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Synopsis
Old Skool!!! That’s the first thing that comes to mind when I think of Project A-ko. I’d never believe I would say this but 1986 was a looong time ago. That’s when A-ko was released theatrically in Japan. Although I think it was around ‘93 when I watched the video release in America. The first Anime video I remember watching, along with Fist of the Northstar. That being said, I’m happy that it was.

Review
Originally a spoof of other popular Anime, Robotech, Fist of the Northstar, Captain Harlock, etc., it proved to gather a fan base of it’s own. The story begins as A-ko and her friend C-ko begin class together at the Graviton High School for girls. Fellow classmate, B-ko, takes an interest in C-ko and wants her for herself. A-ko is no different than any other 17 year old girl except for the fact that she has super human strength. C-ko is extremely ditzy and as clueless as Alicia Silverstone. B-ko is a genius, spoiled by her father. B-ko faces off with A-ko and uses everything from giant Mechs (robots) to exo-suits to win C-ko over. That’s not all! Outside of the school, a mysterious man known as ‘D’ spies on a certain someone for the captain of an oncoming alien mother ship. Who is this person? And what the heck does Superman have to do with this? I know, I know…it all sounds crazy doesn’t it? That’s because it is…crazy fun! If you you’ve got any background on Anime, Project A-ko is a timeless classic. It just proves that all anime doesn’t have to be thought provokingly deep to be entertaining.

The Breakdown
Sing it with me…A-ko, B-ko, C-ko, ‘D’…Enough Freakin Games. Here Is…………(Just Kidding) Lets Make New Opinions People, Quit Reacting Stupidly Tearing Up Very Wide Xeroxes You Zero. (What kinda crazy alphabet is this? Sure it doesn’t make sense but I had to try it.)

Synopsis
Nadesico - One of the best overall anime that I’ve seen, because it has Love, Mecha, Drama, Comedy and Action. This series is the series that started my anime craze. Enough with my anime life, here’s the review:

Review
The Story is based on Mars, Earth and Jupiter. Akito Tenkawa (main character) is one of those whack type characters. He has 6 girls liking him, but he shows no reaction to it. Akito is a cook but he has the ability to control mecha’s because when he was a kid his father gave him a nano injection. Anyways Nergal developed the civilian battleship Nadesico in secret to fight against the Jovians. And they got the best staff picked out which includes Yurika (captain), Megumi (communications), Minato (helmswoman), Ruri (computers), and the best pilot of all, greatest character ever Mr. Gai Daigohji (Jiro Yamada). That’s about it, I don’t want to go too deep into the series or I’ll spoil it. Oh one more thing! You’ll be surprised when you get near the end of the series. Be prepared :)

The Breakdown
This movie will hurt in the replay value due to the outdated animation and lack of character development. However, this does set the stage for some truly memorable action to happen, and it is absolutely essential viewing for mecha fans. Recommended for its though-provoking storyline, realistic characters, and decent mech action, but fans of strictly 1990s non-serious anime might be a little hesitant to purchase this title.

Synopsis
Now here’s something different, a story about poverty. Our main character, Mayuko, leads a hard life of trying to juggle school, part-time jobs and just trying to find means of putting food on the table. Niea, a 7th class under alien who resides in Mayuko’s closet, even further complicates her life with constant wining and free loading.

Review
Coming from the creators of Lain some may expect this series to be incomprehensible. You couldn’t be more wrong. Not only is it refreshing to see new ideas being used, some or the stories come straight out of left field. Just when you think it may be getting overly dramatic some very hilarious stuff happens. Now I wouldn’t label this as a comedy. Like I said, it deals with the problems of poverty and also finding yourself. It’s more of a drama with comedic undertones.

The Breakdown
If you’re in an anime rut and want something different then give Niea_7 a try.

Synopsis
Whooo-hoooo! I couldn’t wait to do a review of my all time favorite anime Ranma 1/2. But with as much heartfelt joy I feel for this series, I just don’t know how to rate it. This is another reason why Rumiko Takahashi is my idol. The series is just so huge I don’t know where to start. Okay, how ’bout from the beginning.

Review
The time has come for Soun Tendo to set an engagement with his old friend Genma Saotome’s son Ranma so they can take over the family dojo and carry on the Anything-Goes Martil Arts name. Ranma has the choice of any one of Soun’s daughters, Kasumi, Akane, and Nabiki. The girls pick the somewhat unwilling Akane to be his bride. That’s it! Go buy it now it’s great. Wait; wait if that’s what the whole story is about then why would I hold this as the greatest anime of all time? Because it’s not that simple. You see Ranma and his father, Genma, went on a martial arts training mission in China. The area was cursed and the springs (water holes) that were in the area transform the unlucky swimmer into whoever or whatever drowned there hundred’s of years ago.

Genma changed into a giant panda, and Ranma…he changed into a beautiful, young girl. Not permanently though. Only when they’re splashed with cold water do they tranform into their alter egos. Hot water reverts them back to normal…until next time. The box set of season 1 is available now. It’s called the Ranma 1/2 TV: Digital Dojo DVD Box Set (TV series vol. 1-9). I won’t go into it and give away the story okay? I’ll just tell you what characters appeared during the run.
TV series (episodes 1-18):

With the introduction of the Tendo’s, the Soatome’s, Kuno, my favorite supporting character Ryoga, Kodachi-the Black Rose, and the ultra cute Shampoo. This is my favorite season, thus far, of Ranma 1/2. (Note: Girl-type Ranma’s voice was changed after the third volume.) Japanese and English dialogues (I enjoy the dub, thank you ^_^) Not much on the extras side. Just one bonus video. Hopefully, in later box releases, Viz will improve in that area.

The Breakdown
Finally, one of the most popular anime to hit the U.S. is available in a box set! After spending unheard of amounts of money on the VHS tapes, I’m glad that Viz is churning out the DVDs. It’s about time. The art on the box isn’t the best, but it’s what’s inside that counts. And what’s inside is gold to almost any animefan! I’m going back to china now!

Synopsis
Rurouni Kenshin is one of the best sword swingers there are! No doubt about it. Based in the Meiji Era period where sword carrying is illegal.

Review
A wandering samurai appears with his reversed blade sword (Sakaba) and meets a girl name Kaoru and as the series goes on, more people join the Kenshin gang. This TV series has 95 episodes! Although I bought all 95 episodes, I still haven’t finished it. This series has its own uniqueness. It combines action with love and then comedy. Very enjoyable! So it’s a definite recommendation.

The Breakdown
The Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu is just so cool, I love the succession move (Something Hirameki). Rurouni Kenshin is the best swinger with love and comedy!

Synopsis
Love Hina, is about Keitaro, some dude who made a promise with this girl way back when they where still little kids. The story continues from the flash back. The promise is that they both will get into Tokyo University and attend it together, no matter what. Keitaro, fails the acceptance test and with little hope left. His Grandma sent him a letter telling him to take care of Hinata-sou (ed. - hence the sites name: anime-sou) for her when she goes away for vacation.

Review
Now the story really gets started… Keitaro meets all the other characters: Naru, Kitsune, Shinobu, Kaolla and Motoko Anyways, the whole series is about a love relationship which evolved to a triangle love relationship. All this drama starts and blah blah blah (to keep the spoiler to a minimum).

The Breakdown
Quality, Sound and Story for Love Hina is a state of the art. Even if you hate love type anime, Love Hina will change your mind!!

Synopsis
This anime is about a world in another dimension dying off, because of something (spoiler). In order to prevent the so-called destruction of this world named Cephiro. The Princess (Princess Emeraude) has summoned the Magic Knights of another world (Tokyo). And then here comes Hikaru (Fire), Umi (Water) and Fuu (Wind). They didn’t know each other till they got to Cephiro and started to become friends.

Review
For the first season of this anime it goes on with saving the Princess from the EVIL Lord Zagato!!!!! (Spoiler alarm going off). The Magic Knights must accomplish several tasks in order for them to save the princess. Such as, learning magic, evolving their armors, weapons and finally awakening the slumbering Rune-Gods (Rayearth, Windam, and Selece). There is comedy in MKR, but it wasn’t really funny where I’d had to hold my stomach or comedy that caused me to almost died laughing.

After the first season is over, we go to second season, which is basically the same. The Magic Knights are summoned once again to save Cephiro the thing is that nobody knows who summoned them. Since this thing happened back in first season… Anyways, they go through all the fights and drama. The creators have put a lot of time in the story as it never left me lost. Also there are love affairs going on with the Magic Knights. Therefore making it more interesting. In second season Cephiro is just horded by invaders that want Cephiro for their own countries (Autozam, Fahren and Chizeta).

We all know who stops them to achieve the goal. In the end, this is quite an enjoyable series as it boasts 50+ episodes with story development in each. Unlike some anime series out there that go nowhere with 2 - 3 eps.

The Breakdown
MKR was worth my time, it took me two days just to finish the whole thing. Sometimes things go slow, which makes you anxious to see what comes next. One thing is that MKR is predictable, probably an aspect the creators created on purpose or it was just too predictable… One last thing, get it when you have a chance!!!

Synopsis
Satome Kazuya is both a college student and an electrical engineer. Despite his numerous failures, he is persistent on completing the design for a Doraemon, a robotic squid with its own artificial intelligence. By accident, he electronically orders May, a 12-inch Cyberdine Corp. maid type robot hence the name of the series Hand Maid May.

Review
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The Breakdown
Excellent anime. Very entertaining. Not as deep as Evangelion but the ending does pose a question to reflect on.

Synopsis
‘Do you know? When two people in love can both get into Tokyo University, they’ll live happily forever. So when we grow up, let’s go to Todai together…Bye-bye Kei-kun. We must meet again in Todai. Promise me ok~’

‘My name is Urashima Keitaro. I’m 20 years old. The only girl I liked I can’t even remember her name. Because of that promise I failed the entrance exams twice already…’

The Breakdown
Love Hina is amusing similar to the enjoyment of watching those Saturday morning cartoons when you were little. You will not go without laughing with this one.

Synopsis
A branch of the Juuouchou government, the Hades Agency is the caretaker of souls who wander lost in the afterlife, helping to guide them safely to the underworld. It is a detective network where the executives themselves, called Shinigami, are neither dead nor alive but can travel about the earth with supernatural abilities. The series begins with Tsuzuki and his new partner Hisoka investigating a serial killer whose victims have sharp fang marks and are drained of their blood…

Review
The Breakdown
Not as lengthy as many others but the weakness balance out the strengths. Not bad.