Archive for the 'Action' Category

Cowboy Bebop Vol. 2

Saturday, January 21st, 2006

Synopsis
The year is 2071 AD. That future is now. Driven out of their terrestrial eden, humanity chose the stars as the final frontier. With the section-by-section collapse of the former nations a mixed jumble of races and people came. They spread to the stars, taking with them the now confused concepts of freedom, violence, illegality and love, where new rules and new generation of outlaws came into being. People referred to them as Cowboy Bebops…

Review
The continuation of the series, episodes 6-10, which can be purchased for $29.99 on DVD (Ouch), is a great addition to any anime fans collection. The 2nd Session DVD follows the bebop crew on more crazy and insane chases and thrills and opens up more information about the bebop members. A musical prodigy, a space trucker, an energetic young crook, a hacker from Earth, and a mysterious woman from Jets past, this is not one to miss. 2nd Session, taking place directly after the confrontation between Spike and Vicious, with more mayhem and excitement as you follow the crew on further bounty hunting adventures. The story really starts to progress with each episode and slowly pull back the blinds on some mysteries that surround the characters, which draws the viewer in and engrosses them into the story. Volume 2 introduces of a new member to the Bebop crew, which unquestionably adds large amounts of craziness and comedy to the story, and adds some new flavor to the mix. I enjoyed these episodes as much as I did watching the first.

The Breakdown
Definitely one of my favorite anime series that I have ever seen and I really suggest checking it out.

Full Metal Panic!

Saturday, January 21st, 2006

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.

Gate Keepers Vol. 1: Open the Gate!

Saturday, January 21st, 2006

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!!!!

Berserk

Saturday, January 21st, 2006

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.

Divergence Eve Vol. 1: Welcome to the Watcher’s Nest

Wednesday, January 18th, 2006

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.