Best Drama Anime of 2003

In Fullmetal Alchemist, Edward Elric, a prodigious alchemist, endures catastrophic losses at the tender age of twelve. Attempting to resurrect their deceased mother via the forbidden act of human transmutation, Edward and his brother Alphonse suffer terrible consequences: Edward forfeits an arm and a leg, while Alphonse loses his entire physical form, his soul remaining tethered only to a suit of armor through Edward's alchemical ingenuity. A year later, Edward attains the rank of state alchemist, earning the title Fullmetal. Together with Alphonse, he embarks on a quest to locate the Philosopher's Stone, a mythical artifact rumored to enhance an alchemist's power and allow them to circumvent the Law of Equivalent Exchange, which demands a sacrifice equal to the gain. Backed by the military, Edward seeks to restore what was taken, yet as the brothers uncover the truth behind the stone, they become entangled in a sinister, far-reaching conspiracy that threatens more than just their own destinies.

Kino, a 15-year-old traveler, shares a close bond with Hermes, her sentient motorcycle. The two journey across many different lands and countries without any fixed destination, embracing the unpredictability of their travels. Along the way, they encounter a variety of customs—some morally ambiguous, others melancholic or fascinating. They meet people who dedicate their entire lives to work, those who strive to bring joy to others, and others who pursue their own dreams. Each place they visit offers distinct perspectives on how its inhabitants live. Kino and Hermes choose not to judge the values they witness, maintaining their role as neutral observers in this small world. No matter how strange these beliefs may seem, they make no attempt to change or influence the places they visit. They hold a personal conviction that everything exists as it should—"the world is not beautiful; therefore, it is."

In a world on the verge of collapse, an old legend speaks of a paradise that will appear when the end draws near. This utopia is the last hope for the creatures surviving in this barren land, but the story says only wolves can find the way to this mythical place. Though believed to be extinct, wolves still live by hiding among humans using complex illusions. A lone wolf named Kiba is pulled by a powerful scent to Freeze City, a poor town ruled by the cruel Lord Orkham. When he arrives, Kiba finds other wolves—Hige, Tsume, and Toboe—have also been drawn by the same smell. Chasing the faint fragrance of "Lunar Flowers," which are said to show the path to their promised land, the wolves travel across empty lands and crumbling cities in search of their legendary haven. But they are not the only ones on this journey, and enemies with dark goals will stop at nothing to get there first.

On Christmas Eve, while sifting through discarded items for gifts, Hana, Gin, and Miyuki stumble upon a newborn baby abandoned in the freezing night. Shocked by this tragic discovery, Hana's protective instincts drive her to find the baby's biological mother and uncover the truth. They name the infant Kiyoko, meaning pure child, and set out on a quest guided by limited clues: a puzzling key and a lone note. However, their mission grows more complicated as they face a series of unexpected events. Tokyo Godfathers follows the trio as they navigate various challenges, sticking together and striving to reunite Kiyoko with her rightful family while discovering their own personal Christmas miracles along the way.

In the perpetually dark underground city of Lux, its inhabitants live under constant fear, dominated by the oppressive rule of rival criminal factions. Cut off from the world above, these groups only interact through the extraction of "raffia," the mineral that sustains Lux's existence. This unique substance, found only in Lux, is crucial for "texhnolyze" operations, which allow people to replace their body parts with cybernetic limbs that do not trigger immune rejection. The mysterious "Class" organization researches these transplants and controls raffia production, granting executive power to Organo, a group led by Keigo Oonishi, who has texhnolyzed legs and is said to hear the "voice of the city." Lux's fragile balance of power shatters when an enigmatic stranger, Kazuho Yoshii, instigates a series of crimes that spark conflicts among the gangs. In the resulting turmoil, new figures emerge: Ichise, a former boxer who was crippled by Organo and recently fitted with texhnolyzed limbs by Eriko "Doc" Kamata; and Ran, a young florist who possesses the ability of foresight. As Lux descends into chaos, both Ichise and Ran find themselves at the center of the city's most severe crisis yet.

In 2075, space travel has become routine, reflecting major strides in science and technology that have enabled lunar colonies and the commercial use of outer space by large corporations. Ai Tanabe, a cheerful young woman drawn to the cosmos, starts working at Technora Corporation and is assigned to the Debris Section. This team is tasked with clearing hazardous space debris from the orbital paths between Earth and the Moon. Although their work is essential, Ai soon realizes her team gets little respect. The Debris Section is frequently ridiculed within Technora for being short on resources, funding, and for operating an outdated ship called the "Toy Box." Unfazed, Ai grows close to her unusual coworkers, including the clumsy yet kind chief clerk Philippe Myers, the mysterious and reserved temporary employee Edelgard Rivera, and the fiery, ambitious Hachirouta Hoshino, who dreams of owning his own spacecraft. Planetes is a unique science fiction story that contrasts the immense scale of space with the ordinary lives of its characters—people grounded on Earth but reaching for the stars.

In Gungrave, Brandon Heat and Harry MacDowel are inseparable friends living carefree lives filled with petty fights, chasing girls, and occasional thefts. Their idyllic existence is shattered when they encounter the brutal reality of their world. This awakening leads them into the clutches of Millennion, the most infamous mafia organization in the area, where they begin their journey at the lowest rung. Harry harbors ambitions of ascending to the top position in Millennion, aiming to replace Big Daddy, the syndicate’s chief. Meanwhile, Brandon’s primary goal is to aid Harry and win favor with Big Daddy, who holds the heart of the woman Brandon adores. Drawing inspiration from a third-person shooter video game, Gungrave unfolds as a compelling narrative of camaraderie, treachery, and ambition over a span of several years. The series loops back to its tense opening episode, steadily building up to a climactic conclusion.

The Social Welfare Agency in Italy takes young girls from hospital beds and grants them a fresh start with advanced cybernetic upgrades. Despite these physical modifications, the girls remain children inside, yearning for love and affection even as they are trained and programmed to serve as assassins for the Italian Government's secret operations. The story delves into their inner conflict as they struggle with their place in an organization that views them only as weapons.

Takayuki Narumi's friendship with Mitsuki Hayase begins solely because Mitsuki's closest friend, Haruka Suzumiya, has developed a crush on him. Over time, though, Takayuki, his buddy Shinji Taira, and Mitsuki become inseparable friends. One day, Haruka confesses her love to Takayuki. Unwilling to break her heart, he agrees to date her. As their relationship deepens and becomes physically intimate, Takayuki and Mitsuki start acknowledging their own growing feelings for one another. But when tragedy suddenly strikes, the lives of these four friends are altered forever.

As the Millennium Comet returns to the sky after a long absence, it is believed that anyone who sees it will have their wish granted. Satoshi and his friends are excited to attend the Millennium Festival, where they witness a magic show by the Great Butler. Their curiosity grows when they notice a strange cocoon that Butler possesses, from which Masato hears a mysterious voice. Once Jirachi awakens, Masato forms a bond with the creature, though their time together is limited to the duration of the Millennium Comet's visibility. Determined to cherish every moment with his newfound friend, Masato faces challenges when the Great Butler reveals his malicious plan to use Jirachi to revive the legendary Pokémon, Groudon. With the threat of Groudon’s awakening looming, Masato, along with Satoshi, Haruka, and Takeshi, must prevent Butler from fulfilling his dark wish and save Jirachi from falling into his clutches.

Pacifica Casull, a child of royal blood, is branded the "Scrapped Princess" after a dire prophecy foretells she will bring about the world's destruction on her sixteenth birthday. Rather than being put to death, she is spared by her loving family and protected by her adoptive older siblings, Shannon and Raquel Casull. But when the followers of the deity Mauser learn she still lives, they demand her death, forcing Pacifica to flee for her survival. Facing hostility from the church, the nobility, and ordinary people alike, the siblings struggle to escape the grim fate Pacifica is destined to unleash upon the world, questioning whether her life is worth the potential annihilation of the planet. As Pacifica's sixteenth birthday draws near, the mystery surrounding the Scrapped Princess and the hidden truths of their world begin to come to light.

In the world of Maburaho, every person is born with magical abilities, labeling them as magicians. The strength of their magic varies widely, and how often they can cast spells determines their social standing. Since magical power is inherited through bloodlines, descendants of legendary magicians are highly prized. Kazuki Shikimori attends Aoi Academy and possesses the lowest magic count, causing others to consider him nearly worthless in magical skill. Nevertheless, his ancestry includes many historical magicians, suggesting his future children could be extremely powerful. This makes him the target of three young women: Yuna Miyama, a transfer student who immediately declares herself his wife; Rin Kamishiro, a noble swordswoman who aims to kill him in order to fulfill her own fate; and Kuriko Kazetsubaki, a member of a prestigious family who openly tries to seduce him for his genetic legacy. Kazuki must cope with the envy of his male classmates and the relentless advances of these women.

Maiku Kamishiro is uncertain about his origins, with only an old photograph to go on—it shows a boy and a girl playing in a small pool in front of a blue house. Hoping to find answers, he moves into that same house and takes up work as a programmer. His quiet routine is disrupted when two girls arrive, each possessing a copy of that photograph, and both insist they are his twin siblings. Unable to determine which one is truly his sister, Maiku lets them both stay under his roof until the mystery is resolved.

1. Final Flight of the Osiris The Osiris's crew finds a huge army being prepared to assault Zion. One crew member dashes into the Matrix to carry the warning to Zion, while the rest fight frantically to give her enough time, battling a relentless horde of Sentinels they have no chance of defeating. 2-3. The Second Renaissance Part 1 and 2 Humans develop an artificial intelligence so advanced it rivals their own intellect. But conflicts arise as these robots and humans attempt to coexist peacefully, eventually sparking an all-out war. Humanity ultimately loses the conflict and becomes imprisoned within the Matrix, as shown in the live-action films. 4. Kid's Story A young man realizes his world is a fabricated, computer-generated illusion created by robots that use humans as an energy source. With assistance from the hacker Neo, he manages to escape. Based on the Matrix trilogy. 5. Program Cis and Duo fight each other in a virtual simulation of feudal Japan. 6. World Record During the fastest race of his life, a champion track star briefly breaks free from the computer-generated world. When he returns to reality, he has no memory of the event and is placed in a nursing home. Based on the Matrix trilogy. 7. Beyond While searching for her lost pet, a young woman joins some children in Tokyo to play inside a "haunted house," which is actually a glitch in their digital world. Based on the Matrix trilogy. 8. Detective Story A detective named Ash is recruited by a mysterious organization to pursue the notorious hacker Trinity. 9. Matriculated A group of scientists captures a robot and places it inside a surreal fantasy realm. When the robot's allies arrive and kill most of the scientists, the remaining scientist and the robot are left isolated together within the computer-generated world. Based on the Matrix trilogy.

Kaleido Star is famous around the world for its stunning acrobatics, creative performances, and elaborate costumes and sets, giving audiences a truly magical experience. Sora Naegino dreams of joining this legendary circus as an acrobat and becoming part of the wonder it creates. Leaving Japan behind, Sora travels to California to try out for the circus. She quickly learns that having natural talent is only the first step; becoming a professional performer requires intense challenges, demanding physical feats, and the constant danger of injury from any mistake. To succeed on the Kaleido Stage, Sora must undergo hard training, take on unusual tasks, face tough rivals, and deal with the tricks of a mischievous spirit named Fool. Can Sora reach new heights, make friends, overcome her fears, and push past her limits to earn her place as a Kaleido Star?

In this animated musical film, the story of Daft Punk's album "Discovery" is brought to life through a captivating visual tale. The narrative centers around a quartet of alien musicians who are kidnapped and transported to Earth by a dishonest manager. Their only hope lies with a pilot from their home world, who, after receiving a distress call sent during the abduction, embarks on a mission to rescue them.

Each year, mysterious cherry blossoms bloom across the crescent-shaped island known as Hatsune. It is on this island that Kazami Academy student Asakura Junnichi lives with a peculiar gift: he can see the dreams of other people while he sleeps. Additionally, an old woman once taught him a kind of magic that allows him to conjure sweets. One day, Junnichi drifts into yet another dream, and inside it, he encounters a girl who was his childhood friend. But his sister, Asakura Nemu, wakes him up, dragging him back to his ordinary routine. Though Nemu shares no blood tie with Junnichi, the connection between them runs deeper than that of any real siblings—so deep that it resembles the bond of lovers. Another peaceful daily morning begins: waking up early, heading to Kazami Academy, and hanging out with childhood friend Amakase Miharu, the school idol Shirakawa Kotori, and the two sisters Mizukoshi Moe and Mako, who love eating nabe on the rooftop at lunchtime. Just as their day settles into normal rhythm, a surprise shakes everything: Yoshino Sakura, their childhood friend who everyone believed had moved to America, suddenly appears in front of them. The moment she utters a phrase that catches both Junnichi and Nemu by surprise: "I've come here to fulfill the promise we made when we were kids."

In Hong Kong, the Three Sisters Detective Agency is run by the Paper Sisters: Anita King, Maggie Mui, and Michelle Cheung. Their business usually revolves around book-related cases. They are hired to act as local guides for Nenene Sumiregawa, a Japanese novelist suffering from writer's block ever since her close friend Yomiko Readman vanished. Each sister possesses the ability to control paper, making them Paper Masters. Using these powers, they rescue Nenene from a group of terrorists at a book signing event and continue to protect her from further dangers. Maggie and Michelle, both passionate readers, are excited to guard their favorite author, but Anita—despite her paper-based abilities—strongly dislikes books. The sisters struggle to adjust to their new life in Japan while keeping Nenene safe and handling cases assigned by the mysterious organization Dokusensha. As they get to know Nenene better, they uncover connections between her, Yomiko's disappearance, and the unusual books Dokusensha sends them to investigate. What started as a routine job becomes their most crucial mission yet. Are these young women ready to risk everything for the sake of literature?

Two years have passed since Aoi and Kaoru were released from their family duties, and their lives have continued to develop. Kaoru is now attending graduate school, while the others in their household maintain their energetic personalities. The story explores the changing bond between Aoi and Kaoru as they go through everyday life together with their close friends in their shared residence.

In the aftermath of a catastrophic explosion at a Middle Eastern archaeological excavation facility, the world is forever altered. The sky becomes a mirror, electronics fail inexplicably, and children born in this new era exhibit strange, metaphysical abilities. Society crumbles into a hollow remnant of what it once was. Behind the secret forces responsible for this apocalyptic change stands an elite group of powerful young mutants, determined to rebuild the world under the leadership of a mysterious woman known only as The Countess. At the heart of the story are two siblings—Tatsuya and Kiyoko—children of a scientist from the Twin X facility.

During her summer vacation at her grandparents' home, the cheerful and upbeat student Tamai Shiina encounters a strange creature. She forms a deep bond with it and names it Hoshimaru, which translates to "The Round Star." After returning to school following the break, Shiina discovers that other children have also developed connections with similar mysterious beings. However, she quickly comes to understand that not all of these creatures and their human partners are as kind as her own.

In their continued journey westward, the Sanzo Ikkou—consisting of the priest Genjo Sanzo and his companions Cho Hakkai, Sha Gojyo, and Son Goku—works to prevent the revival of the mighty demon Gyoumao. As their reputation, whether notorious or celebrated, precedes them, the group endures constant assaults from demon killers. At the same time, internal discord risks weakening their bond as they face a powerful enemy.

Kyuu is an ordinary boy blessed with extraordinary logical and deductive abilities. Aiming to become a detective, he stumbles upon the Dan Detective School (DDS), a renowned institution where students are permitted to use weapons. Teaming up with Megu, who has a photographic memory; Kinta, a master of martial arts; Kazuma, a brilliant programmer; and the enigmatic Ryuu, Kyuu takes on a series of intricately crafted crimes,始终坚持追求真相。

Set roughly a century ago, the story follows Nadja, a lively and spirited girl raised in an orphanage on the outskirts of London, England. Abandoned there as an infant, Nadja always believed both her parents had died. However, just before her thirteenth birthday, she discovers that her mother may still be alive. Determined to find her, Nadja embarks on a journey across Europe. The entire continent becomes the backdrop for her thrilling adventure.

The narrative unfolds within a city rumored to span thousands of levels. In a sealed-off zone, countless levels are stacked atop one another, making it impossible to distinguish sky from ground or to know which direction is up or down. Perhaps the original intent of this story is to untangle the enigmas bound within this era and world. For the humans who uncovered this immense, rare multi-layered city, the enigmatic protagonist Kirii roams in search of the "Net Terminal Genes" that remain uninfected. Kirii's burden and quest for the "Net Terminal Genes" form a purpose unlike any other, and constitute the central mystery of this tale. Log1 through Log6 contain the story of Cibo, which was absent from the original work—the Cibo who wandered astray alongside Kirii. A discarded disc lies in the rubble; Cibo begins to download. Whose "memory" will he ultimately end up with? These clips are intended as a bonus to the manga and should be regarded as such. Do not expect any plot within them. They are merely animated (short) scenes from the manga.

According to an old legend, anyone who consumes mermaid flesh gains immortality. Five centuries ago, Yuta unknowingly ate a piece of that flesh. For hundreds of years, he wanders across Japan, searching for a mermaid in hopes she might turn him back into a normal human. When he finally locates one, he learns that she and her group have been raising a young girl as livestock so they can devour her and steal her youthful appearance—that is how mermaids preserve their youth. Yuta slays the mermaids and saves the girl, but she has already ingested some of the mermaid flesh. Though he had to destroy the mermaids, Yuta is not too upset. His formerly solitary life is over now that he has found a companion in Mana. And Mana, who was confined to a tiny hut her entire life, finds joy in even the most ordinary things. Together, Yuta and Mana journey onward, seeking more mermaids in their quest to become human again.

Beautiful sisters Ai, Mai, Mii, their android maid Mea, and a slippery pet ferret named Unagi embark on an extraordinary journey through time and space, all while never leaving their beloved mansion. Following the clues of the mysterious dandelion-like "Popotan," the girls are theoretically searching for the one who holds the answers to their deepest personal questions. Yet, they seem to have plenty of time for detours, making new friends, visiting hot springs, and occasionally running the X-mas shop stored within their house along the way. However, the girls' ultimate fate holds more than a few surprises, and not every moment is filled with laughter, as traveling through time means having to leave friends behind.

Kazuhihiko Aikawa previously served as the captain of Tendoji High School's celebrated basketball squad. After relocating and enrolling at Mizuho High, he attempts to join its basketball team, only to find that the team is defunct. Still, Kazuhiko's enthusiasm and ability motivate his newfound classmates to band together and resume practice. Aiming to compete in the national tournaments—where young basketball players showcase their skills—Kazuhiko and his teammates strive to restore Mizuho's standing. The journey of the five central figures—Takumi Fujiwara, Tsutomu Ishii, Kenji Dobashi, Ranmaru Miura, and Kazuhiko Aikawa—commences as they set out to revive the Mizuho High School basketball team.

A rare illness runs in Kazuna's bloodline, one that brings on an insatiable, vampire-like hunger for blood. Unaware of this family curse, Kazuna was placed under the care of the Eda couple during his childhood. When the first signs of the disease surface in his own body, he crosses paths with his elder sister, Chizuna, who has lived with the affliction since she was very young. Knowing how heavy a burden the sickness places on those who carry it, Chizuna reaches out to lighten her brother's struggle and guide him in managing his cravings, but...

The conflict started in 1945 as the Pacific War was ending, when extraterrestrial entities appeared on Earth, compelling humanity to join forces against this unexpected danger. More than five decades later, the struggle continues, taking many lives. Japan's armed forces depend on the youthful soldiers of Unit 5121, including Atsushi Hayami and their comrades, who bravely fight using HWT humanoid battle machines and the powerful PBE bombs.

The most advanced and lethal weapon of the future has arrived, surpassing all previous iterations. A new stage in human evolution—a breed of "metahumans" possessing formidable psychic powers—has started emerging across the globe. These mutants, designated as the "E's," can transform thought into energy. An elite special unit composed of E's has been assembled to preserve order and justice, but the question remains: will these powerful psychics employ their abilities to safeguard the world, or to dominate it?

Ayato Kamina became separated from his beloved, Haruka Mishima, after an incident believed to have annihilated everyone beyond Tokyo. Three years later, the city suddenly comes under attack from mysterious invaders. Ayato encounters Haruka Shitow, a TERRA agent, who vows to uncover the truth behind the world's current state. This meeting triggers a series of strange events: Ayato inadvertently activates a giant mecha known as the RahXephon, learns that many individuals—including his own mother—have blue blood, and comes to realize that he has been living inside a self-contained dimension where time passes more slowly than in the outside world.

In a post-apocalyptic world where all water except that held in a reservoir has become poisonous, Sanga creates a refuge called The Lastland. When a village discovers a source of clean water, Sanga intends to take it by wiping out the villagers. Together with his group of assassins, he attacks the village. During the turmoil, a mysterious figure appears, quickly taking down several of Sanga's warriors. That figure is Kenshiro, a practitioner of the lethal martial art Hokuto Shin Ken. As Sanga will go to any lengths to obtain the water, Kenshiro is just as determined to stop him.

By the 24th century, humans have achieved interstellar space travel. One of the earliest outposts established in the distant reaches of space is Watcher's Nest—an inflation hole drive portal—which has recently come under assault from a mysterious enemy known only as Ghoul. A group of young female cadets stationed at the portal find themselves plunged into a swarm of unexpected troubles as they complete their final training to become elite pilots of the Seraphim Squadron.

As spring arrives and Yuuichi is reunited with Ayu, everyone's life returns to a familiar rhythm. However, when Mishio visits Makoto's hometown, she observes a miraculous occurrence taking place before her very eyes.

The narrative takes place on planet Destiny, a world that declares itself the center of the Universe, where all the terminals of "The Galaxy Railways" come together. The protagonist, Yuuki Manabu, is a 20-year-old who carries on the legacy of his late father and brother by enlisting in the SDF (Space Defense Force) in order to ensure the safety of the Galaxy Railways. The SDF, committed to preserving its reputation for maintaining the finest transportation schedule anywhere in the Universe, handles everything from accidents and natural disasters to rescue operations and space pirate threats across every line of the railway network. Layla Destiny Shura stands as a mysterious beauty who unites both the SDF and all routes of the Galaxy Railways. Layla is gifted with the power to foresee the destinies of planets, people, and all living creatures. Yet even with such abilities, she, as a "Guardian of Destiny," is forbidden from telling passengers departing this station what perils lie ahead of them. But whenever those who misuse dark powers appear in order to alter the fates of these travelers, another hidden ability within her is awakened. "Destiny is changed by the individual's oneself. Tomorrow's happiness is grabbed by the individual's own hands." In what form will Layla come to see Yuuki's destiny? And how will Yuuki face that destiny as the greatest crisis ever to loom over the Galaxy Railways approaches?

This special feature is included with the Fourth Stage DVD-BOX and provides a recap of events from the First Stage through the Third Stage. It also includes staff commentary and offers an early look into the production of the Fourth Stage.

In the 37th year of the Meiji Era (1904), during the Russo-Japanese war, the small Japanese army receives aid from a special flying ship, the Amanohara—kept aloft thanks to a benevolent demon—and uses it to strike at Russia's key base in Port Arthur (Lushun). Umakai Shintaro, a Japanese-born Russian diplomat, defects and travels to Sapporo to teach at a girls' academy. But this academy is far from ordinary: it is located aboard the Amanohara, and the five girls he instructs form the Raimu Unit—young women capable of summoning powerful beings to fight on their behalf. Shintaro soon becomes both their teacher and their battlefield commander, and the six of them set off on a strange and excessively erotic journey. Along the way, Shintaro helps the girls overcome their weaknesses, grow stronger for the final showdown at Lushun, and come to understand the motives behind the "Russian Spiritual Corps" that aids the enemy—a corps that, unfortunately, includes a member Shintaro once knew well...

When Kamogawa Asumi was merely an infant, her mother suffered severe injuries after a rocket crashed to earth. Five years later, after remaining in a coma throughout that entire period, Asumi's mother finally passes away, leaving the young girl to grapple with the loss of a parent she barely recalls. Amidst this emotional turmoil, Asumi encounters "Lion-san," a mysterious figure donning a lion mask who claims to be a ghost. Lion-san assists Asumi in burying her mother's ashes, and through this process, Asumi arrives at a firm resolution: "When I grow up, I'm going to be a rocket pilot."

Seventeen-year-old Nanaka Kirisato is a serious high school student with big ambitions, often scolding her best friend Nenji Nagihara for his childish antics and frequent brawls with other boys. After a fierce quarrel with Nenji, she falls down a flight of stairs and sustains a head injury, which causes her mind to regress to that of a six-year-old. To keep her condition hidden, Nanaka's father and Nenji must conceal the truth of the accident while she struggles to adapt once more to everyday life and go through a second period of growing up.

This anthology series from Rumiko Takahashi explores the difficulties that arise when essentials such as housing, work, and personal connections are put at risk. Ranging from penguin habitats to marriage ceremonies and absent-minded partners, each episode places ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. The collection highlights the distinctive mix of drama and offbeat humor that has made the celebrated creator of InuYasha, Ranma 1/2, and Urusei Yatsura a widely recognized name.

Quon Kisaragi was startled upon encountering a vision of herself suspended in midair. This apparition, identifying as a fragment of her own being, initiates an existential conversation between the two. This OVA serves as a side story included with the RahXephon Special Edition game for the Sony PlayStation 2.

Black Jack, known as the "Surgeon with the Hands of God," is a mysterious young Japanese doctor who journeys across the globe, performing incredible feats of surgical brilliance. Although everyone acknowledges his talent, Black Jack is widely despised, particularly by the medical community, because he refuses to adhere to any regulations and demands exorbitant fees for his work. His sole companion is Pinoko, a child he brought into existence from a special type of tumor called a teratoma, who insists that she is his wife.

In "My Sister Momoko," Momoko attends a special school because of her mental and physical disabilities. Each morning, she grows frustrated that she cannot go to the regular school with her identical sibling, Riki. To comfort her, her family sings her favorite song, "The Song of Frogs." During an open classroom day, Momoko cheers for Riki in a dodgeball match, and his team wins. Ryuji, a player from the opposing side, reacts badly and tells Riki to stop bringing his "idiot sister." Enraged, Riki loses his temper and punches Ryuji. The next year, an integrated education program allows Momoko to join Riki's school. However, her health worsens, and she is hospitalized. Determined to lift her spirits, Riki and his classmates plan to win a relay race and dedicate the victory to her. But the team's fastest runner, Ryuichi, refuses to participate.

Based on the erotic game by NekoNeko Soft. An older brother and his younger sister live in a house from which their parents are often absent. Yuki, the younger sister, secretly yearns for her brother Kenji. However, one night, a girl appears from the closet in Kenji's room. Her body is transparent, and she looks like a ghost. Her name is Hiyori, a childhood friend of theirs. Though Kenji and Yuki are bewildered by Hiyori's strange appearance, they are happy to be reunited. However, as Kenji and Hiyori grow closer, Yuki's heart is shaken, and the pain she held in her childhood is recalled. In childhood, Yuki was going to pass the light blue toy ring that Kenji had to Hiyori in exchange for Hiyori's yoyo. However, because Hiyori fell ill and moved away, the promise was never fulfilled. Those childhood events seem to be connected to Hiyori's appearance before them. A painful love story of Kenji and two girls progresses.

Human Crossing explores the intricacies of human relationships and the unpredictable paths life can take. It portrays everyday people as they cross paths in various unforeseen ways, much like pedestrians randomly meeting at an intersection without any clear direction. The series offers an unfiltered look at ordinary individuals in contemporary Japan, highlighting both the appealing and less admirable sides of their lives. It covers the story of a boxer whose past troubles catch up with him due to his estranged mother in "The Wound," a dedicated lawyer who fights for a struggling young mother in "The 25th Hour," a committed businessman who discovers the importance of true life values in "A Promise," and an independent woman who reconnects with her unreliable father in "Direction." Human Crossing consists of short stories focused on hope, illustrating the small victories that can be achieved amidst life's difficulties.

The DVD Specials feature Kazuki and his friends traveling to a Comic Party hosted at a hot spring resort. During their visit, they stumble upon an extraordinary discovery that sheds light on the true wonders of comic conventions.

Peace Maker Kurogane special.

Unaired series episode included in the DVD release.

The Antarctic thaws, and an era arrives in which most of the land has been swallowed by the water. The extinction of Mankind already looms near. Humanity, born from Adam and Eve, has been steadily deteriorating as it is cloned over and over again from one generation to the next. The things essential for living beings to survive were lost. Even so, those who remain cling on to survive... "We should take what we need to survive from something else...!" And so, a small group of humans begins a new life upon the surface of the water, using up the resources of every other living thing just to keep going. In the end, they discover people who carry a vast amount of what is necessary for survival. The young men who possess such things continue their journey even now, running from those who hunt them. All they wanted was to find that something, somewhere. They were searching for the one and only "help" that remained...

Doctor Tenma, the head of the Ministry of Science, acquired a digital brain genome from an aircraft. He then traveled to Mars and later combined that genome with a robot. The robot was a revival of Doctor Tenma's son Tobio, who had perished in a traffic accident.

The film "Tako ni Natta Okaasan" belongs to Shin-Ei's annual lineup of World War II–themed animated TV specials for children, which are called "Sensou Douwa."