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Jinki: Extend, Vol.1
Anime DVD Review by Brian Cirulnick
 Based on the amazing manga of the same name; Sirou Tunasima's jaw-droppingly gorgeous artwork has made the transition flawlessly to the animated realm. Featuring big 'bots and the bevy of beautiful babes who drive them, this highly-anticipated mecha masterpiece revitalizes the giant robot genre with a gripping blend of heavy-metal action and soap-opera intrigue.
In 13-year-old Aoba Tsuzaki's world, everything seems normal. An over-the-top modeling fanatic, she spends her days locked in her room, happily building plastic robots. But rumbling beneath the surface, an evil enemy of mankind (the Ancient Jinki) threatens to destroy the Earth.
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SaiYuki Reload: Gunlock
Anime DVD Review by Brian Cirulnick
 The first season of SaiYuki Reload ended at episode 25, where it was announced that the next season would be a new series, "SaiYuki Reload: Gunlock", and according to Studio Pierrot's Saiyuki Reload Gunlock website, the key staff for the new season will remain the same (so it's essentially a sequel, and we recommend you see the original series (SaiYuki Reload) first!, as well as the original original (Saiyuki))...
Gun-toting priest Genjo Sanzo and his three demon-slaying companions — Cho Hakkai, Sha Gojyo, and Son Goku — continue their westward journey towards India to stop the resurrection of the demon Gyoumao. As the reputation of the Sanzo Ikkou precedes them, they continue to fight demon assassins at every turn, but they must also deal with increasing tensions and internal strife within their group.
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Crest of the Stars —
Complete Series Set
Anime DVD Review by Brian Cirulnick
 Compared to Lord of the Rings and Babylon-5 by its fanbase, Crest of the Stars is huge story-arc, epic tale involving conquering starship armadas, subjugated solar systems, and civil war between competing galactic civilizations. But this sweeping tale is seen through the eyes of two young individuals and told through the subtle unfolding of their relationship, which humanizes the drama and draws the viewer into it.
Based on a sci-fi novel trilogy written by Morioka Hiroyuki, Crest of the Stars (Seikai no Monsho) is the first installment in this sci-fi saga.
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Earth Maiden Arjuna
Anime DVD Review by Brian Cirulnick
 Personally, any chance to listen to the work of composer Yoko Kanno is reason enough to sit through any TV series. Regardless, you'll find Shoji Kawamori's Earth Maiden Arjuna to be a serious mind-blower. The director who gave us "Escaflowne" and "Macross" has gotten very personal and created a unique ecological tale that is not only worth watching, but should be required viewing.
Taking place in the present day Tokyo, the plot surrounds a young woman who is near death after an accident, but, as part of her second chance at life, wakes up to her surroundings and how she is needed to protect the well-being of the planet she has previously taken for granted. When Juna realizes what she must do, she's endowed with the strength of the Earth to combat spiritual, snake-like destroyers born from human waste called the Raaja, but before she can even think of purifying the world she must first purify herself.
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Fullmetal Alchemist 2
Anime Game Review by Brian Cirulnick
 The first attempt at a Full Metal Alchemist was as plain old action game. This "sequel" is more like actually playing the anime series, with an intricate plot, tons of fun transmutations, an awesome cel-shaded look that mimics the look of the show perfectly, use of actual cast-member voices, and a game that captures the FMA "spirit" and is faithful to the series in every way.
Characters from the series such as Winry, Hughes, Rose, and Scar make appearances, however, as is expected, it is the Brothers Elric who are central to the game and it's plot. You play elder brother Ed, but Al is always by your side ready to help with a rudimentary artificial intelligence to the character that allows him to help you when you need it.
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Mobile Suit Gundam:
Ecole Du Ciel
Manga Review by
Lawrence Sufrin
 Asuna Elmarit is absolutely nothing like the heroes of other sagas in the universe of Mobile Suit Gundam. She's a girl while the others are boys. She's not very good in the seat of a battle bot, while the others were forces to be reckoned with. She's not a good student despite how hard she tries. Her father was a disgrace for his ideals and deeds.
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From Sun Tzu to Xbox —
War and Video Games
Book Review by
Brian Cirulnick
 I remember 1982 like it was yesterday. I was playing "Star Hawk", a vector graphics arcade machine (that seemed loosely based on Star Wars) at the local mall, and doing very well. A much older gentleman watches me play for a minute or so and then says to me "You realize they are training you for the Air Force" and walks away. I thought he was a nut. Now I know better.
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R.O.D. the TV —
Original Soundtrack
Anime Soundtrack
Review by
Brian Cirulnick
 This aggressive, stylish, jazzy soundtrack has all the earmarks of a score for a James Bond Movie. Tight strings reinforced with brassy highlights, underscored by an electronica rhythm, it sounds like it's trying to burst out of its shell.
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