New Feature Best Anime Adapted From Video Games

In Japan, anime's a two-way street -- meaning the sheer number of things that get made into anime, or that get adapted into other things from anime, boggles the mind. Crossovers go on constantly between anime, manga, light novels, live-action adaptations, merchandising efforts, themed events, and ... you guessed it ... video games.

A full list of anime created from video game properties (e.g., Devil May Cry, shown here -- compare prices) would probably exhaust everyone involved. But a list of the best of the bunch, the ones most worth tracking down whether or not you've played the games in question ... well, welcome to our new Anime.About.com feature.

Anime Review Studio Ghiblis Whisper of the Heart

If there is a finer, more widely-respected animation studio in Japan -- and maybe in the whole of the world -- than Studio Ghibli, it's hard to say who that might be. Under the stewardship of their founder, Hayao Miyazaki, they've been responsible for some of the finest

Now many of their titles are being reissued in the U.S. on Blu-ray Disc and DVD, thanks to a partnership with Disney. Newest to the lineup: Whisper of the Heart (compare prices here), originally released to great acclaim in 1997.

James Camerons Battle Angel Alita Off The Table UPDATED

For years, anime fans held their breath over the possibility that director James Cameron (Avatar) would be launching a live-action adaptation of Battle Angel Alita.

Now, a recent New York Times interview with Cameron hints at him taking all his non-Avatar related projects off the table for keeps, Alita included.

Anime Review Puella Magi Madoka Magica Volume 1

Longtime anime fans know the "magical girl" concept like the backs of their hands. An ordinary girl is offered the opportunity to wield great power against bad guys, transforming from her everyday appearance into a doubly-cute avatar of all that's good and innocent.

Shows like Sailor Moon codified the concept; shows like Cardcaptor Sakura expanded on it. Now comes the U.S. release of Puella Magi Madoka Magica, the first magical-girl show in some time to take the idea and push it into some unexpected and surprising new directions.

Anime Review Heavens Lost Property Season One

All Tomoki wanted was a little peace and quiet ... and the occasional glimpse down the necklines of his female classmates (or a peek up their skirts). Then one day, the "Angeloid" named Ikaros quiet literally drops into his life. She can grant any wish, and it isn't long before Tomoki's using her to do everything from sneak into the girl's locker room to you-name-it -- but who is this mysterious creature from the sky, really?

Anime Review Heavens Lost Property Season One

All Tomoki wanted was a little peace and quiet ... and the occasional glimpse down the necklines of his female classmates (or a peek up their skirts). Then one day, the "Angeloid" named Ikaros quiet literally drops into his life. She can grant any wish, and it isn't long before Tomoki's using her to do everything from sneak into the girl's locker room to you-name-it -- but who is this mysterious creature from the sky, really?

Most Anticipated Anime Releases of Spring 2012

With "White Day" (Japan's companion holiday to Valentine's Day, where women give tokens of appreciation to men) just behind us and spring coming fast around the corner, it's time to take a look at some of the most anticipated anime releases for the season.