Mushishi
Anime DVD Review
Although it sounds like the popular early-80's toy Monchichis, Mushishi is actually a deep, insightful and thought provoking series that will take you places few anime have dared. For starters, it's not your typical anime by any means. There are no robots, scantily clad babes, explosions or gunplay. There are no alien princesses, catgirls with swords, ninjas, gallant thieves, or cool-as-ice bounty hunters.
 What there is, however, is gobs and gobs of incredible artwork. Eye-popping, mind boggling, like, you actually want to watch anime for the first time in HD, kind of artwork.
Based on the manga of the same name (published by Del-Rey), Mushishi is a different experience, in a "Are You Experienced?" kind of way (Yes, we're making a 60's reference. Google it, dude). The critically acclaimed series, which has won numerous awards, is akin to Pokemon, (in a REALLY odd sort of
way) in that Ginko, the protagonist, aspires to be a "Mushi Master" by traveling from place to place to research Mushi, which are supernatural creatures of the wild. (but he doesn't capture them in pokeballs)
 Most humans cannot perceive Mushi and are oblivious to their existence, but some can see and interact with them, this sometimes causes them problems, and the episodes often revolve around Ginko aiding these people during his travels.
If you're ready to take a step up to the next level of anime appreciation, we highly suggest Mushishi. It'll be trippy, it'll be cosmic, and it'll be the best anime series you get to see this year. It'll also be the best looking anime series you're likely to come across for quite some time.
Reviewed by Brian Cirulnick, May 2008
Below: Scenes from Mushishi.
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