UltraManiac

Original Author: Wataru Yoshizumi
Japanese Title: UltraManiac
Episodes: 26
Rating: 7+
Release Studio: Geneon Animation
Release Year: 2005
Main Voice Actors:

Ayu Tateishi ~ Jennifer Sekiguchi
Nina Sakura ~ Carrie Savage
Tetsushi Kaji ~ Tony Oliver
Hiroki Tsujiai ~ Jimmy Benedict
Principal ~ Jimmy Benedict
Yuta Kirishima ~ JimTaggert
Nina's Grandfather ~ Michael McConnohie
Jun Kawanakajima ~ Doug Erholtz
Satomi ~ Sandy Mooney
Akihio ~ Lorelei Hill Butters
Tomoko ~ Lorelei Hill Butters
Mr. Mikami ~ Grant George
Ms. Tamura ~ Lorelei Hill Butters
Magic PC ~ Lorelei Hill Butters

Ayu is the coolest girl at Shuei Junior High. The coolest boy is Tetsushi, whom Ayu has a crush on. But then there's Nina who although looks normal, is actually a witch from a different dimension. She transfered to Shuei Junior High because she couldn't pass the magic classes. Now she's casting all sorts of wacky spells on her friend Ayu to help her with Junior High. The results aren't always what she wants. Maybe she should have studying harder...

Yes, you guessed it! This is a shojo, males beware. Girls are welcome. A friend of mine lent the first four episodes to me so I managed to check it out. The story isn't really my cup of tea, but I enjoyed it all the same. It's entertaining although I'd take Saiyuki or InuYasha anyday. One thing that annoyed me throughout the episodes was the fact whenever Nina has to cast a spell, they have to do that transforming scene. It gets old really fast and made me think of Yu-Gi-Oh. Mind you, that's not a good thing. And Nina always says "Practice!" whenever she casts a spell. The English Voice Actors are alright although there's room for improvement. When Ayu was a boy, the way he/she laughed and always did so also annoyed me. I was surprised at Nina's voice; when I read the sampler manga, Savage's voice and the one I thought of for her were the same. So that's a plus. The same for Ayu. Tetsushi's, Tsujiai's, and Yuta's voices were pretty good as well. No one else really impressed me though. Then again, when it comes to English Voice Actors I've always prefered ADV Films, Funimation, or Viz. *Sigh* No Greg Ayres, Vic Mignogna, David Matranga, Braden Hunt, Illich Guardiola, Jerry Jewell, Laura Bailey, Kevin Corn, Chris Patton, David Kaye, you get the idea. Anyway, UltraManiac is pretty girly and happy and pretty childish if I may add. No cute girls in mini-skirts or sailor fukus. I guess if you want something to give your little sister or daughter this would be something they would like. Humor can be found throughout. Oh, and I really enjoyed the ending song.

Practice!