The Anime Beat: Reviews

Birdy The Mighty: Decode Season 1

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Birdy The Mighty
Birdy The Mighty

As an agent of the Federation charged with hunting down interplanetary criminals, Birdy Cephon Altera finds herself stuck on Earth. But during the usual nighttime scuffle, she accidently kills Tsutomo Senkawa, a local high school boy. Desperate to keep him alive, Birdy inserts his consciousness into her own body. Until his human flesh can be repaired, the two must now share the same limbs, hunt otherworldly villains, and make sure Tsutomo still appears to have a normal teenage existence!   

Eden of the East

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Eden of the East
Eden of the East

 

On November 22, 2010 ten missiles strike uninhabited portions of Tokyo. The event has been dubbed “Careless Monday.” Three months later, during a trip to Washington D.C., Saki Morimi meets Akira Takizawa and all hell breaks loose! He has no memory, he’s naked, and he’s only carrying a gun and a cell phone. Thrown together by fate, the two help each other return to Japan only to find themselves caught in the quicksand of political intrigue.  

Princess Jellyfish

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Princess Jellyfish
Princess Jellyfish

 

Tsukimi Kurashita’s obsession with jellyfish began at an aquarium. Upon hearing her mother describe their filaments as the lacy frills of a princess’ dress, they soon became not only a signifier of beauty, but also solitude. This obsession led her down the path of the introvert; it was all she could think about or draw as a kid. And now, living in Tokyo and trying to make it as an illustrator, our awkward heroine has found comfort in a group of otaku girls. But when a stylish, Tokyo chick befriends her, all hell breaks loose! Oh, and there’s just one other problem, this chick is a dude!

Hetalia: Axis Powers, Season 1

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Hetalia
Hetalia

 

Adapted from the webcomic of Hidekaz Himaruya, World War II Europe never looked so…cute??? No, there are no geographical boarders, or armies, or even the dogs of war. Instead, countries such as Italy, France, England, Japan, Germany, and America appear as personified characters.  And the politics and conflicts of the 40’s are revised through the lens of comedy and innuendo.  

Corpse Princess Part 1

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Corpse Princess
Corpse Princess

 

Surprisingly, when Makina Hoshimura was murdered she didn’t actually die. Stuck on earth as a living corpse, she’s now one of the shikabane hime charged with hunting down the evil undead. Armed with two submachine guns and the help of a secret society of Buddhist monks, Makina must kill 108 undead souls in order to gain entry into heaven. 

Master of the Martial Hearts

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Martial Hearts
Martial Hearts

 

Aya Iseshima seems to be your typical Japanese schoolgirl. She has all the standard accoutrements: beauty, humor, good friends, and a great mom. However, Aya is also a martial arts master. After using her skills to save an innocent life, she finds herself forced into an underground tournament called The Master of the Martial Hearts.  

Nana Uncut Box Set 3

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Nana 3
Nana 3

 

The anime adaptation of Ai Yazawa’s manga continues to pluck the dramatic notes of love, youth, and the J-Pop rock scene in Tokyo. However, the two girls that previously met on a Tokyo-bound train, both called Nana, have moved beyond the newfangled thrills of electric Shinjuku, wired Akihabara, and the beats of Roppongi. For better or worse, relationships and the gravity of time begin to weigh on our girls having fun in the city. Nana K. has miraculously landed a “thing” with dreamy Takumi, the genius behind the music of the influential band Trapnest. And Nana O. has rekindled her “thing” with Trapnest’s legendary guitarist Ren. Yes, things seem perfect. Fantasies are coming true. But when Nana O’s band Blast nabs a record deal, and her guitarist Nobu makes a play for Nana K., the exhilaration of youth collides with the ancient wall of biology and culture. No matter how cutting edge you think you are, bands of gold and accidental diapers unravel your “unique” life.

Maoh: Juvenile Remix 1

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Maoh
Maoh

 

Corrupt businessmen, profiteers, and criminals plague the ailing city of Nekota, the new target of modernization. But between the desires for a quick buck and techy shopping centers, an uncanny force is overtaking the streets: Grasshopper. This vigilante militia, led by Inukai, opposes all progress and claims to protect Nekota from this emerging wave of pillaging forces.  Nevertheless, for teenage Ando, something is not right about Inukai and Grasshopper. Using his ability to make others say what he’s thinking, he’s intent on uncovering Inukai’s true motive.

 

Initial D, Fourth Stage

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Initial D
Initial D

 

In the world of illegal street racing, Takumi is an expert in downhill courses, and his skills are only getting better. Upon joining the project D racing crew, who travel Japan challenging other teams and posting results online, Takumi’s reputation is growing. With each new course, new techniques are born, for Takumi believes he was born to race!

Naruto Shippuden 8

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Naruto 8
Naruto 8

 

With Gaara on the brink of death, only Naruto and Granny Chiyo can combine chakra in the hopes of performing the Reanimation Ninjutsu. Worse still, team Kakashi is missing, well, Kakashi! While he recovers from his use of the Mangekyo Sharingan, Naruto tries to recruit a new member from the village. Nevertheless, the chosen replacement is not necessarily a beloved friend!