Ga-Rei-Zero: The Complete Series

This addictive, violent, anime series (a prequel to the manga Ga-Rei) focuses on the dark side of the action genre revolving around supernatural schoolgirls. Yomi and Kagura are members of a high-tech team within Tokyo's Supernatural Disaster Countermeasures Division—an agency dedicated to overcoming paranormal threats, as viewers learn during a cliffhanger opening showing devastating waves of attacks by monsters and zombies. It turns out that the debacle is actually the beginning of the end, so the remaining chapters flash back to tell the story of what led to the standoff, including the transformation of Yomi into a corrupting, demonic force known as “Category A.” Before her change, Yomi had a sisterly relationship with Kagura, whose ancestry means she's destined to be a mighty “vanquisher” and slayer of evil spirits. Will Kagura be able to bring herself to kill the fallen Yomi? Compiling all 12 episodes from 2008 on two dual-language Blu-ray discs and three DVDs, suitable for 17-up, extras include “location specials.” Highly recommended. (C. Cassady)