Angel's Anime Rating Guide

Way back in the misty dawn of time, I picked up the VHS version of Planet Busters ... On a forgotten planet, a boy, a girl, two bounty hunters and an army of death-dealing robots come together for one of the wildest animated feature films of all time.

At first glance,  Freezing , seemed a lot like so many other schoolyard battleground themed anime series... Season 1 Eager to follow in the footsteps of his fallen sister, Kazuya enrolls at West Genetics Academy, a training facility for buxom heroes known as Pandoras. These courageous schoolgirls are genetically enhanced with enough sex appeal to cripple a man - and the superhuman strength to slaughter aliens by the dozen. Kazuya's role is that of Limiter, a Pandora's battle partner, and he quickly sets his sights on the most feared beauty in school, Satellizer el Brigette.

Years ago, when DVDs were still new to the world, I picked up Black Heaven ... Volume 1 Rock Bottom Hard Rock Saves Space!! Life can crush your dreams. Oji is a middle-management drone whose only grip on sanity in the drudgery of his corporate lifestyle, are the few shreds of hope surrounding his past life as the amazing guitarist of Black Heaven, a heavy metal band that almost made it.

Sometime ago, I saw Aeon Flux on MTVs Liquid TV programming block... Aeon Flux , created by Peter Chung, originally aired on MTV as part of their Liquid TV segment. Aeon Flux's oil-slick animation, angular heroic characters, and twisted plot threads woven around wonderfully original design concepts make it one of the most brilliant shows [formerly] on TV, live action or animated. Its dramatic direction and ironic use of irony slap the audience out of their preconceptions and make them watch and think. The tales of this beautiful secret agent/assassin only grow more curious and puzzling with each installment.

Way back in the misty dawn of time, I picked up the VHS version of Angel Of Darkness ... Angel of Darkness I They thought they were going to a good school, then their schedule was rearranged by a guidance counselor from Hell! When an instructor at an elite women's academy digs up an ancient artifact that demands to be fed a steady supply of nubile young women to slake its unnatural appetites, Atsuko and Sayaka find themselves abruptly thrust into the middle of an epic clash between the forces of evil and the ancient spirits of the earth! The question is not who will win, but where any of the Academy's unsuspecting student bodies will be left alive by the time the battles over! The lessons are deadly and the final examination truly final as our heroines take the fat of humanity into their own hands in a non-stop orgy of sex, violence and destruction! In ultra-graphic animation, Atsuko and Suyaka must use their own bodes to trap and defeat an entity older then mankind itself. ...

All Purpose Cultural Cat Girl: Nuku Nuku  was certainly a big part of why I've developed a special spot in my heart for cat girls... Volume 1 When inventor Kyusaku Natsume transfers the brain of his son Ryunosuke's cat into a top secret android body, the family doesn't lose a pet... they gain a daughter! While she may look like a typical teenage girl to the rest of the world, Nuku Nuku's feminine exterior hides the superhuman strength and abilities of the NK-1124 android chassis, making her the most potent fighting force ever unleashed upon an unsuspecting Japan... and the ideal bodyguard for Ryunosuke! But can even Nuku Nuku keep her young charge out of the insidious clutches of the ruthless Akiko Mishima, president of Mishima Heavy Industries, financier of the NK-1124 project, Kyusaku's ex-wife and Ryunosuke's mother? The greatest custody battle of all time erupts in a conflagration across Japan as Akiko unleashes the full force of M.H.I.'s military pro...

The odd nature of Alien Nine is what initially demanded my interest in the series... From the creators of Cowboy Bebop and Excel Saga, the screenwriter of Millennium Actress, and the producer of Tenchi Muyo! Based on the manga created by Hitoshi Tomizawa, this exceptional OVA series features an intriguing story and a striking style where the cute and grotesque collide!

Way back in the misty dawn of time, I picked up the VHS version of Akira ... Tokyo, as we know it, was destroyed by a kind of a new super-bomb of unknown origin. Nine hours after, World War III broke out and most of the major cities in the world were completely destroyed. Thirty-one years after, Neo-Tokyo now stands, were the old Tokyo had been.

Sometime ago, I picked up the VHS version of Advancer Tina ... It is the year 3113. Thirty centuries have passed since the Earth was consumed by toxic pollutants, forcing mankind to flee into the galaxy in search of life-sustaining habitats. Enter Advancers - brave explorers who risk their life exploring new uncharted worlds for humans to live on. To unite these new worlds, a new interplanetary government was formed, with all new planets and space colonies falling under it's jurisdiction: The Allied Earth Government, the Domestic Union of Arms (DUA).

Ambassador Magma saw a very early US release on VHS... Ambassador Magma is a golden human rocket created to defend the planet Earth. Goa, an old foe that Magma had defeated, has awakened from dormancy and attempts to capture the planet Earth again. To keep Earth safe from the hands of Goa, Magma has been reawakened to watch over the planet.

Angel Cop  was one of Manga's first efforts to compete with Streamline in the ultra-cheap anime segment way back when VCRs still stalked the Earth... The Special Security Force was formed at the end of the 20th Century to protect Japan's economic security from the deadly threat of international terrorism. This elite ten-man team, with special authorization to prevent terrorist activities and ensure public safety, has been granted a license to kill. Their newest member, the cold, beautiful and deadly Angel, has to face the greatest threat they've ever known.

Way back in the misty dawn of time, I picked up the VHS version of Ai City ... The future doesn't look much different from the present. That's just it: it doesn't look much different. Except for the gleaming Fraud Tower, New York City seems identical to today. There are still life and death struggles played out on the streets. The difference is that the battle this time is between Kai, a failed Psionic experiment, and one considerably more successful. The battle is over an enigmatic little girl alleged to have the power to destroy the world as they know it. The question is: who is working to save the planet, and who is trying to bring about Armageddon and why. Can Kei figure out the truth before its too late?

Sometime ago, I picked up the VHS version of The Abashiri Family ... They're creepy and they're kooky, but they're not THAT family. They're even weirder! They're the Abashiri family, kingpins of disorganized crime and the most dysfunctional family of criminals to ever perpetrate anti-social behavior on a global scale! So, just how bad are they? Let's just say that seasoned hit-men lose control of their bladders at the very mention of the name and that Mob Warfare has nothing on an Abashiri family quarrel! The most shocking thing, however, is not the Abashiris' nearly superhuman capabilities, nor their reputation for wanton, senseless violence, but the fact that they've built such international notoriety with a gang of only five members!

Way back in the misty dawn of time, I picked up the VHS version of Appleseed ... After the devastation of World War III, the scattered governments of the world construct the perfect city administered by perfect Biodroids - artificially created half-human half-robots. Life in Olympus is carefully controlled and monitored - and some of its human population have had enough. A dedicated band of terrorists plot to destroy Gaia, the central computer, and restore freedom to mankind. After a daring raid of a high security facility, they have the weapons and information they need to complete their mission - including the key to the end of Gaia. Will they be stopped before they ruin the dream of paradise?

Way back in the misty dawn of time, I picked up the VHS version of Appleseed ... Earth's last city, Olympus, rose from the ashes of a global war on the backs of Bioroids, artificial clones who make up half the city's population. Under the strict guidance of a supercomputer, humanity's last survivors enjoy an idyllic peace, but only on the surface! Human terrorists within the military seek a return to power and clash with the government's ESWAT forces led by the legendary soldier, Deunan Knute, and her boyfriend who is 75% machine. Retrieving the Appleseed will end the conflict, and Deunan alone holds its secret.

This Apprentice is NOT the reality TV show with THAT guy, but, an animated short of the same name made by animation studio, White Radish ... From days of long ago... Galen of Uxbridge, a young sorcerer in training comes to the door of Zima, a cunning sorceress eager for power, who's hell-bent on offering sacrifices to the Demon Bonglin. He's eager to learn, but when "Blinkie" the goat just won't do anymore, she offers HIM as a sacrifice. But, he won't go down without a fight. Features an original score by Vanilla Almond Creme.

I picked up Oblivion Island yesterday and watched it as soon as I got home... 16-year-old Haruka is on a mission to find her mirror - a precious childhood gift from her mother that mysteriously disappeared. While following a strange fox-like creature in the woods, she tumbles into a mystical world where once-cherished toys and treasures go when their owners neglect them. Join Haruka and her new friend Teo on a roller coaster ride of adventure as they contend with the island's greedy ruler, who wants the mirror for his own evil plan!

Years ago, I picked up the VHS version of Ariel ... Ariel Visual To save the Earth from alien invaders and their giant monsters, Dr. Kishida does what any other red-blooded mad scientist would do: he builds a giant robot - ARIEL - the ultimate feminine fighting robot! Unfortunately, his granddaughters refuse to pilot it! Apparently, they've got more important things to do than becoming teenage super-heros. Besides, how are you supposed to study for your college entrance exams while getting beaten-up in battle?

Recently, while poking around the AnimeNation news board, I came across a post for a new CG anime music video called Love Like Aliens ... Creator/director Rashad Haughton's original CG anime short film Love Like Aliens is now online. The short was animated by Shirogumi (Norageki, Friends: Mononoke Shima no Naki) with production design by Studio 4°C and features character design by world renowned graphic designer Sorayama Hajime.

Years ago, I picked up the VHS version of Armitage III ... They made her pretty, they made her smart and they made her strong. They gave her a sexpot's body and a little girl's face. And then they did the cruelest thing of all... they gave her a heart. Now, if they find out her secret, they'll want her dead. Two men already know: one's her partner, the other's a killer... bad luck for him. Because if anyone wants to tell this little girl she's nothing but a toy, they'd better be ready for a fall. Fast-cut, beautifully stylized, sexily sophisticated and set to a hard-edged techno beat, Armitage III is a mature sci-fi thriller that captured awards at ICON XIV for "Best Cyberpunk Genre Anime Premiere" and "Best Cyberpunk Genre Anime Soundtrack".

A while ago, I picked up Assemble Insert ... The local cops have a problem: the Demon Seed - a small but surprisingly capable gang with a charismatic leader. Their mecha body suits allow them to undertake spectacular crimes that regularly rampage the city and totally humiliate the local police. Desperate, the police have created a special branch just to deal with them. However, these unlucky few aren't having any better results than the regular police and the public is turning against them. If they could just foil the Demon Seed once it would make their careers much easier...They just need a plan...

Sometime ago, I picked up the VHS version of Black Jack ... In a world where the Grim Reaper could come for you at any time, one man walks the line between life and death. His name is Black Jack. His past is a mystery, but his medical skills are legendary. Known throughout the world as a mercenary doctor for hire, Black Jack asks no questions. He can keep the dying alive - for the right sum. All you have to do is pay his bill... and he's not cheap.

Way back in the misty dawn of time, I picked up the VHS version of Black Magic M-66 ... Black Magic M-66 is the exciting futuristic adventure of Sybel, a freelance video journalist who becomes involved in a dangerous military fiasco when two top-secret military android assassins, known as M-66 units, are lost. One of the deadly M-66 units escapes with a mission to eliminate Ferris, the granddaughter of its creator. Time is running out as Sybel faces the deadly M-66 android in an epic battle to save Ferris.

A while ago, I picked up  Blue Gender ... Yuji, a high school teenager, discovers that he has an new incurable virus. With life looking very bleak, he's left only one option - hope that the future may hold a cure. With his decision made, he opts to undergo artificial hibernation... When Yuji awakes, the world he knew is gone. The year is 2013 - an era of war, despair and death. While he's been sleeping, the Earth has been taken over by BLUE, a mysterious creature that eats anything for food including human beings. Hunted and on the verge of extinction, Mankind has fled. Now, their only chance for survival is to destroy BLUE! Now, Yuji must fight not only for his own survival, but for that of the entire Human race!

Way back, when VCRs still stalked the Earth, I picked up the VHS version of Blue Seed ... An elite team of special agents faces off against an ancient race of creatures whose millennia-long attempt to enslave humanity has given rise to man's ancient legends of shape-shifting monsters and demons! This is the world of BLUE SEED, the incredible animated series that stunned Japan with spectacular sequences of nightmarish action and jaw-dropping visions of unearthly horror! For thousands of years the Aragami have been held in check by human sacrifices, but now the bonds have been broken and it's up to the agents of the TAC to take on mankind's oldest enemies, whose ability to mutate and control almost any living creature makes them the deadliest of adversaries! To combat an enemy who can attack anywhere, anytime, without notice will require the most talented agents from around the world and every resource modern civilization can provide; but the most dangerous weapons in the T...

Way back in the misty dawn of time, I picked up the VHS version of Blue Submarine No. 6 ... Volume 1 Blues In the near future, the oceans have risen, causing all land at sea level to be flooded. With the expansion of the oceans, humanity has found a new enemy in the traitorous Zorndyke. A war has erupted between the surface dwellers and the sea dwellers, and mankind is placing all of its hopes in the new vessel Blue Submarine No. 6 and her crew.

Years ago, I picked up Boogiepop Phantom ... A scream in the night, and in that instant the world changed ... or at least, it appeared to. There have always been forces in the world and voices in the night: some friendly and other malevolent. Invisible until summoned; they slide through dimensions as people walk through doorways. They wait, and watch the doings of Man closely ... each for their own reasons. Sometimes, they appear ... and when they do, the world changes.

Sometimes I'll see a nice cover and I'll just have to have it. Way back in the misty dawn of time, I picked up Boys Over Flowers aka Hana Yori Dango ... Volume 1 Declaration of War! Tsukushi is an average teenager who goes to a prestigious, elite high school. But after a run-in with the richest, most influential kids at school, will Tsukushi be put back in her place - on the wrong side of the tracks? Being chased by handsome guys has never been so grueling!

Years ago, I picked up the VHS version of Bubblegum Crisis 2040 ... Volume 1 In the aftermath of the great earthquake, one ruthless corporation stands ready to take over the devastated city of Tokyo with an army of synthetic monsters. Only a single band of female mercenaries opposes the monolithic power of Genom - but with these four women, that's all it takes! Armed with the most incredible combat suits ever designed, the Knight Sabers wage a desperate war in the shadows, combating the monstrous by-products of technology run amuck with courage, sweat and blood! Get ready for the ultimate assault on the senses .as the wildest action series to ever roll out of Japan is reborn!