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Synopsis
D has been hired to track down Meier Link, a notoriously powerful vampire who has abducted a Human woman, Charlotte Elbourne. D’s orders are strict – find Charlotte, at any cost. For the first time, D faces serious competition. The Markus Brothers, a family of Vampire Hunters, were hired for the same bounty. D must intercept Meier and conquer hostile forces on all sides in a deadly race against time. Despised by Vampires for his profession and by Humans for the blood in his veins, D relentlessly pursues his prey for a price.

Review
Vampire Hunter D strikes back! The anime that could be said to start all the other vampire type anime flicks is finally back with another theatrical release. It was long waited, but well worth it. The story is just awesome. Everything connects with each other, and one of my favorite directors, Yoshiaki Kawajiri directed Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust. His work just came to me a week ago and I am already in love with the things he worked on.

The story is tricky, it makes you think this way, but it is actually the total opposite of what you think. Just as the abduction of Charlotte Elbourne by Meier Link. Nobody would have thought that there was love between the two. I thought that Meier Link was just hungry for blood. I was completely surprised as it is shown that Charlotte wanted to be with Meier forever. This title certainly does live up to its’ hype. The action was fast paced and fluid. The animation, thanks to Madhouse, was very good. Even if you did not see the first Vampire Hunter D movie, do yourself a big favor and buy this movie for your collection!

The Breakdown
I just love when Anime makes their big comeback. Ever since the release of Vampire Hunter D, it launched other Vampire Anime flicks, and now Vampire Hunter D is back to retain the crown in Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust.

Synopsis
The bullet-blasting babes from Team Warrior are in real trouble this time! When a group of killer drag queens get out of jail, they’ve got their eye shadow fixed on Nanvel’s new “makeover” device that renders the wearer beautiful or, on high setting, invisible! Then, in an exciting cliffhanger, Rio and Team Warrior must escort a top-secret tank across the globe. But when the transport plane is attacked, Rio finds herself alone in a hostile desert, with the supertank as her only ally – and her only hope of survival! Don’t miss the wildest, sexiest, strangest Team Warrior adventure yet!

Review
In Burn Up eXcess Volume 3: Under the Gun, Nanvel gets “kidnapped” by the drag queens that appeared back in volume one. They demand Nanvel to make them the machine that can change their bodies so that they can go on burglaries again, this time without getting caught and put back into prison. Stephanie or (heh) Rio gets kidnapped too. It is just funny how the dude keeps calling Rio Stephanie. Nanvel makes the machine and of course for a price. The drag queens have to get her whatever she wants to eat. Up to the point where they could not support themselves anymore they get rid of somebody who keeps eating up everything and does nothing (guess who). This episode is pretty funny. I like how Rio gets back at them for what they (the drag queens) did to her.

The next two episodes can be counted as one, because it is a two-part episode. In this episode there were some emotional moments and some nose bleeding moments. A super tank codenamed Henry is developed for military use and it becomes the target of the secret organization and the pretty lady with the gray hair. The lady uses her charms and gets a general to stop Team Warrior’s assignment to get Henry safe across the borders to another country. Henry some how becomes Rio’s guardian and they go off to an adventure across the hot desert. Many things happen and the enemy finally catches up to Rio and Henry. Here comes the most emotional moment yet in Burn Up eXcess! Go and check it out now!

The Breakdown
As I have said in the review of volume two, Burn Up eXcess gets better by the volume and it is proven by volume three of the series!

Synopsis
Gaia is a mythical realm ruled by sword and sorcery and immersed in blood and violence. Thrust into a conflict she doesn’t quite understand, Hitomi helps aid the young Prince Van as they embark upon their journey of discovery. The battle over a legendary suit of dragon armor, Escaflowne, has begun.

Review
Escaflowne the Movie is the retelling of the hit TV series. Hitomi also known as the Wing goddess of Gaia was persuaded to go to Gaia by Faulken. The depressed Hitomi, who thought there was nothing to cherish in life anymore gets warped to Gaia and ends up inside Escaflowne as Van is trying to awaken the sleeping Guymelef.

The visuals of Escaflowne the Movie was well done. Although the ending was pretty much the same, the process of bringing the movie to the ending was very entertaining. In the show, it was more of a human battle than the guymelef battles we have experienced in the TV series. In the final battle, Escaflowne versus Alseides, the action was cool, after Escaflowne destroys Alseides. It turns black and reveals its’ true nature, ‘the destroyer of Gaia.’ Then after a few more scenes Van and Hitomi flies to Faulken’s castle and ‘What do you think?’

There were many additions to Escaflowne the Movie. One of the more noticeable was that the guymelefs were more organic. If you have seen the TV series, remember when Van pricked his finger and his blood dripped on the dragon’s heart? Well in the movie it is sort of different. In the control chamber of the guymelefs there are actually needle looking things that sucks the blood from the person controlling it. The blood then becomes the guymelef’s blood and enables it to move. That’s pretty cool huh?

The Breakdown
Escaflowne the movie is one of those retelling movies that doesn’t just put scenes of the TV series together and say that’s a movie. (This happens quite often at times to OVAs.) Nonetheless, this movie is a great retell and gives the viewers some fresh ideas that weren’t in the TV series.

Synopsis
Unable to accept the truth behind his mother’s death, Kamui visits Hinoto, the dreamseer for the Dragons of Heaven. He refuses to believe her prophecy - that he is the key to the Earth’s fate! She pleads with him to try and change the future she foresees. As Kamui ponders his options, the Dragons of Earth start attacking Tokyo!

Review
After viewing this volume of X, I am really starting to like this series a lot. Although we have to put up with the three episodes per DVD thing. But oh wells, the set kind of looks good with eight DVDs in my opinion.

In this volume the story continues to develop, and more of Kamui’s background is shown. His aunt comes and tells him about his mother’s background. After acknowledging the reason behind his mother’s death, he goes in the state of disbelief. A few scenes later, we observe something that can raise a few eyebrows. Kamui’s aunt dies in a car accident. She was also a member of the Magami clan, known for their ‘Shadow Sacrifices.’ Did she sacrificed herself for Kamui just like his mother did or was it just that she got killed…

Moving on. The Dragons of Heaven starts gathering. Hinoto shows Kamui her dream of the future, while suddenly being ruined by her sister Kanoe. The story thus far is very entertaining. There were quite a few fights in this volume and each had cool effects. Yoshiaki Kawajiri does a fine job in directing something that draws a difference between the Manga and the Animation. X: THREE comes out this month! Watch out for it!

The Breakdown
I wonder what is coming up in the next volume.

Synopsis
Crusher Joe: The Movie
Joe and his team are hired to med-evac a cryogenically frozen heiress to the planet Miccola, only to have her kidnapped out from under their noses while in hyperspace! Before they know it, the team gets accused of space piracy by the United Space Force and suspended by Crusher HQ.

Crusher Joe: The OVAs
A double feature of derring-do! The team gets hired to adjust the orbit of a prison cometary core before it impacts on an inhabited planet, only to get caught up in a political double-cross of astronomical proportions. Then they take on the task of rescuing a military officer who is safeguarding an ultimate weapon that can destroy all the life on the planet while leaving the real-estate intact, only to find that the planet she’s crash-landed on is infested with mutineers (not a problem) and self-replicating quasi-organic semi-intelligent kamikaze death-bots (big problem!).

Review
Upon watching Crusher Joe, I have finally noticed how good it is to go back in the days, where all that digital, and CG things were not used. Crusher Joe has comedy and action. I have not seen a good action mixed with comedy like Crusher Joe since Ghost Sweeper Mikami. Once you see it you will be able to tell the differences between old comedy and new comedy in the anime world today. Of course Crusher Joe’s main focus is not comedy, but mainly space action.

The space battles are unique; there is just an immense amount of action taken place at times. Looking back at when Crusher Joe was made, I was very impressed with all the action the animation staff has put together. The story of Crusher Joe is interesting in ways. It is difficult to compare Crusher Joe to any modern series today, because this show came before them, and probably has set some guidelines for space action anime today.

Throughout the three hours and fifty-eight minutes of run time, the show gets better. From the movie, which I thought it was mediocre, to the first OVA (The Ice Prison), which was becoming better, and finally to the second OVA (The Ultimate Weapon: Ash) in which I thought, it was very entertaining. This show is definitely a must watch for those who crave space action and are tired of what modern shows have to offer.

The Breakdown
Crusher Joe is not your average Joe. Watching Crusher Joe was definitely a new experience in which I have gained. I liked the action a lot. The comedy gave me some laughs. Such as, how Talos punched this big dude’s face in and the way Alfin acted after just drinking a glass of whiskey. When putting all the pieces together, Crusher Joe is a good watch and a good value.

Synopsis
From the golden pen of Ryo Mizuno, comes an all-new adventure set in the aftermath of the Lodoss Wars! Ashram, desperate to find a home for his people, is tricked into selling his soul. 300 years later, Pirotesse’s devotion to her king remains unshaken. In the sacred world of Crystania, amidst a civil war waged by shape-changing warriors, she searches for her beloved Ashram. She meets Redon, a young prince obsessed with avenging his murdered parents. Together, they confront Ashram’s captor, Barbas, who aspires to rule Crystania as “The Gods’ King.” Will they free Ashram’s soul… or will Redon’s innocence become the next sacrifice to Barbas’ emerging power?

Review
Lodoss war fans, gets a little more of the Lodoss taste as Ashram and Pirotesse is back. The first thing that strikes anyone is the title name. No longer is it Record of Lodoss War, but Legend of Crystania. I recall, Crystania was mentioned somewhere in Record of Lodoss War, but was never really developed for the fans. This show bored me for about fifteen minutes, but then as action and story kicked in, my system reacted by kicking in turbo.

The shape-changing warriors are interesting. Their transformation is based on which god ruled the region that they were born in. They can either go, full man, half man-half animal or full animal. Record of Lodoss War is known for its’ RPG style, Legend of Crystania brings that style back, of course not as good as Record of Lodoss War, but adequate. The show is now more violent than Record of Lodoss War. Soldiers get sliced in half with blood gashing all over. There was one scene where a lizard warrior had a whole chunk of neck bitten out. So… yeah, I hope you get the idea after the last example :P.

Record of Lodoss War fans should stick with Record of Lodoss War. Legend of Crystania is different from Lodoss War. The animation is not the same, the setting is not the same, and although the action and story can be entertaining at times. I do not see a reason why a fan of Lodoss War should go on to something that is not Lodoss War. Unless you are a fan of Ashram and Pirotesse then I can see the reason.

The Breakdown
Legend of Crystania is not something you would watch every two weeks or so. It is something you would watch once every two years or so. The re-watch value is just not up there.

Synopsis
The Hellsing Organization makes its last stand against the unknown traitor, and Incognito, one of the original undead, at the Tower of London - with the Queen and Integra’s life at stake! Seras must finally make her choice about what she has become and the mysterious bond between Arucard and Integra is revealed…

Review
Questions are answered in volume four. I am really against Pioneer Animation’s translator for translating Alucard’s name to Arucard. It does not make any sense. Alucard is Dracula spelled backwards, what is Arucard spelled backwards Dracura? It is even shown in the last episode (Episode 13 - Hellfire) that Alucard really is…

Anyways, we are shown how Integra and Alucard first met. After Integra’s father past away, her uncle who wanted to become the leader of the Hellsing Organization decided to kill her so that she cannot become the leader. After running from her uncle she remembers something her father said and heads to the basement of the mansion. When she saw the door that leads to Alucard, her uncle catches up to her and she opens the door after some dialogue. Because of Integra’s blood, Alucard awakes and goes on a killing spree (quite cool if you ask me).

This volume is action packed! All four of these last episodes had fast paced action. Now I am no action freak and I do not like to watch everything that is action like my friends do, but this action had story as a back up so it was good overall. The battle between Incognito and Alucard is the best battle of the whole show. It displays Alucard’s power to the fullest. The ending certainly did not disappoint me, it could perhaps be considered as one of the better endings I have seen compared to the other titles.

The Breakdown
Pioneer Animation has done a good job in bringing Hellsing to the states. This title is something that fans of the vampire genre cannot get enough. With animation done by GONZO and an entertaining story. Hellsing is a definite good buy.

Synopsis
Mortally wounded by Nataku, Fuma’s father leaves a cryptic message for his son - ‘You are Kamui’s twin star.’ After the funeral, Kamui and Kotori are attacked by Seishiro, a Dragons of Earth assassin. A still mystified Fuma manages to save both of them. But Kamui senses there is something different about Fuma. Meanwhile, Sorata and Arashi search for Subaru, another member of the Dragons of Heaven. But Subaru also encounters Seishiro, who killed his sister years ago.

Review
In X: Three, the story continues to develop by displaying the character’s backgrounds. Getting to know the characters is definitely a plus, because it gives the viewers an understanding of the actions each character takes. After learning how Satsuki first started using her ability to communicate with computers and the things she had to go through, before becoming a Dragons of Earth, I now look at her in a different perspective.

At first to me she was some teenage girl that seems to be a computer freak who likes to attack people with electric wires from the city, now with her background information, I stopped thinking that way. That’s exactly why understanding a character is an important factor into understanding the whole story. Director Yoshiaki Kawajiri does an excellent job in this work, just as he has been for his other works through out the years.

After episode 7, episode 8 moves the story forward by the death of Fuma’s father and the line of dialogue he said to Fuma as he past away (’You are Kamui’s twin star’). What this meant was that he is the one that will be Kamui’s opponent. When Kanoe got a hold of Fuma in his dream, she altered it and changed Fuma in a way where he seemed evil. Temporarily that is. After this little advancement in story, we stop by to learn about Subaru Sumeragi’s (Dragon of Heaven) background. Not as interesting as Satsuki’s story, but still gets the point through.

The Breakdown
Looking forward to more development of characters in the next volume!

Synopsis
She was the most powerful creation ever invented. Designed by a brilliant mind, using otherworldly technology, bred for military use, the Steel Angel’s intent was as revolutionary as it was mysterious. But when a young boy accidentally awakens the Steel Angel Kurumi, science and strategy are thrown a curve. Now this multi-million dollar soldier is taking orders from a boy-and other forces are not happy about it. So Kurumi and her young master must seek out a secret lab and discover dangerous answers. Namely, why was Kurumi created in the first place? What is her true purpose? And why is a mysterious organization activating other beautiful, seductive, and powerful Steel Angels to destroy her?

Review
Steel Angel Kurumi reminds me of Saber Marionette J. We are dealing with androids that resemble females for those who did not know. Steel Angel Kurumi is more ecchi than Saber Marionette J. Let’s stop comparing these two titles now. The first thing that caught my eye was the DVD cover of Steel Angel Kurumi. It is beautifully done. I like how Kurumi looks so peaceful, on the cover with the angel wings (I have a thing for angel wings :P). Each episode of Steel Angel Kurumi is around fifteen minutes long, with the whole DVD totaling approximately ninety minutes.

When Nakahito is forced to explore and exterminate a Dr. Akuma in the basement of a mansion by his friends. He finds himself looking for an exit instead of Dr. Akuma (no such thing, by the way). Upon stumbling from door to door, he finds light, but stops to look at a blueprint of a Steel Angel. After a few more scenes he finds Kurumi and activates her by an accidental kiss on the lips. The fun stuff begins from there.

This twenty four episodes series has a fun atmosphere to it. You will feel laid back at times, and tense during some moments, depending on the situation. Kurumi has a hyper personality, which makes her character funny. Oh, this brings me to the point, the use of SD (Super Deformed) characters. This feature made Steel Angel Kurumi a cute and funny show to watch as well as a good action piece. Steel Angel Kurumi is a series for fans who likes ecchi humor. The last time I saw an ecchi humor was a month or two ago. Ahh… the memories ^_^.

The Breakdown
Yes! I did it! I finally got a chance to watch and review volume one of Steel Angel Kurumi after having so much work dumped onto me. Also pay a visit to the official Steel Angel Kurumi website by ADV.

Synopsis
‘She’s beautiful. Powerful. Passionate. Too dangerous to exist. She is Steel Angel Kurumi-and she’s marked for termination. Her enemy? The Academy. A floating fortress of mystery and military might. Their weapons? Powerful androids as lethal as they are lovely. Can Kurumi and her friends reach her creator’s secret lab without being detected by the Academy assassins? Or will her Steel Angel siblings succeed in ripping out her Mark II Heart that makes Kurumi so dangerous?

Review
In this volume of Steel Angel Kurumi, Nakahito starts to find out what he has to do with Kurumi. During an episode where Kurumi battles on three Steel Angels by herself, Nakahito stood there helplessly and watched as his Steel Angel was being knocked around. Then he came to a point where he starts to question his usefulness. If he could ever protect Kurumi, or anybody for that matter with his own powers, just as his brother would. As he struggles with his thoughts, he finally decides to try and do something. This resulted in him getting injured, and we all know what happens when Nakahito gets hurt and Kurumi is around.

The fun of Steel Angel Kurumi goes up and down. We get a chance to see Kurumi being jealous, because of the things Saki and Nakahito did. Kurumi’s personality is really cute; therefore she gave me a few chuckles as I watched on. Saki on the other hand is still obsessed with the ’sisterly love.’ Is it a good thing or a bad thing? Because of this sisterly love, she ventured to Kyoto by herself to buy cinnamon cookies for Kurumi and wanted surprise her with it in the morning. She made it to Kyoto, but meets her little sister, Karinka (the Steel Angel blue print that Nakahito saw when he was in the basement of the mansion back in episode one).

Karinka has two angel hearts, making her comparable to Kurumi’s powers. From her body size she looks like she does not pack any power in her punch, but she easily defeats Saki and tortures her until Kurumi shows up. What I am confused about right about now is how come Karinka is able to be activated without being kissed? Hmm… It could be, because she was made by somebody else other than Dr. Ayanokouji. But that should not be… I thought the blue print of Karinka was the work of Dr Ayanokouji’s, so when she was made, it should be the same as Kurumi and Saki. Oh wells, I will try not to lose sleep over this. This question should be answered by the next volumes.

The Breakdown
How can you possibly not like a group of Steel Angels?