Anime Synopses, Autumn Term 2000

Himiko-Den
A new series to the society, the plot centres on Himejima Himiko. Her real parents lived about a thousand years in the past and were custodians of a sacred flame. An evil empire attacks whilst a new queen / guardian is been chosen, interrupting the ritual and causing the six candidates to be dispersed throughout the land. Himiko would have been killed in the invasion if the evil general had not tried to burn her in the sacred flame. The vile act places her under protection of the flame and sends her forward to the present. Himiko's destiny recalls her back to her parents' time and brings along her schoolmate Kutani Masahiko.

Heaven Wars Shurato
This series kind of reminds me of power rangers, but don't let that distract you, I think it is a very good anime. The story appears to be based around Hindu and Buddhist mythology and incorporates a lot of religious imagery but not interpreted exactly.
Shurato and Gai have been best friends since childhood, doing everything together, including heavy-duty training. They are opponents at the final of a fighting contest when they are suddenly transported to another realm, Tenkuukai, the world of the gods. As they try to come to grips with being part of this world, they are enlisted to fight in the heavenly war opposing good and evil, which takes place every 10,000 years. They are helped by six other gifted fighters and the ruler of Tenkuukai, the goddess Vishnu.

Popolocrois
Remember the old adventure game "The Story of Popolocrois" for PlayStation? No? Well I don't blame you, but if you do then please tell us about it! The series has characters from the game, plus some new ones. This anime is really strange due to the fact that it could so very nearly not pass for anime (because of the style of animation), but I really like this. Worth watching because it has the best bad guy (the Wizard King Gami Gami) since DrRobotnik... The main character is Pietro, the prince of the Popolocrois Kingdom, who is born to both the dragon and human clans (don't ask). We follow his adventures with his friend Narcia, a witch, and Hyu, the last of the wind clan.

Master Keaton
Keaton Taichi Hiraga is an idealist whose dream was to dig up an ancient civilization by the Danube River. But after his marriage failed, he also lost faith in his vision. He joined the army but he couldn't give up his archaeological aspirations. So he became an "op" (operative) for an insurance company in order to finance his future private excavation of the secret civilization.

Episodes range from murder mystery to anti-terrorist activities with occasional archaeological / zoological or family interests.

Slayers Next
The greatest sorceress Lina Inverse and airhead sidekick Gourry Gabriel in their second series of adventures, with a host of other heroes in this hilariously funny series, jam-packed with action and laughs. Using her magic, she battles the forces of evil for fame, fortune, food... and has the most powerful spell in all black magic at her disposal - the Dragon Slave. You've got to see it to believe it.

Although it is the second outing for Lina and friends the series is self contained so you're not missing anything - even I haven't seen all of the first series.

Macross 7
This is a sequel to the popular Super Dimensional Fortress Macross set 35 years after its end, centring around Maximillian Jenius, and his wife Miria Fallina, Jenius' seventh daughter Mylene and the band Fire Bomber, namely Nekki Basara. For most of the series, Basara is stalked by the Flower Girl - she has no other name but is seen in almost every episode with flowers that she's constantly trying to give him, and only says "ah" and "ooh". Mylene is spunky and takes it upon herself to make Basara see that her way is the only way (and the best). But no one can make Basara see anything. This is our only mecha (robots etc) series but as well as full-on action be ready for some more... musical entertainment!

Suddenly Princess
Set in the world of Sorcerland, Princess Lapis is next in line to the throne and has been granted the use of the magical eraser, which surprising erases magic! Deciding that their daughter needed to grow up, her parents decide to send her away and make her travel all the way back with the aid of her bodyguard (who can't die), her tutor and her fairy friend. Unfortunately they send her to a far off land where monsters roam! Did I mention that she likes pudding?

Kareshi Kanojou no Jijou
Nicknamed Kare-Kano and translated into "His and Her Circumstances" this is an anime about growing up in a world where not everything is perfect. It centres around Miyazawa Yukino and Arima Souichirou, and their high school life. Yukino has/had an obsession with being #1 and adored by all of her peers. In reality she's lazy, has a quick temper, and most of the time her drive for being first motivates her to study. Arima comes from a much different background than Yukino's, and his motivations are pleasing his parents and trying to keep what he thinks are sleeping demons inside him asleep. One of the major themes of this show is becoming true to yourself, as Yukino and Arima slowly lose their perfect "public" faces and find what's truly them inside.

Villgust
A sword and sorcery affair which does not disappoint. This anime has the evil lord Gabadi pitting two teams of heroes against themselves in order to destroy them. This series tells the tale of eight chosen warriors who are destined to save the land of Villgust from the hands of evil. We are introduced to the first warriors, and wait for the inevitable trouble that arises as they meet with the other, unknown to them, chosen ones. It's even got a cat-girl in it!

Initial D
This anime is made in a style which although different works quite well. This is essentially a car racing anime but not specifically for those who like cars.The series concentrates on speed racers, teenagers who challenge each other on their local ground. When an obsolete Panda Trueno beats one of the best, he is out for revenge. Who is the mysterious driver and how can he drive so fast? Interestingly, computer graphics are used to design and animate the cars, which may look strange at first but makes for spectacular races. It reminds me of the playback modes of GranTurismo.

Mamotte Shugogetten
The story centres around Shichiri Tasuke, a schoolboy whose father is an explorer and archaeologist. One day, he sends Tasuke a strange ring he discovered in China. When Tasuke opens the package, a girl appears from within the ring. Her name is Shugogetten Shaorin and her destiny is to protect the person who releases her from the shitenrin (the ring). After being confined for 4,000 years, you can imagine how familiar she is with the modern world. She's more adept at causing chaos and trouble for Tasuke than protecting him! Shao's ability to call forth hoshigami (small spirits) wreaks havoc for young Tasuke.

Kodomo no Omocha (Child's Toy)
Jyukuji no News! Ohnegai bokutachi no naka o....
This series has the catchiest theme song I've ever heard and it is just a great series. Kurata Sana is the main character, a child actress with a starring role in Zenjiro's Kodomo no Omocha. Despite being a child star, she attends a typical junior school. Hayama Akito is her nemesis from the beginning of the series, although their relationship changes as both of them go through struggles at home and with each other. On the whole, Child's Toy is about growing up in a complex world. Each character deals with some sort of domestic problem which they overcome through friendship, determination, and occasionally some off-the-wall schemes which put you in stitches.

Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne
As the end of the century draws near, the agents of God and the Devil are racing to gain power. The Devil has prepared for the battle by placing demons in paintings. When those paintings are bought, their owner is possessed by the demon. Kaitou Jeanne conquers the demons and returns their power to God. Maron is the only one who can do this without being possessed because she is the reincarnation of Joan of Arc. If the Devil has more power at the end of 1999, he will gain control over the world. Kaitou Jeanne is trying to save the world from this fate... but she has a rival.

Adventures of Mini Goddess
The series of Oh! My Goddess has appeared at your local video retailer's but if you are not familiar with the title, it follows the life of a student, Keiichi, who wishes for a goddess to be with him always. This is anime, so up pops Belldandy, a goddess that protects him and takes care of him. During the course of the series we meet her two sisters, Skuld and Urd.
However, these are not the goddesses you might remember from the first series. Belldandy is still the sweet (but somewhat vapid) doting sister, Urd is still scheming and Skuld is inventing. One of the powers of these goddesses is to become small, hence mini-goddess. So therefore no Keiichi, but who is the foil for all of these doting deities? Enter Gan-chan, a rat. Yes, a rat. He hangs out with the Goddesses, goes on adventures with them and, more often than not, winds up getting the short end of the stick.

Anything Else?
We plan to keep to the schedule as best we can. Obviously, never say never, but should anything crop up we'll be sure to tell you. If you like what you see at the RAS this term don't forget that there are many more to come. However, your input is essential. Remember that it's your club too, and we need your feedback on what you like and what you don't like. Furthermore, if you have anything that you could recommend for future viewing, just talk to one of us.

Adrian (^_^)

Thanks to fansubbers Jimaku Animation (http://www.btinternet.com/~jimaku/) and Sachi's Distribution (http://members.aol.com/sachi999/) for help in creating these synopses.