Ira ISHIDA

The Spring 2008 Anime Preview Guide
It's here! It's different! This year we're running a 24-7 anime preview guide; check back daily for our critics' takes on the newest shows from Japan! Reviews Now Available: Kanokon, Bus Gamer, The Tower of Druaga, Chi's Sweet Home, Itazura na Kiss, Blassreiter, To Love-Ru, Macross Frontier, Kurenai, Code Geass R2, xxxHOLiC: Kei, Zettai Karen Children, Vampire Knight, Special A, Allison and Lillia, Soul Eater, Kamen no Maid Guy, Wagaya no Oinarisama, Neo Angelique ~Abyss~ 2008-04-08

The Click - April 12 - 18
Brian writes an open letter to Adult Swim, that will be thoroughly ignored by Adult Swim, so essentially watch as Brian fights valiantly against the scourge of futility! Also: Castle of Cagliostro and more! 2008-04-12

Hey, Answerman!
Answerman's in a rush get ready for spine-shattering, senses-destroying, pants-wetting speed! Three questions, brain-melting, cornea-dilating answers! A photo of a cat sleeping on a rabbit! And Hey Answerfans! CAN YOU HANDLE IT?! 2008-04-11

The Wallflower GN 14
Toss any expectations beyond those for a passing diversion and some good chuckles out the window. Wallflower is back to treading water.

My-Otome DVD 5
Action, betrayal, tragedy, scheming, dark revelations, hard-learned lessons, and just a touch of comedy - what more could you ask for? The series hits full stride as major plot developments abound.

Super Robot Wars OG Divine Wars Sub.DVD 4
If you can walk away from the preposterous spectacle of the opening without a smile on your face and a spring in your step, then you probably aren't susceptible to the series' peculiar brand of muscle-headed magic.

Magikano DVD 1
Beware any series whose female lead makes the deadly procession from fatefully encountered bishoujo to mysterious transfer student to live-in maid in a single episode. Seriously, that should take at least two episodes.

Simoun Sub.DVD 2
A stabilizing cast, the emergence of Neveril from her funk, and the intriguing gender and religious issues raised by the content elevate the series from the level of a merely unusual yuri sci fi production to something extraordinary.

Kanon DVDs 2-3
More encounters with cute girls, and the big secret of one comes out, as the series reaches the halfway point. While it may be specifically designed to pander to fans, it represents pandering done right.

The Twelve Kingdoms Novel 2
The original novel on which the anime's second story arc was based comes to life with a focus on the long-absent kirin Taiki. A wonderful world and wonderful writing make this novel just as engrossing as the first one.

Tweeny Witches DVD 1
While this decidedly nonconformist magical girl series may have some problems, lack of vision and creativity are not among them. Worth a look even by those who do not normally care for the genre.

Gintama GN 5
On the surface, it may look like just another one of those "Ha ha look at silly people do silly things" comedies, but observant readers will laugh all the more because of the series' satirical edge.

Shuffle! DVD 1
Fans of harem romantic comedies might be able to tolerate this bland and uninspired exercise in brazen stupidity, lame jokes, and disgusting sweetness. All others should stay well away.

The Cat Returns DVD
The Cat Returns is one of the most enjoyable anime movies of the last few years, and for a simple reason: it's just pure, unbridled fun. Buckle up and prepare for a dizzying ride into the fantastic, secret world of cats.