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Monthly Picks


January 2002

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

Detective Conan Movie 1

And another close call for this month's top choice. While perhaps not the strongest story, overall, this movie makes for a fun watch with good overall acting, soundtrack and direction. The overall package making for a solid viewing experience. While the stories of such titles as Jin Roh and Ima Soko may be better overall, taking all elements into account, this fun kids movie edges out in front. A lot of a Conan month, the TV series also makes for a fun family mystery watch, although a bit too violent for most North American public TV.




Best Opening Theme

Seikai no Monshou

The opening theme to this space adventure series is surprisingly not a j-pop piece, but rather a grandiose orchestral piece. With a strong beat and melody, the opening theme captures viewers attention and imagination hinting at possible adventures to come. Will the series deliver? That waits to be seen.




Most Energetic Soundtrack

Meitantei Conan - Movie 5

While this movie is more suited for those familiar with the Conan series, the soundtrack to the latest movie has some background themes new to this movie. The primary theme introduced early in the movie being a very bouncy and energetic theme which promises to have viewers bopping in their seats to the beat. Fun for kids and adults alike, the movie has an intriguing story and builds on the unknown mafia organisation story introduced in the first episode. The plot itself is unfortunately a bit too close in certain themes to the events of Sept 11 although not to the extent of Patlabor Movie 2.




Fun for Kids

Meitantei Holmes

With lots of fun filled insanity and action this early Miyazaki work will prove to be lots of fun for kids. While the voice acting and animation is not the best, it's adequate in carrying the overall feel of the show. Adults may find this a bit too light overall, but will find it an amusing watch nonetheless, especially if watching with their kids.





Titles viewed:

  • Aa! Megamisama! OAV 1-5
  • Argent Soma Vol 8
  • Fruits Basket Vol 1-4
  • Furi Kuri (FLCL) Vol 1
  • Ima Sokoniiru Boku vol 1
  • Jin Roh
  • Jungle wa Itsumo Hare nochi Guu Vol 1-6
  • Kindaichi Shounen no Jikenbo Vol 2, 4
  • Meitantei Conan Part 2 Vol 7, Part 3-5, Part 6 Vol 1-2, 5-7, Part 7 Vol 1-7
  • Meitantei Conan Movie 1 Tokei Jikake no Matenrou
  • Meitantei Conan Movie 2 14 banme no Target
  • Meitantei Conan Movie 3 Seikimatsu no Majutsushi
  • Meitantei Conan Movie 4 Hitomi no Naka no Ansatsusha
  • Meitantei Conan Movie 5 Tengoku he no Countdown
  • Meitantei Holmes
  • Noir Vol 1-5
  • Patlabor Movie 2
  • Rurouni Kenshin Seisouhen Vol 1
  • Scryed Vol 1
  • Seikai no Monshou Vol 1
  • Shinesman
  • Taiho Shichauzo! Season 2 Vol 3
  • Vampire Hunter
  • Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust


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Page last modified 2002.02.04