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Synopsis
I should say the beginning of this anime is more confusing than my entire home theatre’s wiring. I was at times impressed with the animation and at times I despised it. Some scenes with the church theme had the stained glass effect but there was color change also, which caused me to get dizzy and sick. Blaaaah! ^_^ Now, to the anime.

Review
This anime is set in the future. The main character, Kyosuke Date, has the power to mutate and become a powerful mutant. He sets out to find his long lost sister, at the same time, there are ‘Flickers’ that he is destined to save. The ‘Flickers’ are soul fragments of his sister. If he finds them all, they will lead him to his sister (Runa Date). Episode one is really cruel, I felt really bad for the first ‘Flicker’ (Maya). You’ll see why when you watch.
Animation on the other hand is very nice. The mutant codenamed ‘The SoulTaker’ has one of the best designs I’ve seen. (After all he is the main character ^_^) The action scenes featured a lot of guns and explosions, via satellite bomb or what ever that was, and some other advanced technologies.

The series got better as it progressed to episode three. I will continue investing in this series, simply because I don’t leave my series uncompleted.

The Breakdown
Hmm… I think Pioneer knew that volume one will confusing the hell out of us so they released the limited edition encyclopedia with volume one just to clear things up. While you may be impressed with animation and sound, you will not like how the story develops.

Synopsis
Street Fighter is a name I hold dear to my heart. It single handedly started the one on one fighting frenzy that revitalized the arcade industry in the early 90’s. It also revolutionized the way video games were made. A game with such commercial success it spawned toys, a Hollywood movie (that stared Jean Claude Van Damme and sucked big time.), two animated movies, an anime TV series, and an American cartoon (I think it went by the name of ‘G. I. Joe’… oh wait, that was something else). They’ve all had a sort of hit or miss success rate which brings me to the animated OAV, Street Fighter Alpha.

Review
The character design stays true to the video game series it’s based on. Complete with big hands, feet and all. The story is about everyone’s favorite lone wanderer, Ryu and his long time friend Ken Masters. Their reunion is interrupted by the arrival of Shun, a boy who says he is Ryu’s long lost brother whom he’s never met. As of late, Ryu has been battling himself from within to overcome the power of the Dark Hadou threatening to take him over. (Dark Hadou is the dark side of the dangerous technique he and Ken learned) Shun has this power also. Before Ryu even has the chance to consider that the boy may actually be his brother. Shun is kidnapped by the evil organization of Shadowlaw. So not only does Ryu have to overcome the power of the Dark Hadou, he must rescue Shun. That’s not all! Will Ryu still have what it takes to confront the Master of the Dark Hadou himself, Akuma? Well I can’t tell you. Find out yourself.

The Breakdown
Not my favorite Street Fighter show but what can I say, if you like
Dragonball Z then this is for 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
THE BLACK GATE
The Shadow commandeers the Tokyo Tower and broadcast paranormal frequencies at 10,000 times the normal strength! The AEGIS commander scrambles the Gate Keepers to deal with the threat but Ruriko and Megumi remain missing. Unfortunately, the Gate Keepers are unable to stop the awakening of sleeper Invaders from all over Japan and the Shadow seizes control of the government! The fate of Japan rests on the shoulders of AEGIS, but even the HQ has been compromised. Only surprising revelations can provide the glimmer of hope necessary for survival!

Review
Gate Keepers, 24 episodes, spanning through 8 DVDs has finally come to an end. Pioneer Animation sure made us pay a lot for Gate Keepers, but I’d say it was worth it. Anyways, Ruriko was captured since last volume, but in this finale, Megumi uses her Gate powers to alter Ruriko’s Gate of Life into the Gate of Massacre! Shadow on the other hand is in complete control of the Invaders; even those 2 leader types that lost their body earlier in the series as a result from a fight with Ukiya and the Gate Robot.

In this volume, we see Shadow’s background. He’s had some rough times when he was a kid. Because of his Gate ability, he was able to predict the future. After his father died for not listening to him, he became an orphan, a homeless kid running around being harassed by adults; saying he was a jinx and kids didn’t want to play with him because they didn’t want him to read their minds. Things like this can really mess up a kids mind so parents please be aware! :P

Everything is revealed, the real reason why Ukiya’s father died and who’s love feelings to who. It’s all-cool in the mix, oh and how can we forget Bancho. He has some Gate power that’s similar to another Gate Keeper. Can you guess who? Finally, Gate Keepers did came to a good end and next up is Gate Keepers 21 OVA. It is completely different from the series.

The Breakdown
Great ending, I’m really looking forward to the OVA. Gate Keepers 21, based on a more modern time period (2000’s) and a whole new story, but Yukino is still there……..

Synopsis
The Hellsing Organization’s war against the undead intensifies! The organization suffers major losses in battle and Arucard must confront the deadly Paladin Alexander from Iscariot again! Then, the stakes are raised as the prepares to face one of the original undead - and Integra fights for her life against her own sister?!

Review
Hellsing keeps surprising me with more action, excitement and story development. In this installment of Hellsing, volume 3, a cool fighting scene occurs between Arucard and the Vatican father guy (sorry didn’t catch his name). After all the action, we find out more about the chips that created ‘freaks’ or artificial vampires. A person from the MI-5 by the name of Harry Anders finds Seras, and talks her into going with him to visit Helena’s house.

Helena is a young vampire girl, but don’t let the looks fool you, because she’s been living for quite some time. Helena tells Seras and Harry that, without an original there can’t be replicas or artificials. What Helena said led up to episode 9 where we meet the original vampire, Incognito. Arucard battles with Incognito as Integra’s little sister does the freaky on her. Before the volume comes to a close, Integra suicides and is on the floor ‘dead’ I put quotes, because who knows if she’s really dead.

The Breakdown
In my opinion nothing can compare to Hellsing right now in the vampire genre. And just 4 DVDs. Hey, that’s a pretty good deal!

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
The shocking appearance of an alien version of the Nirvana crushes the Nirvana’s attack on an alien mother ship! As the battle continues, severe injuries to key personnel cause tempers to flare as the humans become more desperate. Then a valiant sacrifice inspires the crew’s resolve to challenge the aliens and leads to a new Vandread evolution! Meanwhile, the male-female tension continues to provide distractions and entertainment that helps the crew cope with their stressful situation.

Review
In volume two, Sacrifice, we get a lot of action from the Vandread crew. Episode five and six gives the background of Gascogne, a character that is sometimes neglected. As the crew was going through their normal routines, suddenly the enemy attacks and the fighters dispatch. After being dominated, they retreat back to the Nirvana for some talks. With Jura hurt, and everyone sad, Barnette questions Gascogne, then blames Hibiki, and Meia comes in and gives her mind to Hibiki.

Finally the enemy catches up with the Nirvana and attacks, with the crew sulking, they decide that they are going to fight back. With some success they continue, but Barnette gets into a little trouble, Gascogne, the stagehand saves her and then tries to take out the Vandread-Dita replica. Sacrificing herself, she takes it to the enemy’s mother ship. AHH!!! So many climatic moments, the crew, back in the Nirvana desperately tries to find Gascogne’s signal, but they could not detect anything.

The crew finally plans something out and uses Pyoro to do the job. After a few more scenes, we are introduced to Super Vandread or all the dreads combined with the vanguard. Overall volume two is good, it gives background of Gascogne and spices it up with action and dramatic moments. And when you are getting tired of all the action, we get a dose of a fun episode where Misty chases Hibiki around and Dita showing her emotions to Hibiki, but also at the same time the last episode of this volume shows why Misty do things she do and Hibiki’s feelings towards Dita! WoooHooo!

The Breakdown
Vandread: Turbulence is out now in Japan, check it out at CD Japan! I heard it was limited!

Synopsis
The latest Patlabor installment is the third theatrical feature in the extremely popular animated movie series. The movie was directed by Fumihiko Takayama (Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket). Screenplay by Tori-Miki, the cult Manga artist, and the animation part was produced by studio Madhouse, with Yu Debuchi overseeing the whole production. Set in Tokyo in the year 2000, the sci-fi show centers on a human drama against the backdrop of the worst Labor-related crime in history. -CDJapan

Review
Patlabor, Patlabor, Patlabor, it certainly has been a while, has it not? Ever since 1993, when the theatrical release of Patlabor 2: The Movie. Now you come back with WX III: Patlabor The Movie 3. Anyways, the story behind this movie is, a new terror is in town, and it was the work of a human. This monster (WX III - Wasted thirteen) is made up of cancer cells and a substance called ‘Nishiwakitrophin.’ The creator used cancer cells, because they grow rapidly, why the NishiwakitrophinEno idea, did not catch it when they mentioned it or something.

Now that the monster has run loose (as always). It is destroying property, eating people and sea creatures. Who does everyone turn to? Not to the labors. The labors played a small roll, but still they looked amazing. The Ingram was there!!! I love the Ingram. Moving right along, we have a lot of dialogues, enough to put you to sleep (Putting me to sleep is pretty difficult, I got what they call ‘Animensomia.’ The animation was very impressive; at one scene of the movie there was a landscape that looked photo realistic! There were some 3D CGs used, and it made the movie more interesting, but still WX III lacked action, which in my opinion ‘killed’ it. The story was definitely there, after all, there was dialogues after another, which helped the viewers, understand the movie.

WX III is not something that you would want to watch out of the blue. It certainly will be a must for Patlabor fans. There are few action scenes in between dialogues, but the main focused action scene was the last one where, the labors were brought into the show for the first time in the movie! Now, why name it Patlabor The Movie 3 if the labors are going to star for the final 10 minutes? ^_^;;

The Breakdown
Whoa! A R2 DVD from Japan has English subtitles? That is a first for me. The price is pretty high. 7800 Yen (US$ 63.49) for the Regular edition and 12800 Yen (US$ 104.19) for the Special edition.
WX III is licensed by Pioneer Animation in the U.S. and will be hitting streets in R1 format on April 8, 2003 in both Regular and Special editions.

Synopsis
When a mysterious energy field is found on the planet of Milocinia, a survey party is dispatched to investigate. Upon landing, Claude and the rest of the party discover a gigantic dome-shaped building. The interior of the dome appears to have been devastated by enormous explosions. All that remains inside are pieces of broken equipment and a mysterious device. While Ronixis, Claude’s father, and the rest of the survey team cautiously attempt to examine the object from afar, Claude becomes impatient and approaches the object. Suddenly, a powerful force takes hold of Claude. A blinding flash fills the room. When it subsides, Claude is nowhere to be found…

Review
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The Breakdown
A must see for anyone who played the game. The anime is just as if you had the controller in your hand playing the RPG, going from town to town recruiting people.