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Synopsis
Meet Galan, a spastic geek who’d do anything to be a real live samurai. But that’s just an impossible dream… or is it? When his Russian princess girlfriend gives him the gift of an ancient sword, strange events unfold, and even stranger people drop out of the sky to attack. Now Galan must overcome his ineptitude and join a bunch of beautiful women in a wacky romp through a kingdom that time forgot!

Review
Labyrinth of Flames is hilarious. I just could not resist myself from cracking up at the many comedic scenes this show provides. The ecchi humor is incredible. Sometimes you will have to really pay attention to the screen to get some of the “small” detailed jokes. What I loved about the show is that there are no breaks for you to rest, it keeps rolling and you just keep laughing. The ladies are also a part of the reason why there is no breaks heh. After all, panties are just everywhere to be seen. You know a year or so back, I thought I have seen the most perverted credits scene in an anime I really cannot recall as of this moment, but now that I have watched this show, anything going beyond it will have to be considered 18+ :).

The plot of this anime is great for an ecchi humor title. It strives to be serious, but at the same time, kills the seriousness with a quick hitter. Sometimes you do not know what to expect on the screen, but one thing is for sure, it will definitely be amusing. Now the synopsis already gave you an overview of how this show will roll, and although it does not sound like anything spectacular, trust me, if you are into the shounen genre, this has to be a title for you, yes, YOU! Darkwind being an exception, because he does not like this “stuff.” (Pfft, that punk. :/)

Central Park Media has released a great piece of anime in Labyrinth of Flames. The extras provided in the DVD unleash more laughter as you skim through the dubbing process of Labyrinth of Flames. And that is what this anime is about, pure fun and entertainment for you to enjoy. I am in awe after watching this piece… it was a great sixty minutes of viewing experience.

The Breakdown
I never thought a good ecchi humor title could be achieved in a short period of time. I mean, almost all the great ones are long TV series. Labyrinth of Flames takes me by surprise and hits me hard enough to make myself realize that, there are just so many things I have yet to experience in this world we call Anime. Sigh…

Synopsis
Sorata is an art instructor at Yamanoue School. At the young age of 20 he is already a full-fledged teacher with a meek and nerd-like disposition. Yet Sorata has a secret… he’s Mouse, the internationally infamous thief and a shameless flirt to boot. This mischievous rogue is assisted by three scandalously endowed attendants. With Mei Momozono the genius math teacher, Hazuki Kakio the rough and ready phys-ed coach, and the lovely school nurse Yayoi Kuribayashi, Mouse can steal ANYTHING.

Review
Mouse mouse mouse. This title seems like a fun series, but the originality is just nonexistent. It is like DN Angel mixed up with Steel Angel Kurumi. All you have to do is just take the phantom thief from DN Angel and three female servants from Steel Angel Kurumi and you will get Mouse. This series to me just does not make a big statement from the get go. It felt like any other ordinary shounen title that strives for fan service rather than attempting to give the viewers another look, a better look, such as, a story that is intriguing with a less emphasis on the ecchi-ness.

Not everything should be based on the big boobies and hot babes, but Mouse does not give me any other perspective to view it other than a fan service filled anime. It feels nice and fresh during the first episode… then it begins to deteriorate by episode. And at the midpoint of the DVD, I was just rushing for it to end already, because I had other things to put my time and energy in; mainly, other anime of course.

Probably the only reason that will allow me to make an effort to continue Mouse is because this is only the first volume. Sure, I will give it a chance to repent for volume one, if volume two still does not satisfy me then… that is that.

The Breakdown
Mouse is an average ecchi humor anime. While there are cosplay, servant-type ecchi things going on, it tastes like stale milk overall.

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.

Synopsis
Sandman and his ragtag crew of misfits and loners are back at it again, saving the Earth from the deadly Zeravire invasion… only this time, they won’t be the only ones on duty! Enter the elite G-Soldier Squadron, the first unit in the government’s attempt to mass-produce Gravion technology. Led by ace pilot Faye, will the G-Soldiers push the Earthgertz gang out of a job? Meanwhile, facing a series of stepped up Zeravire attacks, Sandman decides his team needs some time off at hot springs resort!? What better way to form a cohesive fighting unit than to see everyone in their skivvies? Towels fly and karaoke maids abound as the Gravion team battles a hidden danger deep within a nearby volcano.

Review
High tech robots, maids, and ecchi humor, it cannot possibility get better than that right? Although I have not completely finish viewing the first season, this title is very attractive. It surpasses my expectations and goes on to an even higher level. So far there is not as much fan service as the first season, but it still gets it done. It is more playful than the original. Why do I say that? Well for one, the Gravion gang is having more fun and is dishing out an equally amount of it too. I am liking the direction that it is heading, except when the guys dress up as maids :/.

The animation from GONZO is outstanding; hence they have been my favorite studio of all. For an odd reason, it seems to me that every title they get involved with, it turns out that that particular title will be successful. Strange :/. Now there is all that you can expect from, from a Gravion title. Breasts, girls, ecchi, and along with it, robotic action! While the characters are mainly the same from the first season, there are new characters introduced in Zwei; the G-Soldier Squardon being a few of them. Thus far, nothing is revealed about these characters, other than that they will be competing with the Earthgertz gang. It sure will be interesting the way that the story will form, as sparks will sure be flying all over the place.

In volume one, be prepared to watch a hot springs episode. Too bad I did not have a chance to see it as the screener only has three episodes, whereas, the to be released edition will have four episodes. Gravion is an anime that keeps a constant pace throughout the run time. I appreciate that as there are no nonsense breaks within the show. You perverts have got to see it!

The Breakdown
Gravion Zwei is beyond just ecchi humor. The characters are unique, the story has the potential to be great and the mechas are just amazing. While it failed in its attempt to leech onto me, I still had fun watching it. Do your research, then make your decision whether to invest in this title.

Synopsis
To the unsuspecting eye Maki, Reimi and Yuka may not look like ace crime fighters, which might explain why they’re stuck on traffic patrol instead of more “exciting” police duties. All that changes when Yuka gets herself kidnapped by a white slave organization run by a politically connected businessman who’s got the rest of the police cowed. Now it’s up to Maki and Reimi to don skin-tight battle armor, liberate a tank, and make sure that a certain slaver learns that when you play with fire, you’re going to get your ass burned!

Review
I have always been a fan of the Burn Up series ever since Burn Up W. But now we are going back to where it all started, Burn Up! The show commences right off the bat with a car chase scene. The chase was pretty cool, it was a good introduction to the three main characters, Maki, Reimi and Yuka. This show is constantly on a quick pace as the main focus is revealed to the audience as soon the characters were finished being introduced. A crime organization is kidnapping young females and selling them as slave dolls, where they are forced into being a perfect woman. For those who listen, will get the training and ultimately be sold to a buyer and for those who rebel… we all know what happens when you deny the Yakuzas. Our trio of heroines cannot possibly allow this to happen and decides to go investigate the case. That is when Yuka becomes a kidnapped victim. With the criminals holding her as hostage, Maki and Reimi set out to rescue their friend in need!

Burn Up is the best out of the Burn Up series due to the fact that it is the original and that ecchi humor is not as rampant as the successors. With the less emphasis in ecchi humor comes a more entertaining show overall. Sure some of the perverts will miss the panty shots, the jiggly boobs counter and enticing scenes, but they do not go in vain. The way it plays out is all the entertainment that is needed. The old school animation brings back memories and refreshes them to make Burn Up seem as if it was a regular new title. This is definitely a title that you would say the old is better than the new, this coming from a Burn Up freak who owns most of the Burn Up saga.

What sticks out of this show is the quick pace that it is on. One scene you are at a conversation about a plan, the next scene you are where they act the plan out. You are just never left out in La-La Land wondering when the action comes, because usually it arrives sooner than expected. The bits of comedy provided throughout the show are cute. It is nothing rolling the floor about, but certainly gets your attention. Overall, Burn Up, is a quick hitter whose jabs are effective, but does not offer anything that will knock someone out.

The Breakdown
Burn Up’s action and quick moving storyline, keeps the viewers’ attention for the fifty minutes of run time, which seems like thirty minutes from how the things play out.

Synopsis
What comes and goes within that innocent pair of eyes? He is Shirase Akira, a rouge, freelance computer programmer, who possesses a brilliant intellect. While he is well known as a legendary hacker, very few people understand the true side of him. What does he want, what has he gained, and what has he seen in the infinite outskirts of the internet? What has he witnessed within the virtual and real images of his code? That story will now be told.

Review
Battle Programmer Shirase, or BPS for short, first aired in October 2003 through January 2004. BPS is directed by Hayashi Hiroki, who also managed Bubblegum Crisis: Tokyo 2040, and produced by Anime International Company, which has an english site available at http://www.aicanime.com/ The official BPS website can be found at http://www.anime-int.com/works/bps/index.html

For six screen shots and a mini preview hop on over to http://www.jascii.net/newanime/jascii.php?jascii_view=108

The Breakdown
It is amazing to conceptualize a person hacking to access a satellite then overloading the power infrastructure of a 100-story building, igniting gas lines until it abruptly explodes. It took a supercomputer to do so but even a cell phone now can be the medium. Anything electronic is no longer safe.

Synopsis
My name is Mikuri Tomokazu. My parents passed away when I was little, and I have been living with my cousin ever since. I’m a regular, boring freshman in high school. My height is about average, and so is my weight. My grades as well as my athletic ability are disastrous. My two favorite foods are hamburgers and curry rice. Up until now, I’ve never had a girlfriend. In a few days, I’ll be turning sixteen. Tomorrow I hope something good will happen. It definitely has to…

Review
Yumeria is based on the popular bishoujo Playstation 2 RPG and dating simulation game developed by Namco. The anime is scripted by Yousuke Kuroda, who participated in Onegai Sensei. The anime first aired in January 2004. Yume means dream or vision, so Yumeria is the anime about the land of dreams, Moera, named after the anime’s sponsor. When a person’s memory is filled beyond their capacity, that person dreams and exchanges information during that state. All the useless knowledge and unnecessary experiences combine and that the shape of the world of Moera. People’s negative emotions move on to create the nightmare known as Faydoom.

The anime’s site is located at http://www.bs-i.co.jp/anime/yumeria/ where you’ll find episode summaries, screen captures, character bios, and cast listing. http://www.yumeria.com is already taken by the PS2 video game, which has tons of screen shots and wallpapers.

The Breakdown
I ranked Yumeria a tenth of a point higher than Mahoromatic because of the ending.

Synopsis
Thousands of fans have followed the adventures of the beautiful and powerful android Steel Angel Kurumi-from her awakening at the kiss of the young boy Nakahito to the climactic battle that toppled the floating fortress known as The Academy. Now find out what becomes of your favorite characters in the aftermath! Has shy Saki gone Hollywood? Can a secret admirer help Karinka forget about her crush on Nakahito? Is Kurumi capable of becoming a graceful and dignified woman?
It all wraps up with a hilarious competition between the dozens of Steel Angels who have tracked Nakahito down for a taste of his miracle kiss.

Review
Steel Angel Kurumi cannot just end with such a small amount of fan service! And even though this volume is all fan service it is still not enough for me. The adventure continues after most of everything was destroyed in the last battle. Kurumi, Saki and Karinka all return to their normal lives and in these last episodes of season one they make it a point that they are here to stay.

There is not a particular story here; it is just fan service, very enjoyable fan service I might add. No, there are no nudes, but there is comedy. Steel Angel Kurumi is such an addictive anime series. It is something you cannot get enough of. Thank god there is a season two. If the next season has the same atmosphere as the first, it will definitely be another fun filled work of art.

There is not much to review for this final volume of the first season, as there is no progress in the story. Nakahito is still with Kurumi and Saki and Karinka just spices things up. Saki gets an episode dedicated to her where she becomes an actress and Karinka receives a love letter from someone, who also asks her out on a date in the letter as he professes his love for her. The final episode is a good one. Nakahito finds himself the target of all the Steel Angels, as they receive information that if Nakahito kisses them they will become as powerful as Kurumi. How that turns out? You should find out for yourself.

The Breakdown
Time to move to season two. Whoo hoo!

Synopsis
Makoto and Yura are both 25-years old and married as a couple. Pity for them because their marriage was arranged. However, they decided to repeat the platonic stage all over again, from going on an ordinary date to the ‘first night’ experience. But the problem remains, Yura is a ‘virgin’, and Makoto is a ‘cherry boy’ for twenty five years.. they both have no experience at all at ‘you know what’, so both Makoto and Yura decided to solve their problem at all costs

Review
Futari Ecchi (or as it is sometimes called, Step Up Love Story) means something close to ‘lewdness of a couple’. And pretty much…that is what it is about. Although it is ‘hentai-esque’ (is that a word?), it is very funny as well. The cluelessness of both Yura and Makoto is the perfect setup for this sex comedy. From Yura’s ‘discovery’ of Makoto’s rather large hentai collection to Yura’s younger ’sexpert’ sister giving her sage advice to the couple on a regular basis, this series is one laugh after another, with a few dirty scenes thrown in (it is a hentai after all). But they aren’t really offensive. Futari Ecchi is surprisingly story-centered, and is all the better for it.

The Breakdown
Fun, silly, creative…but not for kids. It can be found for relatively cheap online, and it’s well worth the buy.

Synopsis
Now that the Steel Angels have found the powerful Academy, they plan a daring break-in to save Nakahito, who is being pressured by the mysterious Mikhail to betray Kurumi. Unfortunately, the Academy is aware of their every move, and they successfully succeed in dividing and conquering the group. Saki and Karinka are trapped within a powerful force field. Dr. Amagi is captured by the Academy scientists. And when Nakahito makes his stand, he inadvertently activates Kurumi’s greatest threat. Now Kurumi must face her most powerful foe-a ruthless killing machine that has the same supercharged Mark II Angel Heart that Kurumi has. Will Kurumi’s better nature win out? Or will her dark side get the better of her? Find out in the exciting conclusion to the most thrilling, action-packed anime smash of the year!

Review
Steel Angel Kurumi captivates you with all sorts of things, such as, action, romance, and comedy; although, this volume has a more serious tone than the other previous volumes. What I like the most from Steel Angel Kurumi is that it is short in time, the running time that is and even though each episode is approximately fifteen minutes long, it makes up twenty four episodes. Enough with the introduction let us get down to business. Now it has been a while since I have reviewed my last volume of Steel Angel Kurumi and looking back at my review of the third volume, I stated that it ended with an intense moment. And Steel Angel Kurumi certainly does not disappoint with the turn out of all that intensity enough to give me a heart attack, well maybe not that serious heh :P, but I guarantee you will be in for a treat, as the ending is very, very, acceptable; probably one of the best endings I have seen throughout this year (2003).

In this volume, we get a little surprise as Mikhail was actually not a boy… Mikhail was actually a steel angel that shape shifted into a boy form to fool Nakahito into following her to the Academy’s base (Comon guys would it actually matter? If you saw some pretty lady wearing quite a revealing attire, would not you follow them too? ;-) ). This steel angel is not to be taken lightly; she boasts both an Angel Heart and an Angel Heart Mark II in her. When she transformed from the boy form to the steel angel form I was at a disgusted state, but then went back to normal as I saw that Mikhail was female (Sorry I was never much of a yaoi fan). Anyways she gets commanded to terminate Kurumi. And of course, this task was not easy, as we see flashes of Kurumi’s hidden demonic powers as the battle progressed.

By the time the climax is reached, the episodes are just flying out the windows, one after another, until finally, we are up to the last episode, in which, a better ending could not be planned out, in my honorable opinion. Steel Angel Kurumi definitely has an ability to attract its viewers and hold them for a fun ride. I am delighted to have been able to watch such a great series, and now that Steel Angel Kurumi has ended, it is time to move onto Steel Angel Kurumi: Encore! Yay!

The Breakdown
Hmmm… now that the threat of Kurumi changing to a demon is neutralized, what will happen in the future of the series?