ANNCast - A Song of Vice and Fire
Tokyo Vice author Jake Adelstein joins us for an in-depth chat about the Yakuza and their influence on modern Japanese pop culture. We discuss the best Yakuza movies and manga, and the incredibly popular videogame series. Plus: Anime Boston and more! 2011-04-29

Hey, Answerman! - What's Old is New
Hellsing Ultimate! Saint Seiya! Tokyopop! And some other stuff! 2011-04-29

Jason Thompson's House of 1000 Manga - Akira
Jason Thompson is about to E.X.P.L.O.D.E.! That's right, it's Akira time! 2011-04-28

The X Button - All Shot Up
Todd dodges a whole mess o' shooters this week, plus news on Mega Man Legends 3, a new Sonic, and a game based on toys based on anime. 2011-04-27

Interview: Berryz Kobo
J-pop idols Berryz Kobo have grown a lot in seven years. Learn about their history and find out what they had to say about performing at Sakura-Con. 2011-04-27

Vampire Knight DVD
A girl finds herself torn between a vampire she deeply respects and a human-cum-vampire she wants to protect in this lightly Gothic shojo romance offering. Despite many seemingly trite elements, good execution and effective mood-setting carry the series.

Eden of the East: King of Eden DVD/Blu-Ray
Saki pursues an absent Takizawa in this direct sequel to the Eden of the East television series. Wicked smart as always, but with a more personal focus. Beware the abrupt ending.

Needless - Collection 2
The second half offers plenty more super-powered action, bombast, humor, and attitude, but little of anything else, in a run of episodes which struggles to overcome some deep writing and pacing deficiencies.

Fractale Episodes 1-11 Streaming
Trenchant social commentary and generally high production values highlight this ultimately disappointing sci-fi adventure from the makers of Kannagi.

Queen's Blade: The Exiled Virgin DVD 3
The final four episodes of the first season finish assembling the cast of Queen's Blade participants and show Leina coming into her own as this fantasy romp focusing on sexy female fighters continues. Expect plenty more action and fan service.

Dengeki Daisy GN 4
Amusing as they may be, Teru and Kurosaki are still facing the same problems they were one, two and three volumes ago. These stories have their charm but don't feel worth the postponed plot.

Clean-Freak Fully Equipped GN 1
A quirky plot will only get you so far and Clean Freak may keep up the ethanol-enthusiasm to the end, but it does so at the expense of developing characters readers will truly care about

Dragon Ball Kai Blu-Ray part 4
Goku goes head-to-head with Freeza and finally achieves Super Saiyan status for the first time as one of the greatest of all shonen action battles rages. The story content here represents both the greatest and worst aspects of shonen action series.

Summer Wars BLURAY
A tremendously fun and fulfilling film that is ultimately as much about family healing as saving the world.

Hero Tales DVD Part 2
Even a final arc with surprise twists and a mysterious wildcard character can't stop the series from barreling toward an ordinary, unsatisfying finish.

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