November 2001

Many folks out there have often asked what anime we suggest for those who are starting out in anime, or what anime would be good for those who like x, y, and z titles. While I usually suggest that people go to the Beginner's Guide to Anime for suggestions, here I'm going to give my personal choice for the month based on the videos that I watch. Some of the titles are new acquisitions while others are re-views. (compared to reviews of course!) So, on to the picks!

Top Video

None of the titles

Well, it was bound to happen. From the videos viewed during the month of November, none of the titles deserve a top video billing. While some of the titles are interesting and worth noting, unfortunately, none are strong enough in all areas to earn this. On to the honorable mentions...

Best Music

Chikyuu Shoujo Arjuna

With a soundtrack by Yoko Kanno, the music in this series is proving to be quite intriguing. Whether it will work on a stand-alone basis has yet to be seen, but the range of musical melodies and styles is very good. Unfortunately the story itself has taken on a strong preachy feel which could prove most annoying. The question is, how will things progress from here?

Biggest ?

Fruits Basket Vol 2

From volume one to volume two, this series is proving to be most difficult to judge to date. With a story that varies from humourous to mildly insane to being very much a story about people, the insane mix of all these aspects makes it difficult to categorise this anime. Very shoujo, I'm forced to reserve judgement on this series for yet another volume...

Dullest Recap

Argent Soma Vol 7

Have you ever wondered what a corporate meeting is like? Episode 14 makes for one very long episode and recap of the story to date. As much as story recaps may be necessary, there must be better and more interesting ways of doing this. A shame that this episode is so slow compared to the rest of the series to date...

Titles viewed:

• Argent Soma Vol 7
• Chikyuu Shoujo Arjuna Vol 1-3
• Cowboy Bebop Vol 2
• Escaflowne: The Movie
• eX-Driver Vol 2
• Fruits Basket Vol 2
• Gakkou no Kaidan Vol 6
• Jungle wa Itsumo Hare nochi Guu Vol 1-3
• Meitantei Conan Part 7 Vol 5
• Rurouni Kenshin Vol 1, 3
• Shoujo Kakumei Utena Vol 3-8
• Wish