Shingu: Secret of the Stellar Wars

Shingu: Secret of the Stellar Wars begins with an alien spaceship hovering over Tokyo dispersing occupants who quietly make their way into the Japanese capital, where they integrate with the local population. At Hajime Murata's middle school, some of the newcomers, who possess advanced psychic powers, are disguised as students. Before long, Hajime discovers that many residents in his community also have their own intergalactic secrets, and that he himself has a role to play in this new coexistence between outsiders and earthlings. While Shingu may initially sound like an anime retread—spunky teenagers save the world from space invaders—the series evolves into something more ambitious, mixing genuinely fun science-fiction adventure with a meditation on self-worth and tolerance. Hajime is a wonderfully charming central character, and his intelligence and sensitivity provide a strong emotional foundation to the narrative. Compiling all 26 episodes in a dual-language five-disc set, suitable for 7-up, DVD extras include character bios, art galleries, and a 44-page booklet with English production notes and an interview with director Tatsuo Sato. Highly recommended. (P. Hall)