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Synopsis
Welcome to Chinatown’s most unique pet shop. There is a variety of exotic creatures to choose from, each with an intriguing tale to share with the lucky owner. But be careful, what you see is not necessarily what you get. Here is a collection of four stories of lost love, second chances, and redemption. Whether or not the client can handle the responsibility, however, is a matter of life and eath. The first episode, entitled ‘Daughter’, chronicles a couple’s attempt at having the perfect family. The second episode, ‘Delicious’, is a tale of betrayal and second chances. The third episode, ‘Despair’, tells the story of a has-been actor and a love so blindly devoted, it surpasses even death. The final episode, ‘Dual’, brings the legendary holy beast known as the Kirin into the hands of two men, and only one will survive.

Review
Pet Shop Of Horrors, first question that comes into my mind, ‘What the hell kind of title for an Anime is this?’ Anime with strange title names usually turn me away from it. But I guess I was foolish for doing so. Without even taking time to learn what PSOH is about I came to conclusions (prejudging is bad, in Anime and in life). Thinking that PSOH is just bad, I drew a distance from it. After watching it, I suddenly realized what I have missed all this time and I am now slapping myself for it. (Hehe)

Made up of four episodes, each containing a story of its’ own. Pet Shop Of Horrors really will give you horrors. Especially in episode one ‘Daughter,’ I was getting chills all over after the climax of the story was displayed right before my eyes. I wish there was more to PSOH; it is something that is different from what I usually watch.

Anyways, in order to obtain a pet, the person must sign a contract with Count D. Rules are simple and there are only three. The main rule seems to be not to show the pet to anyone (it is stated on every contract). If a rule of the contract is broken, the shop will not assume any responsibility for what is to happen. Of course, the owner in every episode breaks the rules of the contract and we all can predict what happens to them.

If you are a viewer that is looking away from PSOH, you are making a big mistake. PSOH is a very cleverly done piece of work, by the ‘Anime Dreamteam’ made up of: Hisashi Abe (Vampire Hunter D), Rintaro (Final Fantasy) and Yoshiaki Kawajiri (Ninja Scroll, Wicked City, Bio Hunter).

The Breakdown
Overall the product is very good. I thank Urban Vision for providing me with the DVDs, so that I can review them. Thanks a bunch!

Synopsis
“Make a pilgrimage for the past with me.” This is what Mireille Bouquet, a renowned assassin in Europe, received via e-mail. At first she dismisses it but suddenly hears a familiar melody driving her to follow up on the matter. She travels to Japan where she meets the intriguing high school girl Kirika Yuumura who possesses the innate ability in her own words “to kill people this easily” but without feeling remorse…

Review
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The Breakdown
Although simplified with only four main characters, the plot is complex with riddles and clues within elaborate twists. Each episode ties in to an even greater storyline that climaxes with the fight for who will be Noir.

Synopsis
Happiness could be a fleeting thing for our two new high school sweethearts Yukino and Arima. With their hearts flying high, the couple has been spending a lot of time together. Finally the public masks of perfection that they’ve both maintained for so long are beginning to fall, but so are their grades. When the latest round of scores is posted. Yukino is mortified to discover that she’s slipped all the way to 13th! She’s not the only one that’s angry - so are her teachers. When Yukino and Arima are dragged before their guidance counselor to explain their poor grades, the administration is determined that the pair stop seeing each other. Could this mean the end of their newfound love forever?

Review
It took quite a long time for volume two to be released, but now that is the past I am happy. In His and Her Circumstances volume two: Love and War under the Cherry Blossoms, Yukino and Arima continues their relationship, but the school counselor gets on their case and calls in their parents as their scores on the latest test were unusual. Yukino went from the top and dropped to the thirteenth and Arima went from the top and dropped to rank three. Nothing can come between this young high school couple as their parents fully support on what they do with their lives. Since they are such responsible young people. Hmm… maybe I should rephrase that, nothing can come between this young high school couple except summer vacation, as Arima has to go and participate in the Kendo tournament in Kyoto during the summer. Yukino gets depressed over the whole thing, but Arima fixes everything.

Also in volume two, Yukino is finally able to reveal her true self to her classmates. As a result of the conflict between her fellow classmate Maho. Because of Maho’s jealousy towards Yukino, she lead the class in the ‘Give Yukino Miyazawa the ignore treatment’ plan. Everything seems to be fine as some new characters come into the series. One being Tsubasa, her character is very cute. The show suddenly gets even better because of her presence. Anyways, I had a lot of fun watching this volume, and a lot of fun reviewing it as well.

The Breakdown
I never thought that His and Her Circumstances, would be one of my all time favorites. I love all the characters in this show. With all the comedy this title contains, there is not a moment where I fell asleep.

Synopsis
The bullet-blasting babes from Team Warrior are in real trouble this time! When a group of killer drag queens get out of jail, they’ve got their eye shadow fixed on Nanvel’s new “makeover” device that renders the wearer beautiful or, on high setting, invisible! Then, in an exciting cliffhanger, Rio and Team Warrior must escort a top-secret tank across the globe. But when the transport plane is attacked, Rio finds herself alone in a hostile desert, with the supertank as her only ally – and her only hope of survival! Don’t miss the wildest, sexiest, strangest Team Warrior adventure yet!

Review
In Burn Up eXcess Volume 3: Under the Gun, Nanvel gets “kidnapped” by the drag queens that appeared back in volume one. They demand Nanvel to make them the machine that can change their bodies so that they can go on burglaries again, this time without getting caught and put back into prison. Stephanie or (heh) Rio gets kidnapped too. It is just funny how the dude keeps calling Rio Stephanie. Nanvel makes the machine and of course for a price. The drag queens have to get her whatever she wants to eat. Up to the point where they could not support themselves anymore they get rid of somebody who keeps eating up everything and does nothing (guess who). This episode is pretty funny. I like how Rio gets back at them for what they (the drag queens) did to her.

The next two episodes can be counted as one, because it is a two-part episode. In this episode there were some emotional moments and some nose bleeding moments. A super tank codenamed Henry is developed for military use and it becomes the target of the secret organization and the pretty lady with the gray hair. The lady uses her charms and gets a general to stop Team Warrior’s assignment to get Henry safe across the borders to another country. Henry some how becomes Rio’s guardian and they go off to an adventure across the hot desert. Many things happen and the enemy finally catches up to Rio and Henry. Here comes the most emotional moment yet in Burn Up eXcess! Go and check it out now!

The Breakdown
As I have said in the review of volume two, Burn Up eXcess gets better by the volume and it is proven by volume three of the series!

Synopsis
Unable to accept the truth behind his mother’s death, Kamui visits Hinoto, the dreamseer for the Dragons of Heaven. He refuses to believe her prophecy - that he is the key to the Earth’s fate! She pleads with him to try and change the future she foresees. As Kamui ponders his options, the Dragons of Earth start attacking Tokyo!

Review
After viewing this volume of X, I am really starting to like this series a lot. Although we have to put up with the three episodes per DVD thing. But oh wells, the set kind of looks good with eight DVDs in my opinion.

In this volume the story continues to develop, and more of Kamui’s background is shown. His aunt comes and tells him about his mother’s background. After acknowledging the reason behind his mother’s death, he goes in the state of disbelief. A few scenes later, we observe something that can raise a few eyebrows. Kamui’s aunt dies in a car accident. She was also a member of the Magami clan, known for their ‘Shadow Sacrifices.’ Did she sacrificed herself for Kamui just like his mother did or was it just that she got killed…

Moving on. The Dragons of Heaven starts gathering. Hinoto shows Kamui her dream of the future, while suddenly being ruined by her sister Kanoe. The story thus far is very entertaining. There were quite a few fights in this volume and each had cool effects. Yoshiaki Kawajiri does a fine job in directing something that draws a difference between the Manga and the Animation. X: THREE comes out this month! Watch out for it!

The Breakdown
I wonder what is coming up in the next volume.

Synopsis
The Hellsing Organization makes its last stand against the unknown traitor, and Incognito, one of the original undead, at the Tower of London - with the Queen and Integra’s life at stake! Seras must finally make her choice about what she has become and the mysterious bond between Arucard and Integra is revealed…

Review
Questions are answered in volume four. I am really against Pioneer Animation’s translator for translating Alucard’s name to Arucard. It does not make any sense. Alucard is Dracula spelled backwards, what is Arucard spelled backwards Dracura? It is even shown in the last episode (Episode 13 - Hellfire) that Alucard really is…

Anyways, we are shown how Integra and Alucard first met. After Integra’s father past away, her uncle who wanted to become the leader of the Hellsing Organization decided to kill her so that she cannot become the leader. After running from her uncle she remembers something her father said and heads to the basement of the mansion. When she saw the door that leads to Alucard, her uncle catches up to her and she opens the door after some dialogue. Because of Integra’s blood, Alucard awakes and goes on a killing spree (quite cool if you ask me).

This volume is action packed! All four of these last episodes had fast paced action. Now I am no action freak and I do not like to watch everything that is action like my friends do, but this action had story as a back up so it was good overall. The battle between Incognito and Alucard is the best battle of the whole show. It displays Alucard’s power to the fullest. The ending certainly did not disappoint me, it could perhaps be considered as one of the better endings I have seen compared to the other titles.

The Breakdown
Pioneer Animation has done a good job in bringing Hellsing to the states. This title is something that fans of the vampire genre cannot get enough. With animation done by GONZO and an entertaining story. Hellsing is a definite good buy.

Synopsis
It’s the first summer vacation of their high school lives and that means time apart for our two young lovebirds. While Arima is off training hard for the national Kendo Tournament, Yukino is trying hard to just be herself and relax with her first real friends. Unfortunately her sunny days of relaxation come to an abrupt halt when Tsubasa announces she’s running away from home. It seems another woman has invaded her father’s heart and now he wants to marry the harlot against her wishes! Dragged into the middle of the girl’s family problems, can Yukno help Tsubasa mend the rift with her father, or will she end up losing her new friend?

Review
In volume three of His and Her Circumstances, we are shown more story development. It seems to me that most of these kids have abnormal families, except Yukino. However watching Tsubasa having a new family is very enjoyable as we are introduced to her step little brother, Kazuma. In public, he is often mistaken as her older brother (that’s because Tsubasa is just so cute!).

After Tsubasa’s problem is solved, two overview episodes follow, summarizing what is going on in the story thus far. Why there are episodes like that? I think it is, because the crew needs some time to think of the next episode or just to fill in those people who did not get to watch the beginning of the show. I did not fuss over it so it was cool for me, but some may not like overview episodes.

Then comes some background information of Asapin where he left home, because of problems with his father. When Yukino found out about all these people and how she took her life with her family for granted. She began to have negative thoughts about her relationship with Arima, wondering if she knew all of Arima or just a part of him. The volume comes to a close as we get the story of how Yukino’s parents came together. Her father was the local terror and her mother was an innocent little girl. The cops and robber game that they played sure is funny. In the next volume, Arima is back, and we will see what Yukino is going to do about her confusion!

The Breakdown
I am about to start a Shibahime Tsubasa fan club, you want in? Just kidding. Kare Kano is now a series that I am glad I am watching. My friends are missing out on this, because they are all action anime freaks.

Synopsis
Mortally wounded by Nataku, Fuma’s father leaves a cryptic message for his son - ‘You are Kamui’s twin star.’ After the funeral, Kamui and Kotori are attacked by Seishiro, a Dragons of Earth assassin. A still mystified Fuma manages to save both of them. But Kamui senses there is something different about Fuma. Meanwhile, Sorata and Arashi search for Subaru, another member of the Dragons of Heaven. But Subaru also encounters Seishiro, who killed his sister years ago.

Review
In X: Three, the story continues to develop by displaying the character’s backgrounds. Getting to know the characters is definitely a plus, because it gives the viewers an understanding of the actions each character takes. After learning how Satsuki first started using her ability to communicate with computers and the things she had to go through, before becoming a Dragons of Earth, I now look at her in a different perspective.

At first to me she was some teenage girl that seems to be a computer freak who likes to attack people with electric wires from the city, now with her background information, I stopped thinking that way. That’s exactly why understanding a character is an important factor into understanding the whole story. Director Yoshiaki Kawajiri does an excellent job in this work, just as he has been for his other works through out the years.

After episode 7, episode 8 moves the story forward by the death of Fuma’s father and the line of dialogue he said to Fuma as he past away (’You are Kamui’s twin star’). What this meant was that he is the one that will be Kamui’s opponent. When Kanoe got a hold of Fuma in his dream, she altered it and changed Fuma in a way where he seemed evil. Temporarily that is. After this little advancement in story, we stop by to learn about Subaru Sumeragi’s (Dragon of Heaven) background. Not as interesting as Satsuki’s story, but still gets the point through.

The Breakdown
Looking forward to more development of characters in the next volume!

Synopsis
She was the most powerful creation ever invented. Designed by a brilliant mind, using otherworldly technology, bred for military use, the Steel Angel’s intent was as revolutionary as it was mysterious. But when a young boy accidentally awakens the Steel Angel Kurumi, science and strategy are thrown a curve. Now this multi-million dollar soldier is taking orders from a boy-and other forces are not happy about it. So Kurumi and her young master must seek out a secret lab and discover dangerous answers. Namely, why was Kurumi created in the first place? What is her true purpose? And why is a mysterious organization activating other beautiful, seductive, and powerful Steel Angels to destroy her?

Review
Steel Angel Kurumi reminds me of Saber Marionette J. We are dealing with androids that resemble females for those who did not know. Steel Angel Kurumi is more ecchi than Saber Marionette J. Let’s stop comparing these two titles now. The first thing that caught my eye was the DVD cover of Steel Angel Kurumi. It is beautifully done. I like how Kurumi looks so peaceful, on the cover with the angel wings (I have a thing for angel wings :P). Each episode of Steel Angel Kurumi is around fifteen minutes long, with the whole DVD totaling approximately ninety minutes.

When Nakahito is forced to explore and exterminate a Dr. Akuma in the basement of a mansion by his friends. He finds himself looking for an exit instead of Dr. Akuma (no such thing, by the way). Upon stumbling from door to door, he finds light, but stops to look at a blueprint of a Steel Angel. After a few more scenes he finds Kurumi and activates her by an accidental kiss on the lips. The fun stuff begins from there.

This twenty four episodes series has a fun atmosphere to it. You will feel laid back at times, and tense during some moments, depending on the situation. Kurumi has a hyper personality, which makes her character funny. Oh, this brings me to the point, the use of SD (Super Deformed) characters. This feature made Steel Angel Kurumi a cute and funny show to watch as well as a good action piece. Steel Angel Kurumi is a series for fans who likes ecchi humor. The last time I saw an ecchi humor was a month or two ago. Ahh… the memories ^_^.

The Breakdown
Yes! I did it! I finally got a chance to watch and review volume one of Steel Angel Kurumi after having so much work dumped onto me. Also pay a visit to the official Steel Angel Kurumi website by ADV.

Synopsis
A boy regains consciousness and finds himself lying on the sticky floor of what appears to be the insides of a monster. Dazed, a girl named Mimiru kindly greets him. Irritated, he suddenly teleports away from her, but more visitors, the Scarlet Knights, confront him. Claiming to be the guardians against evil, they question him about a cat-like character that has been seen around him. Evading them, only to meet Mimiru once again, he nonchalantly attempts to log out completely. Here is where it all goes wrong…

Review
The current generation of video games today applied to role playing are what are classified as MMORPG, standing for Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game.Instead of playing by yourself at home or occasionally if you have extra controllers with a couple of friends or relatives over, one is able to experience an environment amidst millions of other users, all interacting, all playing the same game from any country on the planet. It is dynamic in the sense that it a virtual recreation of the real world. You are able to talk to people, even develop to the extent of a relationship with fellow players. The feelings and personality of that person are reflected in the character that they play. But you must remember that it is all just a game, a form of entertainment. Now imagine being trapped in this virtual world where it is no longer a game. Every beating moment of it is real. The name of the boy described above is Tsukasa, and his situation is just that.

The Breakdown
A combination of the two best things in the world, anime and video games.