

 

 

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Trinity Blood Vol 6 (Episodes 21-24)

1 Disc (Distributor: MVM) Running time: 95 minutes 

And so we reach the final volume of this series concerning the war between human and vampire. Picking up directly where we left off in volume five, as a terrorist group of Methuselah launched a failed attempt to kidnap the young Pope. A rescue party made up of members of AX and the Dept. of Inquisition sets out to infiltrate the Ghetto despite breaching orders from the Albion government. 

The pontiff managed to escape with the help of Sister Esther Blanchett but they got separated with the Pope wandering into a sterile looking city. He soon finds himself the guests of Methuselah who have been enslaved underground and forced to work for the people above ground that live of the fruits their labours. Their plight touches the young pontiff and he sees Methuselah in a new light. A young girl called Angelica takes a shine to the Pope and shows him her special hiding place, only to be inadvertently lead straight back into the hands of Vanessa, one of the terrorists. Meanwhile, Esther’s search for the Pope leads her to unwittingly fall into a trap set by the leader of the Rosen Kruez Order, Dietrich who boats of his plan to end the world. She is about to be set upon by a Death hunter when Abel Nightroad arrives in time to save her. 

Brother Petros and Sister Paula happen upon the Pope in Vanessa clutches and free him but before Petros can deliver the final blow to Vanessa, the Pope intervenes and begs that she not be harmed. He wants peace, not bloodshed and decrees that humans and Methuselah are no different. Vanessa life is spared and this simple act of humanity by the pontiff causes her and the other terrorists to find hope for a peaceful future after all. The Rosen Kruez Order however is less benevolent and attack the Ghetto, whilst at the same time Cain, Abel’s older brother attacks the Albion palace. Esther follows him to the underground where Abel and Dietrich are in the midst of a confrontation. A surprising act of betrayal occurs; and Esther arrives in time to witness a fatality when the brothers collide. 

Albion is under attack from the Rosen Kruez Order whose ship under the control of the evil inventor Isaak lays waste to much of the city. The people being to panic and riot, and storm the palace. It is after a shock revelation about her past and her true identity that Esther quells the crowd with a stirring speech, explaining that the Methuselah are as much victims of the Rozen Kruez as the humans were. A united front formed between the two races stands up in defence of Albion and its people, while Cain has one last objective to fulfil before his moment of glory arrives. 

Right from the opening episode, Trinity Blood set out its manifesto of fast paced action with the war between the Vatican and the Rosen Kruez Order as its main theme. And with an explosive first episode one knew an explosive finale would await us; and that is exactly what we got. All questions are answered as the series drove recklessly towards its conclusion; but in the grand tradition of Anime, a few new questions arose in the process to increase the tension and add further intrigue to the proceedings. Some may have come out a little of the blue while others were the fruition of many seeds planted throughout the series. 

Gonzo are to be congratulated on another visually appealing and superbly animated series, that matches a gothic style with a classic European flavour and a touch of Steampunk thrown in for good measure. Also worthy of praise is the stirring soundtrack that accompanied the climactic battle in the final episode. An emotive, symphonic anthem with a powerful vocal chorus which once again creates a rewarding experience for the viewer when the synergy between audio and visual is perfection personified. 

Despite the overt religious references, iconography and themes that served as the backbone of the show, there is no sermonic aspect present or didactic agenda about faith; it is simply used as a tool to tell a great story about discrimination and tolerance. To that end, the appeal should be fairly universal – although some vampires may oppose the negativity towards them in the bulk of the episodes. 

This is a fantastic series that has pretty much everything an Anime fan could want (except fan service) and is highly recommended. 
 
 

Extras:  

English Language 5.1

Japanese Language 2.0

English Subtitles

Art Gallery

Textless opening and closing credits

Trailers 
 

Main Feature:

Extras:

 

 

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Black Lagoon Vol 2 (Episodes 5-8)

1 Disc (Distributor: MVM) Running time: 94 minutes 
 

The high octane, high seas hi-jinks continue for salaryman Rokuro Okajima – now nicknamed “Rock” – and his new family, Dutch, Revy and Benny, as part of the mercenaries for hire Lagoon Company aboard the titular torpedo ship the Black Lagoon. 

Continuing the story arc from the last volume, Lagoon Company have been hired to retrieve a painting left aboard a sunken U-Boat from World War II before the Nazi’s get to it. Unfortunately for Revy and Rock, the Nazis are right on their tails as the duo, having already found and boarded the U-Boat, are about to leave with the treasure. A shoot out ensues during which Rock inadvertently loses the painting, handing it straight over to the Nazis who quickly leave victorious. Never ones to be easily defeated Revy and Dutch launch a night time raid on the Nazi ship where the bullets fly, the bodies fall and the claret is spilled in abundance. When Dutch locates the commander of the ship, a telephone conversation reveals the true puppet master and the real value of the painting for the Nazis.  

With the group back on terra firma Dutch sends Rock and Revy (whose real name we learn is Rebecca) to run some errands, in the hope the time spent together will allow them to settle their differences. Neither seems particularly forthcoming in starting any conversations, especially Revy who simply moans the whole time. Rock is appalled at some of the establishments and people they visit which include a sex club and a group of the most unholy nuns you’ve ever seen. However, it is when they stop for lunch that a small disagreement escalates into a full blown row as Rock stands up for himself and unleashes a few home truths  and Revy’s trigger happy attitude earns the pair a ride in the back of a police car. 

In the final chapter on this disc, the crew pick up a rather unusual piece of cargo in the shape of a young boy named Garcia from Venezuela they have to deliver to the Columbian Mafia. When Revy’s babysitting skills show her to be no Mary Poppins, Rock is assigned that duty and discovers some discrepancies between  Garcia’s story and the information given to them by the Columbians. In the meantime, Garcia’s family’s maid Roberta arrives on the scene, and there is more to her than meets the eye. 

Black Lagoon continues to deliver its blend of brutal, action packed adventures with an intrinsic human interest element. Where it is successful is not making the characters one dimensional and allowing them to fall into a cliché or stereotype, so even though you know they are ruthless outlaws who operate outside of the law and indeed basic civil protocol, you can’t help but support them as the heroes of the show as flawed as they are. Despite the lawless life they lead, their capacity for sympathy and concern often shows through and they end up doing the right thing, even if their methods are often rash and questionable.  

The clear central theme is that of Rock’s trying to fit into his new life and make sense of the wanton chaos that his new companions are happy to incite, especially Revy, who posses the most hardened resolve of them all. Constantly using her rough up bringing as a reason for her unruly behaviour and lack of compassion, she regularly clashes with Rock’s more philosophic and naïve ideals about people, possession sand sentimentality. What is intriguing is that where this can often be construed as sexual tension between two polar opposites, in this case you genuinely cannot predict if such an unlikely romance or even a one of physical encounter between the two is on the cards. An all out bout of fisticuffs or pistols at dawn is more likely. 

The show’s other strength is that it can drift from one story arc to another without it falling into the “villain of the week” formula. And while each arc takes into two or three episodes, they are neatly punctuated with the “day off” episodes to allow another side to the characters to emerge while never deviating from the overall pace and tone of the show. 

Black Lagoon, like its main protagonists, delivers the goods with plenty of loud, kick ass action. 
 

Extras:  

English Language 5.1

Japanese Language 2.0 w/ English Subtitles

Japanese CD Commercial

Japanese Opening

Trailers 
 

Main Feature:

Extras:

 

 

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Black Cat Vol 5 – The Cataclysm (Episodes 17-20)

1 Disc (Distributor: MVM) Running time: 96 minutes 
 

Skilled bounty hunter Train Heartnet, aka Black Cat, his companions Sven Volfield and Eve, the genetically modified bio weapon are en route to a show down with the Apostle of the Stars lead by Train’s former partner Creed Diskenth. 

This volume opens with a slight detour from the main story in the form of a standalone episode that sees Train travelling by himself through some misty mountains where he meets a young girl named Saki, who bears a striking resemblance to Train’s late love Saya. Saki’s odd behaviour and talk of “the others“ despite it being perfectly clear she is alone raises Train’s suspicions but when the truth is finally revealed, Train gains a new perspective about himself. 

Reunited with his partners, Train joins all of the top sweepers, who have been gathered to help fight the Apostles. Deception is not too far behind when Train reveals the organiser to be a Chronos number (Train’s former employers) and the sweepers refuse to work for Chronos. Their minds are soon changed when an invasion by mutants created by the Apostles takes place and the sweeper unite to fight them off, remembering why they live that life in the first place, and agree to assist Chronos in their battle against the Apostles. 

With Creed Diskenth now rejuvenated as an immortal being using a combination of nanotechnology and Tao power, the Chronos-Sweeper alliance hits the mysterious Kraken Island where battle commences. Train sets his sights on Creed who has been waiting for his former partner to finally create his ideal new world where he plans to reign as God.  

Black Cat continues be a series that promises much but seems unfocused when it comes to delivering. The opening episode of this volume where Train meets Saki felt too random despite serving a purpose to Train’s character development. Then in the midst of the Chronos-Sweeper alliance vs. The Apostles, we are introduced to a small girl Ellie, whose family is still on Kraken Island. After one of the sweepers, River, vows to find her parents for her, Ellie nor River’s mission are ever mentioned again. One constant remains though: this series still likes to throw out comic moments at the most inappropriate times that sometime spoil some good scenes. 

Once the battle between the two factions commences, the show suddenly enters into Bleach territory with people splitting up into individual or group fights that pit magical powers against magical powers or simple brute strength vs. brute strength. And the showdown between Train and Creed recalls the fight scenes from Elemental Gelade. And all of this is performed against the high camp backdrop of Creed nonchalantly playing baroque music on a piano. 

Five volumes into the series and it’s fair to say that whilst it is unquestionably entertaining and contains its fair share of action and comedy, Black Cat is something of a hit and miss show that hasn’t quite lived up to it’s potential. That said, it is by no means a bad show; just one lacking in focus and direction. However, we are left with a clever ”Think it’s over? Think again!” ending on this volume to entice the viewer back for some more. Let’s hope they can deliver something to make the wait worthwhile. 
 

Extras:  

English Language 5.1

Japanese Language 2.0

English Subtitles

Textless Opening & Closing

Trailers 
 

Main Feature:

Extras:

 

 

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Witchblade Vol 3 (Episodes 9-12)

1 Disc (Distributor: MVM) Running time: 95 minutes 

Ditzy but well meaning Masane Amaha continues to live a double life as the possessor of the legendary Witchblade. 

We open volume three with Masane and photographer Tozawa searching for the X-Con that is on a murdering spree. When they finally catch up with him, they come to a chilling realisation which leaves Masane with bitter feelings about her work with the Douji Group. She confronts her boss Takayama about the truth behind the X-Cons which he confirms to Masane’s surprise. While she continues to feel conflicted, Masane decides to remain with Takayama to provide money for her daughter Rihoko, and even agrees to accompany Takayama to a party being held by Takayama’s rival Wadou. It is through Masanae’s clumsiness that her relationship with Takayama takes a surprising turn. 

Over at the NSWF, the rival company to Douji Group headed by the evil philanthropist known as Father, experiments on a new breed of Cloneblades called Neo Genes continues. Showing the most promise is Maria, Father’s own granddaughter. A petulant and spoiled child, she reacts violently whenever she doesn’t get her way or feels ignored, having fatally beaten five sparring partners during training. Head of research Dr. Nishida is confident that Maria will surpass the original Witchblade’s power but needs Masane to conduct further research on the Witchblade and harness its powers. 

Nora, Father’s assistant and a Neo Gene herself is despatched to capture Masane, but she is pre-occupied when Rihoko is taken to hospital. When Masane is located by Nora, they both transform and engage in battle, where Nora’s experience overwhelms Masane is taken away to the NSWF labs. After a daring rescue mission lead by Takayama and with the inadvertent assistance from Tozawa, Masane is freed and reunited with Rihoko. But as the celebrations are in full swing, the arrival of the Child Welfare officer with the results of a DNA test threatens to break Masane and Rihoko up for good. 

After what seemed like a mixed bag of episodes that focused more on storyline and character development than action, the trump card is pulled out right at the end to leave us with a delicious cliff-hanger. Neatly played, we now have to wait to see if the bond between Masane and Rihoko is as unbreakable as we have been lead to believe.  

For a series that appears to be based around the concept of an ass-kicking babe, this volume of Witchblade seems to veer off into directions away from the action, instead relying on the human side of the titular heroine. Masane’s alter ego only appears three times during these four episodes and briefly at that. This may be seen as a detriment to not have the main character not fulfil their remit more frequently, but in actual fact it saves the show from becoming formulaic and predictable. It makes the viewer wait until Masane needs to transform rather than transforming for the sake of it. The additional benefit is that the story is given more room to breathe and nothing is rushed, so when the pieces finally fall into place, the pay off doesn’t feel cheap or anticlimactic. 

The introduction of new characters and the development of others adds fresh interest to the show, breeding more questions that need to be answered. It is evident that the precocious Maria and Masane are headed for the ultimate showdown, while the interest of the estranged Cloneblade Reina Soho in Rihoko needs to be explored. And the power struggles behind the scenes at the Douji Group add an extra dimension of intrigue as interest in the Witchblade now appears to be split three ways. 

Those expecting the high octane action packed episodes of the previous volumes may be a little disappointed with this one, but the attention paid to the story and the focus on moving things forward while spinning more webs of intrigue is equally rewarding. Roll on volume four! 

And for anyone who missed the first two volumes, MVM will be re-releasing them along with volume three in a limited edition 3 Disc box set on June 9th. 
 
 

Extras:  

English Language 5.1

Japanese Language 2.0

English Subtitles

The Witchblade Forged Part 1

Japanese Cast Interview- Voice of Reiji Takayama

Textless Opening and Closing

Trailers 
 

Main Feature:

Extras:

 

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Shakugan no Shana Vol 1 (Episode 1-4)

1 Disc (Distributor: MVM) Running Time: 99 minutes 

Yuji Sakai looks like a normal high school boy. Except that Yuji is already dead. And he doesn’t know it. Yet. 

As he returns home from school, Yuji notices a strange force field enveloping the busy street as time suddenly stands still and all the people around him have the aura of a blue flame around them. A giant toy doll appears and starts sucking up the flames causing the people to disappear. The giant doll notices that Yuji resistance to the forced inertia and jumps for joy. Just as the doll goes in for the kill, a girl with red hair and flaming eyes makes the save obliterating the doll with her mighty sword. The red haired girl then restores the devoured people and everything else to normal. Everybody carries on as if nothing had happened, except for Yuji, for whom this experience was real and still fresh in his mind. 

He learns that his protector – who he names ”Shana” after her sword - is a “Flame Haze”. Around her neck is a pendant through which a Lord of the Crimson World named Alastor communicates with her. She also has a near addictive love for melon bread. Yuji discovers his own blue flame and Shana explains that he - like the other people - is a “torch”, a temporary replacement for dead people; and soon his flame will expire and he will vanish with no memory of his existence remaining. But Yuji is no ordinary torch – he is a Mystes; a special torch with a unique treasure within him sought by the Denizens. The monster Shana despatched was a “Rinnie”, sent by the Denizens of the Crimson World to devour the torches. 

Of course, Yuji finds this hard to take in. Shana decides to stay around to watch over Yuji and be ready to protect him whenever the Denizens attack again. She then takes over the existence of Yuji’s recently expired school friend Yukari Hirai to be near Yuji. Meanwhile an evil Denizen named Hunter Friagne is on a mission to take the treasure within Yuji; and to complicate matters for Shana, another Flame Haze by the name of Margery Daw, a busty woman with a drinking problem, arrives in town, which leads us to the nail biting cliff-hanger to close this opening volume.  

Another fantasy Anime with a sword wielding, kick-ass female lead, a bewildered school boy, and the almost obligatory exclusive vocabulary is here.  

At the centre of the story is the relationship between Yuji and Shana, with Yuji trying to inject a sense of humanity to the rather fantastic concept of everyday people actually being the remnants of their previous selves, while Shana continues to see everything in black and white, with a regimented and soulless logic and distant regard for any emotional attachment to life and other people. It is apparent that the more Yuji learns of his status as a Mystes that he will be able to be of benefit to Shana in his battles, and in turn, she will slowly be “humanised” during their time with him to beyond just her existence as a Flame Haze. Hopefully this will be explored as the series progresses. 

The show has its comic moments as Shana, now recognised as Hirai, drives every teacher at school to a nervous breakdown with her icy demeanour and steely logic as well as her physical toughness and a disregard for authority. Yet the show is quick to revert to its darker themes to remind the viewer that life and death is indeed serious matter. It is clear from this first volume that the question of how one is remembered after their time has come is to be pondered throughout the series as Yuji does his best to ensure that his memory lives on once his flame expires. The frightening reality of one’s own mortality is also raised, pulling no punches in reminding us that our time could be up at any given moment and our existence means less to others than it does to ourselves. A somewhat apposite notion considering the rise in fatal violent crimes in today’s society. The symbolism of the flame to signify one’s life force and its subsequent fading out is an inspired touch. 

While the character designs and overly familiar set ups hardly scream originality, Shakugan no Shana has a charm and energy about it that prevents it from being a Bleach clone. The bright colour palette is used to great effect whenever Shana goes into battle mode, yet the simple single colour tones during the darker moments enhance the eerie factor that bit more. The personalities are fairly typical of Anime, but Shana herself has an aura about her that has already made her a popular cult heroine. Already, there has been a second series and feature length film in Japan so it would appear the red haired girl with the flaming eyes has made her mark.  

2008 is shaping up to be a banner year for Anime here in the UK with so many great new releases and Shakugan no Shana is the latest reason why. 
 
 

Extras:  

English Language

Japanese Language with English Subtitles

Textless Opening

Trailers 

Main Featrure:

Extras:

 

 

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FLCL – aka Fooly Cooly Vol 2 (Episodes 3 & 4)

1 Disc (Distributor: MVM) Running time: 48 minutes 

One would think that the life of 12 year old Naota Nandaba couldn’t produce any more surprises after bass guitar swinging, Vesper scooter riding alien Haruhara Haruko entered his life. Haruko’s arrival brought with her the revelation that Naota’s head is a portal to a parallel universe out which robots suddenly sprang. What other bizarre wonders await Naota? 

Volume two opens with the introduction of Eri Ninamori, class president and daughter of the Mayor of Masabe. She has been given the lead role in the school production of Puss In Boots and rigs a vote to cast Naota as the cat. She is also aware that her father is having an affair with his secretary, a scandal which is soon to become public and thrusts her into the unwilling arms of Naota. Unfortunately for Naota, he has suddenly sprouted cat’s ears and Haruko’s crazy behaviour is doing little to help the situation. And when Ninamori discovers Naota’s cat’s ears and touches, the trouble really starts… 

The second episode sees Haruko showing off her other-worldly baseball skills and the benefits of having her Frankenstein’s monster of a robot, Canti on the team. Naota on the other hand is totally disinterested in the game despite his brother’s legendary skills in the game and he disappoints everyone by his lack of ability. Haruko decides tutor Naota, hiding the true reason behind her unorthodox teaching methods. And while Naota tries to work out the bizarre relationship between his father and Haruko and his feelings towards them, he also contends with sudden visits from the mysterious man with the large eyebrows. 

And so the madness continues. FLCL is a unique series in that everything seems disparate and incongruous in relation to everything else yet you just know that everything is still vital to the overall flow of things. There are times when there is a lot going on but nothing happens, which is part of the show’s charm. The way it can go from manic to serene in the space of one scene is not as jarring as it may seem, and there is always a fresh surprise just waiting around the corner. Often the imagery will seem Dali-esque yet their meaning is clear and pertinent. Scenes are played out with no real beginning, end or purpose yet they remain pivotal. A rare feat to pull off and FLCL succeeds. 

If the show has a point or message or ideal to put across then it is holding its cards very close to its chest. One hopes that the final episodes will lead to a satisfying denouement that reveals all and puts the preceding episodes into a clearer perspective. Somehow though, that doesn’t appear to be how this delightfully maverick show will end up. But, for all its aesthetic zaniness and disjointed narrative, FLCL seems to have tapped into the delicately balanced world of a 12 year old and the changes that befall him, allowing his ennui and aloofness to be the one constant in a barking mad world when anything can happen and usually does. If the message is that “boy meets girl doesn’t always make sense” then they are right, because at that age, it seldom does. 

FLCL is one hell of a ride that you need to get aboard. Just try not to fall off.

Extras:  

English Language

Japanese Language

English Subtitles

Director’s audio commentary (w/subtitles)

Poster Art Gallery

Australian Trailer

Japanese closing

Trailers 
 

Main Feature:

Extras:

 

 

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Death Note Vol 1 (Episodes 1-8)

2 Discs (Distributor: Manga Entertainment) Running time: 183 minutes 

“The human whose name is written in this note shall die.” 

Light Yagami is an over-achieving student who discovers a notebook that had been deliberately dropped by shinigami (death god) named Ryuk. The rules of the notebook state that a human life will be taken if their name is written in it. At first Light is dismissive of the notebook’s bold claims until curiosity overwhelms him and he tries it out with a criminal on TV as his guinea pig. Sure enough, the criminal dies. Realising the power he has in his hands, Light vows to punish all criminals using the notebook to create a crime free world. The criminals start dying in great numbers prompting a police investigation. As the news of the deaths spreads, Light’s actions earn much public veneration with the mystery man being dubbed “Kira” (based on the English word “killer”), quickly attaining hero status.  

Struggling to make sense of these mysterious murders, the police enlist the aid of the world famous but anonymous criminal detective known simply as “L”. He is quick to determine Kira’s modus operandi and after a process of elimination he narrows his list of suspect down to one: Light Yagami. To complicate matters further, the head of the police investigation team is Light’s father. With Ryuk watching on the sidelines in a non-partisan role, Light enters into an intellectual game of cat and mouse and he tries to avoid be captured by L while at the same time maintaining his campaign as Kira. 

From its humble beginnings in Weekly Shonen Jump magazine to successful international franchise including three live action films, a novel and the obligatory merchandising line Death Note has grabbed the public’s imagination like no other show in years. Eschewing the typical spiky haired hero with hidden powers, giant robots, big eyed, big breasted girls and the other Anime cliché’s, we are instead treated to story of deep intelligence and moral questioning, with more twists than a corkscrew and a game of mental chess that requires a board with more than sixty four squares on it. The fantasy elements concerning the titular Death Note and its owner, the shinigami Ryuk and the childlike, wide eyed, eccentric genius L seem totally congruous and believable. What stands out the most is how things move so swiftly and the story progresses through the narrative of Light’s thoughts, his conversations with Ryuk and the mental ruminations between Light and L as they plot their next moves without losing momentum or the viewer’s interest. If anything, the depth of thought and the rationale displayed by both characters as they try to outthink each other is one of the greatest strengths of the show  

It would have been easy for Death Note to preach and take a didactic approach to the use of such a powerful and dangerous weapon as the Death Note yet it simply tells the story from both sides and lets the reader decide whether Light’s motives were justified and commendable or not. The fact that Light is presented in almost schizophrenic way: calm and polite on the outside but calculating, aggressive and cold on the inside, allows for the case for both arguments to be portrayed through the one character. His change from a sensible but bored student who fears the power of the notebook to a determined near megalomaniac killer is chilling yet engrossing. And while L is the opposition for Light, they are practically two peas from the same pod, sharing a similarly high intellectual capacity and convoluted yet logical thought processes.  

When a Manga makes the transition to an Anime there are sometimes changes made to a character or even some liberties taken with to the story. Thankfully this is not the case with Death Note and everything is exactly as originally intended by creators Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata. To say the animation from Madhouse has brought the story to life would be an understatement. The voices totally suit and define the characters (but not the hideous US dub – avoid at all costs); the soundtrack is both haunting and dramatic; the artwork is stunning, and the tension is so palpable you can feel the hairs stand up on the back of your neck. One neat touch is the use of colours to highlight the differences between Light and L: the latter is bathed in a steely blue while the former a demonic red; and there is a beautiful piece of imagery employed in episode nine as one character heads to their death.  

There is no question that this is an essential series for any Anime fan to have in their collection, and is great value for a two disc set for the price of a single disc. Without a doubt Death Note is completely worthy of full marks. In short, Death Note is the new benchmark in Anime. 
 
 

Extras:  

English 2.0 Stereo

Japanese 2.0 Stereo

English Subtitles 

Disc 1: 

English voice actor Behind the Scenes Part 1

Production Art Gallery

Textless Opening and Closing

Bleach Trailers

DVD Credits 

Disc 2: 

English voice actor Behind the Scenes Part 2

Japanese Animation staff Interviews

Audio commentary for Episode 7

Production Art Gallery

DVD Credits 
 

Main Feature:

Extras:

 

 

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Hell Girl Vol 2 – Puddle (Episodes 6-10)

1 Disc (Distributor: Revelation) Running Time: 125 minutes 

Help is at hand for those people suffering at the hands of others in the form of a mysterious web site that only appears at midnight called Hell Correspondence. The spectral figure of Ai Enma aka Hell Girl will call upon the victim to present them with a black straw doll with a piece of red string around its neck. To send their tormentor to hell, all they have to do is pull the string. However revenge comes at a price…  

The second volume of this supernatural series opens with the tale of a young mother and her family who are almost torn apart after being terrorised by an influential and spiteful neighbour into keeping silent after accidentally witnessing the neighbour’s adulterous activities. The next episode concerns a young actress named Ayaka who has been taken in by a famous stage actress with the promise of adoption. However, when the lead role in the troupe’s next production is given to another actress, Ayaka does everything to sabotage her rival’s career. 

Episode three introduces us to Tsugumi and her journalist father, Hajime. Tsugumi is a young girl who suddenly begins to have strange flashing visions and talks of Hell Girl despite knowing nothing of her, coincidentally at the same time her father begins an investigation into the Hell Correspondence phenomenon. Hajime decides to use Tsugumi’s visions to prevent any further deaths - in this instance, a man who was seen by a school girl pushing her best friend off a balcony after she discovered his improprieties at the store they both worked at. In “Sweet Trap”, two sisters plan on opening their own patisserie in memory of their late father. Yuka, the youngest, takes one of their cakes to an old family friend who then claims on live TV that he was the creator of the cake just minutes before the patisserie was to have its opening on the same broadcast. 

The final episode tells of a falling out between two school friends Shiori and Minami. After making friends with Minami on her first day at her new school, Shiori begins to snub Minami for no reason, prompting the jilted friend to find out why, only to be branded a stalker. But when Shiori is dumped by her new friends, she is quick to reunite with Minami. 

Hell Girl continues to deliver its chilling essay on the darker side of the humanity and the depths to which people are willing push others for their own benefit. While it is easy to revel in the comeuppance of the wrongdoers, it is often a very distressing path that leads to that moment of vengeance. Even as a work of fiction, it is a disturbing possibility that some of these situations aren’t too far removed from real life. The added twist of the clause that also requires a sacrifice from Hell Girl’s clients puts the theory that “two wrongs don’t make a right” to the test. 

After the first volume set the scene and template for the general modus operandi for Ai Enma and her team, the show begins to open up with the addition of Tsugumi and Hajime preventing the show from falling into stagnancy. The apparent synergy between Ai Enma and Tsugumi adds to the paranormal bent of the show, raising numerous questions as to why this is. Her father’s desire to stop the revenges from happening should provide an interesting moral conflict to the proceedings.  

Part of the magic of Hell Girl is how such a dark series is presented in such vivid and glowing colours. This contrast actually adds to the creepiness of the show with the vibrant colour palette playing as much part in heightening the tension and the atmosphere as the stirring soundtrack and the excellent performances of the voice cast, most notably the ice cold Ai Enma. 

With the series having hit the ground running, it is about to take off into a new direction and Anime fans owe it to themselves to be passengers on this hell-bound ride.  And as horrific as that sounds it could be worse – you could travelling via Terminal 5! 
 

Extras:  

English Language 5.1

Japanese 2.0

English Subtitles

Montage Episode

Textless opening and closing credits

Trailers 
 

Main Feature:

Extras:

 

 

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Mushi-Shi Vol 4 (Episodes 15-18)

1 Disc (Distributor: Revelation) Running time: 94 minutes 
 

The tales of the travels around rural Japan of Ginko, a mushi-shi – a man who combats evil spirits known as mushi - continues in this fourth volume. 

The first episode finds our nomadic hero stranded in the mountains during winter where he is taken in by a young woman Suzu, and her younger brother Miharu. Ginko learns that Miharu can see mushi and every winter he disappears to go in search of a special mushi only to return then sleep until Spring. But when Ginko investigates he inadvertently sends Miharu to sleep for a whole year. While taking a ferry Ginko meets Kaji, a young boy who is concerned about his mother Sayo, and her rapidly decreasing memory. Ginko suspects that Sayo is a victim of a mushi that houses itself in the brain and eats away at the memories stored within.  

Episode three tells the tale of two young sisters from whose ability to see mushi called Uno leads them to be taken in by the mountain elder. They help collect empty double cocoons possessed by the Uno which have the ability to open gateways from one world to the next. Unfortunately, one of the sisters falls foul of their magic. The volume ends on a bittersweet note when a budding young artist named Kai leaves his tiny mountain village to study at an art school. Itching to paint, he uses the lining of the silk kimono his sister made for him to paint a picture of the mountains back home – unaware that the kimono contained mushi called Ubusuna.  Just as Kai becomes a success, tragedy strikes back home. 

The esoteric adventures of the laconic wanderer Ginko continue to enchant; the gentle pace and beautiful aesthetic captivating the viewer despite regaling us with tales of misfortune and melancholy. The fantasy element allows for great scope in the storytelling, offering no end of situations for Ginko to attend to and numerous forms for the mushi to manifest themselves. With the Japanese strongly tied to their folklore these dissertations serve to educate a western audience as well as entertain. 

It is also interesting to note that despite being the lead character, Ginko is often relegated to a supporting role in some of the stories, yet this is not in any way detrimental to his standing as the shows hero. It definitely allows more room for the story telling and to create an connection between the audience and each new character, knowing that their stay is just for that single episode. 

With the live action version of Mushi-shi starring Joe Odagiri just released on DVD, this volume is timely reminder to explore one of the most successful – and entertaining - franchises of recent years. 
 
 

Extras:  

English Stereo

Japanese Stereo

English Subtitles

Director Interviews No 6 & No 7

Textless Opening & Closing

Trailers 
 

Main Feature:

Extras:

 

 

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Naruto Unleashed Series 3 Vol 1 (Episodes 53-65)

3 Discs (Distributor: Manga Entertainment) Running time: 306 minutes 
 

When the village of Konohagakure was attacked by the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox, the Fourth Hokage sealed the demon spirit inside his newborn son, Naruto Uzumaki. Twelve years later and Naruto has grown up in the Hidden Leaf Village a mischievous outcast after being rejected by all around him who believed he was the Demon Fox. After gaining entry to the local ninja academy where he is teamed up with talented heartthrob Sasuke Uchiha and the fiery Sakura Haruno, Naruto develops aspirations of becoming the most powerful Hokage in history.  

As we enter this third volume, the finals of the Chunin Exams are looming and everyone is in training for them. Naruto was due to be tutored by Ebisu but he was knocked out by the lecherous voyeur and Mountain Toad Sage Jiraiya, who likes to spy on young girls as they bathe in the springs. After using his Sexy Jutsu (the ability to turn himself into a naked girl) Naruto convinces Jiraiya to train him. Jiraiya quickly realises that Naruto has the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox contained within him and breaks a seal that was placed on Naruto’s chakra in order for Naruto to improve his skills. However the excessive training results in Naruto expending all of his energy and necessitates in a short hospital stay, where a confrontation with a rival student of the Sand Spirit village Gaara, brings home some startling realisations for our hero. 

As the final exams begins, which takes the form of a tournament of matches pitting each student against each other in a battle the end using their Ninja skills, behind the scenes, there are machinations by the head families of the various Ninja clans to declare war against the Leaf Village. In the opening match Naruto is paired off against Negi Hyuga, against whom Naruto previously vowed revenge after he defeated Naruto’s friend and secret admirer the shy Hinata in a crushing, near fatal manner. However, the major story of the tournament is the absence of the hot favourite Sasuke who had mysteriously disappeared from the hospital prior to the finals. 

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past few years, Naruto should need little introduction. It has been the biggest worldwide Anime/Manga phenomenon since Pokemon and can even be seen on the Jetix channel; here in the UK. With over 270 episodes of the Anime, 300 plus chapters of the Manga, five films, four OVAs and a seemingly perpetual line of merchandising the end is far from being in sight. Not bad for what started off as a one-off Manga strip (albeit with some differences) in 1997…  

Immediate comparisons between Naruto and Bleach have been made, both sharing the concept of fantasy battles featuring young heroes with innate magical powers, yet the latter is the more adult of the two. While Naruto does play up more to the tastes of young viewers, there are moments in this volume when it does get quite dark in its philosophical moments, appearing incongruous amid the typically jocular antics of the show.  

A rather peculiar aspect of the show is its pacing; there is lot of “dead air” in which nothing happens – just shots of facial reactions or just plain inertia. The fights scenes are often too drawn out, sometimes overlapping episodes, because the time is taken up with the characters either narrating their next moves, bragging about their impending victory, or recounting the background of their motives. At a guess, the content of the thirteen episodes here could have easily fitted into nine episodes without all the time wasting. It also has to be said that a lot of the characters aren’t particularly likeable; in fact, Naruto himself is noisy, loud, petulant and quite obnoxious, making his popularity slightly baffling. But as the series progresses it is apparent that he is slowly maturing as he learns to control the power of the Demon Fox within.  

Regardless of how endearing the Naruto character actually may be it is surprisingly fun in places, definitely not taxing despite the odd thoughtful moment here and there. The orange suited Ninja can seemingly do no wrong and no doubt this volume will sell by the truckload like its predecessors. And with three discs for the price of two it cannot be argued the value one is getting from this set. Plus, fans with the previous sets will be pleased to learn that this volume sees the return of proper subtitles and not the dreaded “dubtitles” that plagued previous volumes. 

Love him or hate him, Naruto is here to stay. Believe it! 
 
 

Extras:  

English Language 2.0

Japanese Language 2.0

English Subtitles

Trailers (Disc 1 only) 
 

Main Feature:

Extras: