Top 10 Anime Releases of 2006

1. Naruto

A long time ago, a demon fox with nine tails appeared, causing devastating damage to the world. To defeat the fox, the villagers called on their Shinobis or master ninjas to battle the demon. One of these Shinobis gave his life to seal the demon away inside a newborn boy. And that boy as you might have guessed it, was Naruto. The dubbed DVD hit the states in March of 2006.

2. Trinity Blood

Based on the original manga by Kiyo Kyuujou, Trinity Blood is a Trigun-esq thriller with plenty of nail-biting moments and its fair share of witty sarcasm. Animated by GONZO, Trinity Blood is a favorite supernatural hit among anime fans and hit your favorite DVD shelves on 9/26/06.

3. Tactics

What happens when a writer decides to feed his need to solve the supernatural problems of Japan? That's the premise behind Tactics, one of the latest anime thrillers from Manga.com.

Our hero is Kantaro Ichinomiya, a supernatural sleuth and writer. But he's not just your regular run-of-the-mill writer. Kantaro spends his time traveling around, fighting monsters and then writing about his adventures. But there's one adventure he just can't seem to find - the resting place of the mysterious Demon-Eating Goblin.

Until now.

Rated OT for teens 16 and up, Tactics hit your DVD shelves in June, 2006.

4. Black Cat

Meet Train Hartnett, number 13 in a group of assassins controlled by a secret organization known as Chronos. Why do they call him "Black Cat". Train had the misfortune of being cursed by a witch - but the curse is an odd one, giving him the character traits of a cat. Train is Chronos' best assassin, known as an "eraser", but he's not sure he's in the right line of work. His parents were murdered when he was a child and he wants to help mankind, not kill them.

And then he meets Saya, a bounty hunter, and his life changes for ever.

Rated "Teen", Black Cat just hit your DVD shelves on December 19th.

5. Full Moon

Based on the manga by Arina Tanemura, Full Moon is the story of 12 year old Mitsuki, a brave young girl with dreams of becoming a pop singer to fulfill a promise she made to her first love many years ago. But Mitsuki has a malignant tumor in her throat and her voice could be the price of her cure.

From the new VIZ Media Home Video Line, Full Moon premiered on DVD in June.

6. Ergo Proxy

While investigating a murder case, Detective Re-I is attacked by a strange super-being. What has she gotten herself into? This is Ergo Proxy, one of the new animes from Geneon Entertainment. Directed by Murase Shukou (Samurai Champloo, Witch Hunter Robin), Ergo Proxy is a dark, mysterious ride, full of suspense and surprises.

Rated "OT" for teens 16 and up, Ergo Proxy debuted on November 21, 2006.

7. IGPX

In 2048, and the “IGPX” has become the world’s most-popular sport. In the “Immortal Grand Prix,” two teams of three Mechs, high-tech fighting machines driven by humans, race at speeds greater than 350 mph. Team Satomi has just won a minor-league championship, vaulting them into the sport’s highest level, the IG-1. Now, the untested rookies must beat the world’s most skilled pilots in the planet’s biggest event, the “Immortal Grand Prix.”

A joint venture between Production I.G. and Cartoon Network, IGPX premiered on DVD in February, 2006.

8. Howl's Moving Castle Movie

Howl's Moving Castle is the story of Sophie, an average teenage girl who finds love and adventure when she meets Howl, a charming and dapper wizard. But watch out for the Wicked Witch of the Wastelands - her jealousy will get you everytime. Seeking to defeat the witch's curse, Sophie moves into Howl's moving castle and begins an exciting and surprising journey, complete with magic, mystery and a fire demon for good measure.

From Buena Vista Home Entertainment and VIZ Media, Howl's Moving Castle came to DVD in March, 2006.

9. Mobile Fighter G Gundam - Complete Collection 1 (Anime Legends)

From Bandai Entertainment, Gundam is back and this time its in a complete collection. Ready for the Gundam Fight tournament, each country sends a Gundam to Earth to compete. But there's something sinister brewing and Domon Kasshu is determined to uncover the truth.

Rated T13+, Mobile Fighter G Gundam was released on May 23rd.

10. Negima

Magic, a genius 10 year old and a mysterious disappearance. This is the story of Negi Springfield, a brilliant adolescent who is about to embark on a strange new journey.

Negi is a prodigy with magical abilities. After graduating from a magic academy, Negi is assigned to teach an all-girl 8th grade class. While trying to hide his magical talents, he begins the search for the Thousands Master, his father who disappeared several years before.

From FUNimation, Negima hit your magical DVD shelves on August 1st.