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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
Hayao Miyazaki had been cradling the idea for this wonderful fantasy for a long time before he finally decided to write and direct it. Although it’s set in the mid 1950’s in Japan’s rural area, the sceneries with lots of trees, of fields and meadows with colorful flowers bring a universal feeling of joy and harmony even to those who have never left the big cities or living in other countries. Another charm of the movie is of course it’s heart warming tale of the two little sisters and their relationships with the land’s mysterious creatures (including a ‘Cat Bus!’) whose plots aren’t forced or condescending in any way, which makes the film such an enjoyable experience for kids and adults alike. It’s a 2-disc set with loads of special features, including a storyboard-to-film comparison for the entire film.

Review
I remember back when I was a child, around five years old. I have watched Totoro and loved it a lot. As a child’s point of view, I liked Totoro for its cuteness and story. It gives me, as a child, the thought of, “What if there was Totoro and I saw it?” Certainly it will be cool, but seeing something that big with big teeth… I would get scared. A few years have passed since I watched Totoro. Now that I am seventeen almost eighteen, I revisited what I have once visited. The old feeling was still there, and I still get attracted to Totoro for its cuteness and story. I guess my mind has not changed through out the years.

Totoro attracts not only children, but adults too. The story of two sisters who live with their father, as their mother is in the hospital is fun to watch, because of the happy atmosphere that Mei and Satsuki create when they are running around their back yard having fun or doing funny things such as, catching a “Mak kuro kurosuke.” There are a few tense moments such as, close to the end of the movie. The character animations are similar to other Hayao Miyazaki works after all it is created my him. What impressed me was that the quality of the animation looked as if it was from 1995 instead of 1988.

The Breakdown
After rewatching Totoro, I feel like going out and buy the doll… it’s so cute just like Puuchuus.

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
‘She’s beautiful. Powerful. Passionate. Too dangerous to exist. She is Steel Angel Kurumi-and she’s marked for termination. Her enemy? The Academy. A floating fortress of mystery and military might. Their weapons? Powerful androids as lethal as they are lovely. Can Kurumi and her friends reach her creator’s secret lab without being detected by the Academy assassins? Or will her Steel Angel siblings succeed in ripping out her Mark II Heart that makes Kurumi so dangerous?

Review
In this volume of Steel Angel Kurumi, Nakahito starts to find out what he has to do with Kurumi. During an episode where Kurumi battles on three Steel Angels by herself, Nakahito stood there helplessly and watched as his Steel Angel was being knocked around. Then he came to a point where he starts to question his usefulness. If he could ever protect Kurumi, or anybody for that matter with his own powers, just as his brother would. As he struggles with his thoughts, he finally decides to try and do something. This resulted in him getting injured, and we all know what happens when Nakahito gets hurt and Kurumi is around.

The fun of Steel Angel Kurumi goes up and down. We get a chance to see Kurumi being jealous, because of the things Saki and Nakahito did. Kurumi’s personality is really cute; therefore she gave me a few chuckles as I watched on. Saki on the other hand is still obsessed with the ’sisterly love.’ Is it a good thing or a bad thing? Because of this sisterly love, she ventured to Kyoto by herself to buy cinnamon cookies for Kurumi and wanted surprise her with it in the morning. She made it to Kyoto, but meets her little sister, Karinka (the Steel Angel blue print that Nakahito saw when he was in the basement of the mansion back in episode one).

Karinka has two angel hearts, making her comparable to Kurumi’s powers. From her body size she looks like she does not pack any power in her punch, but she easily defeats Saki and tortures her until Kurumi shows up. What I am confused about right about now is how come Karinka is able to be activated without being kissed? Hmm… It could be, because she was made by somebody else other than Dr. Ayanokouji. But that should not be… I thought the blue print of Karinka was the work of Dr Ayanokouji’s, so when she was made, it should be the same as Kurumi and Saki. Oh wells, I will try not to lose sleep over this. This question should be answered by the next volumes.

The Breakdown
How can you possibly not like a group of Steel Angels?

Synopsis
Troubles you can only dream of… Suguru’s horrible cleaning skills have his friends calling his home the ‘haunted house’, and being an orphan, he needs help! Enter Mahoro, a beautiful 19-year old that catches bullets in her fingers, claims to be an android, and who wants to be his maid! Now, his school friends are suspicious and his well-endowed teacher is going over the edge with jealousy. How will he react when he discovers that Mahoro only has 398 days to live and has chosen him for a reason?

Review
Meet Suguru Misato, a normal child with a not so normal maid and family history. His father past away when he was young, and then his mother also past away. Going through life was not easy for Suguru, although he had the left over money from his parents to use and a big house to live in. There was something missing in his life or I should say someone. Ever since his parents past away, he took care of himself. His house is in a total mess. Yes, you guessed it, the person he needs is a maid.

Now meet Mahoro, an android created by Vesper to battle the aliens who try to disturb Earth’s peace. She was relieved from her duties due to her system being shut down soon. Vesper told her of what will happen. If she is still going to battle, she will not last for more than thirty seven days, but if she retires, she will operate for another three hundred ninety eight days. Mahoro decides she will go into the Vesper Human Resources division and will live the rest of her life as someone’s maid.

What stunned me about this series is the introduction. You would not have thought it would be an anime series about maids, because we are put into a scene of Mahoro battling an alien. The fan service is pretty up there. The character that stands out is Shikijo-sensei with her large breasts. She just flaunts them and laughs at Mahoro’s. The funniest thing about her is that she is cheap. Her cheapness can take her from eating dinner at her student’s (Suguru) home to using his bathtub to bathe. The word for this is ‘freeloader’ I believe. Well the thing about Shikijo-sensei is that she makes you laugh at her actions and that is just about what Mahoromatic does. It is a very good combination of fan service and comedy, otherwise known as ecchi humor.

A question that pops into my mind is; Is Mahoro taking care of Suguru as a maid for atonement of what had happened? With all the clues given it sure seems that way. Suguru’s father was the commander of Vesper and she killed him as he commanded her to, because he was held hostage by an alien who was about to do some big damage. She was at the funeral of Commander Misato and she visits his grave every year. From all these clues, I really believe that Mahoro is Suguru’s maid to atone for the past. But whatever, this is just my prediction; let us see what happens as the series advances.

The Breakdown
Mahoromatic is a 12 episodes series, 3 DVDs at $29.98 each. There is a second season currently being aired in Japan in which we are introduced to Mahoro’s little sister Mizawa.

Synopsis
Kaoru Hanabishi just wanted to help. Aoi Sakuraba just wanted to find her first love. They never realized they were looking for each other. Ever since their arranged marriage 18 years ago, Aoi had been in love with Kaoru, but she traveled to Tokyo to meet him when she learned the marriage had been called off. While Kaoru’s impressed by Aoi’s loyalty, innocence and beauty, to accept her affection, he might have to return to the Hanabishi Clan and the emotional and physical pain he suffered during his childhood… Their self-control and their love will be put to the test when she moves in and he tries to stay a gentleman!

Review
Here in Ai Yori Aoshi (Bluer than Indigo), we are put into what seems to be a modern anime version of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. There are two families, Hanabishi and Sakuraba. Hanabishi Kaoru, who ran away from the Hanabishi family, is a college student who has supported himself ever since he left the Hanabishi. Sakuraba Aoi, is a childhood friend of Kaoru and she was arranged a marriage with Kaoru at a very young age. The arranged marriage was later cancelled, because of what had happened. Aoi, a very well mannered young lady cannot possibly forget someone who she have spent her childhood years so happily with. She even promised to herself that Kaoru will be the only person that she will love. With this state of mind, Aoi runs away from her home, the Sakuraba in hopes to find her childhood sweet heart Kaoru.

Having only a little memo with Kaoru’s address on it, Aoi arrives and she immediately notices the difference of lifestyles. As she looks for help, she gets bumped by someone and falls to the floor. Kaoru helps her up, but Aoi does not know who this person is. Being a kind person that Kaoru is, he continues to help Aoi to find the person she is looking for and he does exactly just that.

I stated above that Ai Yori Aoshi seems to be a modern anime version of Romeo and Juliet, because we have two families whose statuses are similar, and two lovers who are separated, because of their status difference in the present time of the show. I said, ‘Seems,’ because Aoi and Kaoru get to see each other, and be with each other, but they have to keep their relationship hidden or else it will cause uproar within the Sakuraba.

Kaoru is no longer a member of Hanabishi; therefore he is a person without any status. Without the status of the successor of the Hanabishi family, the Sakuraba family will not hand over their daughter to a nobody. The husband of Aoi will become the president of the Sakuraba. This is where Ai Yori Aoshi separates from Romeo and Juliet. Both families do not dislike each other. This was shown, because of the childhood memories that Aoi and Kaoru possess. If that was the case, Aoi and Kaoru would not have played with each other when they were kids.

When Ai Yori Aoshi first appeared, it was often compared to Love Hina. The first thing I noticed that was different from Love Hina is what others have been saying as well. Ai Yori Aoshi is definitely a more matured version of Love Hina. The way I see mature is how the main character is not being kicked around and have things done to him that would have normally killed anyone. That is where the maturity is at, when people hear that (Ai Yori Aoshi is a more matured version of Love Hina) they start to think it has more fan service. To me the fan service of both series are quite on the same level if not equal.

The Breakdown
Break down? I will have a break down if volume two does not come soon enough!

Synopsis
Anime show ‘Onegai Teacher’ started airing on January 10, 2002 on WOWOW. The show’s heroine Kazami Mizuho - an alien observation specialist - is played by the voice of hugely popular voice actress Kikuko Inoue. -CDJapan

Review
Onegai Teacher will always be one of my favorite titles. This is one of those OAV’s, where the director just wants to give what the fans want. The 7th Mail does a fine job bringing what the fans want, by displaying relationships that are in the TV series and extend upon it. Of course this final episode to the first series is not only about that. Our buddy Kei seems to have problems with our lovely teacher Kazami Mizuho. Well, both Kei and Mizuho are kind of shy and they still have not done what married couples do. What is better than having his mother in law, Hatsuho, stepping in, and give a little hand to the two?

The whole episode was all fun as it displays Kei being spotted by all of his best friends with a girl (something he did not want). One of his friends, Matagu made a big deal out of it, because he still does not have a girlfriend. That is when he gets teleported to the storage room by Hatsuho. Mizuho was everything but happy when she found out about her mother holding Kei’s hand and taking him into a hotel. Even Maho was going out with Kei until Matagu came in and confronted the two.

I did mention this OAV is all about fun right? As episode thirteen comes to a close, we get a little surprise from Hatsuho. Although the real ending comes after the end credits roll. I hope One * 2 will be as good as Onegai Teacher.

The Breakdown
Bandai Entertainment has licensed this series and scheduled a release date of somewhere around April. Keep those pennies saved, as this is a series you don’t want to miss if you are a fan of shounen type anime.

Synopsis
‘The color of battle, the creaking wing is the sound of the beginning.’ Amidst the battered pavement of what was once the capital, there is a sanctuary, unscathed, that becomes the nucleus for the grand awakening. Sing, RahXephon, your song, your forbidden song in order for everything to become one someday.

Review
Directed by Yutaka Izubuchi (Gasaraki) and produced by Bones, Mediafactory, Inc (Cowboy Bebop: Knocking on Heaven’s door) is the well-anticipated RahXephon. Its title is one letter short from Escaflowne and like it refers to a legendary mecha. Like Hitomi, Ayato travels to a world unlike from his own, not medieval in time but rather a parallel world outside of his own sphere known as Tokyo Jupiter. From here it deviates resembling Evangelion more. Ayato lends his services to the Earth Alliance’s counter-MU strategy research agency, known as TERRA, analogous to NERV. In order to protect the island of Nirai Kanai from enemy dolems, comparable to Eva’s Angels, Ayato pilots RahXephon. Characterwise, he himself is both older than his Eva counterpart Shinji and mature although he too shares in a mental quest for identity and overall place in life.

The Breakdown
Every fan of Evangelion and every dissatisfied fan that didn’t like Evangelion because of the ending should add RahXephon to their collection. Look forward to the movie, which will be in theaters, Japan this April.