Anime Review

Area 88

Here’s a blast from the past: anyone remember the old game UN Squadron? It was a side-scrolling shooter on the SNES in the style of Gradius and R-Type, but had real planes instead of fancy spaceships,…

• 9th October 2007
Anime Review

Patlabor 2

By the year 2002, giant construction robots called labors have become commonplace, and the police have their own unit to counter labor-related crime – the Special Vehicles Section. Now though,…

• 22nd March 2007
Anime Review

Samurai Champloo Volume 7

All good things must come to an end, and Samurai Champloo is no exception. Mugen, Jin and Fuu are nearing the end of their long journey across Japan – but with just one small boat trip left to go, there…

• 17th March 2007
Anime Review

Full Metal Alchemist Volume 8

You know something’s good when you come back to it after a bit of a break, and find that it’s every bit as enjoyable as when you left it. Fullmetal Alchemist is one of those series. Although…

• 9th November 2006
Anime Review

Madlax Volume 3

There’s something about Madlax that I can’t quite put my finger on. All the elements for a good action-drama seem to be there; an intricate plot full of twists, a cast of sexy characters…

• 31st October 2006
Anime Review

Tetsujin 28 Volume 2

The first volume of Tetsujin 28 was a pleasant surprise, and I found a lot to like with its mix of retro-styled mecha action and penchant for the dramatic. It’s fair to say I had high expectations…

• 12th September 2006
Anime Review

Samurai Champloo Volume 6

Imagine, if you will, a big old box of fireworks. There are all kinds of fireworks in this box, with some that are bright and colourful, some that go off with a really big bang, and others with complex…

• 23rd August 2006
Anime Review

Yukikaze Volume 2

It occurred to me recently that it’s been entirely too long since we’ve had a good anime dogfight. We get countless titles featuring giant robots, magical girls, samurai and bread,…

• 22nd August 2006
Anime Review

Twin Signal

Even in a time where we get the newest and hottest titles almost straight from Japan, it’s nice to see companies releasing older classics along with the young guns. So seeing Twin Signal …

• 20th August 2006
Anime Review

Samurai Champloo Volume 5

What do a crazed priest, duelling graffiti artists, an overzealous teacher and a mysterious blind singer with inhuman fighting abilities all have in common? They’re just some of the people…

• 15th August 2006
Anime Review

Patlabor

Whenever you hear mecha fans talk about their favourite examples of the genre, Patlabor is one name that always manages to come up. Achieving the delicate balance of giant robot action, human …

• 7th August 2006
Anime Review

Full Metal Alchemist Volume 7

After recovering from the Lab 5 incident, the Elric brothers realize that they are in need of more training. With Winry in tow, they head off to once again see their teacher for some advice and guidance.…

• 24th July 2006
Anime Review

Madlax Volume 2

Madlax is a mercenary in the war-torn country of Gazth-Sonika that happens to be very good at what she does. Margaret Burton is a young aristocrat in peaceful Nafrece with a mysterious past. Somehow…

• 2nd July 2006
Anime Review

Full Metal Alchemist Volume 6

Ed and Al have finally uncovered the secret to the Philosopher’s Stone but, as usual, more obstacles present themselves. But these new barriers are not just enemies, but also moral and …

• 28th May 2006
Anime Review

Samurai Champloo Volume 4

Mugen, Jin and Fuu are still on their journey towards the west, but the trip is a slow on as at every turn they are confronted with all manner of problems. Lack of funds, perpetual hunger, and a seemingly…

• 28th May 2006
Anime Review

Kiki’s Delivery Service

It’s a Hayao Miyazaki film – instant 10/10.Oh, okay, I’ll do it properly.

Kiki’s Delivery Service tells the story of a young witch in training who, on her 13th birthday,…

• 8th May 2006
Anime Review

Madlax Volume 1

“From the creators of Noir!” the box proudly claims. I’ll be honest; I was never a fan of that series. I found it terribly dull and excruciatingly slow, so it’s fair to…

• 7th May 2006