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The plot for this anime really grabbed me. After watching the fist episode I was addicted to the mysterious atmosphere of the show. Unlike many anime that I've seen before in which the mystery that first grabbed me dissolved within a few episodes, this one maintained its puzzling qualities until the very end. Furthermore, every time I thought I had figure out exactly what was happening behind the scenes, the creators would throw out an completely unforeseen twist. It was these twists that kept this show entertaining until the very end.

In addition to the well written plot, the art for Mai-HiME was beautiful. The action ... was a joy to watch, and the music that accompanied the well choreographed action only made it more enjoyable.

Furthermore, the characters in Mai-HiME are incredible. Each character has a complete background and purpose driving his or her actions. Due to this depth in story telling, the characters are endearing, and the villains are completely detested.

The above is what I loved in this show.

Now, onto what I didn't love about in Mai-HiME. As you can see from the review, there's a lot of fanservice and sensuality. Too much for me, really. In addition to the more standard oversized busts and uncomfortable camera angle, towards the end of the show there's one somewhat disturbing encounter between two of the female students in the school. The female-female love angle in this shows is explored much more deeply than the yuri in any manga or anime I've ever seen before. Call me sheltered if you like, but the yuri content in this show bothered me more than I can communicate.

Also, one story element which I found to be a little disappointing was the purpose for which the girls fight. With the exception of one or two characters, they all fight for selfish reasons. While the level of selfishness varies, the viewer never get the feeling that the girls really care about what happens to everyone on earth. They're out to get what they want, and if fighting is the only way to get it then they fight. This emphasis on doing what you want with the goal of getting what you want without regard for the greater good was unfortunate, in my book.

Overall, this was one spectacular anime ruined by some very unnecessary plot elements and fanservice. Personally, I would feel uncomfortable recommending Mai-HiMe, as much as the plot makes me wish I could. *sigh* Darn fanservice. . .

There's not a whole lot I can say about DearS except "Stay Away!" It has been viewed by many as a Chobits rip off. While Chobits had some areas that saved it from the trash bin, this title has none. From the very opening animation which features two of the main female characters embracing unclothed to the unresolved end, DearS screams it's inappropriate nature. I view a number of these titles to be able to relate just how inappropriate they truly are. Pleased be warned that while the character designs and story overview look really good and may draw one to a purchase, this title ... is really bad.

At first glance, Alien 9 appears to be a cute little anime about chasing aliens on roller blades. Thinking this was the case, I bought it. I thought that they must have been exaggerating or in complete error when I saw the 13+ rating. Not. Despite its cheery and cutesy character design, this is a very dark and disturbing anime.

I should have known something was up when I kept getting bad feelings for no reason. Things happened in the anime that made zero sense, and yet I felt completely horrible while and after watching it. When I finished the series (4 30-minute episodes), I couldn't ... watch anime for the rest of the week. I felt dirty, like I had done something very wrong. Although the anime was violent and disturbing, it didn't seem enough to affect me for days. Then, I discovered that Alien 9 is riddled with symbolism - and some of it not so hidden. To call it dark would be an understatement. There are blatant sexual instances represented, expressions of deep and black pain, and perverted thought processes. I would never recommend this to anyone. I have a feeling that someone who has experienced firsthand some of the horrible things the symbolism depicts would pick up on the innuendoes instantly.

Last, but not least, there is some very light yuri (girl's love) tone in the anime - and it's more obvious in the manga.

All in all, Alien 9 is, in short, to be avoided like the plague.