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Koutetsu Tenshi Kurumi ( 鋼鉄天使くるみ ) OLM/WOWOW/Pony Canyon, 1999-2000 ADV Films, 2002-2003 Directed by Naohito Takahashi (Berserk, Figure 17). Rated 17+ for violence, T&A, HLA and S&M. During Japan's Taisho Era (1912-1926), a scientist named Ayanokoji developed the Steel Angel - an artificial humanoid with superhuman physical abilities. While the Imperial Army wanted to use the Steel Angel as a new means of modern warfare, Ayanokoji wanted his creation to be a new step in the future of mankind. Thus, he defied orders from the Army and secretly made the Steel Angel codenamed "Kurumi". Then one day, a young boy named Nakahito Kagura snuck into Ayanokoji's house as a dare by his friends and stumbled upon Kurumi's lifeless body. A sudden attack by the Imperial Army shook the house, causing Kurumi to fall on Nakahito. At that moment, their lips met, and Kurumi woke up from "the kiss that started a miracle". Story: A- For a series that runs only at 15 minutes per episode, Steel Angel Kurumi is surprisingly good. Underneath all the T&A in the series is some excellent character development and a lot of tongue-in-cheek humor. Animation: A Oriental Light & Magic (Berserk, Figure 17) did an excellent job animating Steel Angel Kurumi, using some awesome 2D and 3D effects. Soundtrack: A The BGM, composed by Toshihiko Sahashi (The Big-O, Full Metal Panic!), is a lively orchestral masterpiece that blends perfectly with Kurumi's roaring '20s setting. And once you listen to "Kiss Kara Hajimaru Miracle" by the Steel Angels, you can't get enough of the series. Pawafuru Mirakuru ima kuru, Hajikeru Majikaru Wandafuru, Ririkaru komikaru koi suru toroderu, Mi-Ra-Ku-Ru-Mi! Sub vs. Dub Steel Angel Kurumi features Atsuko Enomoto (Yukino in His & Her Circumstances, Misaki in Angelic Layer) as Kurumi, Rie Tanaka (Chii in Chobits, Yomi in Azumanga Daioh) as Saki, Masayo Kurata (Shinobu in Love Hina, Sayo in Inu-Yasha) as Karinka, Houko Kurashima (Quon in RahXephon, Kirika in NOIR) as Nakahito, Hirotaka Suzuoki (Kuno in Ranma 1/2, Bright Noah in Mobile Suit Gundam) as Dr. Ayanokoji, Ai Orikasa (Ryoko in Tenchi Muyo!, Quatre in Gundam Wing) as Dr. Amagi, Yasunori Matsumoto (Gourry in The Slayers, Gai in Getter Robo Armageddon) as Kamihito, Tamio Oki (Captain Tashiro in Gunbuster, Aramaki in Ghost in the Shell) as the General, Tomomichi Nishimura (Jamitov in Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam and Mobile Suit Gundam 0083) as Dr. Walski, Toshoyuki Morikawa (Griffith in Berserk) as Dr. Brando, Yumi Tohma (Urd in Ah! My Goddess, Deedlit in Record of Lodoss War) as Mikhail, Kikuko Inoue (Belldandy in Ah! My Goddess, Kasumi in Ranma 1/2) as Nadeshiko, Tomoko Kawakami (Revolutionary Girl Utena, Hikaru no Go) as Koganei, Michiko Neya (Nancy in Read Or Die, Melissa in Full Metal Panic!) as Kichijouji, Chinami Nishimura (Kiki in Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team, Fei-Lin in Gate Keepers) as Sumako, Ryoka Yuzuki (Armitage: Dual-Matrix, Takako in Chobits) as Tsunami, Chiharu Tezuka (Reika in Serial Experiments Lain, Yumi in Magical Project S as Kaga, and Akemi Okamura (Matsutani in Now and Then, Here and There, Belldandy in Adventures of Mini-Goddess) as Kaori. I haven't seen ADV's English dub yet, but I've been warned to stay away from it, despite all the hype on ADV's website. Featured voices include Kelli Cousins (Harumi in Martian Successor Nadesico, Seira in Princess Nine) as Kurumi, Monica Rial (Haruka in RahXephon, Hyatt in Excel Saga) as Saki, Hilary Haag (Megumi in RahXephon, Chloe in NOIR) as Karinka, Kira Vincent-Davis (Quon in RahXephon, Ruri in Nadesico) as Nakahito, Charles Kennedy as Ayanokoji, David Mantranga (Orphen, Genjo in Saiyuki) as Kamihito, Shelley Calene-Black (Yaone in Saiyuki) as Amagi, John Swasey (Shogo in RahXephon, Quincy in Bubblegum Crisis Tokyo 2040) as the General, Andy McAvin (Tetsuko in Excel Saga, Mason in Bubblegum Crisis Tokyo 2040) as Dr. Walski, Todd Waite (Jiroushin in Saiyuki) as Dr. Brando, Tiffany Grant (Asuka in Neon Genesis Evangelion, Kim in RahXephon) as Tsunami, Christine M. Auten (Elvy in RahXephon, Shino in Princess Nine) as Kichijoji, and Emily Carter (Erina in Nadesico, Maki in Princess Nine) as Koganei. DVD Extras Scroll down for the lowdown on the Complete Collection DVD. The Bottom Line Who says ecchi titles can't mix T&A and a good story at the same time? Steel Angel Kurumi is a definite must-buy for any anime fan 17 and above. "Kyuuuuin!" - Kurumi Links ADV Films' Official Steel Angel Kurumi Homepage Reference Anime News Network

I tried viewing the file on Windows Media Player, RealOne Player and PowerDVD, and I still get a scrambled picture.

Good news: I finished downloading it. Bad news: The video is completely scrambled.

That's what I also thought when I first saw it at the torrent lists. I also thought it was a Gundam X side story, as there was a Gundam Airmaster. I didn't realize it wasn't a mecha anime until I picked up a recent issue of Newtype USA.

Here's a case of what if... With Marvel Comics raking in millions from film adaptations of Spider-Man, X-Men, Daredevil and The Hulk, it'll be no surprise if they decide to do a film version of The Mighty Thor. And who will they cast as the God of Thunder? Triple-H. Because he's big, he's got long blond hair and he carries a hammer.

Click here at your own risk. PARENTAL ADVISORY: Explicit Engrish!

Air Master ( エアマスター ) Toei Animation/NTV/VAP, 2003 Toei Animation, 2005 Directed by Daisuke Nishio (Dragon Ball/DBZ/DBGT, Crying Freeman: Portrait of a Killer). Running time: 25 minutes per episode Rated 13-Up for graphic violence, slight nudity and HLA. Based on the manga by Yokusaru Shibata. Maki Aikawa has just moved to a new high school. While she's known for her unusual height (she's at least six feet tall) and her quiet manner, gangs and street fighters in Tokyo know her as the "Air Master", a fighter who mixes acrobatics and martial arts with deadly precision. Story: B- In some ways, Air Master can be compared to Azumanga Daioh because the main characters are a group of high school girls. As a matter of fact, the characteristics are very similar with Maki being the Sakaki-type and Renge being the Chiyo-type on crack. On the other hand, Air Master can also be compared to Virtua Fighter and Fatal Fury with its non-stop martial arts action. Animation: B Yoshihiko Umakoshi's dull character designs will take a lot of getting used to, but the anime uses some of the wildest camera shots during the fight scenes. Animation is pretty fluid and the fights are well-choreographed. And there are some panty shots, of course. Soundtrack: B Air Master has a unique mix of rock and percussion in the BGM. The opening and ending themes totally rock! Cast Air Master features Romi Paku (Katie in Macross Zero, Loran in Turn-A Gundam) as Maki, Tomoko Kaneda (Chiyo in Azumanga Daioh, Marie in Please Teacher!) as Renge, Mariko Suzuki (Honoka in Sentimental Journey, Cosmos in Xeonsaga) as Yuu, Masumi Asano (Saga in Sugar, Shouta in Haibane Renmei) as Michiru, Yukana Nogami (Teletha in Full Metal Panic!, Mirai in Moldiver as Mina, Mika Doi (Misa in Macross) as Kaori, Tomokazu Seki (Van in Escaflowne, Sosuke in Full Metal Panic!) as Tokita, and Unshou Ishizuka (Guld in Macross Plus, Jet Black in Cowboy Bebop) as Lucha Master. The Bottom Line Air Master is nowhere near as good as Ikki Tousen or Tenjou Tenge, but still entertaining, nevertheless. Links Toei Animation's Official Air Master Homepage (Japanese) VAP's Official Air Master Homepage (Japanese) Reference Anime News Network Seiyuu Database

One more time... Full Metal Panic? Fumoffu

As for Ikki Tousen, is it better than Air Master?

From what I've been told, each episode of Urda is a 5-minute commercial for a new home-based animation software. Speaking of CG, I took a look at Firestorm's opening sequence. Lots of GONZO-type CG animation. And because it was created by Gerry Anderson and John Needham, the mecha designs use a lot of influence from Thunderbirds. Plus, the opening's got a cool '80s-style new wave theme song.

I downloaded a whole bunch of anime during the past week. Unfortunately, because of both work and school, I won't be able to watch them for a while. Just wondering if anyone here has seen these titles: Da Capo Firestorm Ikki Tousen Ultra Maniac Also, I'm currently watching eps. 1-5 of Urda. Once I'm done, I'll post a review later this week.

Damn, in my 10 years of being a Gunbuster fan, I didn't notice that one, either. Right now, I'm taking up Dreamweaver class to brush up on my web skills. Like Noriko Takaya, I will be doing a complete revamp of my Gunbuster homepage. The new version should be out before Christmas.

Did anyone here watch RAW last night? It looks like we won't have to see Kane's ugly face anymore as Shane'O Mac set him on fire.

I originally posted this review when I picked up the NOIR demo that came with Newtype USA.

FYI, Full Metal Panic? Fumoffu is produced by Kyoto Animation instead of GONZO Digimation. Also, the series was planned to run for 12 episodes, but the original second episode was omitted at the last minute because it dealt with child kidnapping, and such incidents have recently occured in Japan.

Like everyone else, I've broken the tab B off my YF-19 (First Edition). Aside from that, I accidentally broke a head laser off my Crazy Canuck custom VF-1S head while I was installing it on my VF-1A Max.

Macross XX is just a promo clip produced by GONZO Digimation to celebrate the franchise's 20th anniversary.

NOIR (ノワール) Bee Train/TV Tokyo/Victor Entertainment, 2001 ADV Films, 2003; Funimation Entertainment, 2011 Directed by Koichi Mashimo (Irresponsible Captain Tylor, .hack://SIGN). Rated TV-14 for violence and strong language. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-N0eyrE1oXc&hd=1 Cast (Japanese) Houko Kuwashima (Sango in Inu-Yasha, Kagura in Azumanga Daioh) as Kirika Yumura Kotono Mitsuishi (Excel Saga, Misato in Neon Genesis Evangelion) as Mireille Bouquet Aya Hisakawa (Haruka in RahXephon, Skuld in Ah! My Goddess) as Chloe Tarako as Altena. Cast (English) Monica Rial (Hyatt in Excel Saga, Haruka in RahXephon) as Kirika Yumura Shelly Calene-Black (Cleao in Orphen) as Mireille Bouquet Synopsis Mireille Bouquet, a beautiful and deadly assassin, has been invited to meet up with Kirika Yumura, a girl with no knowledge of her past. She's been hired to help Kirika find out the truth about who she is. However, due to her nature as an assassin, Mireille must kill her after fulfilling this dangerous mission. Together, they become the assassin duo codenamed "NOIR". Story: A Ah, spy thrillers. After being hooked on Read Or Die, I checked out the first episode of NOIR that came with Newtype USA issue #3. Only one episode I've seen so far, and I already love this series. It's got the feel of European thrillers directed by Luc Besson (La Femme Nikita, Leon (The Professional)) and Hong Kong action flicks directed by John Woo (The Killer, A Better Tomorrow). Animation: A+ Big props to Bee Train (.hack://SIGN, Arc the Lad) for the awesome artwork and the groovy opening sequence. Character designs by Minako Shiba (.hack://SIGN), Satoko Miyachi and Yoko Kikuchi (.hack//Tasogare no Udewa Densetsu, Agent Aika). Mechanical designs by Kenji Teraoka (Ghost in the Shell Stand Alone Complex, Ah! My Goddess: The Movie). Soundtrack: A+ Yuki Kajiura (.hack://SIGN) supplies an outstanding new age/techno score that almost rivals anything done by Yoko Kanno. The opening theme, "Coppelia's no Hitsugi" by ALI Project, mixes perfectly with the animation. Sub vs. Dub ADV's English dub is okayl just not spectacular. DVD Extras Review coming soon. The Bottom Line Sexy, stylish and seductive, NOIR is the best spy thriller anime since Read Or Die. Links Funimation Entertainment's Official NOIR Homepage ADV Films' Official NOIR Homepage Victor Entertainment's Official NOIR Homepage (Japanese) Reference Anime News Network

Chikyuu Bouei Kigyou Dai-Guard ( 地球防衛企業ダイ・ガード ) XEBEC/TV Tokyo/Victor Entertainment, 1999 ADV Films, 2002-2003 Directed by Seiji Mizushima (Slayers Next, ZAION: I Wish You Were Here). Rated 12+ for violence and mild language. Twelve years ago, an alien race known as the Heterodyne invaded Earth. For the task of eliminating the aliens, an experimental giant robot known as Dai-Guard was created. Unfortunately, before Dai-Guard saw any action, the Heterodyne simply disappeared off the face of the Earth. Fast-forward to the present day. Dai-Guard is used merely as a showpiece for an international security convention when the Heterodyne show up once again. In a last-minute act of heroism, Shinnosuke Akagi and two of his co-workers board Dai-Guard and bring the old relic into action. It ain't an easy job as the Heterodyne are the least of our heroes' worries. They have to put up with property damage complaints, maintenance budgets, and other various forms of paperwork. After all, a salaryman can also save the world. Story: A- Of all the giant robot parodies, here's something different: one that puts up with real-world elements. Unlike other current giant robots like The Big-O, GaoGaiGar or Mazinkaiser, Dai-Guard is extremely primitive to near-Kishin Corps proportions. It has to be assembled and disassembled manually with trucks and cranes. "Rocket Punch" means it rips one forearm off and throws it at the Heterodyne. At least there's an on-board electric fan in the cockpit. As for the story itself, it has some very good character development and some witty dialogue. Elements hardly seen in most giant robot parodies these days. Animation: B+ The artwork and animation are well-detailed and the mecha designs are very cool. Character designs by Mitsuru Ishihara (Sakura Wars: The Movie). Robot designs by Ken Otsuka. Vehicle designs by Shinichi Yamaoka (Love Hina). Mecha designs by Takeshi Takamura and Hideyasu Shimamura. Soundtrack: A- The orchestral BGM is the result of a collaborative effort between Kohei Tanaka (Gunbuster, Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team) and Kenji Kawai (Ghost in the Shell: The Movie, Mobile Police Patlabor). The ending theme is a very mellow piece arranged by the legendary Yoko Kanno (Cowboy Bebop, Macross Plus). However, the major music highlight is the J-Punk opening theme "Rojiura no Uchuu Shonen (Back Alley Space Boy)" by the Cobratwisters. Baa Ba-ba-baa Ba-ba-baa Ba-ba Barararararara! Baa Ba-ba-baa Ba-ba-baa Ba-ba... Bararararara! Bararararara! Bararararara-ra! Sub vs. Dub Dai-Guard features Kentaro Itou (Aogiri in Ceres, Celestial Legend) as Akagi, Akiko Hiramatsu (Miyuki in You're Under Arrest, Yukari-sensei in Azumanga Daioh) as Momoi, Shinichiro Miki (Takumi in Initial D, Allen in Escaflowne) as Aoyama, Masashi Hirose (Ramba Ral in Mobile Suit Gundam) as Osugi, Kenichi Ono (Touma in Dirty Pair Flash) as Shirota, Takaya Hashi as Okouchi, Michiko Neya (Nancy in Read or Die, Melissa in Full Metal Panic!) as Oyama, Marina Ono (Aihara in Angel Links) as Nakahara, Rumi Kasahara (Kanako in Princess Nine) as Irie, Yukari Tamura (Ai in Full Metal Panic!) as Tanigawa, Shoji Izumi as Ishizuka, Makoto Higo as Taguchi, Katsuyuki Konishi (Touya in Ceres, Celestial Legend) as Ijyuin, Mayumi Shintani (Haruko in FLCL, Tsubasa in His & Her Circumstances) as Domeki, Chiharu Suzuka as Kamimura, Kazuhiko Kishino as Busujima, and Masaharu Sato as Nishina. ADV's English dub is okay, but they screwed up some of the punch lines. DVD Extras: B+ The first DVD includes production sketches and credit-free opening and closing sequences. The Bottom Line Funny as hell with a hilarious opening theme to boot. Go buy or rent Dai-Guard now. Reference Seiyuu Database Anime News Network

I showed pics of Toynami's monstrosity to my co-worker and he couldn't help but laugh. He told me that for the same price, you can get a T-800 Endoskeleton replica. Speaking of Terminator, is this product legit? http://www.toynk.com/catalog/terminator_2_...ale_1851532.htm

What's a roboberk?

I got my last two Valks from Blasto! Toys.

With the year 2003 coming to a close within the next four months, let's look back at all of the anime titles released this year. Which distributor were you most satisfied with so far?

From all of the reports I've read, here are the major flaws of the Super-Scale Veritechs: - Paint overspray. - Panel lines drawn with a Sharpie marker while the draft lines remain unerased. - Poor packaging. One customer complained that when his Veritech arrived, one of the head lasers was broken off.