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Synopsis
Kaname and Sousuke are back in action! And this time, the battleground is the school ground! High-yield explosives and hilarity come together with a bang as the somber soldier and his unwitting target brave everything from lovesick “terrorists” to an unforgiving teacher who is bent on revenge. But as good as he is with guns, Sousuke is one clueless commando when it comes to girls – especially Kaname! Don’t miss the hilarious antics of everyone’s favorite military manic – and Jin High’s most fiery female – as the full-throttle action begins!

Review
Roll out the Dave Chappelle’s “Wrap-it-up” box because it is over. This has to be the best comedy of the year, hands down, no doubts about it. Just watching this show got me on the floor dying from laughter (if that can really happen). Man, this series is fun and very amusing. There is just no better way to put it. For those who do not know, Fumoffu is a different approach to what you would expect from Full Metal Panic. It emphasizes on pure laughs and fun filled scenes from beginning to end, episode to episode. And that is where I have to give out props. It is a flawless transition from all that fighting to the normal days of life for a high school student. You would not even stop to question yourself if you are really watching “Full Metal Panic,” because it does not matter. What matters are the pains you will be developing in your stomach from all that laughing you will be doing upon coming into close contact with Fumoffu.

Now where do we start? I mean, we all have been longing for a sequel to Full Metal Panic and although it is not quite like the original, I will still take it. Oh and by the way, the second season of Full Metal Panic should be airing on Japanese television soon. It will be a while before it gets to the United States, but I can wait, there are so much more anime that I need to watch and review. ARGH! Okay, back to Fumoffu. I just cannot stop boasting about the joy that I get from this series. It is wonderful, fantastic, awesome, amazing, and etc. You get the idea.

The show maintains a consistency through out the first volume. The episodes are well planned. And depending on what kind of anime fan you are. This is probably the best anime money can buy now, because you are guaranteed to get what you paid for; a bunch of laughs, and a thrill of a life time to experience something so damn good. Come release date, I can just see copies of this show flying off the shelves. :)

The Breakdown
Full Metal Panic? Fumoffu leaves me speechless. The humor was one of the best that I have seen lately. I definitely suggest you look out for the release of this title. If you miss it… do not worry, Bonta-kun will get you. Fo’ sho’.

Synopsis
Salaryman Kintaro Part 1 deals with former biker gang leader, Kintaro joining the Yamato Construction Corporation and introduces the characters as well as looking back to his days of leaving a biker gang. It also shows him beginning to be accepted as a gang leader within the corporation despite his unorthodox methods and takes time to suggest romantic involvements.

Review
Salaryman Kintaro has a feel of Great Teacher Onizuka. It is laid out so well. I liked the continuous growth that this show contains. Yajima Kintaro, a biker gang leader decides to go clean after he marries his wife. But things were not all that bright when she dies after giving birth you their son, Ryuta. Kintaro, whom is a righteous person, keeps his promise to his wife and at the same time lives up to his dream to be a white collar salaryman. Right off the bat, we get to see what Kintaro is all about; assisting others while not caring for what happens to himself.

The GTO comparison draws near as you watch Salaryman Kintaro. It is a hyping experience. Kind of like how Ray Lewis gets his team all ready to play on Sundays. I mean, this series gets you to a point where you wish you were as cool as Kintaro. The comedy in this show is great. The atmosphere is very clear. The moment you watch it you know you are in for some good anime.

The thing about Salaryman Kintaro is that it is a smooth transition from your eyes to your mind. It is like one of those things that you get familiar with as soon as you come in contact with it. The story is very attractive. If you are a fan of GTO, then this is as close to that genre as it gets. Ex-biker gang leader, goes straight and tries to make a difference around his surroundings. Man, I am impressed with this anime and will continue to look forward to it. You should definitely too!

The Breakdown
Most fans who see this title would probably just continue to look on. But that is the biggest mistake anyone can commit. Salaryman Kintaro is very entertaining. Two thumbs up!

Synopsis
Enter the world of Gilgamesh. Where the sky has been turned into a psychedelic mirror and civilization is only a shadow of its former self. Where beautiful assassins transform into terrifying winged creatures. Where children are born with amazing powers. And where a brother and sister are hunted by organizations with dark agendas. Gorgeous animation, breakthrough character designs, and stunning visuals make this suspenseful, addictive tale of mystery, magic, and espionage the first gothic anime masterpiece of the new millennium.

Review
Gilgamesh. This title here resembles both X and Hellsing. The character designs are definitely like Hellsing, whereas the story is more like X. The show for the first two episodes moves extremely slow. I could not stand it heh. What I got out of the episodes that I have view is that after a terrorist attack, the Earth no longer has a sky; it is replaced by a constant mirror like barrier. Also as a result of the attack, computers died like what was anticipated to happen with “Y2K.” With the various issues that were developed by the attack the world took a significant change towards to exactly what the subtitle of this volume suggests; Apocalypse.

Gilgamesh did not impress me, there was not a scene or a string of scenes that make me say, “Wow,” or “This is going to be something special.” As I was watching it, I was more towards saying, “Hurry up,” or “When is it going to be over?” :). The synopsis suggests that Gilgamesh is a gothic anime and that is as advertised people. This dark theme anime with Gackt wannabe characters has some potential, but I would not recommend it, unless you are a fan of titles that feature vampire like monsters, a constant night background. That is right; I do not think I saw one scene with any sunlight… maybe at the beginning before the terrorist attack.

The plot revolves around a pair of siblings. Whose purpose has yet to be revealed. Although I can assume that they will somehow give this show many twists. After I finished watching Gilgamesh, I began to read the introduction to the series included with the screener and after that, I understood the anime much more. But still, with only two episodes seen so far, I cannot make a full assessment of this show. As it lies now, I believe it is a disappointment.

The Breakdown
Gilgamesh is an anime that makes you choose sides as you go. You might side with one group now, but another group later. That sounds like X, but X started out better. Gilgamesh did not make an impact on me, and that is just too bad :(.

Synopsis
WARNING!!! THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THIS REVIEW IS NOT SUITABLE FOR PEOPLE UNDER THE AGE OF 18. FOR MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY!!!

A half-year has passed, and it has been decided that Kanenone academy will be a co-ed high school next academic year. Winter has ended and spring is on its way. Midori’s energetic presence can still be felt in the hearts of Yuusuke and Futaba-chan…

Review
Green Green Erolution continues where the 12 episode Green Green TV series left off. Futaba is eager to see her boyfriend Yuusuke but neither of them has yet to confess that they love one another. Wakaba and Sanae tag along to reminisce their past experiences with Chigusa-sensei supervising. Unlike the TV series, Erolution or episode 13 is a 30-minute hentai.

The official Japanese site can be found at http://www.starlink.co.jp/grgr13/ where you’ll find a 24 MB trailer, scrollable thumbnails, and the 1MB ending theme song.

The Breakdown
The hilarious conclusion to the Green Green TV series.

Synopsis
The story of Romeo and Juliet is well known, a man and woman who fell in love from a time distant. But in those days their love was forbidden. Fate was against them as both ended their lives in suicide. Yuusuke and Midori, a similar couple, promised that they would be reborn again, reunite with each other, get married, and live happily ever after. Can one’s destiny truly be changed?

Review
Green Green (or Guri Guri for short) is based off of the first out of the total three PC dating simulation H-games developed by Groover and released in October 2001. The high school Kanenone translates to Sound of Bell. Yuusuke is able to date the five girls: Midori, Chigusa-sensei, Futaba, Wakaba, and Sanae. Why did the developers decide to name the game/series Green Green in the first place? The main heroine Midori means green in Japanese and she does have green eyes. The girl’s school uniforms feature a green skirt and tie. The color green is associated with nature, leaves, scenery, and lushness. In english, green also describes youth, immaturity, and inexperience. These themes are apparent as the boys attempt to cast off their bonds and become adults during this monthly encounter with the girls.

The CORRECT Japanese website can be found at http://www.ponycanyon.co.jp/greengreen/ (ANN never got around to updating the page location). There you’ll find episode summaries coupled with screenshots, character profiles, cast list, DVD and CD covers, and other links.

The Breakdown
Just for fun, the real life Kanenone girls!

Synopsis
Poisoned by toxic waste, a young woman begins to deform… or transform. Black Jack operates and discovers that she might be evolving fishlike properties. Is his patient transforming into a mermaid?

Review
Short and sweet, that is what Black Jack has been through out. The synopsis of the DVD just shows exactly what this title is; No essay long bullcrap, just watch and appreciate. And appreciate I will. In this volume, a city is infected with a disease due to the pollution of the water by greedy corporations that only care about the money and not of the safety of the public. Black Jack comes in to help a group of doctors after being asked to join in the discussions and become a member of the group with a focus of finding an end to the disease that has aroused due to the pollution of the water.

In this city, haunted by a love story between a mermaid and a human, comes a mysterious girl whom has no parents, relatives and worst of all, no recollection of her past. So how does Black Jack continue to help her? Her inability to obtain a medical card to treat her disease was because she cannot provide the people with the information required to get one. And so, out of kindness, Black Jack treats the girl even though he is not going to get paid for it.

In this volume of Black Jack, the ending seems kind of awkward in that it feels like the door is left wide open. There really is not a closing to the chapter and it just ended like there was nothing more to it. Strange, but still enjoyable as Black Jack continues to lure viewers into his mysterious medical world!

The Breakdown
I am running out of things to say about Black Jack in a hurry laugh out loud ahahaha.

Synopsis
Among the five star systems known as the Joker Systems, there are many kingdoms, each under the protection of valiant knights that control massive robots called Headliners. Bound to the knights are fatimas. Human in appearance and mind, the fatimas possess expanded physical capabilities and make it possible to control a Headliner. The  Five Star Stories follows the ascension of two such fatimas - Clotho and Lachesis, the latest and greatest creations of famous fatima designer, Dr. Ballache - each on the verge of their ceremonial unveiling to the world of the God of Light, Amaterasu, and his Mirage Knights.

Review
Well, this is an interesting little nugget of a film. An anime adaptation of a very very long running manga series by Mamoru Nagano (currently unavailable in the US), The Five Star Stories is a 70 minute long adaption of the first volume (or volumes, I’m not sure how much has been covered in these 70 minutes, though I’m told it adapts the manga to a tee, so I imagine they didn’t animate too much of the manga). What’s presented here is a small tidbit of what one could expect from a much larger story. It’s a very cohesive tale, but doesn’t go anywhere. When it wraps up, the board has been set for, say, a long TV series or something similar. But instead, it just ends, and there’s no animated sequel of any kind. Think of this as a pilot to a television series, or a long commercial to goad us into buying the manga (it worked, I want it). Unfortunately, this was made back in 1989, so I think it’s doubtful to expect some sort of continuation of the story.

Which is a real shame, since what’s presented here is really interesting. It introduces us into this whole new world (the Joker Galaxy), which has it’s own rules, solar systems, machines, politics, etc etc. They properly and slowly introduce all of this, and I liked what I saw. The only problem is, it ends too quickly, as I said earlier. This could have been really great, and it’s no wonder the manga is so popular.

There’s not much more I can elaborate on. The story (even in this short OVA), is very detailed, and to try and explain it would only confuse you. I do recommend people check it out, only if to see a nice, old-school anime done right, at the peak of the 80’s anime industry before the anime bubble burst.

The Breakdown
I’m really glad I was able to see this after all the controversy of it having been lost from existence. I had heard the premise of the manga story and ever since couldn’t wait to see the short anime adaptation (since the manga isn’t available here). I was lucky enough that ADV did license and release it, and I’m pleased to say I wasn’t dissapointed. I only wish someone would license the manga and bring that over to the US as well, because I want to know where this story heads. I hope people give this a shot, more of this needs to come over here and be licensed, but that’ll only happen if releases such as this sell well.

Synopsis
Seiji ‘Mad Dog’ Sawamura is the ultimate high-school punk. With his upper-strong, invincible right hand, he can punch through cement walls and lay waste to entire street gangs. But street cred comes with a high price - every girl in school is absolutely terrified of him! Just when he thinks he is doomed to forever date imaginary girlfriends, Seiji’s right hand becomes an actual girl! Midori Kasugano wished she could be by Seiji’s side… but ended up somehow attached to his wrist. Seiji’s fighting days may be over, but his girl-trouble days are about to begin!!

Review
Ever wonder what it would be like if your right hand suddenly became a cute living doll sized girl? That is the problem our friend Seiji is having here. The man who everyone fears because of his ‘delinquent’ ways, and the man who has been rejected by twenty girls in his life, now has his own girl problems to deal with; a girl who loves him… but the problem is, she is his right hand. Before you go thinking some ecchi things, Midori is really a girl :P.

Midori Days volume one is very entertaining. But at times it makes you think, is it supposed to be this smooth? It is like there is nothing stopping Midori from doing what she is. Usually in anime like these, a character with the characteristics of Midori usually misses her family after a while and whatnot, but what we have here, is a one time thing. Midori’s family was only shown in one episode and that was it. Nothing was touched on them any further, although I would be surprised if it continued that way onto volume two or three.

I like Midori Days, it caught my attention from the start with Seiji’s fighting capabilities and then his personality, which is similar to a lot of other anime that features a main character who knows how to fight, but at the same time is not a punk about it. I guess it all comes back down to Midori, whom is the engine that makes everything run. Her carefree attitude is so adorable. I wonder why she could not do the same thing to Seiji when she was human. Man I want to see more of it already! And the only bad thing is that I cannot complain, because there are five episodes with a run time of one hundred twenty five minutes in this volume! Sigh…

The things that this show possesses are great. The comedy here is well done, and it is just about what you can expect from any other shounen title. The plot currently is all happy-go-lucky, but I am pretty confident that it will take on a more serious route later on. Media Blasters deserve a lot of props for bringing fans a series that will most certainly be on my top tens’ list. High five Anime Works!

The Breakdown
This anime piece we have here has about everything you would expect from a title of its genre. Its unique approach is amusing and just lovely.

Synopsis
Twelve powerful corporations run the entire planet. And the most powerful company – Ashurum – will do anything they can to maintain control. To subject the renegade city of Gald, they will infiltrate a cadre of enemy guerillas. When one of their prized psychic agents goes missing, no cost is too high to return him to their dark fold – whether that means sending in a cyborg assassin, reprogramming one of his friends, or enlisting two newer, even more powerful psychics into company. Enter a world where every though wields terrifying energy – and where any life can be viciously wasted in the pursuit of power.

Review
In this volume of E’s Otherwise I sense that the story has really gone down in pace. Volume two contained mostly of side episodes and took its focus away from the main theme. While it was alright that E’s Otherwise did that, but it should somehow give a little bit of the main stuff to the viewers to keep them up to date. I would rather it give me a small dose of information towards the true story rather than tossing me a load to learn later on in an episode or two.

Okay, let us take our vision away from what I have stated above and look at this volume by itself and not collectively. Volume two does not show E’s Otherwise’s best, but it manages to stay entertaining; Kind of like just grinding it out for the viewers. If you have not seen volume one, you probably would not have even known that it was a more serious anime than it displays. What we have here is like a regular drama anime. It is up until the last episode of this volume that the outlook begins to change.

The anticipation built up for the next volume is crazy high as Shin Lu has finally awoken from her little coma in this volume. I hope she meets Kai again and beat some sense into him. His optimistic ways of looking at situations regarding to Ashurum annoys me like crazy. Argh.

The Breakdown
I have this special fondness towards E’s Otherwise, so no matter what I will be looking forward to volume three!

Synopsis
In the 21st century, the evil organization Galactor has its sights set on global conquest. Their use of tyrannical terrorism and high-tech mayhem has the world in the clutches of fear! The only thing standing in the way of complete global dominance is the International Science Organization (ISO) and its chief scientist, Professor Kozaburou Nambu. Dr. Nambu’s primary weapon in the fight for freedom is his top secret experiment: the five kids who make up the Science Ninja Team. Bird, go!

Review
Let us go back, back, waaaay back to a time period in which the anime titled Gatchaman was the best thing to happen in anime. This show somehow delivers an old school feeling that refreshes your mind. And guess what? The English track is not bad at all! It is probably the best that I have heard in a while. I guess English dubs always work for old anime, because they do not look much different from American cartoons.

The animation of Gatchaman compared to the anime today is like night and day, but that is of course, expected due to the time period in which it was created. ADV Films does a nice job in getting Alex Ross (known for his works on DC and Marvel Comics) to do the DVD covers for this release. Man it is awesome how they look, I’m salivating over it. Even though Gatchaman might be old, but it is an anime that deserves respect for its accomplishments built up over the years. Everyone has seen or heard it; hence it was a piece that helped get anime out there.

This series is very cool. I loved the fact that each episode connects to each other like the next link on a chain. It creates an atmosphere so that you do not get lost out in La La land or whatever. The action of Gatchaman can be funny at times, because of the strange things they do, but hey, if that is what people digged back in the day, then it is fine with me; I certainly got a few good chuckles over it.

Gatchaman is a classic no matter how you look at it. It was nice to have an opportunity to appreciate this uncut version of this anime. For the Gatchaman fans, this is a must have. For the casual fans, this is a you should check it out title, not a you shall check it out title.

The Breakdown
Gatchaman is a nice break from all the typical modern day anime. As I have mentioned earlier. Gatchaman is a great refreshing experience and a great show overall.