The Space Between

The Space Between (1992)

My rating: 1 of 5 stars


The story is still just as messed up as the Remake version. The only difference is that it's a bit more fast paced and doesn't leave it hanging on the same note. Riki does admit to Guy where he's been the last 3 years, severing his ties with Bison.... or so he thinks until Guy goes a little crazy over everything. It seems Kirie also earns his rewards for his obsession despite Riki's warnings to steer clear. Iason, for all that he's rather twisted, does apparently care about Riki, and somewhere along the line despite hating what he became, Riki cares about Iason as well. Guy also pays a hard price for that realization.

The Space Between: Remake

The Space Between: Remake (2012)

My rating: 1 of 5 stars


Riki seems to learn a hard lesson in being grateful for what he has as he chases what is portrayed as the "high life" of a Pet to the Blondies of Eos. Come to find out, it's a glorified cage that he's non-to-pleased with. This remake leaves everything hanging as Riki is struggling to come to terms with his memories as a Pet while being back in the Slums. Iason, the Blondie who had previously owned and released Riki, had also indicated in an earlier episode that he intended to get Riki back after a year of freedom, and this appears to end at roughly the half year mark. Oddly, the workers who apparently take care of the Pets for the Blondies are referred to as Furniture. The terminology is beyond strange and the few things that can be sorted out seem very skewed as far as a healthy society view or action. 

Love, Election & Chocolate

Love, Election & Chocolate (2012)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Based on a videogame, the whole premise follows a group of friends in a lazy club that does nothing and decide to run for class president to keep their opponent from abolishing their club. Provides some randomness and interesting high school campaigning as a result. The artwork is cute however, and the light humor is a nice change of pace from the many serious or sword related anime in circulation.

Nightwalker: Midnight Detective

Nightwalker: Midnight Detective (2000)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This is a shorter series at only 12 episodes total. Interesting and amusing without dragging on. First discovered this back around 2001 when a very good old friend of mine and I were on a major vampire kick and decided to rent this for a change of pace from the typical live action horror versions of the stories. Also recall lots of laughing and confusion over how the dub "my Stubbiest" could come from the subtitle "my Schubert." Highly entertaining and far lighter than most vampire series, despite there still being plenty of demons and blood.

Vampire Princess Miyu

Vampire Princess Miyu (1997)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Much more detailed than the original OVA, the TV series follows step-by-step progress with Miyu as she leads a double life as guardian and school friend. A little slow at first in any progression as the two are very definitely divided, eventually her friends become ensnared with the shinma she hunts and the truth comes out. Of course the old time favorite is the set that gives us Larva's own history before he joined with Miyu and proves yet again the strength of their bond. Kind of wish the series concluded with something more definite for the pair, but I suppose the open ending leaves more options and imaginations for the fans to fawn over.

Vampire Princess Miyu OVA

Vampire Princess Miyu OVA (1988)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


An older anime, this is still well made and highly entertaining, even more than some of the more recent additions to the genre. Miyu and Larva are old favorites, so getting more of Miyu's childhood and how Larva became her companion are big draws. This small set also hints a lot more to Miyu's possible futures than the full TV series does. Larva cannot speak in this set save for one brief exchange with another shinma while he is sealed, yet he is still as expressive as ever with his loyalty to Miyu and constant companionship. It's no wonder these two are so popular as a continued pair in the fandom.

A.D. Police: To Protect and Serve

A.D. Police: To Protect and Serve (1999)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Note to self: make sure you start with the first disc in a new series. I didn't look to see if they were in order in the DVD case and just grabbed the first one. Of course that ended up being disc two instead of disc one, so I sort of watched it half backwards. Still, the second disc was interesting enough that I wanted more information and detail, so I went to the other disc. Much shorter than many series, this is a nice short series involving a unique task force as they do their jobs. Who knew that job would lead them to another big name in the area and end up costing the life of a friend and teammate who recently was found not to be entirely human? Hope you like cyborgs for this one because there is plenty of tech involved.