Animesou.com

Synopsis
Based on the manga by Kosuke Fujishima, Ah! My Goddess The Movie takes place three years after the OVA series. Celestine, the long lost teacher of Belldandy, released from his imprisonment, now resumes his rebellion against Yggdrasil. Using a virus, he disrupts the Goddess Network and erases all of Belldandy’s memories of Keiichi. Belldandy is given a second chance to choose her destiny whether to fight alongside her past friend or to reside on earth living with a mortal.

Review
To fully appreciate the movie requires having a background of the characters: the three sister goddesses Urd, Belldandy, and Skuld, the youngest sibling, all dwelling with Keiichi Morisato, a prominent member of the Nekomi Tech Motor Club. But even without an understanding of the series, the movie carries its own original storyline independent of the manga that is flexible, with flashback sequences seamlessly placed. The plot supplements the series revealing more about the origins of the goddesses, how life was like growing up in heaven, and further demonstrations of the goddesses’ magical powers reflected in the summoning of their spirit goddesses. In contrast to the OVA series, the movie carries a more romantic tone in a triangle between Keiichi and Belldandy, and Celestine and Belldandy, with slight traces of humor and action.
One of the noticeable highlights of the feature is in its animation, done by the same company that produced the third Tenchi Muyo movie. The cell composition is fluid with remarkably detailed backgrounds dramatically stressing for example the nighttime aura and shadows. The movie also incorporates computer graphic animation to produce an overall coherent effect, just enough so as not to detract from the visual art. The music is orchestrated to perfection. The songs themselves are angelic, often incorporating Latin verses and choir hymns.

The Breakdown
Breakdown
In contrast to the OVA series, the movie carries a more romantic tone in a triangle between Keiichi and Belldandy, and Celestine and Belldandy, with slight traces of humor and action.

Synopsis
Accompanying her best friend Yui to the National Library of Japan, Miaka is lured by the sound of the Susaku to an isolated section of the library. Miaka and Yui soon discover an ancient Chinese novel titled Shijin Ten Sho (’Four Gods of Heaven and Earth’). Upon reading, they are transported to the outskirts of medieval China. There Miaka is believed to be the Suzaku no Miko, the one who will bring peace to the land of Konan and make everyone’s wishes come true. She now finds herself on a quest to gather the seven Seishi and rescue Yui, who had been manipulated into becoming Miaka’s rival.

Review
Fushigi Yugi (’Mysterious Play’), a romantic comedy, was created by Yuu Watase as a shojo manga, targeted primarily for the female audience. The series mirrors recent anime productions such as Tenchi, Love Hina, and Nadesico where, in this case, the female lead is surrounded by young men who care for and are willing to pledge their lives to her. 52 episodes in length, it allows adequate character development and interaction of the much large cast: Yui and Miaka, the seven Susaku Seishi, the seven Seiryuu Seishi, Keisuke and Tetsuya, Taiitsukun and other minor roles. It also allows the viewer to grow an attachment to the characters’ personalities and even favor a particular character.
Like a drama, every episode unfolds into the next as one continuous stream. Missing one translates to missing a crucial plot element or even a twist that is built upon in the later episodes. Maximum appreciation of the series comes from watching beginning to end, without skipping. The comedy aspect through the use of chibi figures and farce liven up the serious tone, especially Tasuki’s persona. The musical interlay is well placed during turning points and key revelations, and the opening theme (Tokimeki no doukasen) reinforces the passionate production.

The Breakdown
v

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.

We’re running out of time fast, so if you’re looking to load up on Geneon titles (or reload), better act fast!   From now until January 15th, 2006 - get 33% OFF Retail price on ALL Geneon DVDs and UMDs! Also get 25% OFF Retail price on ALL CDs! How? Just use the following reusable coupon code when you check out through our online store:

Coupon Code: loadup
Expires: 1/15/06

Simon & Schuster, Inc., and VIZ Media, LLC. (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive manga and animation licensing and publishing companies, announced today that, Simon & Schuster, will handle domestic sales for all lines of books from VIZ Media’s book division effective January 2006.

(more…)

VIZ Media, LLC. (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive manga and animation licensing and publishing companies, has announced the highly anticipated launch of its latest anime series, and the first title in the SHONEN JUMP Home Video line, with the release of Volume 1 of HIKARU NO GO on DVD available in stores now. The debut volume contains four episodes, is rated ‘A’ for All Ages, and retails for $24.98.

(more…)