Nabari: The Complete Series, Part One

Teenage Miharu is a typical apathetic youth with an atypical power—a secret art called Shinra Banshou that encompasses all the knowledge in the universe and is badly needed in Nabari, a hidden ninja world. Amazingly, Miharu isn't even aware of his talent until he is attacked by a group of ninjas who look like average, everyday people. However, his martial arts-obsessed pals Kouichi and Kumohira come to the rescue and later introduce him to the environment of ninjas hiding in plain sight. Although seemingly indifferent to these unlikely developments, Miharu is uncertain whether his friends are seeking genuine comradeship or are trying to exploit his untapped power. His lack of response to the bizarre actions that whirl around him throw some of the earlier episodes of this helter-skelter adventure out of kilter, but the series gains some speed with the introduction of ninja master Yoite, who agrees to mentor Miharu, and this plot twist leads to some stylish fight sequences. Compiling the first 13 episodes of the 2008 series, this dual-language two-disc set, suitable for 14-up, includes DVD extras such as an episode audio commentary. Optional. [Note: Nabari: The Complete Series, Part Two is also newly available.] Aud: P. (P. Hall)