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

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)

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)

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)

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

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?

Ninja Resurrection (2002)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
The first installment in this new OAV series brings back the character of Jubei Yagyu, but not the artists or story line from the popular 1993 feature Ninja Scroll. A baroque mixture of samurai adventures, historic figures (Jubei and Shiro were real people), pseudo-Christian millenialism, and standard anime action, Resurrection is set at the close of the civil wars that led to the unification of Japan in the 17th century. Tokisada Shiro Amakusa is regarded as the Son of God by a group of Christians rebelling against the newly established Tokugawa Shogunate. Jubei tries to negotiate Shiro's surrender to end the rebellion, but fails. The resulting slaughter of Shiro's followers sets in motion a complicated plot involving a prophecy that if the new Savior is rejected, he will be reborn as Satan. Resurrection is exceedingly gory, even by anime standards: heads are split open, a violent rape ends in a bloodbath, a disemboweled warrior fights with his intestines flailing like tentacles, crows pick at cadavers. At a time when Hollywood films and TV shows are being blamed for youth violence in America, viewers may wonder why such bloody entertainments haven't produced real-life violence in Japan. --Charles Solomon

Ninja Scroll (1996)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

A peak achievement of Japanese anime, Ninja Scroll is a propulsive mix of samurai action adventure and supernatural fantasy from writer-director Yoshiaki Kawajiri (Supernatural Best City). This is defiantly animation for grown-ups, complete with fountains of blood, plenty of naked flesh, and (in both the subtitled and dubbed versions) some decidedly strong language. (Students of Japanese language could pick up some useful expressions.) The plot sounds like a 16th century variation on the X-Files: An entire village has been wiped out by a mysterious plague and an anti-government conspiracy of invulnerable demons seems to be responsible. A wandering ninja, Jubei, and his female counterpart, Kagero, team up to defeat the plotters. Jubei is a classic reluctant hero, agreeing to participate in the mission only after being fed a slow-acting poison; the antidote will be supplied after he cooperates. And Kagero, a looker whose embrace is lethal, is a femme fatale with a difference that seems distinctively Japanese: sexual contact itself is poisonous, especially for a warrior with a pure soul. --David Chute

By Ironman "ironman6662" (Carmel, IN USA)
For years I was telling people that Ninja Scroll was one of the worst Anime Features I had ever seen. the lack of plot was instead replaced with numerouse violence and sex scenes with an unclear villian. Finally I rented this again and watched it and after the third and final viewing of this, I have come to realize that this is Ok at best for those reasons. It is not the worse anime feature I have ever seen but it is by far not the best.

the story revolves around a wandering swordsman who teams up fith a female ninja who can poison anyone just by having sex with them and a dirty old man to stop seven demons from conquering the world. Throughout the battles with the demons range in style as each has their own techniques. In the end they of course win but not without casulties.

This is an OK entry and is highly respected because it was one of the first Anime titles to get mainstream attention (Next to Speed Racer and Akira). This is OK, but for Hardcore Anime fans only

Demon City Shinjuku (1993)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
This 1988 OVA reunited author Hideyuki Kikuchi and director Yoshiaki Kawajiri of Wicked City (1987). Ten years after his father Genichirou was killed battling the evil Rebi Ra, teen-aged Kyoya Izayoi is called to stop Rebi from releasing demons from hell onto the Earth. Demon City borrows heavily from Star Wars: Ag'ni Rai, Genichirou's teacher, tells Kyoya that he must learn to harness the web of spiritual energy that flows among living things. This minimal training, plus his father's sword and the love of beautiful Sayaka enable Kyoya to destroy Rebi Ra. The film is oddly paced, with a long build-up to a disappointing climax, problems that are exacerbated by the very stiff vocal performances. Kawajiri uses color with his accustomed skill, especially in the monochromatic opening duel, but Demon City hardly ranks among his important works. (Unrated: suitable for ages 16 and older: violence, violence against women, grotesque imagery, brief nudity) --Charles Solomon

Product Description
In a city beset by demons, Kyoya must avenge his father, a great warrior who died at the hands of a diabolical psychic. Kyoya must discover his latent powers and finish the battle his father started, before humanity is destroyed forever.

By Antonio D. Paolucci "Collector of Entertainment" (Beaver Falls, PA)

As I look at my collection of anime, I now realize, with the purchase of Demon City Shinjuku, I've complete my own personal set of anime, and that is the first ones I ever saw. But Demon City Shinjuku was different because it was the first truly uncut anime I had ever seen and I think the second of any anime, cut or no, after Akira. So therefore it still has a special place for me, and watching it now, almost a decade later, I still remember all those amazing moments that happen in this horror anime. And I still wonder why in the world would the main character use a wooden sword to battle demons and sorcerers... (It's symbolic, I now realize, sort of Tolkien-esque.)

The story of Demon City follows the exploits of a young man named Kyoya as he helps the president's (of Japan) daughter in destroying the threat to all mankind that festers in what has become known as "Monster City Shinjuku" by its few human inhabitants. But Kyoya is an unwilling hero in this tale, forced to follow in his warrior father's footsteps and battle an evil sorcerer bent on world destruction named Rebi Rah. First, though, he must learn all the required skills of his sword technique, and during this quick training he battles demon after demon and begins to learn that he might have what it takes to save mankind, as well as winning over the girl he's falling for.

What I like most about this movie was the fact that it followed all those classic storytelling elements. It uses foreshadowing, it throws complications at the characters, and there is enough character development for a viewer to learn to like them. What I didn't like about this, however, was the horrible voice-acting. Well, maybe not horrible; it wasn't melodramatic and there was emotion, but I don't really remember ever hearing anyone in Japan of having a Mexican, Romanian, or Southern accent. It was just a little over the top, and in many cases it ruined the horror of the moment as they were just too comical to believe. Luckily, there is a subbed track, though I still wish that the dubbed track was remade for the newer DVD release.

However, even with the bad voice-acting, I can't help but recommend this anime to any true anime fan. The action is superb, the animation is excellent even to today's standards, and it is one of the classics in anime, directed by one of the best and most well known anime directors around, Yoshiaki Kawajiri (Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust, Ninja Scroll, X).

X - The Movie (1996)

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

I have several of the graphic paperbacks from the X/1999 clamp production. I've read and puzzled over those, and now I have spent several hours with this DVD. There comes a point in the quest for value where one has to finally ponder why a work is the way it is. I don't expect every DVD or book to be a work of art, but I do expect that each such effort have some sense of its purpose or potential value.

In the case of 'X', I confess I am mystified. On the surface, a young man (Kamui) returns to Tokyo at the behest of his dying mother to defend those he loves. But he fails to defend Kotori, who loves him, and forces his friend Fuuma to make impossible choices. On the layer below this Kamui and Fuuma are doomed to become the primary antagonists in a struggle over whether the human race should be allowed to survive. In the ensuing fight, shared with the other dragons of heaven and earth, the destruction is sufficient to wonder whether the cure is worse than the disease.

In truth, the plot is a pre-ordained ballet of opposing forces driven to a tragic conclusion. I am not familiar with Japanese literature, but 'X' reminds me of a Greek tragedy where anyone could stop the inevitable end, but no one does. Kamui's tragic flaw is his inability to act until it is too late. Fuuma, supposedly the villain of the piece, seems to be the nobler of the two, simply because he throws himself into his role. All of the characters are disjointed archetypes, but despite all of the symbols and portents, nothing really gels.

So this becomes an apocalypse in search of a cause. Harumitsu Shimuzu as put together an excellent score, which seems to capture Kamui's perpetual agonizing and the film's ambivalent perfectly. The film's theme, 'Forever Love' by Yoshiki, is worth keeping as well. But good music and interesting artwork are not enough to overcome a skeletal plot that never moves in any direction for long. A glance at the final credits reveals that this was a production with a cast of hundreds, and perhaps that is the problem. Tragedy is best when it is not designed by committee.

Naruto, Vol. 13 (2005)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
The splendid ninja, Rock Lee, must face the formidable Gaara of the Sand! With his mentor Guy cheering him on, Rock Lee unleashes his ultimate move. But will even this be enough to defeat Gaara? And as the prelimaries to the Chunin Exam draw to a close, Orochimaru lurks in the shadows, plotting his next evil move. The target? Sasuke!

Ep 49 Lee's Hidden Strength: Forbidden Secret Jutsu
Ep 50 The Fifth Gate: A Splendid Ninja Is Born
Ep 51
Ep 52 Ebisu Returns: Naruto's Toughest Training Yet!

A Kid's Review

Hi.My name is Timothy.Im here to tell you about the episodes on this disc.Here they are:


49:Lee's Hidden Strength:Forbidden Secret Jutsu!
As the battle between Lee and Gaara continues,Lee and Gai have flashbacks to when they were training.Lee trained much harder than his other teammates.Lee also remembers about the times that he hit a tree so hard that he had to put bandages on.Then,Lee uses his forbidden secret jutsu,so now it looks like this killer sand village freak might lose after all.


50:The Fifth Gate:A Splended Ninja Is Born
After using his forbidden jutsu and failing while using the prime lotus,Lee is basicallly dead.Just when Lee is about to get killed,Gai stepps in and blocks the sand coffin that Gaara launched.Lee falls back down again and looses the match.As the medical ninja examine him,they say that Lee is no longer a shinobi.


51:A Shadow In Darkness:Danger Approaches Sasuke
The final prelimanary match is between Choji and Dosu,with Dosu obiously the winner.The ninja that made it to the finals all line up (except for Sasuke).The winners are Sasuke,Shino,Kankuro,Temari,Shikamaru,Naruto,Neji,Gaara,and Dosu.As the ninja leave the tower,Orochimaru tells Kabuto to kill Sasuke.As he is holding the knife up,Kakashi stops Kabuto before he tries killing him.


52:Ebisu Returns:Naruto's Toughest Training Yet!
As Kakshi walks off after telling Naruto that he is training with Ebisu,Naruto gets very mad.When Naruto is trying to walk across water,somone knocks out Ebisu.Who could have knocked out his trainer?

Naruto Uncut Boxed Set, Volume 4 (2006)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
• 3 DVD box set with 14 episodes. Featuring original and uncut episodes.

• Includes original audio tracks and original series soundtrack.

• English dubbed / Japanese (with optional English subtitles).

• Collectible Naruto storyboards booklet

• From sketch to screen - Storyboard to animation comparison

• Volume 5 Sneak Preview.

After barely making it out of the Forest of Death, Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura proceed to the next stage of the Chunin Exam: a one-on-one sudden death elimination battle! Pitted against each other in individual combat, an assortment of young, bright-eyed ninja reveal their true colors and brandish their hidden powers! Can Naruto beat the odds and prove to his fellow shinobi that he's good enough to be a chunin?

By Cpt Roland Jarvis (U.A.E.)

As a new viewer to naturo I purchased all three uncut english version sets with the idea of watching them over time. Bad move. I watched the entire three sets in two days. I would have watched them in one day but work got in the way. We all know this is one of the most outstanding Anime series and the question of "in original language" or English dubbed is an interesting one. "The Urge" commented in his review that things where missing and not the same between the two versions. Not having seen the Japanese original language version he could be right; however, the examples he gave about the "sexy-Jutsu" and Sauske/naruto being edited out was untrue. It's all there. The rest, well I don't know. I'm hoping the term "uncut" means it is as close to the original as possible in a language change. That would be true if in subtitles or dubbed. Bottom line is it's a great series in English and if it's better in Japanese so be it. There are a lot of Animes out there and most certainly are not that good. So when one comes along that is terrific, such as Naruto, enjoy it in whatever language you can enjoy the most.
Better Believe It.
Maj. J

Blood - The Last Vampire (2001)

Plot Synopsis: Japan, 1966. Saya is part of a secret team destroying daemons. She is sent undercover as a student at the Yokota Air Base in Fussa-shi, Tokyo, just before Halloween. She discovers that two of her classmates are vampires in disguise just as they are preparing to attack the school nurse; meanwhile, her colleagues have discovered another vampire acting as a bartender in the local red-light district. A spectacular battle ensues.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Saya, the last true vampire, battles the bloodthirsty demons attacking an American base in Japan during the Vietnam War. Much of the story takes place during the late afternoon and evening, and the artists use shadows, reflections, and light with exceptional skill: the look of the film is more interesting than the underdeveloped story. Saya wields a deadly sword and pursues her foes with chilling ferocity, but she's silent and sullen and fails to develop as a character: the viewer has no idea how she views her deadly occupation. Albeit a visually striking film, this dark, violent work fails to live up to its billing as "Japan's first fully digital animated feature film": the three-dimensional objects and effects are digital, but the two-dimensional characters are hand-drawn. Nor is the film really "from the creators of Ghost in the Shell." Blood came out of a group that Ghost director Mamoru Oshii organized to encourage young talent, but he didn't direct it. And at 48 minutes, it's very short for a feature, although this edition includes a rambling 21-minute making-of film and a 3-minute trailer. It seems unlikely that Blood "will transform Japanese animation," but other artists may use its visual style to tell more compelling stories with better-developed characters. Unrated; suitable for ages 17 and up for profanity, brief nudity, and considerable violence. --Charles Solomon

Essence of Anime: Karas, Vol. 1

Tales of Seduction (2004)

By Mysticales (USA)

If you are looking for a hentai or sexual anime.. this is NOT the one. This only had a short clip of nudity and not even that good.. can find a better picture on the web for free.

Basically 1st story is just about a song writter manager who uses his fame to lure other girls who wish to have a shot at singing, and basically sleeps with them.

2nd story, allthough abit better for the story itself, was just a corporation of a president who worked at day and seduced at night with some plots twists as alot of love triangles and daughters trying to ask their boss to fire someone else who got the guys attention since she wanted him all to herself.

But sadly.. this anime was not worth it and well.. is not even worth watching again. =(

Wrath of the Ninja: The Yotoden Movie (1989)

By Susan Shams (West Des Moines, IA)

I love Anime. I bought this DVD version for one reason and one reason alone. So that I would not have to watch or listen to the dubbed version. I cannot stand the English dubbing. My advise to anyone watching a foriegn film; watch it in its original language, no one else can do the characters justice. That is my opinion.

Anyways, that matter aside, let's talk about the movie.
Yes, it has extremely graphic violence, but it states that on the DVD. (Contains brief nudity and Graphic Violence, Parental Discretion Advised). Gore is not what this anime is about. There is actually a great historical storyline interwoven within all its action and suspense.

3 Ninjas from different clans unite to ward off Evil. Each Ninja with their own special sword, come together as one. Evil is rampant, Lord Nobunaga Oda with his evil intentions sends out all his evil artillery to smash the Ninjas and thier allies. His goal, to spread evil and demons throughout the land.

Ayame, is a young girl who sees her life and family shattered before her innocent eyes, yet she is helpless to do anything. Vengeance becomes her lifelong obsession. Ryoma, a Ninja from a neighboring clan, kindhearted and sweet is her companion and ally. And of course, Sakon (my favorite guy) is the Ninja who can feel the treachery of those around him, and sees the battles and evil as never ending.

I will not say anymore, but I seriously recommend this movie. Take my advise and watch this great animated movie. I has everything, including Love.

Dominion Tank Police

Plot Synopsis: New-Port City has a problem with crime, and in order to combat this, the mayor orders the creation of a new police unit: THE TANK POLICE! Trouble ensues when the feisty Leona is transferred in from the motorcycle-division, and has a little problem getting used to the tanks (i.e.: how to drive them without demolishing building.), and accidentally destroys the personal tank of the units commander, Lt. Britain. Threatened with re-assignment to chilled-welfare, Leona builds, with the help of Al and the Chaplain, a new smaller tank out of spear parts. The new tank, christened Bonaparte by Leona, is finished just in time to stop Crime-Lord Buaku and his henchwomen, Annapuna and Unipima (aka, the Cat Sisters), from steeling urine from people who are un-effected by the poison cloud that hangs over the entire planet. Finally accepted into the Tank Police, Leona ends up coursing as much, if not more, trouble then the others ever did.


By Michael Valdivielso (Alexandria, VA USA)

160 minutes of tanks, androids, crime, secret government projects, ruthless mercenaries and adult humor.
In this DVD we see Leona on her first day as a Tank Police Officer. We get to see how her mini-tank (toy tank), Bonaparte, came to be made and we also learn a lot more about Greenpeace's AND Buaku's background. We also get to see the Puma sisters in action, in more ways than one!
The DVD has some extras, besides cool character profiles which are selected clips from the Acts (which help you get an idea about each character - the Puma sisters get four clips while everybody else only gets one), they have the Director's comments (that only fits one page) and the normal previews. They also have a tiny fold out of, you guessed it, the Puma sisters on the white motorbikes, armed to the teeth and wearing Cheesecake armour (the stuff that looks like a biker babe's outfit). If you have the manga, Dominion: Tank Police, you need to see this at least once!

Wrath of the Ninja (1989)

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

From the director of Gestalt and the produce of Ninja Scroll. The year is 1580 and the unholy armies of Lord Nobunaga Oda steadily spread across Japan. Now, three ninjas must unite their mystical weapons and skills to fulfill "The Prophecy of the Enchanted Swords" or die trying! "simply brilliant." – Gamers’ Republic

Product Description
From the director of Gestalt and the produce of Ninja Scroll. The year is 1580 and the unholy armies of Lord Nobunaga Oda steadily spread across Japan. Now, three ninjas must unite their mystical weapons and skills to fulfill "The Prophecy of the Enchanted Swords" or die trying! "simply brilliant." – Gamers’ Republic

By Susan Shams (West Des Moines, IA)

I love Anime. I bought this DVD version for one reason and one reason alone. So that I would not have to watch or listen to the dubbed version. I cannot stand the English dubbing. My advise to anyone watching a foriegn film; watch it in its original language, no one else can do the characters justice. That is my opinion.

Anyways, that matter aside, let's talk about the movie.
Yes, it has extremely graphic violence, but it states that on the DVD. (Contains brief nudity and Graphic Violence, Parental Discretion Advised). Gore is not what this anime is about. There is actually a great historical storyline interwoven within all its action and suspense.

3 Ninjas from different clans unite to ward off Evil. Each Ninja with their own special sword, come together as one. Evil is rampant, Lord Nobunaga Oda with his evil intentions sends out all his evil artillery to smash the Ninjas and thier allies. His goal, to spread evil and demons throughout the land.

Ayame, is a young girl who sees her life and family shattered before her innocent eyes, yet she is helpless to do anything. Vengeance becomes her lifelong obsession. Ryoma, a Ninja from a neighboring clan, kindhearted and sweet is her companion and ally. And of course, Sakon (my favorite guy) is the Ninja who can feel the treachery of those around him, and sees the battles and evil as never ending.

I will not say anymore, but I seriously recommend this movie. Take my advise and watch this great animated movie. I has everything, including Love.

Legend of Himiko Complete Collection (2005)

By Kim H. "kimthebookworm" (somewhere)

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.

Ghost In The Shell - Solid State Society (Limited Edition) (2007)

The television movie Ghost in the Shell: Solid State Society (2006) continues the adventures of the cast of Stand Alone Complex, the TV series based on Mamoru Oshii's watershed feature. It's been two years since Major Kusanagi left Public Security Section 9 and struck out on her own. Batou pursues only investigations that interest him. Togusa is in charge of the Section, largely by default. All three characters, plus Chief Aramaki and the Tachikoma robots, join in the investigation of a string of suicides by agents of a foreign general. The trail leads them to a terrorist plot involving micro-machines created to release a deadly virus, and to the master-hacker known as the Puppeteer. The depiction of a corrupt politician using resources earmarked for the care of an aging population for his own ends reflects recent scandals in Japan. But Solid State Society feels derivative. The plot borrows heavily from the "Laughing Man" storyline, and the general lack of inspiration is evident in the failure to resolve the mystery satisfactorily.

The Limited Edition includes a music CD and a second DVD of extras, among them notes on designing the futuristic vehicles in the film, and an interview with Mitsuhisa Ishikawa of Production I.G., all packaged in a metal box. (Rated 13 and older: violence, grotesque imagery) --Charles Solomon

Agent Aika: Naked Mission (1998)

By	Mark Simmons (London, United Kingdom) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Agent Aika: Naked Missions (DVD)

First off it's worth mentioning that this DVD includes Naked Mission and Lace in Space and is 120 mins long, not 60 mins as stated in the technical details on this site.

Okay...where should I start? Well, let's get this over and done with. Panties. Yes, there's lots of them, and as other reviewers have mentioned, if you are likely to be offended by (or feel uncomfortable viewing) a seemingly endless number of shots of white panty covered crotches, skip this and move on. There's a lot. More than a lot, actually. There's tons of them. Trust me.

However, it's worth saying that all this gratuity doesn't spoil Aika in any way. It's not a randomly tacked on interest grabbing ploy. It's an fundamental part of the whole deal. If you're going to view it as a full-on action based story, and that alone, then you will probably be quite disappointed. But, if you accept it for what it really is - a pervy, sleazed-up, cheesy parody with a Bond style plot skimming along behind it all - then you'll be just fine.

You're certainly not going to be buying this for just the story. You buy it for the whole package. Panties and all...

Oh, there is also some nudity as well, but it's nothing to get flustered about. All pretty basic really. And anyway, the impact of what little there is gets pretty much overridden by a continual stream of white-knickered nether regions; and that's far more rude.

Moving on though, the art is well above average and cleanly and crisply executed. Colours are good and well chosen. The character animation is pretty much without fault, very funny in places (particularly facial expressions) and is generally very slick, especially (as you would expect and hope) during fight scenes. My only concerns lay with some of the English voice acting, and I mean some. Most of it is just fine and well matched. Especially Gusto. The English voice dub really made that character for me. Unexpected and very funny. However, Rion's English voice actor did manage to miss the mark in a few places, and there were a couple of occasions where she really didn't match the emotion of the character's visuals. Saying that though, the original Japanese voice actor missed the mark as well on occasions, so I won't hold that against her too much.

As for the music... Well, I didn't notice a huge amount of it during any of the episodes, but it never seemed absent. So, I guess it worked okay. The opening theme (extended for the included music 'video') rocked though. Very upbeat with enough electric guitar work to keep the whole thing moving along nice and slickly. Good work there. Unlike a lot of anime titles, it actually added to the feel of the whole work, rather than just plodding along with it.

Overall, this is sexy and kooky enough to be a worthwhile purchase with plenty of good set-piece scenes to boost its replay value. Whether you like it or not isn't going to be down to how easily you're offended. Most anime fans, whether they be male or female, accept that fan service, in varying degrees, is pretty much always going to be part of the deal. The deciding factor is going to be your overall expectations of the whole thing.

As it is, it's a cleanly executed, humourous, gratuitous panty shot filled Bond style satire with both serious and fun characters and a reasonably tight plot holding it all together. See it as that and buy it as that and you'll be more than happy.

Legend of Himiko Complete Collection (2005)

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.

Blood Lush

"The well received Anders Manga continues his astonishing consecutive album release streak with "Blood Lush", says Paul Cameron of VampireFreaks.com. "This 10 track album dazzles dark and horrific senses that emerge from his grinding enigmatic lyrics to his powerful pulsating beats. Rest assured, this release will keep your body and mind full of 'lush' until the next."

Karas - The Prophecy (2006)

Karas: the Prophecy (2005) is the first installment in an OVA marking the 40th anniversary of Tatsunko Productions, the studio that made Speed Racer, Gatchaman, and Generator Gawl. Karas was obviously a big-budget production, and the English dub features Jay Hernandez, Matthew Lillard, and Piper Perabo. Karas ("The Crow") is the guardian spirit of Tokyo, but the city is thrown into disarray when Eko, a former Karas, returns and attempts to seize power. Yurine, an entity who embodies the will of the people, summons Nue, a sort of Karas-in-training, to defeat Eko. The two-part fantasy saga borrows from numerous animated and live-action sources, including Ghost in the Shell II, Demon City Shinjuku, Spider-Man, and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Action fans may enjoy the aerial combats, sword fights between armored foes, 2-D/3-D transformations, explosions, monster attacks, and car chases, but director Keiichi Sato's nervous camerawork and choppy cutting rob what should be show-stopping scenes of their punch. Although highly anticipated, Karas is an overproduced mess. (Unrated, suitable for ages 17 and older: graphic violence, grotesque imagery, profanity, tobacco use) --Charles Solomon

Area 88: Requirements of Wolves

Ghost in the Shell (Special Edition) (1996)

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

2029 A female government cyber agent and the Internal Bureau of Investigations are hot on the trail of a "The Puppet Master" a computer virus capable of invading cybernetic brains and altering its victim s memory. Created by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and codenamed "Project 2501", this 'hacker' is actually a prototype virtual agent which has now defied its makers by seeking asylum within a new host body outside of the electronic net. Now the two agencies must maneuver against each another in a violent, high- tech race to capture the omnipresent entity.

Ghost in the Shell took the world by storm exhibiting a new dimension of anime with unprecedented and mesmerizing cinematic expression. Seamlessly merging traditional cel animation with the latest computer graphic imagery, this stunning sci-fi spectacle broke through the boundaries of mainstream animation with detailed artistic expression and a uniquely intelligent story line. The film has gone on to inspire a generation of filmmakers and has become the most revered anime feature of all time.

Veteran anime writer/director/producer Mamoru Oshii, working in conjunction with the animators at Production I.G. (Blood: The Last Vampire, Kaidohmaru, Kill Bill) brought to life Masamune Shirow s vision (originally serialized in 1991 in Japan s Young Magazine manga). This excellent cyberpunk thriller was co-produced by Manga Entertainment and enjoyed both critical and popular success at the U.S. box office before becoming the first Japanese animated film to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Top Video Sales Chart (August 24, 1996).

More How To Draw Manga Volume 1: The Basics Of Character Drawing (Manga Technique) (Paperback)

The foundation to drawing a character is the penciled under-drawing. An under-drawing that has somehow gone astray, once penned, ultimately results in artwork that just will not pull together or lacks balance. This volume explains in thorough detail how to handle the pencil, before the pen ever touches the drawing. Using actual examples of how a well or poorly penciled under-drawing can affect the final work, this book passes along many helpful pointers. Use this book to learn the absolute basics of penciled artwork, manga-style!

How to Draw Manga: Costume Encyclopedia, Vol 1, Everyday Fashion (Paperback)

"I understand the design, but I can't figure out the actually how to portray my character in the costume." Many have likely experienced this dilemma when trying to develop a character's costume and reached for a book on fashion as a reference. In this volume, manga characters appear as models, and the book illustrates aspects that serve as fashion points showing the characters in various poses and angles. This volume boasts more than 4,000 images. With this as reference, the reader should be able to design an original costume with ease by combining the collars, sleeves, cuffs, and other dress details provided.

How To Draw Manga Volume 28: Couples (How to Draw Manga) (Paperback)

By	D Smith (Richardson, TX United States) - See all my reviews

As an artist, I am always looking for books to make my life easier when looking for effective poses to use as reference. This book is exactly what I was looking for and delivered all I expected and more.

Drawing bodies can be hard and drawing two bodies together can be mind-boggling. This book really helps break it down into managable pieces and provides a myriad of poses to study. And some of the manga tricks are very helpful and different than the traditional drawing methods taught in college courses.

One of the best parts of the book is the fact the author included same gender couples in the studies, very important when studying the shape, contour and solidity differences of the male and female form and how they relate to each other in same gender and mixed gender pairings. The pages on the differences about how the arm lengths of men and women line up when wrapped around another body, which changes if the second body is male or female, is fascinating.

This book does contain nudity so the muscles can be studied and referenced so I recommend it for the serious art student or the self-taught artist who has already worked with life studies who is now wanting a book to continue these studies.

The book also includes poses of people in bed together so those inclined not to view these sections should not look at them.

This book does not teach basic drawing skills so the person purchasing this book should already have those skills before using this book.

How To Draw Manga Volume 20: Female Characters (How to Draw Manga) (Paperback)

Like other reviews say, this is an intermediate or advanced book and not for a beginner. But if you can draw what you see fairly well, your skill for drawing manga girls will greatly increase after parsing through this great material. I broke out the "newsprint" pad, pencil set and sharpener, and drew along with every picture in this book over a 15 or so day period. And my skills went way up - I'm now very comfortable creating a manga girl from scratch. Highly recommended, although not the best book to carry around because of the mature theme.

How To Draw Manga: Ultimate Manga Lessons Volume 1: Drawing Made Easy (How to Draw Manga) (Paperback)

The foundation for drawing manga begins with the artist copying the works of an admired manga artist. The artist learns the traits of the characters' faces and figures while replicating the eyes, the mouth, and other features and recreating the overall images projected. The first chapter of this volume painstakingly explains the artistic development process beginning with copying professional artists' work to the point where the beginning artist is able to produce his or her own original manga. The second chapter covers the basics of a character's face and body, as well as portraying backgrounds. Chapter Three demonstrates how characters from professional manga artists' work are portrayed.

How to Draw Manga: Bodies & Anatomy (Paperback)

By	V. Suzukawa (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews

Skipping past the complaints of nudity (or not) between genders, or just how "manga" the style is, this is a great reference book for bone and muscle structure. I suppose it helps that I'm not seriously into manga; honestly, most manga characters have about as much muscle definition as a 14-year-old, and the level of body structure in here is almost geared for superhero comics.
The majority of the book shows a fairly equal amount of males and females in action poses. The overarching lesson is where the muscles and bones connect and overlap, and relatedly how the surface of the body changes during movement, but you also learn a good bit about foreshortening and overlap. Most of the pictures first show a more geometric anatomical view, emphasizing the joints and bones and major muscle groups, and then next to it is the same pose shown as a surface drawing, with only light shading. The artist makes an effort to pick unusual angles and poses, ones most other books don't show--overhead views, reclining, mid-throw, etc--so it's decent reference. There is a lot of focus on the back, something very neglected. I will note if you're looking for different body types, not much help here, you've got the usual 36-24-36 anime hottie and a guy who looks like an olympic swimmer. And the book falls down when it tries to show "real" facial anatomy using the typical oversized eye/forehead manga face...stick with the body lessons.
I must reiterate, it's not for beginners. If you're just learning to draw, go far, far elsewhere. But, this is a good book for someone who is comfortable drawing the body as a whole, and just wants a little tweaking on particularly difficult poses--especially if you've got a well-built character. Can't get the neck tendons to look right on someone looking up and back? Try this.

Manga Matrix: Create Unique Characters Using the Japanese Matrix System (Paperback)

Book Description

Manga Matrix presents an easy grid method for mastering manga, an increasingly popular comic style. Using this unique Japanese system, artists can plot and cross-section elements on a matrix diagram to create an infinite number of original characters, creatures, and multiformed beasts. Angels, demons, dragons, monsters, and robots are all included in this book, along with descriptions of costumes and personalities for each.

Manga Matrix is unlike any other manga instructional guide and is an invaluable resource for both the budding artist and the polished professional.


About the Author

Background in art and design education spanning over thirty years; continually struggles to train future creators.

How To Draw Manga Volume 34: Costume Encyclopedia Volume 2 (How to Draw Manga) (Paperback)

While one would think undergarments are standard fixtures on manga characters, they can be unexpectedly tricky for artists to draw. This book includes more than 4,000 illustrations showing details of these garments worn on a figure in addition to a detailed history of intimate apparel. Moreover, it enables the reader to make practical use of the illustrations provided to create easily their own fantasy costume designs. This volume is chock full of ideas ready for use!

Fruits Basket, Vol. 14 (Comic)

Isuzu loves snooping through Shigure's life, especially when she's totally convinced that he is hiding something. But when Tohru finds a passed-out Isuzu in the house, she tries to drag Isuzu to the hospital. Meanwhile, Yuki goes to the ASB council room only to find it trashed again! But as the secrets of who vandalized the room come out of the closet, Yuki accidentally gets locked in one. Who will be the one to help her get out? The answer is right inside this next volume of the super-popular Fruits Basket, the world's most popular shojo manga!

Naruto, Vol. 3 (Comic)

While they recover from their injuries, Kakashi puts Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura on a strict training regimen to protect Tazuna's family against Zabuza's next attack. But Zabuza has a dangerous new apprentice in Haku. And as the bridge comes closer to completion, our heroes must be willing to kill - or die.

Manga: 60 Years of Japanese Comics (Paperback)

Japan's output of manga is massive, accounting for a staggering forty percent of everything published each year in the country.Outside Japan, there has been a global boom in sales, with the manga aesthetic spreading from comics into all areas of Western youth culture through film, computer games, advertising, and design.

Manga: Sixty Years of Japanese Comics presents an accessible, entertaining, and highly-illustrated introduction to the development and diversity of Japanese comics from 1945 to the present. Featuring striking graphics and extracts from a wide range of manga, the book covers such themes as the specific attributes of manga in contrast to American and European comics; the life and career of Osamu Tezuka, creator of Astro Boy and originator of story manga; boys' comics from the 1960s to the present; the genres and genders of girls' and women's comics; the darker, more realistic themes of gekiga -- violent samurai, disturbing horror and apocalyptic science fiction; issues of censorship and protest; and manga's role as a major Japanese export and global influence.

The Monster Book of Manga: Draw Like the Experts (Paperback)

The popularity of manga continues to row, inspiring interest in learning how to draw in this exciting style of comics. Estudio Joso creates the ultimate guide to illustration—384 pages of manga instruction. The Monster Book of Manga is divided into sections focusing on the most figures and themes—Girls, Boys, Samurais, Monsters, and more. Each illustration is broken down into six stages accompanied by step-by-step instructions, taking the artist from initial back-and-white sketches to the final color piece. They are all accompanied by practical suggestions, hints, and tips.

Understanding Manga and Anime (Paperback)

Teens love it. Parents hate it. Librarians are confused by it; and patrons are demanding it. Libraries have begun purchasing both manga and anime, particularly for their teen collections. But the sheer number of titles available can be overwhelming, not to mention the diversity and quirky cultural conventions. In order to build a collection, it is important to understand the media and its cultural nuances. Many librarians have been left adrift, struggling to understand this unique medium while trying to meet patron demands as well as protests. This book gives the novice background information necessary to feel confident in selecting, working with, and advocating for manga and anime collections; and it offers more experienced librarians some fresh insights and ideas for programming and collections. In 2003 the manga (Japanese comics) market was the fastest growing area of pop culture, with 75-100% growth to an estimated market size of $100 million retail. The growth has continued with a 40-50% sales increase in bookstores in recent years. Teens especially love this highly visual, emotionally charged and action-packed media imported from Japan, and its sister media, anime (Japanese animation); and libraries have begun purchasing both manga and anime, particularly for their teen collections. But in order to build a collection, it is important to understand the media and its cultural nuances. Many librarians have been left adrift, trying to understand this unique medium while trying to meet patron demands as well as protests. Chocked full of checklists and sidebars highlighting key points, this book gives the novice background information necessary to feel confident in selecting, working with, and advocating for manga and anime collections; and it offers more experienced librarians some fresh insights and ideas for programming and collections. Topics include: a brief history of anime and manga in Japan and in the West; a guide to visual styles and cues; a discussion of common themes and genres unique to manga and anime; their intended audiences; cultural differences in format and content; multicultural trends that manga and anime readers embrace and represent; and programming and event ideas. It also includes genre breakdowns and annotated lists of recommended titles, with a focus on the best titles in print and readily available, particularly those appropriate to preteen and teen readers. Classic and benchmark titles are also mentioned as appropriate. A glossary and a list of "frequently asked questions" complete the volume.

About the Author
ROBIN E. BRENNER is the Teen Librarian at the Brookline Public Library in Massachusetts. She has created and leads a successful Japanese manga and anime club for teens. She is a member of the ALA/YALSA Great Graphic Novels for Teens Selection List Committee, a list she was chosen to help establish; and she co-authored the RUSA graphic novel reviewing guidelines and the "Getting Graphic at Your Library" workshop guidelines. In addition, she reviews manga for Booklist, reviews Japanese anime for Video Librarian; and she regularly speaks and conducts workshops on graphic novels, manga, and anime. She also hosts a web site on graphic novels, www.noflyingnotights.com, and two sister sites (Sidekicks, for children thru age 12; and the Lair, for adults).

Gravitation: Bad Luck Band Anime Wall Scroll

Sins of the Sisters (1995)

# Plot Outline A sorceress goes back in time to prevent her lover from dying in a war, but it is all in vain.
# Plot Synopsis: In the Post-Restoration world, Yuki recovers her memory and realizes that her lover, Daisuke, died in the World Restoration, which was led by Aiko and the Female Crusaders of St. Michaela's College. She decides to save Daisuke by preventing the World Restoration, which means going back in time to kill the Christian Crusader, Hans, who will be reincarnated as Aiko. But the Female Crusaders, led by Aiko and Nozue, are hot on her trail.

The Venus Wars (1989)

Yoshikazu Yasuhiko directed this 1989 feature based on his own manga. The new frontier of Venus has degenerated into a dystopia ravaged by the civil war between Ishtar and Aphrodia. Bubbly reporter Susan Sommers arrives in the capitol of Aphrodia just before it's captured by Ishtar. She falls in with a bunch of teen-agers who live for a sort of motorcycle version of Roller Derby. Daredevil rider Hiro and his friends reluctantly join the struggle to free Aphrodia from the invaders. Not surprisingly, Hiro proves an ace at piloting the mono-cyles that are the Aphrodians' secret weapon in the key battle. Venus Wars holds better than many early anime features. The American-influenced designs may annoy purists, but the characters are well developed and the battle scenes well staged, despite the limited technological resources available at the time. (Rated 13 and older: violence, profanity, alcohol use, risqué humor) --Charles Solomon

On the hostile world of Venus, where vicious gangs roam the streets and nations battle for supremacy, a hotshot motorcycle jockey and a feisty Earth journalist are caught in the crossfire as war erupts.

The Mechanics of Anime and Manga Volume I: Drawing an Anime or Manga Character from Concept to Color (The Mechanics of Anime and Manga) (Paperback)

Book Description
This book is for professional, amateur, and hobby artists who are interested in adapting the anime and manga styles into their own work. Whether for commercial use or personal enjoyment, incorporating the anime style is both challenging and interesting. This book places an emphasis on creating an original character design from concept to digital color. It is the first in a series to describe the methods used in creating a finished anime.

About the Author
Studio Imagiks is a Dallas-based design studio whose staff has over 20 years of collective experience in advertising and promotional print and multimedia design for the entertainment and corporate markets. In keeping on the cutting edge of contemporary design, they believe anime is the next major pop culture movement for commercial use as well as personal creativity. As such, they specialize in incorporating anime and other pop culture and retro styles into their work. This series of books fulfills the studio’s goal of sharing their knowledge and experience with others.

Dead Leaves (2004)

Pandy and Retro awaken naked on Earth with no recollection of their past. They embark on a devastating crime spree in search of food, clothing and transportation, but are captured by authorities and sent to the infamous lunar penitentiary named Dead Leaves. While incarcerated, they quickly discover that Dead Leaves is also a top-secret cloning facility, occupied by villainous guards and deformed g

Agent Aika: Lace in Space (1998)

# Plot Outline From the creator of Project A-Ko! She's sexy, suave and sophisticated, but she's no bimbo. She's a martial arts expert and a jet fighter pilot with the body of a supermodel.
# Plot Synopsis: From the creator of Project A-Ko! She's sexy, suave and sophisticated, but she's no bimbo. She's a martial arts expert and a jet fighter pilot with the body of a supermodel. She's Aika, and she's one of the best secret agents in the business. Armed with her trusty, semi-sentient super-battle bustier, no risk is too great!

Let's Draw Manga: All About Fighting (Let's Draw Manga) (Paperback)

This book offers instructions for drawing urban street rumbles, battling maids, destructive fantasy creatures, and futuristic battle sequences. Covering everything from learning how to draw a pedestrian dispute to gun combat, this instructional guide presents step-by-step drawing techniques and the "hows" and "whys" of effective manga storytelling.

3x3 Eyes CD / Dai-ichi Shou Anime Manga

Star Child, 1991-8-21 11 tracks, 49:05 This is the limited first edition CD sold in a two-piece cardboard box with the same gorgeous cover art. This CD is the first soundtrack for the original 3x3 Eyes anime series. It features music from the first two OAV episodes. It contains beautiful symphonic music by composer Kaoru Wada as well as some image songs by Takada Band. Tracks 1. Distance Megumi Hayashibara with TAKADA BAND 4:27 2. Hikyou no chi (Unexplored land) A)M2 B)M5b C)M5a 6:52 3. Yakumo Fujii A)M13 B)M11 6:36 4. Night Story TAKADA BAND (Fumihiko Tachiki, Ami Mimatsu) 4:12 5. Pai ~Bojou~ (Pai ~Longing~) A)M6a B)M6 3:27 6. "Ningen" no Zou (Statue of Humanity) A)M10 B)M7a 2:51 7. Sanjiyan - tensei (Sanjiyan - reincarnation) A)M3a 2:01 8. Aoi tsuki no shita de (Under a blue moon) TAKADA BAND (Fumihiko Tachiki, Ami Mimatsu) 4:27 9. Majuu shuurai (Demon beast attack) A)M4 B)M9 4:19 10. Maboroshi no tami (Phantom race) A)M1 percussion B)M1 C)M21 long version 4:57 11. Ame no hi no sugoshi kata (How to spend a rainy day) Megumi Hayashibara sample: RealAudio or WAV (545 KB) 4:56 Music: Kaoru Wada original soundtrack