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Synopsis
Lately, shy Manami has been flirting outrageously and sparking vicious catfights! Afterwards, she remembers nothing. Can it be that another personality seethes beneath her own - a wild woman who’ll do anything to find trouble?

Review
I requested this title from Central Park Media a while ago, and I just could not find the time to toss it in the player, and since I am kind of on my vacation right now, what better time to enjoy this sweet title than now right? Anyways, when you hear Sprite (no not the soda) and see the DVD cover of Sprite, I cannot fault you for just passing it on and going onto something else at the video store. In reality, if I was shopping, I would most definitely not have picked this title up due to how it looked and sounded in my head. STOP!!! Newsflash, when I do that assumption thing (not sure about you), I am usually wrong, and in the case of Sprite, I was wrong.

Manami Sakumoto is smart, not to mention, the hottest girl in school, but when her distant relative Toru Takamura transfers to her school, she begins to feel weird, it is like something or someone is trying to come out from within her. As a shy and quiet spoken girl, she is the perfect target for bullies. And as expected from her school, jealous girls find their way to pick on Manami. Toru is your average perverted guy, who tries to put up a good front. This was proven on the first meeting between Manami and Toru. While this was not the first time they met, it has been a good couple of years since they last saw each other. Now they are all grown up, going to ‘college’ (I will explain the quotations around the word later), and shares a secret between each other… the fact that Manami has another personality within her; the complete polar opposite of the shy, kind and cute Manami, Nami is a cool, no nonsense, ‘will kick your ass’ chick who has her charms as well.

Before I forget to mention, let me just throw it out there that Sprite is not a title that you would like to watch with your parents. There is nudity and some sexual content. While there may not be anything too hardcore… I just had to let this point be known so that the pervs out there will bite ^_^. Throughout the show you will go between Manami and Nami. We get to see their differences and how Manami’s alter ego can help her in some situations. Sprite plays out exactly like a teen love drama, but with more flavor. The incorporating of that mature stuff really gave this title a nice touch; it makes it less boring. I was a hundred percent attentive to everything that was going on. There was never a dull moment to this gem.

The Breakdown
Sprite is truly a show that embodies all there is to embody in a show that yearns and deserves your view; especially if you are into that teenage romance genre. I have never felt such excitement (no, not down my pants, hardy har har) as I am watching a teen drama. Sprite delivers a gripping story that has you choosing between Manami, Nami… or both. But at the end, this title is nothing short of an amazing accomplishment. I will definitely make time for seconds!

Synopsis
Kuromi is back, and more determined than ever to make it in the anime business. But all hell breaks loose when the boss quits smoking just when the workload bursts out of control. Can Kuromi overcome this almost insurmountable obstacle?  

Review
Those who are fans of the first Animation Runner Kuromi will find that this sequel is a nice little touch to a neat title that gives anime fans a peek at how anime is… or at least the processes that it goes through in order for it to be released. In the first installment of Animation Runner, Kuromi had to lead her unique, slacking team to create an episode of anime. If putting together one episode was that difficult of a task, then you would definitely want to see what kind of havoc would develop when the crew has been given the assignment to create one episode for three different series; that is three episodes by the way for those who are bad at math.  

How is Kuromi going to motivate her lazy staff? Well, she almost does not, because a hot shot animation runner comes barging in their studio and starts demanding things to be done by using strict methods… that works. Of course, since this hot shot animation runner is all about making the dead line, at the expense of the quality of the anime; we got a dilemma here. While Shihonmatsu is on the edge, going cold turkey from cigarettes, and the staff’s motivation runs low, it is time for Kuromi to take back Studio Petit, for the sake of her staff and for the sake of producing great anime.  

Animation Runner Kuromi 2, pretty much sticks with the same formula as the first installment. Nothing much changed, and nothing much added. As I was watching it, it felt like it was a good bridge between the two OAVs, but that is about it. Certainly this show is about delivering fun to the audience and at times it does. However, the fun is not always there, there are some tense moments that make you wonder if this really is what you wanted to bargain for.

Synopsis
Explore the world of otaku, the devoted fans of Japanese animation. Since the introduction of Speed Racer to the U.S., these men, women and children have built a community based on their common love for this uniquely imaginative medium. Through conventions, fan clubs, online forums, and more, they have expanded otaku fandom into a highly popular cultural phenomenon.
Otaku Unite! is the first documentary to follow the evolution of this phenomenon from its humble beginnings to its current state as a major influence of pop culture today.

Review
What is an Otaku? The term otaku in my terms represents a person who is a complete zealot of anime and manga. They would travel around the world just to attend an anime convention or in an even extremer case, make it a habit to spend hours boiling DVDs or comics. In a sense, if you are reading this, you have a bit of otaku you in. I have some in me. And even though the Japanese do not interpret the term otaku as something one should take pride in, we as Americans have evolved the word to our likings. And this documentary here, is just the right show for your curiosity if you have ever wondered to yourself how Japanese animation got so big in a country where Superman, Batman and Spiderman ruled the land.

Otaku Unite, other than a pretty self-explanatory title, digs into anime and how it has changed so much in a decade. I do not know about you… I am not old, but even I still remember the days of anime on copied VHS tapes and the means of distribution was through friends. I liked how this documentary went into this fact. It brought me some fond memories of those days begging to borrow an anime video, and those urges for more. Anime is like crack in a way, but worst. Why would I say that? Well, think of it this way. Crack addicts can go through rehab and all, but where do anime addicts go? Once you are in this community, you are a member for life. Best example I can give is myself. I was an anime fan since I was born. Then there was a time in my life where I have not watched any anime at all for at least a good seven to eight years. Talk about cold turkey. Anyways, somehow this form of art, crept back into my life and ever since I do not feel like what had happened earlier in my life would ever repeat itself again.

This DVD is truly great. It features interviews from various guests that have taken some part or another in the growth of this hobby. For an example, the creator of the infamous anime web links directories webpage, Anipike.com; if you do not know what that website is, take that otaku tag off and go home please. This documentary ventures into the beginning, the days of Robotech and Speed Racer. The information this title delivers is great. For those who just got into this hobby, you are now able to learn a part of why anime has taken such a big leap from small fry to big man on campus all on one DVD.

The Breakdown
Otaku Unite is a fun filled documentary from coverage in Kaiju wrestling to following an anime otaku around to various conventions. I do not know if it was on purpose, but finding an absolute nerd like guy to follow around in anime conventions was a bit… umm… stereotypical. I mean, that guy represents almost every single anime extremist stereotype there is, if he did not fill a certain stereotype, another fan who was interviewed did. I really do not see this as a negative, but in the end, this documentary refreshed me, and it gave me a new perspective to view anime in general. There is more to it than just buying DVDs. Anime is life. It changes on a constant pace. To look back at this hobby and reminisce its growth overtime is astonishing and I thank Central Park Media for bringing us Otaku Unite! Yay!

Synopsis
Scantily clad space princess Kahm arrives on Earth to shake things up! As her father’s armada pummels the Earth’s forces, the busty space maiden plunders the planet in search of a good man to call her own. Soon hapless Earthling Tetsuya finds himself caught between the alien invaders and the warrior woman who would be his wife!

Review
Outlanders is a very simple concept. We have an alien, Kahm, and a human, Tetsuya. We have a marriage between them, and then as a result, Earth will be saved from destruction due to their bond. It certainly does not sound all too impressive, but this show has definitely delivered in terms of quick hitting entertainment. Outlanders, begins with Kahm looking as if she was doing the wiping out of the Earth herself, but as the slicing and dicing was going on, photographer Tetsuya finds himself unable to point his camera away from Kahm and run for safety. As the shutter snaps, Kahm notices Tetsuya and comes after him. During the process we discover that he is not just a photographer, but a perverted one at that. :).

You can pretty much expect what is going to happen, when Tetsuya gets dragged into space for a joy ride (no, not ‘that’ joy ride ^_^). Troubles brew from left and right and Kahm and her friends will have to battle it out with their enemy in order for peace to finally come between Kahm and Tetsuya.

Outlanders is a great short show for those who want to try something new in terms of flavor. The quick pace and entertaining plot are great attributes that make this piece fun for its forty-eight minutes run time. There is minimal character development and the show stays focused throughout; which is bringing Kahm and Tetsuya together no matter the obstacle put in between them. This anime also incorporates its comedy very well. There are chuckles here and here, laughter there and there. Outlanders just provides the viewers with an enjoyable experience.

The Breakdown
This is definitely a title I would recommend for a viewer who wants low commitment, but high fulfillment in return.

Synopsis
In the wake of a worldwide disaster, the inhabitants of Candlestick Island struggle to rebuild their civilization. Here, a boy named Mangchi leads a sheltered like with his grandfather. Armed with his trusty hammer, Mangchi roams the island in search of adventure. When a fugitive princess named Poplar arrives with power hungry traitors hot on her heels, Mangchi must help her escape her enemies and return to her homeland. It’s to be Hammerboy’s adventure of a lifetime… If he survives!

Review
Hammerboy is a rare anime that tries to incorporate a brilliant story of a power hungry traitor who tries to take over a kingdom with a young boy, who one night, after rescuing a runaway princess, finds himself fighting to save and protect the people closest to him.

While watching this anime, I found an admiration for Mangchi. He is a kid who is at an age where he is still carefree and innocent, yet, at a point where ambitions and egos run wild as he tries to prove his strength and maturity. Watching further into the anime, I realized how much Mangchi changes and how much he grows as he struggles with hardship, suffering, and even death. But somehow, he finds himself growing stronger as hope, determination, and his will to become strong overcomes his frustration as it takes precedence during his journey. Mangchi only wants to do one thing: he wants to protect the people around him by becoming stronger.

In addition, the plot is short of being superficial or stale. Many different layers of stories are present in this anime. There is the main plot which is the fight against a usurper, but as the anime progresses, the plot branches out to some what of a side story. In the end, however, everything is carefully weaved and put together to explain the questions unanswered previously and to also explain the motives behind each characters.

Furthermore, the soundtrack is decent. Park Ji-yeon does a great job singing the theme song You Are My Hero

One thing I do have to disagree with which is the animation. The character designs were plain and very simple along with some of the background settings. Though I do admit there were some innovative designs like Candlestick Island, the majority of the anime with the looks of the castle and the props and even the tank gave me an impression that much of the animation was being neglected. I think there was even one point of the anime where it looked as if Poplar was cross-eyed when I looked at her face indirectly.

All in all, Hammerboy is a decent anime that can be enjoyable for the whole family. And who ever says that hammers are only tools, take out this anime and show them the hammer’s true power.

The Breakdown
A movie that’s 75 minutes long.

Synopsis
Noa always dreamed of piloting a giant robot for the police. Now, that dream is a reality, and Noa is a member of an elite unit that specializes in solving robot crimes piloting robots called Labors. When terror strikes in the form of a giant black robot, the Griffin, Noa and her team must ready their biggest guns to defeat the mechanical monster!

Review
Patlabor The Mobile Police: The New Files is the first direct sequel of the Patlabor series, which spans from 1988 all the way to 2002 across a TV series, two OVAs and three movies.

The New Files starts out with an innocent call from what seems to be a brother and a sister, except the sister doesn’t recall the brother’s name and that they’re not related at all. Simple, yes? Wrong. The boy works for two men and pilots a black Labor. This Labor seems special, as it seems to bring back some memories of two past events in particular.

Starting in the boy’s first battle in his black Labor, he encounters the police but they are quickly dealt with. This small scene is used to showcase the labor in action to many rich men and women willing to buy it. It is up to the Mobile Police and their labors to stop the black Labor from destroying the city, but can they really handle it?

The New Files tries to execute a light-hearted theme in the show through Noa. There is some drama, but there is only a touch and not enough to call this a dramatic show. The New Files is entertaining, but not to those who have not seen Patlabor first, otherwise you’d be completely confused at some aspects of the story.

The Breakdown
Pretty average show after one DVD. It has gotten me interested though, and seems to have potential.

Synopsis
They’re doing it all for love! Life isn’t easy for the girls in the super-secret Virgi Fleet. Schoolwork is rough and the competition’s brutal. Luckily, cadets are trained in the use of “Virgin Energy,” serous blasting power useful for playing pranks, scuffing with the (ick!) boys, and blowing enemy war planes out of the sky!

Review
Virgin Fleet, the name of the title already suggests the wrong idea. No, this is not a hentai title, as much as it sounds like one. Instead it is a title about a character named Shiokaze Umino, whom goes about finding her reason to fight in an effort to save her nation… although it did not begin that way.

Before Shiokaze’s parents passed away, she had a marriage arranged for her already. The circumstances? She must graduate from the Academy, in which she learns to hone her “virgin” energy. This energy hidden within females was powerful enough for both sides of the war to call a cease-fire agreement previously. But as tie goes on, people tend to forget about the past and again a new breed of virgin energy must emerge.

Virgin Fleet is pretty much an average title. There is nothing splashy and nothing too bad about it. The comedy is there, but obviously it was not the main focus, as some of it, you probably would not even understand until a minute after what was said. The story is quick paced, it could be the fastest ninety minutes experience ever. Because it was fast, there was not any excess time for it to get side tracked, hence, creating a story that is to the point and enjoyable for those who like to keep their anime time to a minimum. For me? Well, my anime time is for as long as I can stay awake the whole day, so I will have to say, Virgin Fleet is a nifty title, but it is not for the viewers who would want to a lengthier story development in their anime.

The Breakdown
This title is average at best. The re-view value is low and it felt like everything was rushed right through. One scene to another, bam bam bam and the credits roll. :/.

Synopsis
Her greatest enemy could be her closest friend. Shy Hiroko is tormented by bullies. But everyone has their breaking point, and Hiroko wrestles with inner demons as she is tempted to use her powers to exact a terrifying revenge. Can Shiina save her family from the wrath of her tortured friend?

Review
From the first glance, Shadow Star Narutaru looks like a kiddy anime title, but boy can anyone be more wrong. This title is like a less gory/bloody version of Lucy of Elfen Lied’s childhood, but still packs a strong punch. I have never felt so satisfied from watching an anime in a while and Narutaru just hits the spot. Why did it satisfy me? Well for starters, the show makes you hate some of the characters, and then gives them all a resolution. To put it in simpler terms, this volume of Shadow Star Narutaru is a killing spree. Hiroko, an average girl whom is also very intelligent becomes the target of a group of bullies consisted of girls in her school. These bullies do all sorts of mean things to her, yet no one does anything about it even with the knowledge of her being tortured by these girls. And with the added pressures from her parents wanting her to be a hundred percent student in all her classes, it gets kind of tiring for Hiroko. She feels hopeless, there is not anyone she can turn to except her one friend, Shiina.

Shiina has a cheery personality. She is one of those people who could be friends with anyone she wants to. And as the only friend of both Hiroko and another girl Sakura, who plays a small role in this volume, she tries to be the only brightness in the darkness filled world. Shiina is like the light bulb of their lives. There would not be anyone for Hiroko and Sakura if Shiina was not there. Can you blame it on their personalities? Their shy and afraid to stand up for themselves personalities? In part they have to take a bit of the responsibility, but the ones who are really at fault are the bullies that they each have to face at school.

Anyways, when you corner a dog, you are only asking to get bitten, and this is what happens with Hiroko. When the bullies went too far with their despicable acts and her father’s call to Shiina’s father to tell him to tell Shiina to get away from Hiroko… she finally snaps. Upon snapping comes her dragon child. This is where I said, “Oh yeah, get them *ahem*.” Maybe I got some issues, but I felt so good to know that these hateful people will get what they deserve. Now as for if they deserved what they got in the show, that is for you to decipher, but again as I have stated, I was satisfied with what each of them got in return for the crap that they made her go through.

Shadow Star Narutaru is drama packed. The plot is one of the most intriguing and entertaining I have ever seen. I really loved the way this volume played itself out. Even though not everyone survives, but it is okay, I received the message that the staff of Narutaru was trying to deliver, which was to question your surrounds. Just because Hiroko did not say anything, it does not make it fine to leave her be. If someone would have consulted her about her problems then we would not be talking about this now.

The Breakdown
I do not condone killing, and just because I said they deserved it, does not mean I would have said the same thing if it was real life. So let us separate the anime world and the real world and enjoy Narutaru, for it is a superb work of art.

Synopsis
Poisoned by toxic waste, a young woman begins to deform… or transform. Black Jack operates and discovers that she might be evolving fishlike properties. Is his patient transforming into a mermaid?

Review
Short and sweet, that is what Black Jack has been through out. The synopsis of the DVD just shows exactly what this title is; No essay long bullcrap, just watch and appreciate. And appreciate I will. In this volume, a city is infected with a disease due to the pollution of the water by greedy corporations that only care about the money and not of the safety of the public. Black Jack comes in to help a group of doctors after being asked to join in the discussions and become a member of the group with a focus of finding an end to the disease that has aroused due to the pollution of the water.

In this city, haunted by a love story between a mermaid and a human, comes a mysterious girl whom has no parents, relatives and worst of all, no recollection of her past. So how does Black Jack continue to help her? Her inability to obtain a medical card to treat her disease was because she cannot provide the people with the information required to get one. And so, out of kindness, Black Jack treats the girl even though he is not going to get paid for it.

In this volume of Black Jack, the ending seems kind of awkward in that it feels like the door is left wide open. There really is not a closing to the chapter and it just ended like there was nothing more to it. Strange, but still enjoyable as Black Jack continues to lure viewers into his mysterious medical world!

The Breakdown
I am running out of things to say about Black Jack in a hurry laugh out loud ahahaha.

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…