DNA Sights 999.9

Fast 'toon action combined with minimal animation may seem like a conflict in terms, but of course it's really a description of one branch of anime. By now most librarians should be familiar with these Johnny Quest/Speed Racer-ish looking animated features from Japan. Although some anime is nominally adult-oriented, this lively feature is accurately billed as acceptable fare for most ages. The plot concerns a post-apocalyptic (meteor collision with Earth this time) world and the timeless conflict between good (in the "person" of young Tetsuro Daiba and his friends) and evil (the dastardly military rulers). The action is fast, furious and pretty much non-stop and the animation--once one is acclimated to characters who sometimes move only their mouths--is well-rendered and very colorful. The Star Blazers, who may well be familiar to the anime fans among your patrons, are featured in this brainchild of manga artist Leiji Matsumoto. Libraries collecting anime will want to consider this characteristic entry; optional for others. Aud: P. (M. Tribby)