Dragon Ball, Season One – DVD Review February 9, 2010
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Review by: Sophie Stevens
Publisher: FUNimation Entertainment
MSRP: $49.98 US
Running Time: 745 minutes
Genre: Action
Rating: TV 14
Release Date: Available Now
This is where the legend really begins here.
To quote Tom Petty: The waiting is the hardest part and Dragon Ball fans know this more than anyone else does. Yes, we waited patiently for all the Dragon Ball movies and features to come out and yes tried to wait patiently for each Dragon Ball Z season sets but the original Dragon Ball series is what was missing from our collection. I fancy myself as a patient and proper English lass but when Season One of Dragon Ball came I had to admit I certainly had been wishing it had come sooner.
This is the story told from the very beginning in a five-disc set that includes the first 31 uncut episodes of the Dragon Ball saga. It is here that we meet the chatty and tough Bulma who is searching for the seven Dragon Balls that, placed together, will summon a mythical dragon that can grant a person’s wish. For Bulma, that wish is to have the hunkiest boyfriend and for that alone she is willing to scour the land in search for each Dragon Ball.
One fateful day, she manages to discover the location of one Dragon Ball and it just so happens to be in the possession of a boy named Goku who just so happens to have a monkey’s tail attached to him. Bulma discovers that – aside from having a tail – there’s something unique about the boy who happens to be stronger than anyone on Earth. Having been trained by his grandfather who passed on a Dragon Ball to him, Goku won’t part with the relic but he does agree to go with Bulma on her journey to find all of the Dragon Balls.
The pair go on a most unusual road trip as they get into all sorts of adventures and Bulma finds out that the boy is more than capable during a fight and can take a whipping without getting too hurt. Along the way, they meet a talking pig named Oolong who has the power to shape shift and a handsome young fighter named Yamcha who starts off trying to steal from them (despite his clumsiness around women) and ends up befriending them. We even get to see the first meeting between Goku and Chichi.
More importantly, though, this is also where we meet Master Roshi, the perverted and hilarious elderly master who sees great potential in Goku. Just by watching his movements, Master Roshi can see that the boy can actually pull off the Kamehameha Wave, a move that took the old man years to master. As the group is close to finding the remaining Dragon Balls, they encounter a number of enemies that include a gang that wears bunny ears that is terrorizing a small town as well as a giant fire that is consuming the land of the Ox-King.
The most noteworthy enemy the travelers face is Emperor Pilaf who is also looking for the Dragon Balls in order to rule the world. Sending his minions to do his dirty work, Emperor Pilaf manages to gather all the Dragon Balls but is thwarted by none other than Goku who shows a side of himself that is both dangerous and out of control.
In the second half of Season One, Goku returns to Master Roshi’s island to train with the martial arts master. Goku finds that he’s not the only one looking for Master Roshi’s guidance as a boy named Krillin who becomes Goku’s rival. The boys train hard and earn the respect of their master who sees them fit to compete in the World Martial Arts Tournament. The tournament itself is an interesting aspect of the story as Goku and Krillin fight a number of odd characters including an opponent that looks suspiciously like Master Roshi himself.
In the final part of Season One, we meet Colonel Silver of the Red Ribbon Army that is searching for the Dragon Balls. It’s been a year since the events that lead to Emperor Pilaf’s failed attempt to get his wish granted and Goku finds himself back on the trail as well as Emperor Pilaf as well. Exciting times are definitely coming in the second season.
The first season certainly shows us a lot and there’s more than enough action but the real juicy parts come in seeing the saga unfold from the very beginning. Seeing a little Chichi fall for Goku is a treat as is the friendship that forms out of two rivals like Krillin and Goku. Master Roshi is also a blast to watch as he not only pushes his wisdom to two willing boys but how his dream to have a gorgeous girl like Launch living with him comes true but not in the way he likes.
Season One of Dragon Ball will not fail to put a big, goofy grin on the faces of Dragon Ball fans. It’s just as good as we remember it to be and now it’s uncut and perfectly packaged to please old fans and anyone who has always wanted to get into this series from the very beginning. This is the perfect place to start if you’re new to this series and fans will not want to be without this one so a purchase is definitely a Must.
DVD REVIEW BREAKDOWN
MOVIE/EPISODES: A-
On a quest to find all seven legendary Dragon Balls to fulfill her wish, a young girl named Bulma runs into a most curious boy with a monkey tail. Thus begins the adventures of the powerful Goku who goes on a road trip with Bulma and ends up meeting and training under the great Master Roshi who takes him all the way to the fighting tournament.
VIDEO QUALITY: A
I can now officially throw away my old VHS copies of the series because Dragon Ball has never looked as good as it does on these five DVDs. Again, it’s great to see that FUNimation digitally restored the series without taking anything away from original print.
AUDIO QUALITY: B+
The Japanese voices are still as good as I remember them to be and the English dub does a great job with the characters. It’s also great to hear the original Japanese soundtrack and opening and closing theme songs.
EXTRAS: C
Marathon Play is great feature to include for a series like this and you just have to love the different audio options that allow you to watch the episodes with English voices but with the original Japanese music. These are uncut episodes with nothing taken out and that’s definitely something to cheer about, right?
OVERALL: A-
At last, Dragon Ball fans can sleep soundly because Season One of Dragon Ball is here and it’s still just as amazing. Uncut and looking spectacular, the series really shines on DVD as the set covers the first 31 episodes of the epic series. Dragon Ball is the reason all of us here are flat broke and if you pick up this set you will know exactly why.
Ultimo, Vol. 1 – Manga Review February 8, 2010
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Review by: Eduardo Zacarias
Publisher: VIZ Media
Author: Hiroyuki Takei, Stan Lee (Original Concept)
Genre: Graphic Novel (Shonen Jump Manga)
MSRP: $9.99 US
Rating: T (Teen)
Release Date: Available Now
It’s not the ultimate battle against Good versus Evil but it’s close.
If you ever wondered what it would be like if Stan Lee – the creator of Marvel Comics heroes like the X-Men, the Incredible Hulk and Spider-Man to name just a few – decided to work on a manga title then you’re in for an interesting surprise. In an interesting collaboration between Lee and Shaman King author Hiroyuki Takei, two dolls fight to answer the question if Good can triumph over Evil in Volume 1 of Ultimo.
In 12th century Japan, an old man that looks suspiciously like Stan Lee (with cooler hair) is pushing a cart when a most unusual group of bandits appear out of nowhere. Their leader is a tall young man named Yamato who carries old men and children on his raids for loot … especially loot that belongs to the greedy nobles that had taken their lands. The old man calls himself Dunstan and he’s carrying unusual and valuable cargo.
You see, inside each crate are what Yamato thinks are two dolls of unusual design and it isn’t until the dolls wake up that he realizes that these aren’t dolls nor are they children. These mechanical boys, as Dunstan calls them, are Karakuri Doji. The one with the fiery red hair is called Ultimo who is the embodiment of all that is good while the other, named Vice is evil personified. You see, Ultimo and Vice were created by Dunstan as an experiment to see which one is stronger. Yet, as Vice is unleashed, he shows how dangerous pure evil can be as he attacks the bandits.
Fast-forward several centuries later in the 21st century; a tall and lanky High school boy named Yamato is heading for school wondering what to get the girl of his dream for her birthday. Stepping into an antique shop with the intention of pawning his leather school bag, the boy that looks a lot like the leader of the bandits that encountered Dunstan so many centuries back, recognizes the doll on display. It’s Ultimo and somehow the boy named Yamato knows it.
As Ultimo wakes up, he embraces the boy thinking he’s his old master but Yamato doesn’t want anything do to with the antique shop or the living doll. Unfortunately, Vice also wakes up in this century and begins hunting down Yamato as the evil Karakuri Doji attacks the bus that Yamato and his friend Rune are riding. Once again, Ultimo steps in to save the young man as all around them onlookers are shocked to see the two using their powers and unusual gauntlets during the battle. A few classmates even recognize Yamato as they get in the way of Vice and Ultimo.
Unfortunately for the two mechanical boys, the battle nearly destroys them both as Yamato learns that for every Karakuro Doji there is a master that is bound to the doll. While Yamato isn’t yet bound to Ultimo, Vice has a master and Yamato meets him when he finally steps out to pick up the shattered remains of Vice. Calling himself only K, this master is an unusual fellow who we will most certainly see again.
While Rune goes back to class, Yamato doesn’t and tries to make sense of Ultimo and why certain people strike him as familiar. Ultimo does tell him a most baffling and startling fact that might explain why he has vivid dreams of a warrior who uses Ultimo to carry out his mission to put nobles in their place. One such dream even reveals a new master with a Karakuro Doji that’s far different from both Ultimo and Vice. When a man that looks like the master in his dream, Yamato gets a most unusual offer from this man.
Volume 1 of Ultimo certainly has its fun and charming side that makes this a fast-paced manga that isn’t bad at all. In fact, it’s actually a very enjoyable manga, although it is far from an original work considering the fact that the art and story is handled by a talented mangaka. While it remains to be seen if the series moves in an interesting and original direction in the next volume, I can look past the fact that the mechanical boys can be confused for girls or the unusual villain that is K. Yes, it’s just that fun a read and yes we will be waiting for the next volume with much anticipation. Until then, make mine … manga.
MANGA REVIEW BREAKDOWN
STORY: B
A group of bandits lead by their leader, Yamato, comes across an old man who happens to be the creator of two dolls that are the embodiment of Good (Ultimo) and Evil (Vice). As the dolls awaken, the battle between Ultimo and Vice begins. Yet several centuries later, a young High school student named Yamato also discovers Ultimo in an antique shop and memories of a life in the 12th century.
ART: A
Takei-sensei’s art still doesn’t fail to impress and it just seems to be getting better as we can see from this series. He pays homage to Stan “the man” Lee by making Dunstan look like a cooler version of the real deal.
OVERALL: B
Fast-paced, exciting and fun to read, Volume 1 of Ultimo is one of those good reads you can expect from Stan Lee. However, this isn’t the most original work tied to a master storyteller like Takei and that’s what makes this just a fun time that isn’t as brilliant as it could have been considering the talent involved. Still, this series has potential and we will definitely continue to keep our eye on it.
xxxHolic, The Complete Series – DVD Review February 6, 2010
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Review by: Clive Owen
Publisher: FUNimation Entertainment
MSRP: $69.98 US
Running Time: 600 minutes
Genre: Supernatural
Rating: TV PG
Release Date: Available Now
Your deepest desires might not be exactly what you want.
CLAMP has been well-known throughout the manga community for bringing us great work such as Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicles, Chobits and the collaborative series Code Geass that have been wonderfully translated into unforgettable anime series. Joining these titles is xxxHolic, a series that is fascinating as a manga and a decent-if-not-flawed adaptation on the small screen. The Complete Series of xxxHolic is here and it’s a worthwhile to watch but it just doesn’t compare to the other successful adaptations of CLAMP’s work.
Kimihiro Watanuki has quite an interesting life and you wouldn’t know it just by looking at the High school student who is easily irritable to the point that his temper tantrums are hysterical. Like most boys his age, he has a major crush on a girl although she never really seems like she sees him in the same way he sees her. He’s also kindhearted, selfless and alone thanks to the fact that he’s an orphan living on his own. Watanuki also sees spirits who have been following him around since he was little … until, that is, something pulls him toward a most unusual store.
You see, this store is run by a very mysterious, sultry and downright sexy Dimensional Witch by the name of Yuuko Ichihara who lives with two sprite-like children. What does a Dimensional Witch sell, you might ask? Well, she sells your deepest desires by granting a client their wish. A Yuuko puts it, though, your wish comes with a price that is equal is what the person asks for and that might very well be a steep price to pay.
For Watanuki, the price of keeping those pesky spirits away from him comes at an enormous price and that is working at the shop and tending to Yuuko’s every needs, which are mainly for him too cook food, serve her sake and help her fulfill her clients’ wishes. The series takes chapters from the manga and turns them into whole episodes as Watanuki finds himself a part of Yuuko’s interesting world as a granter of wishes. I one case, for instance, a woman complains that her pinky finger is growing too heavy and the reason might be that the woman has a particularly nasty habit she possesses.
We are also introduced to two of Watanuki’s school friends, Himawari (the girl Watanuki has a major crush on) and Doumeko Shizuka (the school jock Watanuki dislikes). Yuuko often invites Himawari and Doumeki on jobs she sends Watanuki to look into and there’s a time when Himawari turns to Yuuko such as the time she hears that her friends are into a game called Angel that involves an odd version of the Ouija board. Doumeki’s presence, although an annoyance to Watanuki, has a reason and that is that the young man has a connection to the spiritual thanks to his grandfather.
Many of the cases revolve around familiar supernatural lore such as the time a college student asks Yuuko to borrow an antique that turns out the be the fabled Monkey’s Paw and in another episode Watanuki learns that some “old wife’s tales” and superstitions have a ring of truth to them … although clipping toenails at night hasn’t personally brought me any misfortune. Other cases include a pipe fox who seems to like Watanuki as well as a meeting with two sprites – one of which falls in love with Watanuki.
Other cases simply stray from the supernatural and lean towards the psychological such as the case of two identical twins … one of which is suffering an identity crisis. Then there’s the case of the woman who is obsessed with the Internet enough that she is neglecting her son and husband. Another client, a young girl, seems to be addicted to dating more than one man. Another case involves a woman who wants Yuuko to hide a picture that seems to be haunting her until the truth about the picture is finally revealed.
With the exception that there’s a black Mokona that is often seen pestering Watanuki and drinking with Yuuko, the anime practically ignores the Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicles world unlike the manga that connects both worlds and characters together. Unfortunately, not all the episodes are compelling as they could have been considering the fact that Yuuko does come off as even more interesting and occasionally profound as in the series. She’s actually one of the highlights of this anime.
Sadly, The Complete Collection of xxxHolic just doesn’t quite capture the true essence of the manga series by CLAMP. That said, however, the anime series does have its great moments that occasionally shine through the bite-sized versions of an xxxHolic chapter. It’s still a thrill to see Yuuko come to life and literally steal the show right from under Watanuki so fans of the manga might want to check this one out anyway.
DVD REVIEW BREAKDOWN
MOVIE/EPISODES: C
A boy named Watanuki wanders into a most unusual shop where the owner, a mysterious and beautiful woman named Yuuko, can grants wishes for a price. Working for Yuuko, Watanuki discovers that there’s more to the shop and its clients than meets the eye as he helps his employer.
VIDEO QUALITY: B-
The episodes look great on DVD but the animation isn’t as striking as the manga’s art as we can see when Watanuki attempts to run. Other than that, the visual effects and crazy monster designs are easy on the eyes.
AUDIO QUALITY: B+
The opening theme song “Nineteen” is good but we love the closing theme songs for the series, especially the rocking “Kagerou” by BUCK-TICK, is awesome. The Japanese voice acting is the best way to watch the series but the English dub cast does a good job.
EXTRAS: D
There are no extras to speak of unless you count the trailers and the textless opening and closing tune on the fourth disc. Sadly, the movie isn’t included in The Complete Series set but a bonus episode does make the set.
OVERALL: C
Our wish was granted when we asked for an xxxHolic anime series but, unfortunately, the magic is missing in this series. That’s not to say that you won’t find something to like about the series or enjoy an episode or three but don’t expect this series to be as compelling as the manga series. This isn’t a bad series; it just isn’t as good as its source material.
Venus Capriccio, Vol. 2 – Manga Review February 4, 2010
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Review by: Brenda Gregson
Publisher: CMX Manga
Author: Mai Nishikata
Genre: Graphic Novel (Shoujo)
MSRP: $9.99 US
Rating: T (Teen)
Release Date: Now Available
This one is still playing the right keys.
I love musical themed shoujo manga and read my share of them to the point that some feels very similar in tone but Venus Capriccio – so far – doesn’t fall under the familiar and predictable patterns right away and the characters are actually entertaining. In the first volume, we got to meet the Akira Sasaki and Takami Habara but in Volume 2 we get a closer look at the beautiful and talented Akira who has been something of a mystery.
In the first chapter of this second volume, Takami learns that Club Blue, the very establishment that Akira invited her to see him play during the late hours, is temporarily hiring. Seeing this as a chance to earn some money, Takami decides to take the job. The problem is that Akira is against the idea of her working at a place that is a café by day and a nightclub/bar at night. Of course, Akira’s protests fall on deaf ears since Takami is a very stubborn girl.
To her annoyance, Akira starts working at Club Blue as a waiter as well as play the piano. Takami thinks that he’s there because she knows she’ll screw up orders and break dishes but, to Akira, the place can become a bit rowdy after hours and two drunken customers prove this one late night. While Takami has grown up with a household filled with older brothers and grew up boyishly tough, she’s still a girl and Akira – while wanting to protect her – also wants her to realize this point.
At the Aoyama Piano School, their old piano teacher is retiring to focus on becoming a stay-at-home mom so as a result a new teacher has been hired. As it turns out, though, Akira knows who the tall and handsome new teacher is and judging by his reaction this isn’t a pleasant reunion for the boy. It’s clear that Akira doesn’t like Shinobu Oda and there’s a very interesting reason for that but I won’t go into it. What I will say is that we learn something about Akira as a result. Oda-sensei is actually a very likeable person as Takami finds out and – to Akira’s further annoyance – the teacher begins to playfully flirt with Takami.
Meanwhile, Akira tries to avoid his old teacher as much as possible but Oda-sensei wants to hear how the young man improved over the years. Goading him into a friendly little competition when Shinobu Oda discovers Takami’s favorite song, Akira attempts the song only to make it sound angry to Takami’s ears. Compared to their teacher, Akira has talent but he definitely has a long way before becoming a truly brilliant musician.
In the last two chapters, Oda-sensei and the school’s founder asks Takami to compete in the annual piano competition that’s coming up. He wants Akira to participate as well despite the fact that the younger boy hasn’t been in one in a long time. With Takami agreeing to compete, though, Akira begins to reconsider but there’s just something not right. As Akira begins to act a bit strangely, Takami gets to the heart of the matter by looking back at a memory of a competition they both participated in when they were younger.
It turns out that Akira doesn’t have very happy memories of piano competitions despite a number of First Place trophies. As Takami attempts to understand her friend further, Oda-sensei reveals an interesting tidbit about Akira’s family. Yet during the competition it becomes clear to Akira that there’s a reason he loves playing the piano now and that reason is the one that makes him want to compete for a very different reason now.
Volume 2 of Venus Capriccio continues on the right path of being entertaining and fun to read without being too formulaic but whether or not the series will change notes to spice things up remains to be seen. As we learn more about the characters, they’re becoming more likeable to the point that you’ll actually care about them. Still, the story remains to be interesting enough to look forward to the next volume in this series.
MANGA REVIEW BREAKDOWN
STORY: B
To Takami, Akira seems to become more overprotective of her and more so now that she gets a part-time job working at the café/nightclub where he plays the piano. Then a person from Akira’s past becomes the new piano teacher for him and Takami and it doesn’t sit well with Akira as the pair enter a music contest.
ART: B-
The art is still quite good although not quite original either but – as Nishikata-sensei mentions – it’s becoming easier for her to draw Akira and it shows because he’s looking better and better.
OVERALL: B
We get to see a new side of Akira in Volume 2 of Venus Capriccio as the talented young piano teacher he despises comes back into his life as his and Takami’s new teacher. We learn a bit more about Akira but just enough to keep the rest of him a mystery and that’s Ok with us. Venus Capriccio is still a fun read as we continue to warm up to the characters. How this romance will turn out is something we look forward to in the next volume.
Magikano, The Complete Series – DVD Review February 2, 2010
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Review by: Clive Owen
Publisher: FUNimation Entertainment
MSRP: $49.98 US
Running Time: 325 minutes
Genre: Romance/Comedy
Rating: TV 14
Release Date: Available Now
Magical maids and a cute coven of witches … things could have been worse.
Magikano is the kind of anime series I could have really liked seeing as the series has all the right elements that made similar series work so well. Who hasn’t fallen under the spell of Belldandy in the Oh My Goddess! series, right? So how is it that this spell backfires in a series with plenty of magic, a cast of cute girls and some light fan service as a group of witches compete for the attention of an average boy in The Complete Series of Magikano.
The series revolves around Harou Yoshikawa, a High school boy whose only life ambition is to have a long and happy life. He’s about as plain as vanilla yogurt but somehow he catches the attention of a beautiful blonde girl one day who just so happens to be the new transfer student in his class by the name of Ayumi Mamiya. While she smiled at him when he first caught of glimpse of her, Ayumi – who sits behind him – seems to look at Harou with contempt and could it be hatred? What has he ever done to her?
To make matters even more confusing for Harou, he comes home to find that Ayumi is working as the house maid. Despite the fact that Harou lives with his three sisters (Maiko, Chiaki and Fuyuno), he now has the cutest girl in the school living under his roof. This, of course, doesn’t sit well with the eldest of the sisters, Maiko, who has an unhealthy love/obsession with her brother. Things get really out of hand between Maiko and Ayumi when the older sister finds out that Ayumi is trying hard to seduce Harou. On top of that, we discover the obvious … Ayumi and Harou’s three sisters are witches and her brother doesn’t even know it.
You see, when Ayumi was a child she accidentally stumbled upon a magical mirror in the world of magic where she lived and caught a glimpse of Harou … the boy that would be destined to become a part of her life. As a result, Ayumi is cursed and only being physically intimate with Harou will lift the curse and thus be granted her birthright of ultimate power. Unfortunately for Ayumi, she has to deal with Harou’s wimpy behavior and his overprotective sister. While Ayumi and his sisters use magic around him, a thump on the head from a magical hammer makes the boy forget everything.
As Ayumi becomes a thorn on the side of the Yoshikawa sister, we meet a beautiful girl named Yuri who happens the be the President of the Student Council that Harou is a part of and actually likes the young man since she met him when they were kids. As a result of Yuri’s quiet infatuation with Harou, the girl becomes Ayumi’s rival and they often bicker with each another throughout the series. Ayumi, Yuri and Maiko aren’t the only girls fighting for Harou’s attention when a cute religious witch hunter named Marin Nijihara shows up to protect the boy (who she calls “Saint Harou”) from Ayumi’s wicked magic.
With so many girls and loads of magic in his life, things get crazy for Harou who becomes to victim of numerous magical and non-magical mishaps such as the time he becomes possessed by the ghost of a girl whose last wish was to wear a bikini or caught in the middle of a fashion battle between Ayumi and Yuri. He also participates in crazy events during the school’s Sports Festival as Harou’s kiss is the prize for the girl who wins MVP. He’s even forced to play the role of the Prince in the school’s play of Cinderella.
While the majority of the series is filled with slapstick comedy, there are some serious tones later in the series that don’t get too dramatic but takes away from the previous fun-filled episodes. We’re introduced to Ayumi’s younger sister that wants Harou for herself for her own personal gain and there’s a maid with her own secret that’s tied to a school teacher. Oh, there’s also a convoluted plot twist towards the end that just doesn’t come together well but at least the ending isn’t bad.
As far as the comedy is concerned, Magikano is actually funny. Of course, all the jokes aren’t comedy gold and the slapstick moments can get old quickly. What does work is Ayumi who can be sweet one second and hilariously sinister at the drop of a hat. I also liked the shopMagikano.kom commercials that pop up to advertise some crazy products that two of Harou’s classmates use throughout the show. Even better is Maiko whose love for big brother borders the insane but damn if it’s not funny. There’s also some light fan service that’s reduced to a few panty flashing scenes, especially when the talking cat panties (I won’t explain, you have to see it for yourself) are introduced.
As I said, Magikano is the type of series that I would have really liked but it just doesn’t come together well enough to make this an outrageously funny romantic-comedy. Watching it in Japanese, you’ll see how the slapstick and dialogue just fail to make you laugh out loud. The English dub dialogue does a better job but, unfortunately, the story isn’t exciting enough to make The Complete Series of Magikano a spellbinding comedy.
DVD REVIEW BREAKDOWN
MOVIE/EPISODES: C-
Harou Yoshikawa has very little going for him until he catches a glimpse of a beautiful girl who will change his life … unfortunately this girl named Ayumi is a witch who wants nothing more than to use Harou to lift her curse. Little does Harou know that his three sisters are also witches who are watching over him as Ayumi tries to turn the hapless boy into a man.
VIDEO QUALITY: B
The animation isn’t very original but at least it doesn’t look bad either in a show with excessive light fan service. The sight gags are somewhat funny but don’t expect anything original in that department as well.
AUDIO QUALITY: B+
The original Japanese voices do make the jokes work well but it is the English dub that makes the dialogue actually funny enough to make you laugh a number of times throughout the series. The music is also good and the opening and closing theme songs are more than decent.
EXTRAS: D
There are very few extras to speak of except for some trailers as the end and the option to watch the opening and closing without text.
OVERALL: C-
The Complete Series of Magikano isn’t such a bad romantic-comedy but it isn’t a particularly laugh-out-loud series either. This is too bad seeing as all the right elements that make a good romantic-comedy are present but it just doesn’t come together nicely to make this a great anime series. Still, there are some fun moments in this series that makes this one worth watching.
Monthly Editorial – February 2010 February 2, 2010
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I think I died and gone to anime/manga heaven.
With two big anime boxes of Dragon Ball Z and great manga like All My Darling Daughters, it’s hard not to believe that 2010 is the year anime and manga fans will not forget anytime soon.
February is a lot of things but it is also mainly known for romance with Valentine’s Day coming up. Sure I love chocolate and flowers as much as the next girl but what I love more is anime and manga. How about this for a new tradition: Why not give that special somebody in your life a box set of romantic anime series or, if they’re more into reading, give your squeeze a shoujo manga on Valentine’s Day instead?
The boys have started this tradition a year ago and it made their girlfriends appreciate something different. Clive game his girl the Peach Girl anime box set and she loved it enough that she now asks for more just like it. Our Editor-in-Chief gave his girl the hardcover Collector’s Edition of Volume 1 of Death Note and she couldn’t sleep for weeks.
Ok, that last one didn’t go off as romantically as he thought it would but now he has a girlfriend who is hooked on manga to the point that she haunts her Border’s manga aisle like a ghost. No kids, that isn’t the ghost girl from “The Grudge,” it’s only our Editor-in-Chief’s girlfriend.
So, forget the roses and forget the perfume, get your girl something different this year, boys. Pick out a romantic anime box set or a shoujo manga recommended by any young girl haunting your local book sellers manga aisle. Just don’t ask the girl that looks suspiciously like that ghostly girl in the movie ”The Ring” at the Borders Books near us because she’ll only recommend Death Note, Monster and anything with dead people in it.
- Faith McAdams
Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You, Vol. 2 – Manga Review February 1, 2010
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Review by: Sophie Stevens
Publisher: VIZ Media
Author: Karuho Shiina
Genre: Graphic Novel (Shojo Beat Manga)
MSRP: $9.99 US
Rating: T (Teen)
Release Date: Available Now
I think this is the start of a beautiful friendship.
Once you break out of the shell there is really no going back and in the case of Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You, Sawako Kuronuma is no longer a social outcast thanks to a young man who saw right through the rumors that she communes with the dead or can curse you if you look at her for too long. Yet what happens when more rumors spread throughout the school that could very well threaten the new friends Sawako has made? This is exactly what we will find out in Volume 2 of Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You.
So happy that her parents even notice the change in her behavior, Sawako is glad to have Kazehaya in her life. Even more so, she is even glad to be close to the rough-yet-kindhearted girls Yano and Yoshida. Unfortunately, there are a number of rumors spreading wildly throughout the halls of the school about both girls. Never mind that the rumors have Yano went out with 100 guys in her last school or Yoshida is so bad the police know her by name … the source of these rumors, they hear, comes directly from Sawako’s mouth.
Interestingly enough, Yoshida and Yano do not believe that Sawako is capable of spreading rumors like that or any rumors at all for that matter. While it wasn’t that long that they became friends, both girls – like Kazehaya – could see right through the girl to see the real Sawako. In fact, both girls seem to like Sawako considerably. Still, the rumors continue to spread uncontrollable until Yoshida suggests that they go up to Sawako and ask her what she thinks of them. When they do ask, Sawako – clearly not the wordsmith – doesn’t give them a direct answer and a great misunderstanding occurs.
That’s not the bad part, however, because Sawako hears another rumor about her that paints her in a different light. She’s accused of befriending Yano and Yoshida to get close to Kazehaya and thus become the most popular girl in school. The part that makes her withdraw, though, are the rumors that Kazehaya’s popularity will be hurt by being near Sawako.
Withdrawing, Sawako avoids her two new friends and Kazehaya. She plans to never talk to them again but a part of her realizes the fact that she no longer wants to go back to being alone. She wants to be a part of their lives again but the rumors just makes her realize that doing so would be selfish of her. Thankfully, Kazehaya steps in and tell Sawako what she needs to hear. On top of that, when a group of girls begin to pick on her, Sawako gets help from the two people she never thought would ever speak to her again.
While Sawako is really starting to grow on me as a likeable main character, quite possibly the best thing about Kimi ni Todoke is Yano and Yoshida. Clearly, these girls have stepped out of the cookie cutter mold and developed personalities that make them downright hilarious and fun to follow. It’s amusing to see Yoshida put on a tough act one second and then start crying in the next panel or the fact that Yano comes off as if she doesn’t care about anything when clearly she does care.
Another great aspect of the series I’m enjoying is the fact that Karuho Shiina is taking her sweet time with the Sawako-Kazehaya relationship. Instead of forcing the blossoming affection to become something more serious, Shiina-sensei just makes us realize that both of these characters have an interest in each another but does Kazehaya have an infatuation with her? That remains to be seen and that’s Ok with me.
Volume 2 of Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You now has me very interested to see what more will develop from these characters that are actually starting to flesh out a little more to the point that they’re absolutely amusing. As the girl that was once a social misfit becomes better acquainted with the people that saw something good in her, Sawako’s journey is one we will continue to follow and gladly.
MANGA REVIEW BREAKDOWN
STORY: B+
As word gets around that Sawako is spreading vicious rumors about tough girls Yano and Yoshida in their school, the two girls ask their new friend what she thinks of them and Sawako isn’t able to answer … thus making it seem like she is the one spreading the rumors. Meanwhile, Sawako decides to avoid the two girls and Kazehaya in order to keep them from getting hurt even more.
ART: B
Karuho Shiina’s art isn’t bad at all with Sawako’s many expressions being the highlight of the series. I’m serious, I crack up every time she gets confused or nervous.
OVERALL: B+
Just as Sawako is starting to become accepted by others, awful rumors begin to shatter her confidence and this threatens her friendship with the two girls that accepted her. Volume 2 of Kimi ni Todoke is delightfully and surprisingly engaging thanks to the supporting cast of characters that are starting to become far more likable. We are now definitely going to continue following this series.
VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES NEW DVD RELEASES FOR MARCH 2010 January 30, 2010
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San Francisco, CA, JANUARY 28, 2010 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced their list of DVD titles scheduled for release in March 2010. This includes the final box set release of HONEY AND CLOVER, the next installments of the POKÉMON ELEMENTS series, as well as the latest episodic releases of the popular BLEACH and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN series. Also releasing is the live action feature film – HISASHI TENMYOUYA: SAMURAI NOUVEAU from VIZ Pictures. VIZ Media DVD titles are distributed (in English) in the U.S and Mexico by Warner Home Video and in Canada by Allegro.
HONEY AND CLOVER Box Set 3 · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens · MSRP: $59.90 US/ $85.99 CAN · Available March 16
Yuta returns from his journey of self-discovery only to find everyone around him deep in their own struggles to shape their futures. Ayumi finds herself increasingly included in projects involving Takumi and Rika, and the strain is breaking her. Far away in America, Shinobu and his brother’s endless quest for money finally helps them achieve their ultimate goal, while back home Hagumi must face the devastating consequences of an accident that could change her life forever. Can the pursuit of happiness and the pursuit of art ever be one and the same?
Contains Season 2, Episodes 1-12.
For more information on HONEY AND CLOVER, please visit www.honeyandclover.viz.com.
SHONEN JUMP releases include:
BLEACH Volume 26 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens · MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN · Available March 23
The Bount leader Jin Kariya has obtained the Jokai Crest and is absorbing its immense power. While Ichigo and the others rest and prepare for their next battle, the Soul Reapers are warned by Rantao that there are many Crests within the Seireitei, and all may explode if Kariya’s Crest is released. Head Captain Yamamoto mobilizes all Soul Reapers to find and seal the remaining Crests. Then, atop Sokyoku Hill, Ichigo faces Kariya in their final clash! Contains episodes 105 – 109.
For more information on BLEACH, please visit www.BLEACH.viz.com.
NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Volume 7 · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens · MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN · Available March 9
In their battle with Sasori, Granny Chiyo and Sakura must make life-or-death choices to bring the puppet master down. Outside the Akatsuki hideout, Team Guy have fought the copies of themselves to the point of exhaustion, but Rock Lee’s plan sets fire to their fighting spirits. Meanwhile, Naruto and Kakashi have caught up to Deidara, and Kakashi prepares to unleash his newest jutsu–the Mangekyo Sharingan! Contains episodes 27 – 30.
For more information on NARUTO and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN, please visit www.NARUTO.com
New POKÉMON Releases Include:
POKÉMON ELEMENTS, Volume 9: Ghost · Rated ‘A’ for All Ages · MSRP: $9.98 US/ $14.99 CAN · Available March 23
POKÉMON ELEMENTS, Volume 10: Rock · Rated ‘A’ for All Ages · MSRP: $9.98 US / $14.99 CAN · Available March 23
Following the POKÉMON All Star series set, the POKÉMON: ELEMENTS collection consists of the most important episodes commemorating the different types of Pokémon characters. Each disc showcases a Pokémon type with three all-time favorite episodes.
From VIZ Pictures (Live Action Feature Films):
HISASHI TENMYOUYA: SAMURAI NOUVEAU, NEW PEOPLE Artist Series Volume 4 · MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN · Available March 9
A graphic designer turned contemporary artist, Hisashi Tenmyouya brings his own style of NEO-Traditional Japanese Painting to the art world. Tenmyouya reveals his soul through melding of modern urban subjects with traditional methods of painting.
For more information on VIZ Pictures, please visit www.viz-pictures.com.
About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including the popular monthly manga anthology SHONEN JUMP magazine, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.
MAN AND MACHINE IN THE FIGHT AGAINST THE ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE IN SCI-FI ACTION MANGA BIOMEGA January 30, 2010
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San Francisco, CA, JANUARY 26, 2010 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, will debut the on February 2nd. The new series, rated ‘M’ for Mature Audiences, will be published under the VIZ Signature imprint and will carry a MSRP of $12.99 U.S. / $16.99 CAN.
Zoichi Kanoe plunges into the depths of 9JO, a sprawling island city in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, in search of Eon Green, a girl with the power to transmute the N5S virus. The deadly contagion is spreading across the world, turning humans into disfigured, zombie-like “drones.” But he’s not the only one looking for her. Agents of the Public Health Service’s Compulsory Execution Unit are also in hot pursuit, with sinister designs of their own. Zoichi and his trans-human allies have no time to waste; the countdown to the apocalypse has begun!
“Tsutomu Nihei created BIOMEGA with a jaw-dropping, intensely powerful art style that reflects his background in modern architecture,” says Leyla Aker, Editorial Manager, VIZ Media. “The main characters—the “enhanced” human Zoichi and Fuyu, the AI in his rocket of a motorcycle—navigate this apocalyptic landscape in a story that offers pure speed, action, and suspense. Both manga and American comics fans won’t want to miss this exciting debut!”
Tsutomu Nihei debuted with the acclaimed manga short story BLAME!, which was nominated for North America’s Harvey Award and won the Shiki Award in Japan. The artist also created NOiSE, a manga prequel to BLAME!. His visually striking Wolverine tie-in SNIKT! was published by Marvel Comics along with a commission by Bungie Studios for the HALO graphic novel.
For more information on this title, or others from VIZ Media, please visit www.viz.com.
About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including the popular monthly manga anthology SHONEN JUMP magazine, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and website at www.VIZ.com.
One Piece, Season Two-Third Voyage – DVD Review January 28, 2010
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Review by: Eduardo Zacarias
Publisher: FUNimation Entertainment
MSRP: $49.98 US
Running Time: 320 minutes
Genre: Action
Rating: TV 14
Release Date: Available Now
The legend of the talking blue-nosed reindeer.
While the best is yet to come, ever since they picked up Princess Vivi the Straw Hat pirates have been getting into some engaging adventures as Season Two got off on an interest start. While the first and second voyage hooked us, the Third Voyage of Season Two of One Piece slows the pace down somewhat but that doesn’t mean you won’t be hooked by the episodes in this set as the series introduces an interesting new member of the Straw Hats.
Having left the island known as Little Garden and defeated a few agents of Baroque Works, the Straw Hats set sail for Alabasta only to realize that Nami’s fever is getting worst. With the ship’s navigator’s life in danger, the crew must put their journey to Alabasta on hold to find medical care for Nami. As it turns out, there’s an island nearby that is said to be stuck in an endless winter. As they could see, the waters near this island are certainly getting cold as they are attacked by a pirate crew with a captain named Wapol who has the ability to eat anything and everything.
The confrontation doesn’t take too long; however, as Luffy flings Wapol off the ship as the rival pirates rush off to save their captain who can’t swim. With that unpleasantness behind them, the crew reaches the nameless winter island only to receive a very unfriendly welcome by the locals of the island. They are greeted by a man named Dolton who acts as the main village’s chief of security. While Vivi manages to convince the villagers to let them into the village, they find out that there are no doctors around with the exception of a witch.
As it turns out, the witch is actually a doctor named Kureha who cures what ails you but at a steep price that is considerably unreasonable. The doctor also travels with her blue-nosed reindeer she calls Chopper but the real secret here is that Chopper can actually talk and transform into a walking man-beast thanks to the fact that the critter ate a devil fruit called Human-Human Fruit that gives him all the properties of a human male. Oh, but we’ll get to Chopper in just a minute.
With Luffy and Sanji running into the forest with a very delicate Nami to reach the castle where the witch currently lives, Usopp and Vivi find out more about the island and why there aren’t any other doctors around. The island has had quite a turbulent history thanks to the old King’s problematic heir and Dolton himself had played a role in the island’s anguish until he finally came to his senses and defied the new king of the island. Unfortunately for them, the heir finally does come home and it just so happens that the royal just so happens to be Captain Wapol … the very fiend that Luffy tossed out of his ship before they arrived to the island the king calls Drum Island.
Meanwhile, Luffy attempts to reach the castle only find themselves going up against vicious killer bunnies as well as Wapol himself. With Nami in bad shape and Sanji becoming injured in the battle, it is up to Luffy to reach the highest peak to get to the witch. We’ve seen a very determined Luffy before but there’s something about him carrying both Nami and Sanji that is very endearing that you can’t help but love the loveable goof even more after this. He even impressed Dr. Kureha who tends to their wounds and, later, joins Luffy and Sanji on the battlefield along with Chopper who shows them all three of his forms … including the ability to turn into a tall, hulking, humanoid size.
While the battle against Wapol is a good one, the real attraction of the Third Voyage is really Chopper’s back-story and how he came to be Dr. Kureha’s assistant/companion. Given the name Tony Tony Chopper by the only man on the island that didn’t consider him a freak, Chopper found himself living with a doctor named Hiriluk whose only wish is to make the cherry blossoms bloom again on the island. Unfortunately, Wapol put an end to the good doctor’s dream. As a result, Chopper has trained to become a doctor as well and with the aid of Hiriluk’s friend, Kureha, he does become a decent physician.
Having been shoot at and chased by everyone on the island, Chopper holds no grudge against the humans and while he sees himself as an abomination, it is Luffy who sees the great potential in him to the point that he hounds the cute reindeer endlessly until he does decide to join the Straw Hats who welcome him warmly as they continue on their way to Alabasta where Captain Smoker and a few agents of Baroque Works are also headed.
While not the most thrilling part of Season Two, One Piece’s Third Voyage is actually a reminder that the series can also be downright touching as well as deeply compelling. Sure, we love the action the show constantly throws at us but we also love the fact that this series takes its time introducing its characters enough that you won’t help but continue cheering them on. Welcome aboard, Chopper, you are a great new addition to the crew.
DVD REVIEW BREAKDOWN
MOVIE/EPISODES: B+
With Nami’s condition becoming life threatening, Luffy and his crew manage to locate an island of eternal winter. The bad news is that there aren’t any doctors with the exception of a witch and her reindeer who not only talks but is a doctor as well. Unfortunately, there’s a tyrant who will stop at nothing to reclaim the island.
VIDEO QUALITY: A
The animation is still wonderfully and consistently original and Chopper is just one of the more interesting (and admittedly) and cutest character to come along in this series.
AUDIO QUALITY: A
I definitely agree with Brina Palencia who, on the audio commentary, said that the Japanese voice actor who voices Chopper is absolutely amazing. It’s true but I think Palencia does a great job too and yes all the female staff here think she makes Chopper sound even more cute. The soundtrack is still great and the new closing theme song is simply Ok.
EXTRAS: C
Marathon Play is still a great feature that should be implemented on other long running series like One Piece and the audio commentary for Episode 90 (with Brina Palencia and Sonny Strait adding colorful background on their characters) is still awesome.
OVERALL: B+
While not as exciting as the second season’s Second Voyage, this Third Voyage is a deeply involving and occasionally emotional introduction to the Straw Hats newest shipmate. As Luffy and his crew fight to save Nami on an unknown island, the crew meets an unusual new ally with an interesting past that makes this portion of Season Two really worthwhile.
