Dark Wars: The Tale of Meiji Dracula Count Dracula journeys to Meiji-era Japan on a curious mission in this new vampire tale from the creator of Vampire Hunter D. Though it hardly represents stellar writing, it may hold interest as a supernatural period piece. 2008-03-09
ANNtv - Kodama & Suwa interview Kenji Kodama and Michihiko Suwa are two of anime's most prominent creatives, collaborating on everything from City Hunter to Case Closed. Together, they talk about the industry and their newest work, Kekkaishi. 2008-03-08
Tsubasa, RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE GN 16 When it comes to clarity and making sense, this volume is kind of a mess, but what a dramatic and beautiful mess it is. 2008-03-08
The Resurrection of Answerman Answerman is back from the dead, smelling slightly of sod. This week: wimpy harem heroes and their constituents, translation issues, a fan transformed by Greg Ayres and a whole lot more! Plus: a cat and some deer. 2008-03-07
Dark Wars: The Tale of Meiji Dracula Count Dracula journeys to Meiji-era Japan on a curious mission in this new vampire tale from the creator of Vampire Hunter D. Though it hardly represents stellar writing, it may hold interest as a supernatural period piece.
Tsubasa, RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE GN 16 When it comes to clarity and making sense, this volume is kind of a mess, but what a dramatic and beautiful mess it is.
School Rumble DVD 4 Laughs of every stripe still abound as the series turns its hand to slightly more serious material. Any missteps it makes along the way are easily forgiven blemishes in a comedy that, while silly, is neither stupid nor shallow.
Ramen Fighter Miki Sub.DVD 3 For those afraid that the series will effectively remove the "fun" from "dumb fun" by trying to wring pathos from its paper-thin premise, it will be a relief to know that this volume is brimming with enough lowbrow fun to make a Stooge smile.
Hell Girl GN 1 Where the animated version was a spooky, if repetitive, trip into hearts of darkness, compressed timeframes and a remarkably inappropriate artistic approach transform this paper version into a toothless mess.
Be With You GN Released concurrently with its paperback novel version, this manga adaptation tells a heartfelt love story shaped by mystery and wonder, albeit one dependent on a questionable gimmick and mediocre artistry.
Flag DVD 2 Superb attention to military technical detail and its highly unusual documentary style highlight a strong second volume notable for getting politically edgy. It will either utterly fascinate you or utterly not work for you.
Love Master A GN 1 So to all the high school girls out there: give the Student Council a try if you want to pick up some hot guys. But don't give Love Master A a try if you want to pick up some fun, fresh manga, because this one is pretty stale.
Ragnarok The Animation DVD 2 Although not entirely without entertainment value, these episodes offer little respite to those thoroughly disappointed with the first volume. It is a textbook case of how not to adapt an MMORPG into anime format.
Naruto Uncut DVD Box Set 6 This set covers episodes 66-78, which conclude the Chunin Exams and begin the attack on the Hidden Leaf Village. As frustrating as the content may be to watch, it does have its moments.
Paranoia Agent DVD 3 Though this volume is thin on plot, it's still a top-rate production and a perfect example of a series where all the show's elements combine together to further its disconcerting tone. Another solid entry in one of the year's best series.