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Synopsis
There is an insanely large factory that is seen from the town of Mabase. When the plant for the medical machine maker Medical Mechanica was made, the adults were in rage. The smoke that’s blown out everyday at the same time seems like an ominous signal. That smoke disperses out covering the town.

It seems like is has nothing to do with Nandaba Naota, a middle school student who happens to be dating his older brother’s ex-high school girlfriend, Samejima Mamimi. Yes, there’s nothing amazing, just the norm…
All that is about to change when he is crashes into Haruhara Haruko’s moped and discovers a strange lump on his forehead.

Review
What is FLCL, Furi Kuri, in the first place? Flictonic (FL) Cliple (CL) Weber Syndrome ie. a stress induced skin condition that if a child pushes himself too hard will result in the growth of a hornlike extension. Is that a lie…perhaps. How about literally, kuri meaning chestnut. No, that can’t be it although kuri kuri sounds like some dark lustful ambition like a sort of tweaking of the…let’s not go there. How about this for a definition. Taking advantage of the differences of the thought processes between the left (language and logic) and right (senses) side of one’s brain, one is able to open hyperspace channels for the transportation and delivery of materials often mechanical in nature. Thus, one can cross thousands of light years in an instant. Not anyone possesses this ability of course, which is why Naota had to be the lucky one. In essence it is quite impossible to fully diagnose what FLCL is, let alone what it stands for. Oh well, it was meant to be that way.

The Breakdown
FLCL is full of nonsense that can only be possible in the anime universe. Mechas pouring out of the forehead of a sixth grader, dodging bullets on the fly, and the destruction of areas of the town and see it rebuild in the next episode.

Synopsis
Just when you thought the plot would never thicken, the whole thing congeals and Excel finds herself in the fight for her lives! With the Great Will held hostage, the city in ruins, the Puchuu running amok, and Pedro joining forces with Nabeshin to combat the nefarious That Man, the action is fast and hilarious as ACROSS finally makes its move in the final unbelievable volume of Excel Saga!

Review
In this final crazy volume Excel Saga, we are shown the serious side of Excel Saga… for a moment that is. Excel who had amnesia due to the emotional stress, or if you want to put it simple. She was hit by a jeep, driven by the city workers. By that time, City F was no more. The Puchuu’s battle in space, caused a what seems to look like a colony dropping (Gundam anyone?) on the city and wiping everything out, except some civilians.

So… what is so crazy about this volume? How about Excel doing some magical punching technique that looks like it was from Fist of the North Star, but instead of heads exploding, the victims turns into Puni form (Magical girl from the upcoming ADV Films title Puni Puni Poemy). There are many more bizarre scenes. The craziest though, is the change of story; from normal Excel Saga to serious to normal Excel Saga. I can certainly get used to the serious Excel Saga.

Finally, going way too far can sum up episode twenty six. Believe me; you’ll be surprised by this episode. Well that is it for this crazy adventure. Excel Saga has provided many laughs and let’s just wait and see how Puni Puni Poemy will be.

The Breakdown
I hate to say good byes. There were quite a few memorable moments of Excel Saga. The all female episode being my most memorable episode. Excel Saga will always be known to me as that crazy show. But hey, it was a good crazy show to me. So umm yeah, I can’t wait to see what Puni Puni Poemy is all about.

Synopsis
Dejected and defeated, Otaru departs for Japoness. Lime, Cherry, and Bloodberry remain in Xian, returning to their new lives there. But they find themselves constantly reminded that they are only Marionettes, nothing more than machines. A broken-hearted Lime agrees to the evil Dr. Hesse’s proposal to make her human. Cherry and Bloodberry try to change her mind, but it’s too late, and now Hesse has the information he needs that will let him destroy the Earth. As his space ship takes off, they manage to sneak aboard. Even though they realize they probably won’t be coming back, they have to stop him. It’s an ending you won’t believe!

Review
Saber Marionette J to X to me was not as entertaining as the original series. There were times where I disliked the way some episodes progressed. Nonetheless as a follower of Saber Marionette J, I continued to collect this series. Anyways, in this final volume, Otaru leaves his beloved marionettes, because he believes that the people in Xian need them more than him. Otaru, not realizing the true feelings of Lime and the others makes a big mistake, as the gullible Lime believes that Dr. Hesse is actually capable of making her human. Otaru who was taking the railroad back to Japoness was later on stopped by Faust. After some dialogue, Dr. Hesse shows up along with Lime and the story starts to come to a close by there.

So how was the overall series? I liked the beginning when Otaru, Lime and the others was in Japoness, than when they made their trip to Xian. Why? Well, because that is when all the trouble starts. In the beginning of their arrival at Xian, it was okay, the comedy was there, but then as the story progressed it was more of a sad, emotional show than what I thought Saber Marionette J supposedly is; an action comedy.

The ending is way too unbelievable. I do not know if I should be happy or not. If you are a fan of Saber Marionette J, like I am, I will say you probably would be disappointed by the ending of the whole Saber Marionette J series. Sure, the girls (notice I say girls not marionettes :P) look adorable in the end, but I believe it is not an ending that fans would like to see.

The Breakdown
Saber Marionette J to X has its’ high and lows, at times you would laugh out loud, at times you would feel sad. But towards the end, the show was mainly sad and serious. Which made it not as entertaining as it could be.

Synopsis
About 162 years ago, the Galactic Union (GU) and the Galactic Organization of Trades and Tariffs (GOTT) were formed. Their job was to correct economic imbalance, arbitrate disputes, and negotiate contracts and treaties with planets all over the galaxy. As GOTT, they strive to protect everyone in the galaxy, as well as the people’s property and rights. Enter Lumiere and Ɖclair, GOTT ES-members who routinely carry out police type missions under the authority of Director Eclipse.

Review
First aired on Japanese TV in October 2002 marking the directorial debut of Keiji Goto, the character designer for Martian Successor Nadesico. Why call it ‘Kiddy Grade’? Kiddy shortened is kid or children. Grade refers to quality of manufacture like the grade of oil or metal. Put together in essence they refer to the two main stars Lumiere and Ɖclair. Although children like in appearance, they execute the law, more of a job for grown ups. But, as said in episode 3, children are purer when compared to adults. They contain innocence, unsoiled by greed, power, and lust. They have a simple notion much like the rules we learn in kindergarten of right and wrong, a respect for others. It is quite interesting, more of a juxtaposition, that although outwardly they are youths, both are in fact immortal. Ɖclair is the reincarnation of the Eclairs before her, and as the anime progresses, she follows down the same path as her predecessors. Yet the way she resolves the situation is her own choosing.

The Breakdown
Despite the claims of lack of originality and extreme fanservice, I still believe Kiddy Grade has something to offer for the anime fan. Plot wise it is intriguing and carries an air of suspense and mystery.

Synopsis
The alien attacks continue, and the elite force known as FUNERAL are called out to defend earth again and again. Tensions rise as both Ryu and Dan dislike one another and come to blows. Then comes the added problem of using a child to help FUNERAL, and the team is guilt-ridden. And then…we delve into someone’s forgotten past.

Review
I really enjoyed the first volume of 5 episodes. Mysterious, intriguing, and excellent characters help to propel this series above many others I’ve seen this year. This volume strengthens that argument. This is another excellent 5 episodes, with more subtle hints of things to come, and some much-needed explanation to help forego the last volumes huge confusion factor. The characters are more fleshed out, Frank is given much more screen time, and everything is starting to fall into place.

The Breakdown
What can I say? I’m commited. This show is breathtaking. I love it and there aren’t enough adjectives to use to explain how much I’m enjoying each volume of this show. It’s brimming with intrigue, style, and a good story to boot. Not to mention Ryu Soma is now starting to  doub his thirst for revenge…

Synopsis
The Academy has sent its deadliest assassin to destroy Steel Angel Kurumi. Using the helpless Saki as bait, the ruthless Karinka sets a trap to finally rip out Kurumi’s powerful Mark II Heart from her chest cavity. But Kurumi’s Heart hides a dark force within that Karinka didn’t count on - a force that frightens everyone who witnesses its awesome power. Now the Academy is forced to take even more drastic measures. A mysterious stranger appears and tries to persuade Kurumi’s master to use his mystical power to stop Kurumi before her dark energy overtakes her.

Review
In this volume of Steel Angel Kurumi, Nakahito is still trying to reason with himself why he cannot do the things his brother can with his mystical powers. He tries to assist Kurumi in her fight with Karinka, but fails. In turn we get to see an interesting scene as Kurumi becomes evil. The strength that she contains when she is demonized is beyond anybody’s imagination. After Karinka’s apparent lost, Nakahito was good for one thing, that was waking Kurumi out of her evil state.

I appreciate this volume, because Karinka spices things up. She adds more fun factor to the already fun story. First trying to find out Kurumi’s secret to her abilities, then trying to kiss Nakahito’s lips to gain power, and finally challenging Kurumi in winning the love of Nakahito. Not only is she acting the cute younger sister role, but the little in conversation cut in dialogues that describe her total disgust of what she is doing was pretty cute and funny. Saki on the other hand realizes what Karinka was doing, before Kurumi and tries to help Karinka out a little so that if Nakahito goes with Karinka, then Kurumi will be for her only.

All the fun ends though, as the story begins to get serious again. Nakahito gets taken away by the Academy. As Nakahito regains consciousness, he is lectured on the powers that the Angel Heart Mark II holds and at the end of the conversation, he was requested that he help the Academy in stopping Kurumi’s Angel Heart Mark II. Only here is where we discover the true feelings of Nakahito for Kurumi. Kurumi, Saki, Karinka, and the others are hurrying to rescue Nakahito. What will become of Kurumi?? Damn I hate tense moments like these!

The Breakdown
The way you portray Karinka before will definitely change after this volume!

Synopsis
Mahoro joins Suguru on a nighttime ’school assignment’ to investigate the school’s ghosts, but they quickly find more than they bargained for! Later, Mahoro is asked to perform the Dance of the Dead in the town festival, and while Suguru enjoys the festival for the first time since his father’s death, his innocent evening with Mahoro may be cut short by a certain teacher… Then, Mahoro’s past has been concealed, but a new teacher arrives with a mission from the malicious Saint organization: terminate Mahoro!

Review
Scary school ghost stories and Obon (Lantern Festival) dancing. In this volume of Mahoromatic the past starts to pull in together as Mahoro meets Ryuuga of Saints again. It is the battle of the strongest warrior of each organization. Who will come out as the victor? In the earlier section of this volume, Suguru goes visit his father’s grave and during this we get a hint of why Mahoro is Suguru’s maid. The more Suguru and Mahoro connect, the more Mahoro feels bad, as she struggles between if her maid work is atonement for what had happen to Suguru’s father in her own hands or just to take a break from the battling. Well, which guess would you take? Of course it is the first choice as she is the mystery person who brings flowers to Commander Misato’s grave every year, except for this year, because she is with Suguru.

In this volume we are introduced to Flash, Mahoro’s mechanical sidekick panther (to me it looks like a dog). Flash has some neat tricks, but he was used as a guard dog to guard Guri-chan and the house. At the end of the volume, Mahoro and Ryuuga sets up a dueling date and after Suguru falls asleep, she goes and meets her destiny.

The Breakdown
Moving onto volume three. :-)

Synopsis
A new student has arrived at Ohtori Academy. As she tours the school, she stops to witness a duel held by the fencing club. Across the distance, she is stunned by a red haired upper classman. She runs with great fervor to meet him only to find the cold shower of rain.

Review
Revolutionary Girl Utena the Movie is a retelling of the anime series much like Escaflowne the Movie. Its basis is on the final episode of the series when Jury confesses:

‘Come to think of it, I’ve forgotten that boy’s name. Long ago, when my older sister was still a child, she nearly drowned in a river. On that day there was a boy who jumped into the river to try to save her. My sister got lucky and was saved by a nearby adult, but the boy who tried to save my sister was swept away. I thought my sister was very cold for forgetting his name so quickly. But now that I try to remember, it seem I’ve forgotten it too.’

The Breakdown
A bit on the mature side for younger audiences. It could have been better but that doesn’t mean it is not all that bad either.

Synopsis
Welcome to Chinatown’s most unique pet shop. There is a variety of exotic creatures to choose from, each with an intriguing tale to share with the lucky owner. But be careful, what you see is not necessarily what you get. Here is a collection of four stories of lost love, second chances, and redemption. Whether or not the client can handle the responsibility, however, is a matter of life and eath. The first episode, entitled ‘Daughter’, chronicles a couple’s attempt at having the perfect family. The second episode, ‘Delicious’, is a tale of betrayal and second chances. The third episode, ‘Despair’, tells the story of a has-been actor and a love so blindly devoted, it surpasses even death. The final episode, ‘Dual’, brings the legendary holy beast known as the Kirin into the hands of two men, and only one will survive.

Review
Pet Shop Of Horrors, first question that comes into my mind, ‘What the hell kind of title for an Anime is this?’ Anime with strange title names usually turn me away from it. But I guess I was foolish for doing so. Without even taking time to learn what PSOH is about I came to conclusions (prejudging is bad, in Anime and in life). Thinking that PSOH is just bad, I drew a distance from it. After watching it, I suddenly realized what I have missed all this time and I am now slapping myself for it. (Hehe)

Made up of four episodes, each containing a story of its’ own. Pet Shop Of Horrors really will give you horrors. Especially in episode one ‘Daughter,’ I was getting chills all over after the climax of the story was displayed right before my eyes. I wish there was more to PSOH; it is something that is different from what I usually watch.

Anyways, in order to obtain a pet, the person must sign a contract with Count D. Rules are simple and there are only three. The main rule seems to be not to show the pet to anyone (it is stated on every contract). If a rule of the contract is broken, the shop will not assume any responsibility for what is to happen. Of course, the owner in every episode breaks the rules of the contract and we all can predict what happens to them.

If you are a viewer that is looking away from PSOH, you are making a big mistake. PSOH is a very cleverly done piece of work, by the ‘Anime Dreamteam’ made up of: Hisashi Abe (Vampire Hunter D), Rintaro (Final Fantasy) and Yoshiaki Kawajiri (Ninja Scroll, Wicked City, Bio Hunter).

The Breakdown
Overall the product is very good. I thank Urban Vision for providing me with the DVDs, so that I can review them. Thanks a bunch!

Synopsis
There is Earth, our familiar world, and then there is the Black World, a parallel dimension that very few people are aware of. For centuries, a pact between the two worlds has been observed to maintain peace, and terms must be negotiated and renewed soon to continue the relative harmony. This time around, there is a militant faction that will stop at nothing to prevent the signing of a new treaty for inter-dimensional peace. Two agents of the elite organization known as the Black Guards - defenders of the balance between the two worlds - are charged with insuring the success of the treaty.

Review
Wicked City, to me has always been an Anime that is mysterious. I have heard about it, but I never had the urge to watch it. Everyone that I know that had watched Wicked City always talked about the ‘rape scenes.’ In my opinion, that is all they cared. I bet they never took time to acknowledge the cool and addictive story Wicked City posses. Director Yoshiaki Kawajiri (same director that did Ninja Scroll) has done a wonderful job in merging action, eroticism and graphic horror into Wicked City. There was not a point where it was boring in the 82 minutes of run time.

Lets look into the story. Taki, a Black Guard is assigned to an assignment that involves in protecting the person that is responsible for signing the new peace treaty between the two worlds. After arriving at the airport he runs into some trouble and was later on saved by his assignment partner, Makie. Makie is a Black Guard from the Black World (meaning she is a demon), with killer looks. The story gets deeper by the scenes and attracts the viewers with fast paced action, then touches it up with a little eroticism. I can safely say, ‘Wicked City has old school animation, but every other element that Wicked City has, blanks out that thought. In the end, creating something that is totally new to the audience.’

The Breakdown
I have hardly seen any Anime with old school animation, impress me. Wicked City will be a title, that will leave a lasting mark on me.