Search - Rumiko Takahashi Anthology - Primal Needs (Vol. 1) + Series Box on DVD

Takahashi-sama delivers another anime masterpiece.

Bryan Weber | San Angelo, TX | 02/14/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Though not as fast paced or action oriented as Ranma 1/2 or Inu-Yasha, Anthology offers us Rumiko Takahashi's view of everyday Japanese life as only she could tell it.
The story telling is more subdued than Takahashi's more well known works, but there is a genuine heartfelt quality to them.
Takahashi weaves her tales of comedic misunderstandings, hilarious coincidences, quiet romantic moments, and the bittersweet moments that make up her world.
Anthology is a quiet, story-driven set of stand alone stories that is for the true Takahashi fan."

Amazing anthology from a Master Storyteller

B. Ackley | Douglasville, GA | 05/09/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Prolific artist/ writer Rumiko Takahashi is probably known by many for her higher profile properties like "Inu-Yasha" and "Ranma 1/2". However, Rumiko has created many shorts stories which have been published over the years in different manga collections and serials. This Anthology collects 13 of her short stories in anime format. All are stand alone episodes however, if you look closely you will see characters from others stories appear in the background.

This first volume features 3 episodes "tragedy of P", "merchant of Romance" and "middle-aged teens" - each story a interesting slice-of-life look at modern Japan told as only Rumiko Takahashi could write.

In the first story "tragedy of P" we are introduced to a couple and their son who live in an aprtment building where pets are not allowed. The wife is constantly reminded by the Resident Associations President to keep the noise down. She struggles to keep the peace. And then a penguin shows up!

In the second story "Merchant of Rmomance" the lead character is a yound lady struggling to keep her Wedding Chapel open in the face of financial struggle.Additionally burdened with the collapse of her own first marriage she decides to give up on love and the chapel. And then a couple arrive who just might change everything.

In the final episode "Middle-aged teens" a successful salary-man constantly works hard for his family's well being. A new promotion to faraway Hokkaido and his desire for his family to move with him provokes a mini-rebellion from his selfish wife and son who desire to stay in the city (i can only assume Tokyo). While walking that night an accident befalls him. When his family retrieve him he has amnesia, acts like a teen and is acquainted suddenly with a beautiful high school girl.

In each of these stories Rumiko is really able to explore the small idiocyncracies that people have and the sometimes childish nature of people. The stories are never heavy handed or preachy but more of a light-hearted look at issues that are universal to everyone.

The show is not a hard watch and the self-contained nature of the episodes makes it a commitment free series- although when episodes are this entertaining it would be hard to pass up future volumes.

Recommended!"