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Steamboy
Anime grand-master Katsuhiro Otomo's magnum opus set in Victorian-Era England is expensive looking and opulent. Ten years and $22 million in the making, this big film deals with big issues -- the misuse of scientific progress for war and human suffering, profiteering, and manipulation of science by government powers who do not understand the forces they are playing with.
Fortunately, all that talk doesn't get boring, as there's an amazing amount of action, driven of course, by huge, hand-wrought machines pumping steam and popping rivets, valves and pressure gauges. Every moment is spectacular-looking. Don't miss this one!
Daphne in the Brilliant Blue
Long legs, ample bustlines and outfits that consist of little more than a thong, abound in this high-energy Sci-Fi action adventure anime series about an Ocean Agency student that suddenly finds herself homeless and involved in the middle of a shoot-out between criminals and sexy bounty hunters.
With little opportunity left to her, she joins up with the bounty hunters (the "Nereides" - kind of a Dirty-Pair "we solve any problem for you" agency), as bait to pull in the other bad guys. There's plenty of comedy, an abundance of action, and more than enough fan-service to please any anime otaku!
Koi Kaze Vol. 1: The Reunion
The seasons change from winter to spring. Koshiro wonders if he should notice. His job at a marriage arrangement company is going well. Koshiro wonders if he should be happy. His girl friend leaves him for another man. Koshiro wonders if he should care. He meets the captivating Nanoka, and wouldn't mind seeing her socially. She turns out to be the kid sister he hasn't seen since she was a baby. (She lived with her mother when his parents divorced). Koshiro wonders how he should feel. Nanoka moves in with him and his father (she needs to live closer to her high school). Koshiro wonders if he should fight it. Life is going on. Koshiro wonders how he should live.
Set against a watercolor cityscape, Koi Kaze is a deliberately paced meditation on what it is to be human. It gives a frank and serious discussion on mature themes without resorting to a lot of cheap jokes and leering innuendo. It's a touching anime series based on a manga by Motoi Yoshida. Is love nothing but sex misspelled? Koshiro wonders.
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Munto
Nice anime about a young girl with psychic abilities and a world linked to our by magic. She is the only one who is able to see this world. Only her closest friends believes she sees this world even though they can't. She has been having strange dreams and in her dreams she sees King Munto. Apparently she is the key to save the Magic Kingdom. No not Disney!
King Munto's world is being taken apart. His enemies are destroying the pillars that seem to hold this world apart. King Munto takes a daring chance and plunges to our world. Yumemi's world. But he can not reach her. She sees him and he can see her but they are of different realms. He demands her powers but she has no clue what he is referring to. He needs her Akuto energy.
The fight resumes in the heavens above and soon King Munto must battle in the world below. His enemies send a powerful battle-bot to stop and destroy King Munto. Being in our world he has become weak and it is now he needs Yumemi and her hidden powers the most.
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Heavy Metal
What needs to be said about this cult classic of the 80's, this film that has inspired so many young men to take up a pencil so that they too, can draw naked women? The most popular title in Columbia/Tristar's entire film library, Heavy Metal remains as impressive now as it was then, featuring great music, wonderful voice acting and some great artwork -- all done before computer technology changed animation as we now know it.
Loaded with extras (such as deleted scenes, still artwork, a gallery of Heavy Metal Magazine covers, a making of documentary, a rough cut of the film with commentary by Carl Macek), this DVD it simply a must-have for anyone interested in the animation arts, and graphic, high-art illustration of the type Heavy Metal Magazine was famous for. If nothing else, the Captain Stern segment remains one of the greatest bits ever made. And yep, there are even sequels!
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Giant Robot
This magazine is a must read for any anime fan - or for that matter anybody who has the slightest interest in Asian pop culture. Giant Robot magazine covers it all - from movie stars, musicians, and skateboarders to toys, technology, and history. Our favorites are the food reviews of canned coffee drinks, instant ramen packs, Japanese candies, Asian frozen desserts, and marinated bugs (yummy!). It's all about living the Jet Grind Radio lifestyle!
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How NOT To Draw Manga: Supersize Special
BWAHAHAHAHAHA! 'Nuff said. The comic geniuses at Antartic Press have compiled a book that *exactly* covers the genre, with tongue planted firmly in cheek.
 If you know anything about manga and anime, you'll find something that'll make you smirk, and downright laugh out loud.With totally on-target illustrations augmenting their biting satire, this wonderfully humorous book deserves a treasured spot next to your legitimate "how to draw" books -- except that you'll see how trite and preachy those other books are by comparison. This one has it right on. Oh, and HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Simple & Delicious Japanese Cooking
Mmmmmmmmm. We get hungry just thinking about it. Fabulous Japanese food that is easy to prepare, and a delight to all the senses. This 'tastefully' done book features mouthwatering photography and recipes that are clear and concise, resulting in a sensational treat for all involved.
Even if your skills are limited to Macaroni and Cheese, this book will make you feel like a Nobu-worthy chef, and those who sample your wares will appreciate all the hard work. But it wasn't hard work at all -- and you should keep that secret to yourself!
How to Get a Job in Computer Animation
With more and more anime beginning to rely more and more on computer animation, knowing the trade is essential if you want to survive in the industry. Just one look at a series like DICE, and you'll see that more than 50% of each epsiode is computer generated imagery.
Computers are here to stay. If you know the basics and want to push your skills to become professional, you need to know where and how to apply your skills. This book gives you the resources you need to make it in this highly competitive field.
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Arjuna Original Soundtrack - Into the Another World
It's no secret we're fans of the work of Yoko Kanno, a composer who's eclectic range is matched only by her unbridled creativity. Her ability to fuse disparate musical styles into a cohesive and scintillating blend is nothing short of revolutionary.
Earth Maiden: Arjuna is an anime series regarding ecological disaster, that may just come to pass as prophecy in the coming years, but regardless of your feelings for the direction and storyline, there's no denying that the soundtrack is a joy, Kanno's at top form here and the music is compelling and refreshingly original.
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Galaxy Rangers Official Site
2 New DVDs have just been released!
Oshii Mamoru's First Film In 9 Years
The latest movie by Oshii Mamoru, was released in Japan on March 6. The anime, Innocence, is Oshii's first movie in nine years, following the highly acclaimed Ghost in the Shell in 1995, and has been much awaited by fans both in Japan and overseas.
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