Search - Zatch Bell!, Vol. 1: The Lightning Boy From Another World on DVD

An awesome series with an enchanting beginning. SPOILERS AHE

Cody Smith | 01/28/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ok, I know the introduction to animes are boring, but this series gets off to a fast-paced start which is a great way to start off a series. The series is about a genius named Kiyo Takamine who struggles in school for he skips and he is bullied. Then, his life makes a turn for the better. His father finds a yellow haired boy in the woods almost dead (who LOVES yellowtail) and he sends the boy to Kiyo as a birthday present so that Kiyo might be able to do better. But theres a secret this boy contains...



Now to review the episodes on the disc:



Episode 1: Lightning boy from another world! Grade: B

A normal premiere episode, its simplistic. Kiyo gets Zatch, Zatch tries to help Kiyo by starting an "against bullies" alliance, and Kiyo gets annoyed so he gets Zatch to fight the biggest bully at school on purpose so he"ll get the crap beaten out of him. Kiyo decides what he did was wrong, so he goes and tries to help him. He uses the red book to defeat the bully and other stuff like the appearance of another mamodo (Hyde) and zatch and him fight. The plot gets off to a rocky start, but makes up for it. Having Hyde come is cool, and the battle may be short and sweet, but it's still good to have a mamodo battle. Solid episode, but don't dismiss it for it's "kiddish" behavior.



Episode 2: A freezing spell! Grade: B+

Cool episode. It introduces the mamodo Reycom as he and his book holder try to rob a bank. The episode is humorous and fun filled, but it could have been more. Reycom is an awesome mamdo, Zatch tries to actually fight, suspense, and some other stuff make this episode a cool one



Episode 3: The second spell Grade: A-

Zatch has his second major mamodo battle against Reycom. It's cool, for we have Zatch up to a formidable challenge as he tries his best to fight ice with thunder. The battle is exciting, and we learn more about the spell books. You also learn how Hosokawa met Reycom and how they will do whatever it takes to win theb fight. Hosokawa however is greedy, which is his major downfall, and he evens call his own mamodo a "tool" of battle. Kiyo and Zatch are angered by this, and end up winning the fight. I actually felt sorry when Reycom got his book burned, just by the sadness in his eyes. All in all, a great battle and episode!



Episode 4: The Great Mamodo Battle! Grade: B+

This episode, Zatch learns more about himself and tries to happy even though he knows he's a freak. Kiyo yells at him, and Zatch runs off into the rain in tears. On the way, Zatch meets a lost puppy who befriends him and Zatch decides to go home with the puppy. Meanwhile, a girl named Sherry enters the Takamine house with her mamodo, Brago, as they explain to Kiyo why the mamodos are fighting. Sherry demands for him to give her the book, but Kiyo refuses. Zatch makes his way back home as a man enters the house and it is revealed that the puppy is actually a mamodo who transforms into a viscous monster, bent on killing. The episode is emotional, seeing Kiyo and Zatch fighting while a cute little puppy is turned into a beast. The episode is a suspense builder, which will lead right into the next DVD. Great episode, but the part 2 of this is 100 times better.



Overall: B+

Sure the DVD is edited, and the voice acting is sometimes annoying, the series is still amazing and the pace is quick. DVD 2 is MUCH better than this one, but this is mainly an explanation DVD on which explains the plot of the series. Good series, hilarious at times, dark at times, this series is amazing!

"

What a concept

Ronnie Clay | Winnsboro, Louisiana | 11/04/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I've always liked these kind of involved animes...at least Shopro got it right this time.



Normally, I'd stay away from shows like these, but because I can't watch Yu Yu Hakusho anymore, this does well enough.



There's much to love about this show: the plot, the action, and you're always wondering what mamodo is next and what powers it has.



character wise, I'd say that Suzie's my favorite....she's so clueless!"

GOOD SERIES

TECHWON | SYRACUSE, NY | 01/22/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"AS MUCH AS I WANTED TO HATE ZATCH BELL IT TURNED INTO A GOOD SERIES ACTUALLY AND IS GOOD SERIES ON TOONAMI. I LOVE IT MAKES ME REMEMBER WHY ANIMES ARE GREAT TO WATCH. IT HAS ALL THE HUMOR, ACTIONS AND ADVENTURE THAT EVERY ANIME THAT IS GOOD HAS TO IT ARSONEL. SO IT THINK ITS DESERVES TO BE WATCHED. HAS REAL POTENTIAL."

I say...

Mr.Bob | The Big Q, Canada | 09/18/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This show just started airing on YTV, and just after watching one episode I was like "this show rocks!!. Some people say this is just another one of those stupid japan shows but it is not, this actually has a good story too it. I think this is going to be the next Dragonball."