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Synopsis
Just when you thought it couldn’t get any stranger, Excel Excel and her associates encounter the most horrifying of all plot devices… a sub-plot! You won’t believe who’s been plotting against whom as the writers double cross the author, the director takes a new direction and the supporting cast comes back with a vengeance but absolutely no clue whatsoever! There’s Menchi-mania and Pedro-philia galore as everybody involved takes the fifth in Excel Saga Volume 5!

Review
More Excel than ever, I think I have had too much Excel in one day, but hey was entertaining so it is cool. In this volume of Excel Saga we get a summary of Pedro’s story, as we count all the NOs! and afros we also get a pretty fun episode. This episode has made me more interested in the character of Pedro. I want to watch more of Pedro’s story has he battles ‘That Man.’ Yes the dude’s name is ‘That Man,’ *laughs* the production cast must have ran out of names or something.

As things cannot get any wackier, we receive an episode of ‘Daitenzin.’ An episode that featured the city workers (Yay! They finally have more scenes.) as Power Ranger look-alikes. Their orders were strictly just to keep the city peaceful and obtain ten good deeds. I do not know if the police would like to thank them or not, because they were making their jobs more difficult.

The staff forces Koshi Rikdo to give permission for Excel Saga to be an animal anime once again. In the second animal episode of Excel Saga, there were moments that brought back an honorable friend of Menchi’s who sacrified himself and helped her in the first animal episode. On another note let us just say Excel Saga breaks all boundaries. It was awkward in the rockers episode when Key was playing a guitar in the shadow next to Excel and Hyatt’s futon between a blanket and it looked as if he was masturbating. It was just hilarious how Key was playing it. Seeing Excel’s reaction to Key’s action was also amusing. Sigh… an Excel a day makes some people’s stress go away.

The Breakdown
Reviewing Excel Saga is a hard task as there is no stable story and many things happen episode to episode. Sorry if I become repetitive.

Synopsis
Rurouni Kenshin is a wanderer, a lost soul, cursed to seek atonement for his life in the bloody trade of the samurai. During the long war to overthrow the corrupt government, he was known throughout all Japan as the Hitokiri Battousai (’sword-bearing master assassin’). But the end of the war has brought no peace to Kenshin, despite a vow to draw his sword only for the protection of those in need. Now his wife Kaoru steadfastly awaits his return, mourning his absence as well as that of their son, Kenji. Will Kenshin return before she dies of grief? The past meets the present fifteen years after Kenshin first left.

Review
This is the last of Kenshin, what a ride it has been. From manga to TV series to movie, OAV then finally this OAV, Reflection (Seisouhen). One thing you will notice when you watch Reflection is that the character animation has changed for the better. Everyone has aged, Kaoru and Kenshin is now married and has a child by the name of Kenji. Let us back up for a moment and start off from the beginning.

Kenshin was on a ship back to Japan after he had finished his task helping the needy without the use of his sword. It was because of his continuance to strive to help people he has contracted a disease that in that time was incurable. Kaoru knowing that still wants to stay as close to Kenshin as possible and wanted him to share the pain with her. There were quite a few moments where it became very emotional. Kenji who hardly sees his father thought that he mistreated his mom and him. As he is still a kid, he does not understand and learns the hard way from Yahiko. That was a great fight scene and Hiko Sejuro surely does not look like he has aged much from the last time we have seen him. He is still kicking back drinking his sake as he teaches Kenji some sword technique that is not Hiten Mitsurugi Ryuu.

With the first part being more of a recap of the whole Kenshin series, we move on to the real story, part two a flashback of what has happened after the movie. In part two we get introduced to an old character… a character who was in the first OAV. Tomoe’s little brother, Enishi Yukishiro. This time he is not going to stand there and watch. He kidnaps Kaoru and demands a duel with Kenshin to avenge for his sister. Enishi does not follow any style of fighting; he created his own fighting technique, a powerful one too. The action of Reflection was exciting and you can almost feel the blades of the swords collide as characters fight. My favorite fight scene by far is Yahiko against Kenji.

The voice acting of the Japanese and English cast were good, music score was wonderful and the music cast surely deserves a lot of credit for bringing life to the animated pictures. The animation also deserves much praise as they put out such aesthetic work. It is a hard task to see a great series end, and I am sure you would appreciate the way Rurouni Kenshin ends. Although I have battles with people I know about the ending, I see it as a very deep and emotional ending. When you put together all the pieces of what Kenshin really lived for after his Hitokiri days, the ending will start to make sense in a very great way.

The Breakdown
Tough to see Rurouni Kenshin end. This whole series has been around me for about four to five years. Rurouni Kenshin to me is irreplaceable. Kenji can start his own show, but would probably not have the same effect as Kenshin did.

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
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
Quoting from title, ‘Sister Princess: If you’ve suddenly begun to have twelve sisters, what do you think? More over, they are so, sweet, charming… and loving you so much!’ To me, I’ll love it! Why? Because it’ll be so cool! My favorite sister out of the twelve will be Rin Rin, the sister that can build robots and other cool devices.

Review
The story is about Wataru, a high school student that doesn’t make it to that particular high school he was applying for, but his friends did. After a moment of depression, he goes home to find out that a school in ‘Promised Island’ is looking forward for Wataru to be a part of the student body there. Story continues from there as he meets up with his twelve or thirteen sisters in episode two (you’ll see why the title quote says twelve later on). In Sister Princess, every sister if given a star moment episode where she hangs out with her brother, either from swimming to shopping. This series all seem like a party. The climax of the story is pretty dull, but then again Sister Princess is a new twist. I’m sure a lot of brothers out there dislike their sisters in some way if they have. I personally don’t like my sisters much, but if they were any of the sisters in this series hehe, I’d love that life!

The Breakdown
Please don’t buy the R0 version of Sister Princess, even if you don’t understand Japanese, don’t waste your money like I did. Although I wouldn’t say that I totally wasted it. The only errors were in timing, names (used Chinese translation for names), and at some points I think the people who did the subs used some online translator to translate some words. In the end, I had a good time watching this series, will 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
Polish your badge and grab your nightstick! It’s time for more curious cases with your favorite babes in blue –Team Warrior!
When a famous pop star is being stalked, racy cop-for-hire Rio is ordered to protect her. But when the singer comes into possession of a mysterious DNA pen, they find a stalker is nothing compared to the pen’s dangerous owner! Later, Maki remembers how she first came to meet the craziest cop on the Team. And when Maki takes a vacation, it’s up to the Team to solve a series of strange crimes on their own. But can they manage without their fearless leader?

Review
In Burn Up eXcess V.2 things start to get funny and finally the Team gets a glimpse of that lady with the grayish hair. The story progresses slowly as there are side stories. We get a clue that the secret organization that the lady works for is planning to smuggle arms into or out of Neo Tokyo. First episode of volume two, which is episode five, Rio, becomes the bodyguard of a pop star, who was a victim of a stalker. Through Rio and Anna’s discussions, Anna finally finds herself, what she wanted to sing and what she wanted to do without anybody telling her.

In episode six, Maki takes a vacation to Neo Hong Kong for personal reasons; the gang is put up with a lot of crimes to solve. First there’s the brutal “murder” case in the bathroom, then there’s the “who messed up the systems case,” and last but not least there’s a lost “child” case. Rio takes the lead, because of her greed, and after some of the funniest scenes out of Burn Up eXcess that I’ve seen so far. Team W solves all the case, by just solving one of them, which one do you think is the cause of the entire ruckus?

Episode seven, gives some background on Rio, what she was, how she became a WARRIOR and it’s all about the money of course. Rio’s closes friend just happens to be writing up parking violation tickets and all of a sudden, we got a robbery and she becomes their hostage. Rio finds out and at the same time Team W is on the case also, so… after some action scenes Rio joins Team W.

The Breakdown
Certainly, Burn Up eXcess is getting better by the volume. Followers of the series keep following, because it’s getting interesting.

Synopsis
Excel, secret agent and agent of disaster, and her trustworthy (although decidedly unhealthy) fellow agent Hyatt are back, and once again they’re out to conquer city of F for the glory of the secret ideological agency of ACROSS! Whether they’re up against murderous monkeys, possessed detectives, or men with excessively inflamed anuses, you can bet they’ll give it their all or die trying. In fact, you can usually bet on the latter. The most deranged duo to ever dangle their derrieres in the naked face of death returns in the almost all-new (contains 10% recycled material) and excruciatingly hilarious third volume of EXCEL SAGA!

Review
By the time you have reached volume three and if you still do not get the comedy in this series, then you might as well stop watching Excel Saga. I say that, because there is no way you will not laugh in this volume. I was constantly cracking up on the funny looking characters and as Excel did all her stupid things. ADV does a great job again with the menu of the DVD, although at times selecting options can be confusing.

Anyways, episode ten, we have an episode dedicated to Menchi and friends. The dog that understands the human language is finally deciding to get her freedom once and for all. When she got out of Excel and Hyatt’s apartment, she was looking for her old keeper. Things do not turn so well as Menchi gets picked on by a bully dog, then Wolf (a stray dog) saves Menchi and introduces her to other stray dogs that are in their little group. This episode displays friendship and betrayal, and in the end, Menchi finds her home (guess whose).

Next episode we have the cover feature. And the word of the episode is Binbou. Binbou is derived from Bean ball but also means poor in Japanese. What the hell? I was dying when I heard that name and saw the owner of the name. The dude needs a haircut badly as it can be a dangerous weapon when swung, but that is not as bad as when your coach has a big head and an anus problem. The whole objective of this episode is for Excel and Hyatt to be teachers in Excel’s school (Inu-nabe High School, the one Excel first appeared in and got hit by a truck once she got outside the gates). This episode is the funniest episode thus far. When Excel and Hyatt arrives to the classroom they were going to teach, and sees the students… I remember the haircut Onizuka got from his friend in volume one of the GTO manga; the old school Yakuza look. To better explain it I think it is called curly hair or something. What ever it is called, you should get the point that that hairstyle is not in style anymore, probably from the 80’s. After all the laughs, it all comes down to Monkey’s baseball team whose players are actual monkeys and the Dog’s baseball team whose players consists of Excel, Binbou and a bunch of nobodies. Who will win? Watch it and find out.

In episode twelve, a burglary occurs and Hyatt is taken hostage. As Excel tries to get her back, Pedro (the immigrant worker) is being drowned by “That Man” (guy in the white suit). He claims that Pedro took his girl, Ms. Will (the Great Will of Macrocosm). Hey! The City Security workers get more airtime in this episode. Cool! More Misaki! Errr… anyways this is an enjoyable detective episode, at times it becomes very funny. Such as, Hyatt “dying” and the burglars thought they killed her.

Lastly, we have, episode thirteen, an episode that Koshi Rikdo gave permission for it to be an Excel Saga “review episode.” Even though it is a review episode of Excel Saga so far. It still is hilarious. The English version of the Beauty theatre gave me the biggest laugh; runner up was Pedro the Movie. Looks like our three friends from the City Security did not get airtime again. How sad. That should wrap up this hilarious volume of Excel Saga; I cannot wait till volume four comes out!!!

The Breakdown
I have said this earlier, “By the time you have reached volume three and if you still do not get the comedy in this series, then you might as well stop watching Excel Saga.” If this really is the case then I said what I meant. ^_^

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
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.