Welcome to the world of The Slayers: this 26-episode anime lollapalooza compiling the original 1995 TV series is a comic action adventure romp set in a medieval world with modern sensitivities. The main character is 15-year-old Lina Inverse, a red-headed young sorceress partial to stealing from evildoers and keeping her ill-gotten gains, who is available as a crime fighter for hire (at the right price, naturally) along with blonde giant swordfighter Gourry, whose versatility in battle is mirrored by a deficiency in brainpower. Also helping out are half-human/half-chimera sorcerer Zelgadis, given to sarcastic commentary and slow-burn observations, and the lovely but inept would-be sorceress Princess Amelia, who exists primarily as the butt of jokes. This strange band has no problem finding and dispatching various human and monster enemies, including bandits, golems, werewolves, trolls, mercenaries, and evil spirits. Not all of their foes are terrifying, especially an effeminate dragon who would clearly rather mince than murder, and the sexual humor is liberally spiced throughout the episodes, with Lina's lack of bosom-power inspiring catty comments (not to mention a moment when Lina loses her power because it's “that time of the month”). Granted, there's no suspense over whether Lina and her team will be victorious, but The Slayers compensates with abundant slapstick, wickedly rude bickering among the protagonists, and beautifully conceived animation (especially in the wizardry sequences). Presented in a dual-language version, this four-disc set--although the packaging says “3-up,” this should read “13-up”--includes extras such as cast interviews and DVD-ROM accessible features. Highly recommended. Aud: P. (P. Hall)
The Slayers DVD Collection
(1995) 4 discs. 600 min. DVD: $129.99. Central Park Media (avail. from most distributors). Color cover. ISBN: 1-57800-548-5. Volume 19, Issue 4
The Slayers DVD Collection
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