El Hazard...

Tenchi Muyo! and El Hazard are considered sister series, and characters from both series have made several cameo appearances in the other...

El Hazard (OVA)
The First Night: Battlefield of Confusion
Meet Makoto, an ordinary Japanese high school student. Katsuhiko Jinnai, a not-so-ordinary high school student, has somehow gotten it into his head that Makoto is his destined rival, and hatches plot after plot against him. Makoto's never given Jinnai any reason to believe this, but that doesn't stop Jinnai from luring Makoto to school late one night for his own nefarious reasons.

Once at the school yard, Makoto is summoned by a mysterious woman who shows him the way to El Hazard, The Magnificent World. Pulled this way and that by the threads of destiny, Makoto and several others venture into this incredible new land. What amazing adventures lie in store...?

The Second Night: The World of Beautiful Girls
A mysterious power transports Makoto and the others to this magnificent other world. Because Makoto bears a strong resemblance to the missing Fatora, he winds up being persuaded to impersonate her. Together the group heads to Mt. Muldoon, where the three priestesses capable of releasing the seal on a weapon capable of stopping the Bugrom invasion. "The Eye of God", reside. With Makoto dressed up as the princess, Fatora's lover, Alielle, and mountaineering freak, Mr. Fujisawa, join the expedition and set off for the mountain. Of course, what none of them know is that Jinnai, now a part of the Bulgrom invasion, is waiting in their path, along with another mysterious figure dead set on stopping their progress... It's the second installment in a series where beautiful girls and ambition run wild.

The Third Night: The World of Hot Springs
After being left to their own devices as Mt. Muldoon by the priestesses, Makoto and Co. must chase the fleeing duo to the spot where the annual Purification Ceremony is held (And thus... their journey continues...) On the other side of the vast desert is the sacred land where the Spring of Arliman is located, and that's where the group ends up. Their, Makoto and Co. meet one of the three priestesses: Miz. Although she's looking forward to getting married soon, Miz falls instantly head over heels for Mr. Fujisawa. Later, with the arrival of Shayla-Shayla, the group goes for a relaxing dip in the hot spring. Elsewhere, Jinnai (now the center of attention of the enemy camp) decides to go after the forbidden weapon of El Hazard. The plot thickens and situations begin to go off in unexpected directions.

The Fourth Night: The World of the Demon God
The ancient legends told of a forbidden island and its feared inhabitant, Ifurita, the Demon God. Only three High Priestesses of El Hazard know of it's location. But word has it that Jinnai and his legion of Bugrom soldiers are rushing on their way to the legendary island. The Priestesses, along with Makoto, must race to reach it first. Because whoever awakens the slumbering god shall control the being and all it's tremendous power - an ultimate weapon in the wrong hands! Upon arrival at the island, Makoto and the Priestesses learn they've been duped into guiding their enemy to the island. Conflict erupts on all sides: priestesses battle Bulgrom, Nanami has a confrontational reunion with her brother, and Makoto encounters the full force of Jinnai's envy. In the midst of the chaos and confusion, Ifurita awakens. Makoto is astonished to discover that the Demon God is none other than the beautiful, mysterious woman who transported him to El Hazard! On the fourth night, the tempest is just beginning!

The Fifth Night: The World of Thunder
The legendary Demon God has awakened! Serving her new master Jinnai, she begins a campaign of devastation throughout the land of El Hazard. Diminished of strength and facing imminent destruction, the allies turn to their last resort: their Doomsday Weapon, the Eye of God. Meanwhile, Shayla, one of the three priestesses, has her own problem. She's smitten with Makoto and vies for his affections along with Nanami. Frustrated by Makoto's lack of romantic interest, Shayla joins Mr. Fujisawa in a drunken binge. Jinnai, the new Commander-in-Chief of the Bugrom, launches an attack on the palace hoping to conquer Roshitaria. The true identity of Galus, a member of the Phantom Tribe, is uncovered.

The Sixth Night: The World of Gleaming Light
Consumed by an uncontrollable rage, Ifurita attacked the Royal Palace of Roshtaria. Now, the three priestesses try to oppose her, but cannot match the power of the furious Demon God. As Ifurita tries to vanquish the three priestesses, Makoto springs towards her, and their memories and psyches suddenly intermingle. Ifurita, who has seen her past, loses her will to fight and flees. Meanwhile, as Jinnai's El Hazard invasion plans reach fruition, the Phantom Tribe initiates its operation to steal the Eye of God. Makoto becomes lovesick over Ifurita, which makes Nanami and Shayla jealous.

The Seventh Night: The World of Endless Adventures
The Eye of God was activated by the Phantom Tribe, but Princess Fatora, who could manipulate the Eye, was abducted by Ifurita. Now, the Evil Jinnai, who orchestrated Fatora's kidnapping, threatens the alliance, and demands their immediate surrender. Makoto, the three priestesses, and a rescue party journey into the Bugrom fortress to save their helpless Princess Fatora. Within the Fortress, Jinnai orders Ifurita to aim her weapon at Makoto and fire. Can Makoto save her soul? El Hazard's ultimate destiny will be decided by this final contest of wills.

El Hazard 2
Volume 1
The Awakening of Kalia
El Hazard 2 takes place shortly after the last episode of the El Hazard OVA series. The palace is a bustle as everyone prepares for Fujisawa and Miz's wedding. Believe it or not, Miz finally got Fujisawa to propose to her. True, he was drunk at the time, but a promise is a promise. Unfortunately, on the day of the wedding, Fujisawa decides to go on a walk-about leaving Makoto to break the news to everyone. On a sad note, Fatora disguised as Makoto, begins to play the field by making a pass at Nanami and later, Shayla-Shayla with very explosive results.

Volume 2
Ifurita, Farewell to Destiny
"War rages as the demon goddesses and the priestesses of Mt. Muldoon battle it out!" Jinnai has plans for world domination. However, Kalia has her plans for world obliteration and uses the "Trigger of Destruction" to meet those ends. The "Trigger of Destruction" continues to grow, annihilating anything in its path! The only way to stop this monster is to terminate Kalia. But are the priestesses of Mt. Muldoon a match for Kalia? If not, can even Ifurita stand up to her? The secret of the forest and shrine is revealed as El-Hazard faces annihilation once again...

El Hazard: Wanderers
The crew from El Hazard are back in these all new adventures. OK, so some things have changed (like Ifurita's hair color), but all of the major players are back for more humorous escapades!

Episode 1: Drawn Into the Lands of Adventures
One quiet Autumn day, the Shinonome High School students are busy preparing for their school festival. Mr. Fujisawa, a rock climbing fanatic, is inspecting the school grounds; the business savvy Nanami is selling box lunches; Jinnai, the president of the student council, is caught up in an unscrupulous scandal; and finally, Makoto is completely immersed in inventing a device about which even he hasn't got a clue. This incident occurs when this is peaceful day is almost over. Jinnai, who's just insulted Makoto, has caused his invention to operate recklessly. The machine roars, and throws Makoto and the others into another world. What will Makoto, Jinnai, Mr. Fujisawa and Nanami's destinies be in this magnificent world?

Episode 2: Exploring the Kingdom of Mystery
Makoto, who's been thrown into another world, comes upon Mr. Fujisawa who has landed nearby. The two are bewildered because they have no sense of place or time. However, they're invited to the royal palace by a girl they've rescued from the "Bugrom" insect tribe. She is Rune Venus, the princess of the Roshtaria Kingdom. They are treated as guests until Mr. Fujisawa begins to display unusual powers that arouse suspicion. As the nights wears slowly away in this new world, they're unable to figure out how to return to their former world.

Episodes 3-6
A great priestess appears who has the power to help Makoto and his friends return home! Makoto and his friends still can't find their way back home and spend their time in the Royal Palace. Meanwhile, Jinnai is getting friendly with Diva, the queen of the insect tribe who wants to conquer El Hazard. The group now begins on a journey to find the three priestesses who know the secret of the "Ancient Power". In spite of an obstruction by Jinnai and the Bugrom, they arrive at "The Shrine of Water." Meanwhile, the great priestess Miz gets a crush on Mr. Fujisawa and a strange couple of a different world is born. The group now travels to meet the great Priestess Afura at "The Shrine of Wind". Unfortunately, they are mistaken as carpenters and in spite of all of their mistakes, they have to complete work on the arbor before they can enter the book archive of the sacred palace. They next travel to "The Shrine of Fire". On their way, the group comes upon a girl lying on the street. She is the great Priestess Shayla who lost her palace when it was seized on a bet. In order to help her, Makoto and Jinnai begin the great "Pettan 1" match.

Episode 7: A Golden Opportunity
In another world, Nanami, who had strayed from everyone, found part time jobs. Her soy sauce flavored foods were a smash hit and she started her own business. She hauled around a food cart, sold boxed meals, and eventually she reached the "Sacred Palace of Water". There Nanami met Miz and...

Episode 8: Reunion!
Miz journeyed to Roshtaria to express her feelings for Mr. Fujisawa, who she has a crush on. However, her feelings were not easily conveyed to him. Meanwhile, Nanami, who was asked by Miz to house-sit, started her own business by turning the "Sacred Palace of Water" into a leisure resort.

Episode 9: House of Thieves!
Makoto and his group were reunited with Nanami and they temporarily stayed at the Royal Palace. Meanwhile, an incident occurs where all of the town's vegetables disappear. It's obvious the Jinnai and the Bugrom are behind it, but there is no trace of evidence. Makoto, who begins to doubt himself, makes an effort to solve the crime.

Episode 10: The Jungle Beast!
On their way back from a historical ruins search, Makoto and his friends pass through a village. For some reason they must exterminate a monster that attacks the village. Makoto enters the jungle and meets a wild, cat-like creature. He names it Ura, and together they try to create a strategy to defeat the monster, but...

Episode 11: A Child's Heart
Taking care of children is harder than it looks. Asked bu Princess Rune, Makoto and his group help out an orphanage, even though they've never taken care of children before. With a few mishaps, things begin to go smoothly. However, a troubled orphan named Miri escapes the orphanage. Meanwhile, Jinnai's, "Tunnel Operation" advances underground...

Episode 12: Tomb of the Demon God!
Makoto tries to stop the Demon Awakening! Strange weather strikes Roshtaria. As the Earth trembles, a sky palace appears. According to legend, a dreadful devil is sealed within the palace. Makoto and his group try to stop the awakening of the devil, however it is too late; the seal is broken!

Episode 13: Pure Evil Genius!
Demon God Ifurita attacks! Or does she? The resurrected devil, "Ifurita", becomes Jinnai's subordinate. Jinnai, who now possesses the most powerful weapon, demands unconditional surrender from Roshtaria. As an example of his power, he attempts an attack using Ifurita, but... an unusual and comedic rebellion transpires from his good-hearted? Lethal weapon, "Ifurita".

Episode 14: The Legendary Snow Fields!
It's a snow trip worth seeing! People say there is a legendary snow which occurs every several hundred years. Makoto and his group join the investigation team to prove the existence of the legendary snow. Jinnai, who hears about the investigation team, attacks them, and tries to get the legend in his hands. But they can't figure out the legendary snow...

Episode 15: Tale of the Priestesses!
Fire and Wind battle it out for ultimate supremacy! The great priestess of fire, Shayla, and the great priestess of the wind, Afura Mann. Both are young, have tremendous strength, and are always battling each other. truth is, there is a deep link between them that goes way back... What is this amazing story of past fate that will be revealed?

Episode 16: Whirlwind!
Gone with the wind! A gigantic tornado is headed for the Roshtaria royal palace! Ifurita, unable to control her power, is behind the tornado's creation. The great priestess of wind, Afura, tries to stop the tornado, but is easily defeated. Then Shayla tries to stop it and also fails. Who will be able to prevent this disaster? As the tornado continues to get closer...

Episode 17: The Eye of God!
Ancient mysteries abound when Makoto finds the "Chamber of Promises"! Makoto seeks the ancient "Chamber of Promises" with Princess Rune after she tells him about it. Inside is full of mysterious reliefs on the wall, and a strange phenomenon occurs... "When someone performs the ancient ritual, the stairs to the heavens will open up..."

Episode 18: Operation: Abduction!
Princess Rune, kidnapped! Jinnai is irritated due to the indecisive outcome of the war against the allied army. He then carries out a plan to kidnap Princess Rune. The Princess goes to the Kingdom of Burn to attend a ceremony, while the comedic pair of Jinnai and Ifurita plan a scheme to get closer to the princess... What is her fate?

Episode 19: Hive of Darkness!
A race to save the Rune from the Hive of the Bugrom! Jinnai succeeds in kidnapping Princess Rune and rushes back to the Bugrom palace. Makoto, Mr. Fujisawa, and their group frantically chase them, but fail to reach them one step before the obstacle of the Saint river. What does Rune, captured by the Bugrom troops, see?!

Episode 20: Jinnai: Sister vs. Brother!
Enemies become friends while Siblings fight for Bugrom Attention! Even though Nanami is a prisoner, she seems to get along with the Bugrom because of her personality. Somehow Ifurita and Rune become close. When the fighting between Nanami and Jinnai reaches a peak, an unexpected revolt breaks out!

Episode 21: A Love in Peril!
Makoto trailblazes through the wild territory! Makoto and his group head toward the Bugrom territory to rescue Rune and Nanami. But, along the way, they must cross the sanctuary known as the Saint river. Makoto and his group trudge through this frightening trail and face one ordeal after another. Which way will the maiden's heart swing during battle?

Episode 22: A Death-Defying Rescue!
Invasion of the Hive! Will Makoto and friends make it out alive?! Makoto and his group finally arrive at the Bugrom territory. He and Shayla head to the Palace where Rune and Nanami are said to be, leaving Mr. Fujisawa and Miz to battle the Bugrom. Sparks fly between Ifurita and Shayla, while Jinnai and Makoto begin their personal combat for Rune. The maiden's heart and El Hazard becomes more complex, while many relationships are jumbled together in part six of this Troublesome Adventure.

Episode 23: Escape!
Will Rune and Nanami ever make it back to civilization? Nanami and Rune manage to escape from the Bugrom fortress, however they get separated from the group. Their escape plan is put into motion even if they don't know how to get back. The bad road and pursuit of the Bugrom cause problems but they keep going as a relationship of trust is born between them...

Episode 24: Destiny!
The Eye of God is awakened! Can our heroes survive? Jinnai is enraged by Rune's escape. He finally begins the attack on Roshtaria using his final option: "The Eye of God"! Natural disasters strike one after another from the uncontrollable God's Eye. Jinnai presses them to surrender and the final battle begins.

Episode 25: The End of the World!
Ifurita the True Demon Awakes and Condemns El-Hazard! Disaster strikes Ifurita who controls the Eye of God awakening her true evil self. So, with the Eye of God, she begins the annihilation of El-Hazard. The only two that can stop her is Makoto and Rune who has inherited the King's emblem...

Episode 26: The Eternal Dream!
Makoto gives his life for El Hazard! Because of Makoto's actions, the destruction of The Eye of God has finally ceased and El Hazard is safe. However, Makoto is blown away to a different dimension as a result of a big blast of energy. Time passes slowly and peace returns to El Hazard, but Makoto...

El Hazard: The Alternative World
Volume 1
The Priestess of Water
The Priestess of Water is retiring and her replacement is long overdue! What has happened to her? And just when Makoto is trying to learn more about this new world... What's this? An alternative world?

Volume 2
The Spring of Life
Romance is in the air for Miz and Rune, for they have found their true loves. Unlike the ruler of Creteria, Dall Narciss, whose infatuation is ignored by the naive Water Princess, Qawoor. Even Fatora thinks she's in love. But what kind of relationship could she have with Gilda, the head of Cretaria's militia? Then there is Makoto, who is diligently seeking the secret behind the Spring of Life, an artifact that might have the capability to send them back home, that is if it wasn't dying.

Volume 3
The Ruler of the Universe
What is this past that Gilda has with the Emperor of Creteria? And what does the Eye of God have to do with the Spring of Life? Meanwhile, Jinnai has his own problem understanding just what these new type of Bugrom are thinking.

Volume 4
Dreams of Tomorrow
Gilda leads Makoto inside the Spring of Life, where he realizes its secrets and discovers the threat of world annihilation! Arjah uses Gilda to get the activation password from Dall Narciss, and when Gilda speaks the password, the floating colonies crumble and the farmlands are destroyed as the ancient artifact reforms! Now it's up to Makoto and the three Priestess to stop Arjah from destroying the alternate world of Creteria.

According to Wikipedia...

• In the English dub, Jinnai names a group of Bugrom: Groucho, Harpo, Chico, Zeppo, Gummo and Margaret. These are references to the five Marx brothers and their long-suffering foil, Margaret Dumont. To further the in-joke, Jinnai's dub actor R. Martin Klein is credited under the alias of Bob Marx.

• Tenchi Muyo! and El Hazard are considered sister series, and characters from both series have made several cameo appearances in the other. A short list: Fujisawa appeared in a few episodes of Tenchi in Tokyo (as Tenchi's teacher) and even makes a reference saying Tenchi must've gone to an alternate world when Tenchi disappeared on a school field trip, Ryoko and Tenchi are featured on a magazine cover in a later episode of The Wanderers it's believed to be episode 20 of the Wanderers when Jinnai is having flash backs of his childhood he's sitting on his bed reading a manga of Tenchi, Jinnai and Alielle make an appearance in the Tenchi spinoff series Magical Project S, while (badly) hidden elements from Magical Project S can be seen in the El Hazard TV series.

• In the English dub, the Bugrom language is garbled French.

A boy, his classmates, and a teacher are transported to a mysterious world by a girl who was buried for 10,000 years. There are big bugs and goofy situations. 2 OVA series (the original and El Hazard 2) and 2 series (Wanderers and The Alternative World). The OVA's are my favorite. The pace is faster in the OVA's (fewer parts to span for the story), but, the TV series can take its time to tell the story more fully.

My favorite characters are the Bugrom and my favorite scene in the first OVA series is the climactic battle between Makoto and the villain... then, Jinnai shows up, then the Demon God Ifurita shows up, then the Eye of God goes out of control... The story came to a dizzying climax and a tear-jerking finale. I gave El Hazard a 4 out of 5.

The El Hazard soundtrack CDs have 11 and 13 tracks respectively and I liked 4 and 3 tracks on each of the soundtrack CDs for totals of 36.3% and 23% respectively which works out to ratings of 2 out of 4 for each soundtrack CD.