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Synopsis
High school student Kiichi is on the fast track to martial arts super-stardom. An expert in the deadly Nanshin Shadow Style, he faces the challenge of his life: the long-awaited grudge match with his father’s arch-nemesis, the champion of World Pro-Wrestling! Fists fly and blood spills as a new breed of fighter takes to the ring!

Review
Fast and to the point, that is Shootfighter Tekken: Round 1. There are not any bullcrap side stories. It focuses on a revenge fight and that is all this volume does. The show’s progress was so fast that it seemed as if it only occupied twenty minutes of my life, when it should be double the time felt.

The story is constantly rolling. In this volume of Shootfighter Tekken, the action carries the story. Without the action, the story would not be able to survive. Therefore for a show like this, the action must be perfect, or at least in between the good and great line. As for Shootfighter, it is not great, it lies somewhere between the good and great line, according to personal preference. I feel that it is just a bit over the good line.

The action… well what can I say, really? The punches were thrown, kicks flew and grappling moves were connected. Some of the moves were so nasty that you felt a little sting to wherever the character was hit. The guys should understand the feeling, if not, watch a rollerblader miss the rail badly while grinding. Very painful indeed. ;)

Overall if you want quick entertainment this is it. Uhh… yeah, that is it. Quick.

The Breakdown
If WWE incorporated the Hell Drop… that would be some awesome move.

Synopsis
This very special Collector’s Series DVD Boxset contains a bonus disc containing never-before-seen features!

Dragged through a time warp by a giant machine, Shu is thrust into a hellish future just as it explodes into war! He is caught in the carnage as a tyrant unleashes deadly force against a rebel army. But Shu is not alone? he is surrounded by courageous soldiers, a battalion of enslaved children, and enigmatic wanderers, each with their own fascinating story. Together, they face the ultimate challenge of survival in a world gone mad!

Review
In a world where water is scarce, a mad tyrant, Hamdo tires to obtain control of an infinite supply of water by capturing Lala Ru, who has the ability to generate water from her mysterious pendant. His plan almost succeeded if not for Shu, a punk kid who got involved with everything because he was a bit nosy – curious.

Upon his arrival at Hellywood, he goes through exactly what the name of the place suggests; hell. He is tortured, battered, kicked around and just beaten so bad that he could not walk. All this because he told the truth? Well even if he lied he would still get the crap beaten out of him. What kind of world is this? Villages were pillaged as women, kids and men were enslaved in the Hellywood system. Kids were used as soldiers to fight this “war” of Hamdo’s. Every rule of invasion is broken. No one as the cahones to stop Hamdo’s ambitions, that is until Shu stepped up and sought justice in this unjust world.

Now and Then, Here and There is a superb series. It brings a variety of emotions to the viewers. For an example, you would laugh at the way Hamdo acts, because he is obviously crazy. Ehh… you sometimes ponder how he obtained his power over the people of Hellywood in the first place, with the state his mind is in.

Akitaroh Daichi has done a great job with Now and Then, Here and There. The interest meter goes up as the story unwinds. This has really been an entertaining show to me, and it certainly would be for you as well.

The Breakdown
Thirteen episodes of addictive television. That is not good for my eyes! No!!!!!

Synopsis
The mind-shattering prequel to the hit cult thriller, Ichi the Killer!

A masochistic mobster meets his match in the dark streets of Tokyo. His nemesis, Ichi, is a psychopathic killer with an unrelenting thirst for bloodshed. A horrifying secret burns in his mind, and his hands deal death without mercy. At last, the shrouds of mystery are parted to reveal the origin of the monster. The city will know its greatest fear at the unveiling of Ichi the Killer!

Review
A show with all the things necessary to satisfy the crude and horrendous minds of some disturbingly violent people is what Ichi the Killer: Episode Zero is. This series is cool, do not get me wrong. I like a series that just makes me sick with the happenings on the screen. I find myself laughing to the way some of these characters in this series get their ass kicked or killed by Hajime (Ichi).

Now I have seen the live action movie directed by Takashi Miike. I did not understand anything that was going on there. Maninly due to the fact that I did not care to understand. But after watching the animation I got a sense of why Ichi is the way he is. Now I understand why Miike had a scene where a woman got a big bruised eye from some guy and Ichi was just standing there, looking as if he did not know what to do. That is what is so great about his works, it is unpredictable, strange, and just when you think you understand what is going on, you have to go back, because most of the time you are wrong.

Ehh… anyhoo enough with the preaching of the live action hehe. :)

The show starts out with what I assume is the ending. Then it flashes back to how Hajime became Ichi. I tell you, if you are a bully and pick on some kid profusely, you better watch it. I guarantee you will stop once you see what happens when that kid snaps.
Throughout the episode you are kept glued to your seat as the pace quickens and Hajime’s character just makes you want to know more about his life. You are in a denial state during certain scenes, as you say to yourself, “Oh no, he did not…”

Ichi the Killer is sadistic; it is what I consider a guilty pleasure, because I am crazy. Uhh no, because it just seems fun to envision myself beating the crap out of someone. I am sure you have imagined yourself knocking someone out throughout your life time and Ichi the Killer accomplishes this job for you, as it is action packed and filled with a sad/dark theme that is sure to attract.

The Breakdown
I would not expect myself saying this about Ichi the Killer, but this first volume really impressed me a ton, I am looking forward to how it develops.

Synopsis
Fighting is a way of life for teen martial arts prodigy Kiichi Miyazawa. When his best friend goes down in a grappling match with a deadly Jujitsu master, Kiichi takes matters into his own hands and enters the ring. But this time he may have taken on more than he can handle.

The challenge is to the death, and his opponent has the near-supernatural ability to predict his every move. Honor, guts, and glory are all on the line in this no-holds-barred martial arts blood match!

Review
The more Shootfighter Tekken evolves its story the better it is. The first volume was a bit fast, a bit too fast that you just start and end. There is hardly that break in the middle where you can take everything in. Round 2 is almost an extension to Round 1, as watching this volume makes me appreciate Round 1 even more. What a series this has become already with only two volumes out!

Round 2 commences with a challenge to Keybo, (What is new?) from a wrestler named “Man-Eater.” Wow, I sure as hell do not want a piece of this guy after hearing his moniker ^_^. There is a surprise in this volume as the first challenger was not actually the “main” challenger of Round 2. Man-Eater was actually a comedian, although he does not look like it. You shall see how he makes you laugh. I got a good kick out of the stupidity this guy holds. Much like the Great Doborabo of Dragon Half. It is just great, this series needs a light substance, and from Man-Eater, it achieves it.

Now to serious business, the Iron Kiba is the biggest (damn I cannot use profanity here) you will ever see in an anime. This guy acts all big, but he pays everyone to do his dirty work. What the hell? First he gets Man-Eater, and once there was a twist at that attempt he gets Shingo, a fighter under the art of Gogetsu style (jujitsu) to challenge Keybo to a match. The fighting scenes are top notch in Round 2. The various moves that were displayed are a bonus, since it is not the usual, money saving fighting scenes technique that some series have, where they show the same cuts over and over again.

Shootfighter Tekken is starting to get interesting, it is one series that you have to pay attention to as it may not receive the big hype some other series may have, but it certainly has the potential to be a good little title to be in your collection.

The Breakdown
This title went from rent in Round 1, to own in Round 2. Nice transformation.

Synopsis
In a war zone devastated by minefields and strife, a dying child is missing. She fights a foe more deadly than any terrorist. Her heart is a time bomb that will kill her even as the explosions annihilate her home. Can renegade doctor Black Jack recover his patient before both their lives are claimed by war?

Review
Central Park Media brings to you another dose of this addictive drug I call Black Jack. I cannot praise this series anymore; it would just be spoiling it. In this volume, Black Jack is hired by a mob boss to cure his grand daughter who has a heart condition in another country where a war has broken out. With the obligation to comply with his word, he travels long distances just to meet up with his client. (Notice I used client, instead of patient ^_^).

After a successful operation, Black Jack stayed for an extra month or two to help out with the refugees. He charged $1 for every patient, but he took IOUs. (Hmm… so he was not all about the money after all). The show later shifts to New York City where it is all jolly. That is until, the mob boss gets shot up and an immediate operation had to be performed in order to save his life. Black Jack was present, but a jealous doctor opposed in having an unlicensed doctor to operate on any patients. Because of his jealousy, he almost caused the life of another. Of course, Black Jack would not allow that to happen… will he?

I know I sound like a broken record, but I must give credit to where it is due. Black Jack really has been one of a few series that has amazed me this year. This is something that I can never overdose on :P. This is the only doctor you should be checking out for you anime-insomnia.

The Breakdown
Let us state the obvious. You make the choices in your life. But making the choice to watch Black Jack certainly will not be a bad choice, out of the many choices you will make throughout your life time.

Synopsis
Full Metal Panic is an exciting story about a girl named Kaname Chidori, who is under the protection of a secret organization called Mythril because of a power that exists within her that she does not even know about (and which I will not reveal the details of in this review). Sgt. Sagara Sousuke is assigned to protect her from any threats that would take advantage of her power, so he soon finds himself acting as a student in Chidori’s high school. The problem is Sousuke, who having been raised in a pure military environment, has no idea of how to behave in a school. So it’s up to Chidori to knock some sense into him, and I mean that in a completely literal sense.

Review
Full Metal Panic is a cross-genre anime that can literally be called just about anything you can think of. Action, Drama, Mech, Comedy, Romance and even Horror at times. Episodes that take place on campus are quite humorous, dealing with the developing relationships between Chirodi and her friends and Sousuke. Then there are the action packed episodes when things get dangerous. The danger spawns romance, and the resolution of conflict brings the story full circle and back to school where it once again goes into comedy mode. It all makes for excellent pacing.

The story itself is very interesting, with a lot of very likable characters, and one very mean bad guy who fills his role too well. I hate that man. … Anyway, the story never loses momentum throughout the 24 episodes, and if anything you will wish for more episodes when it is over (fortunately you can spend more time with the characters in Full Metal Panic: Fumoffu).

The Breakdown
Put Full Metal Panic at the top of your list. It is that good. What are you still reading for? Go! Watch! Now!

Synopsis
Fumoffu fumoffu, ‘Fumo fumomo? Fumoffu’ fumomomoffu! (The new anime series, ‘Full Metal Panic? Fumoffo’ is an exciting new comedy!)

Review
Full Metal Panic? Fummofu is exactly what fans of Full Metal Panic! wanted. More time to spend with all of their favorite characters. Gone are the dramatic conflicts of the original series. Instead, the fans are treated to a series of self-contained short stories that are creatively written, and downright hysterical. Could this be the funniest comedy of 2003?

The Breakdown
This is the perfect anime if you’re in the mood for a laugh. Fumoffu! (Watch it!)

It’s too short, by the way…

Synopsis
Ai Yori Aoshi is a romantic story about Kaoru Hanabishi, a college student who, after having cut all ties to his family, lives a very lonely life. That’s going to change however, as a friend from his past will soon come back into his life, and completely change the way he lives. Aoi Sakuraba spent her entire life working hard to become a wife worthy of Kaoru. Even though he left his family (thus ending their betrothal) Kaoru is still the only man Aoi can think of. Ai Yori Aoshi is their story.

Review
At first Ai Yori Aoshi appears as though it is going to be something truly unique. The story development in the first few episodes is strong and very well written. An episode or two later however, it becomes apparent that those episodes were just an intro to a much more filler-based anime, and that Ai Yori Aoshi actually has a lot in common with other anime. Love Hina and Happy Lesson come to mind, because they are both examples of anime in which one male character and several female characters live under one roof. Once the rest of the cast shows up, Ai Yori Aoshi goes through all the cliche plotlines. The ‘I’ll make a boxed lunch so that he’ll fall in love with me,’ episode, the ‘Let’s all go to the beach and show off our new sexy swimsuits,’ episode, and of course the prerequisite ‘I ended up naked in a hot spring with a guy,’ episode. The list goes on.

It really isn’t anything you haven’t seen before, but regardless, it is still quite enjoyable. I attribute this to Ai Yori Aoshi’s entertaining cast. Each of the girls is given several episodes to develop their personalities, and they are all quite unique. They are also very cute in design, as is most of the artwork in this series.

Towards the end of the series the filler episodes cease and all of the conflict that was mentioned in the intro episodes returns to the spotlight for an emotional conclusion. Cliche or not, by the time it all ends you will be left with a smile and probably recommend Ai Yori Aoshi to all your friends.

The Breakdown
Ai Yori Aoshi succeeds in being a romantic journey for Aoi and Kaoru that will probably manage to bring out the sap in you. It’s great for a date and also funny enough to watch with a bunch of friends. It’s a safe buy.

Synopsis
Ai Yori Aoshi ~Enishi~ takes place two years after Aoi and Kaoru were first reunited in the original Ai Yori Aoshi. While there is no overall main story, there are several small plots that take place over the course of the series. Special attention is given to Chika, who appeared late in the original series, and to Tina, the American who can barely speak English because she is so Japanese.

Review
I hate to start a review on such a negative note, but the fact of the matter is, Ai Yori Aoshi ~Enishi~ does absolutely nothing to advance the plot of the original, nor does it answer any questions you may have had about it. It exists purely as an extra set of filler episodes for fans of the original series. In fact, the main storyline (the love story between Aoi and Kaoru) while present is hardly of any importance with the exception of one episode, and that failed to satisfy my hopes for the series.

Putting all that aside however, it is still an enjoyable series that contains many happy moments to remember. The last few episodes are the most emotional, but at a cost. There is very little comedy in these episodes, and the change of pace is somewhat out of place. Still, there is some payoff for getting to the end.

By the time its over, nothing of Ai Yori Aoshi’s story is resolved, so it looks like another sequel is inevitable. Despite my opinion that ~Enishi~ does not live up to the original, I still love the characters and hope that another sequel is in the works.

The Breakdown
6.5 looks like a low score, but it really isn’t that bad. If you enjoyed the first series then I suggest you give this one a try as well.

Synopsis
Utena has it all. Beauty. Passion. Faith. A sense of justice. She is the idol of her classmates at the exclusive Ohtori Academy. And yet, she is driven by a childhood memory of a prince on a white horse who comforted her when she was grieving over her parents’ death. He gave her an enigmatic signet ring emblazoned with a rose crest, and this memory drives Utena to do the impossible: To become a prince, herself, as she duels the members of the Student Council to protect the mysterious ‘Rose Bride.’

Review
A princess who wants to become a prince, that is Tenjou Utena. When the show began, it caught my eye how most of the girls in Ohtori Academy admired Utena. They blush when they see her, yell out her name, and some even fall in love with her. The show also started out uninteresting, but it gradually attracted me into the story. There is a lot of fun stuff in the story, like the way Chu Chu acts, but when there is a good, there is always a bad. The bad is why does the Rose Bride, Himemiya Anthy always gets smacked around? Her life is of a servant. Who ever duels and wins is engaged to her, and she must do whatever that person wants. What kind of life is that? Not a very happy one that is.

Anyways, the action of Revolutionary Girl: Utena are exciting. The duels are quite interesting, as the main rule of the duel is that if the rose in the duelists’ chest pocket falls or is destroyed, the duelist loses and if you win, you are then engaged to Himemiya Anthy, which then allows the person to control the Sword of Dios which appears from Anthy’s body when she summons it. To wield the Sword of Dios is to gain the power to revolutionize the world, hence the reason for why the student council duel each other for the power. The right to duel however is only reserved to those who are of the student council, but Utena is able to avoid that rule, as she has the rose crest ring that the prince gave her when she was a child.

Overall, Revolutionary Girl: Utena is a very fun shoujo series. There is comedy, a beautiful soundtrack, an entertaining story and a crew of great voice actors/actresses, what is not to like about Utena? When I started the series with the Finale, I was not sure of what Utena was all about, who the characters were and what was their history in the story. Now that I am starting from the beginning, it certainly has been a real treat. This series that I once thought sucked, actually captivated me and now I can say that I am a fan of Revolutionary Girl: Utena.

The Breakdown
Revolutionary Girl Utena possesses all the essential elements necessary to create a great anime.