Gungrave

Original Story: Yasuhiro Nightow
Japanese Title: Gungrave
Episodes: 26
Rating: 16+
Release Studio: Geneon Entertainment
Release Year: 2004
Main Voice Actors:

Brandon Heat/Beyond the Grave ~ Ron Allen
Harry McDowell ~ Tony Oliver
"Bloody" Harry McDowell (Older Version) ~ Abe Lasser
Maria Asagi ~ Michelle Ruff
Big Daddy ~ Michael McConnohie
Mika Asagi ~ Kay Jensen
Doctor Tokioka ~ William Frederick Knight
Balladbird Lee ~ Andrew Watton
Bob Poundmax ~ David Orosco/Doug Stone
Bunji Kugashira ~ Lex Lang
Bear Walken ~ John Daniels
Sherry Walken ~ Midge Mayes
Cannon Vulcan ~ Kurt Strauss
Blood War ~ Taylor Henry

For Brandon Heat, he had the "life". He was working in the Mafia organization, Millennion, earning lots of money and with his best friend, Harry MacDowell, they were "climbing to the top of the ladder" of Millennion. Then somewhere something went wrong... Now, for Brandon death doesn't matter. He has been revived from the grave to destroy Millennion to get his revenge. Millennion has changed. They now use undead monsters as their weapons. His goal is not only to destroy Millennion but also the boss, Harry MacDowell...

Okay let me tell you this, the first episode takes place in the present. After that, the episodes show the past and how Brandon and Harry joined Millennion and how it came to be. Next, I haven't seen the whole series, I only saw 16 out of the 26 episodes. Thus, the Characters listed above are the main ones for the first half of the series.

When I first saw the third or fourth episode on G4Techtv (currently, G4 is showing RahXephon), I was captivated. Now this is back when I only watched a few anime like InuYasha, Cowboy Bebop, FLCL, Trigun, you get the picture. Every night I would sit and watch it. Eventually, I just bought the first four DVDs. (Now, you can find all 7 DVDs on store shelves.) I never really had a problem with this series, it's just that when all these other anime came out, they were my first priority. Eventually, Gungrave was at the bottom of my "Must Get" list. I guess the thought of some guy being revived from the grave coming back to get revenge on his friend didn't capture my interest as much as a dog-eared guy with a sword fighting demons and his bishonen brother (InuYasha- has been reviewed already). I have both OSTs (Original Soundtracks) and still enjoy the music. There's nothing wrong with either the voice actors or the art. Oh yeah, I almost forgot: This is NOT a Love Story. Almost no romance in it whatsoever so if you're looking for a couple, it's not going to happen. (I do believe there are two relationships but they don't appear often.) An action-packed show and although I do like action, this isn't one of my favorites. Judging by how our main character is already dead, I don't believe it's a happy ending. (This is just speculation so I don't want any rants telling me I'm wrong.)

If you like action, give this one a look.

Peacemaker Kurogane

Original Story: Nanae Chrono
Japanese Title: Peacemaker Kurogane
Episodes: 24
Rating: 15+
Release Studio: ADV Films
Release Year: 2004
Main Voice Actors:

Tetsunosuke Ichimura ~ Luci Christian
Tatsunosuke Ichimura ~ Vic Mignogna
Soji Okita ~ Braden Hunt
Toshizo Hijikata ~ Mike MacRae
Sanosuke Harada ~ Jason Douglas
Shinpachi Nagakura ~ Greg Ayres
Heisuke Todo ~ Nomed Kaerf
Keisuke Yamanami ~ Chris Ayres
Isami Kondo ~ John Swasey
Susumu Yamazaki ~ Chris Patton
Ayumu Yamazaki ~ Christine Auten
Hajime Saito ~ Rob Mungle
Toshimaro Yoshida ~ John Gremillion
Suzu Kitamura ~ Kevin Corn
Masuya ~ Mike Vance
Akesato ~ Kira Vincent Davis
Saya ~ Monica Rial
Saizo ~ Monica Rial

Haunted by the vicious slaying of his parents, Tetsunosuke Ichimura is determined to get revenge on his parent's killers. To do that he plans to join the Shinsengumi, an elite group of swordsmen who are locked in a war between them and the Choshu rebels. The Choshu clan were the ruthless killers of Tetsunosuke's parents. An incident one night awakens Tetsunosuke to reality. The Shinsengumi are as ruthless and brutal as Tetsu's parent's killers. Tetsunosuke must decide to leave behind his humanity and become a demon of the Shinsengumi or relinquish his hatred and become a Peacemaker like his father.

The manga and anime are very different. In the manga, you start the story past DVD 6 in the anime. The manga is more brutal then the manga, I'd say. Tetsu is more innocent in the anime than the manga. Suzu is absolutely nuts and just plain creepy in the manga. In the anime, he's normal enough. I'd give both a look though. The art is also somewhat different for Tetsu. For example, the look in Tetsu's eyes is different and in the manga he has a scar which is not to be seen in the anime.

The thing that may annoy people in the anime is Tetsu's voice. Personally, I like it very much. Luci Christian does a great job. However, my friend, by the sound of it, didn't like it very much. Then again she didn't like Daisuke's voice done by Kevin Corn and now she does. I must admit Rob Mungle as Hajime Saito was weird at first but now, I've gotten used to it. They picked the perfect voice for Okita, Braden Hunt. Since Okita is so feminine (in the manga I actually thought he was a girl), Hunt's voice for Okita is so delicate. It's perfect. All the other voices are great, I can't mention them all or this will just drag on and on.

The music overall in Peacemaker is great. The opening theme fits very well. However, the ending doesn't fit the show at all. I've taken a liking to the ending, "Hey Jimmy" though. The song isn't bad at all; it's just weird. The instrumental music they play through the fight scenes is neat. The music with the bongos (they play it when Hajime's around), I find it not to my taste.

The characters in here are great. They never cease to entertain whether it's a fight scene or when they are making fun of one another. I've taken a liking to the trio, Shinpachi, Sanosuke, and Heisuke. They are always teasing Tetsu and they actually call him "Puppy Boy". I also like Suzu. In the manga, I still think he's creepy though. Maybe "creepy" isn't the word. How about "disturbing"? (If you see the end of Volume 1, you'll see what I mean.) The anime's great; I prefer it over the manga.

Note: Volume 4 of the manga was supposed to appear on shelves in August. At bookstores, there hasn't been a sign of Volume 4. An anonymous source informed me that ADV manga likes to release the first few volumes of a series and then just stop leaving you waiting for a manga never to come. Since there hasn't been any sign of any new ADV manga aside from Yotsuba! or whatever it's called, I have speculations of something happening at ADV manga. According to another source, Volume 4 is out in Japan so it doesn't have to do with Chrono-sama.

Wolf's Rain

Original Story: Keiko Nobumoto, Bones
Japanese Title: Wolf's Rain
Episodes: 30
Rating: TV 14
Release Studio: Bandai Entertainment
Release Year: 2004
Main Voice Actors:

Kiba ~ Johnny Yong Bosch
Hige ~ Joshua Seth
Tsume ~ Crispin Freeman
Toboe ~ Mona Marshall
Cheza ~ Sherry Lynn
Quent Yaiden ~ Tom Wyner
Blue ~ Jessica Straus
Cher Degre ~ Kari Wahlgren
Hubb Lebowski ~ Robert Buchholz
Darcia ~ Steve Blum
Jagura ~ Mary Elizabeth McGlynn
Hamona ~ Peggy O'Neal

Two centuries ago, the wolves became extinct in the post-apocalyptic wasteland where humans currently reside. Or so they thought. Some of the wolves managed to survive by cloaking their bodies so they can look like humans. Four wolves are drawn to a city where the lunar flower is located. The lunar flower that will lead the wolves to paradise... However, the four wolves aren't the only ones who are looking for paradise, the nobles want it too. The wolves must struggle to survive as the path before them is paved with challenges and at the end of the road is the entrance to paradise.

From the creators of Escaflowne and Cowboy Bebop comes Wolf's Rain, a unique anime with plenty to offer. Yoko Kanno is the composer here and of course, the music is done spectacularly. Before Wolf's Rain I've never seen an anime having the main characters as wolves. Now don't think this is a kiddy cartoon where animals talk and they live in a happy place and everyone gets along. It's nothing like that. The wolves are driven to paradise because the world is what it is. Challenges face them such as a man intent on killing all the wolves and the nobles who are after paradise as well. Kiba, the white wolf, won't let paradise go without a fight, even if it kills him. Kiba is accompanied by Hige, the tan wolf, Tsume, the gray wolf, and Toboe, the brown wolf.

This show is made excellently. The art is great, the music fits, the voice acting fits, etc. The storyline had a bit of a twist at the end that really took in my interest. I was pretty sad when it ended. Thrity episodes is so short when you have such a great anime. I would say this is a pretty versatile anime and probably can go to a wide variety of audiences at a reasonable age, of course (no preschoolers here). The show has a good variety of characters, both wolves and humans. Other animals pop up as well such as: a horse, caracal, owl, and a walrus. Also, other wolves come up. The anime doesn't drag on like some do and it didn't feel rushed though I still miss it to this day. The view may split into several locations following different characters at different times. The first two episodes can be a little confusing at first, but if you watch them again after you've watched a few more episodes, you'll be in good hands.

There is also a manga for Wolf's Rain having only two volumes. However, it's worth it. You get a whole new view on Wolf's Rain. The art is different, still great, just a different style. The ending is incredibly different from the anime. If you like one, you'll like the other. When I saw the cover of Volume 1, it blew me away. You want to give this manga a look.

Pick this anime/manga up, both are great.

Case Closed

Japanese Title: Detective Conan
Original Author: Goshio Aoyama (I believe)
Episodes: 380 + 4 movies (from what I've seen)
Rating: 13+
Release Studio: Funimation Productions
Release Year: 2004
Main Voice Actors:

Note: The Japanese character names are different from the English names. The English names are listed below.

Jimmy Kudo ~ Jerry Jewell
Conan Edogawa ~ Alison Retzloff
Rachel Moore ~ Colleen Clinkenbeard
Richard Moore ~ Bruce R. Elliot
Dr. Agasa ~ Bill Flynn
Inspector Maguire ~ Mike Stoddard
George ~ Dameon Clarke
Mitch ~ Cynthia Cranz
Amy ~ Monica Rial
Harley Hartwell ~ Kevin M. Connolly

Jimmy Kudo is a teenage detective with a talent for observation like no other. One night, while spying on two men in black, he is caught and is fed a mysterious chemical. The chemical that was supposed to kill him turned him into a grade schooler! With the help of Dr. Agasa, he manages to live with his previous classmate and close friend, Rachel Moore whose father is a detective. Now he has to solve crimes as a kid and using gadgets Dr. Agasa gives him (such as a tranquilizer watch and a voice-changing bow tie) he makes it look like Richard (Rachel's father) is doing the work to avoid suspicion. Each crime he solves may drive him closer to who attempted to poison him and the antidote!

Okay, just to set things straight, aside from our main characters above, the characters change per episode and sometimes every other episode. This anime is great if you love mysteries or murders and stuff like that. The ideas are unique. I highly doubt you'll guess right often on how the killer did it. Trying to find the culprit is fun but in the two-episode ones (which mostly have more detail) it can be nerve-wracking to wait for the next episode. There are actually several types of mysteries. One, you are trying to find the culprit in a group of people. Two, you are trying to crack the culprit's alibi. And three, you are trying to find the victim (mostly kidnappings I presume). Those are right off the top of my head and the fact is I haven't seen all the episodes yet.

The art/music in this show aren't what draws me to it. It's the thrill of trying to find the culprit. The mysteries are always new to me. The drawback is, with most episodes anyway: if you saw an episode once, you're probably not going to watch it again. Once you watch it once, you already know what happens (unless you forget). Another thing that got on my nerves was Hartwell's name. Come on, Harley? What's up with that?! I prefer his Japanese name, thank you. The voice actors are good. Some ADV actors show up sometimes as the minor characters.

Great for mystery fans, bad for watching it over and over.

Escaflowne: The Movie

Japanese Title: Escaflowne the Movie: A Girl in Gaea
Episodes: Movie
Rating: TV 14
Release Studio: Bandai Entertainment
Release Year: 2002
Main Voice Actors:

Van ~ Kirby Morrow
Hitomi ~ Kelly Sheridan
Allen ~ Brian Drummond
Milerna ~ Venus Terzo
Merle ~ Jocelyne Loewen
Folken ~ Paul Dobson
Shesta ~ Trevor Devall
Nukushi ~ Brian Dobson
Dryden ~ Michael Dobson
Dilandu ~ Andrew Francis
Yukari ~ Willow Johnson
Mole man ~ Terry Klassen
Sola ~ Sylvia Zaradic
Jajuka ~ Scott McNiel
Kio ~ Paul Dobson
Black Dragon General ~ Brian Dobson
Black Dragon Captain ~ Richard Newman
Gaddes ~ Ward Perry
Pyle ~ Richard Newman
Ryuon ~ Brian Dobson
Ruhm ~ Terry Klassen
Reeden ~ Paul Dobson
(I put the names in a weird order... Forgive me...)

This time I'm going to forget the summary and go straight to the review. First of all, from what I hear, the Escaflowne movie is basically the 26 episode series made into a 2 hour movie with a few changes. Now I haven't seen the series, just the movie so they're aren't going to be any comparisons in here. Some people say they like the movie more, but the series seems to be more popular.

This movie is truly beautiful. The music, done by Yoko Kanno who might I add always does a great job, really impressed me and I loved it. The artwork is beautiful as well. I loved the story regardless of what others may say. The Voice Acting was very well done. Although the ending was a little unclear, I would love to watch it again. Even though the ending was a little unclear, you could predict a reasonable explanation. I don't know if this would be my favorite anime movie, but it would be up there in my top 5. I don't know if the people who watched the series would be disappointed but I liked it. I understood it even though I haven't even watched one episode. I think I'm going to buy the soundtrack since the music captivated me. A good mixture of action and romance.

Magical Shopping Arcade: Abenobashi

Original Author: Satoru Akahori (I'm pretty sure.)
Japanese Title: Abenobashi Mahou Shotengai
Episodes: 13
Rating: TV 14 (If I recall)
Release Studio: ADV Films
Release Year: 2003
Main Voice Actors:

Arumi Asahina ~ Jessica Boone
Satoshi "Sasshi" Imamiya ~ Luci Christian
Eutus ~ Chris Patton
Munemune ~ Kaytha Coker
Tetsu 'Papa' Asahina ~ Jay Hickman
Masayoshi 'Grandpa Masa' Asahina ~ Andy McAvin
Ayako Asahina ~ Allison L. Sumrall
Sayaka Imamiya ~ Monica Rial
Arata Imamiya ~ John Swasey
Taro Imamiya ~ Mike MacRae
Mitsuyo Imamiya ~ Kira Vincent Davis
Kouhei ~ John Gremillion
Ms. Aki ~ Jason Douglas

Sasshi is a middle school student who just lost pretty much everything and now his friend Arumi is moving to Hakkaido. Arumi just replies to Sasshi with: "Bein' human havin' your health. That's most important." Then Arumi and Sasshi discover the magical force behind the Magical Shopping Arcade: Abenobashi when the seal is broken. Then they are thrown to a new form of Abenobashi (each with their own themes). The way back home isn't going to be easy.

This anime is a lot of fun. The humor is great in this show. There were times when I just burst out laughing and some episodes I just had to watch again. One of my favorites is the "space" episode (even though I usually don't care for sci-fi). Certain characters will pop up more than once in different "forms" in the different worlds. I listed most on the voice actor list. This is one crazy anime. The characters are wacky (how many times do you see a cross-dresser as one of the characters that appear more than once). One episode Arumi lost her panties. (That is a new thing to me.) The different styles of worlds and how they affect each of the characters is unique. The opening theme is catchy but the rest of the music just flows in one ear and out the other. Abenobashi is something new and a great anime to watch if you have a good sense of humor.

Fruits Basket

Original Author: Natsuki Takaya
Japanese Title: Fruits Basket
Episodes: 26
Rating: Tv PG
Release Studio: Funimation Productions
Release Year: 2002
Main Voice Actors:

Tohru Honda ~ Laura Bailey
Kyo Sohma ~ Jerry Jewell
Yuki Sohma ~ Eric Vale
Shigure Sohma ~ John Burgmeier
Kagura Sohma ~ Meredith McCoy
Momiji Sohma ~ Kimberly Grant
Hatori Sohma ~ Kent Willliams
Hatsuharu Sohma ~ Justin Cook
Ayame Sohma ~ Cristopher Sabat
Kisa Sohma ~ Kate Bristol
Hiro Sohma ~ Aaron Dismuke
Ritsu Sohma ~ Mike McFarland
Akito Sohma ~ Chad Cline
Kazuma Sohma ~ Dameon Clarke
Kyoko Honda ~ Julie Mayfield
Ariso Uotani ~ Parisa Fakhri
Saki Hanajima ~ Daphne Gere

The Sohma family is cursed. Whenever they are hugged by the member of the opposite sex or get weak, they transform into an animal of the Chinese Zodiac. The secret has been kept for generations, but when a young girl, Tohru Honda, accidently finds out their secret, she must keep it or face the consequences. Conflict arises as Sohma rivals clash and as time passes she meets new members of the zodiac. However, the head of the family may decide to erase her memory anyway!

First, this is a shojo so it's made for a female audience. I wouldn't be surprised if a guy wouldn't like this. Second of all, not all of the Sohmas are animals. Akito, for example, carries the full weight of the curse. Kazuma Sohma isn't even part of the curse. Okay here are all the animals: Kyo (cat), Yuki (rat), Hatsuharu (ox), Kisa (tiger), Momiji (rabbit), Hatori (dragon), Ayame (snake), Rin (horse~not in anime), Hiro (sheep), Ritsu (monkey), Kureno (rooster~not in anime), Shigure (Dog), and Boar (Kagura).

I don't know how I got into this anime, I just started reading the manga and then I was hooked. After that, I went out and got the box set. First, let me tell you the main problem of this anime: it's way too short. As of today, fans are begging for a second season. The manga goes way beyond the anime. However, if you only read the manga, you're missing out on the sound. The opening and the ending songs are a treat although the instrumental can get a little stale. The voice acting is good with the exception of Momiji who sounds like a girl and Ayame who sounds British (which does not fit him). The art is great. I really like how Kyo, Yuki, Ayame, and Shigure are drawn in their animal forms. The presentation of the DVDs is great and the overall story is funny and exciting. I think most guys will want to avoid it though.

InuYasha

Author: Rumiko Takahashi (Ranma ½)
Japanese Title: InuYasha
Episodes: 167 (+ 4 Movies)
Rating: Teen
Release Studio: Viz Video
Release Year: 2002
Main Voice Actors:
InuYasha ~ Richard Cox
Kagome Higurashi ~ Moneca Stori
Kikyo ~ Willow Johnson
Shippo ~ Jillian Michaels
Miroku ~ Kirby Morrow
Sango ~ Kelly Sheridan
Kaede ~ Pam Hyatt
Myoga ~ Paul Dobson
Sesshomaru ~ David Kaye
Jaken ~ Don Brown
Rin ~ Brenna O’Brien
Naraku ~ Paul Dobson
Kagura ~ Janyse Jaud
Kanna ~ Janyse Jaud
Koga ~ Scott McNeil
Sota Higurashi ~ Saffron Henderson
Kagome’s Mom ~ Cathy Weseluck
Kagome’s Grandpa ~ French Tickner

Kagome Higurashi is a normal high school student who lives at a shrine. One day, while at their well with her brother, a demon pulls her into the well. Kagome is sent to feudal Japan. Fifty years ago (in feudal times), the shikon jewel was protected by a priestess named Kikyo but a half-demon, InuYasha, attempted to get his hands on it. They fell in love and instead of using the jewel to become a full-demon, Kikyo makes a proposition to use it to make it human. InuYasha steals the jewel from the town and Kikyo bounds him to a tree. Wounded, Kikyo uses the rest of her power to bind InuYasha and dies. The jewel is burnt with her remains. In the forest, Kagome sees the bounded InuYasha and is taken to the near-by village. She finds out she is the reincarnation of Kikyo. A demon attacks the village and the shikon jewel is reborn when it comes out of Kagome's body. Kagome runs to the forest where she frees InuYasha and he slays the demon. When demons come after the jewel, Kagome accidently shatters it, and the pieces scatter all over Japan. Now Kagome and InuYasha must keep the jewel out of the wrong hands and collect all the pieces before they are used for wrong. Along the way, they meet friends and foes. Thus begins InuYasha!

InuYasha was both my first anime and manga so I have a soft spot for it. The series is currently making its run on Adult Swim and DVDs are also available. Currently, 2 out of the 4 movies are out and the 3rd is coming out on September 6th. A very popular anime, a lot of InuYasha merchandise is out: wallscrolls, shirts, action figures, plushes, soundtracks, etc. It's also quite long compared to the usual 26 episodes.

InuYasha is great. It has a bit of everything: action, drama, humor, romance, near-death experiences, separated familes, new friendships, sexual harassment (available from Miroku), you name it. The fight scenes are different as InuYasha develops skill with the Tetsusaiga, a sword left for him from his father. All the characters change and develop and adapt to their enemy and their enemies can also adapt. Thus some fights can go to around 3 episodes though most stay in one or two. InuYasha and Kagome's relationship changes as their journey progresses but when they fight over trivial matters, it can be amusing. Miroku's sexual harassment towards all the ladies is also amusing. The bad guys also change. Sesshomaru, InuYasha's older brother, gets a new sword, Tokijin. Naraku absorbs demons which make him stronger.

When it comes to the music, personally I like "Fukai Mori" by Do As Infinity (aka the second ending). I like all of the endings with the exception of the sixth one, "Mischievous Kiss". The song is okay, the images aren't that great. The opening songs are nice though if you watch Inuyasha on Adult Swim, you won't be able see the openings. (I have only heard the songs.)

Personally, I love InuYasha, it's one of my favorites. However, the only bad thing is that if you are strictly an action lover, you'll want to steer clear of the romance episodes. If you are strictly a romance lover, you'll want to steer clear of the action. If you like both, this is a good series.

There is also a manga. There are certain differences in manga and anime. For example, a set of episodes doesn't appear in the manga but does in the anime. Another example is that one set of episodes appears early in the manga but later in the anime. You'll also notice the art is a little different (as with the movies and anime). Sesshomaru looks a little more masucline in the anime.

D.N. Angel

Author: Yukiru Sugisaki
Japanese Title: D.N. Angel
Episodes: 26
Rating: 13+
Release Studio: ADV Films
Release Year: 2004
Main Voice Actors:

Daisuke Niwa ~ Kevin Corn
Dark Mousy ~ Vic Mignogna
Satoshi Hiwatari ~ Greg Ayres
Krad ~ Illich Guardiola
Risa Harada ~ Luci Christian
Riku Harada ~ Hilary Haag
Emiko Niwa ~ Kelly Manison
Kosuke Niwa ~ Andy McAvin
Daiki Niwa ~ John Swasey
Towa ~ Monica Rial
Detective Saehara ~ Jason Douglas
Takeshi Saehara ~ Kira Vincent Davis
Police Chief Hiwatari ~ John Gremillion
Mio Hio ~ Jessica Boone
With ~ Mariela Ortz
Freedert ~ Sasha Paysinger
Elliot ~ Chris Patton
Second Hand of Time ~ Christine Auten

Daisuke Niwa is an ordinary Middle School Student. On his 14th birthday, he tries to give a love letter to the one he loves, Risa Harada, but it is returned. Also on his birthday, he is given his birthright as a Niwa. Now whenever he thinks about the one he loves, he turns into the Phantom thief Dark! The only way to cure this "genetic condition" is to have his love returned...

What can I say about D.N. Angel? As usual with Anime, the art is simply beautiful and the music is also wonderful. The story is brought on openly and new characters and problems surface as the story progresses. As the story progresses, Daisuke changes as he adapts to his new "genetic condition". Kevin Corn as Daisuke is fitting, seeing as Corn is 15 while Daisuke is 14. Vic Mignogna also does an excellent job as Dark Mousy. At first, I was quite questionable hearing that Greg Ayres would be playing Satoshi but soon all those feelings were gone. I can't believe how wrong I was, Ayres as Satoshi is perfect. In fact, hearing Ayres play Satoshi made like Satoshi more as a character (after reading the manga). Illich Guardiola also plays a fitting part with Krad. Luci Christian and Hilary Haag (Risa and Riku Harada) are very great voice actors as well.

Like I mentioned earlier, the art is simply beautiful. Since this Anime focuses around art a lot, it's very suitable that the art itself is beautiful. It wouldn't be worth stealing if it weren't. The fountain, city, sunsets, whatever, are are a treat. Speaking of art, the opening is worth watching. Shunichi Miyamoto (16) is quite a good singer. He sings the opening "White Night - True Light" and both of the special endings in the Episodes 24 and 26. In several episodes, a vocal song will play during the episode. Sometimes I'll watch the episodes just because of the sound. In one episode, a harp plays as a picture is painted. Just beautiful...

I won't spoil the ending for you but I'm going to talk about in general.
The ending was fitting but a tad on the predictable side. The last episode is great, one you don't want to miss.

Overall, a beautiful and great show. You don't want to miss this one.

Saiyuki

Author: Kazuya Minekura (Bus Gamer)
Japanese Title: Gensomaden Saiyuki
Episodes: 50 (+Movie)
Rating: 15+
Release Studio: ADV Films
Release Year: 2003
FYI: There are several series of Saiyuki. The order is as follows (by release): Gensomaden Saiyuki, Saiyuki: Requiem, Saiyuki Reload, Saiyuki Reload Gunlock, and Saiyuki Gaiden.
Main Voice Actors:

Genjyo Sanzo ~ David Matranga
Son Goku ~ Greg Ayres
Sha Gojyo ~ Illich Guardiola
Cho Hakkai ~ Braden Hunt
Kougaji ~ Vic Mignogna
Dokugakuji ~ Jason Miesse
Yaone ~ Shelly-Carlene Black
Lirin ~ Hilary Haag
Dr. Ni ~ Tommy Drake
Gyokumen Koushu ~ Kaytha Coker
Merciful Goddess ~ Karen Coffer
Homura ~ Jason Douglas
Zenon ~ John Swasey
Shien ~ Spike Spencer
Kouryuu ~ Kevin Corn
Hakuryu ~ Kelli Cousins

Okay, first a history lesson. Saiyuki is actually based on the original legend of Priest Sanzo and his journey west to bring back the sacred scriptures from India. The title of this legend is "Xi-You-Ji" which translates to "Journey to the West". The title is a play on words using kanji that sound like the original title but translate to "Journey to the Extreme". In the original title, Priest Sanzo travels with the monkey king, Son Goku; a kappa (or water sprite), Sha Gojyo; and a pig, Cho Hakkai. Saiyuki is an upgrade of the whole series. The four original characters are replaced with four bishonen. Sanzo is now a renegade priest who drinks, smokes, gambles, and over all that, carries a gun. Goku is still the monkey king but with a mind full of food and games and a "long-haired hippie demon" form (as Gojyo calls it). Gojyo is now perverted. Hakkai is now a troubled demon (no sign of being a pig). Our four heroes are as good-looking as ever. Sanzo is now sent west to stop the resurrection of a horrible demon. Hop a ride on their jeep. It's going to be a wild ride!

Now that the main plot is out of the way, where do I start? Saiyuki, Saiyuki, Saiyuki... I have to say it (as much as I hate to admit it): this is a girls show. I'm not saying guys won't like it, it's just that this show is really popular with the girls. (I bet you can tell why...)

Continuing... I have fallen in love with the show. The action is fast-paced and if our heroes aren't fighting the demons, they're fighting with each other. Most of this fighting is between Goku and Gojyo and I have to say, even though Ayres and Guardiola aren't recording together, they sure sound like they are. The voice acting in this show is amazing. All the characters have the right voices. (It's a shame that for Reload they changed the voice actors.) No one other than Matranga, Ayres, Guardiola, and Hunt can do Sanzo, Goku, Gojyo, and Hakkai any better. The opening and ending themes (both sets) are also a pretty sight. I personally love "Still Time" which is the opening for the second season. Also about the voice actors, Cousins does an amazing dragon sound for Hakuryu (Jeep).

I have a pet peeve with this show. Whenever Goku wants dim sum, he calls it a "meat bun". After eating dim sum for years, I'd rather hear "dim sum" or "cha-shu-bao" (since I'm used to that). Nothing's perfect, but at least this show's problem is small.

I'd recommend it to action fans. Unfortunately, the main romance is with Gojyo's perversion. There are a few others though. Anyway, the music fits the show, the voice actors are amazing, the actions great, an awesome show.

If you like the Anime, check out the manga!