guide to review anime manga

Erotic Manga: Draw Like the Experts (Paperback)

2008-12-10T14:27:00.000-08:00

ditorial Reviews

Product Description

With its adult-oriented themes, Erotic Manga is perfect for grown-up fans of Japanese comics, as well as aficionados of adult art.

This book is a comprehensive guide that will teach artists of all levels, from beginner to advanced, the basics of creating characters from shonen and soft-core, hentai comics. This book includes an easy step-by-step tutorial for progressing from initial black-and-white sketch to final color piece, accompanied by practical suggestions, hints, and tips.

About the Author
Estudio Joso is a leading anime school and studio specialising in comic and manga illustration

Product Details

Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Collins Design; English Language Ed edition (August 15, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0060893222
ISBN-13: 978-0060893224
Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 8.5 x 0.9 inches

The Manga Bible: From Genesis to Revelation (Paperback)

2008-12-10T14:26:00.000-08:00

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
One wouldn't imagine that Siku, onetime artist for postmodern bloodfest Judge Dredd, would be the ideal choice for a manga-style graphic novel adaptation of the Bible, but not many pages have passed before it becomes clear that the Bible is, in fact, the perfect material for him. This audacious little book doesn't make much effort to be authoritative and include every last Old Testament begatting or bloody massacre. Instead Siku presents jazzy and irreverent riffs on the good book, leaping brazenly over whole reams of material and scattering behind numerous Want to Know More tags directing readers to more explanatory chapter and verse. The action is breezy and flip, drawn in a sharp and Anglicized manga style. The dialogue is not just laced with humorously incongruous Britishisms (My maths has never been very good!) but with slangy passages worthy of the CW Network (Cain to Abel, Whassup, bro?). Although the book (already a hit in the U.K.) is being released via Doubleday's Galilee imprint and is clearly targeted at youthful believers, it makes little attempt to sanitize the grottier aspects of the source material, as witnessed in the scene where a crowd of Sodom's citizens bellow, Bring out those men so that we can rape them! (Jan.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Escaflowne: Anime Legends Complete Collection (2000)

2008-12-10T14:21:00.000-08:00

Product Details

Actors: Shinichirô Miki, Jôji Nakata, Maaya Sakamoto, Tomokazu Seki, Mayumi Iizuka
Directors: Kazuki Akane, Yoshiyuki Takei
Writers: Kazuki Sekine, Ryota Yamaguchi
Producers: Jerry Chu, Ken Iyadomi, Kumi Kiyonari, Masahiko Minami
Format: Animated, Box set, Color, Dolby, DTS Surround Sound, DVD-Video, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
Language: English, Japanese
Subtitles: English
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Number of discs: 8
Rating:
Studio: Bandai
DVD Release Date: April 11, 2006
Run Time: 653 minutes

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Although it didn’t fare well on Fox Kids, Escaflowne has a large, loyal following, perhaps because this sprawling fantasy offers the ingredients of classic mecha, sword-and-sorcery and magical girl adventures. After psychic teen-ager Hitomi has a vision of a man battling a dragon, Prince Van of Fanelia and a dragon materialize. He slays the monster and transports Hitomi to the mysterious world of Gaea. An odd mixture of advanced technology and medieval culture, Gaea has links to ancient Atlantis. A typical romantic triangle develops, involving Hitomi, diamond-in-the-rough Van and ideal knight Allen Schezar. The saga attains a Byzantine complexity when the trio is captured by Zaibach Emperor Dornkirk--who is actually Sir Isaac Newton. He's at work on a machine that will enable him to create alternate destinies for Gaea. At times, the story by Hajime Yatate and Shoji Kawamori seems to be careening out of control, as Hitomi whines and the supporting characters appear, disappear and undergo radical personality changes. The most serious flaw is the failure of any of the heroes to defeat the evil Dornkirk, who has dispatched murderous doppelgangers, conducted sadistic experiments on kidnapped children and attempted to subjugate an entire planet. But the combination ofteen-age romance, fantastic robot-suits ("guymelefs"), elaborate battles, hystroinic villains and a world-threatening challenge has made Escaflowne a favorite among otaku. The feature, released theatrically in the US in 2002, repeated much of the story. Rated 13 and up for animated violence. --Charles Solomon

Product Description
Hitomi Kanzaki is a typical high school girl, with typical high school problems. But when a vision of a young man battling a dragon becomes a reality, her life changes forever. Drawn into a strange vortex with the swordsman, Van, Hitomi is thrust into the strange world of Gaea. Entangled in a struggle over life and death, Van must learn to master the suit of armor, Escaflowne. Chased by the Empire of Azibach, Van and Hitomi will encounter both allies and enemies in an effort to unlock the secrets within Escaflowne. Hitomi's heart is stirred by love and adventure, but at times aches with sorrow. The entire 26 episode epic series in one package. Genre: Action/Romance/Fantasy

Spirited Away (2001)

2008-12-10T14:17:00.000-08:00

Product Details

Directors: Hayao Miyazaki
Format: Animated, Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, DVD-Video, Widescreen, NTSC
Language: English, French, Japanese
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
Number of discs: 2
Rating:
Studio: Walt Disney Video
DVD Release Date: April 15, 2003
Run Time: 125 minutes

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
The highest grossing film in Japanese box-office history (more than $234 million), Hayao Miyazaki's Spirited Away (Sen To Chihiro Kamikakushi) is a dazzling film that reasserts the power of drawn animation to create fantasy worlds. Like Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz and Lewis Carroll's Alice, Chihiro (voice by Daveigh Chase--Lilo in Disney's Lilo & Stitch) plunges into an alternate reality. On the way to their new home, the petulant adolescent and her parents find what they think is a deserted amusement park. Her parents stuff themselves until they turn into pigs, and Chihiro discovers they're trapped in a resort for traditional Japanese gods and spirits. An oddly familiar boy named Haku (Jason Marsden) instructs Chihiro to request a job from Yubaba (Suzanne Pleshette), the greedy witch who rules the spa. As she works, Chihiro's untapped qualities keep her from being corrupted by the greed that pervades Yubaba's mini-empire. In a series of fantastic adventures, she purges a river god suffering from human pollution, rescues the mysterious No-Face, and befriends Yubaba's kindly twin, Zeniba (Pleshette again). The resolve, bravery, and love Chihiro discovers within herself enable her to aid Haku and save her parents. The result is a moving and magical journey, told with consummate skill by one of the masters of contemporary animation. MPAA Rated: PG ("Some scary moments") --Charles Solomon

Product Description
From one of the most celebrated filmmakers in the history of animated cinema comes the most acclaimed film of 2002. Hayao Miyazaki's latest triumph, filled with astonishing animation and epic adventure, is a dazzling masterpiece for the ages. It's a "wonderfully welcoming work of art that's as funny and entertaining as it is brilliant, beautiful, and deep" (Joe Morgenstern, Wall Street Journal). SPIRITED AWAY is a wondrous fantasy about a young girl, Chihiro, trapped in a strange new world of spirits. When her parents undergo a mysterious transformation, she must call upon the courage she never knew she had to free herself and return her family to the outside world. An unforgettable story brimming with creativity, SPIRITED AWAY will take you on a journey beyond your imagination. "To enter the world of Hayao Miyazaki is to experience a kind of lighthearted enchantment that is unique to the world of animation" (Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times). It's a fantastic tale the whole family will want to experience over and over again.

Perverted Thomas

2008-12-10T14:13:00.000-08:00

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
When Thomas is in Control they never say No. Passed down from generation to generation was this ancient chinese secret. One

Product Details

Actors: Perverted Thomas
Format: Animated, Color, DVD-Video, NTSC
Language: Japanese, English
Number of discs: 1
Studio: Adult Source Media
DVD Release Date: June 12, 2007
Run Time: 30 minutes

Daft Punk - Interstella 5555 (2003)

2008-12-03T23:56:00.000-08:00

Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind (1985)

2008-12-03T23:50:00.000-08:00

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Hayao Miyazaki gained widespread attention in Japan for his complex ecological manga series, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1982), which he adapted for the screen two years later. One thousand years after a war devastated much of the Earth, humanity clings to existence at the fringes of a vast, polluted forest inhabited by monstrous insects. Only Nausicaä, the princess of the tiny realm of the Valley of the Wind, grasps the environmental significance of the forest. She sees beyond petty wars and national rivalries to the only viable future for the planet. In Nausicaä, Miyazaki began to explore elements he would develop more fully in his later films: daring, compassionate heroines; exciting flying sequences; colorful side characters; strong interpersonal relationships; and a call for an ecologically sustainable way of life. Nausicaä prefigures Sheeta in Castle in the Sky and Chihiro in Spirited Away, just as the rough and ready Asbel anticipates Pazu in Castle in the Sky and Ashitaka in Princess Mononoke. For years, Nausicaä was available in the United States only as the badly re-edited Warriors of the Wind. The new English dub from Disney presents the film in its entirety, with strong vocal performances by Uma Thurman, Patrick Stewart, Alison Lohman, and Edward James Olmos. (Rated PG: violence, frightening imagery) --Charles Solomon

Product Description
Warrior/pacifist princess nausicaa desperately struggles to prevent two warring nations from destroying themselves and their dying planet. Studio: Buena Vista Home Video Release Date: 02/22/2005 Run time: 117 minutes

Kiki's Delivery Service (1989)

2008-12-03T23:47:00.000-08:00

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
In Hayao Miyazaki's magical Kiki's Delivery Service, a 13-year-old girl meets the world head on as she spends her first year soloing as an apprentice witch. Kiki (Kirsten Dunst) is still a little green and plenty headstrong, but also resourceful, imaginative, and determined. With her trusty wisp of a cat Jiji (a gently subdued Phil Hartman) by her side she's ready to take on the world, or at least the quaintly European seaside village she's chosen as her new home. Miyazaki's gentle rhythm and meandering narrative capture the easy pulse of real life (even if his subject is a girl flying high upon a broomstick) and charts the everyday struggles and growing pains of his plucky heroine with sensitivity and understanding. Beautifully detailed animation and the rich designs of the picture-postcard seaside town of red-tiled roofs and cobblestone streets only add to the sense of wonder. This charming animated fantasy is a wholesome, life-affirming picture that doesn't speak down to kids or up to adults. --Sean Axmaker

Product Description
Rarely does a film touch so many hearts or reach such artistic heights as the highly acclaimed KIKI'S DELIVERY SERIVCE, the magical adventure of an enterprising young girl who must follow tradition to become a full-fledged witch. Venturing out with only her chatty black cat Jiji, KiKi flies off for the adventure of a lifetime. Landing in a far-off city, she sets up a high-flying delivery service. Here begins a wonderful experience of independence and responsibility as she finds her place in the world. The breathtaking animation of the legendary Hayao Miyazaki and the star voice talents of Kirsten Dunst (KiKi), Phil Hartman (Jiji), Matthew Lawrence (Tombo), and more make KIKI'S DELIVERY SERVICE soar with an energy, excitement, and the kind of imagination that entertains again and again!

My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

2008-12-03T23:43:00.000-08:00

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com essential video
My Neighbor Totoro is that rare delight, a family film that appeals to children and adults alike. While their mother is in the hospital, 10-year-old Satsuki and 4-year-old Mei move into an old-fashioned house in the country with their professor father. At the foot of an enormous camphor tree, Mei discovers the nest of King Totoro, a giant forest spirit who resembles an enormous bunny rabbit. Mei and Satsuki learn that Totoro makes the trees grow, and when he flies over the countryside or roars in his thunderous voice, the winds blow. Totoro becomes the protector of the two sisters, watching over them when they wait for their father, and carrying them over the forests on an enchanted journey. When the children worry about their mother, Totoro sends them to visit her via a Catbus, a magical, multilegged creature with a grin the Cheshire Cat might envy. Unlike many cartoon children, Satsuki and Mei are neither smart-alecky nor cloyingly saccharine. They are credible kids: bright, energetic, silly, helpful, and occasionally impatient. Filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki makes the viewer believe the two sisters love each other in a way no American feature has ever achieved. My Neighbor Totoro is enormously popular in Japan, and some of the character merchandise has begun to appear in America. The film has also inspired a Japanese environmental group to buy a Totoro Forest preserve in the Saitama Prefecture, where Miyazaki's film is set. --Charles Solomon

Product Description
Critically acclaimed as one of the most delightful and charming family films ever, MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO is a stunning animated treat full of magical adventure from Hayao Miyazaki. Follow the adventures of Satsuki and her four-year-old sister Mei when they move into a new home in the countryside. To their delight, they discover that their new neighbor is a mysterious forest spirit called Totoro, who can be seen only through the eyes of a child. Totoro introduces them to extraordinary characters -- including a cat that doubles as a bus! -- and takes them on an incredible journey. Full of wonder and heart, this spectacular 2-disc set features the voice talents of Dakota Fanning and Elle Fanning. MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO is a magical experience for the whole family! © 1988 Nibariki • G

Devil Hunter Yohko: The Complete Collection

2008-12-03T23:39:00.000-08:00

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Demons and devils beware, the sexiest slayer to ever swing a soul -sword is back! Yohko Mano has just learned that she comes from a long line of professional devil hunters. And before she learns how to use her powers, her 16th birthday will turn into a domonic bloodbath and a grueling trial by hellfire!

Vampire Hunter D - Bloodlust (2001)

2008-12-03T23:36:00.000-08:00

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Based on a series of fantasy novels by Hideyuki Kikuchi, Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust is a bloody anime adventure. Set in the distant future, the story focuses on D (voice by Andrew Philpot), the son of a vampire and a mortal who has dedicated his life to exterminating vampires. D is pursuing Charlotte (Wendee Lee), who has been carried off by vampire Meier Link (John Rafter Lee). The bounty-hunting Markus brothers and tough-talking Leila (Pamela Segall) are also on the trail. A long, violent chase brings them to the Castle of Carmila the Bloody Countess (Julia Fletcher), where the narrative founders in a series of confusing illusions that lead to an inconclusive ending. Bloodlust looks better in still images that evoke Yoshitaka Amano's intricate illustrations than it does in motion. The very limited drawn animation clashes visually with the more fluid computer-generated imagery--D's cape billows dramatically, but his expression rarely changes. Fans of such violent anime features as Sword for Truth and Ninja Resurrection will enjoy the no-holds-barred action sequences, but more squeamish viewers will be put off by the beheadings, impalements, disembowelments, etc. Vampire Hunter D, an earlier, more modest feature based on the same material, is a better adaptation. --Charles Solomon

Cowboy Bebop Remix: Anime Legends

2008-12-03T23:33:00.000-08:00

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
The crew of the Bebop is once again ready to take control of space, bringing bad guys to justice and trying to make some cash while doing it. Join the always cool Spike, investigative genius Jet, the fabulous Faye, the amazing (but weird) Ed and the super-smart Welsh Corgi named Ein as they try to make a buck in the year 2071. How do they do it? They re bounty hunters. But then again, you probably wouldn t be reading this if you didn t already know that...Now, for the first time in North America the entire Cowboy Bebop Remix series in one package!!!

Rune Soldier - Complete Collection (2005)

2008-12-03T23:31:00.000-08:00

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
Armed with Merrill's cunning, Genie's strength, and Melissa's prayers, this all-female band has no trouble raiding ancient ruins, unless a magic seals blocks the way. They set out to hire a magician, but all the magicians they meet prefer ereading to raiding-except Louie, a brash novice who seems to do better with his fists than his spells!

My Hime: Anime Legends Complete Collection

2008-12-03T23:25:00.000-08:00

Perverted Thomas

2008-12-03T23:22:00.000-08:00

Editorial Reviews

Ninja Love

2008-12-03T23:20:00.000-08:00

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Adult fans of anime will LOVE this hilarious erotic and highly sought after parody of Naruto (including many other special guests appearances!) Follow the naughty adventures of a lusty ninja with an unusual approach to bedside manners. Our hero will discover a forbidden mansion with unbelievable pleasures behind each door.

Final Fantasy Unlimited - The Complete Collection (2005)

2008-12-03T23:13:00.000-08:00

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Twelve-year-old twins Ai and Yu Hayakawa take a mysterious subway to Wonderland to look for their missing scientist-parents. Wonderland is a hostile place, ruled by the petulant Earl Tyrant and his assorted hench-creatures. Ai and Yu are attacked by monsters and saved first by Lisa, a practitioner of the "Kigen Arts," then repeatedly by the taciturn, gun-totting Kaze. The first episodes are cluttered with characters who appear briefly then vanish. Although Ai, Yu, and Lisa do a lot of traveling, the series doesn't really go anywhere: the filmmakers seem more interested in showcasing the elaborate CG effects at their disposal than in coherent storytelling. The effects are very flashy, but they never meld satisfactorily with the drawn animation. Based on the popular videogame franchise, Unlimited borrows from Matsumoto's Galaxy Express and Miyazawa's Galactic Railroad, but offers none of their mystery and magic. (Rated 12 and older: violence, tobacco use) --Charles Solomon

Product Description
The gateway to another world appears suddenly one day and with its coming awakens two mysterious beasts of astonishing power. When the monsters appear to destroy each other, they vanish –leaving behind only the inexplicable pillar of darkness and the unanswered questions of the natural world. 12 years later, the twin children of two scientists who disappeared on the so-called Day of Conjunction go on a hazardous quest in search of their lost parents. Boarding a phantom subway, Ai and Yu travel to Wonderland, a chaotic world of amazing beauty and thrilling danger. Accompanied by Lisa, an enigmatic woman they meet on the train, and Kaze, a brooding stranger with a demon-summoning gun, the twins begin an incredible journey that will lead to the mysterious heart of Wonderland. • The entire 25 episode Final Fantasy: Unlimited series in one thin-pak boxset! • Set in the fantastical world popularized in the Final Fantasy games! • Produced by GONZO Digimation (Full Metal Panic!, Gantz, Peacemaker). • Directed by Mahiro Maeda (Second Renaissance – Animatrix, Blue Sub #6) • Epic adventure of stunning visuals and fast-paced action and lovable Chocobos

Spirit of Wonder: The Movie (2003)

2008-12-03T23:10:00.000-08:00

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Spirit of Wonder is not a feature, but a pair of linked 1992 OVAs based on Kenji Tsuruta's manga, combined with two shorts involving the voluptuous restaurant owner Miss China. The fragmentary plot evokes the stories of Jules Verne and boys' science-fiction novels from the original "Tom Swift" series to the juvenile yarns of Robert Heinlein. The overage delinquents of the Boys' Club dream of going to Mars and finally achieve their goal in 1958, using the unorthodox physics of the brilliant, endlessly patient Miss Windy. Light oscillating through "ether" powers their dirigible-like ship across interplanetary space. The graceful lines and pastel colors in this disjointed but visually- rich sci fi adventure recall the look of European graphic novels. Unfortunately, Spirit of Wonder is marred by a weary sexism that was already a cliché in 1992. (Rated 16 and older: violence, nudity, risqué humor, alcohol use) --Charles Solomon

Product Description
Brand new adventures awaits those who seek a new 'Spirit of Wonder'. As young boys, Cooper, Gordon, and Shepherd were enchanted by the theories of life on Mars published by Percival Lowell. Forming a group club called the "Scientific Boys Club" the trio will embark upon their long-time dream of traveling to Mars! And while the town of Bristol may be small, it’s always exciting! What'll happen when the town's very own Miss China is shrunken to the size of a pea? Take a new voyage with two very special short stories "Shrinking of Miss China" and "Planet of Miss China."

KEY SALES POINTS:
The classic anime release of the early 90's is back as a brand new feature!
A whimsical journey that will spark adventure and a new spirit of wonder!
Spirit of Wonder manga available from Dark Horse Comics
Contains 2 BONUS OVA episodes of Miss China
Genre: Action/Adventure

DVD FEATURES:
Interactive Animated Menus
Dolby Digital Surround Sound
English/Japanese Language
English Subtitle Option

DVD EXTRAS:
Miss China Mini Poster
Art Gallery
Interviews
Trailers

Naruto the Movie 3: Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom (2002)

2008-12-03T23:06:00.000-08:00

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom is the closest in spirit to the popular TV series of three Naruto features. Under the guidance of Kakashi-sensei, Naruto, Sakura and Rock Lee are assigned to guard Michiru, the fabulous wealthy Prince of the Moon Kingdom, and his spoiled son Hikaru. Michiru is so rich, he buys an entire circus so Hikaru can have the saber-toothed tiger that catches his fancy. A storm at sea and a revolt in the Kingdom provide Naruto with the opportunity to teach Hikaru valuable lessons about friendship. Although Naruto manages to slurp down some ramen, he doesn't crack raunchy jokes or pull pranks. This kinder, gentler knucklehead makes a surprisingly touching teacher. Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom is more satisfying and more entertaining than Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow or Legend of the Stone of Gelel. Director Toshiyuki Tsuru uses rapid intercutting effectively to pump up the energy in the climactic battle that puts Sakura, Naruto, Rock Lee, and Hikaru to the test. The most interesting extras on the second disc are the footage of the voices of the main characters dubbing the film together (anime voice actors normally record their lines alone) and a Ninja Quiz that cleverly re-purposes footage from the movie. (Rated T+ Older Teen; suitable for ages 12 and older: violence) -- Charles Solomon

Product Description
A 2-Disc Set Loaded with Special Features!

Naruto, Sakura and Kakashi team up with Rock Lee to protect Prince Michiru and his son Hikaru on their return home to the Crescent Moon Kingdom. Easy enough, until the royal family becomes a royal pain! Prince Michiru can't help indulging his son, even buying him a circus along the way! Naruto has a tough time putting up with both the spoiled Hikaru and a saber-toothed tiger, but the real adventure begins when they reach the Land of the Moon and find themselves facing a villainous uprising. Does Naruto have what it takes to save an entire kingdom?

Special Features Include:
The Story of Naruto: Growing Up a Ninja
Teamwork: The Art of Group Recording
Shooting for the Moon: A Conversation with the Naruto Movie 3 Producers
Original Japanese Movie Trailers
Naruto the Movie 3 Trivia

Sin: The Movie (2000)

2008-12-03T23:02:00.000-08:00

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Set in 2070, this videogame-based, U.S.-Japanese co-production focuses on Col. John Blade: part cyborg, part human, and all cop. When Blade and his team from the law enforcement agency Hardcorps pursue a kidnapper through the city of Freeport, they suddenly find themselves confronting a mutant monster. This first battle introduces a standard, if slipshod story involving a sinister mega-corporation, illegal human genetic experiments, high-speed chases, gore, gun fights, metamorphic creatures, blood, family vendettas, "fan service" cheesecake, and, in one memorable scene, a flesh-ripping teddy bear. Except for the teddy bear, these elements have all been used before in anime from Akira to Zone of the Enders, and usually more skillfully. The "Special Edition," if anyone thinks it's special, includes a CD of the soundtrack. (Rated 15 and older, but more appropriate for viewers three years older: graphic violence, grotesque imagery, torture, profanity, brief nudity, sexual situations) --Charles Solomon

Fullmetal Alchemist The Movie - The Conqueror of Shamballa (2006)

2008-12-03T22:48:00.000-08:00

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
The Fullmetal Alchemist theatrical feature, The Conqueror of Shamballa, takes place two years after the last episode of the popular broadcast series. Edward Elric has been transported to Earth and is living in Weimar-era Munich with Alphonse Heiderich, a young engineer who reminds him of Al. This Alphonse is working for the Thule Society, a group of Aryan fanatics who hope to cross dimensions to the world they call Shambala and acquire weapons that will ensure a German victory in the next war. Back in the world where the broadcast series took place, a restored Alphonse Elric searches for a way to bring Ed back. A combination of science and alchemy finally reunites the brothers--with unexpected consequences. Although the film is an exciting adventure that includes many of the familiar characters, viewers who haven't watched the TV series may have trouble sorting out who's who and what's where. Sadly, The Conqueror of Shamballa marks the end of director Seiji Mizushima's and screenwriter Shou Aikawa's work with the Elric brothers: together, they preserved the essence of Hiromu Arakawa's winning characters while adapting them to a new medium. Arakawa is continuing the manga, so fans may one day see further animated adventures of Ed and Al.(Rated PG: violence, grotesque imagery, brief nudity, alcohol and tobacco use) --Charles Solomon

Product Description
The movie you've been waiting for is here! Taking place two years after the last episode, the Elric brothers must reunite to prevent ultimate catastrophe as the worlds of reality and alchemy collide.The movie you’ve been waiting for is here! Taking place two years after the last episode, DVD includes: • Reversible cover • Movie booklet • 40-minute documentary - "The Making of Fullmetal Alchemist – The Movie" Filmed on location in Tokyo with director Seiji Mizushima and staff.

X - The Movie (1996)

2008-12-03T22:40:00.000-08:00

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Tokyo is the city where the final battle between the Dragon of Earth and the Dragon of Heaven will take place in the Japanese anime film X, directed by Rintaro (a.k.a. Tarô Rin; Astro Boy, Kimba the White Lion) and written by the all-woman writing team Clamp. The Dragon of Earth wants to wipe out humankind because of the damage people have inflicted on the Earth, while the Dragon of Heaven is fighting to protect civilization. At the center of all this is Kamui, the chosen one, who must pick a dragon to fight for.

Full of dreams and flashbacks that pop up out of nowhere, the structure of X could be considered confusing and needlessly complex--if the story weren't so simple. Obviously, we're supposed to root for the Dragon of Heaven to win and save mankind, but the funny thing is, the Dragon of Earth has the better argument. If it were a debate, humanity would lose. But it's not a debate, it's an action film, and many of Tokyo's most famous buildings get destroyed in the battles. As with most anime, the women are either girlishly cute or slutty, but luckily in X, there are no graphic rapes; the love interest is merely crucified three or four times. It may not be the greatest anime film out there, but at least it's never boring. --Andy Spletzer

Bleach Uncut Season 2 Box Set

2008-12-03T22:36:00.000-08:00

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
In the second season of the popular fantasy-adventure Bleach, Ichigo,Chad, Ohime, Ishida, and Master Yoruichi the talking cat pass through the inter-dimensional portal linking Earth to the segregated world of the Soul Society. Lost souls are consigned to the run-down Rukon ("Drifting Spirit Town"), where Yoruichi obtains help from pyrotechnician Kukaku to get into the stronghold the Seireitei. Although the teen-agers have crossed space and time to rescue Rukia, no one knows where she's imprisoned--or where they are--in that city-sized compound. Ichigo and his new ally Ganju seize timid janitor Hanataro: He knows where Rukia is and secret ways to get there. Director Noriyuke Abe skillfully mixes overlapping movements, slow-motion, unusual camera angles, reverse colors, and black-and-white to heighten the drama of the sword fights between Ichigo's team and the bizarre-looking officers of the Soul Society. But the internal conflicts often prove more compelling than the external ones. Viewers learn why Chad never uses his awesome strength in his own interest; Ichigo discovers that he must use his sword as an ally, rather than as a tool. By submitting to Zangetsu, the spirit of the sword, he acquires greater power. But Bleach never stays too serious for too long: Ichigo and Ganju squabble, even in dire straights, and an overhead shot of Ichigo fleeing a squad of Soul Reapers looks like a table-top Pac-Man game.The satisfying balancee of comedy, adventure, and well-choreographed battles has made Bleach a smash hit in Japan and America. (Rated "Teen," suitable for ages 13 and older: violence, grotesque imagery, brief nudity, alcohol use.) --Charles Solomon

Product Description
Ichigo and his friends make the perilous journey to the Soul Society and are promptly set upon by the guardians of the spirit world. As they dodge one foe after another, they gradually draw nearer their goal: to rescue Rukia from the tower cell where she awaits her death sentence. But their presence threatens the very order of the Soul Society itself, and they must face the ultimate opponents--the captains of the guard squads whose Spiritual Pressure is unmatched, even by Ichigo himself!

Special Features Include:
* Bonus Materials: Behind the Scenes of BLEACH
* Bilingual (Japanese & English)
* Contains Episode 21-41 (Original and Uncut)

Bleach Uncut Season1 Box Set (Standard Edition)

2008-12-03T22:30:00.000-08:00

Editorial Reviews Product Description
Episodes 1 - 20 now available in one box set!

For as long as he can remember, Ichigo Kurosaki has been able to see ghosts. But when he meets Rukia, a Soul Reaper who battles evil spirits known as Hollows, he finds his life is changed forever. Now, with a newfound wealth of spiritual energy, Ichigo discovers his true calling: to protect the living and the dead from evil. And when he vows to defend Rukia from the ruthless justice of the Soul Society, he and his friends must cross over and do battle in the spirit world...

Step Up Love Story (2002)

2008-04-23T02:22:00.000-07:00

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Makoto and Yura Onada are a newly married couple. They're happy and deeply in love. But there's just one problem: they're both inexperienced in the ways of intimacy. As a result, their expressions of love and passion tend to be a little awkward. Seeking advice from wherever they can get it (neighbors, relatives, co-workers, etc.), the couple begins to explore all the ins and outs of the married life.

Mouse - Lusty Ambitions (Vol. 2) (2004)

2008-04-23T02:21:00.000-07:00

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
With Woof sniffing around, Sortatas days as Mouse are numbered! Sorata's being pursued by Woof, an operative for a super-secret organization called the Force. Woof is doing everything in his power to apprehend and eliminate this obnoxious criminal. Fortunately, Mouse is backed up by an exotic squad of women. Without their prowess and cunning, Sorata might not survive living his double life - schoolteacher by day, thief by night.

The Story of Little Monica (Vanilla Series) DVD (2005)

2008-04-23T02:20:00.000-07:00

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
One Cat Girl & Tons of Trouble! After years away, Will is finally returning home to the town he grew up in to see his childhood friends. But it’s far from the city of beauty and culture that he remembers. Little Monica has been taken over by the evil Kajo, the city has become a place of debauchery and lust. A city where a stripper like the famous feline beauty Meow can really haul in a lot of cash. When Will ends up as part of her sex show, he isn’t about to miss out on his chance to make this kitty howl! Will he be able resist the city’s new hedonistic lifestyle in order to restore Little Monica to the wonderful town he once knew?

Step Up Love Story, Vol. 2: To Have and to Hold

2008-04-23T02:19:00.000-07:00

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Newlyweds Makoto and Yura Onada continue to face a variety of sexual challenges that has them squirming with awkwardness, embarrassment and lust. When their neighbors win the lottery and invite them on a trip, Makoto and Yura must figure out how to make love in their hotel room without disturbing people around them. Then Yura takes a job as a waitress that requires her to dress in a skimpy mini-skirt. This, of course, has Makoto bothered in more ways than one.

Night Shift Nurses Kranke, Vol. 2

2008-04-23T02:18:00.000-07:00

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Hikaru Kodama can't seem to keep herself out of trouble. Or maybe she gets her thrills by getting into trouble. Her plunge into a world of sexual obedience has taken an unexpected turn as she unwittingly agrees to become the new wife of the sadistic Dr. Hirasaka. Despite Dr. Hirasaka's emotional plea for marriage he cannot hide his true desire to keep experimenting on his luscious bride to be. In a twist of fate Ai asks to be "made into a woman" A temptation the doctor can not resist to join in on. This 3 way action will make you twiddle in the middle. A match of raw diabolical sex games that will ignite the fantasies of perverts the world over. System Requirements:Running Time: 30 mins Genre: MATURE/ADULT Rating: NR UPC: 689076794374 Manufacturer No: NNK-002

Private Sessions Vol.2 (2005)

2008-04-23T02:16:00.000-07:00

Product Description
Only bad girls get to be the Teacher’s Pet... The College of Sacred Maidens is bubbling over with sexy young ladies perfectly suited for Tomoya’s lusts. So, when he crosses paths with a new student professor for the college, he’s not about to let his chance pass by - he wastes no time drugging the guy, and taking his place. Now this dangerous sex fiend is surrounded by beautiful, buxom women...and he’s already got a lot of "assignments" planned for them.

The innocent cheerleader Yumi...the fiery swim girl Seira...even Asuka, the ravishing actress. One by one, he’ll collect them all as his pets, eager sex slaves who’ll fill his every burning desire. But the girls won’t take it lying down, so to speak. What will it take for Tomoya to twist his way into the deepest parts of their hearts, minds, and luscious, energetic bodies?

DVD Features: Animated Art Gallery, Original US Private Sessions 2 Trailer, Critical Mass Video Trailers, Scene Access Spoken Languages: English / Japanese audio, English subtitles, "Soft" Subtitles for on screen translations.

Dyogrammaton, Vol. 2 (2008)

2008-04-23T02:15:00.000-07:00

Product Description
A combination of Transformers meeting the Galaxy's hottest Babes! A giant monster bent on destruction emerges in the city of Odaiba. The purpose of this invasion is to destroy Dakt headquarters as well as the entire city. As the countdown to destruction begins the sexy Hikari takes to the battlefield to engage in war and then bondage. Will our heroes save the city or is war just another excuse to fuck hot girls with huge tits mouthwatering clits and an appetite for sex-struction! System Requirements:Running Time: 30 minsFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: MATURE/ADULT UPC: 689076315784 Manufacturer No: DYO-002

Voogie's Angel (1997)

2008-04-23T02:14:00.000-07:00

Product Description
In the year 2020, Earth was overtaken by alien life forms. Humankind barely survived by re-treating to undersea colonies. One hundred years later, the survivors prepare to retake earth in a bid for a brighter tomorrow. To this end, the Angel Project fields a team of cybernetically enhanced female soldiers. They're Earth's guardian angels.

Tactics - The Complete Series

2008-04-23T02:12:00.001-07:00

Product Description
Supernatural sleuth and writer Kantaro Ichinomiya spends his days fighting demons and writing about his adventures. Accompanied by Haruka the mysterious Demon-Eating Goblin and a band of demons and monsters Kantaro bravely travels the Japanese countryside in search of ghostly mysteries and paranormal adventure Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: ANIMATION/ANIME UPC: 013138505293 Manufacturer No: M5052

Magical Meow Meow Taruto Anime Legends Complete Collection

2008-04-23T02:06:00.000-07:00

Product Description
Meow! Taruto is a young cat-girl living in a world filled with mystery and magic. She and the other cat-people appear as nothing more than just normal animals, but she has a unique gift of magic! Can she control her troublesome powers and unravel the mystery behind the ancient cat-people? Only time will tell...and little magic wouldn t hurt either.

Witchblade, Vol. 4 (2000)

2008-04-23T02:04:00.000-07:00

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
A dire emotional crisis arises as the fan-service fantasy Witchblade continues. Genetic tests prove that Masane isn't Rihoko's real mother: Reina Soho, one of the leaders of the Clone Blade program is. Reina takes Rihoko to her luxurious condo, but material goods can't replace affection. And Rihoko's presence infuriates Maria, the infantile, deadly Clone Blade-r in training, who is also Reina's daughter. (Tozawa discovers the program involves some weird inbreeding.) Not surprisingly, Masane gets Rihoko back, to the delight of her flop-house friends. These emotional tergiversations, combined with the inevitable beach trip-reunion derail the main storyline for most of the disc. The filmmakers' attempts to combine mawkish sentimentality with jiggle scenes never quite gels: it's difficult to feel the power of the mother-daughter bond while Tozawa is shooting booty pics of Masane. (Rated TV MA, suitable for ages 16 and older: violence, violence against women, grotesque imagery, risqué humor, alcohol and tobacco use) --Charles Solomon

Mirage of Blaze: The Complete Collection, Vol. 1-4 (2002)

2008-04-23T02:02:00.000-07:00

Product Description
Takaya Oogi is a street smart high school student, dedicated to protecting his best friend Yuzuru Narita. The two are wrapped up in an ancient war of darkness and tragedy, begun during Japan’s chaotic Warring States Period. The psychic powers of long ago find new life in the hearts of Takaya and Yuzuru, but rival clansmen seek to destroy them.

Legend of Himiko Complete Collection (2005)

2008-04-23T02:01:00.000-07:00

The Legend of Himiko is about a young girl who wants to find the history of her birth.As a baby she was transported from another land in another time to modern day Japan, although she didn't know it at the time. A little boy named kutani found her on the steps of an ancient ruin. The only thing that was known about Himiko was that she was found with a blueish green pendent on her neck. Himiko a few years later in high school was questioning kutani at the steps where she was found about what he knew and how she was found. The pendent suddenly came alive and himiko and kutani were transported to a land that is at war. Before the war there were several queen candidates and the life force of the country (bokka) was about to chose the first queen when the enemy struck. Years later the queen candidates and a loyal commander forsaw the saviors of the country in crystal ball. The met with Himiko and Kutani for the first time and narrowly escape the enemy. They join forces and fight, but all himiko wants to do go back home away from this "nightmare" and Kutani promises to take her back. Will they really manage to go back home? This anime is action packed with adventures and you won't regret buying it. It's really addictive actually.

Spirited Away (2001)

2008-04-23T01:59:00.000-07:00

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
The highest grossing film in Japanese box-office history (more than $234 million), Hayao Miyazaki's Spirited Away (Sen To Chihiro Kamikakushi) is a dazzling film that reasserts the power of drawn animation to create fantasy worlds. Like Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz and Lewis Carroll's Alice, Chihiro (voice by Daveigh Chase--Lilo in Disney's Lilo & Stitch) plunges into an alternate reality. On the way to their new home, the petulant adolescent and her parents find what they think is a deserted amusement park. Her parents stuff themselves until they turn into pigs, and Chihiro discovers they're trapped in a resort for traditional Japanese gods and spirits. An oddly familiar boy named Haku (Jason Marsden) instructs Chihiro to request a job from Yubaba (Suzanne Pleshette), the greedy witch who rules the spa. As she works, Chihiro's untapped qualities keep her from being corrupted by the greed that pervades Yubaba's mini-empire. In a series of fantastic adventures, she purges a river god suffering from human pollution, rescues the mysterious No-Face, and befriends Yubaba's kindly twin, Zeniba (Pleshette again). The resolve, bravery, and love Chihiro discovers within herself enable her to aid Haku and save her parents. The result is a moving and magical journey, told with consummate skill by one of the masters of contemporary animation. MPAA Rated: PG ("Some scary moments") --Charles Solomon

Black Cat: Box Set

2008-04-23T01:57:00.000-07:00

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Sven is your run-of-the-mill sweeper (a.k.a. bounty hunter): down on his luck haunted by the perpetual grumbling of his stomach and looking to make enough cash just to get by. When a damsel in distress enlists his aid Sven crosses paths with the worst possible luck: Black Cat (a.k.a. Train Heartnet). At odds now with the branded assassin Sven seeks to save a young girl before the unlucky Number can carry out his mission.But fate has brought these three together for a reason as Sven adopts two stray pupils the former Chronos eraser Train and the young bio-weapon Eve. As these newfound companions seek out a new way of life the past proves unwilling to let them go free. Sought by both the Chronos Numbers and the Taoist revolutionary group risen against them the Apostles of the Star their happy ending will require more than just luck...Contains all six volumes (episdes 1-24)DVD Features: Exclusive 16-page Booklet "From Manga to Anime." Textless Songs.System Requirements:Running Time: 600 minutesFormat: DVD Genre: ANIMATION/ANIME UPC: 704400058974 Manufacturer No: 0

Geneshaft - Anime Legends Complete Collection

2008-04-23T01:55:00.000-07:00

Product Description
In a final attempt to save the human race, a genetic engineering program was initiated in hopes of creating a new breed of human beings with special skills and abilities to benefit all of society. Successful, the Earth begins to enjoy a new era of peace... until the appearance of a mysterious artifact of unknown origin enters between the Earth and the moon. A group of enhanced humans have been selected to investigate the orbiting visitor. Armed with a prototype ship known only as 'Shaft', this strike team may be the only thing between continued peace and the total destruction of the Earth. Genre: Sci-Fi/Action

Fantastic Children: Anime Legends

2008-04-23T01:54:00.000-07:00

Highlander - The Search for Vengeance (Animated) (2007)

2008-04-23T01:52:00.000-07:00

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
A distant and animated sequel to the 1986 Highlander, which starred Christopher Lambert as an immortal Scottish swordsman, Highlander: The Search for Vengeance concerns the tale of Colin MacLeod, a 2nd century, Celtic warrior who becomes immortal following his defeat at the hands of Roman tyrant Marcus Octavius. Colin spends the next couple of millenia chasing after Marcus--also immortal--as the latter reinvents himself time and again as a ruler of kingdoms in every corner of the globe. The longtime duel extends into Earth's dystopian future about 200 years from now, where Colin--now a wandering mercenary--finds Marcus once again making lives miserable as head of a private government wielding a deadly virus. Drawing Colin into the fight is the lovely Dahlia, hauntingly reminiscent of every woman the hero has loved over hundreds of years. Dynamic, visually compelling, and boldly imaginative, Highlander: The Search for Vengeance is full of surprises and more than just another story of an embittered loner meandering through a futuristic wasteland. Directed by the prolific Yoshiaki Kawajiri (Neo-Tokyo). --Tom Keogh

Product Description
Colin MacLeod the immortal Scottish Highlander travels with the wise-cracking ghost Amergan in search of the immortal despot Marcus Octavius who killed Colin's lover on the Celtic plains centuries earlier. The once great city of New York is now submerged under water with only one dominant fortress towering over the sea the fortress of Marcus Octavius. MacLeod is torn between saving the survivors of New York and hunting down his nemesis.Running time: 80 minutesFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: ANIMATION/ADULT SWIM UPC: 013138504395 Manufacturer No: M5043

Invader Zim Complete Invasion (3 vol. set) (2001)

2008-04-23T01:51:00.000-07:00

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
The Irken armada is poised to conquer the universe, but it would be a lot easier without Invader Zim! Thickheaded, brash, and overzealous, Zim has wrecked Irken plans for the last time. Seizing the opportunity to rid themselves of this nuisance forever, they send Zim on a "secret" mission to a planet far away on the edge of the universe-Earth. Now Earth's only hope rests with a young UFO-hunting paranormal enthusiast named Dib.

Cool Devices 2

2008-04-23T01:46:00.000-07:00

I guess there is good reason that this dvd is a little less expensive than others in the same genre. Basically, it's a couple episodes of a couple different series, so don't even try this if you think to follow any kind of storyline. The first episode is pretty good, but the rest i found myself fast forwarding thru, waiting for a good scene to come along , but no luck. Alot more talking and useless scenery shots than is called for in this kind of anime. If you got the stomach for it, and are into the pretty extreme animes, i'd recommend the Bible Black series

Devil Hunter Yohko: The Complete Collection

2008-04-23T01:23:00.000-07:00

This has often been compared to Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
I know the first instinct is to say animated "gore" is stupid, but it's pulled of well as in 12 Kingdoms. The first volume episode does have one completely unnecessary scene where Yokho is naked and being seduced by a demon. Not sure why it's even in there! The rest of the series is normal and enjoyable. So, unless you happen to be a perverted young teenage boy or a desperate man, fast forward!!
Yohko is even a magical girl, she's just...rougher, so girls should like this.

Geneshaft - Anime Legends Complete Collection

2008-04-19T05:14:00.000-07:00

Editorial Reviews

Please Twins!: Anime Legends Complete Collection

2008-04-19T05:13:00.000-07:00

After the success of the impeccably put together "Please Teacher!" romantic anime series, it would have been very easy for these folks to simply produce another season of that show filled with the episodic, predictable predicaments relying on running gags that so many other anime series use. But, the studio kept with the theme of "Please Teacher!" and continued moving forward, and "Please Twins!" is the result. And although watching "Teacher" before this series will increase your enjoyment of it, it isn't really a necessity as this one stands on it's own two feet just fine. Now, onto the plot: picking up a year and a half after the ending of "Teacher" we are introduced to our three twins in question. You read that right: three twins. Self-made man Maiku, fiery Miina, and demure Karen all show up at the same house with the same childhood photo showing them and their only sibling, the same eye color, and the same story of childhood abandonment. That is to say that one of the girls is Maiku's twin sister, and the other is not. The question quickly becomes which is which? The plot thickens when both girls fall in love with their possible brother. Icky? Yeah, but any anime veteran knows that this kind of implied incest is pretty much par for the course in this genre. Plus, it's comic gold. That is, if you have kind of a sick sense of humor. (ahem) Needless to say, this show opts to push the bounds far past the levels of inappropriateness that "Teacher" went to. This turns out to be a good thing as the humor in "Twins" is raucous and thoroughly enjoyable throughout. My favorite episode, for example, focuses on rumors that Maiku is in a homosexual relationship with a fellow student, so the girls put him to the test to see if he really is gay. The results are more than a little bit amusing. Not to be forgotten, the fantastic cast of "Please Teacher!" play supporting roles, most prominently the teacher herself, Mizuho Kazami, a beloved anime girl if ever there was one. In fact, she shows up so often that it leads a main character to wonder aloud whether there are even any other teachers at the school. But the best returning character by far is Ichigo Morino, the little girl who shared Kei's disease in "Teacher" which causes her to go into a state of suspended animation (or "standstill") when she loses the will to move forward with her own life. Morino is now a devious class president with an evil little chuckle and a full-time hobby involving surveillance of her classmates and taking inappropriate pictures of them. Shidou, on the other hand, has been relegated to uber-loser status this time around, becoming a one-note joke about lusting after his underage sister. As if there wasn't enough incest in the show already, sheesh. Despite the fact that this show is populated by characters from it's predecessor, it shares little in common with "Teacher" on the surface. Still, the creators manage to put together another fine romantic comedy series that ends too soon, continually evolves and moves forward, and keeps you both entertained and rivetted. The ending is a suprisingly definitive one, but it doesn't stop there. After the initial 12-episode run, we are again treated to a bonus episode that acts as a coda to the series. The plot involves Morino organizing an impromptu summer camp where the entire casts of both series get together for a great send-off to two of the best romantic-comedy animes out there. It's also fun to see the huge shift in the dynamics of the relationship between the three "twins" following the events of the television show. Faithful to the philosphy presented in both series, the show never stops accelerating, even at the end. If you saw the first series and want more "Teacher", or if you thought that series was too tame then this is as good as it gets. But if you are looking for some family-friendly entertainment to share with the kids, maybe you oughtta look elsewhere.

Hack//Sign - Anime Legends Complete Collection (2003)

2008-04-19T05:11:00.000-07:00

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Login to the most successful online game in history. "The World" is being played by millions of people around the world, making it the most popular game ever. Players can go online and trade items, form parties, and go on quests. But none of that concerns Tsukasa. Trapped within "The World", a virtual prisoner - His journey from the digital world to the real world has just begun. From Bee Train! Studios. Series direction by Koichi Mshimo. Concept and character designs by Yoshiyuki Sadamoto. Genre: Sci-fi/Drama

Anime Fiction Vol. 1

2008-04-19T05:09:00.000-07:00

I am redoing my review. I liked only one episode of this... other than that, it is just plain garbage. From what I learned... Stay away from anything by MMG Entertainment. Lousy voice actors and actresses... Cheaply made... And seemed lacking in funds... While this may suit some, it doesnt suit my tastes. I am not big on hentai, but I know this is garbage. If you want something better, go for Bible Black or some other hentai. Try to find the good ones like Anything you can do I can do Better. Sexfriend was good but didnt keep me entertained. If you want good hentai stick with the Bible Black series except The New Testament. It isn't for the squeemish.

Invader Zim Complete Invasion (3 vol. set) (2001)

2008-04-19T05:08:00.000-07:00

Editorial Reviews

Trinity Blood Box Set

2008-04-19T05:05:00.000-07:00

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
A mixture of sci-fi and supernatural elements, the 2005 broadcast series Trinity Blood takes place in the far future, when humans and vampires vie for control of the Earth. Abel Nightroad is an itinerant priest and agent for AX, the covert branch of the Holy Office. But when a real threat appears, he transforms into an uber-beast who feeds on the blood of vampires. As he fulfills his duties, Abel is joined by Sister Noélle (sic) and assorted other agents. The storyline wanders aimlessly: The tale of a series of murders and assaults on cathedrals peters out, and a new narrative about a sinister archbishop's plot to destroy Rome with a "silent noise" device develops. Before that story is resolved, Abel is off to Carthage and Constantinople, where he prevents Department of the Inquisition agents from interfering in delicate negotiations between the Vatican and the Empire. This overwrought fantasy eventually reaches a baroque finale that includes murder victims returning from the dead; aerial battles; CG mecha; creatures who are angelic, demonic, or possibly both dueling in the skies; and a veritable blizzard of symbolic feathers. The combination of gothic fantasy and potentially offensive pseudo-Catholic mumbo-jumbo recalls Hellsing (2001), on which the series was obviously modeled. Although it's relentlessly silly and over the top, Trinity Blood remains popular with fans of vampire anime who prefer flashy visuals to coherent narratives. (Rated TV MA, suitable for ages 16 and older: graphic violence, violence against women, gore, grotesque imagery, tobacco and alcohol use, offensive religious imagery) --Charles Solomon

Trigun - The Complete Boxed Set (2003)

2008-04-19T05:04:00.000-07:00

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Who and what is Vash the Stampede, a.k.a. "The Humanoid Typhoon"? To bounty hunters, he's an outlaw with 60,000,000,000 Double Dollars on his head. To Meryl Stryfe and Millie Thompson of the Bernardelli Insurance Society, he's a walking disaster area who's cost the company a fortune. To otaku, he's one of the most popular characters in anime. Based on Yasuhiro Nightow's manga, this comic adventure takes place in the distant future on a desert planet that looks like the American Old West. Vash wanders from town to town, unsuccessfully pursuing peace, doughnuts, and "the mayfly known as love." Meryl and Millie follow him, trying to minimize the destruction, but Vash's only real friend is the gun-totin' preacher Nicholas Wolfwood. Despite their grudging affection, Wolfwood articulates the other characters' thoughts when he tells Vash, "When you're around, things always seem to get worse!" Anime heroes tend to be either cold-blooded warriors who kill for honor (the Gundam Wing pilots) or unlikely nerds who grow into the role of warrior when it's thrust upon them (Shinji Ikari in Evangelion). Sometimes comic and kooky, sometimes gentle and earnest, Vash reveres life and agonizes over the bloodshed he inadvertently causes. He'd rather eat than demonstrate his amazing marksmanship: he doesn't fire a shot until the fifth episode, although one of his arms is actually a gun. Voice actor Johnny Yong Bosh articulates both Vash's suffering and adolescent exuberance whenever he sees a pretty girl with exceptional panache. The runaway popularity of Trigun seems to have surprised the filmmakers. Although no plans have been announced for additional animation, a new manga series has appeared, Trigun Maximum. It seems unlikely that the artists would prematurely end the adventures of a figure with so much potential--and so many fans. --Charles Solomon

Scrapped Princess - Anime Legends Complete Collection (2005)

2008-04-19T05:03:00.000-07:00

Product Description
Pacifica Cassul is a girl with a destiny. But unfortunately it's not a good one; she is the Scrapped Princess a girl who according to prophecy is the poison that will destroy the world. Naturally this means that people want her gone. But two powerful people have sworn to protect her- her brother Shannon whose swordsmanship is impeccable and her sister Raquel who is able to wield devastating magic when the mood strikes her. But traveling without attracting attention proves to be very difficult for the outspoken Pacifica and they soon find themselves in trouble from various sources. Traitorous friends assassins and even an operative from Special Forces all stand in their way. But along the way they'll meet new friends and together will unravel the mystery behind the supposed Armageddon. From Studio BONES! Genre: Fantasy/Action/Drama. System Requirements:Run Time: 650 minutesFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: ANIMATION/ADULT SWIM Rating: NR UPC: 669198228063 Manufacturer No: 22806

Ghost in the Shell (1996)

2008-04-19T05:02:00.000-07:00

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com essential video
The skillful blending of drawn animation and computer-generated imagery excited anime fans when this science fiction mystery was released in 1995: many enthusiasts believe Ghost suggests what the future of anime will be, at least in the short term. The film is set in the not-too-distant future, when an unnamed government uses lifelike cyborgs or "enhanced" humans for undercover work. One of the key cyborgs is The Major, Motoko Kusanagi, who resembles a cross between The Terminator and a Playboy centerfold. She finds herself caught up in a tangled web of espionage and counterespionage as she searches for the mysterious superhacker known as "The Puppet Master."

Mamoru Oshii directs with a staccato rhythm, alternating sequences of rapid-fire action (car chases, gun battles, explosions) with static dialogue scenes that allow the characters to sort out the vaguely mystical and rather convoluted plot. Kusanagi's final quote from I Corinthians suggests that electronic evolution may compliment and eventually supplant organic evolution. The minor nudity, profanity, and considerable violence would earn Ghost in the Shell at least a PG rating. --Charles Solomon

Hell Girl, Vol. 1 - Butterfly

2008-04-19T05:00:00.000-07:00

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Rumor says that a secret message board which can only be read at night gives readers the ability to get revenge on anyone simply by posting the grudge on the board. Once the wish is written down the Hell Girl will go to work. This is the first volume of episodes in this animated show.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: ANIMATION/ADULT SWIM UPC: 704400086014 Manufacturer No: 1-4210-1213-8

Devil Hunter Yohko: The Complete Collection

2008-04-19T04:59:00.000-07:00

Inu Yasha: Complete Movies Box Set (2002)

2008-04-19T04:57:00.000-07:00

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
The four Inu-Yasha theatrical features pit the cast of Rumiko Takahashi's "feudal fairy tale" against new foes: The search for the shards of the Shikon Jewel falls by the wayside as Kagome, Inu-Yasha, Shippo, Miroku, and Sango tackle these supernatural enemies. In Affections Touching Across Time (2001), the moth-demon Menomaru seeks to reclaim the powers of his father, who was defeated by Inu-Yasha's father during the attempted Mongol invasion of 1274. The Castle Beyond the Looking Glass (2002) evokes the Japanese legend "The Tale of the Bamboo-Cutter," when Kaguya appears, claiming to be the legendary Moon Princess. Swords of an Honorable Ruler (2003) reveals that Inu-Yasha's father, the Great Dog Demon, possessed not two but three swords: Tetsusaiga, Tenseiga, and Sounga, which are linked to Earth, Heaven, and Hell, respectively. When the Sounga is accidentally freed, its aura raises the soul of Takemaru, the samurai who murdered Inu-Yasha's mother. The villains in Fire on Mystic Island (2004) are the Four War Gods, powerful demons on the island of Houraijima, who preserve and augment their power by sacrificing half-demon children. The later films are darker and more violent, although the directors balance the mayhem against familiar comedic elements, especially Kagome and Inu-Yasha squabbling. The features all reflect larger budgets than the television series, as the filmmakers employ a variety of CG effects: explosions, lightning bolts, insects, monsters, and strangling tree roots. Affections Touching Across Time stands out as the handsomest of the films, with designs that suggest the woodblock prints of Kawase Hasui. The set includes CDs of the movie soundtracks and a booklet on the traditional Japanese instruments they feature, although more information on composer Kaoru Wada would have been nice. A must-have for Inu-Yasha fans. (Rated Teen: suitable for ages 13 and older: violence, grotesque imagery, brief nudity, alcohol use, risqué humor) --Charles Solomon

Product Description
This collection presents all four feature-length films spun off from the popular anime series INUYASHA: AFFECTATIONS TOUCHING ACROSS TIME THE CASTLE BEYOND THE LOOKING GLASS SWORDS OF AN HONORABLE RULER and FIRE ON THE MYSTIC ISLAND.System Requirements:TRT: 360 Mins.Format: DVD MOVIE

Perverted Thomas

2008-04-19T04:46:00.000-07:00

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
When Thomas is in Control they never say No. Passed down from generation to generation was this ancient chinese secret. One day Thomas, while out looking for a job, was riding the subway and he meets the man that will teach him all he will ever need to know about seducing and pleasuring women. Thomas intrigued with his new found power, takes his gift from place to place pleasuring sexy strangers.

The Big O: Anime Legends Complete Collection

2008-04-19T04:43:00.000-07:00

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Paradigm City. A City of Amnesia. Forty years ago everyone lost their memory but humanity continues to survive. They've learned to operate machinery produce electricity and go on living each day at a time. Still ther's something missing in a town with no past no history of what has come before. Roger Smith is a Negotiator hired to negotiate disputes between parties. And Roger enjoys a reputation of being the best at his job. But he has an ace up his sleeve a rather big ace! He contrls the Megadeus called the Big O a wondrous piece of technology from befeore the age of Amnesia. Occasionally fragments of memories appear and with them often comes trouble. The Big O comes in handy for subduing such dangers but does it serve some greater purpose? Together with the unusual R. Dorothy Wayneright and his loyal butler Norman Roger Smith keeps Paradigm City safe from the nightmare of memories. Genre: Action/Mecha/Sci-Fi. System Requirements:Run Time: 325 minutesFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: ANIMATION/ADULT SWIM Rating: UNRATED UPC: 669198802768 Manufacturer No: 80276

Karas - The Complete Collection (The Prophecy / The Revelation)

2008-04-19T04:41:00.000-07:00

Appleseed Ex Machina (Two-Disc Special Edition) (2007)

2008-04-19T04:22:00.000-07:00

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Produced by John Woo and directed by Shinji Aramaki, Appleseed Ex Machina (2007) ranks as the most elaborate, stylish, and violent of the three adaptations of Masamune Shirow's manga. When it was released in 1988, the original Appleseed felt like a summary of anime's past, while Akira pointed the way to the future. The second Appleseed (2004), also directed by Aramaki, was an unimpressive motion-capture CG feature that borrowed elements from other sci-fi anime. In this latest incarnation, Deunan, Briareos, and Tereus of the E.S.W.A.T. team are charged with preserving the peace of the city-state of Olympus, a hi-tech paradise on a largely ruined Earth. Screenwriters Kiyoto Takeuchi and Todd W. Russell have given the story a contemporary twist, adding attacks by "cyborg terrorists" and an effort by the ruler of Olympus to control a world-wide satellite surveillance system. When cyborgs and human launch coordinated attacks on the government headquarters in Olympus, Deunan, Briareos, and Tereus swing into action against a mysterious enemy. The plot has little in common with the earlier films: the Appleseed technology that was at the core of the story isn't even mentioned. The look, tone, and characters in Ex Machina recall Shirow's Ghost in the Shell, rather than the original Appleseed. Not surprisingly, the elaborately choreographed fight scenes reflect Woo's signature style, with slo-mo martial-arts combat, close-ups of falling shells, dynamic camerawork, and all-out gun battles. But the weightless movements of the motion-capture characters and the limited rendering of the skin textures gives Appleseed Ex Machina the feel of an extremely elaborate computer game. Despite the limits of the mo-cap technology, Appleseed Ex Machina is a fast-past, take-no-prisoners cinematic adventure that will delight action-movie fans as well as anime lovers. (Rated PG-13: violence, violence against women, profanity, grotesque imagery, potentially offensive religious imagery.) --Charles Solomon

Product Description
The next installment in the Appleseed franchise Appleseed: Ex Machinaavailable on DVD! Produced by John Woo and Directed by Shinji Aramakiand featuring next generation CG technology Appleseed: Ex Machina isback bigger and badder!Based on the manga from reknown creator Shirow Masamune in this movieDeunan and Briareos are both partners and lovers. As members of ESWATthe elite forces serving Olympus they are deployed everywhere troublestrikes. The two fighters find their partnership tested in a new way bythe arrival of Tereus who uncannily resembles Briareos before thewartime injuries that led to his becoming a cyborg. At the same timeOlympus finds itself under a stealth attack . Cyborg terrorism deadlynanotech zealots and rioting citizens are just some of the threats thatDeunan must contend with as she fights to save Olympus.System Requirements:Running Time: 159 minutesFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: SCI-FI/FANTASY/FANTASY Rating: PG-13 UPC: 085391200673 Manufacturer No: 120067

Please Teacher! - Anime Legends Complete Collection

2008-04-19T04:20:00.001-07:00

100 of 108 people found the following review helpful:

Wow, what a ride, September 1, 2005

By	Eric P. Fretheim "Eric the Fred" (Dallas, TX, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Please Teacher! Complete Collection (DVD)

First let me make something clear: in order to like this series, there are a few things you have to accept. Such as, teenage boys have eyes, and find girls physically attractive. And, that this story pretty obviously must have grown out of the memory of a high school boy fantasizing about his teacher. And, Japanese writers sometimes are a little unrealistic with initial story setup, so just grit your teeth if the part where they get married seems a little contrived. It's the rest of the story you want to see.
If you can get past these, you are going to experience one of the sweeter, and better written, love stories you will ever come across. It starts out a romantic comedy, pretty standard "magical girlfriend" fare along the same lines as "Oh, My Goddess" , and just as you are getting used to that, a much more complex and mature tale sneaks up from behind you and grabs hold.
A couple notes: I am a parent, and became interested in Anime again from watching DVDs first before deciding whether my children should watch them. I am not uptight about occasional nudity (a la Ranma 1/2) or "suggested" sex, but I do try to keep them away from situations where the sexual content is clear, or is central to understanding the story. For this reason, two warnings:
1) If you are more restrictive than I describe, you probably don't want your kids to see this.
2) In any case, don't let your younger kids watch the last episode. It is actually an "add-on" OAV that wasn't part of the original TV series, and it isn't necessary for getting plot resolution. At one point, a high-school couple are clearly having a romantic get-away in a "love hotel", and another couple are clearly in a "bondage, S&M" situation, and another couple are clearly in a situation that would be statutory rape in the U.S. A little too much information for pre-high-school children, even in my liberal opinion.

Samurai X - Complete

2008-04-19T04:19:00.000-07:00

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Nineteenth century Japan: a land torn by warfare and rebellion where small bands of soldiers seek to overthrow the tyrannical Tokugawa Shogunate. Enter Kenshin a young orphan whose fighting skills were honed by the great swordsman Hiko. But Kenshin s soul is embattled much like the killing fields of Japan with his hopes for a new world peace at odds with his life of blood and killing. System Requirements:Run Time: 510 minutesFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: ANIMATION/ADULT SWIM UPC: 702727141126 Manufacturer No: DSX/300

ANIME HOTSHOTS: CITY OF SIN (DVD MOVIE)

2008-04-19T04:17:00.000-07:00

Product Description

Product Description
A barbaric warrior king seizes the beautiful Queen Beatrice. As his soldiers ravage her kingdom they introduce the city wenches to a variety of exotic sexual acts. Soon the haughty queen and her handmaids are begging for more and the city becomes a carnal capital of debauchery and lust. There goes the neighborhood!Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: ANIMATION/ADULT SWIM UPC: 719987103429 Manufacturer No: 701034

Maid Service DVD (2005)

2008-04-19T04:15:00.000-07:00

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Momoko is having major money trouble. After the untimely death of her parents, she finds herself strapped for cash to pay for her college tuition. Desperate, Momoko even considers selling her most precious possession – her mother’s ring… But everything changes when Takaaki, a charming young man in her class, generously offers to pay her tuition if she simply agrees to work off her debt by serving as his own, personal, live-in maid. At least, the offer sounded generous at first… Now completely under Takaaki’s control, Momoko has no choice but to satisfy his every twisted sexual fantasy. But Momoko isn’t the only one he’s drafting into this new maid service. Using blackmail and bribery, Takaaki’s staff continues to grow with gorgeous young maids who are willing to serve him on their hands and knees. But even with all of this beauty surrounding him, for some inexplicable reason, Momoko still remains the target for his ever growing sadistic experiments. But could! his unhealthy fixation lead to disaster?

Hot for Teacher DVD (2005)

2008-04-19T04:13:00.000-07:00

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Producers Shiyuuta Biwajima and Chikara Niki (PRIVATE SESSIONS / DEBTS OF DESIRE / PUNISHMENT), and hardcore hentai author Will (CLASSROOM OF ATONEMENT) have teamed up once again to bring you HOT FOR TEACHER, the titillating tale of a beautiful professor trapped in a world of depravity, lust, and sexual blackmail... Yumi is a busty, dark haired beauty who knows how to give her students what they want. But unfortunately, she's never been good at getting what she wants and lately everything seems to be going wrong. First she has a nasty break-up with her fiancé, and then she's sexually harassed by the Vice-Principal. One thing leads to another...and before she knows it, the VP and some very horny students trap her into a hot and heavy orgy. After ravishing her over and over again, they make her swear to become their secret sex slave. Now, Yumi's only hope is the reluctant Katsutoshi and his perky girlfriend Keiko. But even with their help, it'll be hard for Yumi to escape her bonds of sexual slavery, since everyone seems to be hot for teacher... DVD

SPECIAL FEATURES: Animated Art Gallery, Original US Hot for Teacher Trailer, Critical Mass Video Trailers, Scene Access, 2.0 Dolby Digital Japanese and English Audio with Regular and "Soft" Subtitles for on screen translations.

Sailor and the 7 Ballz

2008-04-19T04:10:00.001-07:00

Ninja Love

2008-04-19T04:08:00.000-07:00

Editorial Reviews

Cowboy Bebop - The Perfect Sessions (Limited Edition Complete Series Boxed Set)

2008-04-19T03:58:00.000-07:00

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com essential video
Each of the snazzy 25-minute installments from the most popular Japanese animated TV series of 1998 is a satisfying adventure tale about a futuristic hipster bounty hunter. This is an elegant action-comedy anime, with smoothly integrated CGI space-flight elements, gorgeous graphics, blues harmonica and sax riffs on the soundtrack, and a no-sweat post-Tarantino attitude. Despite occasional eruptions of gun-fu Asian-action violence, and some intimations of heavy-duty drug use (in the first of 26 episodes, one especially noxious narcotic is administered as an aerosol spray straight onto the user's eyeballs), the tone is surprisingly convivial. None of the generic tough elements are grim or mean-spirited. Lanky antihero Spike Spiegel is a planet-hopping freelance hunter with an ex-cop sidekick named Jet, a loopy fellow hunter named Faye, a teenage computer hack, and a genetically enhanced Welsh corgi assistant in tow. The emphasis is on clever twists of plot in an episodic short-story format with as many wisecracks as punches being thrown. --David Chute

Product Description
Meet Spike and Jet, a drifter and a retired cyborg cop. They've formed a partnership in a bounty hunting enterprise that specializes in adventure and cash. Using an old converted fishing ship called the Bebop, with the help of the intelligent data dog, Ein, the mysterious and vexing femme fatale, Faye Valentine, and Ed, the genius hacker -- Spike and Jet scour the galaxy to clean up space, one bounty at a time. * Considered one of the best anime of all time in both Japan AND the United States. * Cowboy Bebop is now available as a special DVD collection box set that contains all six DVD's from Cowboy Bebop packaged with the Cowboy Bebop Original Soundtrack CD in a collectors box.

Cowboy Bebop Remix: Anime Legends

2008-04-19T03:55:00.000-07:00

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
The crew of the Bebop is once again ready to take control of space bringing bad guys to justice and trying to make some cash while doing it. Join the always cool Spike investigative genius Jet the fabulous Faye the amazing (but weird) Ed and the super-smart Welsh Corgi named Ein as they try to make a buck in the year 2071. How do they do it? They re bounty hunters. But then again you probably wouldn t be reading this if you didn t already know that...Now for the first time in North America the entire Cowboy Bebop Remix series in one package!!! System Requirements:Run Time: 650 minutesFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: ANIMATION/ADULT SWIM Rating: PG-13 UPC: 669198200472 Manufacturer No: 20047

Witch Hunter Robin - Anime Legends Complete Collection (2004)

2008-04-19T03:47:00.000-07:00

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Raised in an Italian convent, 16-year-old Robin Sana returns to her native Japan to join the STNJ, a secret organization that captures, rather than kills, witches of both sexes. The typically mismatched crew includes hacker Michael Lee, rookie Haruto Sakaki, psychic Miho Karasuma, Yurika Dojima, the spoiled daughter of a prominent family, and icily aloof Amon, the de facto leader of the team. As a "craft user," Robin can conjure fire as a weapon, but has some trouble with her aim. Witch Hunter combines the subdued palette of Blood: The Last Vampire with the alienated tone of the Vampire Princess Miyu OVAs. The elegantly designed settings and skillful use of color are more interesting than the flat stories about pursuing the supernatural murderers. All six volumes and a pin collection are included in this set. (Rated 13 and older: violence, alcohol and tobacco use) --Charles Solomon

How To Draw Manga Supersize Volume 2 (How to Draw Manga) (Paperback)

2008-04-19T03:44:00.000-07:00

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Six more issues' worth (#7-12) of incredible art and insightful comments from Ben Dunn, Fred Perry, Joe Wight, Rod Espinosa, and David Hutchison, all in one magazine-sized manga-monster of a collection!

Girl to Grrrl Manga: How to Draw the Hottest Shoujo Manga (Paperback)

2008-04-19T03:42:00.000-07:00

Editorial Reviews

Book Description
From the creative mind of superstar comic artist Colleen Doran, Girl to Grrrl Manga is your invitation to the drama, high romance and dreamlike settings of shoujo manga!

Page after page of step-by-step instruction lets you get right to it as you learn the simple tricks to drawing different shoujo looks...Beautiful, glamorous girls in funky costumes. Gorgeous guys with smoldering, direct gazes and tortured storylines. Dazzling characters with supermodel-lean builds, voluminous hair and those enormous, liquid eyes that swim with emotion.

Inside, you'll learn to draw faces and figures from different perspectives and to various dramatic effects. Discover the secrets to drawing hands, tearful eyes, fantastic costumes, and other fun and expressive facets of shoujo art. You'll see how the smallest details, like extra-long eyelashes or a highlight on the lips, can make the biggest difference!

So you want to draw like CLAMP (Cardcaptor Sakura and CLAMP School Detectives), or Mineo Maya (Patalliro), or Fuyumi Soryo (Mars) ... or (best of all) uniquely like YOU?! With Girl to Grrrl Manga, you'll learn to recognize and replicate authentic shoujo styles--classic, contemporary, retro, children's, aesthetic, modern, illustrative--on your way to achieving your own, fabulous, one-of-a-kind style.

Freaks!: How to Draw Fantastic Fantasy Creatures (Fantastic Fantasy Comics) (Paperback)

2008-04-19T03:39:00.000-07:00

Editorial Reviews

Book Description
Devoted to the serious depictions of anthropomorphic characters, Freaks! covers the entire range of animal people and explores all its possibilities. Hundreds of illustrations depict subjects that include basic human and animal anatomies, cat people, dog people, wolf people, feathered freaks, bat people, reptilian creatures, predators of the deep, primates, insect people, elephant man, rhino man, hippo lady, and much more. This drawing guide demonstrates the wide range of this popular genre of illustrative art and the techniques needed to create these fantastic fantasy creatures. Artists will find inspiration for creating such characters as creatures from Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, A. A. Milne's Winnie the Pooh, C. S. Lewis' Narnia Chronicles, or the characters from Planet of the Apes and Creature from the Black Lagoon.

Contributors Include
Brett Booth (Spider-Man, X-Men, and Fantastic Four),
Mitch Byrd (Green Lantern), and
Todd Nauck (Teen Titans and Spider-Man)

The launch of a new series on drawing fantastic characters and creatures
The influx of animal/human characters into popular culture is at an all-time high
From the lead designer of Microsoft's X-Box game Monster Truck Mash

Mecha Mania: How to Draw Warrior Robots, Cool Spaceships, and Military Vehicles (Christopher Hart Titles) (Paperback)

2008-04-19T03:33:00.000-07:00

Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal
Grade 5-8-Hart offers budding cartoonists a mix of basic instructions and savvy technical advice for creating a wide variety of generic giant robots, robotlike craft, cyborgs of both sexes, and bad-guy types ("Evil Scientist," "Corporate Villain," etc.), then posing them for maximum visual effect. Starting in the traditional way, with blocky geometric shapes, each figure proceeds through two or three stages to finished model, surrounded by pithy observations, comments, or general encouragement. In a tangentially relevant closing interview, Heinz Schuller, art director at Microsoft's Fasa Studio, delivers generalities about how to break into the field of digital-game design. Though Hart has little to say about drawing on screen rather than paper, his "can-do!" tone and cogent instructions, as well as the gallery of chiseled, heavily armed, hypercomplicated machines, will make this volume appealing to both casual browsers and serious young artists.
John Peters, New York Public Library
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Manga Studio For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech)) (Paperback)

2008-04-19T03:31:00.000-07:00

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
Love Manga? The newest features of Manga Studio help you bring your ideas to life! The tools available in the latest version of this powerful program make it easy to turn your computer into your drawing board, and Manga Studio For Dummies makes it easy to get started.

Discover how to use Manga Studio to begin creating comics in manga or Western styles, add color to your creations, and share them with your adoring public. It’s a breeze once you know your way around the program. Manga may have begun in Japan, but Manga Studio For Dummies is written in plain English, and shows you how to:

Build and use page templates
Rough in your comic with penciling techniques
Work 100 0igital, or use a combination of digital and traditional tools if you prefer
Work with layers, rulers, and panels
Add speech bubbles and sound effects text
Ink your work and add tones
Prepare your creations for print or distribution on the Web

Written by a working digital artist, Manga Studio For Dummies covers both Manga Studio Debut and EX versions. As an added bonus, it even gives you a peek into the world of manga and comics in general. With the help of Manga Studio For Dummies, you just might find yourself among the comic artists whose work populates the Web and gathers thousands of fans!

From the Back Cover
Covers both Manga Studio Debut and EX versions

Use the newest features of Manga Studio to bring your ideas to life

Manga is magnificent, and with the tools available in the latest version of Manga Studio, it's easy to turn your computer into your drawing board. Here's the fun and easy way® to begin creating comics in manga or Western styles, add color to your creations, and share them with your adoring public.

Discover how to:

Build and use page templates
Rough in your comic with penciling techniques
Work with layers, rulers, and panels
Add speech bubbles and sound effects text
Ink your work and add tones

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Drawing Manga, Illustrated (Paperback)

2008-04-19T03:29:00.000-07:00

Editorial Reviews

Book Description
Simple instructions for illustrating everything Manga.

This guide teaches manga lovers how to create their own characters and stories. From bodies to the nuts and bolts of “mech” (manga for anything mechanical), readers will learn all the basics necessary to start rendering the exotic worlds and creative characters that attracted them to manga as readers. Over 200 illustrations will show readers exactly how to draw everything from heroes to vehicles to backgrounds.

• Manga is the fastest-growing segment of the publishing industry, with 2004 sales projected to reach 120 million, up 20% from 2003
• There are few instructional manga books that are truly instructional and even fewer with this guide's step-by-step directions
• The single most comprehensive source for learning all the manga basics

About the Author
John Layman has been involved in manga and all sorts of comics for decades. The writer of Gambit for Marvel, he has written two miniseries each for Thundercats and Species. The creator of Puffed and Bay City Jive, Layman has edited and lettered comics for many comic companies.
David Hutchinson is a freelance illustrator who specializes in manga. He has contributed to many of Antarctic Press’s How to Draw Manga volumes.

Official How To Draw Anime & Game Characters Illustration Kit (How to Draw Manga) (Hardcover)

2008-04-19T03:26:00.000-07:00

Editorial Reviews

Book Description
Kit includes: the full 152 page book How To Draw Anime & Game Characters Vol 1, five sheets of 8 1/2x11 3/4 (also know as A4 size) authentic manga illustration paper, one "Heo-Piko" color marker from Japanese manga supply experts Deleter, one 5x7 patterned Screen Tone sheet from Deleter, one Tone Hera - a tool for helping to apply the tone sheet to your art, an 8-inch plastic ruler emblazoned with the HTDM logo, one How To Draw Manga logo pencil, and a durable, hard plastic case, perfect for storage or travel! The ultimate set for aspiring anime artists of all ages!

The Art of Inuyasha: Anime Art Gallery (Paperback)

2008-04-19T03:25:00.000-07:00

Editorial Reviews

Book Description
Japanese high school student Kagome, magically whisked back to the past, accidentally releases the legendary doglike half-demon Inu-Yasha from his imprisonment. His crime? Stealing the powerful "Jewel of Four Souls." Now he must help Kagome reclaim the jewel to prevent other demons from using it for evil purposes. Thus begins the megapopular graphic novel series that has become a Cartoon Network and DVD phenomenon. Including both colorful cell art and paintings, this book showcases the fascinating characters and dramatic sequences found in the hit show. Page after page of full-color designs are here, along with character profiles, watercolors from the manga covers, and 66 pages of colored manga pages, many previously unpublished in the United States. The book also contains a discussion between the Japanese voice actors and creator Rumiko Takahashi, along with interviews with the series' co-creators.

Tezuka School of Animation, 1: Learning the Basics (Tezuka School) (Paperback)

2008-04-19T03:23:00.000-07:00

Editorial Reviews

Book Description
The work of artist Osamu Tezuka has been as influential in Japan as that of Walt Disney in the US. His most famous character, Astro Boy, guides the reader through this book on the fundamentals of animation. The focus is on mastering movement, timing, and expression-the keys to bringing anime characters to life. This book is filled with step-by-step instructions on how to depict weight, walking speed, dynamic action, and effects like fire and water. The concepts are all taken from Tezuka's works and have his particular stylistic mark. Become a master by mastering the basics!

The Complete Anime Guide: Japanese Animation Film Directory & Resource Guide (Paperback)

2008-04-19T03:22:00.000-07:00

Como Dibujar Anime Vol. 4: Escenas de Combate y Accion / How to Draw Anime and Game Characters, Vol. 4: Mastering Battle & Action Moves/ Spanish Editi

2008-04-19T03:18:00.000-07:00

Editorial Reviews

Book Description
An enemy is creeping up on the hero, when the hero suddenly does a half-spin and sends him flying with a back roundhouse kick! Then the hero jumps up and on the way down delivers a punch to the enemy. Action scenes are the highpoints of a story. This book selects action and movements often used in popular combat games and explains these motions to allow you to master drawing them quickly, starting out by tracing and, later, to draw your own original character performing.

About the Author
AUTHORBIO: Tadashi Ozawa es un animador freelance que ha trabajado con el Estudio Ghibli y que estuvo como productor en Mad House, donde ensenaba a nuevos animadores. Ademas de crear la serie Como dibujar anime, ha colaborado en muchos exitos de la animacion como Nausicaa, Laputa, Akira, Lodoss War y Yawara.

Tadashi Ozawa is a freelance animator who has served as an animation director at Studio Ghibli and a producer at Mad House, where he was in charge or training new animators. In addition to creating the popular How to Draw Anime and Game Characters series, Ozawa has contributed to a number of hit Anime works, including: The Art of Naussica, Laputa, Akira, Lodoss Wars and Yawara.

Mechademia 1: Emerging Worlds of Anime and Manga (Mechademia) (Paperback)

2008-04-19T03:13:00.000-07:00

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
After decades in which American popular culture dominated global media and markets, Japanese popular culture—primarily manga and anime, but also toys, card and video games, and fashion—has exploded into a worldwide phenomenon. From Pokémon and the Power Rangers to Paranoia Agent and Princess Mononoke, Japanese popular culture is consumed by an eager and exponentially increasing audience of youths, teenagers, and adults. Mechademia, a new annual edited by Frenchy Lunning, begins an innovative and fresh conversation among scholars, critics, and fans about the complexity of art forms like Superflat, manga, and anime. The inaugural volume, Mechademia 1 engages the rise of Japanese popular culture through game design, fashion, graphic design, commercial packaging, character creation, and fan culture. Promoting dynamic ways of thinking, along with state-of-the-art graphic design and a wealth of images, this cutting-edge work opens new doors between academia and fandom. The premiere issue features the interactive worlds that anime and manga have created, including the origins of cosplay (the manga and anime costume subculture), Superflat, forgotten images from a founding manga artist, video game interactivity, the nature of anime fandom in America, and the globalization of manga. Contributors: Anne Allison, Duke U; William L. Benzon; Christopher Bolton, Williams College; Vern L. Bullough, California State U, Northridge; Martha Cornog; Patrick Drazen; Marc Hairston; Mari Kotani; Thomas LaMarre; Antonia Levi, Portland State U; Thomas Looser, NYU; Susan Napier, U of Texas, Austin; Michelle Ollie; Timothy Perper; Sara Pocock; Brian Ruh; Takayuki Tatsumi, Keio U, Tokyo; Toshiya Ueno, Wako U, Tokyo; Theresa Winge, U of Northern Iowa; Mark J. P. Wolf, Concordia U; Wendy Siuyi Wong, York U. Frenchy Lunning is professor of liberal arts at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design.

Anime Art: Easel-Does-It (Paperback)

2008-04-19T03:11:00.000-07:00

Editorial Reviews

Book Description

With special photography, Anime Art: Easel Does It shows how to draw, ink, and color anime characters, and how to use them to create animated sequences.

All materials, equipment, and techniques needed to create anime characters and animated sequences are fully explained and accompanied by a gallery of anime figures by professional artists.

Eight creative step-by-step projects, demonstrating how to draw male, female, animal, robot, and fun figures, how to bring your anime characters and scenes to life, and how to use color creatively model sheet for character reference.

About the Author

Keith Sparrow has been drawing and collecting comics since his childhood. He is a prolific storyboard artist whose work includes Space Jam, Anime Art: Easel Does It and Drawing Action Manga: Easel Does It. A lifelong manga and anime enthusiast, Keith attends animation and comic conventions and is currently working on his own graphic novel. He uses a mixture of traditional and digital techniques in his work, drawing and inking by hand before coloring and finishing on computer.

How To Draw Manga Volume 26: Making Anime (How to Draw Manga) (Paperback)

2008-04-19T03:08:00.000-07:00

Editorial Reviews

Book Description
From the publishers of the best-selling How To Draw Manga series! This book, which was co-authored by the animation production company, A.I.C. and Yoyogi Animation Gakuin, a leading animation institute in Tokyo, Japan. It represents the main or "key" poses in an action by showing the reader the work process up to the point where a finished animated work has been created. This is a must-have one for all the Japanese Anime fans who are interested in making process of animated work.

The Astro Boy Essays: Osamu Tezuka, Mighty Atom, and the Manga/Anime Revolution (Paperback)

2008-04-19T03:02:00.000-07:00

Editorial Reviews

Book Description

The pioneering genius of Japan's "God of Comics," Osamu Tezuka (192889), is examined through his life's masterwork: Tetsuwan Atomu, also known as Mighty Atom or Astro Boy, a comic series featuring a cute little android who yearns to be more human. The history of Tetsuwan Atomu and Tezuka's role in it is a road map to understanding the development of new media in Japan and the United States. Topics include Tezuka's life, the art of animation, the connection between fantasy robots and technology, spin-offs, and Astro Boy's cultural impact.

Frederik L. Schodt is a translator and author of numerous books about Japan, including Manga! Manga! and Dreamland Japan. He often served as Osamu Tezuka's English interpreter.

About the Author
Fluent in spoken and written Japanese, Frederik L. Schodt is an author, interpreter, and translator who has written extensively on Japanese culture and Japan-U.S. relations. His classic Manga! Manga! introduced the English-speaking world to Japanese comics culture.

From Impressionism to Anime: Japan as Fantasy and Fan Cult in the Mind of the West (Hardcover)

2008-04-19T02:58:00.000-07:00

Editorial Reviews
Review

Praise for Susan Napier's previous book, Anime from Akira to Princess Mononoke:

"A thoughtful and carefully researched account."--The New York Times

"This worthy addition to the burgeoning literature on Japanese popular culture will stand the test of time."--Choice

Book Description

What is it about anime that is so appealing to a transnational fan base? Is the American attraction to anime similar to the popularity of previous fads of Japanese culture, like the Japonisants of fin-de-siecle France enamored of Japanese art and architecture, or the American poets in the fifties and sixties who latched onto haiku? Or is this something new, a product of global culture in which ethnic identities carry less weight? This book explores these issues by taking a look at anime fans and the place they occupy, both in terms of subculture in Japan and America, and in relation to Western perceptions of Japan since the late 1800s.

Japanese Comickers: Draw Anime and Manga Like Japan's Hottest Artists (Paperback)

2008-04-19T02:55:00.000-07:00

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Where else can you find such an incredible collection of 14 young comic, anime and manga artists willing to share the secrets of their techniques? Each artist includes a brief biography, the most representative work and a gallery of their best work with step-by-steps on how to create the work. The last chapter features a who’s who in the industry or "Tree of Japanese Comickers" and information about the art materials used by each artist along with a glossary of terms unique to Japanese comic/anime illustrations.

About the Author

Published quarterly in Japan, Comickers Magazine is the authoritative guide to the Japanese comics trade and provides unique information on the worlds of manga, anime, illustration, games, fashion, and cinema.

Anime Figures: Tokyo's Hottest 50 Anime Figurines (Paperback)

2008-04-19T02:48:00.000-07:00

Editorial Reviews

Book Description
For much less than the price of one figure, each page of Anime Figurines introduces one of Tokyo best-selling anime figures in gorgeous and glossy full color. There is no better or more authentic book for the anime figurine collector than this. As well as a cool gift that will never lose its appeal, this book is a must-have for anime fans the world over.

About the Author
Cocoro Books is an imprint of Tokyo-based DH Publishing. Cocoro Books titles cover a wide range of themes, including cosplay, ninja, movies, manga, anime, cuisine, tattoos, nightlife and J-pop.

Watching Anime, Reading Manga: 25 Years of Essays and Reviews (Paperback)

2008-04-19T02:45:00.000-07:00

Editorial Reviews

Book Description

Anime's influence can be found in every corner of American media, from film and television to games and graphic arts. And Fred Patten is largely responsible. He was reading manga and watching anime before most of the current generation of fans was born. In fact, it was his active participation in fan clubs and his prolific magazine writing that helped create a market and build American anime fandom into the vibrant community it is today. Watching Anime, Reading Manga gathers together a quarter-century of Patten's lucid observations on the business of anime, fandom, artists, Japanese society and the most influential titles. Illustrated with original fanzine covers and archival photos. Foreword by Carl Macek (Robotech).

Fred Patten lives in Los Angeles.

"Watching Anime, Reading Manga is a worthwhile addition to your library; it makes good bathroom browsing, cover-to-cover reading, and a worthwhile reference for writing or researching anime and manga, not to mention a window into the history of fandom in the United States." -- SF Site

About the Author
Fred Patten was an anime fan before most of this generation of fans were born, back when color television was a novelty and the idea of playing back TV shows on tapes and discs was a science fiction fantasy. Actually, Patten was a big part of the science fiction and fantasy world before he was drawn into anime fandom in the mid-1970's. He remains active in the animation industry with Streamline Pictures. Patten is best known for his writings on anime history. This is his first collection.

Anime Intersections: Tradition and Innovation in Theme and Technique (Paperback)

2008-04-19T02:44:00.000-07:00

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
This text examines the artistic development of anime, from its origins as a subset of the Japanese film industry to its modern-day status, as one of the most popular forms of animation worldwide. Chapter One provides a discussion of the history of anime and the separate phases of the artistic process involved in creating a traditional anime film. The main body of the text comprises nine chapters, each of which is devoted to a detailed analysis of a chosen production and explores the technical and thematic developments pioneered in works such as Ninja Scroll, Perfect Blue, and Howl's Moving Castle. The final chapter examines the impact of the medium within Western contexts, focusing on changing perceptions of anime and on the medium's frequent appearances within Western pop culture and the fine arts. A complete bibliography and filmography are included.

About the Author
Freelance writer Dani Cavallaro is also the author of The Animé Art of Hayao Miyazaki (2006) and The Cinema of Mamoru Oshii (2006). She lives in London.

Anime Explosion! The What? Why? & Wow! of Japanese Animation (Paperback)

2008-04-19T02:42:00.000-07:00

Editorial Reviews
Review
"This book is useful not only as a reference to Anime, but also as a rewarding guide to some aspects of contemporary Japanese culture." Niagara University Library: Monthly Book Spotlight, June 2003

Book Description

Suddenly anime is . . . exploding. But where did Japanese animation come from, and what does it all mean? Written for fans, culture watchers, and perplexed outsiders, this is an engaging tour of the anime megaverse, from older arts and manga traditions to the works of modern directors like Miyazaki and Otomo. Read about anime standbys like giant robots, samurai, furry beasts, high school heroines, and gay/girl/fanboy love-even war and reincarnation, plus all of anime's major themes, styles, and conventions. At the end of the book are essays on 15 of fandom's favorite anime, including Evangelion, Esca-flowne, Sailor Moon, and Patlabor.

"A good resource and guide to the foundation, historical development and overall themes in Japanese animation and serves as an excellent reference source whether you are an established fan or a person who wants to learn about the cultural aspects of this specific and increasingly popular genre. It is an easy yet thorough read on the myriad of societal aspects and cultural references Japanese animation holds." -- Active Anime

The Anime Companion: What's Japanese in Japanese Animation (Paperback)

2008-04-19T02:37:00.000-07:00

Editorial Reviews
Review
"For both the seasoned anime fan and the newly-minted otaku alike- it's absolutely oozing with good stuff to know, and comes recommended to the hilt." -Anime Guide, About.com

Book Description
Anime is from Japan, so it's full of all sorts of cultural details that are downright perplexing . . . unless you're Japanese or unless you've got The Anime Companion. Find out why characters wear belly bands and what nosebleeds really mean. Learn about the Edo Jidai and those games they play at New Year's. Gilles Poitras has taken his popular anime website and created a new print version that's filled with curious details and fresh insights drawn from dozens of the most popular anime. And for students of Japanese, The Anime Companion is a great way to learn about Japan while indulging in your favorite pastime.

"Combining personal passion with an intelligent sense of perspective, this enjoyable book is just right for dipping into, full of amusing and informative snippets which fans will love and even non-fans can enjoy."-Helen McCarthy, author of The Complete Anime Guide

"I've worked on over 20,000 pages of manga over the last ten years, and I still learned quite a bit from this fascinating book. For anyone with more than the most casual interest in anime and manga, The Anime Companion should be on their coffee table right next to the remote control."-Toren Smith, Studio Proteus

"Entire generations of English speakers now receive their first exposure to Japanese culture through anime. But many cultural references can be puzzling. Gilles Poitras's book is like a Rosetta Stone for confused anime fans. Before slipping that next anime video into your VCR, make sure this book's handy!"-Frederik L. Schodt, author of Manga! Manga! and Dreamland Japan

The Anime Companion 2: More What's Japanese in Japanese Animation? (Paperback)

2008-04-19T02:33:00.000-07:00

Editorial Reviews

Book Description

This long-awaited "companion" volume boasts over 500 all-new glossary-style entries to help you decipher anime's distinctive content, images and cultural motifs. Ranging from Aikido to Zero fighters (with Japanese Mountain Vegetables in between), Gilles Poitras covers the minutiae of anime in fascinating detail, including illustrations, anime images, film citations and numerous references to the related art of manga. More than a guide, The Anime Companion 2 is a pop survey of Japanese art, kitsch, history, food and daily life. Now with entries in kanji and English, the Anime Companion remains the best friend an otaku ever had. Volume 1 was chosen for New York Public Library's Books for the Teen Age List.

Gilles Poitras is a librarian in the San Francisco Bay Area.

About the Author
Gilles Poitras is a California librarian who first discovered anime in 1977. As a fan of films he was attracted by the use of cinematic efffects in ways that he had never seen in animation. He has been interviewed in several documentaries on anime and writes a monthly column on anime for Newtype USA magazine. He is also author of Anime Essentials.

Princess Mononoke (1997)

2008-01-11T02:13:00.000-08:00

Genres: Animation, Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Thriller
Tagline: The Fate Of The World Rests On The Courage Of One Warrior.
Plot Outline On a journey to find the cure for a Tatarigami's curse, Ashitaka finds himself in the middle of a war between the forest and Tataraba, a mining colony. In this quest he also meets San, the Mononoke Hime.
Plot Synopsis: A prince is infected with an incurable disease by a possessed boar/god. He is to die unless he can find a cure to rid the curse from his body. It seems that his only hope is to travel to the far east. When he arrives to get help from the deer god, he finds himself in the middle of a battle between the animal inhabitants of the forest and an iron mining town that is exploiting and killing the forest. Leading the forest animals in the battle is a human raised by wolves, Princess Mononoke.

Inu-Yasha - A Girl's Best Friend (Vol. 2) (2002)

2007-08-15T07:13:00.000-07:00

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The new fantasy-adventure from Rumiko Takahashi really begins to hit its stride in these episodes. Despite their endless bickering, Kagome and Inu-Yasha prove an effective team against the demons they encounter in the Warring States netherworld. Kagome grows more aware of her psychic talents; Inu-Yasha develops a grudging respect for her. Together they defeat Yura, whose weapons include nets of hair and skulls. A much more formidable opponent is Sesshomaru, an exquisite mage who is Inu-Yasha's older brother. Sesshomaru wants the enchanted sword--carved from one of the fangs of their demon-father--which lies hidden in a most unlikely place. Sesshomaru's servant Jaken and Myoga the flea, who joins Kagome and Inu-Yasha, both resemble Happosai in Ranma 1/2. Once again, Takahashi infuses what could be a formulaic story with vivid characters, striking visuals, and unexpected twists. (Unrated; suitable for ages 13 and older: violence, grotesque imagery) --Charles Solomon

Armitage - Dual Matrix (Special Edition) (2002)

2007-08-15T07:07:00.001-07:00

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

This sequel offers little of the Blade Runner-influenced vision of a despotic future that made the original OAV and previous feature so popular. After living peacefully under assumed names on Mars, Naomi Armitage and her husband Ross Sylibus are drawn into a standard anime plot involving a sinister corporation's efforts to create artificial humans. The curvaceous Naomi is actually a "Third," the most formidable type of cyborg. (She's even borne a child, which suggests just how sophisticated her circuitry is.) Naomi takes on the duplicates of her that the evil Demetrius Mardini has created, in a series of gunfights, fistfights, knife fights, and explosions. Despite the film's promising origins, clumsy storytelling and director Katsuhito Akiyama's tendency to stage many of the battles in dim dramatic lighting hurt its impact, as it's difficult to follow what's happening. Rated 16 Up: Graphic violence, violence against women, nudity, profanity. --Charles Solomon

By Ilker Yucel "Kryptych" (Annapolis, MD United States)

The first time I saw this DVD sequel to one of the best animes of the '90's on the shelves, I was skeptical. When I saw that Juliette Lewis was doing the voice for super-sexy robot ...Naomi Armitage, my feelings were mixed, knowing her to be a competent actress with a sexier voice than Elizabeth Berkeley (and certainly sexier on screen). When I finally watched it...I was disappointed. And yet...I watched it again, and I liked it a little more, despite the flaws.

As a sequel, it's pretty standard. It acknowledges the events of the first movie (except of course for the funny plot hole of why nobody on Mars recognizes Ross or Armitage when they figured to be such prominent characters in a government conspiracy in the original). The sequel expands (not answers, but expands) on certain questions from the first, like how does a robot have the ability to conceive human children? The action is pretty good, almost as good as the original, and it wrap things up nicely in the end.

The major flaws with this sequel are inherent in the animation. It's just not nearly as good. The animators went a little overboard with the use of CGI for some of the vehicular chase scenes (which were pretty cool, but obviously out of place with the rest of the animation). The panning is far less smooth than in the original, probably another result of CGI...it just doesn't look the same. The character design is updated slightly to give a sense that the characters have matured slightly. The backgrounds and setting aren't all that great either, but...it is mostly on Earth, not Mars. Maybe they just didn't want to go too far with it. There's also a problem in the plot, which is almost a direct rehash of the original, only instead of the government being behind it, it's the big robot-producing corporations that have a lot to lose if robots are allowed to be treated as human. Politics come into play a little more this time around, but that hardly helps the case the plot is pretty much the same. Also, the cliched plot devices of taking the child hostage and of a mother protecting her child is played out in perfect form here. Armitage could take out an entire army to protect her child...and she pretty much does (well...two ultra violent clones of herself, which is pretty much the equivalent of an army...and those clones laugh way too much, you just wanna bash their heads in).

The pros of this movie are that in spite of these little details, it's still a far better sequel than most Hollywood sequels attempt to be. As I said, the action is really good. The extended fight between Armitage and Ross and her two clones is pretty good, especially considering that the clones are more than just programmed soldiers...they seem to have a sadistic side, laughing almost every time they think they're about to kill someone...which was annoying, but it does helping you to hate them. The additional characters like the daughter Yoko and Mouse the Repairman are pretty enjoyable too. Yoko plays out like a typical kid in anime movies, but she's far less annoying than you'd expect. The little twist near the end when we see what makes her more than just an ordinary human is well integrated, especially after the villian made a big deal about not finding anything special about her. Mouse is just funny. The music by Julian Mack is different...still electronic-based, but more orchestral elements are introduced, and the presence of a female voice in the theme is rather interesting.

All-in-all, the sequel did what it sought out to do, and while it's certainly not as good as the original, it does at least hold a candle. I hated it at first, but the more I watch it, the more I enjoy it, and the more I feel it's actually a pretty good sequel. This is just my opinion, so feel free to disagree, but I think "Armitage: Dual-Matrix" is pretty good.

Junkers Come Here (1995)

2007-08-15T07:05:00.000-07:00

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Based on a novel by author-composer Naoto Kine, this 1994 feature focuses on Sixth-grader Hitomi Nozawa, a latchkey kid who wards off loneliness with Junkers, the schnauzer who talks to her (or does he?). Hitomi's executive mother works long hours, her father travels the world shooting commercials. Aside from Junkers, Hitomi's only companions are Keisuke, the tutor she has a crush on, and Fumie, the flighty maid. Hitomi's parents are contemplating a divorce, but she and Junkers intervene, bringing the story to a happy ending. Junkers Come Here is a pleasant fantasy that captures the loneliness of a girl whose parents don't realize they're neglecting her. Hiroichi Fuse's talky screenplay wears its heart on its sleeve, but the film is a pleasant fantasy with a conclusion many children will wish they could share. (Rated: 7 and older: minor toilet humor, tobacco and alcohol use) --Charles Solomon

By Terry Dawson (Appleton, WI USA)
This fine story of a lonely girl illustrates the power pets have in giving us an outlet for feelings and helping come to terms with life problems. Hiromi lives with her tutor and house-keeper, becuase her parents have no time for her or each other. On one level this works as a commentary on Japanese, and other societies', obsession with material and career success rather than human relationships.

The script seems to have real respect for all the characters -- the viewer comes to care about even the supporting cast. The final message has a lot do with being honest, with yourself and those you care about, in facing up to your feelings. If the ending is a bit too pat, it's forgiveable in a children's fantasy, but it's unfortunate that every child cannot stop their parents divorce merely by asking. But this is a quibble in a sinecrely enchanting movie.

Junkers the schnauzer may or may not talk and magically grant wishes -- whether he really does so, or it happens only in the heroine's imagination, is really irrelevant. But Junkers the movie surely has some magic for the viewer.

Yu-Gi-Oh, Vol. 11 - Best of Friends, Best of Duelists (2001)

2007-08-15T07:03:00.000-07:00

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

JOEY frantically searches for the card that permits him to enter the final battle, not realizing BANDIT KEITH has stolen it from him. As he struggles to accept the fact that SERENITY will be blind forever, he receives help from a new, and unexpected, friend! After BANDIT KEITH’s Machine deck forces JOEY to take the defensive, JOEY mimics KEITH’s battle strategy to metallize his RED EYES BLACK DRAGON! Is victory assured, or does the cheater BANDIT KEITH literally have one last card up his sleeve? With his pride in his strength as a duelist on the line, JOEY challenges YUGI for the right to face PEGASUS. In a battle between friends, a fierce match ensues between the two people who know each other’s strategies and cards as they struggle to keep their thoughts of past loyalties at the back of their minds. YUGI is shocked as JOEY uses the TIME WIZARD card on him. It's the very same card YUGI gave JOEY as a sign of friendship! However, as the two battle each other valiantly and one comes out the victor, they find confirmation of the strength of their friendship that surpasses any duel.

Reviewer: A viewer

This review is from: Yu-Gi-Oh - Best of Friends, Best of Duelists (VHS Tape)

When these episodes aired on Kids WB I was so excited. Everthing was on the line the money for Serenity's operation and the match that could free the souls of Grandpa, Mokuba and Seto Kaiba. The first part of Best of Friends Best of Duels inculed the song "No Matter What", wich is an aswsome song about Yugi and Joey's freindship(this song is avabile on the Yu-Gi-Oh! Music to Duel By CD). The second part inculeds Maximillon Pegasus's flash back about his wife, Cecelia, the woman in the paints seen in his castle. One thing I love about these episodes are that Yugi and Joey show some emotion(they acutual cry). Of course evey episode of Yu-Gi-Oh! is my favorite, but these episode are special. It's really hard when you have duel your best friend when the stakes are so high. The TV show is way past this, but if you have not seen it you should buy it. Also if you like Pegasus's flash back you should buy the viedo that has the episode "Aftermath" because it inculdes a longer flash back about Cecelia(Aftermath is my very favorite episode). Let the duels begain!

Best Student Council, Vol. 4: The Secret Lives of Students

2007-08-15T07:00:00.000-07:00

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

At first glance, Miyagami Gakuen seems like a typical all-girls’ school. But beneath its placid surface, a highly-disciplined student council is engaged in an unceasing struggle to keep Miyagami Gakuen safe from the outside (adult) world! Complete with covert and assault divisions, all student council members have some kind of special ability. So how did cute little transfer student Rando Rino make the cut?