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I was at a comic store the other day, and I stumbled upon this as I was browsing through some VHS tapes. I was actually fairly excited to watch it because I enjoy Rumiko Takahashi's works, and I had been wanting to see some of the old OVAs that were based upon her short stories. Those of you who like Mermaid Saga may enjoy this because it's not afraid to pull some punches. I still wouldn't necessarily say that Rumiko Takahashi has a good grasp on the horror genre, though, and it especially shows in this OVA.

The story is more or less typical yandere fair. It's basically about a girl who's jealous of her fiancee's new girlfriend, and all hell breaks loose when she can't take it anymore. There are some supernatural elements mixed in with the typical yandere formula, but it doesn't help the plot all that much because the viewer isn't told anything about their history. The story is interesting, but it's nothing you haven't seen before.

The animation was pretty good for its time, and it still looks all right. I love Rumiko Takahashi's art style, and this OVA shows her art style really well. Yes, the animation's a bit dated now, but it's good enough. It's very clean and pleasing to the eye. The sound isn't too bad. I watched a subtitled version, and the Japanese voice acting was excellent. The soundtrack is a little bland, but it sets up a nice tone the story. Nothing really sticks out about it, though.

Because this is an OVA, the characters don't really develop all that much. We do see some interesting changes in Azusa, but that's the only development in this storyline. Development complaints aside, the characters are also very flat. Satomi and Yuzuru don't have distinguished personalities, which is detrimental when viewers are trying to get into the story.

I've given Laughing Target quite a bit of criticism, but I can't deny that it was enjoyable. There were a lot of intense moments, and some parts were so violent that I actually cringed a little. I couldn't help but notice the similarities that Laughing Target and Mermaid Saga had with each other, and it's interesting to see how Rumiko Takahashi's creations develop throughout the years. I overall recommend this OVA to anyone who's a fan of Rumiko Takahashi. It's an interesting ride from start to finish, but it's not great by any means. read more

Detective Conan is indeed a very long-running shounen series, but it's actually quite different from other shounen series. Its focus is put on solving mysteries rather than beating up baddies every week. I'm not someone who likes to get into long-running series because they're quite time-consuming, but I'm willing to make an exception for this series just because it's so good.

Aside from solving cases, there is an underlying backstory. I'm not going into detail about it (that's what the synopsis is for, people), but unfortunately the backstory doesn't get nearly as much focus as it should. That's the major problem with the storyteling. There are some faint glimmers of hope in some episodes that relate to the backstory, but they are almost immediately brushed aside. With how long this series is going, it makes you wonder if the backstory will ever get the focus it should have.

Even with this fatal story flaw, however, the cases themselves are consistently interestsing, and they're always cleverly crafted in such a way that keeps you intrigued and constantly guessing who the culprit is. The cases are mainly murder mysteries, but there are a few cases that deal with kidnapping and missing objects (those are generally the more light-hearted ones). No matter the case, you're always going to be interested.

The art style is undeniably different, and it takes a bit of getting used to. The characters are given big ears, occasionally odd face shapes, funky hair, and other such things that may turn off viewers at first. However, give this unique art style a chance, and you'll grow to like it. Plus, as the series progresses, the animation actually improves.

The soundtrack helps fuel the mysterious atmosphere of the cases. Jazzy music is integrated with some of the songs, and this helps give a classic detective feel that adds to the overall atmosphere of the anime. However, a lot of the songs are frequently recycled, and this can wear them out fairly quickly. Detective themes aside, the majority of the openings and endings are catchy, and I generally found myself listening to them all the way through, which is something that I don't always do with other anime.

Detective Conan has a quirky cast of characters. The characters are likeable and funny, but they develop very slowly. I wish more emphasis would go into Shinichi and Ran's relationship; the only times you see emphasis on that are in a few episodes and a handful of the umpteen movies. Slow development aside, I still love the characters, and you become really attached to them. Not to mention that the characters we meet in the cases are well-introduced, and plenty of background information is given. This helps deepen the cases and make them all the more interesting.

I can't recall any other anime that has hooked me this much. I usually hate watching long-running series, but I can watch a dozen episodes at a time of Detective Conan. Its intricate cases are seamlessly crafted, and they keep you guessing until the very end. Even if the cases stump you, they still make sense in the end. Admittedly, some of the cases can actually be a little creepy and, at times, intense. The movies are also equally entertaining and definitely worth watching (I wish I could say the same about the OVAs).

Detective Conan may be a very long series, but it's so good that it can make one wonder if he or she really wants it to end. It does have some story flaws, but if you can shift your attention away from them, then you'll be in for a great treat that you can easiliy become addicted to. read more

Gun Blaze West is a typical shounen manga. Determined protagonist? Check. A goal to be the best? Check. Semi-tragic death in childhood that motivates protagonist to reach goal even more? Check. Undeniable shounen manga fun? Check.

Gun Blaze West's story ultimately falls short of its potential. Sure it lacks originality, but it's still solid to say at the least. The first few chapters will remind avid shounen readers of One Piece, Naruto, you name it. The only thing that separates Gun Blaze West from other shounen manga is its western theme. Anyway, the story is fine, even if it isn't original, but the problem is that the manga itself was cancelled before it really had a chance to go anywhere. It could've easily turned into a long-running shounen manga. When you finish reading it, you're going to feel cheated.

I, for one, am not a big fan of the art style. The art is good, yes, but I simply just don't like it that much. I prefer Rurouni Kenshin's art style (same manga-ka). Even though I'm not a fan of the art style, there's not denying that everything is drawn well. The action scenes are stylish, the characters are well-proportioned, and nothing looks odd or out of place.

I find it a bit difficult to judge the characters. The three main characters are likeable, but becuase the manga is only three volumes long, they don't have a chance to develop very well. During the short duration of the manga, however, you're still able to get a feel for the characters.

There's no denying that Gun Blaze West is fun. Sure, it lacks originality, but that doesn't stop you from wanting to read all three volumes. Unforunately, it ends when you don't want it to, and it never really gets a chance to take off completely. In spite of this, it's just as enjoyable as a lot of other shounen manga.

It's really unfortunate that Gun Blaze West was cancelled. It could've become something semi-special, but it simply never had the chance to do so. Manga doesn't come cheap, obviously, so it can make one wonder if this manga is worth spending $30 on the three volumes. So you're probably wondering, "Is it worth spending that much money on it?" And in my opinion, that depends. If you love Nobuhiro's works and/or shounen manga like this are your favorite kind of manga, then go for it. If not, proceed with caution. read more

Normally, I'm not the one to like mangas that are based off of animes, but Neon Genesis Evangelion is a very rare case. The interesting thing about the Neon Genesis Evangelion manga, is that it delivers an alternitive retelling of the anime. By that, I don't mean that the story has been atlered in any way, it's just that the character introductions and events are changed. In fact, the only part of the manga that is close to the anime, is the first chapter.

Like I mentioned above, the story has not been altered or changed in any way. It's an amazing story. In fact, it's hard to know where the story is going to go. It may seem like just some typical mecha/sci-fi manga that's sort of like Gundam, or something like that. But it is not. In fact, it's almost nothing like Gundam. The story heads in some pretty unpredictable directions, and turns into a psychological thriller that will mess with your mind. So keep in mind that when you are reading or watching Evangelion, you will be in for one heck-of-a ride.

Moving onto the artwork of the manga, I can say that I'm very impressed with the artwork. The characters also keep their original looks because this manga is done by the person who made the character designs for the anime. So the characters all keep their original looks, and in my opinon, they all look slightly better. Not to mention that the Evas are designed very well, and don't have any flaws at all.

Now to move onto the most debated part of Evangelion. The characters.
Constant debates and disagreements go on about Shinji. Although Shinji is whiney, and annoying, there is a bit of a misunderstanding about Shinji. "He's whiney, and he's ***ing annoying" is something I hear quite a bit. I don't have anything against opinions like that, it's just I think that many of Evangelion's viewers don't understand why. I mean, Shinji's only 14, and is expected to pilot an Eva and fight against angels. Of course he's whiney. I mean, you couldn't possibly expect him to be happy in the situation that he's in. In fact, Shinji's personality is so realistic that it's almost scary. And then we have Rei, and Asuka. Just like Shinji, Asuka's personality is very realistic. In fact, she acts just like a lot of 14 year old girls. Now to discuss Rei. I really love Rei. Although she is a girl of few words, she is strangely likable. I don't know why she just is. Aside from all that, I believe that the characters are the greatest aspect of Evangelion. In fact, I can't recall any other anime or manga that has great characters like these.

Now to move onto the next part of my review: The enjoyment.
Evangelion is a very entertaining manga. Although the first five volumes are spent on character introductions, it's 100% necessary so you can get to know the characters, and understand the events more clearly. It may be a little boring here and there in the first five volumes, it becomes much more entertaining by volume 6. After the character introductions, this manga takes off and starts to mess with your mind. It also becomes so addicting that it will keep you glued, and once you start, you can't stop. The battles become more interesting, and the entertainment value increases by a long shot.

Overall, it is an excellent manga that has many debatable subjects, and retells the story of the anime without changing the plot or characters. I highly recommend it. Especially if you like the anime. This manga does not dissapoint the reader.

Note: This review may be edited when this manga finishes, or is off hiatus.

Verdict:
Rating: 9.2/10
Bottom line: Amazing storyline, spectacular artwork, great characters, great storytelling.
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Some of you may be looking at this manga and are probably thinking, "Is this actually good?" Well, in my opinion, it's almost like asking, "Is the pope Catholic?" Speaking of Catholics, this manga uses a lot of Catholic references in a very clever way. However, the Catholicism in this manga is what sort of turns readers away from Chrno Crusade. I know it did to me, but when I gave it a chance, it turned out to be one of my favorites.

The story is actually a little slowly paced. I mean, it's a very original story, especially in the way that the Catholicism was used was brilliant. The only thing I have against it, is that it takes a little while for you to get the full story. However, once you get the full stoy, this manga really takes off and soars. Which means that the action doubles, and the excitement triples. Not to mention the story leaves a lot of room for an unforgettable manga.

The art is pretty interesting. It's actually one of those styles that if you saw it in a different manga you'd say, "Hey! That's Daisuke Moriyama's Art Style!!" This manga also has great cover art that is very smooth, and has a lot of depth to the color. The character's personalities are also immediately revealed just from the way they look. The characters are also consistant with their looks throughout the entire series. So, to make a long story short: The art is great.

The characters of Chrno Crusade are tremendous. They truly are. Each new character is introduced flawlessly and you are also immediately able to get into them. They are also very likable. Another great aspect of the characters is the development. You can actually see the relationship between Chrono and Rosette develop along with their trust for each other. The development is also smooth and not rushed. Not to mention that each of the characters have an interesting past that allow to get more and more into them, and you also sort of get to know them. The characters definintely deserve a 9.

All of this leads to the enjoyment.
Chrno Crusade is definitely not a boring manga. It may take a while for you to really get into it, but if you give it a chance, and are patient, this manga may very well become one of your favorites. Just like it did to me. Chrno Crusade delivers a perfect amount of excitement, a fair amount of necessary comedy, and pure fun. It's fun to read, and will keep you glued. Don't be fooled by thinking that catholicism will ruin this manga. I will asure you, it doesn't. In fact, it really just makes it better. I recommend this series to those who want a manga that's a fairly quick read, (8 volumes, 56 chapters) or to those just want something that's entertaining, and a fun read.

Verdict:
Rating: 8.3/10
Bottom line: Good plot, good characters, good art, very unique. read more

Before I begin this review, let me clear up a few misunderstandings you might have about this manga. It's just pronounced "holic". It also doesn't really matter how you capitilize it. If you don't know what it means when they say it crosses over with Tsubasa, it means that the events mix together in the mangas. Just from a different perspective. You'll see what I mean when you read it.

If you do plan to read Holic, I would suggest reading Tsubasa as well, they both have the same events intertwined and you will understand it better if you read both perspectives.

The story starts off with Kimihiro Watanuki. Your average high school student. With just one problem. He has spirits that follow him around endlessly. One day he finds a strange house - wait - Make that a shop. A shop owned by Yuuko, someone who grants wishes. But only for a price of equal value. Watanuki wishes that the spirits stop following him. In exchange, he must cook and clean for Yuuko.

When it comes to CLAMP, they always make the most original storylines. It's perhaps one of the most unique, and original story lines I have ever come accross. It's a very well crafted story.

The art, is not the best. CLAMP has a tendancy to draw the characters with large, noodley arms and legs. Almost like stick figures. But after a while, you get used to the art, and you grow to like it. The art also makes a perfect match to the dark mood of the manga.

The characters are for sure one of my favorite parts of this genius manga. Yuuko, is perhaps my favorite. It's funny how she always was wanting more and more alchohol. Watanuki, is unforgettable as well. Unfortunately, he reminds me of myself.
And of course we have the twins. The shojo ai of this manga. They are also very unforgettable. CLAMP always knows how to make perfect characters.

As for the enjoyment, it's extremely enjoyable, it never leads into boredom, and it always stays exciting. Not to mention, that every volume ends in a cliff hanger. Making you want to read more, and more. It is extremely exciting, and CLAMP fans will not be dissapointed. If you like CLAMP's works, I HIGHLY recommend read xxxHOLiC. It is defenitely CLAMP at its best.

Verdict:
Rating: 8.1/10
Bottom line: Interesting story, unique art, good characters. read more