Alanna Stardust
Video Game Reviewer

Anime(s): Kiddy Grade

Why? : A perfect blend of action, comedy, psychology, death/rebirth, loyalty, betrayal, whatever you want, it’s here. Quite possibly the best new anime of 2004 with a stellar English voice acting cast (more karma for Funimation). Another anime that proves girls can kick butt in style. With a plot that only gets more twisted as the 24 episode series progresses, it’ll leave your head spinning (in a good way!)

Pick #2: Fruits Basket

Why? : Don’t let the name fool you, Fruits Basket is pure magic. This anime is so side-splitting, you’ll want to watch it over and over, and then show your friends. With the ever charismatic and temper-mental Sohma family cursed to be turned into Zodiac animals when hugged by the opposite sex, how could you NOT want to watch it? Funimation scores again, with a dubbing that is actually head and shoulders above the subtitled version (a very very rare thing), for once you won’t have to read your anime! Yes, you heard me, leave the English dialogue ON! The full 26 episode box set has just been released, go get it now!!!

Manga: Naruto

Why? : A captivating story that never slows down and always leaves you wanting more. Naruto has gained HUGE success in Japan AND America , there’s something for everyone here. With a huge cast of ninjas all special and unique in their own way, you’ll laugh and cry along side your favorites. Contains a lot of feel good messages about overcoming the odds and slashing your way to respect...only to be cancelled out by a certain sensei’s reading of dirty books (you know you love it). Hilarity ensues, and it’s terribly addicting, which is why I adore it.

Video Game: Paper Mario 2: The Thousand Year Door

Why? : Despite it’s cartoon-y look, the original Paper Mario had a cult following for years. Now that the sequel has been released, it’s even bigger and better than last time. New moves, new friends, and that old paper feel. Don’t be shied away by the way it looks, it’s one of the best RPGs of the year, and one of the very few Nintendo has to offer. There’s so much humor sprinkled throughout it (much like Mario and Luigi: SuperStar Saga for the GBA) and it’s just a bundle of fun!

Jim and Rhonda Lancaster
Manga and Anime Reviewers

Rhonda’s Holiday Picks

Anime: Witch Hunter Robin Box Set

The irresistible storyline of love, friendship, faith in each other, and questionable betrayal makes this anime a must-have and a must watch again and again. The cast of characters will suck you into their world within the first episode and the tidbits of the overall storyline doled out in tiny increments throughout the series will keep you watching. Seeing the world through the eyes of the strong, yet silent, heroine Robin Sena will bring out the inner Goth-girl in you. Plus, a fabulous English dub makes this easily accessible.

Manga: Ray I

Where better to get addicted to a manga than the beginning of a new series? The intrigue surrounding the mysterious Ray begins with page one and continues as each story shows the hidden powers of this nurse. Raised on a body farm, her eyes were a gift that gives her X-ray vision, which she uses to diagnose medical problems and to perform the quickest surgeries imaginable. A chance encounter with an old friend near the end of the first volume unleashes repressed memories that will force her to revisit her origins and wage war against the farm where her life began.

Music: Puffy AmiYumi-Nice

Hey, they’ve got their own show on Cartoon Network! Of course, the characters on Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi Show hardly resemble these lovable J-Pop singers, but you can sample their music. The best part is they’ll keep your holiday spirits flying high all year with fun tunes like Planet Tokyo and, of course, the theme song to Teen Titans.

Game: Dance Dance Revolution

Need a cure for the couch potato syndrome? Need to burn a few of those holiday pounds? Any of the games in the DDR series are the perfect reason to get up and shake it. You’ll be sweating off those party-food pounds in no time. Plus, the tunes are cool. This game provides four playing modes for players of different ability and continual customization so you’ll never get bored. If you want to get serious about losing weight, there’s even a calorie counting mode that keeps track of when and how long you danced.

Jim’s Holiday Picks

Anime:  R.O.D.-Read or Die

The Manga DVD release of the original Read or Die OVAs is a can’t-miss gift!  You get a complete story on one disc told with style and energy.  It has amazing action, books, innovative ideas, cute girls, books, evil geniuses, books, spies, and loads of mad science. Did I forget to mention books? On top of all that, R.O.D. has a great English dub, making this a cool choice for a new fan or an old-timer.

Manga:  Hellsing

The Hellsing manga, from Dark Horse Comics, has everything an action fan could hope for.  This series features lush, detailed art by Kohta Hirano and an excellent story, well translated by Duane Johnson.  The vampire Alucard and the rest of the Hellsing organization get into loads of over-the-top undead action.  There is a bit of humor to balance out the blood and gore, and Alucard is a vampire with style and wit.  Vampires, big guns, and non-stop action. What more could anyone hope to find in their stocking?

Music:  Lupin the Third-Sideburn Club Mix

All the kids today are into retro, kitschy, cool stuff.  Well, at least the hippest, grooviest kids are.  That is why Pioneer/Geneon’s Lupin the Third: Sideburn Club Mix is a great gift for all the coolest cats you know.  This CD features 13 remixed dance club versions of Lupin’s already cool theme music.  Whether your loved ones have been naughty or nice, they deserve a chance to get into Lupin’s groove.

Game:  Godzilla:  Save the Earth

Give the gift of rampaging destruction!  In the PS2 game Godzilla:  Save the Earth you can choose from18 different kaiju, and go on the rampage of your dreams.  Level cities, smash helicopters, breathe fire, and punch other monsters in the face-now that’s fun!  The simple pick-up-and-go game play makes this a great game for everyone that has ever dreamed of tromping through Tokyo after a hard day at the office.  For the devoted monster fan, the huge cast is a dream come true.  (You can even play as Jet Jaguar.)  Monster-iffic, stomp-tacular fun for the whole family!

Travis McFarland
Video game Reviewer

#1 - Jak 3 (PS2)

The best platforming game of the year, period. No other games exhibits the humor, style or sheer fun the Jak 3 has. All the features from Jak 2 have received a notable upgrade; weapons are more interesting, the vehicles are tighter and just a blast, and the jokes are nonstop and double-over-in-pain funny. There are some exchanges between Daxter and Pecker (the flying monkey thing) that are true comedic gold. Wrap all this around a free-form, take your time world with a ton of stuff to collect and you've got yourself a real winner. Jak 3 represent the culmination of a truly underrated franchise of games.

#2 - Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne (PS2)

The American shores have finally received a MegaTen game worth talking about, and boy does it deliver! The story is a mix of bizarre flashbacks and deep theological topics, yet it's all fascinating and original. The biggest pull however is the ability to recruit monsters and demons to fight on your side. Bribing, coaxing and sometimes treating demons is a mini-game unto itself! Being able to combine two monsters and create newer, more powerful versions is plus as well. With six different endings, extra dungeons, cut scenes and an extremely challenging hard mode, you may just forgot about that cardigan sweater Aunt Hilda got you.

#3 - Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean (GameCube)

Probably one of the few shining gems on the Gamecube this year, Baten Kaitos is a strong RPG with excellent character development and some truly beautiful graphics. The real shining star however is the unique card based battle system. I'm a sucker for collecting items in games and with over 1,000 cards to collect and use in your perfect deck, expect to spend quite a bit of time trying to trap the essence of milk on a Magnus card.

#4 - Fable (Xbox)

I've come to the conclusion that no matter how hard I try, I am destined to become a horned demon of vile malevolence. Fable gives you the chance to truly choose the path of good and evil, and as fresh and exciting as it is, I always end up evil. Not that it's Fable's fault. Combat is fast and satisfying with some excellent magic attacks added in. There are a ton of ways to pass the time, from simple mini-games to customizing your character with clothes, tattoos and hairstyles. With graphics that surpass most everything released on the Xbox so far, you'd think I would want to see some of the shining goodness of the light path; but no, I'm apparently content with wandering through the infernal and wicked path of evil. So pick up Fable and try to be a good guy to prove me wrong! Then when you're done with that, steal some items from a shop, rob a few traveling merchants, beat up that snotty little kid who won't stop following you around and come join me on the dark side.

Yup! It’s that time of the year again.  I’m talking about the time where you can nag, beg, and plead just about anyone for those j-rock albums you couldn’t get during the year. You won’t be blamed for being annoying or get into trouble since everyone else is doing it.  The best thing is you’ll most likely find it under the Christmas tree when that day comes along.

Anyway, it’s been another good j-rock year even without new album releases from Gackt (compilations aren’t considered new albums in my book) and Dir en grey.  I’ve checked out quite a few albums this year.  There are a few that I haven’t had the chance to get grab a hold of like Psycho Le Cemu’s recent album, “Beautiful World” or Asian Kung-fu Generation’s “Sol-fa”.  I am looking forward to those on my personal wish list. Anyway, without further delay, here are my Christmas recommendations:

#4: Pierrot –Freeze

Release Date: December 1, 2004

Company: Universal Music Japan

After a year and half, Pierrot finally releases their heavily anticipated fifth album titled “Freeze”.   Just recently released, I’ve been fortunate to get my hands on it.  Although it’s a fairly short album, it leaves you no room to fall asleep.  You’ll find eleven hard-hitting, pulse-pounding tracks to rock to.  The album singles alone, “Smiley Skeleton” and “My Cloud”, make the album worth owning. “Performance” and “Window” are two other great tracks to check out. Despite some flaws “Freeze” may have, it’s a “short and sweet” album that you’ll want to get your hands on especially those hard-core Pierrot fans.

#3: L’arc~en~ciel – Smile

Release Date:  March 31, 2004

Japan Version: Ki/oon Records, Inc.

US Version: Tofu Records

After taking a two-year hiatus, the guys got back together to give their eager fans brand-spanking new album.  “Smile”, which was released in March of this year, marked the return of Hyde, Testu, Ken, and Yukihiro as L’arc~en~ciel. Although the album was a switch from the usual laruku style, it was quite a refreshing album.  First of all you’ve got the happy-sounding, pop-rock numbers like “Lover Boy” and “Feeling Fine”.  Believe me, you’ll be bouncing to them in no time.  Then, there are the slower, heart-warming tracks like “Eien” (my personal favorite) and “Hitomi no Jyunin”.  If you like something darker, look no further than “Coming Closer”.  “Smile” leaves something for everyone to enjoy.  It’s definitely a must-have on anybody’s list.

#2: Plastic Tree – Cell

Release Date: August 5, 2004

Company: Universal Music Japan

“Cell” is Plastic Tree’s sixth album.  I consider it the sleeper hit of the year thus far.  It’s a superb album that’s been heavily overlooked.  It’s got a mixture of heavy and slow rock songs.  The title track is the best opener that’s I’ve heard in any j-rock album this year.  It’s grabs your attention right away and does it’s job of leading you into the album perfectly. “Melancholic” is considered my favorite track, it’s just a great second track to “Cell”.  “Yuki Hotaru” has to be the best single track on the album.  “Cell” is well worth a listen. 

#1: (Yes, I know…. I couldn’t pick just one for the number one spot!)

Kiyoharu – Poetry

Release Date: April 7, 2004

Company: Universal Japan

Kiyoharu (former vocalist of SADS) released his first solo album this year.  I must admit that this was a very impressive album.  Although this album is of acquired taste, I wouldn’t think twice of recommending it.  If you’ve been looking for an album with classic rock or jazz influenced styled songs, look no further than “Poetry”.  This is a great album to listen to while lounging around in your room and relaxing.  You’ve got a mixture of slow rock numbers like “Melancholy” to more upbeat songs like “Perfume”, pretty much a song for every kind of mood.  Did I mention that j-rock idols Ken (guitarist of L’arc~en~ciel) and Sugizo make an appearance on the album?  Anyway, “Poetry” is one of those albums that everyone should have in their collection. It’s one of those albums that will be considered a classic later down in the road. If you don’t own it, I suggest you beg for it right away!

Fake? – The Art of Losing Touch

Release Date: June 23, 2004

Company: Tokuma Japan Communications

Ken Lloyd and Inoran do it once again with “The Art of Losing Touch”.  With all the discussions about bands going downhill after their first or second albums, I’m not surprised that anyone hasn’t said that about this band. I must say that Fake? is coming out with the same rock goodness that I’ve always expected from them.  This album incorporates everything I love about rock in one album.  There are the happy, pop-rock numbers that you can bounce to in the car such as “Praise” and “Candy”.  “Escape from the Audio Mess” and “Pristine” that I could imagine moshing to at their concert.  Don’t forget “Redemption” and “Drip”, they’ll leave a lasting impression on you.  If you know a j-rock listener without “The Art of Losing Touch”, make sure they have copy of it. It’s not to miss!  (Be sure to read my review of it.)

Maria Lujuria
Hentai Reviewer 

The Red Satin & Lace Stocking:

A Holiday Guide for the more Mature Audiences

Since there is Anime made for pretty much everyone within a general population, it is only natural that artists and writers would tap into the inner works of the human psyche. Thus, we have films and series devoted to adults and mature audiences only. After all, we adults deserve to have some fun ourselves. As a fan almost strictly devoted to adult titles, I would like to provide a list for the fans who would perhaps like to try out “Hentai” for either the first time (absolutely must be 18 or 21 years old please) or refine their collection to a broader range of titles. I would like to point out that hentai is not just erotica but also Anime that contains subject matter beyond the limits of the mainstream.

Though many titles are worthy, the following is the top 4 of the best of the best at the present time. This includes quality aspects of story, artwork, design, and overall experience. This year, some titles really made some eyes pop open and see titles that people never thought would be licensed. With that in mind, next year looks quite interesting to see.

4. Cool Devices

This anthology of erotic shorts covers everything from BDSM to incest to transgenders. This is due to the fact that this series was a first for many mainstream anime artists and writers to experiment in adult themes. Now tame in comparison to recent titles, this still entertaining little box set has something for everyone; not too dull and not too shocking. Recently out of print, Right Stuf International has just relicensed this title for its anniversary.

3. Lingerie Office

An often overlooked title, Lingerie Office is perfect erotica for everyone. It has quality animation, very interesting camera angles, very beautiful women, and some actual consensual sex that is fun and enjoyable to watch. And all of this takes place in a lingerie company nonetheless. Very recommended.  

2. Bible Black

A series that has a huge fan following in Japan and the U.S. , Bible Black has attractive characters (both men and women), delicious hardcore graphic sex, and an actual interesting storyline. Surprisingly has little violence, but watch out for lots of red (and white). The complete first series and prequel are available now. The 2^nd series is currently out in Japan , but should find its way here soon. Very, very recommended.

1. Urotsukidoji

Looking for excellent story, graphic sex, philosophy, and plenty of destruction and gore all in one brilliant package? Check out the original four Urotsukidoji films. An indulgence of sinful delights fills this title in some mind and stomach twist-turning story plots. Not for the faint of heart or the squeamish, this title will definitely make viewers feel entertained and very fortunate for what they have; even for those family members who give us more than we can handle. Very, very, very recommended.

Lynn J.
Video Game Reviewer

1. Katamari Damacy - Quite possibly the greatest game ever made.  Really.  Be a ball rolling freak for the King of All Cosmos and restore the stars to the sky!  BUY IT SO THEY'LL BRING THE SEQUEL OVER HERE!  And it's only $20!  What more could you ask for?  BUY IT!

2. The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay - If you’re low on cash then pick this one up at Best Buy for $15.  Simply stunning graphics and a better story then the one in the movie make this one a must-buy for Xbox owners.

3. Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War - I love airplanes and I love blowing stuff up.  I love this game too!  Bring some Christmas cheer into the house as you dogfight the evil Yuktobanian forces!  Great graphics and an overly soapy story will surely keep you from strangling Grandma over that ugly sweater she made you!

4. Call of Duty: Finest Hour - I love war games and let's just face it; who wouldn't want to take off a little holiday stress by blowing away a Nazi?  Play from the point of view of a Briton, Russian or a Yank as you knock off countless Nazis and help bring WWII to an end.

Jane D.
Manga Reviewer

Hikaru no Go

A sixth grade boy named Hikaru finds an old Go board game while cleaning the attic.  He accidentally awakens the spirit of Go master Fujiwara-no-Sai, who died centuries ago in ancient Japan. Though Hikaru has never played Go before, when Sai enters his consciousness and tells him what moves to make, he becomes an amazing player. This is a cute manga that charmingly chronicles the development of a young Go player who began with no interest for the game. Anyone who has ever wanted to succeed at something will see here how the challenge of competition in the form of youth Go tournaments can inspire people to want to try their best. Young readers will especially enjoy Hikaru inadvertently causing mischief, like when he blurts out the right move during two other kids' game in a tournament. This manga is a fun read and a nice way to introduce someone to one of the oldest games in the world that is a very large part of modern Japanese culture.


Yu-Gi-Oh

One of the most popular anime series and collectible card games ever first started as a manga. Young Yugi loves to solve puzzles. For eight years he has worked to complete the "cursed" Millennium puzzle. When he finally solves it, he becomes a guardian of right, who through the use of Shadow Games, gives evil people their just desserts. I recommend this manga to people who have been bullied and want to see how things can be made right again through the use of fantastical power. I also recommend it to those who want to see how you turn someone who originally did not like you into a friend, as happened between Jonouchi and Yugi. This book is also an excellent choice because of its extras. Cute games like matching Yugi's face to the one correct version of it out of a bunch of different ones; finding the changes between two different panels; and a large Millennium maze that you need to find your way out of will keep them entertained in addition to the story. Overall, the plot provides another welcome incarnation of the famous Yu-Gi-Oh storyline found in the anime.

Ranma

A teenage boy named Ranma goes on a martial arts training session with his father in China where they both fall into separate cursed springs. Afterwards, each time they are doused with cold water, Ranma gets turned into a girl and his father gets turned into a panda! Things get even more complicated for Ranma when they go back to Japan and he is told fellow student Akane Tendo is now his fiancé. Hilarity ensues as he is accidentally splashed with water time and time again. The Ranma series is one of the most famous in Japan and the slapstick humor is one of its biggest plusses. The characters are on the zany side like Kuno, who has an unstoppable crush on Ranma in female form and opponent Ryoga, who has absolutely no sense of direction. If you are looking for a manga that will make you laugh, this creative and original first volume will give you what you need. 

Rurouni Kenshin

Himura Kenshin was an assassin in the final, frantic days of the Bakumatsu in Japan in the 19th century. After the new Meiji government comes into power, he vows never to kill again, and exchanges his sword for a sakabato, one with the blade on the back and the dull portion in front. He is invited to stay with Kaoru Kamiya, owner of a dojo, and looks to live the rest of his life in peace. The story gets interesting when various opponents challenge his oath to himself and the well-detailed sword fighting and action sequences that come out as a result make this manga very memorable.  It is also a funny read as Kenshin, a humble guy despite his massive strength and skills with the sword, allows himself to be pummeled and yelled at by Kaoru when he displeases her. History buffs will like that key events in 19th century Japan are referenced here, and that certain characters like Kenshin himself, were based on actual historical figures.  This is the manga to pick up if you want drama and humor together in one series.

Andrew Garner
Anime Reviewer

Listed below are my recommendations for what anime on DVD should be underneath every otaku's Christmas tree:

Azumanga Daioh

There are many comedy-themed anime out there, but none of them can make you laugh until it hurts like Azumanga Daioh. This series will make you cry as you laugh at its wackiness. Every DVD volume has gotten the biggest belly laughs out of me, and if it doesn't do the same to you, then there's something seriously wrong with your funny bone. Azumanga Daioh has become an instant success with anime fans, and it will do the same for anyone else. So if you have that certain someone who likes rolling around on the floor, laughing his or her butt off next to chestnuts roasting on a fire, Azumanga Daioh is the choice for you!

Neon Genesis Evangelion - Platinum Edition

Neon Genesis Evangelion is arguably one of the greatest anime to be made, and, no DVD collection is complete without it. Recently ADV re-released this series revised and digitally remastered with new cast and crew commentary that should make any hardcore Eva fan happy. These new additions and more will be sure to keep that special Eva fan watching his or her favorite anime while being home for the holidays. If you act fast, you can get the copy with the limited edition collector's slipcover in an exciting metallic finish. Get Evangelion - Platinum Edition for your fellow anime friend so you can watch their eyes light up with joy.

Ghost In The Shell 2: Innocence

The sequel to an anime movie which is considerd a classic among fans, GitS 2: Innocence has arrived on DVD just in time for the holidays. This movie has quickly become a hit, even though it was only shown in select theaters. Fans and movie reviewers alike greatly enjoyed GitS 2, and so will your anime friend or family member. As a stocking stuffer or a present, either way that person will yell "Woohoo!" so loud even Santa himself will hear it. Remember, nothing says "Merry Christmas" like an awesome anime movie, perfect for that special otaku in your life.

Zeta Gundam DVD Box Set

If your friend or family member loves mech anime, especially Gundam mechs, then this DVD box set is a perfect present. Contained inside is the entire Zeta Gundam series, complete with a forty-eight page booklet and poster. Your mech obsessed fan will love this set so much, he or she will probably write you a "thank you" card using pencils sharpened by the the Zeta Gundam pencil sharpener. This DVD box set has been on many fans' wish lists for a long time, so it makes a wonderful gift this Christmas. 

ON TO THE SENIOR STAFF AND GUEST PICKS!