Best Adventure 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.

Merchant Kraft Lawrence continues his northern journey alongside the wolf deity Holo in search of her lost home, Yoitsu. Along the way, they accumulate modest earnings while uncovering more details about Holo's history. However, the road to Yoitsu is fraught with difficulties. Lawrence meets another merchant who displays a keen interest in Holo, causing him to doubt whether she will remain by his side. Amidst hazardous business dealings, Lawrence clings to his dream of eventually owning a shop of his own. Confronted by these trials, he is forced to reevaluate his bond with Holo, embrace new trading prospects, and determine if it is time for the goddess and himself to part ways.

In Pandora Hearts, Oz Vessalius, the young heir of the Vessalius Duke House, views the perilous Abyss as nothing more than a cautionary tale for misbehaving kids. However, during his coming-of-age ritual, the Baskerville Clan intervenes and thrusts him into this very Abyss, abruptly ending his privileged lifestyle. Now, Oz must confront the terrifying reality of the Abyss and its monstrous inhabitants known as Chains. Following the supernatural fantasy manga, Pandora Hearts centers around fifteen-year-old Oz as he uncovers the truth behind the bizarre occurrences that have disrupted his world. Alongside a peculiar Chain named Alice, dubbed the "Bloodstained Black Rabbit," and allies from a covert group called Pandora, Oz discovers that his own existence might be far more significant than he had previously believed.

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.

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.

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 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.

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?

Holo, Lawrence, and Nora share a meal together, but Holo's hostility toward Nora spoils the evening. Afterwards, Holo becomes sick from exhaustion and must rest for several days. While resting, she dreams and reflects on her past and her experiences with Lawrence, recognizing that her feelings for him are growing stronger. Lawrence cares for Holo's fever and tiredness by providing food and adjusting the four humors: hot, cold, dry, and wet. During her recovery, Holo and Lawrence become more intimate, yet Holo's dislike for Nora remains a source of tension. Despite this, Nora comes to visit Holo and reconciles with her after they both laugh at a joke at Lawrence's expense.

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.

Gauche Suede is highly respected among the Letter Bees, a government-run organization tasked with delivering written messages to isolated regions. Yet, the Amberground that Gauche must cross is shrouded in eternal twilight and plagued by vicious creatures called Gaichuu. During a dangerous delivery assignment, Gauche encounters Lag Seeing, a terrified child who was sent as a letter. Five years later, Lag has become a Letter Bee in his own right, motivated by his experience with Gauche. As Lag works to follow in the footsteps of his hero, he starts to unravel the struggles and intricacies embedded in his world.

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 this realm, the queen is chosen every few years solely through a tournament, so there is never a shortage of formidable challengers. For one female warrior, however, an early defeat makes it clear that, despite her voluptuous body, she is still lacking in experience. Fortunately, while defeat could have meant her doom, a powerful stranger saves her life. But for that savior, her reward is a prison cell, thanks to less-than-pure intentions and shrewd family members. Her release comes quickly when the unseasoned warrior she saved, tired of her noble lifestyle, sets off to prove herself.

In Beyblade: Metal Fusion, a new group of characters enters a struggle between good and evil. At the heart of this conflict is Ginga, along with his trusted friends, who oppose the threatening Dark Nebula organization. The Dark Nebula seeks to rule the world and spread their wickedness, with their main challenge being Ginga, the one strong enough to stop their schemes. As their journey unfolds, loyalties are challenged, with allies becoming enemies and the reverse. The story centers on Ginga as he works to find the strength required to protect his world and maintain the honor of Beyblade.

Many millennia in the past, a meteor hurtling from space threatened to annihilate the world, but Arceus intervened and halted it. During that act of protection, Arceus sustained severe injuries, and Damos (ダモス) nursed it back to health. In gratitude, Arceus vowed to make the barren land of Michīna fertile and prosperous, and thus presented Damos with the Jewel of Life (命の宝玉). Arceus allowed Damos to borrow 16 portions of its own body in order to create the Jewel of Life, with the condition that they be returned on a designated day. But the parts were never given back, and Arceus, feeling betrayed, swore that it would judge humanity when it awakened. Many millennia later, Satoshi, Hikari, and Takeshi arrive at the riverside town of Michīna (ミチーナ), a place enveloped in natural splendor. They head for the ruins of Michīna, which stand atop a huge rock, with a wide, beautiful lake spread out at its base. Satoshi and his friends are entranced by the lake, yet suddenly waves rise upon its surface and a watery tornado starts wreaking havoc. A girl named Sheena, a descendant of Damos, rushes out from the Michīna ruins. Perceiving the danger, she summons Dialga and cries out, "Dialga, please!" and Dialga manages to quell the tornado. At last, Satoshi and his friends are able to enter the ruins, where Kevin and Sheena relate the ancient legend of Michīna. Just after they finish recounting it, the battle among Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina grows violent, and the Michīna ruins are shattered. Then Arceus awakens...

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.

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.

After the defeat of the villainous Bakugan Naga, peace was restored across Vestroia. Danma Kuusou, along with his Pyrus Dragonoid partner and the other Battle Brawlers, combined the Infinity and Silent Cores to rebuild the realm. But this newfound calm does not last, as New Vestroia soon encounters a fresh danger. Alien humanoids known as the Vestals swiftly invade the Bakugan world and seize control. Equipped with a powerful tool that forces Bakugan back into their ball forms, the Vestals intend to enslave the Bakugan for their own entertainment. The only force standing against this threat is the Bakugan Battle Brawlers Resistance, a group made up of humans, Bakugan, and rebellious Vestals who oppose the destruction of an intelligent species. Led by Danma, they set out on a mission to free New Vestroia from the occupying forces and protect the future of their world.

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.

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.

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?

In a mystical realm, a man awakens in a dense forest, wearing a leopard mask he cannot remove. His memory is hazy, but he recalls his name—Guin—and his status as a powerful warrior. Upon encountering the twin children of Parros, who are caught in a civil war, Guin feels compelled to protect them. However, safeguarding the children requires more than overcoming a battalion of seasoned Mongoul soldiers. To succeed, Guin must combat enchanting desert clans, reconcile ancient feuding factions, and decipher a convoluted scheme where he holds a pivotal position. Guin Saga unfolds as an expansive anime saga filled with enigma and sorcery—marked by intense conflicts and treacherous betrayals.

Renton, the child of scientists, and Eureka, a girl who cannot live under the sun, are raised together from a very young age and grow deeply attached to each other. One day, Eureka is taken away. Powerless at the time, Renton vows to rescue her. He joins the military and soon, thanks to his exceptional performance alongside his Nirvash—a bio-mechanical armor/control system—he is assigned to the Independent Youths Unit 303 of the First Mobile Forces. Unknown to Renton, a plot to extinguish the ongoing alien invasion is underway, involving not only him but also Eureka.

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.

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.

Professor Layton is contacted by the celebrated opera diva Jenis Quatlane, who invites him, Luke, and Remi to attend her latest performance. In her letter, she also asks for their help with a strange puzzle: her friend Melina passed away a year ago, yet has since come back as a seven-year-old girl, claiming to have uncovered the secret of eternal life and knowing things that only the real Melina could have known. Intrigued, Layton and his young apprentice set out for the Crown Petone opera house, while Remi remains in London to investigate the disappearances of several girls in the city. The opera they witness tells the story of a vanished realm called the Kingdom of Immortals. Long ago, a beautiful queen who adored music ruled there, cherished by all her subjects. When she fell gravely ill, her people labored desperately to find a cure, but no medicine could save her. The queen died, and only then was the remedy completed: a potion granting eternal life. Heartbroken by their loss, the kingdom's inhabitants chose to drink the newly made elixir and become immortal, hoping to one day meet their queen reborn. It is said that Abrosia's Kingdom still exists somewhere in the world, awaiting its queen's return so she may sing forever. Once the performance ends, a masked man steps forward and makes the audience an offer: "Let's play a game. The winner will receive eternal life; the losers will face death." Now Layton and Luke must take part in this deadly contest and uncover the true secret behind eternal life. The story takes place between the events of Professor Layton and the Last Specter and Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask.

In the year 311 of the Orbital Calendar, humanity has relocated to numerous colony clusters scattered across space. A girl living in a space colony, Akiha Shishidou, comes across a malicious artificial intelligence called Leopard that has been embedded within a colony. Akiha teams up with an Inter-Colony Police officer named Itsuki Kannagi, a quiet young girl named Honoka Kawai, and a robot named Imoko "Imo-chan" Shishidou.

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.

AIKa Zero continues the story with Aika now nineteen, placing her three years after the events of her R-16 incarnation and seven years before Agent AIKa. Strange incidents at a girls' academy cause the most attractive students to be secretly recruited into an underground club. Rather than receiving a typical welcome, these young women are abducted by a mysterious group that controls them through dubious methods. Aika becomes involved after witnessing one of these kidnappings while soaring above the academy. Even though an attacker attempts to deter her, her curiosity is sparked. Her inquiry grows as former R-16 companions join the investigation into the disappearances. As expected, the series delivers intense action and the iconic panty shots that define the Aika franchise.

This OVA is set a decade into the future and explores what could happen if Conan Edogawa and Ai Haibara choose not to take the antidote for APTX 4869, allowing them to grow up alongside their friends Genta, Mitsuhiko, and Ayumi while continuing their work as detectives.

On Tellus, a partially charted world settled by immigrant pioneers and regularly rocked by quakes caused by terraforming machines—dubbed the "Stampedes"—a gifted young racer named Shiro ends up with critical injuries while pursuing the infamous "Loser King" alongside his longtime rival Goodspeed. As he lies dying, a mysterious woman who calls herself Tomoe appears at his bedside, offering him a second chance at life in exchange for taking part in the Planet Re-Development Race, an annual competition that draws fearless thrill-seekers from across the world, lured not only by the massive prize money but also by the opportunity to venture into the planet's uncharted regions. Note: An unfinished pilot edition was shown at the 2009 Sapporo International Film Festival, and a preview of the completed pilot was screened on November 27, 2010. It was released on Blu-Ray and DVD on January 28, 2011.

Souten Kouro draws its narrative from the era of the Three Kingdoms in ancient China, centering on the final Chancellor of the Eastern Han Dynasty, Cao Cao (155 – March 15, 220), who acts as the protagonist of the tale. While the Three Kingdoms setting has long been a staple subject in Japanese manga, Souten Kouro sets itself apart from the majority of its peers in several notable ways. Chief among these is its decidedly favorable depiction of Cao Cao, a figure typically cast as the villain not only in Japanese manga but also in most prose retellings of the period, including the original 14th-century classic Romance of the Three Kingdoms by Luo Guanzhong. Another major divergence lies in its source material: the story leans primarily on the historical chronicle Records of Three Kingdoms by Chen Shou rather than the aforementioned novel. As a consequence, Liu Bei—the conventional hero of Romance of the Three Kingdoms—receives comparatively diminished focus and is shown in a less flattering light. Even so, the narrative still borrows certain elements from the novel, such as the inclusion of original characters like Diao Chan, along with anachronistic armaments including Guan Yu's Green Dragon Crescent Blade and Zhang Fei's Viper Blade. A recurring motif throughout the series is Cao Cao's persistent ambition to sever China and its populace from outdated institutions and modes of thought, steering them toward pragmatism rather than hollow ideals. This stance frequently brings him into conflict with the entrenched customs and doctrines of Confucianism and those who uphold them.

Baron, a man residing on the continent of Arad in the year 981 following the onset of "the cursed light of Kazan" that has blanketed the region, embarks on a journey. Due to this curse, one of his arms has become possessed. Upon discovering a sword inhabited by the spirit Roxy, he sets out to uncover the mystery behind the curse and encounters various individuals who later become his companions.

The tale unfolds in 1955 within Kokuga, Hofu City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. A millennium earlier, this location hosted the ancient capital of Suo no Kuni, and remnants of the Heian Period (year 794-1185) endure today through its ruins and historic place names. Shinko, a third grader at the local elementary school, hails from one of the town's old, respected families. The little girl is known for the odd curl on her forehead, which she nicknames "Mai Mai," and for spending much of her time romping through the fields. In private, though, her true delight lies in envisioning and daydreaming about life a thousand years in the past, letting her mind roam freely through the Heian era. Then one day, a transfer student named Kiiko arrives from Tokyo and joins Shinko's class. Accustomed to the big city, Kiiko struggles to feel at ease in this small town, yet bit by bit her bond with Shinko grows stronger. In time, the pair find themselves swept up in a strange occurrence from a thousand years ago...?!

Special episodes added to DVDs and Blu-rays.

Special episodes added to DVDs and Blu-rays.

During the Sengoku period, a rounin known as Nanashi, meaning nameless, rescues a young boy named Kotarou and his dog Tobimaru at an abandoned temple. Kotarou has no family and is being chased by a mysterious militia organization from China, so he hires Nanashi as a bodyguard. Among the pursuers is a man called Rarou, a highly skilled fighter with blond hair and blue eyes. Rarou follows an old man named Byakuran and belongs to the Chinese militia. Unlike his comrades in the militia, Rarou serves no Emperor and merely desires to battle against strong opponents.

In a world where Pokémon coexist and communicate freely, ancient artifacts called Time Gears maintain the flow of time in each region. Removing one halts time in that area, so even the most wicked Pokémon avoid stealing them. Lately, odd disruptions in the timeline have caused Mystery Dungeons to appear and increased hostility among Pokémon. Teams form to explore these dungeons, subdue the aggressive creatures, and restore peace. The current time disturbances are not from recent thefts of the Time Gears, but from the slow collapse of the Temporal Tower and Dialga turning into Dark Dialga. Juptile, the notorious thief, has stolen the Time Gears intending to bring them to the Temporal Tower to prevent its ruin. Team Pokédans, made up of Hikozaru and the former human Pochama, must join forces with Juptile to travel to the Phantom Land where the Temporal Tower stands. If they fail, the tower will fully decay, freezing the entire world in time forever.

As Nobita sleeps, he suddenly feels the floor shaking beneath him, as if an earthquake is happening in his room. A little rabbit from an alternate universe named Chamii uses a hammer to open a door between dimensions and comes into Nobita's room through the floor. Nobita wakes up, and Doraemon hears someone stealing food from the fridge in the kitchen. The culprit is Chamii, who is caught by Doraemon and Nobita. She shows them the passageway through Nobita's floor leading into a spaceship. After they enter the spaceship, they see the Koya Koya Planet. There, they meet a boy named Roppuru...

At the Tokyo Game Show, CAPCOM announced an anime film based on its fighting game Street Fighter IV. The movie depicts events that occur after Street Fighter II, featuring scenes such as Cammy moving through a forest accompanied by a squad of soldiers, Ryu beginning to give in to his darker nature, Sakura and Chun-Li teaming up to battle a group of thugs, and Crimson Viper facing off against Ryu.

Cobra undertakes a quest to locate the missing Lady, investigating her past for clues to aid in her rescue. The narrative reveals Lady's origins and the events that caused her transformation into a being with a metallic body.

Dan Bashin is a spirited teenager known for his aggressive playstyle in the card game Battle Spirits, earning him the title of "Clash King." One day, a mysterious green-haired girl transports him to the otherworldly land of "Grand Rolo," where disputes are settled by card duels. Upon his arrival, Dan is immediately thrust into a conflict between the kingdom's imperial army and its oppressed natives. There, he learns that he is a prophetic warrior known as a "bearer of cores' light," chosen to save the land from its evil king. Accompanied by a young boy named Zungurii and the eccentric witch Magisa, Dan travels across Grand Rolo and encounters the other chosen warriors through card battles. With the name of the Clash King gaining fame throughout Grand Rolo, secrets that lurk within the shadows of the kingdom's colonial past begin to surface. Only time will tell if Dan's campaign will affect the world on a scale much larger than he ever could have imagined.

Six years after being consumed by the Panda Geant, Aya finds herself drawn once more into the Multicolor Monogram world, this time sent on a journey through time to 1897 Paris. There she encounters a young Gaston-Louis Vuitton, and an intense romance sparks between them. Where will their fledgling love lead?

The second season of Stitch!, episode numbers continue from 27.

To celebrate Yokohama City's 150th anniversary, this story is set on Planet Abel, where humans and humanoid robots live together. One day, a mysterious intruder sneaks onto a transport ship aiming to infiltrate the planet, but is caught by Apollo (voiced by Hayato Ichihara), a robot who looks just like a human, and Mikaru (voiced by Aya Ueto), a human who resembles a robot. The intruder carries a memory chip containing the advanced "Cipher" camouflage software. Out of curiosity, Apollo picks up the Cipher chip without understanding its importance. Soon after, Apollo begins acting strangely, leaving Mikaru confused about the cause, which is actually Cipher's influence. As they investigate further, Apollo and Mikaru uncover a mystery connecting the past, present, and future, aiming to reveal the true nature and secrets of Cipher.

Short specials added to DVDs and Blu-rays.

This episode serves as a prequel to the main Keroro Gunsou series, designated as episode 0. KeroZero premiered in theaters alongside Keroro Gunsou Movie 4. On the day the Keroro battalion was set to depart from Keron Planet for Planet Earth, an alien enemy force attacks the Keron space station, where Giroro and Zeroro (who would later be known as Dororo) await Keroro's arrival.

In a fictional modern-day nation, the authoritarian political party "Good for You" has seized power and enacted the "Chocolate Prohibition Act," banning all chocolate products and most enjoyable sweets. Two young boys, Huntly and Smudger, frequently visited Ms. Bubby's candy shop, mainly hoping to see Louise. Since the law came into effect, the once-lively store has fallen into decline. Louise tells them about a secret group distributing illegal chocolate. While heading to a hidden cave where chocolate supplies are kept, they discover an encoded message. After deciphering it, the boys sneak into the underground headquarters of the black-market dealers. There, they find a lively Chocolate Party in progress! Tasting chocolate again fills Huntly and Smudger with happiness. But their fun is interrupted when the Chocolate Police show up. In the pandemonium, their companion Div is captured by the authorities! This cannot stand! All Div wanted was one small piece of chocolate—who could hold that against him? Determined to take action, Huntly, Smudger, and Louise decide to launch their own chocolate smuggling operation. With their skills, knowledge, and shared passion for chocolate, can they succeed in bringing back the "Fun and Beautiful" world they once knew?

A special included in the DVD of Koihime†Musou OVA and the BD-BOX of Koihime†Musou.

In a futuristic setting on the commercial hub of Planet Magracia, bustling with constant space traffic, a young girl named Lilly develops a fascination with a new and enigmatic student named Hikari. Despite being the same age as Lilly, Hikari exudes a maturity beyond her years and has yet to form any close friendships, earning her a reputation as somewhat distant. Lilly eagerly waits for an opportunity to connect with her admired peer. Suddenly, a strange feline-like creature enters their classroom, disrupting their routine and leading to unexpected changes in their lives.

In "Kawa no Hikari," a rat family is forced to leave their home because of human construction and sets out on a journey to find a new place to live.

Koko, a young girl who never removes the penguin coat given to her by her late father, clings to the belief that she can fly, just as he once told her. Her classmates often ridicule her for this dream. One night, while following an odd cat, Koko tumbles into the realm of goblins. In this enchanted land, an ancient enemy is amassing an army, threatening its safety. Can Koko come to the aid of her new companions?

After a secret ceremony gets disrupted, five Enlightened cards end up scattered all over Japan. Shobu Kirifuda receives one of these cards from his father. Shori Kirifuda, together with five other duelist hunters, starts a mission to hunt him down. Shobu then confronts Luna and Mikado Kozuki, descendants of the chosen beings called Yaesar who possess the ability to use divine energy.

The story of a baby dinosaur and his friends.

Additional episodes from the DVD-BOX.

This comedic series takes place in a future version of New York City that is overrun with plants and dinosaurs. The meat-eating Yans and Gans spend their time hunting and bothering the plant-eaters. Every short episode follows their crazy adventures in the prehistoric mayhem.