Anime Roundup 07/03/08

Bleach Series 1 Part 2
Manga Entertainment * CERT: 15 * £19.99 RRP * Out Now!
On the opposite end of the spectrum we have BLEACH – equally impressive on the visual front, but sporting a plot that grips from minute one. Supernatural action/drama with a welcome dose of comedy thrown in, and excellent value for money (especially when compared to some of the other anime partwork releases). One of the better manga adaptations on the market, and one which has already taken television by storm in the US. Highly recommended.

Berserk Volume 4
MVM * CERT: 18 * £15.99 RRP * Out Now!
Another adap from a long-runing manga, and one which has been gaining in strength with each successive volume. OTT violence masks a surprisingly intricate story of politics and war, making this an essential addition to any collection despite the dated visuals.

Trinity Blood Volume 5
MVM * CERT: 15 * £15.99 RRP * Out Now!
Gothic horror and romantic adventure in equal measure from this action series, which takes the horror burlesque of HELLSING and drains it of its parody to produce one of the finest series in MVM's catalogue. The occasional mis-judged voice marrs, but never ruins. Highly recommended for all fang fans.

Elemental Gelade Volume 5
MVM * CERT: 12 * £15.99 RRP * Out Now!
Occasionally saccharine-twee, but never dull, ELEMENTAL GELADE enters its end game with this fifth volume. Whilst not to everybody's tastes it still commands its fair share of fans thanks to the engaging relationship between its two lead protagonists. Worth trying if you fancy something a little different.

Gun Sword Volume 7
MVM * CERT: 15 * £15.99 RRP * Out Now!
Another series approaching the finishing post, GUN SWORD has undergone a number of changes since its first volume. Starting off fairly light-hearted, as it had progressed it has darkened without ever completely losing its sense of humour. Whilst it is now perhaps a little late in the game for new viewers to start, GUN SWORD is definitely worth picking up once it hits the box-set stage.