Plot Summary:
Shinozaki Mikoto is a student who’s life is really routine. Going to school, going home, going to school, going home…nothing changes….until the day the girl he likes talks to him and introduces him to bicycling. His life now has a new meaning, and a bright path has shown itself to Shinozaki. Experiencing both failure and success throughout his training, he works hard to become the best cyclist in the world.

Company:
Xebec

Cast:
Kaori Nazuka as Yuki Fukazawa
Kenji Nojima as Kouichi Terao
Kishô Taniyama as Takeshi Yamato

Genre:
Comedy, Romance, Sports

Air Time:
Overdrive aired from April 03, 2007 – September 25, 2007

Episodes:
Overdrive is a 26 episode long series with a possible second season.

Review:

When I started watching Overdrive I wasn’t really too sure what to expect. I figured it would be a the Intial D but on bikes, what I got however was completely different.

Overdrive is a pretty average looking anime. The character design for the main characters is solid and the core characters all have their own individual and unique looks. The other characters, are somewhat bland looking and can be confused. Where Overdrive shines are the “fighting” sequences during races. The art style and animation really portray a strong sense of action and emotion.

Overdrive’s plot is fairly simple but in my opinion quite charming (but maybe a bit corny.) The plot is a typical underdog story, but it does it well due to likeable characters. Overdrive hasn’t been fully subbed into english at the time of this episode (damn you Toki-Fansubs), but it looks promising. The anime is split essentially into two sections, Shinozaki learning to ride and Shinozaki’s first race. While the first half is fairly slow, the second half’s drama definitely makes up for it. The race has so many twists and exciting moments that waiting for the next episode is almost impossible.

The characters of Overdrive are probably the highlights. A lot of time is spent in Overdrive with flashbacks of the different characters which makes them all more likeable. The characters are probably the best part of Overdrive. Each character has their own unique qualities and give you a reason to cheer them on.

The music in Overdrive is above average. The Opening and Ending themes are both good, and help create the energy in Overdrive. The sounds in Overdrive are another highlight. Specifically during the race the sound of the crowds, the riders and the weather make the experience seem real. The voice actors are all good, although Kenji Nojima can be a little annoying at times.

I personally enjoyed Overdrive and found it fresh and fun. The fact that it’s based on bicycle road racing, which is a fairly unused idea for an anime, helps keep the anime interesting. Overdrive delivers a unique glorified view of biking and makes it seem so much more exciting. After watching the some of the race episodes I actually borrowed a bike and went out riding. Overdrive is definitely a hit and miss anime, but if you can get past the corny moments you’ll find an exhilarating experience and a reason to break out your bike and go ride somewhere.

Final Rating: 4/5

This review was brought to you by Ondema!

Credits:

• Anime News Network (ANN)
• Wikipedia

Plot Summary:
In Tokyo, an impenetrable field known as “Hell’s Gate” appeared ten years ago. At the same time, psychics who wield paranormal powers at the cost of their conscience also emerged. Hei is one of the most powerful of these psychic agents, and along with his blind associate, Yin, works for one of the many rival agencies vying to unlock the mysteries of Hell’s Gate.

Company:
BONES

Cast:
Hidenobu Kiuchi as Hei
Ikuya Sawaki as Mao
Masaru Ikeda as Huang
Misato Fukuen as Yin

Genre:
Drama, Mystery, Science Fiction, Supernatural

Air Time:
Darker Than BLACK aired from April 05, 2007 – September 27, 2007

Episodes:
Darker Than BLACK is a 25 episode long series. There is also an OVA which has yet to be released at the time of this review.

Review:

I started watching Darker Than BLACK with high hopes, coming from BONES who has made some amazing anime in the past (Full Metal Alchemist!) I found Darker Than Black to be an enjoyable experience but it didn’t live up to my high expectations.

Darker Than BLACK boasts crisp, detailed visuals. The backgrounds are are dark and grungy and they give character to Tokyo, where the anime takes place. The character designs are simple but effective, everyone is distinguishable and has their own unique characteristics and physique. The action scenes between Contractors are animated excellently and are extremely fluid. Overall, I would say that Darker than BLACK is probably one of the best looking animes this year.

The story of Darker Than BLACK starts off fairly slow. Most of the anime is made up of “missions” which are usually 1-3 episodes long. These missions help build characters and explain the backstory behind the world of Darker Than BLACK and the beings known as contractors. Eventually an actual plot develops but it feels somewhat confused. Darker Than BLACK skips a lot of details and doesn’t explain stuff as well as it could have, which is unfortunate. The world of Darker Than BLACK is an amazing one, and it feels like it has a lot to offer. The ending is also very vague, but hopefully it will be cleared up with the upcoming OVA.

The music in Darker Than BLACK is above average. On the whole though, the anime is fairly quiet. The action scenes sound great considering all the explosions and powers flying across the screen. The characters are all well cast and their voice actors do a good job.

Darker Than BLACK was an interesting anime for me. I had high hopes at the start and I felt that it kind of went downhill during the middle episodes, but made up for it at the end. The action in Darker Than BLACK is probably the main reason for watching it, the Contractors all have pretty unique powers which allow for super-epic fight scenes.

Ultimately, I enjoyed Darker Than BLACK for the great production quality and the unique action. I had hoped for the story to be a little better, but it’s still good. If you’re looking for something with action that’s new and a little different definitely give Darker Than BLACK a try.

Final Rating: 3.5/5

This review was brought to you by Ondema!

Credits:

• Anime News Network (ANN)
• Wikipedia

Plot Summary:
In their closed-off underground village, Kamina and Simon chafe at the limits imposed by the village elder. Yet all this will change, when Simon stumbles across a fantastic device – just as the village’s peace is broken by a violent intrusion.

Company:
GAINAX

Cast:
Katsuyuki Konishi as Kamina
Marina Inoue as Yoko
Tetsuya Kakihara as Simon

Genre:
Adventure, Comedy, Science-Fiction, Drama, Mecha

Air Time:
Gurren-Lagann aired from April 01, 2007 – September 30, 2007

Episodes:
Gurren Lagann is a 27 episode long series. There are also two “bonus” episodes, the uncensored version of episode 6 and episode 5.5.

Review:
The creators of the legendary Evangelion return again with a new mecha anime, Gurren Lagann. Does it make the cut?

Simply put, Gurren Lagann’s art is unique. The anime is full of explosions, gunfire and lasers which are spectacularly rendered and drawn. Gurren Lagann has a very crisp look to it which is enhanced by awesome use of simple colours.The characters and mecha are drawn simply, but effectively. Combined with breathtaking backgrounds and animation make Gurren Lagann a different and refreshing visual experience.

The Gurren Lagann story is one of my favourites. The anime consists of several arcs which are seperated by time lapses. The use of arcs within a 27 episode series is a fairly ambitious idea and it works perfectly in Gurren Lagann. The story stays fresh and the action is always exciting.

The characters in Gurren Lagann are all equally unforgettable and you will grow fond of each and everyone of the massive cast. Specifically though, Kamina is made one of the most badass characters ever seen in an anime. The characters also age and subtly change their personalities as the anime progresses, making them seem more human.

The music in Gurren Lagann is also unique with several hip-hop and rock songs being used. The characters sound amazing, and they deliver some of the greatest lines in anime history (most of them being said by Katsuyuki Konishi.) The music, sound effects and dialogue work together perfectly and create heart-pounding action scenes.

Gurren Lagann is hilarious and all the while managing to produce some of the craziest retro-mecha action I’ve ever scene. At times I have finished an episode and found myself out of breath. Don’t start watching Gurren Lagann expecting “Evangelion 2″, because it’s far from it. Gurren Lagann delivers an oldschool Super Robot action experience in a modern format (GATTAI!) The story and characters are fantastic and each episode leaves you needing more. Once again Gainax have made a mecha masterpiece, completely different from Evangelion, but just as amazing.

This was probably my favourite anime of 2007 and I strongly advise this to anyone looking for something fresh and fun.

Final Rating: 5/5

This review was brought to you by Ondema!

Credits:

• Anime News Network (ANN)
  
• Wikipedia

Plot Summary:
In a world rife with deadly creatures called “Youma”, a young silver eyed woman, Clare, works on behalf of an organization that trains female youma half-breeds into warriors with the ability to destroy these creatures. Considered a rogue for picking up a stray child & almost losing herself to her youma side by “Awakening”, she is constantly assigned rather dangerous missions…

Company:
Madhouse Studios

Cast:
Houko Kuwashima as Clare
Motoki Takagi as Raki
Romi Paku as Teresa
Aya Hisakawa as Priscilla

Genre:
Fantasy, Adventure, Medieval

Air Time:
Claymore aired from April 03, 2007 – September 25, 2007

DVD Availability:
Avex Trax has released the first 15 episodes on DVD and is releasing them in DVD compilations of 3 episodes each along with Limited Edition packages as well. Claymore will be fully released on DVD on March 26, 2008.

Episodes:
Claymore is a 26 episode long series, with possibility for a sequel.

Review:
Graphically, Claymore is above average. Backgrounds are carefully painted and there’s no shortage of blood during gore scenes.

Each of the Claymores are all drawn uniquely with subtle features which set them apart despite them all carrying near identical traits. The creative design on the fodder Youma is fairly bland but the uniqueness of the Awakened Ones compensates for it.

Claymore provided a compelling story which was perhaps the main driving force of my continued watching. The first few episodes have such a perfect pace of story progression which was lost towards the end as they begin to try and stretch events.

Character development is fairly well done. Certain characters are addressed more or less than others. That said, they did everything right in the development of Teresa. The couple episodes which she stars in are some of my favourite.

The score in Claymore fits the mood well, the Ending Theme in particular is incredible. On the most part the music fits the mood well, it has ups and downs but is generally solid. The sounds of the fights are visceral and gritty, whether it be the clangs of swords, the spatter of blood or the rippling of muscles. Voice actors play their part well, and once again with Romi Paku’s voicing of Teresa being my favourite. Not much criticism here, basically Claymore sounds awesome.

Claymore like most anime began with a bang. Delivering both gory hack n’ slash and compelling story, much like Berserk, the first 12 or so episodes were phenomenal. As the series continued, however, it slowly went downhill. Fight scenes became less detailed and almost DBZ-esque with long monologues and power-up scenes and the story progression grinds to a halt. Don’t get me wrong though, Claymore does deliver, and unfortunately like most anime the first half of it is significantly better than the second.

On a final note, Claymore contains both good and bad aspects. If you’re a fan of crazy gore involving demons, petit blond-haired girls and big swords then Claymore in the anime for you, and you might even get a fairly epic story thrown in to boot. Ultimately Claymore does shine and gives fans of medieval adventure anime something to sink their teeth into while the wait futilely for the rest of the Berserk manga to be adapted into anime.

Final Rating: 4/5

This review was brought to you by Ondema!

Credits:

• Anime News Network (ANN)
• Wikipedia
• Avex Trax