Anime Review

Just when you thought Manga was done releasing two Dragon Ball Z short-length films, they… well, they release two TV specials which are roughly the same length as the 13 films released previously. While there are differences between the films and TV Specials (and not all of them good), story-wise it’s hard to find two better examples of the Dragon Ball franchise taking itself uncharacteristically more seriously. Is that a good thing, though…?

Kino’s Journey is a thought-provoking look at 'what ifs?' and the inner workings of the human mind. With a fantastical and mystical approach added in for some truly odd stories, it’s a series that is perfect for those into symbolism and strong metaphors.

A nigh-perfect adaptation from the source material, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure finally gets its chance to shine in anime form with its utterly unique take on the shounen genre

The latest big hit from all powerful weekly manga magazine Shonen Jump!, My Hero Academia turned plenty of heads when it first appeared in anime form in 2016, and the second season only added more momentum to the series’ worldwide popularity. This set collects the first twelve episodes of Season 2, a complete story arc based around a tournament! There’s an original concept! … Seriously though, it’s great. So let’s see why!

Occultic;Nine is a thrilling journey of discovery, the paranormal, and what happens when a series makes no sense and yet keeps you entertained. While certainly not for everyone, this is an anime that just wants to show you something a little bit different.

The twin sons of Satan are back - but it seems there's a traitor among their fellow exorcists of True Cross Academy as the action shifts to Kyoto.

It’s been a long and crazy road since Dragon Ball Super began in July 2015, but now the series has come to an end (well, with at least one more movie to come, and an ongoing manga still being written…) What the Universe Survival Arc lacked in storyline it made up for in great, over-the-top action, and that still held true for this last block of episodes. So let’s take a look, shall we...!

Initial D finally makes its UK debut, but is it running in the 90s or stuck in reverse?

Britain gets a release of Japan's first anime feature film. Shame the film is wartime propaganda aimed at children.

Skip Beat! is quirky, funny and enjoyable, with easily likeable characters and great lessons on how to be the best person you can be for yourself, and no one else. It was a Kickstarter success for a reason; don't miss it.

Napping Princess is an entertaining, family-friendly offering that only loses its way due to an unfortunate case of trying to do too much. If you can overlook this, then you’re in for a great time.

Time to revisit the mean streets of Ikebukuro for a final showdown between humans and non-humans! But does Durarara!! x 2 Ketsu deliver enough of the old Durarara!! magic?

Dragon Ball Z Movie Collection 6 brings together the final two movies from the 1989 – 1995 run of 13 DBZ movies, the two movies that for the longest time were plainly “the final two Dragon Ball movies”. Past villains escaping from Hell, fusion, fart gags, a cartoon interpretation of Hitler and Godzilla parodies are all on offer here, but the big question remains, does this run of 45-minute films end on a high note…?

Fruits Basket is a sweet shojo series with a loveable cast of characters. Anyone looking for a typical shojo series might be disappointed, but that doesn’t take away from the charm on offer here. It’s a great release that’s only brought down by the lack of romantic development and some terrible video issues.

A nun with a gun and her devilish friend fight the worst Hell can offer in 1920s America! First released in 2003-4, does Chrono Crusade stand the test of time?

A powerful piece of anime story-telling, Peacemaker Kurogane will appeal to all lovers of samurai and historical tales.