Search - Otogi Zoshi - Legend of Magatama (Vol. 1) on DVD

A superb and thrilling story; the artwork is tremendous!

Robert Parker | Pasadena, CA USA | 03/30/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first encountered this series by accident as a fansub, and was hooked immediately. Equal parts historical drama, love story, action/adventure, and visual masterpiece, this is a compelling and enthralling story of dedication, bravery, heroism, and the discovery of love. The soundtrack and the artwork are lush, the writing is strong, and the animation is superb.

My DVD just arrived in the mail today, so I have yet to check out the English voice talent...but be brave! It's not that hard to read the subtitles, and the Japanese voice work is excellent.

It's going on my shelf right next to the Miyazaki collection. An excellent anime for people who like animation but don't like giant robots, magical girls, or painfully cute fuzzy animals."

Great new anime...

M. Randall | Allen Park, MI | 04/13/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Full of story and substance. This has to be the best new anime of this genre in recent memory (yes better then peacemaker kurogane AND samurai champloo). Its got a very unique background animation style. I can't wait for part 2. Production IG is THE anime company."

An anime you can enjoy as a couple

E. Kendrick | Brea, California | 10/11/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first saw the box for Otogi Zoshi a while ago and thinking that it would just be an anime based on the popular Xbox game I kept blowing it off. When I finally decided to actually read what it was about I became intrigued and now I am borderline obsessed. It has action which I will equate to that of Samurai Champloo (one of my favorites) and they have done their research as it shows quite beautifully. Note: Otogi Zoshi are short prose fiction. The characters are so vivid and have such captivating personalities. I have to also say that this is the best depiction of Abe no Seimei that I have seen in anime. To top it off they include lectures from Tokyo U to explain it all. If you love Japan, its history, or just think you do, buy it. If you love beautiful artwork, buy it. And if you love a good story that doesn't always have a happy ending, buy it!"

Otogi Zoshi - Excellent historical anime!

C. Bender | Seattle, WA USA | 10/08/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Otogi Zoshi is set during Japan's Heian Era (794-1185) and is equal parts action, drama, and intrigue. Kyoto, the capital of ancient Japan has become a corrupt and run-down city, filled with self serving nobles, and onmyoji who only care about gaining political power. In the meantime, the city is suffering from famine and widespread disease.

Minamoto no Raiko, a reknowned archer and samurai is sent to recover a legendary gem called the magatama said to hold the power to restore the capital. But Raiko has fallen ill so his younger sister, Hikaru secretly assumes his identity and goes in his place. She and her loyal bodyguard Tsuna later meet new companions and have many exciting and dangerous adventures on the quest for the legendary magatama.

The animation is gorgeous to look at and the storytelling is superlative filled with lots of complex and memorable characters. The producers made special attention to historical details as you can see in the extra features section.

If you are looking for a change of pace from standard anime fare, this is definitely the series to watch. The main character is similar to "Kai Doh Maru" which I also have, but definitely this story is WAY superior of the two.

I highly recommend Otogi Zoshi to all anime fans, it is one of the BEST anime series out there!"