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Synopsis
Kai Kudo has been recently stationed at AESES, an independent facility of the Ashurum military. He recalls nothing of his past memory only that after his mother died, it was Ashurum hat adopted him and his sickly sister named Hikaru. As an Esper, he possesses powers that ordinary humans would only envy and fear. Outside of Ashurum, siblings like Kai and Hikaru would regularly be killed and never have the chance to experience fun and joy. That is why AESES was created, to harness the abilities of Espers to help people and save other Espers. At least that was what Kai was told…

Review
E’s Otherwise is a 26 episode series based on a popular comic series featured in G Fantasy Monthly. It is directed by Shimoda Masami (Ai Yori Aoshi, Ai Yori Aoshi Enishi) and scripted by Chiba Katsuhiko (Rune Soldier, Stellvia). E’s Otherwise is the japanese X-Men series; instead of mutants they are called Espers. Unlike the X-Men that are limited to a single mutant power, Espers have greater variety in that they can teleport, launch fireballs, and levitate. An esper’s powers are more psychic and telekinetic. Unfortunately their powers are not limitless like the X-Men. As explained in episode 4, when both psy-energy and physical strength are low and if an Esper forcibly invokes their powers, their stamina will be used to replenish their powers diminishing their life.

The Breakdown
E’s Otherwise starts off better than it finishes, similar to Bubblegum Crisis Tokyo 2040.

Synopsis
The Landing, Day 81, First Season, Year 172
Official announcement by the Crown Prince of the Abh: ‘I’d like to begin by outlining the nature of the relationship between our Empire and you. Firstly, my will and that of the Empire are one and the same. At least as far as you are concerned. Our nobility will first survey your systems. For the time being, our Emperor will be your lord. Needless to say, our Emperor has numerous duties so a magistrate will be appointed to your system. In any case, a ruler or magistrate normally does not get involved in the details. The reason for this is that we feel governing your world is the furthest thing from being elegant.’

Day 87, First Season, Year 172
The Martine Government surrenders to the Abh Empire. As a compromise, the President made a request that would allow the citizens of the Hyde system to make use of the routes to other star systems on the condition that the Abh be given the codes to the Space Defense System. President Rock Lin will rule their star system as magistrate.

Review
Based on the novels by Hiroyuki Morioka, Seikai no Monsho (Crest of the Stars) takes place seven years after the surrender of the Martine Government. Jinto Lin, son of Rock Lin, departs for the capital in order to attend the official Abh Star Forces military school. Elf like but far from harmless, the Humanoid Abh Empire extends to over 1,500 inhabited star systems and another 20,000 partially inhabited star systems. Due to genetic manipulation, they are able to live for 200 years, are characterized by their blue hair, and both men and women are equally beautiful. Mysterious, they are more concerned with controlling space rather than directly ruling the planets themselves. They are as they say it themselves the kin of the stars. In other words, they are the crest of the stars. By one definition, they are the head, the top, or the highest point of the mountain known otherwise as the universe. Jinto has yet to met an Abh. That is until now.

The Breakdown
A strong science fiction series. Not overly romantic, while not weighing heavily on interstellar conflict.

Synopsis
At the end of Crest of the Stars was a sneak peak into Banner of the Stars. Sporh is promoted to Admiral of the First Fleet of the Abh Star Forces. Jinto finishes his schooling and achieves the rank of supply officer, while Lafiel is now the commander of the assault ship Barsroil. The war that was started in year 952 with a surprise attack by the United Mankind is full underway as both sides mobilize their strength.

Review
Based on the novels by Hiroyuki Morioka, Seikai no Senki (Banner the Stars I, Banner of the Stars I, even Battle Flag of the Stars I) takes place three years after the events of Crest of the Stars. The Barsroil, consisting of crew without any battle experience, is famous for a strange reason: the presence of two nobles on a ship at the same time. One is Captain Abrial Nei Dobrusk Baron Paryunu Lafiel (how’s that for a title), the princess of Abh. The other is Lin Syonu Rock Prince of Hyde, Jinto. Banner of the Stars is a suitable title for the sequel. A banner is a flag, some piece of cloth, used by a monarch or commander in wartime. Lafiel possesses both qualities, is captain and in line to be empress one day. Her banner is a hornet, which she hangs proudly on the bridge representing her ferocity and her relentlessness to sting the enemy. Her second banner is Jinto that she also carries wherever she goes, who symbolizes her compassionate and dignified side. Jinto is the only one who can refer to Lafiel by her first name, the only candidate who can cheer and restore confidence in her, the only person who can put her at ease.

The Breakdown
For completions sake, Banner of the Stars I is worth the investment. Some sequels like Slayers Next and Slayers Try do a remarkable job. Banner doesn’t quite do that.

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
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
Junta has a problem: he’s deathly allergic to girls! All this changes when a beautiful woman arrives from the future and transforms him into the super-suave Mega-Playboy. But the transformation is unstable, and if Junta can’t unravel the time traveler’s mystery, he (and the fate of the world) will never be the same!

Review
As it was said in the synopsis, Junta Momonari has a serious issue when it comes to girls. He stutters, and pukes, making him not an idealistic partner that any girl would love. Junta’s life of puking and stuttering are kind of over as Karin Aoi travels back in time from the future to prevent the mega playboy from awakening and create the over population problem that the future is currently experiencing by shooting him with a DCM (DNA Control Medicine) bullet. Things seem to go right, until she finds out that she used the wrong DCM bullet and actually helped in awakening the mega playboy than preventing it.

Now what? Junta now has two different personalities, since his mega playboy genes still is not in full swing. When he sees a girl’s tears or situations where he feels a sense of sadness from the girl, the mega playboy comes out, then, after a while it vanishes. I did say that his puking and stuttering days were kind of over, because after his mega playboy mode goes off, he returns to the original Junta who stutters and pukes when he sees things that excite him (pornography, etc.). Karin of course tries to correct her mistake, but she also almost falls for the mega playboy Junta.

This first volume is not what I had expected. There were not much comedy or it was that I just do not have a good sense of humor. The only reason why I stayed through the seventy five minutes was, because I am a fan of series in this genre (shounen).

The Breakdown
This title certainly was not what I had expected. I thought it was going to be better. However the future to past romance theme of DNA2 is quite interesting. Let us just hope that the next volume will be better than the first.

Synopsis
‘The color of battle, the creaking wing is the sound of the beginning.’ Amidst the battered pavement of what was once the capital, there is a sanctuary, unscathed, that becomes the nucleus for the grand awakening. Sing, RahXephon, your song, your forbidden song in order for everything to become one someday.

Review
Directed by Yutaka Izubuchi (Gasaraki) and produced by Bones, Mediafactory, Inc (Cowboy Bebop: Knocking on Heaven’s door) is the well-anticipated RahXephon. Its title is one letter short from Escaflowne and like it refers to a legendary mecha. Like Hitomi, Ayato travels to a world unlike from his own, not medieval in time but rather a parallel world outside of his own sphere known as Tokyo Jupiter. From here it deviates resembling Evangelion more. Ayato lends his services to the Earth Alliance’s counter-MU strategy research agency, known as TERRA, analogous to NERV. In order to protect the island of Nirai Kanai from enemy dolems, comparable to Eva’s Angels, Ayato pilots RahXephon. Characterwise, he himself is both older than his Eva counterpart Shinji and mature although he too shares in a mental quest for identity and overall place in life.

The Breakdown
Every fan of Evangelion and every dissatisfied fan that didn’t like Evangelion because of the ending should add RahXephon to their collection. Look forward to the movie, which will be in theaters, Japan this April.

Synopsis
At the dawn of the new millenium, mankind has awakened a threat unlike any faced before: the Angels. Conventional weapons are useless against them. They can only be stopped by means of the Evangelions - bio-engineered vessels born from the Angel’s own technology mixed with human science. But the knowledge brought by the Angels is also the key to bringing about a startling new genesis for the human race. Placed in the hands of three young pilots, the final fate of humanity resting upon their shoulders, the Eva’s are the world’s last hope…

Review
Hoo boy, a review of Evangelion. Not the easiest of  anime’s to review. This ‘movie’ is really two things. There is the ‘Death’ part of this disc, which is a recap of the first 24 episodes with new footage strewn about made especially for this recap. Then there is the ‘Rebirth’ part, and this is where Manga Entertainment  once again falls flat on it’s face. In Japan, Rebirth was the first 30 minutes of End of Evangelion, but there were parts missing since technically, the End of Eva wasn’t finished yet. On this release, Manga just saw fit to shove the first 30 minutes of actual footage from the End of Eva on the disc. I really wanted to see the differences between Rebirth and End of Eva, but I guess I don’t get to (at least with the US DVD release).

Aside from that, how’s the actual content? Good…and bad. I will say right now that unless you’re a hardcore fan, do not buy this disc. There is nothing really new in it aside from some special footage for Death, which doesn’t make it that worthwhile to the normal fan. However, to the hardcore (like me), you will eat this stuff up. Rebirth is most defintely pointless, because if your buying this at all you already have or are planning to buy End of Evangelion anyway…which Rebirth is the first 30 minutes of. Buy this disc for its extras and for the cool new footage  in Death. Also, do not plan to watch this recap if you haven’t seen the show. The recap cannot help you understand anything. It was originally made in Japan to remind everyone what is going on in Evangelion, since the movie was coming out soon but it had been quite awhile since the series came. Death is good though if you’ve seen the series (as a recap).

The Breakdown
Has some very good extras (who knew Manga was smart enough to pretty much translate and put the Red Cross book on the DVD?) And I must reiterate, I thoroughly enjoyed Death and it’s new footage (while there isn’t to much, it’s still good.) Rebirth is End of Eva’s first 30 minutes, making it useless, because once you buy End of Eva, you have Rebirth anyway. Also, for some, the Mokuji special featureon the DVD  won’t work for them, and it’s a really great feature to. I, however, did not run into any problems with it on my DVD player.

Synopsis
At the dawn of the new millenium, mankind has awakened a threat unlike any faced before: the Angels. Conventional weapons are useless against them. They can only be stopped by means of the Evangelions - bio-engineered vessels born from the Angel’s own technology mixed with human science. But the knowledge brought by the Angels is also the key to bringing about a startling new genesis for the human race. Placed in the hands of three young pilots, the final fate of humanity resting upon their shoulders, the Eva’s are the world’s last hope…

Review
The one that ends the epic. This is the true ending to the Neon Genesis Evangelion TV series. But before you go all crazy, I want to say that episodes 25 and 26 go with this ending movie, as Ganiax and Director Hideaki Anno confirmed long ago. (Episodes 25 and 26 of the TV series are what goes on in Shinji’s head, this movie is what goes on outside of him, also confirmed by Gainax). I can’t really say much about the actual movie, because it would give away too much even talking about its beginning. (It is the end, after all.)

I’ll give a brief synopsis: Kaworu, the last angel, is dead. All the events of episode 24 have taken place and the movie begins where that episode left off. It’s the next day, the night before Shinji having been forced to kill Kaworu, and he looks on into one of the great Tokyo-3 craters as the sun heats the Earth. He then heads to Asuka’s hospital bed to ask her for help, but she doesn’t respond. (Being comatose and all, that happens from being mind raped by an angel.) He is very frustrated geting no response from her, and starts shaking her wildly. She flips over, and her shirt opens, revealing you know what. Shinji sees this, and reacts like you would expect an extremely messed up, frustrated, abandoned child to act. And thus the movie begins to end all movies.

The Breakdown
Simply has one of the most breathtaking stories of the modern era. While pointlessly ambiguous in some cases, in the end it is all worth it. Has some excellent action to, so for those action nuts out there there is something for you guys to. Simply put, buy this disc.

Synopsis
In the future, Tokyo is a desolate place. After a massive earthquake, the city struggles to survive. The old city is in ruins. Acid rain falls from the sky. And worst of all, evil beings called Lucifer Hawk have invaded Earth to destroy humanity. Earth’s last line of defense is a secret branch of the Police, the AMP. Its members include the psychic Yuki, the cyborg Kiddy, the Shinto priestess Nami, the visionaire Lebia, and their chief, the mysterious Rally Cheyenne. But they’re about to get a new and powerful member. Kasumi Liqueur, a woman with strange powers and a dark past, is about to join the fight. Can her presence tip the scales in Earth’s favor?

Review
Silent Mobius is a Kia Asamiya work. Most people know him by the series Martian Successor Nadesico, which was the Anime that got me into the Anime world.

My first impression upon hearing that Silent Mobius is Kia Asamiya’s work, I immediately said, I must get it! Then of course, I got it and here I write about Silent Mobius V.1: Earth Under Attack.

Kasumi Liqueur, who was a secretary in Hawaii, came back to Tokyo as a request made by Rally Cheyenne, only telling her that she had information about the death of Kasumi’s mother. When the plane was landing Kasumi was attacked and the plane was brought down to the ground. When she regains consciousness, a Category 2 Lucifer Hawk addresses Kasumi by the Key and tried to take her with him. Then comes a story period and Kasumi is “awakened” to destroy the Lucifer Hawk…

Through out volume one, character’s backgrounds are revealed, and there was light stuff. Such as, running from the Ghouls (a gang in Heaven’s Hall) and parties. There were only three to four episodes that AMP was fighting a Lucifer Hawk. Of course I’d expect a total twist in the story later on, because I’ve watched Nadesico before.

The Breakdown
Silent Mobius is an anime in its class, I haven’t seen any magic mixed with sci-fi before, maybe except X, but Silent Mobius came first. One more thing, Kia Asamiya is the man!