Nana Box Set 2

Based on the widely popular shojo manga by Ai Yazawa, Nana spirals from the sudden relationship sparked between two young women on a Tokyo bound train. One is a J-punk rocker, whose torn jeans and short skirts are seductively edgy.  For her, the train is pulling into that glorified station of Tokyo’s music scene. The other is far more suburb; her well-ironed seams betray soccer mom dreams. For her, Tokyo is a seemingly perfect boyfriend and that eventual and all-important house. Despite their differences, both share the same name: Nana.

Tekken 6

The holiday season means one thing: family. Fortunately Namco Bandai has provided a great coping mechanism. No, not eggnog. With the release of Dragon Ball Revenge of KIng Piccolo and Tekken 6, we've got fighting, fighting, and more fighting!  

Dante's Inferno

Ah, Dante’s Divine Comedy. As a trained Classicist, albeit a Hellenist, I do know Latin Epic poetry.  And Dante’s allegorically Christian reworking of Latin Epic in the Tuscan dialect is as familiar as the grooves of my tsuka. For better or worse, however, Dante’s Inferno: An Animated Epic isn’t quite the faithful adaptation. Instead of recounting Dante’s spiritual crisis in the 14^th century, in which Vergil ultimately aids him through an illuminated necromancy, this epic is all blood and mayhem.

Squid Girl

If you’re up for a little “green” vengeance, and have a taste for ika, then Squid Girl might just be the anime for you. Long story short, don’t pollute or ink and tentacles are coming for you!  Check her out. She’s streaming on CRUNCHYROLL. Here’s the PR.

Kenichi

Now, tougher and more skilled, Kenichi's troubles aren’t over. The word is, he can fight. And the goons in Ragnarok can’t wait to get a piece of him. Whether it be kung fu, jiu-jitsu, or even muay thai, he’ll have to train even harder. And that’s not too difficult when you’re trying to impress a hottie that can kick your ass!

Ultimo

Here are few new titles to keep a critical eye open for.  

Soul Eater

At the Grim Reaper’s Death Weapon Meister Academy, students learn the fine art of combating the supernatural forces of evil. And much like the Jedi, these otherworldly warriors travel in pairs: one meister, one weapon. That’s right, one member of this team actually transforms into a deadly tool, and together they’re an unstoppable force. Maka is one of the Academy’s best. Along with Soul, who turns into a slashing scythe, they have one goal in mind: extract the evil souls of ninety-nine humans and one witch in order to turn Soul into a Death Scythe, the ultimate weapon. And with witches, werewolves, and zombies a foot, battles are waiting! Oh, and let’s not forget, this is a school. Hijinks are also lurking behind every book.

Bamboo Blade

Toraji is a slightly dusty Kendo instructor in need of a tournament win. His part-time teaching gig barely satisfies his landlord, let alone his belly. Enter Tamaki. This pint-sized girl is an unwitting master of the bamboo sword. With her skill Toraji is guaranteed both instant success and a decent meal! But there’s just one problem. Tamaki would rather watch anime than join his all-girl squad. Can he convince her, and simultaneously redeem himself?

Vandal Hearts

Vandal Hearts: Flames of Judgment is Konami’s long awaited upgrade to its popular tactical RPG series. Available for Xbox Live® Arcade and PlayStation Network, the story is actually a prequel to the original Vandal Hearts game. Now, as two rival kingdoms position themselves for war, the orphan Tobias Martin, in a bid to defend his homeland, unites his comrades to fight for peace.  But, of course, all is not what it seems! 

Anime Expo Los Angeles and the new - maybe even controversial - MAX event are coming soon. This should be an interesting July.