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Synopsis
If you were an anime fan in 1999 or 2000 then you’ve had to have heard of Cowboy Bebop. To some, this is considered to be the best animated series ever….Who am I to argue. I have to admit though, the first time I saw the main character, Spike, I though he was pretty goofy looking. But after a few minutes of viewing he was the coolest character I’ve ever seen. Enough about that. On to the DVD. For $29.99 (or maybe less in some places) you get five crystal clear episodes. What a deal! The VHS tapes only had two episodes apiece at $24.99.

Review
Session #1, ‘Asteroid Blues’, is a good introduction to Spike and his partner, Jet. They’re bounty hunters in the year 2071, where humans have moved to other planets and venture though space often. The ship they reside on is called Bebop. They deal with a drug called Red Eye. It’s pretty action packed and there’s a scene with a slow-mo effect that has to be seen to be believed.

Session #2, ‘Stray Dog Strut’, is a fun chase, after a dog!? What could they possibility want with a tiny little canine. It’s a much lighter story than the first but manages to how us how these characters interact with humorous stories and more serious tales.

Session #3, ‘Honky Tonk Women’, introduces us to ultra vixen, Faye Valentine. The only chick that can be cool and hot at the same time.

Session #4, ‘Gateway Shuffle’ We get more of Ms. Valentine and a family who’s value are…well, turning people into monkeys.

Session #5, ‘Ballard of Angels’ We meet Spikes rival, arch villain, Vicious. And that he is. But although he is Mr. Bad guy, he’s still soooo cool. As the conclusion of this disk, it couldn’t end better. All in all, the first disk is truly enjoyable viewing.

The Breakdown
If you haven’t seen Cowboy Bebop yet, what are you waiting for? It’s like taking a vacation…much needed.

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.

Synopsis
“Excel Saga” contains the chronically over-challenged and understaffed secret ideological organization of ‘Across’ (total membership: 2), whose goal is to conquer the city of F. It contains your complete daily requirements of Martian princesses, afro-wearing action heroes, authors, androgynous prisoners in iron masks, annoying roommates, removable moustaches and a generous supply of adorably cute aliens bent on galactic domination. “Excel Saga” contains on emergency food supply/singing dog and one Excel, the most certifiably insane teenage girl to ever walk the face of the planet.

Review
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The Breakdown
I truly thank ADV for bring this series over to the U.S. Excel Saga will provide a lot of laughs (just what I’ve been looking for since Onegai Teacher.)

Synopsis
When the plan to conquer the city isn’t going well, Lord Ilpalazzo doesn’t get mad, he just gets ACROSS…his crack team of Excel and Hyatt, that is. Of course, maybe this is one crack team of special agents that might be doing better if they weren’t actually on crack. And now that there’s a rival secret organization whose goal is to protect the city, things are going to be tougher than ever. Especially since their opponents may actually have a competent agent on their side! There’s lots of totally pointless violence and senseless mayhem ahead as opposing forces collide in the second sense-numbing volume of Excel.

Review
Excel, Hyatt and the whole Excel Saga crew is back and this time; they’re loaded with even more fun and laughter.

In volume two, ACROSS is still trying to conquer city F, our heroines Excel and Hyatt of course carries out the missions that Lord Llpalazzo has ordered. From raging Snow Mountains to dirty sewers, this volume is packed with comedy. Menchi is still as kawaii has he’s been; having emotional moments as Excel and Hyatt threatens to eat him. This DVD is also very funny itself, just pop in the DVD and click around the menus. The Menchi advertisements have got to be the wackiest thing to happen in a DVD menu (Alpha - high fives ADV for doing a nice job on the menu and the overall product).

Also there is an episode where only females are allowed on screen (hehe, never saw that before in an Anime). Anyways, you must see how Hyatt swims, or does she? The story development is the same; just fun stuff thrown at you. Pedro on the other hand is heart broken, after he finally finds out the truth of his wife’s feelings. If you have the first volume, you might as well buy the second volume and keep continuing on. You might get the story at the end, who knows.

MATTE!!! I’m not done, not without introducing the new female character that works for the city. I’ll have to give her an appropriate introduction or wells something really bad can happen. I introduce to you anime fans the pretty Misaki Matsuya

Gender: Female Age: 22 Years old

Notes: She doesn’t like flattering and a quarter British

Hobbies: Traveling alone Family: Parents, younger brother

Uses “-kun” to scoundrels

Misaki: Alpha-kun?….

Alpha: Uh oh! I forgot something… NOOOOOOOOOO!

Note: Something has happened to Alpha, he won’t be back. Not anytime soon.

The Breakdown
Volume two wasn’t as confusing as volume one, more comedy, more Puchuus, and more Excel than you can ever handle. ^_^;;

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.

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!!!!

Synopsis
The Ultimate Vampire Slayer meets the Ultimate Vampire!
Meet Mikami - the gorgeous leader of one of Japan’s most successful independent ghost-busting agencies. Together with her eclectic team of exorcists, she’s prepared to do battle with any supernatural adversary - for the right price. But when an ancient spirit enlists her aid to deal with a re-incarnated foe, Mikami gets more than she bargained for. As the wicked Nosferatu - a vampire lord able to absorb the very life essence of his victims, begins to turn the city’s inhabitants into mindless zombies, Mikami’s team must race against time to save the world from a second Dark Age. Watch the ultimate Vampire slayer in this supernatural action-adventure based on the long-running manga series by Takashi Shiina!

Review

The Breakdown
Truly a classic, now Manga, how about bringing on the series!

Synopsis
In the aftermath of a World War II bombing, two orphaned children struggle to survive in the Japanese countryside. To Seita and his four-year-old sister, the helplessness and indifference of their countrymen is even more painful than the enemy raids. Through desperation, hunger and grief, these children’s lives are as heartbreakingly fragile as their spirit and love is inspiring.

Review
Grave of the Fireflies is by far THE saddest anime I’ve ever seen. As it has been stated in the synopsis (if you have read) you should know that the setting of this movie is in World War II. In WWII, lives were lost and property was destroyed. Now here comes our characters, Seita a teenager (I’d say around 16-18) and his sister, Setsuko a four year-old girl. Before viewing Grave of the Fireflies, I’ve asked a few that have seen it. On the Animesou Boards, quite a few people said Grave of the Fireflies was the saddest anime. In order to believe them, I checked it out myself. And……….

Grave of the Fireflies, is an emotional anime. Which will make you feel sad in your heart. WWII wasn’t one of the best times to live in Japan. One day, the Americans unleashed the bombs and the civilians ran for shelters. Seita along with Setsuko was going to meet their mother at the shelter. Things happen, and their mother dies from the burns she has suffered from the bombing. Seita and Setsuko begins their journey to their aunt’s place and later on moves out and live by themselves. Seita, doing what ever he could. Such as, trading in his mother’s collection of kimono and what ever he can trade for food he traded.

Symbolism is used in Grave of the Fireflies. Fireflies to me symbolizes life. How fragile it can be. When Setsuko accidentally squashed a firefly it kind of relates to how easily life can be lost in WWII. The same symbolism occurs when Setsuko was burying the dead fireflies that the sister and brother used as a light source for their “house.” Overall Grave of the Fireflies is a must watch. Lets put it this way. You don’t know what a sad anime is without watching this.

The Breakdown
I guess the Animesou boards was right. Grave of the Fireflies is THE saddest anime ever created that I’ve seen and I’m sure a lot of people who have viewed this anime will agree with me too.

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.

Synopsis
Based on the video game bearing the same title and produced by Hideo Katsumata, Arc the Lad is the tale about Elk, a young bounty hunter, who has been blessed by the Spirit of Fire. Responding to a distress call on board a hijacked air ship, Elk rescues a mysterious girl, Lieza, and her wolf companion Pandit. The three uncover a series of government conspiracies where grotesque, chimera experiments are conducted on children with the powers of the Sacred Spirits, of which Elk had escaped from. In the middle of it all is Arc, whom Elk believes is responsible for the destruction of his village and parents.

Review
Arc the Lad takes place in a composite setting where you have traces of fantasy, rural towns, and ancient temples and palaces mixed with modern day cities and its slums. This theme is carried throughout the series. The forces of light are dressed in traditional attire with the fighters in armor, the women in robes, and Shu and Toshu as a ninja and samurai respectively. Arc, Elk, and Lieza wield strong magical powers. The Silver Noah, Arc’s airship, alludes to final fantasy. The forces of darkness employ a more present day outlook, for example Galuano, the mayor, riding in his limousine and communicating via cell phone. But, they too fly in airships, Clive and Andel cast dark magic, and have armies of monsters.
The series can be divided into four parts. Episodes 1-13 develop the character of Elk and resolve his past experiences at the “White House.” From 13 ending at 26 are the recapture of Smeria and Andel’s retreat, Elk’s silence, and finally the defeat of Clive. The first half of the series is distinguished plot wise in comparison to the later half with an exposition of Shu finding the famished Elk, ( ED. - well you gotta see it). The second half is not as dramatic and suspenseful as the first but nevertheless concludes the series. One thing to mention is that although the title may have been taken from the video game, it is not entirely appropriate for naming the anime series. It should have been labeled “Elk the Lad” or “Arc and the Lad” for we see through the eyes of Elk and side with him even at those moments when Elk goes out of control and is obsessed with revenge.

The Breakdown
The second half is not as dramatic and suspenseful as the first but nevertheless concludes the series.