Akai Hayate, Volume 2

Akai Hayate, Volume 2, the second in a nicely animated supernatural/martial arts series, is the best new CPM release. Also: Metal Fighters Miku 1 **1/2 (90 min., $24.95, subtitled), on the other hand, combines cartoonish sex-kitten antics with more detailed fighting sequences in an uneven mix. Finally, Cyber City Oedo 808, Data One **1/2 (48 min., $19.95) is a reasonably well-animated cyberpunk thriller which suffers from an often distracting dub job. Akai Hayate is recommended for those collecting the series; the others are optional purchases. (R. Pitman)