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Synopsis:
Set in an unknown land on a parallel yet different timeline we follow Yajiro Kojima who has dedicated his life to becoming a master swordsman and refuses to fight any battles with a firearm. However, when his lord is kidnapped by a group of gunmen he then launches a frontal assault on the gunmen with his fellow samurai which fails miserably. During a retreat to regroup Yajiro happens across a young, busty woman, taking a bath in a hotspring that introduces herself as Rushuna Tendo. With the enemy in pursuit Rushuna hides Yajiro in the hotspring with her and camouflaging his face against her gigantic yabos. After the gunmen pass, she explains that she is traveling the countryside to spread the word of her ultimate battle strategy which is to remove the enemy's will to fight. Yajiro then hears a renewed assault on the enemy fort and leaves to rejoin the battle, however Rushuna follows him. When she arrives at the battlefield Rushuna explains that she needs to go through the fort to continue her travels, within a blink of an eye she incapacitates the entire army of enemy gunmen with a lone pistol and a seemingly endless supply of bullets stored in her cleavage, and without killing a single person. After recovering the lord of his samauri tribe Yajiro vows to follow Rushuna on her travels determined to find out more about this pleasant yet deadly woman and her bizarre mission in life.
Reviewer: Endosanity
Number of episodes watched: 12
Review:
Although it may sound intriguing, blonde-haired babe with big knockers, legs-a-plenty, and god-like accuracy with a gun, Grenadier still falls into line with a lot of typical anime with this type of character. If you're just getting started in watching anime, this does come across as pretty damn cool as the gunfights are quite imaginative and present some sweet choreography, but for me I've seen this type indestructible superbabe all too often and while it's not necessarily a bad thing, it does get a bit old. The main downside with Grenadier is that the characters lack alot of originality and don't present themselves well as their own person and get heavily overshadowed by Rushuna's presence and you tend to find yourself losing interest when she isn't on screen, which isn't very often. The antagonists that Rushuna encounters through her travels do have some merit and are unique but it seems that the thought put into them gets lost as there are just too many to be presented well in a short 12 episode span and therefore are taken out by Rushuna and Yajiro in a matter of minutes and are quickly forgotten.
If you're looking for brainless action with no sense of seriousness then check out Grenadier because at no time does this show take itself seriously and even puts comedic elements at just the right places to lighten the mood. But if you're looking for a solid story to back up the onscreen firefights with a dark aura of seriousness then you just might want to keep looking. I do recommend Grenadier but it's one of those shows that you really have to be in the mood for because Rushuna's cuteness and positive attitude prevent the show from sinking into the realm of despair even when she is causing massive destruction.
Grendier (opening)
Recommendation: |Average|
Media type: DVD
From: Anime Works/Meida Blasters
Spoken languages: English;Japanese
Subtitles: English
Synopsis:
Keitaro who just failed his entrance exam to Tokyo U... again. Down on his luck he gets a message from his grandmother that she needs help running her dormitory. With nothing better to do while studying for the next exam, Keitaro accepts. However, once he gets there he quickly realizes that it's an all girls dorm. All the residents deem him as unacceptable and constantly give him trouble and usually end up kicking his ass in some form or another. Instead of backing down, Keitaro busts his ass to be accepted as the new manager.
Reviewer: Endosanity
Number of episodes watched: 30 (25 episodes and 5 OVAs to bring total closure)
Y'know, I don't know what the deal is with harem anime but I find them so freakin' hilarious. Anyway... Love Hina, probably one of the better shows I've sat through. For Love Hina, it's loaded with slap-stick comedy and there really is no plot because something changes from episode to episode. What keeps it going strong is watching each character change thier view towards Keitaro and eventually form some kind of bond with him and everyone starts looking out for one and other. But then there's Naru, she and Keitaro are *constantly* fighting but of course... start taking a liking to each other. The whole series blends comedy and romance just right and it can be summed up in one word, fun... including the three follow up movies. I watched it, I liked it, but that's just my opinion. Yes, the English track is utterly horrid and the intro song is corny as hell.
To get the full story on Love Hina you'd have to watch the entire series first followed by the Christmas Special, the Spring Special, and finally Love Hina Again which brings this great series to an epic closing.
Love Hina (opening)
Recommendation: |Above Average|
Media type: DVD
From: FUNimaition/Bandai Entertainment
Spoken languages: English;Japanese
Subtitles: English
*Note - FUNimation failed to obtain the entire series and all they offer is the original 25 episode series without the OVAs. This is makes the anime incomplete and a total waste without them which can only be summed up in two words... EPIC FAILURE! Unless they can provide us with the complete series from start to finish with OVAs included on DVD like Bandai did then just pass on it altogether. It's not worth your hard earned cash as it is!
Synopsis:
Naomi Armitage makes her return in Dual-Matrix but not as a smart-mouthed loose-cannon cop but this time as a family oriented mother hell bent on revenge for robot rights. Yes, robots and humans co-exist but these robots aren't always obedient and sometimes think for themselves and there is a system of government in place to pass a law that either allows robots to live as they please or become slave-like to obey humans. Armitage is the only successful "third" type android to exist which is ridiculously human-like capable of human emotion and conceiving life... yes, she can get pregnant. She also has the ability to perform telepresence which allows her to hack any system and also connect to other robots. Dual-Matrix picks up as Armitage and her husband Ross are beginning to have a normal life on Mars (which is, of course, colonized) under assumed names with thier daughter Yoko. Armitage receives a video signal from earth that displays other third type robots such as herself in a research lab getting slaughtered (destroyed?) by soldiers in mech suits. Armitage decides to take it upon herself and head to earth to investigate the incident and dons her leather suit and computerized sun-glasses once again.
Reviewer: Endosanity
Number of episodes watched: 1 (it's a movie)
Review:
Just a note to start Dual-Matrix is a sequel to Poly-Matrix. I had seen the original Arimitage III a very long time ago so if you haven't watched Armitage III or Poly-Matrix (which are almost the same thing) then you might wanna check those out first.
The expansive worlds that Dual-Matrix drops you into is impressive as it's vision of the future is quite original. Nothing ever feels displaced and every little detail shows some sign of what technology could be in years to come. To me, this really stands out especially for a 90 minute movie instead of a lengthy series. You'll find yourself instantly connecting with the protagonist Armitage as her strong will and cocky attitude while maintaining her family woman mindset make for one original character and you'll even find yourself cheering her on in almost every battle. Even the other people in the story have a sense of individuality that helps everyone stand out in thier own way whether they be hero or villain. There is no trip into anyone's past as it's doesn't seem necessary because what you're getting in the present is good enough it would simply be wasting time.
The animation here is above average but I didn't appreciate the primitive CGI used in some scenes with it's low color palette that stuck out like a sore thumb... badly. You're also given a cast of characters that are either welcome or despicable put into an imaginative universe making Dual-Matrix stand nicely on it's own and with this combination I would recommend it. But please, watch Poly-Matrix or Armitage III (if you can find it) first. Yeah, the English track was good but I've come to expect this from Pioneer releases.
Armitage III: Dual-Matrix (trailer)
Recommendation: |Above Average|
Media type: DVD
From: Geneon
Spoken languages: English;Japanese
Subtitles: English
Synopsis:
In the distant future Mars is now inhabited due to Earths over-population, humans and robots (called seconds) are co-existing but the fight for robot rights rages on. More advanced robots called 'thirds' are considered 'too human' and are deemed illegal but robot right activists want all robot types to be accepted as equals and become part of normal society. However, someone has made it their responsibility to eliminate all third types in existence since they are quite rare and to make sure that humans are only existing for humans. On the case is loose-cannon cop Naomi Armitage with her sexy outfit wearing unorthodox manner of solving crimes and recent transfer from Earth fellow officer Ross Sylibus. Ross is assigned to the case even though he despises robots from some unknown reason he won't speak of but the more time he spends with Armitage as his partner the more his opinion of robots and humanity changes as he slowly realizes that she is also an illegal third type robot.
Reviewer: Endosanity
Number of episodes watched: 1 (originally it was 6 episodes long, not 1 90 minute "movie")
Review:
Poly-Matrix is supposed to be a stand alone movie. However, what it really is, is a *heavily* butchered version of a 4 OVA (Original Video Animation or 'direct to video') series called Armitage III that's taking a 140 minute anime and cutting to down to 90 minutes. 140 minutes... 90 minutes... so it's gonna *really* be hard for me to focus on any positive points but since the original Armitage III set is hard to find and you can't rent it then I'll have to try and look at it from that point-of-view. But I originally watched it on laser disc so if that's not a dead giveaway of how long I been watching this stuff then I don't know what is.
I always liked this series as I found it to be quite original using the 'humans and robots' story that can sometimes feel like it's tired from it's constant usage. Armitage III takes this plot and sticks it into a cyberpunk world that really shows it's originality by combining great animation and a soundtrack that fits perfectly using classic 80s sounding cheesy keyboard pop rock. This gives the entire movie a great dated feeling that makes it look like it was pushing the limit of technology at the time it was created. The thing about this butchered version though is that our two protagonists have had all shreds of characterization stripped from them leaving Ross looking like a 7 foot tall mannequin that's just being lead around and accepting everything he's told and Armitage going from kicking ass one minute to being depressed the next while questioning what she really is. This ultimately leaves you with a movie that sort of feels flat as you'll have trouble connecting with the characters since they will be rapidly changing their emotional state but enough of the plot is intact to still make it worth checking out. It still remains better than it's sequel Dual-Matrix.
I was disappointed with the DVD as it doesn't have the original Japanese track with it and you have to deal with Elizabeth Berkley and Keifer Sutherland trying to make an extra paycheck. While Berkley did a decent job with Armitage, Sutherland's performance as Ross sounded like he just phoned his lines in and called it a day. Branding anime with familiar names doesn't mean it's going to make it any better.
Armitage III (original opening)
Armitage III: Poly-Matrix (trailer)
Recommendation: |Average| for the movie, |High| for the uncut OVA series
Media type: DVD
From: Geneon
Spoken languages: English (movie), English;Japanese (uncut series)
Subtitles: None (movie), English (uncut series)
Synopsis:
In A.D. 200X, World War 3 began. All of Earth's cities, including Tokyo, became the targets of bombings, and were bathed in frightful red flames. Half a century has passed since then. The contaminated former epicenter is still isolated from the city creating a hole in the middle of Japan... it is commonly known as the Black Spot. As time passed people began to inhabit this wasteland. They were deemed unnecessary by those who lived in cities. Among these unnecessary people were one who could command strange abilities. Fire, wind, gravity... they had the ability to control these supernatural powers. Thus, those who possessed Fragments were regarded with fear as... The Needless!
Reviewer: Endosanity
Number of episodes watched: 24
Review:
That synopsis up there is actually the intro to the show since I couldn't have given a better synopsis on my own. Anyway, you ever watch an anime series hoping for something new or different only to find out the show falls back on some typical stereotype? The over-powered protagonist, ninjas who yell out their next attack instead of using stealth, scantily clad babes (actually, I never get tired of that one), the cool acting villain, and how the heroes get a second wind in a fight just by telling each other during the heat of battle that they can win if they work together. You know what I'm talking about. Well, what if anime took all these over-used stereotypes and put them all together, throwing in some lolis and loads of panty shots into one series and what you will get, is Needless. An anime that doesn't try to be something it's not, but instead, just the opposite.
Needless wants to be as shameful as possible and cliched as hell and damn does it succeed, and this is what makes it so great. Story? Please... it's just one gigantic battle for power of good vs. evil. The fight scenes are over-the-top epic and can stretch out for multiple episodes. And did I mention there were girls? Lots of girls... lots of half naked girls? No? Well, it's time for you to die and go to Heaven as the girls of Needless are the embodiment of awesomeness. Whether they be good or evil, underage or not, you can't help but love every minute these ladies are on screen whether it be from minor banter, fighting, or just showing you their panties, Needless manages to take all this, adding in some perfectly timed humor to the mix, and throws it into one big melting pot of chaos that you'll be more than happy to partake in.
A total "guys" anime from start to finish that doesn't want to break the mold but instead re-use it as much as possible in 24 flashy episodes. The entire show is a riot and the forced mediocrity makes it all that much better.
Needless (opening)
Needless (ending)
*Note - Quite possibly the best opening and ending for an anime... ever!
Recommendation: |High|
Synopsis:
Mushi, supernatural lifeforms that co-exist with humans but go unseen by most. Mushi are creatures of habitat that have their own methods of survival and even though the Mushi are only acting upon their own instincts, it sometimes clashes with the human way of life... even endangering it. For this there are certain individuals who can not only see the Mushi, but also, provide assistance to anyone whose life may be affected by the presence of a Mushi even though they may not know it. Ginko, is one such individual... A Mushi-shi. Ginko is a traveling man that jouneys from town to town on a never-ending quest to help humans and Mushi to co-exist even if the methods may seem unorthodox and also gives healing to individuals whose lives have been negatively affected by the presence of a Mushi. Follow Ginko in his travels to help mortals co-exist with the supernatural... one person at a time.
Reviewer: Endosanity
Number of episodes watched: 26
Review:
Out of all the anime I've seen, Mushi-shi manages to do something that no other anime has. It manages to create a relaxing atmospheric viewing experience for the audience without relying on anything but it's own calming aura to captivate the viewer. There's no action, guns, or blades, no re-occurring characters, no ninjas, and no babes. Just one man trying to help people cope with the fact that there isn't always a logical explanation to everything that happens. As Ginko assists people who encounter a Mushi you begin to realize that the Mushi aren't just some trouble-making pest but rather an entity that roams on a parallel plane of existence that is doing nothing more than what comes natural. The interesting part is that each Mushi's method of survival sometimes tends to have adverse affects on some living creatures, especially humans, and this is where Ginko comes in by either expelling the Mushi, relocating them, or assisting someone in living with a Mushi.
There are also times you'll get to see Ginko learn that his intervention is not always needed either. Ginko himself is a rather likable character as his laid back attitude and his level-headed way of explaining mysterious happenings are informative and easy to understand. But, as the show progresses you might find questions start to arise in the back of your mind about Ginko himself but Mushi-shi already predicted this and there are a few episodes that are dedicated to explaining where Ginko came from and how he become a Mushi-shi. The anime even manages to give some back story as to why you only ever get to see one of his eyes after this the anime quickly returns audience to following Ginko again and to what his next challenge is.
Now, you're probably thinking that this all sounds rather boring and I'll be honest with you... if the thought having to learn something about what you're watching sounds lame then you may want to pass on this altogether. While Mushi-shi is a no-frills anime it does expect the viewer to actually learn about the Mushi through the shows episodic presentation and this is what captivated me because I actually wanted to know more about these supernatural beings and how they exist. With this, Mushi-shi is a rare and very enjoyable experience from beginning to end and is highly recommended. The only real mystery that is never solved is why is it that Ginko is wearing modern day clothes while everyone elses wardrobe is from a previous time period?
Mushi-shi (trailer)Recommendation: |Very High|Media type: DVD
From: FUNimation
Spoken languages: English;Japanese
Subtitles: English
Synopsis:
After moving back to her hometown, Satsuki Miyanoshita's first day at school doesn't go as planned when her younger brother Keiichirou decides to bring along the family cat, Kaya, to school with him. After Kaya is discovered hitching a ride in Keiichirou's backpack he decides to run off ahead but ends up going into an old school building which is said to be haunted. After teaming up with her annoying neighbor Hajime Aoyama and the schools self appointed paranormal researcher Leo Kakinoki along with Satsuki's friend Momoko, they all enter the abandoned school to search for the cat but end up encountering a troublesome little demon named Amanojaku. Although the ghost hunting youngsters manage to banish Amanojaku from the building with the help of Satsuki's deceased mothers book of spirits, something went wrong and Amanojaku ends up possessing her cat Kaya instead. Now due to local urbanization taking place, more and more spirits are re-awakening but with the help of her friends and one back talking cat with a bad attitude they decide to continue the use Satsuki's book of spirits and put the vengeful entities back in their resting place.
Reviewer: Endosanity
Number of episodes watched: 20
Review:
Four kids and a talking animal confronting a new ghost or monster in every episode. This sounds sort of familiar but I just can't seem to put my finger on it... Anyway, Ghost Stories can be summed up in two words, horror light. It's the type of show that can create a tense an creepy atmosphere and still deliver somewhat of a scare without using any intense horror elements at all. There's no blood and no body count, even the ghosts themselves aren't very frightening in appearance but each of them does have a rather interesting story to tell as to why they still roam the world of the living. However, no matter how hopeless things look, our band of pre-pubescent paranormal sleuths always manage to find a way banish the spirit so that it never returns to our mortal world. This makes the show predictable but still enjoyable at the same time but before this anime received it's DVD release, ADV decided to do something a little different to make the show stand out in it's own way by making the English dubbed track more of a comedy routine in which it has the characters breaking the fourth wall, making American pop culture references, and just flat out ad-libbing random lines that in no way match the original script. Of course, you can see the original dialog through the subtitles but ADV's attempt to take a mediocre anime series and add a little something extra in the way of gutter humor is definitely one of a kind. As for me, I just stuck with the subtitles. Hey, if I want to laugh at raw comedy as it was intended in an animated series... I'll go watch an episode of South Park.
Even though the animation is a little dated, the self-contained ghost stories in each episode are somewhat interesting but Ghost Stories doesn't try to be overly frightening nor does it want to be. This show seems to be targeted at a younger audience... as long as you stay away from the dubbed track. Because that one little audio switch changes this series into a tongue and cheek comedy that should be kept away from a youngsters ears at all costs.
Ghost Stories (opening)
Recommendation: |Average|Media Type: DVD
From: Section23/ADV
Languages: English;Japanese
Subtitles: English
