Welcome to the Space Show

In director Koji Masunari's impressive 2010 theatrical debut, five children on summer vacation in the countryside discover a genuine crop circle and, among the foliage, an injured alien who looks like a dog (but talks, walks, and can fight in cool self-generated battle armor). The creature, Pochi, is a space biologist protecting an ancient, rare Earth plant from smugglers, and he rewards the children by taking them aboard a UFO/taxi to the incredible alien megapolis that thrives unseen on the far side of the Moon. But a sudden Earth quarantine—and the machinations of the persistent smugglers—wind up pushing Pochi and the kids even deeper into space, ultimately sending them to a gigantic pirate-broadcast circus/performance festival called “The Space Show.” Along with pseudonymous illustration-designer Okama, Masunari created a huge menagerie of distinct and whimsical alien species, doodle-like but with echoes of Gahan Wilson and Ralph Bakshi at their most uninhibited (and, occasionally, rather Freudian). Masunari also cast young voiceover actors for the child characters (which is uncommon in anime). Presented in separately available dual-language DVD and Blu-ray editions, suitable for ages 10-up, extras include a Japanese TV talk-show episode featuring Masunari, Okama, and other participants. Highly recommended. (C. Cassady)