Rating: 
Summary: Very cool
Review: An online friend actually got me into this and I found myself searching constantly for information on this series. Having touched some of the first Manga volumes and seen this DVD, I was immediately fascinated by Yami no Matsuei in less than a month. A lot of people say the Manga is better because there are more details (and that this is a rip off of X and Tokyo Babylon) HOWEVER don't be discouraged, please. There's no harm in watching an Anim? series based on its Manga. Besides, you can see these characters in colour and hear which Seiyuu lurk behind the screens. Anyway with the bright colours, amazing animation, supernatural appeal and talented Seiyuu to accompany the characters what's there not to like on this series? You might think the episodes are choppy but I suppose it is the same for Weiss Kreuz perhaps. Also if you are not a fan of male x male implications this may not suit you at all. It's best to stay away from series like this. This DVD volume is a round up of the first Manga volume. There's a vampire on the loose and is under the control of a particular villain ~_^ (this vampire type is different and is one that can walk in sunlight -- that's rare; unless you have a special jewel on you, right? OK I'm thinking Buffy). Tsuzuki is like Vash the Stampede in the 'goofy yet keeps his past a secret' sense and has a sweet tooth. Despite his slacking off on the job, Tsuzuki is compasionate and hides a lot of pain behind that carefree demeanour. His new partner is Hisoka who is the newbie in the Ministry of Hades and quite a distant boy who is a strong empath and whose death is mysterious -- reason is discovered in episode 3. You are also introduced to the main villain Muraki (a misunderstood SEMI-villain IMO) who seems to have a 'thing' for Tsuzuki. If you're someone like me who is obsessed with voice actors well you may recognise the dubbed voice actors as well as the Japanese Seiyuu. The former are the guys who did Pokemon and Yu Gi Oh. OK I have trouble thinking of Yugi with a sweet tooth here. You see, Dan Green does Yugi/Yami and Tsuzuki ('I summon Suzaku in attack mode. Suzaku attack Muraki's life points directly' LOL). I am so used to Dan Green as Yugi/Yami Yugi and think he's better as these two than Tsuzuki ^^;;
Watari's dubbed voice actor is Eric Stuart who does Seto Kaiba, Brock/Takeshi and James/Koijiro. I find it strange to why these guys put Watari with an English accent though. I'll assume it's to make his accent different since Watari speaks in Kansai dialect. You can watch the dubbed version of the series if you want to try and recognise some of the English voices but it kind of detracts the excitement. Really Muraki doesn't sound as cool in the dubbed version. In the Japanese original sound, Hayami Sho makes him sound suave, evil and seductive. Woo hoo. Plus this guy was Wolfwood from Trigun. Praise him, people. Miki Shinichirou is sweet as Tsuzuki (I thought he was amazing as Allen Schezar and Larva) :). To conclude this review, I say if you're not against gay implications then this shouldn't be a problem to watch. You may need to get some tissue or a bucket ready in case you drool much more later on since some of the main guys are handsome :P
Rating:
Summary: Very cool
Review: An online friend actually got me into this and I found myself searching constantly for information on this series. Having touched some of the first Manga volumes and seen this DVD, I was immediately fascinated by Yami no Matsuei in less than a month. A lot of people say the Manga is better because there are more details (and that this is a rip off of X and Tokyo Babylon) HOWEVER don't be discouraged, please. There's no harm in watching an Animé series based on its Manga. Besides, you can see these characters in colour and hear which Seiyuu lurk behind the screens. Anyway with the bright colours, amazing animation, supernatural appeal and talented Seiyuu to accompany the characters what's there not to like on this series? You might think the episodes are choppy but I suppose it is the same for Weiss Kreuz perhaps. Also if you are not a fan of male x male implications this may not suit you at all. It's best to stay away from series like this. This DVD volume is a round up of the first Manga volume. There's a vampire on the loose and is under the control of a particular villain ~_^ (this vampire type is different and is one that can walk in sunlight -- that's rare; unless you have a special jewel on you, right? OK I'm thinking Buffy). Tsuzuki is like Vash the Stampede in the 'goofy yet keeps his past a secret' sense and has a sweet tooth. Despite his slacking off on the job, Tsuzuki is compasionate and hides a lot of pain behind that carefree demeanour. His new partner is Hisoka who is the newbie in the Ministry of Hades and quite a distant boy who is a strong empath and whose death is mysterious -- reason is discovered in episode 3. You are also introduced to the main villain Muraki (a misunderstood SEMI-villain IMO) who seems to have a 'thing' for Tsuzuki. If you're someone like me who is obsessed with voice actors well you may recognise the dubbed voice actors as well as the Japanese Seiyuu. The former are the guys who did Pokemon and Yu Gi Oh. OK I have trouble thinking of Yugi with a sweet tooth here. You see, Dan Green does Yugi/Yami and Tsuzuki ('I summon Suzaku in attack mode. Suzaku attack Muraki's life points directly' LOL). I am so used to Dan Green as Yugi/Yami Yugi and think he's better as these two than Tsuzuki ^^;;
Watari's dubbed voice actor is Eric Stuart who does Seto Kaiba, Brock/Takeshi and James/Koijiro. I find it strange to why these guys put Watari with an English accent though. I'll assume it's to make his accent different since Watari speaks in Kansai dialect. You can watch the dubbed version of the series if you want to try and recognise some of the English voices but it kind of detracts the excitement. Really Muraki doesn't sound as cool in the dubbed version. In the Japanese original sound, Hayami Sho makes him sound suave, evil and seductive. Woo hoo. Plus this guy was Wolfwood from Trigun. Praise him, people. Miki Shinichirou is sweet as Tsuzuki (I thought he was amazing as Allen Schezar and Larva) :). To conclude this review, I say if you're not against gay implications then this shouldn't be a problem to watch. You may need to get some tissue or a bucket ready in case you drool much more later on since some of the main guys are handsome :P
Rating:
Summary: Blood, Bishounen, and Boy's Love
Review: Descendants of Darkness or Yami no Matsuei as it's known by its Japanese title, is the story of two Shinigami(Japanese for Gods of Death). You have the cheerful, somewhat naive and very kindhearted Tsuzuki, and the moody, angsty, and serious Hisoka. As partners in the Underworld's Summons Department, it's their job to make sure that the souls of humans reach Hades safely. Here of course is where the problems begin. Lost souls that seem to wander aimlessly forever in the world, humans who should be dead but are instead alive, and mysterious individuals who gain power from these souls' suffering. Suffice to say, there is quite a bit of blood and gore in this series, but all of it is done in a tasteful almost aesthetically pleasing way. There is a shadow of foreboding looming over each of the series' four arcs, and over all the characters who have their own troubled and even tragic pasts. The animation in YnM is beautiful. Lush colours, contrasting shades of red and black, and pretty character designs. The music wavers between European gothic and Japanese folklore, and contributes nicely to each specific scene it's used in. If you're a fan of Japanese seiyuu then you're in luck. Miki Shinichirou, Seki Toshihiko, and Hayami Shou who is just perfect in his role of Muraki are all a treat for your ears. Overall, Yami no Matsuei is one of those unique titles that you have to see to understand what its fans are raving about. If you don't mind blood and darkness, a gothic feel, and implied homosexual relationships between the characters then this show is for you. And all you fangirls out there of course^_~
Rating: 
Summary: Haunting, Breathtaking, Fun.
Review: Descendants of Darkness [Yami no Matsuei] is a wonderful story revolving around two Guardians of Death, whose job it is to investigate untimely deaths and murders all the while taking the viewer on a trip through their dark pasts and leaving you wanting a bit of food, yet strangely satisfied. EXTREMELY great soundtrack, beautiful music. Some of the best-suited music in anime, of all time. Descendants of Darkness is worth twice its price, and has its light moments, dark moments, and beautiful moments. And to the person who said guys won't enjoy, that's incredibly not true, I'm a guy, and I enjoyed it very much! Us guy fans of yaoi don't get much credit, but hey, Descendants of Darkness is great, so check it out ^__^
Rating:
Summary: Mainstream shonen-ai and bishonen's galore.
Review: Descendents of darkness... or more accurately its Japanese title Yami no Matsuei concerns two Shinigami's (Gods of Death) the affable, sweet toothed Tsuzuki and his new, surly at times partner Hisoka. It is their jobs to guide lost souls to their judgment while at the same time confronting their own dark pasts, which seem to revolve around a rather handsome, silver haired doctor. Yami no Matsuei is definitely one of my all time favourite shows. Although short (13 episodes in total) it is a show many I have known described as special just because it is so beautiful. The scene in the church when Tsuzuki meets Muraki for the first time is particularly breathtaking. Be warned though it is a show that is definitely not for kids (although for some strange reason it is only a +13 rating) it is violent, dark and deals with occultish themes. The main thing to be warned that it is YAOI!! Yes you will see men getting nice, romantic and angsty with other men ^_^ personally I have no problems with that but it is clear that some people do... That aside I have no reservations about recomending this show, it is beautiful animated, funny and sweet at times, has an interesting storyline (which is presented in arcs...sets of 3 or 4 episodes) and wonderful characters. Another plus is that the voice actors in this show are some of the best. Tsuzuki is wonderfully done by Miki Shinichiro but for me the real show stealer is Hayami Sho as Muraki Katazuka. He is perfect blend of sexy, sensual yet dangerously creepy at the same time. I cant say I am not crazy about the name change, but hey as long as they are releasing it I am not complaining ^_^ My other qualm is how the english cast is going to match up to the japanes. The only other thing I dont really like is the cover. Be warned I have only seen the sample cover and in the end (fingers crossed) I hope CPM gives it a much better cover as the artwork is so beautiful. Summary: beautiful show,if you like bishonen (fans of X) and shonen ai (fans of Gravitation) buy this DVD you wont be dissapointed
Rating:
Summary: One of the Best Animes Despite Numerous Dubbing Draw Backs
Review: Don't get me wrong, I have been obsessed with Yami no Matsuei (original Japanese title) for a long time. The characters and stories and art work and twists are wonderful and I did not even think about not getting it. My problems always lie with the American release. First off - the covers are .... unattractive, but its a "judging a book by its cover syndrome." My real fury lies with its dubbing. It is terrible. It is a sin. I general try to accept dubbed voices but they are just wrong for the characters. They do not fit at all and the acting is [not good]. I am sorry, but they do not fit. And worst of all the worst voices are the three main characters. My other issue is that the translations are inaccurate and the pronounciation of names are not correct at all. I am not at all fluent in Japanese, but I know just enough to understand that there are lots of inaccuracies. The worst this is that this is one of my favorite animes and it just pains me to see it treated so badly by American dubbing companies. If you like this I suggest you check out Pet Shop of Horrors - a much better dub.
Rating:
Summary: One of the Best Animes Despite Numerous Dubbing Draw Backs
Review: Don't get me wrong, I have been obsessed with Yami no Matsuei (original Japanese title) for a long time. The characters and stories and art work and twists are wonderful and I did not even think about not getting it. My problems always lie with the American release. First off - the covers are .... unattractive, but its a "judging a book by its cover syndrome." My real fury lies with its dubbing. It is terrible. It is a sin. I general try to accept dubbed voices but they are just wrong for the characters. They do not fit at all and the acting is [not good]. I am sorry, but they do not fit. And worst of all the worst voices are the three main characters. My other issue is that the translations are inaccurate and the pronounciation of names are not correct at all. I am not at all fluent in Japanese, but I know just enough to understand that there are lots of inaccuracies. The worst this is that this is one of my favorite animes and it just pains me to see it treated so badly by American dubbing companies. If you like this I suggest you check out Pet Shop of Horrors - a much better dub.
Rating:
Summary: Amazing!
Review: I baught all the episodes of Yami no Matsuei and I love it! YnM is one of the best shounen-ai anime I have ever seen, and I have fallen in lovew with the characters. Tsuzuki is just adorable and when he is hurting you just want to pick him up and hugg him tightly. Hisoka is such a cutie though he is kinda angsty, you just want Tsuzuki to hug him ~_^and Muraki, well i don't want to hug him I hate him but I love to hate him. He is so evil and cunnning and the most interesting and in-depth badguy I have ever seen.
Plus you just want Hisoka and Tsuzuki to get together! By the end I waS begining them to kiss.
Rating:
Summary: Good manga, decent anime
Review: I love the art in Descendants of Darkness, it is almost indentical to the manga. The American dubbing was horrible, and that's probably my only complaint about this DVD. Well, that and the series is too short. You can't fit a 7+ volume manga into 13 episodes properly. Other than those two problems, Descendants of Darkness is a very good series. If you're an anime fan, and you like hints of shonen ai, I'd try it. For any guys who are considering it, my older brother watched it, and he doesn't like male homosexuality, but he enjoys the series, so if you are a guy, and hints of male homosexuality bothers you, I still might rent it to see if you like it.
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful guys
Review: I love this series! All the guys are gorgeous, even the evil bad guy. The setting is mystical, the heroes powers are totally cool and his attacks are awesome. The music is stunning too. I'm hoping the manga will be translated into English and released here soon. All four DVD's are excellent!
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