Papuwa: Wild Things

Compiling the first five episodes of this wacky new comedy series, Papuwa: Wild Things begins when Kotaro awakens from a four-year nap and follows a mysterious voice to Papuwa Island, located under the ocean, where he loses his memory in a traumatic accident. Kotaro is surrounded by decidedly offbeat characters, such as the ex-warrior-now-maid Liquid, a hermaphroditic snail and its lover, a transvestite fish wearing fishnet stockings, a poisonous talking mushroom, and the island's young leader, Papuwa. Life on this bizarre island is filled with comedic misadventures ranging from funky island competitions to the arrival of assassins sent to kidnap Kotaro. Ultimately, however, this unusual comedy leaves a lot to be desired in terms of animation and story, although its strange scenes and characters generate occasional chuckles. Presented on a dual-language disc, rated TV-PG, with DVD extras including translation notes and a character art gallery, this is optional, at best. [Note: Papuwa, Vol. 2 is also available.] Aud: P. (K. Fletcher-Spear)