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Fafner - Arcadian Project
Not often does an anime come around that has a killer score, fantastic plotline, and writing & direction that leave you on the edge of your seat episode after episode. Fafner has it all. Distinguishing itself from all the Evangelion and RahXephon clones with its unique setting and society —the island, its inhabitants, defenders, and their way of life — are constantly in danger of collapsing from both internal and external forces.
 The high production value complements the intense storyline, surrounding an alien invasion - but the bigger shock is that the tranquil island they had been living on is mankind's only defense. The series is helped along with a top-notch Wagner-inspired soundtrack that uses a full orchestra, which you don't hear very often these days!
Samurai 7 - Volume 1
Wow! You'll be blown away. One of the most expensive (and controversial) anime TV series ever created, Samurai 7 is loosely based on Akira Kurosawa's masterpiece Seven Samurai, but pushed into the future where cybernetic bandits oppress the local farmers, who are forced to hire ronin to defend their village.
 No matter which side of the debate you are on regarding using Kurosawa's work as a basis for this series, there's no denying that Studio Gonzo's production value is top-notch, more lavish and elaborate than your run-of-the-mill anime. Despite twisting a classic film into a sci-fi adventure, the producers take great pains to remain faithful to the Kurosawa epic. The limited edition comes with a DVD plus 4 story books. This is MUST OWN ANIME.
Scrapped Princess - Family Ties
Awesome awesome awesome anime is all we can say!!! Scrapped Princess is a wonderful, exciting blend of classic fantasy, science fiction, and drama that is often strived for, but rarely achieved. The world the characters inhabit is thoroughly thought-out & completely realized, and works by a well-defined set of rules. The "lost technology" element of the plot is carefully choreographed into the overall story, rather than simply being a means for the main characters to blow things up with reckless abandon. The characters are fun, well written, and superbly portrayed.
 Based on the best selling manga series created by Ichiro Sakaki and Yukinobu Asami, Scrapped princess is a superb, gripping fantasy series with a twist you have to see to believe. Guys and gals alike will absolutely love this anime series as it presents strong, exciting characters of both genders, heroes and anti-heroes you want to root for, and an exciting and immersive fantasy world that is sure to inspire video and role-playing gamers for generations.
Starship Troopers Roughnecks
This surprisingly adult-level children's show was completely CGI and, although crude by today's standards, is still kick-ass in every way, with complex storylines and astounding amounts of character development. Based much more closely on the Heinlein novel than Verhoven's movie was, the series takes us on several story arcs, defined by "campaign", while keeping to the overall spirit of the book, and acting as an extension of the film.
 This series is an overlooked gem, a good, hardcore sci-fi adventure that shows just how good non-anime 'anime' can get if the producers and artists involved really put some effort into it. If shows like this were made in the USA on a regular basis, we could give the Japanese a run for their money!
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Anime Chick Wig
Every cosplay person should get at least one of these as they are too cool and will probably be removed from sale before long and then there will be no more!! And hey, girls, just imagine the amazing fantasy you'll provide your anime-uber-geek boyfriend showing up for a date dressed as a Sailor Scout! Hubba-hubba!
Anime cosplayers can get on stage and dispatch ninjas with flair, confident in the knowledge that a proper spiky hairdo is the secret to every anime heroine's ultimate success against the bad guys. Banzai!!
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Bizenghast
A girl named Wherever chances upon a lost graveyard in the Massachusetts town of Bizenghast. There she learns to her horror that she is not only an observer of the strange and otherworldly events that swirl around her. She seems to be a central part of them.
 M. (Marty) Alice LeGrow, a finalist in TOKYOPOP's RISING STARS OF MANGA competition, offers lavish artwork in this gothic excursion through a twilight world of caged spirits and dark shadows. Make sure the lights are on when you read Bizenghast. The next scream you hear might be your own.
70 Japanese Gestures: No Language Communication
Do you get tongue-tied easily trying to pronounce all that Japanese? Okay, maybe Japanese is a bit hard to learn to speak and write. But there's a lot you can say using just your hands, nose, arms, and other body parts that are universal as well as uniquely Japanese.
 This whimsical look at "the language of no language" will teach you to hurl insults, flirt, agree, excuse yourself, cross the street, and even make promises - wordlessly! Some are deadly, some practical, some wacky, but all are genuine and used today on the streets of Japan, at home, and in manga and anime (anime fiends —you've probably already seen Gesture #58)
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Neon Genesis Evangelion
Neon Genesis Evangelion may be one of the most dramatic, thought-provoking, intelligent, emotionally charged TV series ever made, animated or otherwise. Anno Hideaki's super-skillful direction, which breaks the mold for anime, presents an unusual assortment of film noir, experimental cinema, and allegorical sequences. It set the pattern for the new "golden age" of anime.
Now appreciate the series once again, but via the music. Yes, they repeat "Fly Me To The Moon" a few too many times, but that doesn't subtract from the overall impact of this incredible soundtrack. When the Angels attack, you'll be ready with the appropriate sounds!
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Anime Pulse
Over the last few months we’ve started to see the world of podcasting explode, and so far Anime Pulse is pretty much our favorite for anime reviews. Each week hosts Ichigo and Batou do a great job of reviewing the latest anime and manga from Japan from a true fans point of view. Their show gives you the feeling that you are hanging out with good friends at an anime convention talking about what’s hot (and not). You can subscribe to Anime Pulse at Feedburner, which also includes a link for those using iTunes.
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