Reviews

Manga Review

xxxHolic: Volumes #7 and #8

When Watanuki opens Volume #7 with the line “It’s looking like good things will happen today!”, well, you just know he’s going to get into a spot of bother.

Our protagonist Watanuki still works …

• 27th July 2008
Manga Review

Death Note: デスンート

‘Death Note’ (デスンート) is the story of Light Yagami and his quest to create a better and more just society for humanity than is being offered by Japanese society and those other societies…

• 27th July 2008
Anime Review

Black Lagoon Volume 2

Black Lagoon is shaping up to be both a gritty and satisfying action show and also a fascinating character-driven piece that’s placing plenty of emphasis on the contrasting personalities of …

• 22nd July 2008
Anime Review

Ah! My Goddess: Season 1 Box Set

The course of true love never runs smoothly in Anime Land. Even when you’re a good-natured but shy, nerdy guy like Keiichi, whose wish to get a girlfriend is granted in the most surprising and delightful…

• 17th July 2008
Anime Review

Gunbuster 2

After following this series via fansub I was keen to revisit the second Gainax tale of Angsty Girls in Space battling hoardes of invading alien space monsters in order to save the Earth. As with …

• 15th July 2008
Anime Review

Bleach Volume 3

The third volume of Bleach commences with Ichigo, Yoruichi and their friends arriving at the Soul Society in order to save Rukia from her planned execution.

Entering the Rukongai district; a …

• 9th July 2008
Manga Review

Claymore Volume 3

‘Claymore’ volume three is basically Yagi coming back into form. This volume begins to really unravel Claire’s past whilst simultaneously setting up her future. The conclusion to the long and…

• 7th July 2008
Anime Review

Gun X Sword Volume 7

At the start of this volume the moon continues to pour out the same fluid that animates the series Armours, Ray, Priscilla and the Eldora Folks try to hold off an army of unmanned vehicles, and the…

• 7th July 2008
Anime Review

Gun X Sword Volume 6

Having just revealed his plans – albeit without much elaboration on the details – the Claw prepares to reshape the minds of everyone in th world, so they can live together in peace,…

• 5th July 2008
Anime Review

Gravitation Volume 1

Years ago, when I was at school, an openly gay friend let me borrow Gravitation, and it was quite timely, so I’m glad to have the chance to look at it again, to own the English release, and finally…

• 4th July 2008
Manga Review

xxxHolic Volume 4

Throughout the multitude of different worlds and dimensions, she is known by many names, such as ‘The Dimension Witch’ or ‘The Far Eastern Witch.’  But in this gothic fantasy story from CLAMP,…

• 3rd July 2008
Manga Review

Claymore Volume 2

Following on from the death of Elena and Raki becoming Claire’s cook they both travel to Rabona which is a holy city where there is a huge religious community. A Yoma is present here however holy …

• 30th June 2008
Anime Review

Gun X Sword Volume 5

Bringing the series past the midway point and with a greater emphasis on the story, volume five is probably the most informative and forward-moving so far.

Or, at least, that is the case after the…

• 30th June 2008
Manga Review

Nana: Volumes 1 & 2

Ai Yazawa’s seminal shojo (for girls) manga Nana tells the story of two young women on the cusp of life’s realities. While superficially polar-opposites in style and attitude both find one another…

• 26th June 2008
Anime Review

Elemental Gelade Volume 6

With the last five episodes, the final volume oversees a conflict between Arc Aile (the morally questionable Edel Raid Protection Agency) and the Chaos Choir – who are more closely affiliated,…

• 26th June 2008
Manga Review

Claymore Volume 1

Norihiro Yagi’s ‘Claymore’ (クレイモア) is a dark and brooding story chronicling the journey of Claire, a Claymore (a half-breed of Human and Yoma), through her miserable job of destroying Yoma, …

• 24th June 2008
Anime Review

Shana: Shakugan no Shana

Things were looking up for Yuji Sakai. He had just started high school with his best friend and managed to bag a seat in class next to Hirai, your typical Japanese high school hottie. Unfortunately…

• 24th June 2008
Anime Review

Eureka Seven Volume 10

And so we reach the end of the road for Renton, Eureka, the Gekkostate and the others as the final confrontation with the true nature of the Coralians looms: Dewey swings his plan into action while…

• 19th June 2008