FLCL: The Complete Series

Playing stateside on Adult Swim, FLCL takes a well-worn anime formula and spins it with outrageous riffs. Naota is a typical sixth-grade nerd whose world is turned upside down when a pink-haired girl named Haruko runs over him with her motor scooter. Haruko, who turns out to be the new housekeeper for Naota's family, claims to be an alien, which explains a lot—especially in regard to Naota's newfound ability involving, uh, robots that grow out of his skull. The pair soon find themselves under surveillance by a nefarious government agent and an equally dastardly corporation with a secret agenda. FLCL (pronounced “fooly coolly”) is a riot of violent slapstick, with Naota taking most of the hits—from both Haruko and various other crazies who have invaded his world. Compiling all six episodes (which aired in 2003 in the U.S.) on a dual-language disc, rated TV-14, DVD and Blu-ray extras include director audio commentaries, music videos, and outtakes. Highly recommended. (P. Hall)