Golgo 13: Collection 1

Golgo 13 is the code name for Duke Togo, considered the world's most dangerous (and effective) assassin. The hit man must be doing something right, since the U.S. government and the Mafia are among his top clients in this action-adventure anime series that follows Golgo 13 on his dangerous (and sometimes demented) assignments. If anything, he's a versatile killer, with targets that include athletes, diplomats, financiers, a classical violinist, and even a prisoner in a maximum security penitentiary. The overriding concept is interesting, and some of the episodes (particularly the one involving the musician) are genuinely exciting in detailing the manner in which Golgo 13 is contracted and how he sets up his mission (when things don't quite go according to plan, the inventive murderer's quick-witted response helps pump up the energy). But there's a lethal catch here: the title character takes stoicism to an unpleasant extreme, and while one doesn't expect this type of guy to have a Daffy Duck personality, Golgo 13's serious demeanor is much too stiff to allow him to achieve antihero status. Compiling 13 episodes from the 2008 first season in a dual-language two-disc set, rated TV-MA, this is a strong optional purchase. [Note: Golgo 13: Collection 2 is slated for release on Sept. 14.] Aud: P. (P. Hall)