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Synopsis
A young mercenary named Gatsu (Guts) fights for his fortune on the front lines. There he meets Griffith, who is charismatic, graceful, and deadly. Griffith’s mercenary company, the Band of the Hawk, is a powerful military force and the talk of elite political circles. Between the strength of Gatsu’s anger and Griffith’s ambition, the face of Midland will never be the same.

Review
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The Breakdown
What more can I say? Berserk isn’t all about killing, love is involved, broken friendships, jealousy and hatred are the primary aspects that make up Berserk.

Synopsis
Based on the video game bearing the same title and produced by Hideo Katsumata, Arc the Lad is the tale about Elk, a young bounty hunter, who has been blessed by the Spirit of Fire. Responding to a distress call on board a hijacked air ship, Elk rescues a mysterious girl, Lieza, and her wolf companion Pandit. The three uncover a series of government conspiracies where grotesque, chimera experiments are conducted on children with the powers of the Sacred Spirits, of which Elk had escaped from. In the middle of it all is Arc, whom Elk believes is responsible for the destruction of his village and parents.

Review
Arc the Lad takes place in a composite setting where you have traces of fantasy, rural towns, and ancient temples and palaces mixed with modern day cities and its slums. This theme is carried throughout the series. The forces of light are dressed in traditional attire with the fighters in armor, the women in robes, and Shu and Toshu as a ninja and samurai respectively. Arc, Elk, and Lieza wield strong magical powers. The Silver Noah, Arc’s airship, alludes to final fantasy. The forces of darkness employ a more present day outlook, for example Galuano, the mayor, riding in his limousine and communicating via cell phone. But, they too fly in airships, Clive and Andel cast dark magic, and have armies of monsters.
The series can be divided into four parts. Episodes 1-13 develop the character of Elk and resolve his past experiences at the “White House.” From 13 ending at 26 are the recapture of Smeria and Andel’s retreat, Elk’s silence, and finally the defeat of Clive. The first half of the series is distinguished plot wise in comparison to the later half with an exposition of Shu finding the famished Elk, ( ED. - well you gotta see it). The second half is not as dramatic and suspenseful as the first but nevertheless concludes the series. One thing to mention is that although the title may have been taken from the video game, it is not entirely appropriate for naming the anime series. It should have been labeled “Elk the Lad” or “Arc and the Lad” for we see through the eyes of Elk and side with him even at those moments when Elk goes out of control and is obsessed with revenge.

The Breakdown
The second half is not as dramatic and suspenseful as the first but nevertheless concludes the series.

Synopsis
Accompanying her best friend Yui to the National Library of Japan, Miaka is lured by the sound of the Susaku to an isolated section of the library. Miaka and Yui soon discover an ancient Chinese novel titled Shijin Ten Sho (’Four Gods of Heaven and Earth’). Upon reading, they are transported to the outskirts of medieval China. There Miaka is believed to be the Suzaku no Miko, the one who will bring peace to the land of Konan and make everyone’s wishes come true. She now finds herself on a quest to gather the seven Seishi and rescue Yui, who had been manipulated into becoming Miaka’s rival.

Review
Fushigi Yugi (’Mysterious Play’), a romantic comedy, was created by Yuu Watase as a shojo manga, targeted primarily for the female audience. The series mirrors recent anime productions such as Tenchi, Love Hina, and Nadesico where, in this case, the female lead is surrounded by young men who care for and are willing to pledge their lives to her. 52 episodes in length, it allows adequate character development and interaction of the much large cast: Yui and Miaka, the seven Susaku Seishi, the seven Seiryuu Seishi, Keisuke and Tetsuya, Taiitsukun and other minor roles. It also allows the viewer to grow an attachment to the characters’ personalities and even favor a particular character.
Like a drama, every episode unfolds into the next as one continuous stream. Missing one translates to missing a crucial plot element or even a twist that is built upon in the later episodes. Maximum appreciation of the series comes from watching beginning to end, without skipping. The comedy aspect through the use of chibi figures and farce liven up the serious tone, especially Tasuki’s persona. The musical interlay is well placed during turning points and key revelations, and the opening theme (Tokimeki no doukasen) reinforces the passionate production.

The Breakdown
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Synopsis
In the 24th century, intergalactic space travel has become a reality. One of the first outposts in the far reaches of space is Watcher’s Nest - an inflation hole drive portal - which has recently come under attack by a mysterious force known simply as Ghoul… A group of young female cadets assigned to the portal are unexpectedly thrown into a hornet’s nest of trouble as they finalize their training to become elite pilots in the Seraphim Squadron. What more could you ask for than a bevy of beauties forced to put their lives on the line to answer the call of duty. Divergence Eve is a bold and imaginative voyage leading directly into the heart of evil. A dark tale enlivened by a shocking mystery which will have you guessing until the final fade out.

Review
Divergence Eve has a strange plot, a plot in that the movement of the story is put in reverse. Indeed it is strange, but that is what makes a show like Divergence Eve unique. You begin confused as hell, as scenes are just passing by and you have no idea what the story is or how the characters arrived at the destination they are at. Slowly, but surely though, everything becomes clear to the viewer as the show runs from episode to episode.

This ploy that the crew behind Divergence Eve plotted out is not only smart, but can be quite an enjoyment as well. Why? Because not everything is shown to you. One thing I cannot stand in my years of experiencing anime is when an anime treats me like a person without a mind or without any form of imagination prowess, and this anime here does not do any of that. It works your mind into predicting what may happen next, as fun and excitement swarms within your head.

The thing that picks my mind about Divergence Eve is that the opening theme is serious, whereas, the closing theme is a fun filled piece. Not that it is a bad thing though, because it is showing Masaki Kureha in a cosplay marathon :). Nope, there is nothing to complain about that.

Now how can I review Divergence Eve without mentioning the babes :P. Although not much is revealed to the audience in the first volume, but what is revealed is that there is going to be something rather interesting about Ensign Masaki Kureha. Her past is the main focus so far in the show, as hints of it is shown to the viewer. Her power is hehe… I will let you discover that when you pick this title off the shelves.

The Breakdown
Let us face the facts, Divergence Eve is not going to be loved by everyone due to the way it runs, but for those who see through the preceding issues, Divergence Eve is an anime worth every cent you paid for.