Anime Review (Quick): Speed Grapher

Take one part Area 88, slap some Gantz and you've got Speed Grapher. Well ok that's the really really bad version of a review, but thankfully Speed Grapher is actually a very interesting storyline with some good dubbing and great artwork.

Centered around the strange, almost occult world of underground Japan, a hapless photog Tatsumi Saiga (voiced by Christopher R. Sabat) in the course of an investigation finds himself pitted against a secret society of amazing power. Central to this is Kagura Tennouzu (voiced by Monica Rial) who awakens powers within Saiga, enabling him to destroy things when he photographs them.

The plot might take a bit of a leap to get into, but the dynamic between the leads is pretty good, and the mysterious elements of the seedier characters has you wanting to learn more. The innocent and seemingly misused Kagura has a definite double nature that makes you question if she's really who you think she is. Both leads do a good job and thus far the supporting cast has been pretty good as well. Mind you there's a lot of dismemberment and some racey adult themes (sex, violence, kink). Definitely NOT for children, Speed Grapher will fit right in with fans who enjoyed Gantz or Elfen Lied.

On a completely unrelated note, if my camera ever allows me to kick that much ass... well all i can say is HELL YEAH.