Phoenix - Vol. 1
I understand that Osamu Tezuka is a famous guy in manga and anime circles. I also understand that this is a pretty good adaptation of what is arguably his magnum opus, Phoenix. So, uh, what are you waiting for? The show follows the titular bird of fire through various important historical (and some fantastical) events intended to prompt the viewer to ponder the deeper meaning held within the events, and on life itself. Thoughtful and complex, it’s the sort of thing that only comes along once in a great while. Regardless of your feelings on anime, please do not miss this show.

One Piece: Vol. 11
I’m not terribly fond of most shounen shows (i.e. male-teen-oriented action-heavy fare), as they tend to be horribly repetitive and shallow. My only exposure to this series is one or two episodes of the atrocious 4Kids hack job for American broadcast -- which isn’t collected in this set, thankfully Or is, actually with an apology to everyone -- but I’ve been told it’s actually well thought out and entertaining. So those interested in the adventures of a grinning Mr. Fantastic with a pirate hat won’t be disappointed. Probably. I make no guarantees! (Make this a rental just to be safe.)

Lupin the 3rd: The Fuma Conspiracy
One of the many movies and OAVs about legendary thief Lupin III, this one dating from 1987. It centers on some ninja breaking up Goemon’s wedding and holding his fiancé hostage for a key to some treasure. It’s no Castle of Cagliostro, but then what is? Grab it, once you get past the incongruity of Goemon getting hitched.

Air TV, Vol. 3
I’m normally a fan of game developer Key's work, but Air just didn’t grab me at all. It’s a drama-slash-romance centering on a wandering magician who seeks the object of a family legend in a small town. It offered some solid character development and a fair amount of hint-dropping and foreshadowing, but it also suffered some serious problems with pacing and plot. Not surprising, given that this is based on a visual novel that covers far more material than a 13 TV episodes and two OAVs can really cover. Rental.

Angel Feather
As a sort of awkward, make-me-feel-really-weird counter to last week’s Kashimashi, I present Angel Feather to the ladies. It’s a short, 2 episode OAV based on a shounen-ai game (that’s "boy's love," yessir) about a young boy who transfers into a school in search of his long lost twin brother. Then supernatural stuff starts to happen and all the pretty boys find magical powers and stuff and oh God do I feel dirty just typing this. Gah. Skip it.