Speed Grapher on iTunes (US)

I remember how excited I was the first time I saw the Final Fantasy section on iTunes. Since then, things have been brewing. We are seeing a steady increase in the genre of Anime. ADV was one of the first to provide anime trailers on iTunes. AnimeNation and Anime Network now has podcasts available, not to mention WOW podcasts. The number of anime episodes are also exponentially increasing. Though all of them are english dubbed, I still view this as a good start. Alas, that does not mean, however, that subs are definitely around the corner. Titles include: Basilisk, Samurai 7, Speed Grapher, Desert Punk, Animatrix, and Gunslinger Girl.

Speed Grapher Vol. 6

The final volume of the intensive, electrifying series, "Speed Grapher," delivers a big bang. The truth behind Suitengu's crusade is revealed and the outcome of the final showdown between Suitengu and Saiga holds the key to Kagura's survival.

With the club reopened, the Roppongi Crisis gets underway. Will corruption, power, and money bring the ultimate downfall to Japan and its people? Tragic loss, tragic gain, tragic love, revenge, and lust befall as "Speed Grapher" comes to a conclusion. You don't want to miss it, I guarantee it!! Let the "Burning Crusade" begin...

Speed Grapher Vol. 5

Speed Grapher, Volume 5, picks up the slow pace it had last volume. Suitengu's past is revealed and desperate attempts at resolution is out of reach as a blockade of lies and deception steer our heroes on the wrong path. The meanings behind justice and freedom continue to be tested as the true nature of humans lies closely to power and corruption. Volume 5 ends at a critical point, leaving the viewer anxiously waiting to pick up the final volume, to be released in the U.S. on March 6th.

Speed Grapher Vol. 4

"Speed Grapher" Volume 4 drastically turns down the momentum it had in Volume 3, but still holds its credibility and its elements of lust, greed, and betrayal to the very end. The secrets behind the actual chemistry of Kagura's state and the world of Euphorians continue to unravel. Episode 16 marks the series' first, if not only, recap episode. "Speed Grapher" smartly uses an annual report of expenses as a means of recapping all the events that have occured thus far. The end of the volume also seems to hint at more flashbacks as the end of the series inches closer.

To avoid too many spoilers, I will only ask this: "Could Saiga and Suitengu's first encounter with each other actually be before their meeting during the botched ceremony at the club?" I'm sure some questions will be answered in Volume 5 which is set to be released Janunary 16, 2007.

Speed Grapher Vol. 3

This steamy volume continues the high adrenaline of "Speed Grapher." Filled with lies and deception, everyone seems to be caught in some scheme and at the end of the volume, we find out who truly has the upper hand. With its twists and turns, Saiga finally confronts Suitengu, and the truth is ultimately revealed...a blood fight ensues and for the first time, we get a glimpse of Suitengu's powers. Kagura and Saiga have been separated and are being held captive, and another euphorian is on the attack. This volume leaves you wanting more...but we'll have to wait till Volume 4 comes out (set to be released on November 18, 2006).

Speed Grapher Vol. 2

Volume 2 of Speed Grapher keeps the momentum going as Saiga and Kagura continue their attempt to elude Suitengu-sama and his club. Both are bombarded with even more euphorians and Saiga's euphorian skills continue to develop...bigger focus lens and focal distance equals a bigger explosion. The mystery behind Kagura is also beginning to unravel as we learn more about the inner workings of the secret club. Just a friendly warning -- I wouldn't recommend watching this volume if you've got to visit the dentist in the near future.

Volume 3 is set to be released October 10, 2006.

Euphoria

Thank you, Gonzo! If you're looking to get away from the mainstream anime out there just once, away from those romance, comedies, action, robot, and samurai-themed anime, then "Speed Grapher" is for you. For "Evangelion" fans, this is a must-see. "Speed Grapher" has it all -- great plot, great characters, great development, awesome music, and flawless graphics. If one word could sum up this great series, it would be "original." There is only one other anime I have ever deemed "original", that being, "Evangelion", of course. Having seen just the first volume, "Speed Grapher" has already made it to one of the top titles on my list.

Because of its originality, it's hard to describe or compare it to other anime titles. "Speed Grapher" is similar to "Evangelion" in that it deals with the philosophy of human mind and desire and is deeply enriched. I thought of "Elfen Lied" in some instances, but "Speed Grapher" is way beyond that league. It's similar to "Silent Hill" (the video game/movie) in the perfection of the background music. Its clean graphics are in the realm of "Last Exile's" awesome artist, Range Murata. In all, this title can stand on its own. "Speed Grapher" is rated TV-MA (mature). This is definitely not for kids or the light-hearted or the occasional anime fan. This is definitely for you hard-core anime fans. I tried to get the import version, but was unsuccessful, so I'm anxiously awaiting for Volume 2.