For the 2009 opener, I have fewer anime titles than usual. Rest assured: there is a reason. All but one is a "complete collection." That's a lot of DVDs to watch! And, as fate would have it, there is a theme. This month I offer you anime minus the advanced technology, omnipresent shinigami, and even that iconic samurai katana. So, adjust your viewing angle and enjoy.

Air Gear combines a boy, some hot girls and lots of high-tech skates. Campy, but fun.

Air Gear: Complete Box Set
2008. TV Series (25 episodes). Director: Hajime Kamegaki. 650 minutes. DVD, bilingual, $69.98. Distributor. Funimation.

In modern-day Tokyo, it's not skateboards, surfing, or even mixed martial arts that dominate extreme sports. Rather, "Air Trecks" (motorized inline skates) define the hip and ultra-cool subculture that tags the city streets. In this arena only two things garner a reputation: tricks and speed. For teenage Ikki, starting his own Storm Rider team and becoming the "Sky King," the best of the best, is the only game in town. There's just one problem: he must survive living with four girls and the temptation of alluring skater Simca.

One boy, hot girls and high-tech skates. All we need is that campy, B movie-style challenge and it's gold. No wait. We have that too!

Okay, that's probably too harsh. Although the sheer denseness of flicks like Biker Boys and The Fast and The Furious came to mind as I initially watched, Air Gear quickly became a guilty pleasure. The story is simple and familiar. Ikki is the coming-of-age boy destined for fame. And as he masters his innate skill through underground races and battles, he must eventually choose between the subtly-hot nerd Ringo and the sultry vixen Simca. How do you think this story will end? Nevertheless, I love anime that steps outside of the sci-fi and fantasy genres. Air Gear, in particular, draws on the contemporary -- albeit somewhat stereotypical in its own right -- Japanese teenager. Swords, kimonos, and suits are abandoned in favor of jeans, hip beanies, and artsy T-shirts. And who can study when there are girls to chase and hijinks to stumble into? The comedy of the sex-obsessed teenage boy, in fact, pervades this series, and its execution is on par with anything found in Hollywood. Although Air Gear and its contemporary cast may not reach the depth of Beck, it serves up that typical anime dish of action, comedy and cute girls (both naïve and ass-kicking).

Redefining the "human-devouring-monsters-and-their sword-wielding nemeses" genre, Claymore draws on strong characters and a unique Scottish backdrop.

Claymore, Vol. 2: The Point of No Return
2008 TV Series (five episodes). Director: Hiroyuki Tanaka. 115 minutes. DVD, bilingual, $29.98. Distributor. Funimation.

Set in a dark world where humanity is beset by monsters called yoma, Claymore unravels the story of the young heroine Clare. As a neophyte Claymore, a recondite sword-wielding sisterhood charged with eradicating these beasts, she is determined to exact revenge for the death of her savior, the renowned Claymore Teresa. Clare, however, is not the typical warrior. There is something special and unknown about her, something connecting her to Teresa.

Admittedly, anime that is centered upon human-devouring monsters and their sword-wielding nemeses (Bleach, Buso Renkin, etc.) is growing tiresome. Yet Claymore markedly distinguishes, if not redefines, the worn plot structure. The Medieval setting, the Scottish Claymore swords and the Nordic-looking heroines pull the audience into an Arthurian/Lord of The Rings state of mind. Japan is nowhere to be found. Moreover, character development is key. As Chapter 2 draws out the fledgling relationship between Teresa and Clare, these women are not flat, stock heroes. Rather, their individuality and strength makes their choices and actions unpredictable; they learn and change as they move forward. Action and humanity thus emerge in this tale carved by elegant swordplay. At the end of this DVD, you'll only want more.

It's amazing how a change of scenery and dense characterization can reinvigorate the oldest of stories. Claymore gets it right. This is a must-see. Go find it now!