Katanagatari vol. 1 Blu-ray DVD combo Impression

Family heritage and duty lead to an epic animated journey.

Katanagatari from NIS America is one of the companies newer anime titles and the most unique. Its mixture of unique animation and art combines with a time and story that reminds of titles like Kenshin yet is so unique and exquisite. A truly enjoyable anime but not one for every fan so what’s to love? Let’s take a look.

Story – 1,000 katana; crafted by master blacksmith Shikizaki Kiki and a journey to collect them. The Shogun has enacted a policy known as Katana Hunting in order to obtain all 1,000 katana including the 12 powerful Klesha Bringers, the last 12 katana forged. The order for this collection was in fear of rebellion. The location of these 12 is only partially known and now Togame, a Shogunate official, seeks the blades with the help of Yasuri Shichika, the 7th generation Kyoto Ryu. With his older sister Nanami, Yasuri lives on an isolated island due to his father’s role in bringing down a rebellion but now a the request of this strange girl he is about to step foot off the island to obtain the 12 katana which his unique sword skills, where no sword is used, the blade is his body, are the only way to obtain the blades. Togame has her own agenda and she is forced to address her past dealings with the treacherous Maniwa Ningun, a group of 12 elite ninja on her road to collecting these 12 unique katana. The journey will be long and our travelers will change so let the battles begin.

This is just the beginning of the story as each encounter reveals more and more layers. Yasuri has an innocence and brutality that adds for humorous moments and it’s not always to read what Togame is thinking (writing a book of the journey, obsessed with catch phrases) and all the characters are like this. The Ningun range from formidable to pathetic and add spice to the journey which spans Japan and sees many varied battles. It’s a simple story of two travelers working to gather 12 katana and taking on the owners in grand battles. They must dodge the Ningun and manage to have a good amount of fun doing so. As unique as the art is so too is the story which is a nice trip back to a time long forgotten in Japan.

Animation and Art Style – Bright and vivid, this anime belongs framed and hung on fans walls; it’s that beautiful. From the opening animations it’s easy to see this is no normal anime with unique looks for characters that is anime but then again, it’s not. The use of dark eyes, not just pupils but all black or one color along with unique costumes brings a vibe of Metropolis or Astro Boy, a look and feel used in Cashern but not many other traditional anime, period. The feudal Japanese setting is also a site to behold showing off the various climates of the great nation, the regions and how varied they are. It’s a visual smorgasbord of all Japan has to offer and it animates beautifully where each battle and movement is like a planned choreographed dance and the awkward and funny moments really spring off the screen. It’s just plain beautiful to watch and admire in still motion.

Voice work and Music – The voice work is wholly Japanese but quite solid as Togame is serious and hilarious while Yasuri delivers himself well as a closed off country bumpkin. Each character is portrayed as they look to be expected but the score; well the score is quite delicious. The episodes are longer, almost 40 minutes in length and the conversations also quite drawn out at time leading to some very noticeable and epic tunes that the viewer can’t help but notice … and enjoy.

Miscellaneous – The animation and art style is so unique and beautiful, it really stands out among a fairly crowded anime market and the included art book is just a joy to read and display on bookcases across the otaku world. The original story, setting and art make this a unique package that anime fans owe it to themselves to watch.

Overall this first collection of Katanagatari is excellent. It’s both DVD and Blu-ray, has a gorgeous art book and episode guide and a package to match the beautiful animation and story enclosed. Really highly recommended and a great watch.

Futurama volume 5 Blu-ray Impression

Wanna go on an updated Bender?

So Family Guy goes off the air, is gone for years but gets amazing backing online and soon sees a revival to the franchise thanks, in large part, to Adult Swim. Now Family Guy along with American Dad and The Cleveland Show, are mainstays on Fox. Another show began to forge a similar path, first on Adult Swim but now on Comedy Central and that show is Futurama. Now on season 8, the franchise has indeed found new life but being on Comedy Central at a later (10 PM) time slot it’s not quite received the same success as Family Guy but none the less, it should not be ignored by anime and comedy fans. So what’s to love about these past three, new, seasons? Let’s take a look at the revival that was volume 5 (the first collection of Season 6, work with me folks).

The Story – The crew returns and must be re-born via the professors birth machine and some robot adventures wrap in the crew being back and ready to resume the franchise with all new, updated pop cultural references. Leela is trapped with Zapp in a Garden of Eden, the iPhone/App fad is taken on with eyePhone’s and then Bender and Amy do their thing (who has Amy not been with?). Some catching up is also done on the topic of robosexuals, the secret history of Leonardo da Vinci and, who guessed, an alien invasion, cats folks, an invasion of cats. Futurama gets going without missing a beat in all the years of direct to DVD movies.

These are just the first few episodes, 13 total in this volume and while we can talk about each that’s not really the purpose here. Fact is the older Futurama episodes aged better than Family Guy and these new episodes feel natural and flow very well. It’s not as popular as The Simpsons from whose creators brain it sprang, and it’s not approached Family Guy either but it’s still a solid animated show with fun story points, good characters and plenty of cultural references to chuckle at.

The Animation and Voice Work – The animation is sharper, a bit brighter and solid in HD but overall it’s the same. The series looks better but the same and the voice work, excellent as always. There is a strange continuation with Futurama that is refreshing and nice, it’s all so familiar and good … mmmmm, tasty.

The Humor – Robosexuals, eyePhones … yeah, the humor is on target and now that it’s on Comedy Central the vulgarity gets a bit of a ramp up which a series such as Futurama needs. If viewers were a fan of the original seasons there is nothing new that will turn them off but on the flip side there is nothing to attract folks who did not dig the original.

Overall Futurama is and has been back stronger than before. Thanks to a series of direct to DVD movies the gap for the new Futurama was not as large as that faced by Family Guy and there was more story to consider but it works. The only downside is the channel and timing placement but that’s a nitpick for someone who want things nice, easy and early.

Rio DVD and Angry Birds Rio Impression

Who knew watching a blue macaw could be this much fun and that flinging him (and other birds) could be even better

Rio is the tale of a blue macaw heading back to his homeland where he discovers his roots long since forgotten while Angry Birds Rio takes the same macaw, named Blu, into a world where flinging birds is a joy and necessity to save those he cares for. Sounds odd but don’t think too much about this latest crossover of feature film and mobile game. The film is superbly animated while the game takes the Angry Birds formula and creates a unique take on the films story. Let’s take a closer look at the film then chime in on some Angry Birds.

Story – How does a blue macaw, the last of his kind, end up in Moose Lake, Minnesota? Illegal smugglers is how and this is how the last of his kind blue macaw named Blu ends up with Linda, his owner and friend since the time he was a wee little bird. After fifteen years a Brazilian ornithologist named Tulio visits explaining Blu is the last of his kind and he, along with Linda, are needed in Rio de Janerio to help bring back the species with the last female macaw named Jewel. Before things can ‘happen’ Jewel wraps Blu into her escape plan and a group of smugglers target the duo for their value. Nigel, a psychotic cockatoo helps in the abduction and the hunt is now on. Both Linda and Tulio search the city but the crowds for carnival impede their progress while Blu and Jewel must navigate around without Blu knowing how to fly. Will the two be freed? Will the smugglers win and will Blu ever learn to fly? All answers will take place in Rio.

Kills not being able to tell more of the story but that would be to spoil it. The intro to Rio sets up Blu’s back-story quite well and gets viewers to know his relationship with Linda fairly quickly. This smoothly transitions into the trip to Brazil where the bird napping happens and the story kicks into gear. Relationships are developed and a fun cast of characters makes it all click. Rio is fun and happy mixing comedic bad guys with likeable avian.

Animation and Art Style – Animated films such as Rio have become the norm replacing the days of hand drawn features and the level of detail has skyrocketed. Rio offers a blending of humans and animals that most films avoid as the focus is on one or the other. Rio adds a level of detail that is amazing to see from the detail of Blu’s claws to the individual feathers. The birds sport realism yet have personality as Blu is an awkward bumbling shut-in while Jewel is feisty and independent. The slums of Rio also sport realistic details and the humans living in this world come in all shapes and sizes and remind very much of The Incredibles in design. Besides the characters and slum settings the actual carnival parade is amazing to behold with vivid colors and amazing music that is just so Brazil. The character design style is familiar but the merging of detailed and personality driven humans and animals really makes Rio shine (the flying scene around the Jesus statue, very cool and shows great detail and scale in the city of Rio de Janeiro).

Voice work and Music – Samba never sounded or looked so good. The sounds of carnival, the music of the land, samba, is alive and well and hooks in the viewer which is a good thing. Why? Because the character driven songs are forgettable. There are some interesting fusions of hip-hop and South American sounds but overall the music is so-so. The voice acting is quite solid with famous names such as Jesse Eisenberg, Anne Hathaway and George Lopez. Nobody really stands out but it’s an overall group that knows and performs their roles quite well. Jamie Foxx and Will i Am are good together but just not on screen enough.

Angry Birds – Angry Birds Rio takes the bird flinging action and replaces pigs with monkeys and birds in cages waiting to be freed. There are six levels composed of 90 stars each with hidden awards and trophies. To date there is Smugglers’ Den, Jungle Escape, Beach Volley and Carnival Upheaval. Each brings in the look and feel of the film with both Blu and Jewel helping out with unique dynamics to themselves. The signature Angry Birds look meshes with that of Rio for a unique Angry Birds experience. Great sound also accompanies this package which could have cashed in with a clone of the movie but instead went that extra few miles to create a solid gaming experience that is on par if not surpassing both the original Angry Birds and Angry Birds Seasons.

Overall, Rio delivers the goods. It’s a great family film that mixes incredible animation, a great story and characters with solid music and a game tie-in that expands the experience. Rio and Angry Birds work well together, or separate, it’s a can’t miss.

The Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader Blu-ray Impression

Third time’s the charm, or we should say it’s a charm to go back for a third time to Narnia

The land of Narnia is magical and amazing to behold in HD and the latest film, The Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader on Blu-ray combo pack, is a film families and fans should embrace. The world is grand and it’s one both gamers and anime fans will also enjoy for the ties it has to both genre. What’s to love about this seafaring voyage? Let’s take a look …

The Story – It’s once again a normal life for the Pevensie siblings as they leave Narnia in the hands of Prince Caspian. As Edmund and Lucy remain with relatives, notably cousin Eustace, it’s Peter and Susan who have moved on to greener pastures that school and America permit. As another encounter with the annoying and push Eustace escalates a unique painting of a ship begins to move and soon the trio of Edmund, Lucy and Eustace are swept back into the world of Narnia. Soon floating in water the group is rescued by Caspian and find themselves on the deck of the Dawn Treader, that’s on a mission to continue the rebuild Caspian began. Eustace finds himself in the world he’s mocked his cousins for ‘creating’ while Edmund and Lucy return to the world they love. Their new calling is to assist Caspian in the search for the seven lords of Telmar, those men loyal to his father who went into exile. The journey is not easy as each adventurer must take on their own internal demons all the while trying to solve a mysterious green mist that consumes Narnian’s. As with all trips to Narnia the going will be difficult and no one adventurer will come out unscathed on this, the voyage of the Dawn Treader.

Of the three Narnia films this has to be the second best after the original (Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe) but viewers can’t jump right in without feeling a bit lost, if, they have not viewed the other films. The emotional conflict faced by Edmund is not as deep as that faced by Lucy. Edmund has dealt with many of his issues in the past but not Lucy and it’s fun to see this play out but it’s Eustace who steals the show. He is very annoying, like a little pig that views will detest and his transformation and relationship with the mouse Reepicheep, will change that view. Caspian continues his journey also and getting the (needed?) help of the king and queen of Narnia helps. A grand tale that sees the end of one journey and a brief appearance by old foes and friends shows a turning of the page in the tale of Narnia. As the kids grow older the fantasy of Narnia fades into reality. A grand journey that’s fun and very enjoyable and full of additional content if viewers want to pick up the book.

The Acting and Effects – Edmund has grown and his acting really shines while Lucy does a solid job fighting her inner demons. Eustace does an excellent job of going from brat to sympathetic character while Caspian portrays himself with a royal, humble air that’s refreshing and comes off very well. The voice work, notably Reepicheep, is spot on great while secondary characters all sound, well they can be heard which is all that’s really needed. The animated characters and settings are creative and leave little to the imagination coming out great in HD. Voyage of the Dawn Treader is a visual feast that puts viewers into grand settings, a world that feels real yet so alien and this combined with solid acting make for a great family experience.

Why Gamers Should Care – The world of Narnia is just ripe for an epic RPG that spans multiple movies/books but sadly that has not happened. The reason for it however is why gamers should care as there are amazing settings, story and engaging characters that move these movies along and engage the viewer. These aspects, the framework for an engaging and emotionally attaching game are hard at work in Narnia. As an alternative to gaming the Blu-ray of Voyage of the Dawn Treader makes a great watch.

Why Anime Fans Should Care – The same rules apply to anime fans as they do for gamers thanks to an epic fantasy world but the animate short ‘The Untold Adventures of The Dawn Treader’ if fun to watch and an offshoot, cousin of what anime fans love.

Miscellaneous – Narnia is a series that seems lost in the shadow of Potter and Transformers but shows high production value and a visual adventure that really rewards fans of the books. The bonus content allows those non-readers to get more into Narnia, explore a world really only touched on in the feature film and it looks outstanding in HD, big nosed, high pitched voiced cousin’s aside.

Overall, Voyage of the Dawn Treader is everything there is to love about fantasy. Dragons, monsters, magic, heroes and villains along with talking animals (awesome). A high production value and a story that’s easy to digest even with all that’s left out from the source material. Great looking in HD with a digital copy and actors who seem to get their characters and how they feel. Fans of the franchise should already own this combo pack but for those on the fence take it for a swim, it’s one heck of a fun few hours.

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Ga-Rei-Zero Blu-ray Complete Series Impression

The paranormal gets personal with sword wielding friends

Very few anime start and hit as hard as Ga-Rei-Zero from FUNimation. The action ramps up to insane levels and no life is spared and just when things reach a fever pitch with characters viewers just met … it’s time to see where it all started. Not for the young of age, the action and violence gets crazy but there’s also one solid story to follow, let’s take a look.

Story – Teenage exorcists with swords and other extraordinary weapons help protect Japan from things that go bump in the night. Most threats are lower level but these supernatural entities can ramp up pretty fast leading to exorcist such as ‘sisters’ Kagura and Yomi to take-up the fight with their teammates. This government backed counterattack unit takes on these threats but are not always the hunters. Kagura comes from a family with special holy powers and a demon bonded to their spirits used to fight evil. As her mother passes she taken in by the slightly older teen Yomi and her father. Kagura’s father is all about the job so Kagura must learn to be stronger and it’s under Yomi she accomplishes this. Yomi too comes from a family of spiritual users and with her sword and spirit beast she fights these evil spirits until she is one day possessed by one and turns on her former team, fiancé included. As Yomi cuts down those she once loved will Kagura have the heart, the sprit and power to stop here big sister or will Tokyo burn at the hands of one who once protected her?

Fast and furious my friends. The story starts off in the future then backtracks to show you who these characters are and the relationships the form so while starting with a bunch of who’s the viewer is very quickly made to care. The core to the story is both Kagura and Yomi. Both share much in common, truly become family but both end up targeted due to their family background. The tragedies that unfold feel gut wrenching and this is a testament to how well the tale engages the viewer. The action, bloodshed and gore seen in episode 1 are not the norm but it hits home like a punch to the gut with action not fully understandable at first. Crazy battles show many characters falling until a clash of sword wielding girls the … whoosh, back to the past. The growth of Kagura as a fighter and Yomi as a sister makes the ending very cool, very epic. It’s a great story with great pacing, just very well done and full of action (as well as relationship moments to crack up for).

Animation and Art Style – While not as slick Persona Trinity it’s not that far off. The Tokyo setting rocks and is well detailed with awesome creature designs and action that plain rocks. The style is fluid and the emotion of each character can be felt. Designs look great with little signature appearance points to each character that break them out of the usual paranormal anime mold. Yes these are two girls in school uniforms with swords but their personalities shine more than their outstanding looks. The action unfolds in darker environments leaving the character building to mostly daytime settings so very well done on using lights and darks. At times Ga-Rei-Zero feels like two anime, in a good way, very pleasing to watch.

Voice work and Music – The emotional range is quite excellent as the anger, pain and suffering collide with happiness and true joy in Ga-Rei-Zero. Going from such high paced action to the background story really required a lot from these voice actors and they do an admirable job. The music is standard anime opening/closing fare that’s not too memorable but the sound effects are great and with the proper sound system in place really rock the house with the action that is brought so well.

Miscellaneous – Not many anime would take the chances of starting at the end but Ga-Rei-Zero pulls it off in spades. The lack of intro songs showing characters in the first few episodes leaves the viewer wondering what’s going on, who should be alive, why did that person die, who are these people while setting up the back-story that is soon to unfold. Hooked from the press of play is what Kagura and Yomi do and after 1-3 episodes there is no point in not finding out what just happened.

Overall, Ga-Rei-Zero is sure to please supernatural anime fans with a thing for sword wielding schoolgirls. The action is amazing from the word go and the relationships built feel real and connect with the viewer. There are sad moments followed by gruesome with ‘what-the’ moments thrown in and its pulled off quite well, not to mention looking pretty in HD. Highly recommended action; that’s what Ga-Rei-Zero is.

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RideBack Blu-ray Complete Series Impression

When ballet, terrorist and motorcycle mechs collide

Rin was born to a dancer and all her life she knew nothing but the joy of dancing but an accident ended her dream. In FUNimation’s RideBack, Rin is introduced to robotic motorcycles called ridebacks which allow her to touch those sweet dancing sensations but how does this translate into an anime, let alone one full of terrorist and corrupt governments? Let’s take a look.

Story – A fallen ballerina set rise again. Rin held so much promise; a prodigy in her mother’s footsteps, but a knee injury crushes her dancing dreams and sets her on the path of ‘normal’ student until fate intervenes. Walking by her schools rideback club (mech-like, transformable motorcycles), Rin is introduced to a world where she can soar once again. As a test ride goes wrong Rin soon finds she has a true talent for driving the rideback Fuego. Ridebacks were first introduced during military rebellions which shaped the current social and political landscape and their military past soon catches up with Rin. Terrorist using ridebacks hold one of Rin’s friends and as she rides to the rescue she’s wrapped up into a world of terrorist and government where past relationships clash to affect the future. Rin must embrace this new life to clear her name and protect those she loves as her desire to ride, to soar, is so close to being stripped from her.

How does a ballet dancer get dubbed a terrorist? Just ask Rin as that’s the core story to RideBack where the mech motorcycle is as central a figure as character. The story, upon reflection, feels like the perfect infomercial for rideback showing its military past, public uses and policing effects. It’s a device which changed the political landscape, one that’s more than just a weapon or vehicle. There is a lot of story thrown into RideBack and the entire series would have served very well as a political/military throw down between, well that would be a spoiler, let’s just say using Rin as a way to tell a grander tale is how RideBack unfolds. Through Rin the abilities of the vehicle, its history and present all come to light. Sadly while she is a sympathetic character Rin is not too relatable as she’s a gifted, well provided for prodigy that loses her ability only to find another special one. She is not the average teenager-turn-hero but someone who comes off as cold as the vehicle she rides. So ballet dancer, bad knee, rideback, terrorist, political intrigue, social unrest and some sweet battles … and with all this there’s just something missing.

Animation and Art Style – The ridebacks themselves are a bit odd looking, motorcycles with arms, but seeing them in action shows the sense of beauty and grace seen in ballet … at least when Rin’s the rider. The world created is that as we see today, normal settings, solid detail that’s well above normal long running anime serious but not quite movie level and the mechanical level on the ridebacks is pretty sweet. Viewers could see one of these being constructed, never mind what type of OS would control its core CPU. The characters sport a unique look that feels anime, is anime, but just feels off. The same feelings of disconnectedness seen with Rin are amplified with the character designs. They are just not that striking to remember or really care too much about; not bad, just forgettable.

Voice work and Music – Opening theme is excellent and ramps up the action as Rin pushes on the throttle while the closing them is just soft and subtle enough. With FUNimation the voice work is almost 100% great and this is not an exaggeration. They pull from a stable of very talented voice actors who know what they are doing and anime fans will notice so many from prior series both from FUNimation and others. RideBack is just as solid but the soundtrack is so-so, does not really pop out of the speakers.

Miscellaneous – Was Rin really right? She feels cold and devoid of emotion through much of the anime and is not very relatable for viewers (unless you’re a broken dancer riding a cool mech). The story in RideBack would have been well told with just the political pieces, military past in place or even using a gifted, normal rider. Rin was supposed to bridge this gap but something with her just misses on the emotional level.

Overall, RideBack is not a bad anime it’s just not one that captured this viewer. The story is unique in how it brings together so many separate parts and the history is solid, worthy of a show itself but tread cautiously with RideBack, you will either love it or just be ‘eh’ to it.

FUNimation hooking up Deadman Wonderland, Steins;Gate and more

Deadman Wonderland will rock … as for Steins;Gate, yeah, you too.

While FUNimation continues to expand their excellent anime coverage and release catalog there are two titles that just need to be called as they were recently announced as acquisition releases for the company. These two series allow for gamers to expand into another media and for fans of a once thought dead (pun intended) Tokyopop properly to live again. What’s got this otaku all excited? Deadman Wonderland and Steins;Gate, that’s what. There is much more from FUNimation besides these two titles so be sure to check out their news section often.

Deadman Wonderland is coming to DVD in North America. Yes, the Tokyopop manga with style and action galore is getting the release treatment and for those who have followed the series this is something to be joyful and giddy about. Here’s a quick synopsis of Deadman Wonderland …]

“An adaptation of Jinsei Kataoka and Kazuma Kondou's Deadman Wonderland manga, the dark story is set after the destruction of most of Tokyo by an earthquake and centers on Ganta Igarashi, a middle school student framed for the murder of his classmates. Igarashi is sentenced to Deadman Wonderland, a bizarre brutal and bloody privately operated prison that is one part incarceration and one part public spectacle – a thoroughly twisted tourist destination! The series is animated by Manglobe and directed by Koichi Hatsumi.”

So it’s coming to DVD and will stream online later in 2011 and the best part is seeing what happens to Ganta since the manga left us cutoff. The opening theme is already a multi-play on my iPod and just oh so sweet highlight the action to come. The series is 12-episodes and we can only hope it lives up to the hype and excellence the manga produced.

Steins;Gate is more a wildcard since I’ve heard more about it than been exposed. It has a gaming hook that those hardcore J-Gamers will recognize. From FUNimation, “The series is based on the visual novel and later adventure game created by 5pb and Nitroplus, the same team that created Chaos;Head. The anime adaptation is produced by White Fox, directed by Hiroshi Hamasaki and Takuya Sato.” It’s a newer anime, airing in 2011 in Japan so the style should rock but the gamer hook, the series origins will be very interesting to follow.

FUNimation announced more titles including B Gata H Kei – Yamada’s First Time, [C] – Control – The Money and Soul of Possibility, Baka and Test -- Summon the Beasts and Cat Planet Cuties. Yes, 2011 and beyond is shaping up nicely for FUNimation and anime fans.

Trailer for Trigun Badlands Rumble

Vash is back to clean up a mess from his past

Trigun was, and is, an awesome anime. The animation quality is a bit dated but the core story and characters still rock. With Trigun: Badlands Rumble the series gets a nice reboot in the form of an animated feature ten years after wrapping the original series. This means better animation, a few new voice actors but most important is the exposure to anime fans who may not be familiar with the source work and thus will go check it out. FUNimation has more on Trigun but check out the trailer, linked above and below, it's hot. Dates and cities to be announced soon.

Durarara!! Part 3 DVD Impression

With gobs of style and substance, what’s not to love about Dorarara!!

Durarara!! volume 3 on DVD from Aniplex has all the style and craziness of Baccano! but set in a modern day Japan, Ikebukuro region, where a Headless Rider, a Slasher and rival gangs roam the streets and the best sushi comes from a Russian. Sound a bit out there? It is but this is the rare anime that hits on every aspect and makes the viewer want more, hooks them from intro to closing. What’s it all about, let’s take a look at volume 3 beginning with episode 18.

Story – As Masaomi recalls his past the issue of the present come into focus. The Ikebukuro gang wars kick into high gear as Masaomi’s Yellow Scarves begin hunting the Dollars without any real focus on who they are drawing in others. One such person is Anri who is revealed in her past involvement with the scarves and a certain headless rider which puts her in hot water resulting in Shizuo stepping in and getting a nasty attack due to this. Things are really escalating as Izaya sits back and enjoys the chaos while avoiding direct involvement. Meanwhile Mikado is caught in the middle seeing so many in his life caught up in this war. Very soon he, Masaomi and Anri all learn who each other really are as Masaomi moves to face his past by taking on his present Yellow Scarves issue. All issues come to a head and present events work their way out with some friendly Russian advice.

Beautiful thing about this third volume is that it can be enjoyed without the earlier volumes but not recommended as viewers will miss on the sheer awesomeness of Durarara!! The story works itself out nicely with dips into the past, character development and explanation wrapped around an evolving plot that feels well paced. The story has enough out there moments that will delight viewers and its basis in a modern Japan just adds to the craziness and coolness of the series. The story is fairly simple and has a ton of characters, many not even mentioned here, and it’s this episodic angle that is easy to get into and keeps the focus on a region and group of characters rather than just 1-2 main. Solid story, solid and very much fun to watch.

Animation and Art Style – The comparison to Baccano! totally makes sense as it’s the same development team. The character design is spot on similar and the intro sequence featuring stylish music and action along with character names is there also. The style is detailed and characters look outstanding with realistic settings that are well detailed and characters sporting clothing styles and looks that don’t lack in detail. The emotion each character feels is excellently relayed and certain moments (bonus episode 25, looking your way) will leave viewers laughing at how outrageous they are. An outstanding and unique look and feel only seen in titles such as Baccano! and Fooley Cooley.

Voice work and Music – Awesome, nuff said. The background music serves its purpose but it’s the intro and ending sequences that are just a delight to hear and really get viewers jacked for what’s to come. The mixing in of events from the prior episode works really well in the intro and the voice work, English track, is perfecto! Durarara!! shows how far voice actors in the states have come as this is a true art form now, real actors putting real emotion into animated characters. LOVED how well every character sounds and anime fans will be able to pick out the voice acting vets.

Miscellaneous – As companies like Tokyopop shutdown it’s still great to see studios such as Aniplex getting into the publishing act on their own, in conjunction with Bandai and FUNimation, to give fans the fresh, new content from Japan. The anime industry has hit a nice point with better prices on more recent releases, collections that offer more episodes for a slightly higher price point and better packaging. Rock solid seeing new titles to keep the industry going strong.

Overall it’s very easy to recommend Durarara!! volume 3 on DVD. The excellent voice work, music and style mix with a well paced story that utilizes extraordinary characters and an everyday setting in a package that is complete. Durarara!! is a complete anime and if that doesn’t sum it up for fans then, well you sadden us.

Dance in the Vampire Bund vol. 1 DVD Impression

Vampire, human and more living side-by-side; will peace or trouble follow?

With the popularity of creative works such as the Twilight Saga there’s no shortage of vampire tales surfacing but not every tale is a copy-cat. As vampire stories go, FUNimation’s Dance in the Vampire Bund does an excellent job of mixing action and intrigue along with solid character design and animation. It’s anything but a copy of the formula seen in Twilight but fans of vampire stories should definitely checkout this Blu-ray/DVD combo pack for a number of reasons. Let’s take a look why.

Story – A series of mysterious attacks in Japan prompt the population to believe vampires do exist. As the debate rages the revelation is made by the queen of the vampires, Mina Tepes, that the mythical figures are real and in society. The beast of legend are very real and want to establish a colony of their own in Japan, their very own bund, land to live and be free. Mina reconnects with her long lost servant, Akira Kaburagi, who has lost his memory yet as he begins to recall these lost memories he works to serve the queen in body, heart and soul. Mina may look young but she is a fierce leader who plays the political games of both humans and vampire with cold and calculated moves. Her only undoing lies in the lost memories of Akira and a blood legacy she has yet to learn. Will Mina be able to maintain control of her kingdom, protect those under her care while remaining with Akira or will the rival royal clans succeed in their conquering of Mina and all vampire?

The story centers around Mina and Akira, both personal and political (for Mina) and while there are other rivals, conflicts and adventures these two are front and center. The story packs a ton of action but the real joy is the mystery, the curveballs thrown at the viewer. Some assumptions can be made but there are many twist and turn not seen. As much as I’d like to revel more I sadly cannot because the true joy of Dance in the Vampire Bund comes from the story. Vampire clans, earth clans and secrets galore, what a joy … especially given the twisted ending.

Animation and Art Style – The gothic look expected is present in Mina’s dress with traditional school uniforms also present, the rest, well its modern day Japan. As the various vampire clans make their appearances, viewers are treated to a collection of period looks and dress. Dance oozes style and class which is also present in each characters design. The core design is nothing new or spectacular in its originality from anime that have come before but it is solid. Characters look good even if they fit some of the personality stereotypes seen throughout anime. A haunting style that is gothic and enchanting, this is a vampire anime to savor in many aspects.

Voice work and Music – Mina has a childish voice that fits during her transformation with a well delivered mixture and range of emotions. Akira pulls off the same excellence with just a lack of surprise you’d expect from a human missing his memory and thrown into these situations. The trickle down in voice work is equally as solid thanks to what many anime fans will recognize as some established voice actors. The intro and ending sequence are excellent for the theme, very solid sound anime.

Miscellaneous – The fact Mina wears such a young look makes this a unique vampire tale. Her purpose is legit as revealed but seeing a vampire tale that takes this risky approach with such a mature child is refreshing when compared to so many pretty and mature vampire tales on the market.

Overall, Dance in the Vampire Bund is a solid vampire story that anime and vampire fans alike will enjoy. Some viewers may have a hard time dealing with Mina at first but she will grow on the viewer as the story does. There is much to this anime, a deep and detailed world that’s only hinted at in these episodes. There is much more than seen but what is revealed is worth savoring.

Our Home’s Fox Deity vol. 1 Impression

A unique blend of relationships, humor, action and Japanese lore adds up to a truly enjoyable anime in Our Home’s Fox Deity

What would you do if a fox deity came to live with you, to protect your family? This is a question the Takagami brothers, Noboru and Toru, must answer thanks to the heritage passed on by their deceased mother. Our Home’s Fox Deity volume 1 from NIS America offers up a mixture of the spiritual heritage of Japan and it’s modern day school and daily life. Worrying about budget and a fox demon, quite a burden but the boys manage. What else is there to like, if not love, about Fox Deity? Let’s take a gander …

Kugen, spiritual fox deity and guardian bound to the Mizuchi family. Each priestess who resides over the Mizuchi knows of Kugen and sadly is destined to die at a young age. The last priestess passed without a daughter but her sons, Noboru and Toru, have been introduced to Kugen. Living a normal life, the two are quickly presented with the powers their family presents as Kugen agrees to protect them from a spirit after Toru. Freed from his (or her?) prison of decades, Kugen refuses to work for the Mizuchi family but does agree to protect the boys. See, even if he does not like it, Noboru is the eldest offspring and thus new head of the Mizuchi. The trio makes their way back to their normal house where Kugen joins them in a fox form as well as man and woman forms, depending on her mood. Soon the shrine maiden Ko, the Mamorime of the Mizuchi, joins the family and her sense of loyalty, not to mention internal dragon Rinsenmon, make things even more interesting. The group must pay a visit to the local God, Ebisu, who just happens to run a convenience store, to ask permission to remain into the land. It seems that trouble finds its way to the boys, especially Toru who seems to have more spiritual potential thus making him a target. With Ko and Kugen to protect them do the boys have anything to worry about? Besides bad food, being in the red, school, classmates and attacking spirits, guess they really don’t. Kugen also has the habit of slacking and doing whatever she wants, so the fun is just beginning.

Fox Deity is an interesting anime as it sports rock solid design, neither truly shonen or shojo but all anime. The story mixes the daily life of Japan with the spiritual heritage, feels very similar in many aspects to InuYasha. There are sweet battles and the humor of seeing both Ko and Kugen adjusting to modern, normal life makes the series light hearted yet it gets serious at times. It really is a very enjoyable series with much to be seen. The intro sequence shows there are many characters to be introduced from Misaki Sakura (schoolmate of Noboru), to the local god Ebisu, Miyako (the boy’s mother), Fukuro, Mubyo and more. Lots of characters, lots of fun and a great mixture of action, humor and seriousness.

Listen, this is one of those rare anime that hit’s on so many cylinders. The design and animation is great and it moves a story which has plenty of action and human development as well as awkward, humorous moments. Guys and gals can both enjoy this tale and really, unless the subtitles only format is a deal breaker, there is no reason to not give it a twirl.

Vampire Knight vol. 1 DVD Impression

A tale of pretty vampires and prettier girls with no annoying Seattle humans involved.

A school that teaches both a Night and Day class, one made of vampires, the other of humans. In Vampire Knight from Viz Yuki is given the difficult t task of keeping the two groups separate while maintaining the night classes secret. No easy task as childhood friend and fellow Disciplinary Committee member Zero Kiryu harbors deep hatred for vampires while all the young ladies on campus want a piece of the beautiful night class students. What’s a girl to do, let’s take a look.

Yuki finds herself in a peculiar and unique position at Cross Academy as a member of the disciplinary committee. Along with Zero Kiryu, the two must keep the night class separate from the day class. These two are also just a few that know the secret of the night class, that they are vampire. Yuki was saved as a child by the head of the night class, Kaname and Zero’s family was killed by vampire so the two have been together since childhood. Yuki’s job is not easy especially with her unique connection to Kaname and the jealousy it creates with the other night class members not to mention Zero’s aggression towards the same vampires. The beauty of the night class draws the admiration of the love struck day class which comes to a head with the exchanging of chocolate where true feelings are shared but it’s Zero’s secret, the origins of his family and that he was bitten by a pureblood vampire. Very rare and the only vampire with the ability to turn humans into vampire, Zero’s fate is set and hidden but how will he and Yuki react, let alone the night class he despises, when he must embrace who and what he is. Not all vampires are nice and not all are created equal.

These first four episodes, the first DVD, set the stage for what should be a joy of an anime. Viewers get to meet the main players in Yuki, Kaname and Zero, see the setting of Cross Academy, the conflicts, likes and dislikes then the story ramps up. The truth about Yuki and Kaname is told as is the true background for Zero and what happened to him, what he is. Cryptic but its easy enough to guess what is up with Zero, I just refuse to ruin it … I think. Kaname and Zero are both typical shojou pretty boys but no pushovers as are most of the night class. Yuki falls into the skinny teenage youth caught in the middle. It’s a typical story of two boys liking one girl and not each other, good times. Fans of the ever more popular genre of vampire tales such as Twilight will find a lot to love in Vampire Knight. The characters are all strong in personality and each have failings that make them more relatable. Great beginning to this story and the stage is set for some very interesting relationship and physical conflicts.

The art from the manga makes the leap to animated form in one fine looking anime. The characters are pretty and detailed, everything from the manga is intact and it just feels right. Yuki is pretty but not overly done while both Kaname and Zero carry an air of power mixed with handsomeness; Vampire Knight is chock full of the pretty and the strong. Each vampire wields unique elemental powers but this first volume does not see that action kick in too much but the speed and power of Kaname is on display a few times when dealing with some Level 3 vamps. A lot for the ladies to like and for the guys to did, Vampire Knight has it all and one jamming intro song so check it out.

Watch sub-titled Vampire Knight on VizAnime or pick up the dubbed DVD’s, can’t lose either way.

Blood + DVD Part 2 Impression

Saya finishes the battle with Diva in this hit and miss second season of Blood+

Blood + has been a mixed bag of an anime with this second volume on DVD. The tale begins and ends (continues?) with Saya Otonashi and it’s also in Saya at the anime’s strengths and weakness reside. The short and quite excellent Blood: The Last Vampire shows a girl in Saya that’s ruthless yet compassionate and all together badass. In plus viewers get Saya in name and abilities but lacking in said badass-ed-ness. What is it about this second season that drains on Saya so much? Let’s take a gander …

Saya’s pursuit of her twin sister Diva is up against a deadline. As her 30-year hibernation period approaches Saya’s strength ebbs and flows and with the eventual fall of Red Shield her allies are reduced, or so she thinks. Carl’s insanity overtakes him as does Solomon’s obsession as Diva’s two chevaliers change their own destinies and break from pure protection of Diva. Diva’s head chevalier, Amshel, reveals Diva’s true purpose and plays both sides of the game in a war involving chiropteran’s and human created soldiers, the Corpse Corp. As Riku is struck with tragedy it’s Saya who bears the burden of the battle to come. Enemies become allies as disease overtakes the Schiff and Diva takes on the look of a fallen friend in time to unleash her ultimate plan, one involving an opera, Saya and her twin girls. Tired and getting closer to sleep will Saya overcome Diva or will she sleep to wake to a world of chiropteran? Kai will do everything in his power to help his adopted sister and keep alive the memory of their father … and others.

Pardon me first off for not revealing too much detail. See there are some events which even I did not anticipate in this tale. Things change quickly for Saya, events which cause the fall of Red Shield and for Saya to break out on her own. Diva show’s she and Amshel are not crazy but detailed in their planning. The passing of years, pregnancy of Diva and revelations from the past (Joel’s diary) all make for quite a well paced, well told story and that’s the strength of Blood +, the story. The animation is solid, middle-ground for a TV series such as Blood +. It nowhere approaches the quality of the 45 minute Blood: The Last Vampire but that’s to be expected. No, what Blood + season 2 does well is complete the story of Saya and leaves the door open for more, but do we want more?

Now to my issue with the series which is Saya herself. At no point does Saya ever show herself as even close to an equal with Diva. Is this due to not partaking of her natural diet? This question is never truly satisfied as Saya is just the weaker of the two, and Haji manages to live but is outmatched by his Diva created counterparts. Saya gets her butt kicked time and again and even when she makes a return dressed in a slick purple outfit her brief glimmer of power is quickly washed away. She just loses power way to fast, gets weak way to fast and using an approaching hibernation as an excuse is just weak. The Saya shown in the Last Vampire and early in plus is a cold, calculating engine of destruction that’s a joy to watch. The girl unleashed in Japan, who goes mindless in some battles just never sticks around and this is my biggest gripe. How does the series end as it does with such a Saya in charge? It’s like bad guys wanting to lose, very annoying.

Overall this issue is not enough of a reason not to recommend Blood +. While I may have my feelings about Saya’s portrayal they are created by my knowing her from The Last Vampire. Those knowing only the plus version of Saya will enjoy what she is. Solid, not spectacular, but solid animation and good voice work highlight a deep and well told story with a few flawed characters but an overall good anime experience. Take a moment to check out the still excellent Blood: The Last Vampire and if that puppy gets you jacked then Blood + is for you as it gives more monster slaying action and much back-story minus the Saya you too will come to anticipate.

Summer Wars DVD Impression

Teenage romance and global catastrophe all on the same summer break.

The future of the internet, of online access and advanced AI? Summer Wars on DVD from FUNimation may just provide a bit of a glance at what could be in line for the future. A world where an advanced AI gets loose unleashing both virtual and real world damage. Not every great anime needs to be a long running series requiring hours of investment. Sometimes it takes just a few hours to truly enjoy what animation is all about.

Kenji is a nerd, plain and simple. Amazing with numbers and a contracted worker for the all-encompassing online community OZ. In OZ visitors manager every aspect of their lives from bills to fun creating unique avatars to represent themselves in a world as real and alive as the living breathing world. His summer break will be more time online with OZ, that is until the very pretty and headstrong Natsuki borrows him for role of fake fiancé. Seems Natsuki comes from a very strong and proud family and she’s trying to sell Kanji as her fiancé to get her grandmother off her back and to accomplish this all Kenji needs to do is play along at a family reunion. What was supposed to be a simple favor turns for the worse when Kenji solves a complicated equation (or does he?) to set loose a military developed AI that takes over OZ. Seems Kenji is not the only one with secrets as members of his new family reveal themselves to have larger roles in this event and OZ than anyone could have guessed. With a rogue AI taking control of very real defensive satellites the threat to the real world begins to countdown. Let the summer wars begin and be resolved by the turn of a card.

First the story in Summer Wars starts off kinda slow but gently picks up the pace with no letdown. With the size of Natsuki’s family it’s easy to identify with one and the similarities between this world and the one lived in now is very, very similar. The vision of OZ is not that far off from what is attainable now be it in more separate, disparate chunks. It’s like an MMO meets dating sim meets online bill pay and shopping … and more. Viewers will get hooked once the AI kicks into action but until then there is no lack of family drama. So the story mixes the online action with some good ol’ family drama but how’s it look and move?

The animation is sharp and vivid mixing in hand drawn animation and computer generated. The world of OZ looks very real and could be quite fun to jump into while the real world, well it’s realistic looking in every aspect. Quite a unique take and accomplishment that a movie pulls off such solid and realistic visuals while creating the exact same odd and amazing online community. Like many a summer vacation the length of Summer Wars is short but it will leave the viewer with fond memories the twill make the adventure well worth the time.

Chrome Shelled Regios DVD Part 1 Impression

A fight for survival that feels like a refreshed E’s Otherwise meets Blue Gender

Chrome Shelled Regios from FUNimation is solid. The characters, design, story is all solid but not spectacular. This series of survival keeps the mood lighthearted but mixes in the action and an intense storyline for one solid anime. Let’s take a look at a bit more of the story then pass a wee bit more judgment.

Humanity is mobile, living in large domed cities and on the watch for monstrous Contaminoids that prey on humans. These large insect like creatures swarm and attack if not avoided and the only line of defense are soldiers with military arts powers. One such fighter is a young boy named Layfon who finds himself enrolled in a military academy. His abilities are incredible but he hides them for some reason, a past reason that will catch up with him. Layfon has a past with these Heavens Blades is quickly coming to the fore but as a new student, a member of the 17th platoon and a few young ladies with a crush on him, Layfon not only has to deal with the past but the very real present. Battles, special missions, desolate cites and pools all await Layfon.

The story in Regios does no real explaining of the mobile cities, military arts users or Contaminoids in this first volume but rather its focus is on Layfon. Viewers will explore parts of his past mixed into his current enrollment and member of the 17th platoon. The school portions feel like a typical anime school series but with action thrown in. Full Metal Panic anyone? Layfon has fled something and the fun is finding out what. The awkward situations are great fun, heck there’s even a maid café in here, but the action is what will get viewers jazzed. There is a lot of promise in this first volume but so much more to see as anyone paying attention to the opening theme (decent song) and animation will notice. There are a lot more players to be introduced. So volume 1, solid story about Layfon, a very likeable character, and his platoon/schoolmates but not enough about what the heck happened to the world. Even a quick intro would have been nice, but no, all viewers get is a bunch of mobile cities and big-ol-bugs.

The animation is solid (liking this word today). Each character is very shonen cookie-cutter down to their not-overly spiky hair. The personalities from tech wiz to playboy are all present but this formula never gets old. Each character and setting will feel familiar to fans of the genre, even the desolate settings feel familiar (hi Desert Punk). Also with FUNimation fans can be assured they will get outstanding voice work and background music.

Overall Chrome Shelled Regios is not a revolutionary, ground breaking anime but what it is translates into a great purchase. A solid story and characters that has great pacing in revealing just enough to get viewers back to the next episode. How will volume 2 play out? From the looks things are going to get serious very fast now that the groundwork has been laid. The past will crash into the present and viewers will take pleasure especially if the nasty bugs get explained a bit more.

One Piece Season 3 DVD Impression

Luffy and the crew of the Going Merry continue their adventures in Sky Island and take on God

It’s been a while since we’ve taken a look at One Piece but with these new adventures what better time to regroup. See the edited version and even un-edited versions only hit most televisions on cable in limited form. This means not every episode folks. Even if they did it’s tough to keep up with these sequential offerings. That being said the One Piece Season 3 DVD sets from FUNimation give fans a chance to get all the action broken up into 12-13 episode purchase (or online, your choice).

What’s so great about these releases? Besides great story, characters and action the flow of One Piece allows for fans to get hooked and attached to the narrative. The release schedule from FUNimation makes it easy on the fans bank account with affordable purchase options and plenty of episodes to dive into and finally the release schedule. These episode hit fairly frequently with only weeks between release so fans are not left forgetting key story points.

With Season 3, the reason I jump in here is it’s a more unique path in its entirety for Luffy. The journey to Sky Island was outlined on TV (Cartoon Network among others I believe) but due to the amount of episodes it’s better to get the full sets. Season 3 sees a majority of the crew assembled in an adventure seen in the manga but not fully chronicled in Shonen Jump (which has of course jumped ahead in story in the same manner Naruto did). From here on out I’d like to take a look at this outstanding series so let’s get to it with a look at these DVD releases.

Season 3, Part 1 – (Episode 144-156) Another day at sea turns odd as a ship wreck falls from the sky. After checking out the remains for treasure and encountering an odd sort of salvager the crew of the Going Merry make their way to Mock Town where they manage to get into trouble. The local tough guys are not so touch and after Nico learns of a legendary liar a new goal is targeted; the Knockup Stream.

A good start to this new adventure but just that, a start.A tale of a city of gold, yeah, that will get a pirate going.

Season 3, Part 2 – (Episode 157-169) A risky move to travel the Knockup Stream leads to the land of Skypiea located in the clouds with oceans of clouds. After being saved by the Sky Knight and meeting with some friendly locals the crew is quickly marked as fugitives at the mercy of God. Who is this God in the Upper Yard and why is being from the blue sea such a crime.

Now this is adventure. A new land, really new and unique with some cool people in the Skypiean’s and their dial technology. Whoever this God is he’s not very nice and he’s sending his priest to take down the Straw Hats...

Season 3, Part 3 – (Episode 170-182) The city of gold is real? God, better known as Eneru who rules Skypiea has started a game, a deadly contest where his priest and the Shandorian warriors will battle until only a handful remain. Luffy and crew, all separated, are included in this game where losing means death. Nico makes some amazing discoveries while the history of war between the Skypiean’s and Shandorian’s comes into focus.

Action, action and more action. Eneru has nothing but death in mind for all. There is a lot more going on then I outline above, that can be said for each part of season 3, but it’s not until this volume, part 3, that the action really kicks in and takes shape, forms what’s been building to this point. There is still some background needed but all the players are now present and the game has begun.

Season 3, Part 4 – (Episode 183-195) The battle which everyone wanted; Luffy takes on Eneru in a battle of lighting and rubber. History is revealed, plans outlined and agendas laid bare. The sad tale of Shandora brings endless cycles of battle but these will soon end but how? Even if Luffy can take down Eneru will the fighting between the Skypiean’s and Shandorian’s end? How will the crew get back to the blue sea? These questions will be resolved one way or another.

Ah the conclusion and what a very satisfying one it is. There are losses and a land is devastated but the golden bell does ring and it’s such a sweet sound. Trust me this will make sense and after watching you’ll be as thrilled as the Shandorian’s. The story arc’s in One Piece really establish themselves well with background that builds and builds to an epic encounter that’s resolved in unique manners. The legend of Luffy is building and this is one story fans will want to follow.

Season 3, Part 5 – Well, not out yet but we’ll be checking back in April as the crew is back in the blue sea right in the middle of new trouble.

Overall the action in One Piece is great and really going to new levels not seen before in the badly edited versions. These uncut divided up season DVD’s are outstanding and come out frequently enough that the action never stops. The animation quality is rock solid with outstanding voice acting and a style that’s unique among a crowded anime field. Like Naruto, Luffy and his crew are on one long and epic journey that is not full of filler and fluff but story driven action that’s yummy to digest. Having read the updated manga in Shonen Jump I get super jazzed at what’s to come and know that the seasons are nowhere near ready to end.

Fans of Naruto, of great action anime with unique characters, design and action owe it to themselves to checkout One Piece. It really is a shining example of how to do a long running animated series with substance.

Black Butler DVD Set Part 1 Impression

Is ones soul worth the best butler on Earth?

Stylish and classy with a bit of the dark mixed in. Black Butler from FUNimation will satisfy fans looking for a more sophisticated, less gruesome anime that feels parts Hellsing and parts Pandora Hearts. What’s not to love I say; but oh first you need to see to believe. What’s it about, let me tell you.

He may be powerful, the watch dog of the queen of England and he may be young but one thing Ciel Phantomhive is not is a pushover. The young lord rules his estate with an emotionless fist in which he holds the most unlikely of swords … his butler. Sebastian is quite simple one hell of a butler as he often say and not only does he make the best tea and keep the best household but he is also contractually bound to Ciel, a bond only a demon can forge. Sebastian has served Ciel’s family before and will continue to do so after Ciel is gone but while they both reside in the land of the living their task is to hunt down those that do evil, especially of the super natural type. From a town haunted by a demon dog to a mysterious camera and even involvement with reapers no day is ever dull. Add to this an interesting crew of servants and the running of normal business and Ciel is anything but an average boy but luckily he has one hell of a butler to guide him and protect his soul.

First the animation; beautiful with a very shoujo look similar to that seen in Pandora Hearts or Ouran High Host Club. Don’t let these comparisons fool you as the old English style and class hides a darker story where contracts are sealed with demons and bumps in the night can be very bad things. This compares to the look seen in Hellsing with a bit more polish. These are proper noble folk with their servants and real world settings. It’s a great looking anime with a high level of polish on the animation and action but it’s all driven by the story.

Ah the story; poor Ciel, so young but his path already determined. The mystery to his contract with Sebastian is not revealed in this first volume but like any good story it’s hinted at with more and more players introduced as the story progresses. Does Sebastian really care about Ciel? One question as well as the Phantomhive family history that will intrigue viewers. Thing is the story is really well done with great pacing, really solid characters a nice mix of humor and a variety of mysteries to be resolved. The larger plot keeps moving all the while sucking viewers into caring about Ciel and Sebastian knowing this can’t end well.

So overall who do I recommend this to … anime fans who like Pandora Hearts, anime set in old English times where the ladies and gents are classy and a dark, super natural entity lurks in the shadows. Borderline reality anime that is almost believable. Fans of the gore in Hellsing won’t be happy but fans of the demons, action and setting in Hellsing will be happy. This is quite simple one hell of an anime.

Beyblade Metal Fusion DVD vol. 2 Impression

The Beyblade action is still spinning, should otaku care?

Pokémon is the gold standard for gaming and anime collectible/battling franchises. The amount of trading cards released, merchandise and games shows no signs of slowing and is a formula Digimon and Yu-Gi-Oh! have replicated to varying levels of success. Beyblade is another such entry with a stronger anime and product line than gaming but still with a solid presence in all arenas. The latest anime offering which gives greater meaning to the games and products is Beyblade: Metal Fusion. The story in Metal Fusion drives the game action and gives fans greater need to buy those spinning tops. What does this mean to gamers and anime fans alike?

The Story: As Gingka continues his blading the evil organization Dark Nebula sets their plans in motion to neutralize him as he’s the only one with the power to prevent their unleashing of a dark and evil Beyblade. With a love of blading fueling him Gingka must overcome an odd game show which harnesses and assesses his power while confronting friends turned foes to be turned friends again. His courage and belief in his blade keep him going but Dark Nebula close in and engage Gingka in an epic battle where all could be lost.

There is more to the story but the points above keep the fun plot points intact. Gingka is the latest hero who has amazing potential and he’s put into amazing battles and must convince friends and foes alike what is the right path. The real star are the beyblades themselves which have power and character. The overall formula for this story has been seen before and it’s fit for the younger viewer but is a lot of fun. It reminds of all the tales above from Pokémon to Yu-Gi-Oh! and don’t mark this off as a kids show, it’s got a lot more depth than expected even if some of the story points are a bit hard to grasp.

The Animation and Action: Clean bright and vivid animation show off the colorful characters and settings which again reflect this overall genre. This is what many think of when told the word anime with big eye, big hair characters with over the top moves. If you’ve ever seen Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Digimon then you’ll know what to expect in the animation and action category.

What’s It Mean to Gamers: Gamers can get a taste of the full story for the DS and Wii games available which they or their kids will be playing. Any game that has a story driving it is greatly enhanced with a fleshed out story via animation or a book.

What’s It Mean to Anime Fans: Want more young boy growing into his power and overcoming evil? This is the latest in a long line of shonen anime and it fits in just perfect. Great mid-day Cartoon Network fodder also.

Overall Beyblade: Metal Fusion is a solid entry, a new round of anime episodes for young and old fans to embrace with good gaming backing and tops on steroids to buy and battle with. A successful product just needs a new story and setting to makes kids go gaga and Metal Fusion is hitting on all cylinders from the marketing front.