Best Action Anime of 2009

In Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, the lives of Edward and Alphonse Elric are irrevocably altered when an alchemical attempt to resurrect their deceased mother backfires. By violating the taboo against human transmutation, the brothers pay a horrific price: Alphonse forfeits his entire physical form, while Edward sacrifices a limb to anchor his brother's soul to a suit of armor. Seeking refuge with their neighbor Pinako Rockbell and her granddaughter Winry, a talented mechanic who crafts automail—sophisticated robotic limbs—for Edward, the duo eventually embark on a perilous journey. Their goal is to restore their bodies through the legendary Philosopher's Stone, an artifact capable of bypassing the law of equivalent exchange. As Edward rises in prominence as a formidable alchemist and acquires the title "Fullmetal," their pursuit draws them into a sprawling conspiracy that threatens the very fate of their world.

In the magical kingdom of Fiore, Lucy Heartfilia harbors a dream of joining the renowned wizard guild Fairy Tail. Her aspiration is realized upon meeting Natsu Dragneel, the fire mage known as "Salamander," who invites her to become a member. Within the guild, friction often erupts between Natsu and the ice mage Gray Fullbuster, even as the formidable Erza Scarlet maintains a commanding presence. Despite frequently causing chaos, these skilled mages and their eccentric comrades are united by a bond of absolute trust that surpasses family ties. As Lucy integrates with Natsu, Gray, Erza, and the rest of the guild, she finds herself repeatedly entangled in perilous scenarios. While undertaking lucrative jobs and missions to safeguard the world, a sinister shadow hangs over their journey: Zeref, the dreaded master of dark magic.

Academy City stands as a technological metropolis, surpassing the rest of the world by approximately two to three decades. Among its 2.3 million inhabitants, 80% are students whose education focuses on cultivating esper abilities. Misaka Mikoto, one of the city's most potent espers, shares a dormitory with Kuroko Shirai, a high-level esper who serves in Judgement, a student-led law enforcement agency. Both girls are enrolled at Tokiwadai, an exclusive private school for the wealthy and gifted. Kuroko's partner in Judgement is Kazari Uiharu, a low-level esper attending Sakugawa Middle School, where her best friend and classmate is Ruiko Saten, a Level Zero possessing no esper powers. Together, these four become embroiled in various adventures throughout the dynamic scientific city.

Five years after the events of Dragon Ball, martial artist Gokuu has settled into married life with Chi-Chi and is raising their four-year-old son, Gohan. A reunion on Turtle Island with longtime friends Master Roshi, Krillin, and Bulma takes an unexpected turn when a Saiyan named Raditz arrives, revealing Gokuu's true heritage and abducting Gohan. Faced with Raditz's overwhelming power, Gokuu forms an uneasy alliance with his former rival Piccolo to rescue his son. During this encounter, Gokuu and Piccolo reveal the existence of the wish-granting Dragon Balls to Raditz, who warns them of other Saiyans planning to claim the Dragon Balls for themselves. Dragon Ball Z Kai follows Gokuu, his allies, and his family as they battle to protect the galaxy from escalating threats. The series features a mix of strange, humorous, touching, and intimidating characters, engaging in conflicts that continually challenge and push Gokuu and his team to new heights of ability and strength.

In the follow-up season, Hei and Yin are fugitives after betraying the Syndicate in the prior installment. After departing Japan, Hei meets Suou Pavlichenko, a 13-year-old Eurasian girl who gets pulled into the conflicts and political maneuvers of various factions and Contractors competing for dominance. Meanwhile, Hell's Gate remains intact in Tokyo, following Hei's actions to prevent the Saturn Ring anti-Gate particle weapon from activating. While Contractors are no longer at risk of having their existences erased, that doesn't stop new and existing Contractors from misusing their powers. As Misaki Kirihara and her team at the Public Security Bureau handle the rising number of Contractor incidents, she also must hold off the Syndicate, which holds significant influence in the Japanese police and intelligence agencies around the globe. The story's setting primarily unfolds in both Japan and Russia.

Every five years, the galaxy's most thrilling race, Redline, takes place with no rules, forcing racers to push their limits. Fearless driver JP knows this intensity well. After barely qualifying for Redline, he anticipates competing against top rivals, especially the striking newcomer Sonoshee McLaren—the only other human qualifier. This year's Redline is particularly risky, held on Roboworld, a planet with a trigger-happy military and opportunistic criminals who plan to use the race for their own gain. Despite the dangers, the event only becomes more exciting for the participants. Focusing on his vehicle's speed, JP prepares for the challenge, aiming to win what could be the defining moment of his racing career.

In the heart of America, the streets are ruled by the mafia, where assassinations are a frequent occurrence. These violent acts are often the work of Inferno, a clandestine group that utilizes their almost invincible human weapon called "Phantom." One fateful day, a Japanese traveler unwittingly witnesses one of Phantom's hits. Fearing for his life, he seeks safety in an abandoned building. However, he is captured by Ein, the young female identity behind Phantom, and Scythe Master, the head of Inferno. The traveler undergoes a brutal brainwashing process and is subsequently rechristened as Zwei. Now a mindless pawn of Inferno, Zwei finds himself immersed in a world of deceit, treachery, and violence. His journey to survival is fraught with danger, with each moment threatening his very existence. Yet, deep down, he holds onto the hope of reclaiming his lost memories and escaping the grip of his manipulated reality.

Following yet another defeat at Naraku's hands, Inuyasha, Kagome Higurashi, and their allies continue their pursuit of the scattered Shikon Jewel shards, determined to prevent the evil Naraku from reassembling them. Naraku, however, remains resolute in securing the shards for himself, eliminating anyone who obstructs him, even his own underlings. This escalating threat forces Sango and Miroku to weigh their romantic feelings against their duties as warriors. Meanwhile, Inuyasha must confront his own emotions, torn between Kikyou and Kagome. As the race to gather the shards intensifies, Inuyasha and his rival brother Sesshoumaru are compelled to set aside their differences and unite for a decisive battle against Naraku, a confrontation essential to ending his tyranny once and for all.

Natsuru suddenly transforms into a beautiful girl, an experience that should be exciting but becomes grim when a toy tiger reveals they are now a Kampfer—a mystical warrior forced to battle other Kampfers in their female form, turning their reality into a nightmare. Alongside the physical challenges, their childhood best friend confesses feelings for Natsuru's new female appearance, complicating matters further. The separation of boys' and girls' sections at school forces them to attend both, fueling speculation that they are dating themselves. Additionally, rival Kampfers at school pose a serious threat, leaving Natsuru unsure whether their motives are romantic or hostile. As battles with weapons like swords and guns rage alongside hormonal chaos, this unwilling gender-bending fighter must struggle to stay alive and maintain their sanity.

Upon discovering that islands in East Blue are being destroyed, Monkey D. Luffy and his crew set out to investigate. During their journey, they encounter a strange pirate ship descending from the sky, commanded by the infamous pirate Shiki "the Golden Lion," who ate the Float-Float Fruit and became the only prisoner to ever escape Impel Down. Driven by a desire to challenge the World Government, Shiki kidnaps Nami to serve as his navigator and leaves the rest of the Straw Hat Pirates stranded on his floating islands as hostages, placing Nami in a dangerous situation. Trapped within Shiki’s territory, Luffy and his crew must navigate the treacherous landscape to rescue their navigator and friend.

In Shanghai, China, Japanese photographer Oosawa Maria works alongside her partner Mino to find stories worth reporting in the city. While covering a local festival, they notice strange events happening and choose to look into them. The pair gets caught up in a conflict between mysterious people wearing masks and an unusual woman with white hair. As the situation grows more dangerous, Maria almost gets hurt until her old friend Canaan steps in and saves her. But a dangerous plan involving a deadly virus comes to light, forcing Canaan to face her past so she can stop the one behind it and protect the people she cares about.

Under a crimson sky with a blackened moon, monsters begin appearing on the streets, leaving Satsuki Kakeru confused. With his best friend Yuka, he tries to figure out why they are trapped in this strange world, seemingly empty except for them. When the "Red Night" ends, Kakeru and Yuka think it was just a hallucination—until it happens again, putting them in danger. They soon meet four others in the same situation: Misuzu Kusakabe, a skilled swordsman; Kukuri Tachibana, a quiet girl who resembles Kakeru's late sister; Yukiko Hirohara, a lively woman who becomes a ruthless assassin without her glasses; and Takahisa Tajima, a youth with fire-controlling powers. Together, the six struggle to survive and uncover the mystery of this puzzling dimension, only to face greater challenges when six sinister figures confront them.

In response to the mysterious disappearances of four ninjas, each with a distinct bloodline limit, from different nations, Kakashi Hatake, Naruto Uzumaki, Sakura Haruno, and Sai embark on a mission to investigate. Upon finding these missing ninjas and reporting their findings to the Hokage, Tsunade, their plans are abruptly interrupted when Hiruko, a former Konohagakure shinobi driven by an insatiable desire for power, surfaces. He has assimilated the unique abilities of the vanished ninjas, rendering him nearly invincible, and he is just one more bloodline limit away from starting a global conquest. Konohagakure faces suspicion from other nations due to its historical connection with Hiruko, leading to Tsunade receiving an ultimatum to address the situation. With limited options, Tsunade agrees to a risky and potentially fatal strategy suggested by Kakashi. Naruto, however, is unwilling to let this plan proceed, defying the Hokage's order and vowing to save Kakashi, ready to confront both friends and foes in the process.

In a world devastated by monstrous creatures known as Limbeekoon or Filth Monsters, humanity has taken refuge inside enormous moving cities called Regios, where people learn to wield special weapons known as Dite by channeling the energy of Kei to protect themselves. In the Academy City of Zuellni, Layfon Alseif hopes to start over and leave his past behind. But his history draws the interest of Karian Loss, the manipulative Student Council President, and Nina Antalk, a Military Arts student and captain of the 17th Military Arts Platoon, who quickly sees his skill and decides he is the ideal recruit for her team. However, with a secret past that refuses to let him go and extraordinary abilities beyond the ordinary, Layfon may not simply go along with it.

At the prestigious Barsburg Empire's Military Academy, students train their skills and wield Zaiphon—a power that manifests uniquely for each individual. Among them stands Teito Klein, a gifted prospect despite his past as a sklave and his lost memories. After forming a close friendship with classmate Mikage, Teito uncovers a dark link to his forgotten history. His attempt to strike back against Ayanami, a high-ranking official responsible for his father's death, fails, resulting in his imprisonment. Determined to help Teito, Mikage orchestrates his escape from the academy. Seeking sanctuary, Teito finds shelter at the 7th District Church, welcomed by its leaders. There, he struggles to evade Ayanami and the military while pursuing the truth about his past and his part in shaping the world's future.

In February 1999, a series of murders leaves Shiki Ryougi and Mikiya Kokutou on edge. These crimes bear a disturbing resemblance to a similar set of homicides from 1995, the year Shiki and Mikiya first met, and they awaken a dark, murderous desire that has lain dormant within Shiki's soul ever since. With Shiki under suspicion due to her involvement in the past killings and her supposed resemblance to the killer, she and Mikiya set out to find the true perpetrator. During their separate investigations, Mikiya grows increasingly concerned about Shiki's well-being and hurries to find the one responsible in order to protect Shiki from her own impulses. Guided by a lead from his cousin, police investigator Daisuke Akimi, Mikiya is drawn into the underbelly of Mifune City, as the salvation of Shiki's soul depends on his determination to prove her innocence once and for all.

In Asu no Yoichi!, Yoichi Karasuma spends his entire youth secluded in the mountains, honing the Soaring Wind, Divine Wind swordsmanship style under his father's strict training. By age seventeen, he has fully mastered the technique but begins to crave new experiences. His father then sends him to a modern dojo in the city so he can further develop his skills and learn how to live in contemporary society. Completely unfamiliar with current social norms, Yoichi's behavior and traditional samurai attire frequently cause amusing misunderstandings. After moving in with the Ikaruga sisters at their dojo, his lack of knowledge about everyday etiquette leads to one comedic situation after another. The story follows Yoichi as he tries to adapt to his strange new environment, struggling to fit into the modern world while building relationships with his new family.

During winter break, strange events occur at Reien Girls' Academy. Azaka Kokutou, a student and apprentice mage, is sent by her master to investigate. She discovers another mage is using fairies to steal students' memories. These fairies are invisible to Azaka but visible to Shiki Ryougi, an acquaintance with exceptional eyesight, so Shiki is brought in to assist. Despite initial friction between them caused by Azaka seeing Shiki as a romantic rival, the fairy situation worsens, revealing deeper layers to the mystery. Azaka must set aside her personal feelings and work with Shiki to save their fellow students.

In the aftermath of the Valbanil War, which ended forty-four years ago, the surviving nations agreed to a peace treaty that outlawed the dangerous demon contracts that had previously caused widespread devastation. Cecily Cambell, a young knight, is determined to uphold her family’s legacy by protecting the people with her father’s treasured sword. Cecily encounters her first challenge when a crazed swordsman attacks the marketplace. She rushes to defend the civilians, but her weapon shatters during the confrontation. A cloaked figure wielding an unusual blade steps in and neutralizes the assailant. After the chaos, Cecily visits a nearby blacksmith to repair her damaged heirloom. She soon realizes that her rescuer, Luke Ainsworth, who is also the blacksmith, may possess the specialized skills required for such intricate repairs. Determined to restore her beloved sword, Cecily pursues the man who saved her life. Later, a band of brigands ambushes a caravan heading to the city, revealing monstrous forms and an ice demon among them. Luke uses a holy power to defeat these enemies, who are suspected to be operating under a forbidden demon contract. Meanwhile, a hooded figure watches from a distance. Who is this mysterious adversary, and how will their presence affect Cecily and Luke?

In the chaotic Sengoku period, Japan is torn apart by warring factions as countless warlords vie for supremacy. Leading the charge is Nobunaga Oda, the "Demon King of Owari," who has risen to become the most dominant ruler, mercilessly crushing all opposition to enforce a harsh centralized regime. Standing against Oda's tyranny are two formidable warriors: Masamune Date, the "One-eyed Dragon of Oshu," and Yukimura Sanada, a fiery fighter from the Takeda clan. Though both share the objective of stopping Oda's expansion, Masamune and Yukimura are locked in conflict with one another. Their equally matched combat abilities and mutual respect fuel a fierce rivalry, preventing any cooperation against the Demon King. As Oda's forces encroach on their domains, Masamune and Yukimura must set aside their personal differences and unite to face the growing threat.

Hidden truths and startling revelations are unveiled for the first time in the Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood OVA Collection, a new set of stories set in previously unexplored corners of the FMA universe. Follow Ed and Al as they chase rumors of successful human transmutation into a web of shocking family drama and deceit. Catch a glimpse of unseen sides of Winry and Hawkeye's personalities. Brave the freezing north with a young Izumi Curtis as she fights to deepen her understanding of alchemy. Investigate the legendary friendship between Mustang and Hughes and watch them evolve from military school rivals into hardened brothers forged by the horrors of the Ishvalan War. You thought you knew the whole story. You thought every tale was told. The Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood OVA Collection provides evidence: You were wrong. 1. The Blind Alchemist (盲目の錬金術師, Moumoku no Renkinjutsushi) Adapted from a side story of the Fullmetal Alchemist manga published in the Fullmetal Alchemist Perfect Guidebook (2003). It concerns a blind alchemist named Jude, who serves the Humbergang family. He once broke the taboo of alchemy. 2. Simple People (シンプルな人々, Simple na Hitobito) A story about Riza (why she let her hair grow longer) and Winry (why she had her ears pierced and how she obtained her earrings). 3. The Tale of Teacher (師匠物語, Sensei Monogatari) Based on a side story of the Fullmetal Alchemist manga, the third OVA focuses on Edward and Alphonse's teacher, Izumi Curtis. The story is composed of two parts. The first part shows how Izumi survived Mt. Briggs to become an apprentice of a renowned alchemist. The second part shows how Izumi and Sig met and experienced love at first sight. 4. Yet Another Man's Battlefield (それもまた彼の戦場, Sore mo mata Kare no Senjou) The story centers on Roy at age 18 in a military boot camp, how he met an Ishbalan recruit named Heathcliffe Arbor, and how he became a friendly rival to Hughes.

Following the conclusion of World War III in 2150, Japan remains in a state of unrest. Across the country, strange zones called "Blackspots" have emerged, contaminated by the hazardous remains of destroyed cities and countryside. People trapped within these areas have undergone changes, gaining various supernatural abilities such as shape-shifting, fire control, or gravity manipulation, leading to them being called "Needless." Adam Blade, who has incredible healing powers and superhuman strength, is one of these Needless. In order to bring peace back to the broken nation, Adam and his allies must unite to fight against the sinister research organization, Simeon.

Two years have passed since the world was saved in a climactic battle, and the former members of the activist group Avalanche have each taken different paths. Tifa Lockhart now runs a new bar, while her longtime friend Cloud Strife has begun a courier service using his motorcycle. Although they have drifted apart from most of their old comrades, Cloud and Tifa maintain a fragile peace alongside the two children in their care—Marlene and Denzel. This tranquil existence begins to fracture when a mysterious illness and deep-seated grief cause Cloud to withdraw from his makeshift family. As he buries himself in work, Cloud is ambushed by three cloaked figures with silver hair who bear a startling resemblance to his arch-nemesis, Sephiroth. These foes relentlessly chase Cloud and injure those around him, forcing the former mercenary to face his personal demons even as he fights to defend his home and prevent Sephiroth's presence from returning to the planet.

The narrative of Valkyria Chronicles unfolds on the fictional continent of Europa, which resembles 1930s Europe. This landmass is split between two dominant powers: the Imperial Empire, a monarchy situated in the east, and the Federation, a western alliance of democracies. A vital substance known as ragnite is central to this world, powering everything from military machinery to medical procedures. Due to its immense value, the Federation and the Empire are locked in perpetual conflict over ragnite. The plot centers on the neutral nation of Gallia, which possesses abundant ragnite deposits, when the Empire launches an invasion to seize these resources. The story follows Welkin, the son of a deceased war hero; Isara, Welkin's Darcsen adoptive sister; and Alicia, a member of the Bruhl town watch. Together, they fight against the Imperial forces as part of the makeshift Gallian militia unit, Squad 7. Squad 7 battles to reclaim their homes and livelihoods, with Welkin serving as squad leader and commander of the Edelweiss tank, Alicia working as a scout, Isara piloting the Edelweiss, and a diverse cast of unique characters joining their cause.

In the anime "Kurokami The Animation," high school student Ibuki Keita struggles with a life marked by relentless misfortune, as those close to him frequently meet tragic fates. This has made him reluctant to form strong bonds, including with his childhood friend Akane, leaving him in a lonely existence filled with suffering and regret. One night, while eating his favorite ramen, Keita encounters an unusual girl named Kuro, who wields remarkable abilities and claims to be a Mototsumitama. Kuro introduces Keita to the concept of "Terra," a vital life energy shared among three identical individuals through the "Doppeliner System." She also explains that she protects the "Coexistence Equilibrium," which regulates the flow of Terra worldwide. Initially doubtful, Keita becomes drawn into this hidden realm after a narrow escape from death and forms a pact with Kuro without fully grasping its consequences. Bound to her from that point onward, Keita wonders if his already troubled existence can become any worse.

In "Hayate the Combat Butler!!," Hayate Ayasaki continues to face unrelenting misfortune. Now living at the Sanzenin mansion and attending Hakuou Academy, he works tirelessly as a butler for his young charge Nagi while struggling to keep up with school's demanding coursework and a never-ending stream of crises. Despite his best intentions, Hayate remains a constant target of female attention, making his life far from peaceful. He must manage Nagi's subtle feelings along with those of the girls he has unintentionally charmed. These include Ayumu Nishizawa, a former friend now living as an ordinary high school girl, and Hinagiku Katsura, the diligent president of Hakuou's student council. While Ayumu aims to win his heart, Hinagiku struggles with her own emotions, both adding further complications to Hayate's already chaotic life.

The recurring Holy War between Athena and Hades, erupting every 250 years for control of Earth, has continued since ancient times. This prequel is set in 18th-century Europe, 243 years before the original Saint Seiya. It focuses on three childhood friends—Tenma, Alone, and Sasha—who share a joyful bond. Tenma, hot-headed yet just, leaves for the Sanctuary to train as a Saint, where he meets Sasha, Alone’s sister and Athena’s new incarnation. Meanwhile, Alone, a gentle artist, is chosen as Hades’ host. As Tenma becomes the Pegasus Saint, he faces an intense confrontation with his former friend, now King Hades. The intertwined fates of Pegasus Tenma, King Hades, and Goddess Athena set the stage for the original Saint Seiya story.

Afro lives a quiet life as the holder of the Number One headband, the mark of the world's greatest fighter, yet his nights are plagued by recurring nightmares. That peace shatters when Jinno and Sio—old allies from his past—steal both the headband and his father's remains. Sio challenges Afro to recover the Number Two headband and seek revenge against them. With that, Afro sets out on a dangerous new quest, now hunted by anyone who wants to take him down. Afro Samurai: Resurrection follows Afro’s unyielding battle against wave after wave of enemies, cutting through countless opponents on his path to satisfy his burning thirst for vengeance.

In a realm where a queen is selected every few years exclusively through victory in a tournament, formidable opponents are never in short supply. For one female warrior, an early loss starkly reveals her lack of experience, even if she is abundant in physical form. Fortunately, while defeat often means death, her life is spared by a powerful stranger. Unfortunately for this savior, impure motives and cunning family members result in her being thrown into a prison cell. Her release comes quickly when the unseasoned warrior she saved, weary of her current noble lifestyle, sets out to prove herself.

A colossal, otherworldly monster suddenly appears on the skyline of a Japanese city, triggering the expected response—the Japan Self-Defense Forces deploy tanks while the public descends into chaos. No one knows what the creature is or where it came from, but Yuki, a bold and curious teenage girl, holds a secret that might provide a crucial clue. Her friend Tetsu has been secretly caring for a strange creature named Cenco, which soon proves to possess remarkable, even impossible abilities. Another teenage boy, a stranger with a mysterious connection to the monster attacking the city, appears, and his unwelcome interest in Tetsu's pet eliminates any doubt of a link—and ignites the spark for the coming conflict.

Thousands of years ago, a meteor from space threatened to annihilate the world until Arceus intervened to save it. During this battle, Arceus sustained severe injuries, and a human named Damos (ダモス) tended to its wounds. In gratitude, Arceus promised to transform the barren land of Michīna into a prosperous region, gifting Damos the Jewel of Life (命の宝玉). To create this artifact, Arceus allowed Damos to borrow sixteen fragments of its body with the agreement that they would be returned on a specific date. However, the fragments were never given back, leading Arceus to vow judgment upon humanity upon its awakening. Millennia later, Satoshi, Hikari, and Takeshi arrive at the riverside town of Michīna (ミチーナ), a place surrounded by natural beauty. They decide to visit the ruins located at the summit of a large rock formation. A magnificent lake lies at its shores, captivating Satoshi and his friends, but suddenly, waves churn in the water and a destructive water tornado begins to form. Sheena, a descendant of Damos, rushes out from the Michīna ruins. Witnessing the chaos, she summons Dialga, pleading, "Dialga, please!" Dialga responds and manages to halt the tornado. Satoshi and his companions finally reach the ruins, where Kevin and Sheena recount the ancient legend of Michīna. Shortly after the story is told, the battle between Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina intensifies, causing the ruins of Michīna to be destroyed. Arceus awakens...

A four-episode OVA series where each installment tells a different side story from the original material. Episode 1 – Reshuffle: Because of the effect of Friagne's treasure device, Shana and Yuji end up swapping bodies. They try to handle the situation without anyone finding out, but... Episode 2 – Domicile: Lately, Shana has been acting strangely. Concerned for her, Yuji and Wilhelmina decide to secretly follow her after school one day. What secret could Shana be hiding? Episode 3 – Overture (Part 1): While hunting a particular tomogara, Shana consumes the existence of a torch named Oogami Junko to make her investigation across the city easier—while also dealing with the family problems Junko left behind after being devoured. Episode 4 – Overture (Part 2): Continuation of episode 3.

In "King of Thorn," a lethal virus called Medousa spreads worldwide, turning people to stone with no known cure, pushing humanity to the brink of extinction. The only hope lies in Venus Gate Corporation's bold initiative: placing 160 individuals into deep cryogenic stasis for up to a century, awaiting a potential remedy. Among those chosen is Kasumi Ishiki, who is deeply distressed by the thought of being separated from her twin sister, Shizuku. Despite her anxiety, they cling to the hope of eventual reunion. When Kasumi awakens, reality is nothing like she expected. The cryo-facility is overrun with thorny vines, and monstrous creatures threaten the few survivors. Most of the awakened are lost to the chaos, but Kasumi endures alongside a handful of others. Together, they navigate the labyrinthine facility, determined to uncover the truth behind the Medousa virus and expose Venus Gate Corporation's hidden motives.

In the expanding territory of the Holy Empire, the small island of Erin, home to the Gael tribe, faces imminent threat. The empire kidnaps Riannon, a priestess, intending to use her as a sacrificial offering to the malevolent demon king Arawn, known for causing widespread destruction in the past. Arthur, Riannon's brother and the First Warrior, rescues her just in time. However, Arawn, appearing as an attractive man with silver hair, reveals himself. Despite his ominous presence, he remains enigmatic, offering his power and counsel to aid the tribe in their fight against the empire. With Arthur, Riannon, and their vibrant crew of companions—such as a master swordsman, an agile hunter, and a cheerful troupe of pixies—they embark on a journey to defy imperial rule while uncovering the concealed realities of their world.

A direct continuation of Shikabane Hime Aka, set six months after Tagami Keisei's death at the hands of the Shichisei (Seven Stars), an elite group of Shikabane who act on more than just regrets. Following Keisei's dying wish, Kagami Ouri formed a temporary contract with Makina to prevent her from degenerating into a Shikabane. Since then, Ouri has been training to become a proper monk so he can remain contracted to Makina and assist her in fighting the Shichisei—the ones who originally killed Makina, the entire Hoshimura family, and now Keisei. However, the traitorous monk Shishidou Akasha has aligned with the Shichisei in an attempt to destroy all Shikabane Hime and the entire monk organization that uses them—the Kougon Sect.

Jil is haunted by lingering uncertainties and a fragmented sense of self, seeking resolution for his inner turmoil. Out of nowhere, a mysterious girl named Kai appears and confronts him with the request, "Take me to the top of the tower." Motivated by Kai's cryptic demand, Jil perceives an opportunity to once again confront his fate and undertake the dangerous climb up the Tower. With his ambitions barely holding on, Jil must gather the resolve to take on this unyielding challenge once more.

Aniplex has announced that a 10-minute Gintama short anime titled "Shiroyasha Koutan" will be released on September 30th. This special was originally screened at the Jump Super Anime Tour 2008 and had not been made available on DVD before. The release serves as a trailer for a hypothetical Gintama movie. Additionally, the DVD includes the Gintama OVA that was first shown at the Jump Anime Tour '05.

In a world where deceased souls become books stored in the Bantorra Library, allowing people to read about their past lives, Armed Librarians possessing psychic powers protect the library. They battle Sindeki Kyoudan, a religious organization that serves as their primary enemy.

In a world shattered by relentless earthquakes, much of Japan lies in ruins, with nature reclaiming the land under a blanket of lush vegetation. Strict global emission regulations have widened the divide between rich and poor. To address this, the Japanese government launches "Project Atlas"—a futuristic utopian city meant to replace Tokyo. However, this city can accommodate only a privileged few, leaving countless others to survive as refugees in the encroaching wilderness. This flawed solution draws opposition from diverse foes: Kuniko Houjou, heir to a rebellious community; Mikuni, a mysterious and powerful child sheltered in a hidden temple; Kunihito Kusanagi, a soldier serving under Atlas, a technologically advanced conglomerate; Karin Ishida, a brilliant economist who manipulates global financial systems; and Ryouko Naruse, the sinister leader driving Atlas's dominance over this new world order. These rebels unite under the banner of "Metal-Age." Can they come together and prove that unity and collaboration can overcome such harsh divisions?

After the battle in Celes, Fai escapes with Kurogane's assistance, continuing to support Syaoran and Sakura. Upon arriving in Nihon, Kurogane reunites with Tomoyo. Seishirou then emerges, prompting a clash with Syaoran over a feather. After obtaining the feather, Syaoran enters the Dream World, where he meets Sakura, Watanuki, and the Clone again.

While living under the alias Edogawa Conan, Kudou Shinichi faces the looming threat that his days in disguise may soon be over. The Black Syndicate is dangerously close to discovering that Shinichi survived, putting him and everyone around him at risk of death. To prevent this, Conan must locate Irish, a member of the Black Organisation who has infiltrated the police force and is currently investigating a major serial murder case.

Following her difficult journey and many challenges, Reina has developed into a powerful warrior. She aims to enter the prestigious Queen's Blade tournament, which brings her to the capital city of Gainos, ruled by Queen Aldora. Numerous stunning fighters have gathered in Gainos with the same goal as Reina: to participate in the Queen's Blade competition. Among these competitors is Reina's sister, Claudette, who seeks to restore the Vance family's honor. Other participants include Tomoe and Shizuka, defending their homeland of Hinomoto; Nanael, who is forced to compete by the Archangel; and the followers of the Marshland Witch. Each of these elegant warriors has assembled in Gainos with one shared purpose: to win the Queen's Blade, a contest meant to choose the strongest and most beautiful queen. Who will claim that esteemed throne can only be determined through battle.

Naruto: The Cross Roads While on a mission to locate a missing person, Kakashi Hatake becomes separated from his team—Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, and Sakura Haruno—after they fall into a mysterious trap. The situation escalates when the three are attacked by unknown ninjas, who kidnap Sakura. Naruto and Sasuke are motivated to save her, fighting fiercely. Even though Sasuke reveals disturbing details about the mission, they stay committed to bringing the group back together and completing their task.

After the Ryunka incident, Tokyo falls into social chaos. The alien organization responsible for the disaster has escaped the Space Federation and is now hiding on Earth. Birdy Cephon Altera, a Space Federation officer, and Tsutomu Senkawa, a high school student, still share a single body. Their mission is to hunt down and capture these fugitives. However, their task becomes complicated when a mysterious assassin, driven by a personal grudge, begins targeting the escapees. Birdy must navigate the city's turmoil while also uncovering the assassin's identity to prevent more alien casualties.

In August 1995, Mikiya Kokutou encounters a young woman in a kimono, Shiki Ryougi. After discovering they are classmates, Mikiya tries to build a friendship with her. Despite Shiki's strange behavior and enigmatic background, Mikiya persists in connecting with her, and slowly, she begins to trust him. This chance meeting will deeply alter Mikiya's life in unexpected ways as he learns about a dangerous aspect of his new friend.

A decade after the Great War against the demon-beasts came to an end, the empire holds dominion over the world, and its prosperity depends heavily on the widespread use of aer. Yuri Lowell and Flynn Scifo are two young men who have just joined the ranks of the prestigious Imperial Knights. One day, they are dispatched to the town of Ceazontania, where reports indicate that abnormal aer activity has led to the emergence of horribly mutated beasts, posing a serious danger to the entire region. At the same time, the Knights Supreme Commander Alexei Denoia and the naive Princess Estellise become entangled in a behind-the-scenes power struggle in the capital. The situation in Ceazontania grows worse as the garrison of Imperial Knights realizes they can expect no immediate reinforcements from the capital. Then, Niren Fedrok, the commander of the Imperial Knights stationed in Ceazontania, makes an unexpected decision that will alter Yuri and Flynn’s fate forever. What are the hidden truths behind the extraordinary events unfolding around Yuri and Flynn? Will they manage to protect the innocent people of Ceazontania while remaining true to their own convictions?

Halo Legends presents seven distinct stories set in the Halo universe, each created by a different production studio. "The Babysitter" follows the Helljumpers, elite Orbital Drop Shock Troopers on a secret assassination mission behind enemy lines. "The Duel" tells the story of an ancient Arbiter who abandoned the Covenant faith and now faces the consequences of being labeled a heretic. "The Package" focuses on a Spartan unit, including the Master Chief, as they undertake a covert operation to board a Covenant flagship and retrieve a vital item. In "Origins," the Master Chief and Cortana are stranded after Halo 3, and Cortana recounts the Forerunners' fall, the Flood's destruction, humanity's rise, and the subsequent war between humans and the Covenant. "Homecoming" explores Spartan Daisy's reflections on her SPARTAN-II background as she helps evacuate UNSC troops caught in a Covenant ambush. "Prototype" follows Marine Sergeant Ghost as he fights fiercely to atone for his past mistakes. Finally, "Odd One Out" is a non-canonical parody featuring Spartan 1337, who endures a series of unfortunate events.

As German forces advance toward Moscow, threatening the Soviet Union's very survival, the country places its hopes in the First Squad—a special unit of young people with supernatural abilities operating within Soviet intelligence. However, Nadya Ruslanova, the squad's sole remaining member, suffers from amnesia and is deemed unfit for combat. The looming Moment of Truth, an event occurring every seven hundred years capable of reshaping history based on a single person's decisions, is set to unfold on the Eastern Front. To break the stalemate, the Ahnenerbe, a mystical organization within the German military, plans to resurrect Baron von Wolff and his army of the undead. To prevent the Nazis from achieving global domination, Nadya must reassemble the First Squad, summoning her deceased teammates from beyond the grave to halt the impending invasion.

Munto, the Magical King, follows a vision that guides him to Yumemi in the ordinary world in order to rescue both the Magical Kingdom and the Heavens, while also restoring the flow of akuto—the essential life force that maintains all things. Yumemi is a typical girl who possesses the special power to perceive the floating islands of the Heavens in the sky above. When she encounters Munto, she starts to contemplate her own and other people's duties toward the world.

To get Nagi more involved in summer activities and especially swimming, Maria arranges a get-together with their group at the Sanzenin family's exclusive beach. While the rest of the friends have fun with the various beach activities, Nagi holds back from putting on a swimsuit and taking part, because she feels self-conscious about her body shape and is unwilling to reveal herself.

Beloved criminal Lupin III has his sights set on a new score: the crown of the Vespanian royal family. His timing, however, couldn't be worse. The sudden death of the queen and prince of Vespania has thrown the country into disarray, and while that won't hurt the gentleman burglar's efforts, it comes with a small problem... and that problem's name is Conan Edogawa. Throw in a royal case of mistaken identity, along with a shadowy plot born from greed, and it's a stage appropriately set for a clash between the world's greatest thief and the world's greatest detective.

Humanity teeters on the edge of annihilation as the "Aragami"—monsters that devour everything in their path—stage an unending assault. The remaining survivors huddle in scattered fortresses. Ordinary weapons prove useless against these creatures, but "Oracle Cell" technology, sourced from the Aragami's own essence, provides a method to destroy them. Yet the Aragami evolve at a godlike speed, steadily building up resistance, and conventional approaches grow futile. As a final gamble to neutralize the threat in Eurasia, the surviving human governments prepare to trigger a nuclear reactor meltdown. This desperate mission receives support from three "God Eaters" sent by Fenrir's Far East Branch, the organization that oversees what remains of Japan. Equipped with sophisticated weapons known as God Arcs—designed to breach Aragami armor and pull out their cores—these elite soldiers may represent humanity's last stand against the Aragami and the looming specter of total extinction.

Lina and her companions, aiming to rescue Pokota's homeland of Taforashia which was sealed by Rezo, begin their search for the Hellmaster's jar containing his soul after his death. Zelgadis shows special interest in acquiring it, thinking it could allow him to return to his original human state. At the same time, Zuuma pursues his own agenda of revenge and keeps trying to kill Lina Inverse. The reasons for Xellos' participation in this conflict stay unclear to the team.

After their triumph at Touka Village and the bandits' expulsion, Unchou Kan'u, Chouhi Yokutoku, and Shokatsuryou Koumei get ready for their next journey. They meet an unforeseen figure: a young woman who declares herself to be Gentoku Ryuubi. Falsely blamed for numerous offenses, Ryuubi is set on recovering her family's precious blade, the Chuuzan Seiou, and vindicating her name. To protect Ryuubi, the group bands together and trails the sword as it passes through different hands, yet they perpetually remain one step behind its current holder. During their travels, Kan'u and her companions run into many familiar faces who offer their aid without hesitation. Concurrently, Kan'u and Chouhi come to realize that the bonds of family reach beyond just blood ties.

After the conflict between the tyrannical energy conglomerate Shinra, the insurgent group Avalanche, and the demented Sephiroth, the battered planet begins to heal. A small settlement called Edge emerges near the ruins of Midgar. Reeve Tuesti, formerly Shinra's Urban Development Director, speaks with Denzel, a young boy, about the possibility of him joining Reeve's World Regenesis Organization, which aims to restore and protect the world. Denzel shares his tragic history with Reeve, explaining how the consequences of Avalanche's valiant deeds led to the destruction of Midgar and the loss of all those close to him. By confiding in Reeve, Denzel discovers a renewed sense of direction.

A collection of OADs adapting chapters 184 through 188 of Ken Akamatsu's Magic World manga arc. In contrast to the first two anime seasons, the character designs in this release are highly faithful to the original source.

Serving as a link between the first and second seasons of Birdy the Mighty Decode, this OVA sees Birdy using her pin-up persona to assist Tsutomu in building a romantic connection with Sayaka. The situation soon goes completely out of control when a Federation puppet appears.

The Utawarerumono OVA comprises three episodes that animate supplementary story content from the original game, created by the same staff that handled the game's opening sequence. These episodes explore narrative portions excluded from the TV series, offering a more detailed examination of story elements that were not previously addressed in the anime.

On Tellus, a world only partially mapped and settled by immigrant pioneers, constant earthquakes called "Stampedes" are triggered by terraforming machinery. Shiro, a gifted young racer, sustains fatal wounds while pursuing the enigmatic "Loser King" alongside his eternal rival, Goodspeed. As he lies dying, a mysterious woman named Tomoe appears and offers him a second chance at life, contingent on his entry into The Planet Re-Development Race. This annual competition draws reckless mavericks from every corner of the globe, driven not only by the promise of massive prize money but also by the desire to venture into the planet's uncharted territories. An unfinished pilot screened at the 2009 Sapporo International Film Festival, followed by a preview of the completed version on November 27, 2010. The final release arrived on Blu-Ray and DVD on January 28, 2011.

Souten Kouro draws its narrative loosely from the events of China's Three Kingdoms period, centering on Cao Cao (155 – March 15, 220), the final Chancellor of the Eastern Han Dynasty. While the Three Kingdoms era has long been a popular subject in Japanese manga, this series distinguishes itself in several key ways. Most notably, it presents a highly favorable view of its protagonist, Cao Cao, a figure traditionally cast as the antagonist in most manga adaptations and novelizations of the era, including Luo Guanzhong's original 14th-century classic, Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Furthermore, the storyline relies primarily on the historical Records of Three Kingdoms by Chen Shou rather than the Romance novel. Consequently, the traditional hero Liu Bei plays a diminished role and is depicted in a less positive light. Despite this historical grounding, the narrative incorporates elements from the novel, featuring characters like Diao Chan and anachronistic weapons such as Guan Yu's Green Dragon Crescent Blade and Zhang Fei's Viper Blade. A recurring theme throughout the tale is Cao Cao's relentless drive to liberate China and its people from outdated systems and mindsets, prioritizing pragmatism over hollow ideals. This philosophy frequently places him in conflict with prevailing customs and the Confucian beliefs that uphold them.