Kidou tenshi enjerikku reiyâ

Angelic Layer is a Japanese animation that is about dolls. Knowing this one would think that the anime is for kids and mainly girls at that. Well, did you know that the dolls are mechanical and can be controlled by a Dues in a battle game called Angelic Layer? The anime starts out as a young girl reaches a city by subway to go to highschool. She happens upon a huge outdoor TV and sees Angelic Layer. She's awed by how pretty and graceful it is and from then on is "hooked". She meets new people and makes new friends and so begins the story. This anime is very heartfelt, but also has a fair amount of action and a deep storyline.

This anime doesn't really relate to any I've seen. If you enjoyed watching Inu Yasha or perhaps Tiny Snow Fairy Sugar then you'd probably like Angelic Layer.

I first read all of the manga, and was rather depressed because it was so good and cool... but it ended after a mere five books. Kind of like drinking a really good drink, and looking at the bottom of the glass and having that depressed feeling.

Back to the anime now. It was different than the manga in several ways; some more enjoyable, some that added an EXTREME twist, and some that were just slightly disappointing. Happens with all animes though... Chobits had the cute little Plum, and in the anime her name became Sumomo... Plum is cuter. It's ending was also different as well.

Age wise, it is perfect. It has elements that teenagers and little kids alike will like, although some parts are a little bit too kiddish, it's still a well rounded good anime.

I had read all the manga, and saw the box set at Best Buy and bought it. It was around forty, but it was well worth it.

And now I depart.

Angelic Layer, the story of a girl named Misaki Suzuhara and her adventures involving the widely popular Angelic Layer game, where special dolls come to life and fight one another. Along her way to the Finals she meets friends and rivals, hoping to see her mom that she's been out of contact with for seven years.

That's just the basics of what I consider to be my favorite Anime of all time. From a production standpoint it's fantastic; the animation ranges from great to simply amazing; the soundtrack is excellent and the character designs are a treat as well. Oh and the English voice acting is near perfect as well. I have to admit I was a little skeptical on some of the voices at first but after watching the whole show I love all the English actors and Jessica Boone is phenomenal as Misaki Suzuhara. The story is my favorite part though; it covers every possible feature you'd want a perfect story to have: comedy, fantasy, action, sci-fi, drama and a sense of innocence and amazement as you can truly connect with the amazing characters. You'll laugh, you'll be on the edge of your seat, you'll cry tears of sadness and joy as the story unfolds and you'll love every minute of it.

I honestly can't find a single thing wrong with Angelic Layer; it's that good. If you're looking for a fantastic show that features one of the best stories, some amazing fights and what I consider the best characters in Anime; then please give Angelic Layer a view. I promise you will not be disappointed.