Don’t let the cover fool you. “Polyphonica Crimson S” is NOT borderline porn. (It looks enough like it that I can’t show it here, though.) Even though I liked the description, I was set to skip it when I saw the box. But I guess the old adage is true: Don’t judge a book (or … Continue Reading →
“Masterpiece” and “classic” are words I sometimes think are thrown around to make people feel guilty if they don’t like the work of art the words describe. That’s how I’m feeling after watching Sentai Filmworks’ dutifully remastered “Grave of the Fireflies.” It’s one of those seminal anime films that tops everyone’s list of greatest anime … Continue Reading →
With convention season heating up, it’s a good time to look at what Michiganders have coming up to keep them occupied. And there’s a lot. Here are the bigger shows I know about so far, in chronological order (all guest lists are subject to change): Shuto Con, March 16-18, Lansing: This anime convention is entering … Continue Reading →
As long as they keep cranking out trading card games, I imagine they’ll keep cranking out anime series to go with them. One of the latest is “Redakai: Conquer the Kairu,” which airs on Cartoon Network. It comes from the “Bakugan Battle Brawlers” folks. I haven’t watched it, so here’s the official description: “Based on … Continue Reading →
“The Secret World of Arrietty” is everything you’d expect from a Studio Ghibli film: charming and lovely with a strong moral message. Hayao Miyazaki didn’t direct this adaptation of the classic kids book “The Borrowers,” but he did write and “plan” it, so it’s in good hands. It’s the story of Arrietty, a 14-year-old Borrower, … Continue Reading →
To be honest, I haven’t visited the “.hack” universe since the original, “.hack://SIGN” almost 10 years ago (wow, 10 years). I found that series just shy of brilliant, with great animation and an incredible music score. I remember that. I also remember the sequel c0uldn’t keep my attention, and I let it fade from view. … Continue Reading →
Sentai Filmworks is re-releasing “Xam’d: Lost Memories,” including Blu-ray this week. The actioner originally came out a couple years ago. And since I’m taking on some extra duties at work this month and posting will probably be a little light, I thought I’d dip into the old, now publicly unavailable archives and dig out my … Continue Reading →
After seeing so many high-school shows focusing on fan service and sex lately, it was the proverbial breath of fresh air to pop NIS America’s “kimi ni todoke — From Me to You” in the player this weekend as I was recovering from a nasty flu bug that wiped me out last week. No manic … Continue Reading →
I somehow missed “Gakuen Alice” when it first appeared, so how nice of RightStuf and Nozomi to rectify that for me with its recent re-release. The show is now available in a five-disc, subtitled set (26 episodes), and four episodes in, it’s a cute spin on the magical girl genre. It’s not quite magic and, … Continue Reading →
“Robotech” is one of the grand-daddies of anime in the U.S. Personally, I never watched it. I preferred “Battle of the Planets” and “Voltron,” myself. But earlier this week, my colleague Ursula Watson waxed rhapsodic over her memories of the series. I promised a giveaway, and a giveaway you shall have. I’ve got the complete … Continue Reading →