2007 Anime Holiday Buyer’s Guide

More shocking than the Mitchell Report, it’s the return of the “Cocaine Cowboy Corner.”  The Corner returns just in time for the holidays with the annual Anime Holiday Buyer’s Guide.  2007 was a monumental year for anime and manga in America with popular series “Naruto” and “Bleach” cementing their position in mainstream American popular culture.  But perhaps your friends and loved ones already own everything and anything “Naruto” and/or “Bleach.”  In that case, let the “Cocaine Cowboy Corner” help you with some lesser known gift ideas for the rabid anime fan on your holiday shopping list.  Believe it or not, but every year I actually make a Top 25 list for the buyer’s guide and then force myself to cut it down to the best Top 10 money can buy.  It is a really difficult process and I end up shedding a few tears along the way as I cut out items that I would love to include.  But without further ado, here is the Corner’s 2007 Anime Holiday Buyer’s Guide!

10. Funimation Viridian Collection DVDs, MSRP: $19.98 each

If there is one thing that everybody loves, it is cheap DVDs.  Now, I don’t mean cheap in quality, but in price.  Funimation Entertainment has recently been trying to accommodate anime fans’ desire for bargain DVDs with the creation of a new collection line called the Viridian Collection.  The goal of the new line is to offer anime fans with a more affordable option for some of the best selling anime series on the DVD market in a brand new “greener” packaging.  I do not mean “greener” as in color, but “greener” as in the Al Gore sense.  In an effort to aid the environment, the case packaging for all of the Viridian Collection DVDs is made from recycled materials.  So now you can purchase excellent anime, and do your part to save the environment at the same time.  The Viridian Collection includes the following Funimation anime series: “Basilisk,” “Burst Angel,” “Desert Punk,” “Fruits Basket,” “Fullmetal Alchemist,” “Galaxy Railways,” “Gunslinger Girl,” “Kiddy Grade,” “Negima,” “Samurai 7,” “Speed Grapher,” “Spiral,” and “Trinity Blood.”  Each series is either available in the same number of individual DVD volumes as the original releases at a price of $19.98 per disc, or in the case of “Galaxy Railways,” “Gunslinger Girl,” and “Kiddy Grade,” a complete box set priced at $39.98 or $49.98.  These great prices could not have come at a better time of the year.  So if there is someone on your list that does not already own any of these first-rate anime series, the Viridian Collection could be the best decision you make this holiday season.

9. Black Lagoon DVD vol 1-3, MSRP: $29.98 each

Every year, I like to put a few series on the Holiday Buyer’s Guide that perhaps the readers of Anime3000.com might have missed.  These are excellent anime series that might have just simply fell through the cracks throughout a busy year of announcements and releases.  With 2007 being dominated by “Naruto” and “Bleach” in North America, “Black Lagoon” never received the attention it deserved.  But do not allow that to spoil the holiday of the avid anime fan on your list.  “Black Lagoon” is an anime series filled with plenty of action, comedy, and drama.  The story follows a Japanese businessman named Rokuro Okajima who is sent by his company on a business trip to the tropical seas of Eastern China to deliver a disc.  On his way to Eastern China, Rokuro’s boat is hijacked by modern day pirates who were hired to steal the disc.  The team of mercenaries feels that Rokuro might be worth something to them, and decide to take him hostage and hold him for ransom.  The team is known as the Lagoon Company, and they make their living by smuggling goods in and around the seas of Southeast Asia.  They transport these goods in the PT boat known as “Black Lagoon.”  The series follows the team as they take on a variety of missions across Southeast Asia, which may involve violent firefights, hand-to-hand combat, and nautical battles.  The series was debuted in Japan back in 2006 by Madhouse Studios, and then the DVDs were released in North America in 2007.  So with Madhouse at the helm, you know you are getting a series that looks beautiful in addition to the fun storyline.  Therefore if you are looking to gain some “otaku cred” points with the anime fan on your list, I highly suggest picking up “Black Lagoon” on DVD.

8. Bleach Season One DVD Box Set, MSRP: $89.98

Well, you have to be stupid to think that “Bleach” would not make my Holiday Buyer’s Guide.  Not only is it currently one of the most popular anime series, but I happen to have already mentioned the series twice in my guide before even assigning it to a ranking.  As you probably all know, the “Bleach” anime series has caught North America by storm through its constant airing on Adult Swim.  The series is perpetually amongst the top rated series on Adult Swim, regardless of anime or original Adult Swim programming.  Attend any anime convention, and you will be sure to see your fair share of “Bleach” cosplayers.  In fact at the New York Anime Festival, I would estimate that the highest number of cosplayers was dressed as “Bleach” characters.  “Bleach” merchandise can also be found everywhere as Viz Media tries to milk the franchise for all it is worth.  So I am going to be a sucker for Viz and choose to place the “Bleach” Season One DVD Box Set at number 8 on my Holiday Buyer’s Guide.  The “Bleach” Season One DVD Box Set features the first 20 episodes of the series in their original, uncut format.  These episodes encompass the first major story arc of the series, and leads up to the mission into Soul Society.  So in one fell swoop, one can own some of the best episodes to date of the series with quality picture and sound.  So if you know a “Bleach” fan, get your hands on a copy of the “Bleach” Season One DVD Box Set to brighten his/her holiday.  He/she will thank you as he/she can finally replace his/her crappy fansubs for the superb DVD quality versions.

7. Mobile Suit Gundam 08^th MS Team DVD Complete Collection, MSRP: $49.98

If you are a veteran reader of the “Cocaine Cowboy Corner,” then chances are you have read my previous Anime Holiday Buyer’s Guides.  If so, then you already know that I like to choose one or two “classic” anime series to include in the list.  Usually, I choose a series that is not only memorable, but can also be obtained a great low price.  This year’s classic choice belongs to “Mobile Suit Gundam 08^th MS Team.”  Now, I am aware that this series is merely just over ten years old and would not normally be considered a classic, but it is a “Mobile Suit Gundam” series so I am sure you can give me a pass on the decision to include it as a classic.  I essentially chose “Mobile Suit Gundam 08^th MS Team” because it is my favorite series in the “Mobile Suit Gundam” franchise.  It is not exactly the best series in the franchise, but due to its more realistic feel it was always my favorite.  The series is set in the jungles of Southeast Asia in Universal Century year 0079.  During the series, we find the Earth Federation and the Principality of Zeon brutally fighting a guerrilla-styled war in an effort to control the area and its resources.  Sure, that is the backdrop for the war, but the series really focuses on Zeon pilot Aina Sahalin and Federation pilot Shiro Amada, who is the newly named commander of the 08th MS Team.  Aina and Shiro have a history, which makes their decisions on the battlefield quite complex.  The Complete Collection includes every episode of the series as well the compilation movie, “Miller’s Report.”  “Miller’s Report” ties together episodes 8 and 9 of the series, by splicing together footage from both episodes and adding never-before-seen footage.  This collection is the perfect gift for any Gundam fan out there.  Hell, even if he/she is not a Gundam fan, he/she should enjoy “Mobile Suit Gundam 08^th MS Team.”

6. Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad DVD vol 1-6, MSRP: $29.98 each

If you are familiar with my member page in the Anime3000.com Members Section, then you already know that I rank “Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad” in my Top 5 favorite anime series.  When I first started watching “Beck,” it did not take long for me to fall in love with the series.  It was something completely different: an anime series about a kid and his struggling band trying to make the big time in Japan.  It was not only well-written and mature, but it gave an excellent glimpse into the culture of the Japanese rock music scene.  Growing up in the United States, I learned all about the evolution of rock and the trials and tribulations of American and British bands.  But it was not until I watched “Beck” that I really began to look at the global music industry with foreign eyes.  This gripped me, and drove me to watch all 26 episodes of the series in a marathon two-day viewing period.  So when it was announced back in May 2006 that Funimation was bringing “Beck” to North America, I was excited to own the series on DVD with quality video and sound.  I was also excited because perhaps I could convince some of my friends who have a fear of subtitles to give this series a whirl.  I know plenty of people who would absolutely love the story and music of this series, and it could be a way to prove to them that anime is not just for children.  So, in other words, I was looking forward to using “Beck” as a “gateway drug” into anime.  For all these reasons, I chose to put “Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad” onto the Anime Holiday Buyer’s Guide.  This is one of the few anime series that could even be put on a Music Lover Holiday Buyer’s Guide as well.  In fact, I could have easily listed it as my number 1 for the Holiday Buyer’s Guide, but I am not a big fan of the $29.98 sales price per volume.  I personally think that is a bit steep to pay for a DVD, but I really have no control over the market price.  So if you know someone who loves music and anime, this is the absolute perfect gift for this holiday.  Also, perhaps give this series a thought if you know someone who either only likes anime or only likes music.  You might just be expanding his/her horizons.

5. Anime Video Games, MSRP: $49.99 each or $59.99 each (depending on the game/console)

I do realize that is an extremely generic title to use for my 5^th slot, but there are actually a few video games on the market based on anime that might be worth owning.  Typically, anime video games are never worth owning, and that is still the case for the most part.  But, I know of three that are available in North America (well, three relatively new ones) that could be great gifts this holiday. 

5a. Bleach Shattered Blade, Nintendo Wii, MSRP: $49.99

“Bleach: Shattered Blade” on the Nintendo Wii is the first of these three games.  “Bleach: Shattered Blade” is essentially the sequel to the “Bleach GC! Tasogare Ni Mamieru Shinigami” Nintendo GameCube fighting game.  If you recall, “Bleach GC! Tasogare Ni Mamieru Shinigami” was the top ranked item on my 2005 Anime Holiday Buyer’s Guide.  So “Bleach: Shattered Blade” is a lot of the same as the GameCube game, except with more characters and new controls on the Wii (most likely they are just tacked on and useless).  Now, I must be completely honest, the “Bleach” GameCube fighting game was rather poor.  The fighting mechanics were very poor, and the characters moved very slowly.  The only saving grace for the game was that it had “Bleach” characters in it.  I am not sure if they fixed these problems in the sequel, but a rating of 62 out of 100 on Metacritic might answer that question for you.  So, I would recommend purchasing “Bleach: Shattered Soul” for only the most rabid of “Bleach” anime fans.  At a price of $49.99, you could bring a huge smile to the face of your favorite Ichigo idolizer. 

5b. Naruto: Clash of Ninja Revolution, Nintendo Wii, MSRP: $49.99

Another Nintendo Wii title that would be great for anime fans is “Naruto: Clash of Ninja Revolution.”  This is the newest title in the “Naruto: Clash of Ninja” series (or in Japan, “Naruto: Gekitou Ninja Taisen”), but with additional characters and new Wii controls using the wiimote and nunchuk.  This installment of the series is almost a direct port of the Japanese “Naruto: Gekitou Ninja Taisen 3” GameCube game.  I was greatly disappointed when I discovered this.  When I heard there was a “Naruto” fighting game coming out in North America on the Nintendo Wii, I instantly thought it was “Naruto Shippuuden: Gekitou Ninja Taisen EX” that was released in Japan back in February 2007.  I was really looking forward to using the new characters introduced into the “Naruto” series after the timeskip, but my plan was foiled.  Now, I am not saying that “Naruto: Clash of Ninja Revolution” is not worth owning.  In fact, you should ignore my own personal disappointment and buy the game for yourself.  I have loved the games in the “Naruto: Clash of Ninja” series, and have personally lost many nights (perhaps weeks or months) playing “Naruto: Gekitou Ninja Taisen 3.”  So if you know any “Narutards” that do not own the latest installment of the series and own a Wii, “Naruto: Clash of Ninja Revolution” is a no-brainer gift for this holiday season. 

5c. Naruto: Rise of a Ninja, Xbox 360, MSRP: $59.99

The final anime video game on my buyer’s guide will hopefully change the way anime video games are created and released for the North American audience.  “Naruto: Rise of a Ninja” on the Xbox 360 was exclusively developed from the ground up specifically for North America and the Xbox 360.  Ubisoft wanted to release the best possible “Naruto” video game experience to the hordes of “Naruto” fanatics outside of Japan.  Their goal was to pay proper respect to the original source material.  How do I know this for sure?  Well, I think the fact that the game contains not only the English voice acting, but also the original Japanese voice acting from the anime series is evidence enough.  This amount of care should be put toward all games based on huge anime or movie licenses.  It is part RPG adventure game and part fighting game, as there is a story mode coupled with a multiplayer fighter.  Unfortunately, the fighter is only two players unlike the “Naruto: Clash of Ninja” series which sports four players on the GameCube and Wii.  But, you cannot complain with the story mode which follows the anime series from episodes 1-80, while adding some new content.  This game is a Narutard’s wet dream!  So if you had to choose between the three games that I have mentioned, I would rank “Naruto: Rise of Ninja” as my top ranked anime video game for the 2007 holiday season.

4. Death Note DVD vol 1-2, MSRP: $24.98 each

Adult Swim’s newest hit series comes in at the 4^th position on the 2007 Anime Holiday Buyer’s Guide.  Since its debut on October 20^th, “Death Note” has attracted a steady audience to its late night time slot.  It is continuously one of the highest rated anime series on Adult Swim each week.  This was to be expected as the “Death Note” anime and manga series sustained a huge following in North America over the past year.  Thanks in a large part to forums, word of mouth, and fansubs; “Death Note” was the most popular new anime series in 2007 for the hardcore North American otaku.  Its popularity grew so much that I would even hear from non-anime fans how much they have loved the series.  It appeared to be well on to the road to becoming a “gateway” anime series in the same vein as “Cowboy Bebop” or “Dragonball Z.”  I am unsure if it will ever reach that status, but only time will tell.  For those of you living under the sea with Aquaman for the past year (assuming Aquaman does not have internet, of course), allow me to briefly explain the premise of the “Death Note” series.  “Death Note” is a fairly cerebral anime/manga series with enough twists and tunes to rival the roads surrounding San Francisco (for those of you that have never been to San Fran, the roads on the outskirts are very winding).  Now, I am not saying that this series is geared towards only pure geniuses, but it is a well written detective drama that keeps its cards close to its chest.  The series encourages the viewer to deduce the major plot points as the episodes enfold.  The storyline follows Yagami Light and his boredom with everyday life.  Light is very intelligent and in the top of his class, which causes him to search for higher levels of entertainment in an effort to escape the boredom.  Light is not the only being that is bored in the series.  The shinigami, Ryuk, chose to supply Light with a death note due his boredom with all of existence.  With the death note, Light can kill any person he desires by simply writing the name of that person into it.  Of course, there are rules set forth to Light by Ryuk regarding the use of the death note, which we learn more and more as the episodes progress.  So these rules coupled with the fact that Light’s death note antics are attracting attention from Interpol, help to drive the story forward and sometimes into unpredictable directions.  So, now that you are all caught up with the rest of the world, should you purchase this series on DVD?  Just in time for the holidays, Viz Media has released 2 volumes of the “Death Note” anime series on DVD.  Each volume contains four episodes at a price of $24.98 for each DVD.  So if you know an anime fan that loves the series, this would be a perfect gift.  But also consider possibly getting this for non-anime fans.  If you know someone who likes supernatural drama filled with twists and interesting concepts of death, then “Death Note” could be the series to use to introduce anime to him/her. 

3. Elfen Lied DVD Thinpak Collection, MSRP: $49.98

Coming in 3^rd place is one of my favorite anime series, “Elfen Lied.”  I actually watched this entire series in one sitting the first time that I saw it.  At first, I was not sure what to think of it with the over-the-top violence in the very first seven minutes of the series.  But by the end of the first episode, I was very intrigued to see where the story was going.  So I continued onto the next episode, and next thing you know I was immediately sucked in.  “Elfen Lied” has everything you could want in an anime series: fantastical characters with REAL personalities and faults, a gripping story that keeps your attention till the final episode, beautiful art and animation, and action action ACTION!  “Elfen Lied” could very well be the most violent anime series that I have ever seen.  The death toll is off the charts!  Though there is a tremendous amount of violence, the series is actually very intellectual as the story contains elements of social alienation, identity, revenge and the value of humanity.  The story follows a teenage girl known as Lucy.  Lucy is the first of a new species of mutant humans known as the diclonius, who have two cat-like ears and telekinetically controlled, transparent arms called “vectors.”  Lucy and other diclonius are tested upon by the government and meant to be trained as weapons.  But when Lucy escapes and winds up washed ashore on a beach, she loses her memory and is taken in by Kouta and Yuka, two college-aged students.  Kouta and Yuka must figure out where Lucy came from as the government is trying to figure out her whereabouts.  The story continues on from there.  I don’t want to reveal too much information.  Though it is an excellent series, it is not without its faults.  So do not expect the be-all and end-all, perfect anime series.  Needless to say, I love this series and would recommend it to any anime fan that can stomach ultra violent content.  I know what you are saying, “If this series is so great, why has it not made it to Adult Swim, IFC, or The Anime Network?”  Well, smart guy, this series is way too violent to be shown on television.  The only way it could be shown is with tons of editing, and that would take away from some of the story’s depth.  So do not sit around and wait for it to never come to television, either ask for it this holiday season or buy it for a friend this holiday season and then borrow it (or if you want to be nice, watch the series with your friend).  Now is the perfect time to pick it up on DVD as the entire “Elfen Lied” series can be purchased in a super cool thinpak collection!  For the low price of $49.98, you can brighten the eyes of your favorite little sadist on Christmas morning. 

2. Paprika BluRay, MSRP: $38.96, and Paprika DVD, MSRP: $26.96

The best anime movie to hit DVD in 2007 is Satoshi Kon’s masterpiece, “Paprika.”  So being the best anime movie released this year, it was only natural for it to land in 2^nd place on the Anime Holiday Buyer’s Guide.  I bet you are wondering how something can be the best and still be just number two.  Well, when you get to number one, you will understand.  Regardless, “Paprika” has the credentials to be a number one movie and gift this holiday season.  “Paprika” is about a female research psychologist who is involved in a project to develop a brand new device called the “DC Mini” (not to be mistaken as a new line of Mini Coopers designed for the mean streets of Washington, DC).  The DC Mini allows therapists to utilize a revolutionary new psychotherapy treatment called PT.  In this treatment, therapists can help patients by entering their dreams and investigating the dreams for any clues to the source of the patients’ problems.  The head of the team working on this treatment is the female research psychologist, Doctor Atsuko Chiba.  Dr. Chiba begins using the DC Mini without authorization from the government on psychiatric patients outside of the research facility.  She adopts an alter-ego named “Paprika” in the dream realm.  But problems arise when three prototype DC Minis are stolen from the facility.  If the DC Mini falls into the wrong hands, it could be used for very diabolical purposes.  The art and animation in this movie are absolutely gorgeous.  The imagery within the dream sequences is second to none, as Madhouse and Satoshi Kon leave you mesmerized.  This movie would be an absolute must own for your high definition setup in your living room.  Too bad they didn’t release it in an HD format.  Oh wait, yes, they did!  Not only did “Paprika” come out on DVD in November, but it was also released on BluRay.  Thank you, Sony!  So if you are lucky enough to have an HD setup at home complete with either a BluRay player or PlayStation 3, you can purchase “Paprika” on BluRay and go into an orgasmic visual coma.  Not yet sold on “Paprika” as a purchase this holiday season?  Then check out our full review on Anime3000.com, and I am sure you will be rushing out to the store to purchase a copy for each of your friends and family.

1.              Afro Samurai Uncut DVD, MSRP: $39.98

Here it is!  The number one rated gift on the Anime Holiday Buyer’s Guide for the year, two thousand and seven!  “AFRO SAMURAI” UNCUT DVD!  Yes, that is correct, “Afro Samurai” Uncut on DVD is a MUST OWN for EVERY anime fan!  “Afro Samurai” premiered in North America on SpikeTV back in January 2007.  The short 5-episode series was well-received by Spike’s viewers, and was an instant hit.  The series was a cross between hip-hop and old west culture of the United States with the eastern samurai culture of Japan.  It was developed as joint effort between Gonzo employees in the United States and Japan with hopes of reaching a worldwide audience.  The series featured excellent voice actors such as Ron Perlman and gifted actors such as Samuel L. Jackson and Kelly Hu as the voices of the main characters.  No Japanese voice dub for the series exists, as the English voice dub is considered to be the original content.  Not only did the series feature outstanding acting, but also a brilliant soundtrack from the RZA.  In fact, there is a special featurette on the Uncut DVD that has an interview with the RZA as he explains the inspiration for the music in the series.  It is truly a top notch featurette that will blow your mind with the sheer depth behind the soundtrack.  The series has such an amazing look and feel coupled with tremendous action sequences.  Gonzo definitely went all out to make this series stand tall.  The beauty of the series is that it short and sweet (perhaps super sweet).  The Uncut DVD contains never-before-seen sequences in every episode.  This includes extended scenes and completely deleted scenes.  With the insane amount of features packed into this small package, it is the quintessential DVD to own for the “Afro Samurai” series.  If you need some more convincing, feel free to read my previous column article with my in-depth impressions of the “Afro Samurai” series.  Please take my word for it, if there is someone on your list that loves any of the following: samurai movies, action anime series, Samuel L. Jackson, the RZA and Wu Tang Clan, or even classic revenge stories; then the “Afro Samurai” Uncut DVD MUST be purchased for this individual THIS holiday season (not next)!

Honorable Mention: Planetes DVD Complete Collection, MSRP: $49.98

I always love to have at least one honorable mention for my Anime Holiday Buyer’s Guide.  It can usually be considered the unofficial number 11 on the buyer’s guide.  This year’s honorable mention is an anime series that does not get enough press.  “Planetes” comes from the renowned Sunrise Studio, who is known for their work on “Cowboy Beop,” “Vision of Escaflowne,” “Mai Hime,” and various “Mobile Suit Gundam” anime series (including the original).  The “Planetes” anime series was based on the science fiction manga with the same title.  The series debuted in Japan back in 2003, but it never really gained much popularity in North America.  Do not get me wrong, the series IS available on DVD in the North America, but you will not find any “Planetes” cosplayers at anime conventions.  The story centers on a team of space debris collectors in the year 2075.  These debris collectors work on the debris ship known as the “Toy Box” (pretty clever, collecting junk to put in a toy box…that is just what I used to do as a kid).  The debris crew is known as the Space Debris Section, which is a unit of the Technora Corporation.  The purpose for them to collect debris is to prevent it from colliding with and damaging satellites, space stations, and spacecraft in the Earth's and the Moon's orbits.  They use a number of methods to dispose of the debris, but mainly by burning it via atmospheric reentry or through salvage.  The collection of debris is merely a plot device used in order to build the character development in the series.  The character development is top notch and clearly the result of excellent writing.  The complete 26-episode DVD collection for the series can be found at the amazing price of $49.98.  So for big science fiction fans, look no further than “Planetes” on DVD this holiday season.  

So that just about wraps up the 2007 Anime Holiday Buyer’s Guide.  I hope that you enjoyed my list and that I was able to give you some last minute tips that you can use to save your holiday.  Perhaps you feel that you do not agree with my list (not sure how you can, but I guess crazier things have happened).  Well, you are in luck, as I would like to hear what YOUR 2007 Anime Holiday Buyer’s Guide would contain.  So go onto the Anime3000.com message boards and start posting away with your Top 10 lists.  I hope to hear from all of you, and I hope you all have a safe and happy holiday season and very special Happy 2008!  See you on the boards!

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