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Synopsis
When the plan to conquer the city isn’t going well, Lord Ilpalazzo doesn’t get mad, he just gets ACROSS…his crack team of Excel and Hyatt, that is. Of course, maybe this is one crack team of special agents that might be doing better if they weren’t actually on crack. And now that there’s a rival secret organization whose goal is to protect the city, things are going to be tougher than ever. Especially since their opponents may actually have a competent agent on their side! There’s lots of totally pointless violence and senseless mayhem ahead as opposing forces collide in the second sense-numbing volume of Excel.

Review
Excel, Hyatt and the whole Excel Saga crew is back and this time; they’re loaded with even more fun and laughter.

In volume two, ACROSS is still trying to conquer city F, our heroines Excel and Hyatt of course carries out the missions that Lord Llpalazzo has ordered. From raging Snow Mountains to dirty sewers, this volume is packed with comedy. Menchi is still as kawaii has he’s been; having emotional moments as Excel and Hyatt threatens to eat him. This DVD is also very funny itself, just pop in the DVD and click around the menus. The Menchi advertisements have got to be the wackiest thing to happen in a DVD menu (Alpha - high fives ADV for doing a nice job on the menu and the overall product).

Also there is an episode where only females are allowed on screen (hehe, never saw that before in an Anime). Anyways, you must see how Hyatt swims, or does she? The story development is the same; just fun stuff thrown at you. Pedro on the other hand is heart broken, after he finally finds out the truth of his wife’s feelings. If you have the first volume, you might as well buy the second volume and keep continuing on. You might get the story at the end, who knows.

MATTE!!! I’m not done, not without introducing the new female character that works for the city. I’ll have to give her an appropriate introduction or wells something really bad can happen. I introduce to you anime fans the pretty Misaki Matsuya

Gender: Female Age: 22 Years old

Notes: She doesn’t like flattering and a quarter British

Hobbies: Traveling alone Family: Parents, younger brother

Uses “-kun” to scoundrels

Misaki: Alpha-kun?….

Alpha: Uh oh! I forgot something… NOOOOOOOOOO!

Note: Something has happened to Alpha, he won’t be back. Not anytime soon.

The Breakdown
Volume two wasn’t as confusing as volume one, more comedy, more Puchuus, and more Excel than you can ever handle. ^_^;;

Synopsis
Only one word can sum up this series…Astounding!
FMP isn’t named Anime of 2002 for nothing J. Sagara Sousuke (main character), along with a group of mercenaries named Mythril, are the protectors of people called Whispered. Whispered, has black technology information, which of course is something powerful. Then comes Kaname Chidori (female main and Whispered).

Review
I say this series is Amazing, because there’s action, comedy and story development per episode. Wait! I have to mention the important part… FMP is another GONZO work. Which means production values up the wazoo! (Oh boy, we all know how Alpha gets when he sees a GONZO production. How are we gonna get him away from the TV this time?

The Breakdown
The name Full Metal Panic might not sound so appealing, but believe me, be amazed at this baby, when ADV releases FMP, you better get your orders quick, because it’ll be sold out if you don’t.

Synopsis
Another GONZO work of art and Pioneer Animation has done it again. Pioneer Animation must like this company, seeing as how they have licensed two pieces of Anime from them this year. (Vandread and Gate Keepers).

Review
Now, where to start? Uh… Gate Keepers is based in the year 1969 (that’s a new twist) and there is an enemy alien group called INVADERS. They look like normal people going on with their lifestyles, but once they are summoned they turn into aliens with black suits on. The Earth already has built a defense against the Invaders by forming a group called A.E.G.I.S. (Alien Extermination Global Intercept System). Members of AEGIS contain GATE ability (Powers).
Gate Keepers attracted me with it’s cute, beautiful and high quality characters. I’m pretty much hooked onto Gate Keepers right now although I’ve only seen six episodes. Pioneer will release eight DVDs for Gate Keepers. Three episodes each.

The Breakdown
With superb animation, excellent sounds and a great original story. Gate Keepers is a must have for your anime collection!!!!

Synopsis
The Ultimate Vampire Slayer meets the Ultimate Vampire!
Meet Mikami - the gorgeous leader of one of Japan’s most successful independent ghost-busting agencies. Together with her eclectic team of exorcists, she’s prepared to do battle with any supernatural adversary - for the right price. But when an ancient spirit enlists her aid to deal with a re-incarnated foe, Mikami gets more than she bargained for. As the wicked Nosferatu - a vampire lord able to absorb the very life essence of his victims, begins to turn the city’s inhabitants into mindless zombies, Mikami’s team must race against time to save the world from a second Dark Age. Watch the ultimate Vampire slayer in this supernatural action-adventure based on the long-running manga series by Takashi Shiina!

Review

The Breakdown
Truly a classic, now Manga, how about bringing on the series!

Synopsis
In the aftermath of a World War II bombing, two orphaned children struggle to survive in the Japanese countryside. To Seita and his four-year-old sister, the helplessness and indifference of their countrymen is even more painful than the enemy raids. Through desperation, hunger and grief, these children’s lives are as heartbreakingly fragile as their spirit and love is inspiring.

Review
Grave of the Fireflies is by far THE saddest anime I’ve ever seen. As it has been stated in the synopsis (if you have read) you should know that the setting of this movie is in World War II. In WWII, lives were lost and property was destroyed. Now here comes our characters, Seita a teenager (I’d say around 16-18) and his sister, Setsuko a four year-old girl. Before viewing Grave of the Fireflies, I’ve asked a few that have seen it. On the Animesou Boards, quite a few people said Grave of the Fireflies was the saddest anime. In order to believe them, I checked it out myself. And……….

Grave of the Fireflies, is an emotional anime. Which will make you feel sad in your heart. WWII wasn’t one of the best times to live in Japan. One day, the Americans unleashed the bombs and the civilians ran for shelters. Seita along with Setsuko was going to meet their mother at the shelter. Things happen, and their mother dies from the burns she has suffered from the bombing. Seita and Setsuko begins their journey to their aunt’s place and later on moves out and live by themselves. Seita, doing what ever he could. Such as, trading in his mother’s collection of kimono and what ever he can trade for food he traded.

Symbolism is used in Grave of the Fireflies. Fireflies to me symbolizes life. How fragile it can be. When Setsuko accidentally squashed a firefly it kind of relates to how easily life can be lost in WWII. The same symbolism occurs when Setsuko was burying the dead fireflies that the sister and brother used as a light source for their “house.” Overall Grave of the Fireflies is a must watch. Lets put it this way. You don’t know what a sad anime is without watching this.

The Breakdown
I guess the Animesou boards was right. Grave of the Fireflies is THE saddest anime ever created that I’ve seen and I’m sure a lot of people who have viewed this anime will agree with me too.

Synopsis
A young mercenary named Gatsu (Guts) fights for his fortune on the front lines. There he meets Griffith, who is charismatic, graceful, and deadly. Griffith’s mercenary company, the Band of the Hawk, is a powerful military force and the talk of elite political circles. Between the strength of Gatsu’s anger and Griffith’s ambition, the face of Midland will never be the same.

Review
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The Breakdown
What more can I say? Berserk isn’t all about killing, love is involved, broken friendships, jealousy and hatred are the primary aspects that make up Berserk.

Synopsis
Based on the video game bearing the same title and produced by Hideo Katsumata, Arc the Lad is the tale about Elk, a young bounty hunter, who has been blessed by the Spirit of Fire. Responding to a distress call on board a hijacked air ship, Elk rescues a mysterious girl, Lieza, and her wolf companion Pandit. The three uncover a series of government conspiracies where grotesque, chimera experiments are conducted on children with the powers of the Sacred Spirits, of which Elk had escaped from. In the middle of it all is Arc, whom Elk believes is responsible for the destruction of his village and parents.

Review
Arc the Lad takes place in a composite setting where you have traces of fantasy, rural towns, and ancient temples and palaces mixed with modern day cities and its slums. This theme is carried throughout the series. The forces of light are dressed in traditional attire with the fighters in armor, the women in robes, and Shu and Toshu as a ninja and samurai respectively. Arc, Elk, and Lieza wield strong magical powers. The Silver Noah, Arc’s airship, alludes to final fantasy. The forces of darkness employ a more present day outlook, for example Galuano, the mayor, riding in his limousine and communicating via cell phone. But, they too fly in airships, Clive and Andel cast dark magic, and have armies of monsters.
The series can be divided into four parts. Episodes 1-13 develop the character of Elk and resolve his past experiences at the “White House.” From 13 ending at 26 are the recapture of Smeria and Andel’s retreat, Elk’s silence, and finally the defeat of Clive. The first half of the series is distinguished plot wise in comparison to the later half with an exposition of Shu finding the famished Elk, ( ED. - well you gotta see it). The second half is not as dramatic and suspenseful as the first but nevertheless concludes the series. One thing to mention is that although the title may have been taken from the video game, it is not entirely appropriate for naming the anime series. It should have been labeled “Elk the Lad” or “Arc and the Lad” for we see through the eyes of Elk and side with him even at those moments when Elk goes out of control and is obsessed with revenge.

The Breakdown
The second half is not as dramatic and suspenseful as the first but nevertheless concludes the series.

Synopsis
Based on the manga by Kosuke Fujishima, Ah! My Goddess The Movie takes place three years after the OVA series. Celestine, the long lost teacher of Belldandy, released from his imprisonment, now resumes his rebellion against Yggdrasil. Using a virus, he disrupts the Goddess Network and erases all of Belldandy’s memories of Keiichi. Belldandy is given a second chance to choose her destiny whether to fight alongside her past friend or to reside on earth living with a mortal.

Review
To fully appreciate the movie requires having a background of the characters: the three sister goddesses Urd, Belldandy, and Skuld, the youngest sibling, all dwelling with Keiichi Morisato, a prominent member of the Nekomi Tech Motor Club. But even without an understanding of the series, the movie carries its own original storyline independent of the manga that is flexible, with flashback sequences seamlessly placed. The plot supplements the series revealing more about the origins of the goddesses, how life was like growing up in heaven, and further demonstrations of the goddesses’ magical powers reflected in the summoning of their spirit goddesses. In contrast to the OVA series, the movie carries a more romantic tone in a triangle between Keiichi and Belldandy, and Celestine and Belldandy, with slight traces of humor and action.
One of the noticeable highlights of the feature is in its animation, done by the same company that produced the third Tenchi Muyo movie. The cell composition is fluid with remarkably detailed backgrounds dramatically stressing for example the nighttime aura and shadows. The movie also incorporates computer graphic animation to produce an overall coherent effect, just enough so as not to detract from the visual art. The music is orchestrated to perfection. The songs themselves are angelic, often incorporating Latin verses and choir hymns.

The Breakdown
Breakdown
In contrast to the OVA series, the movie carries a more romantic tone in a triangle between Keiichi and Belldandy, and Celestine and Belldandy, with slight traces of humor and action.

Synopsis
Accompanying her best friend Yui to the National Library of Japan, Miaka is lured by the sound of the Susaku to an isolated section of the library. Miaka and Yui soon discover an ancient Chinese novel titled Shijin Ten Sho (’Four Gods of Heaven and Earth’). Upon reading, they are transported to the outskirts of medieval China. There Miaka is believed to be the Suzaku no Miko, the one who will bring peace to the land of Konan and make everyone’s wishes come true. She now finds herself on a quest to gather the seven Seishi and rescue Yui, who had been manipulated into becoming Miaka’s rival.

Review
Fushigi Yugi (’Mysterious Play’), a romantic comedy, was created by Yuu Watase as a shojo manga, targeted primarily for the female audience. The series mirrors recent anime productions such as Tenchi, Love Hina, and Nadesico where, in this case, the female lead is surrounded by young men who care for and are willing to pledge their lives to her. 52 episodes in length, it allows adequate character development and interaction of the much large cast: Yui and Miaka, the seven Susaku Seishi, the seven Seiryuu Seishi, Keisuke and Tetsuya, Taiitsukun and other minor roles. It also allows the viewer to grow an attachment to the characters’ personalities and even favor a particular character.
Like a drama, every episode unfolds into the next as one continuous stream. Missing one translates to missing a crucial plot element or even a twist that is built upon in the later episodes. Maximum appreciation of the series comes from watching beginning to end, without skipping. The comedy aspect through the use of chibi figures and farce liven up the serious tone, especially Tasuki’s persona. The musical interlay is well placed during turning points and key revelations, and the opening theme (Tokimeki no doukasen) reinforces the passionate production.

The Breakdown
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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.