Anime has its share of jolting moments, especially when a series starts out serious and then turns on a dime to bombard the viewer with pratfalls. Sometimes it works, but in Tactics ends up being a flaw. Kantaro is a folklorist who's determined to stop demons but befriends and respects the other supernatural beings of Japanese folklore, from goblins to spirits to gods. His dream since childhood has been to find and harness control of the legendary Demon-Eater goblin, which he accomplishes in the opening of this five-episode initial volume, naming her Haruka and adding her to his companions, which include a fox spirit, bubbly heiress, and a White Goblin (i.e., a goblin who was once human). As Kantaro balances his writing (missing deadlines left and right) against his “hobby” of exorcism and supernatural crime-solving, Tactics follows his missions and his relationship with the dishy but prickly Haruka. While the supernatural side of the story is handled well—full of creepy moments and evocative animation (though Kantaro's fighting music makes you think that Charlie's Angels should arrive as backup)—the silly side ends up being somewhat intrusive (why deflate a spooky glimpse into Japanese legends with tired jokes?). Still, fans of ghost hunting tales will appreciate this nicely animated entry presented on a dual-language disc, suitable for 13-up, with DVD extras that include interviews with the Japanese voice cast. Recommended. [Note: Tactics, Vol. 2 is slated for release on Sept. 26.] Aud: P. (R. Brenner)
Tactics, Volume 1
(2004) 150 min. DVD: $24.98. Manga Entertainment (avail. from most distributors). Color cover. Volume 21, Issue 5
Tactics, Volume 1
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