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Synopsis
Shinjuro may be little young to be the master of a swordsmanship school, but fate didn’t give him any choice. Now, his position and martial skills land him right in the middle of serious trouble when the rogue samurai Mikage faces off against the Tokugawa government. Mikage has his eyes on the legendary sword known as Mizuchi, and is willing to destroy all of Edo to get it.
Caught in the middle, Shinjuro and the band of beautiful swordswomen who train at his school must protect the town from harm. However, they won’t really be challenged until the Tokugawa house calls in a favor, and the young swordsman is forced to duel Mikage himself! His opponent will be using the most powerful weapon Japan has ever seen, but if the swordswomen can stop fighting over Shinjuro long enough to cheer him on, then the boy samurai is sure to win.

Review
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The Breakdown
In my opinion the overall score should be 7, but the Animation kept Samurai Hunt for the Sword up by 1 point

Synopsis
It’s been quite a few year since Ninja Scroll was released. Since then I’ve been wondering if be a show that can take down such a dominating reigning champ. The year was 2000, enter the DVDs Samurai X: Trust/Betrayal (Known as the Rurouni Kenshin OAVs in Japan, taking place before the Rurouni Kenshin TV series). Unlike the more light hearted TV series Samurai X is much darker.

Review
This epic tale takes place in 19th century Japan. A time when warfare and rebellion were common place. Though there are brutal slayings and death throughout, they actually have meaning as Kenshin realizes the emptiness of his actions. Samurai X is ultimately a very deep love story and a warriors search to become a real man. The DVDs themselves each have two episodes on them. Now for $30 dollars apiece, that’s just not right. Both DVDs are 60 minutes. They could’ve but both together to make one perfect set instead of splitting them up. (Greedy, greedy, greedy) Seeing as how both stories must be seen together to be appreciated, I’ll rate both DVDs, Trust & Betrayal, as one.

The Breakdown
As the cat woman would say, ‘Perrrrrrrfect!’ nearly. I’d go with both, Trust and Betrayal seperately over the directors cut version. You get better image quality and no edits to the story.

Synopsis
Street Fighter is a name I hold dear to my heart. It single handedly started the one on one fighting frenzy that revitalized the arcade industry in the early 90’s. It also revolutionized the way video games were made. A game with such commercial success it spawned toys, a Hollywood movie (that stared Jean Claude Van Damme and sucked big time.), two animated movies, an anime TV series, and an American cartoon (I think it went by the name of ‘G. I. Joe’… oh wait, that was something else). They’ve all had a sort of hit or miss success rate which brings me to the animated OAV, Street Fighter Alpha.

Review
The character design stays true to the video game series it’s based on. Complete with big hands, feet and all. The story is about everyone’s favorite lone wanderer, Ryu and his long time friend Ken Masters. Their reunion is interrupted by the arrival of Shun, a boy who says he is Ryu’s long lost brother whom he’s never met. As of late, Ryu has been battling himself from within to overcome the power of the Dark Hadou threatening to take him over. (Dark Hadou is the dark side of the dangerous technique he and Ken learned) Shun has this power also. Before Ryu even has the chance to consider that the boy may actually be his brother. Shun is kidnapped by the evil organization of Shadowlaw. So not only does Ryu have to overcome the power of the Dark Hadou, he must rescue Shun. That’s not all! Will Ryu still have what it takes to confront the Master of the Dark Hadou himself, Akuma? Well I can’t tell you. Find out yourself.

The Breakdown
Not my favorite Street Fighter show but what can I say, if you like
Dragonball Z then this is for you.

Synopsis
In fifteen hours and ten minutes of this world’s time, the moons of earth and the demon plane will align. A hole will be torn in the fabric between both worlds, bringing forth a time of endless night. It’s up to Yohko to stop the demons from shrouding the world in darkness and stop the black queen from holding dominion over all. She just doesn’t know it yet. Will the 108th Devil Hunter have what it takes to prevail against the demons? Find out in the next exciting episode!!!

Review
It’s me again, Stikz, with yet another old school review. ADV, celebrate their ten year anniversary (1992-2002) with the DVD release of their first localized anime, Devil Hunter Yohko.

This two disc set features vol.’s 1, 2, & 3 of the devil hunter saga and an extended version of episode 1. There’s a very insightful commentary about the beginning of AD Vision and their aquisition of Devil Hunter Yohko. I don’t know if this will catch on with those new to the anime scene, but if you were a fan from way back, you’ll find this enjoyable. While the first episode is substantially better than both 2 and 3, that ep. and the historical commentary alone are worth the purchase. A great DVD upgrade for those of us old enough to enjoy the VHS release and who have seen AD Vision grow from it’s infancy to where ADV Films stands now.

The Breakdown
Another reason for old school anime fans to rejoice. Pick it up if you want to reminisce or if your a new fan who wants to see some of the roots of titles done today. This is what it used to be like.

Synopsis
Ah, today let’s talk about plastic a-little. Plastic is used for many things in the modern world. It’s used for electronics, manufacturing cars, cosmetic surgery, and even breast. Yes breast, I can touch on that subject all day…What? My review isn’t on plastic? Alright, sorry ’bout that. Well since I’m on the subject, plastic is also used to make DVDs. And God bless the plastic that houses this work of art by Kinji Yoshimoto known as Plastic Little.

Review
Plastic Little is the adventure of a 17 year old captain of the Cha Cha Maru, Tita. She’s one of the roughest, toughest, tomboy heroines ever to strut her stuff in a spandex wet suit! It takes place on a planet known as Yietta where colonists make their living by exploiting the planet’s unique liquid-gas oceans. The Yiettans are about to pay off their debts to the Galactic Federation at the cost of their own planet.

By rescuing a 16-year old girl by the name of Elysse from the clutches of the military, Tita puts the lives of herself and her crew in extreme danger. All for an important computer code which they think Elysse knows. It’s a dangerous game of cat and mouse, with one crucial difference: Mice don’t shoot back, but Tita does!

The only thing that keeps Plastic Little from being an instant classic is it’s length. It just seemed that a lot was crammed into 60 minutes that’s all. They could have expanded it into a much more dramatic storyline if given maybe just a half an hour more. Heh, I guess I’m just mad because it’s over.

One more thing I’d like to mention is that I liked the sub-titled edition more than the Dubbed one. Yes I actually like anime in my own language (English) rather than one I don’t understand. I’d rather watch the show than read subtitles. So shoot me, I know it’s a sin to watch anime in English… I can hear it now, ‘you’re not a true blah…blah…blah.’ But I only like it if it’s done extremely well. I can’t stand cheap dubs. This title isn’t one of these mind you, It’s just that the subbed one has a certain flair to it that I just can’t put my finger on. In the English dub, they added accents to the characters. This may or may not be your thing. At least you can choose between both.

Okay, two more very nice things, this is just something I must address. I’ve looked through some of Kinji Yoshimoto’s art books and I must say he draws the most fabulous breast for his Females characters ever. The best breasts…hey, try saying that five times fast… best breast, best breast, besh besh, besh besh. Heh, heh see ya can’t do it.

The Breakdown
Need a little excitement!? Snap into a jiggle counter! Wait, that isn’t right…

Synopsis
When I first heard about this title I thought it was a Ninja Scroll sequel. Since the main character’s names are the same “Jubei.” Turns out, this is one of the most horrendous Anime a person can see at the moment. Ok, I’ll give itsy bitsy credit to part one of the show, but what the hell happened in part two.

Review
Here goes…Guy kills mom and gets born, then mass destruction and it’s over. That is one of the crappiest stories I’ve ever seen. ADV films only released two parts to the series. After all the ending of this Anime is really strange, strange enough to make you think there’s another episode after. Well ADV didn’t release anything beyond episode two. And I just never heard of episode three either. Due to poor sales in the U.S. we don’t get an episode three (Thank You!!!). Anyway, this is absolute turn off for any fan that thinks this is related to Ninja Scroll. Stay away from Ninja Resurrection unless you want to rune the image of your beloved Jubei.

The Breakdown
Jerry Springer’s final thought: This show must have been made by the devil himself. Absolutely horrendous. Very, very bad. It’s a sin to even watch.

Synopsis
Meiji Era year 27- On his way homebound, Kenshin became shipwrecked on sea. Half a year has gone by since his sudden disappearance. Kaoru waits daily portside for her lover’s return recalling times past all the instances when Kenshin had come through for her. In the meantime, Kenji, the child of Kenshin and Kaoru, had left his Tokyo home to obtain greater strength with the sword, a strength that will surpass his father’s.

Review
Unlike the first OVA that took place prior to the anime series, Rurouni Kenshin Seisouhen OVA is set years after the anime series. Composed of two episodes with the second twice as long as the first drawn in the same animation style as the original four part OVA, Seisouhen gives a glimpse of the future of the Kenshin-gumi. The protagonists of the anime, Kenshin, Kaoru, Yahiko, and Sanosuke, have not been immune to change. Kenshin passes down the Sakabatou to Yahiko and decides to help the less fortunate, those who are ill, and those who are suffering from pain sort of like a missionary. Kaoru, now Kenshin’s wife, raises his son until she herself falls ill. Yahiko fulfills his dream of growing up to be a master swordsman just like Kenshin. Sanosuke, still wearing the white jacket with the letter “aku” on the back, apparently has not had a shave or hair cut for quite some time but is nevertheless as arrogant as ever.

In addition, Seisouhen has been criticized for covering the Revenge Arc so briefly, with a short fight scene between Kenshin and Enishi. It is more romanticized though comparing Kaoru’s love for Kenshin with Enishi’s love for his sister, Tomoe. The story of Kenji carries the theme of the prodigal son. The father he knew was not the idolized and legendary Hitokiri Battousai. Thus, he leaves for Kyoto to learn the strongest technique there is, Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu. It is up to Yahiko to defeat the hardheaded youth and to show him the way once again. Seisouhen comes to an end with the symbolic reunion between Shinta and Kaoru.

The Breakdown
Rurouni Kenshin Seisouhen OVA concludes the Rurouni Kenshin saga. More serious like the first OVA, no “oros.” The only exception might be Sanosuke who maintains his charm. Another must see for all must Rurouni Kenshin fans.

Synopsis
1919 Tokyo, Japan, years after the Great Demon War, a global task force called the Imperial Floral Assault Unit is organizing to combat the return of the monsters. The latest in technological innovation, the Kubo Spirit Armor, designed by engineers of Kanzaki Industries, is still in its testing phase. Only ones with enough spiritual energy can pilot the steam-powered machines. Kohran, Maria, Iris, Kanna, Sumire, Sakura, and lastly Ichiro are summoned as Tokyo’s last line of defense.

Review
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The Breakdown
The OAV isn’t bad but seems to be a bit rushed. But since this is an OAV and not the TV series (Which hasn’t been released in the US) I guess it can be forgiven. I still wish this Sakura Wars OAV stood on it’s own better. A more complete story would have been great.

Synopsis
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Review
BS#6 is based on the hit manga Blue Submarine No. 6 in 1960 by Ozawa-san. The scientist Zorndyke has seemingly turned his back on humanity, creating a race of beast/ people to challenge the humans for global supremacy. Now it’s up to Mayumi Kino, a young female pilot, Tetsu Hayumi, a jaded veteran soldier and the flagship, the Blue Submarine No. 6. to stop him. About 90% of the show was done in 3D, the action, water, and the mechs. As I was watching BS#6, I was wondering if this series will be the same hit if it was done all in 2D. Turns out that without the 3D effects, BS#6 overall, would be dull.

The Breakdown
BS#6 is good when there isn’t anything else to watch, of course this series had the most 3D effects I’ve seen that actually made a difference in the overall product.

Synopsis
Let me give a quick summary as to what Boys Be is. Boys Be is a show where Boys date Girls. The whole show seems like a dating simulation game. (Ed. - Very popular in Japan, But still haven’t made a splash in the USA. Only release I can tink of is Thousand Arms for Playstation one.)

Review
There are sad times and happy times in Boys Be. Kyoichi Kanzaki the main character and Nitta Chiharu (female main character) are friends since childhood. The 13 episodes of Boys Be show their relationship and friendship of a group of friends.
Of course, you won’t be just seeing this main character relationship; you’ll see others too. All are quite interesting ^_^.

The flaw in Boys Be is that it’s sometimes too similar to a dating simulation game. Almost the same as Tokimeki Memorial series of games.

The Breakdown
Boys Be is pretty realistic. It shows that the main character doesn’t always get the girls, but then a 360 degrees turn happens…