Rating: 
Summary: Excellent dub for an excellent show!
Review: It's not often that you come across a dubbed anime so well-done as this one. I first watched AL as a fan-sub several years ago. Let me tell you, this dub does this series justice to the nth. The English voice actors are perfect and the translation/scripting is flawless!Of course, that's ignoring the fact that this anime is one of the most charming and endearing I have seen to date. Misaki is one of those girls you can't help but like and she draws in a wonderful cast of characters; there's someone for everyone. The concept of the Angelic Layer game is more than interesting enough to make you wish it was real. While we explore the friendships and relationships of young Misaki in the regular world, on the Layer we see spectacular fight scenes and the rising of a champion. I highly recommend this for anyone and everyone. It's not just for girls! There's a little bit of romance, a little bit of heart-ache, quite a bit of robot-fighting, and a whole lot of charm. Buy it now!
Rating: 
Summary: Suprisingly engrossing battle series
Review: Obviously, this series has one major thing going for it before you even watch it; it is from CLAMP, the ones who have brought us wonderful series such as Chobits, Magic Knight Rayearth, X, and Cardcaptor Sakura. Upon looking at the DVD, however, Angelic Layer seemed akin to Pokemon, or Yu-Gi-Oh...one of those card battle games, or at least, a battle game. And the animation style seemed very childish to boot. But, what the heck, I told myself, I might as well give it a shot.
As I watched the first episode, I congratulated myself on my correct opinion of the show. This won't be anything worth continuing, I figured, but I might as well watch the rest of the DVD. And somewhere in there...I got hooked! Sure, we know what is going to happen during the fights, who will win and who will lose. Sure the animation does seem like you are about 10 years too old to be watching this, but the music is pretty, and the story is sweet. I actually can't explain why I like this series so much (I'm still trying to figure that out myself), but I would recommend it to most anime fans, especially fans of any work by CLAMP.
It may be a series for the fans of Pokemon and other battle series, but those who avoid such series should give Angelic Layer a try as well. It's a short (26 episodes) series with a little bit of heart, and a whole lot of sugar.
Rating:
Summary: Dolls Don't Talk!!! But still a great anime!!! =3
Review: Okay. 12 yr. old Misaki Suzuhara comes to Tokyo to live with her Aunt because her mother is too busy working (?!?) and she's been living with her grandparents, blah blah blah...
Well, coming to Tokyo, she gets off the train at the wrong stop. Ends up walking around a bit and comes to a crowded spot where a horde of people are watching a giant TV screen. It kinda looks like a pretty fighting/wrestling match. But she is informed by some kindergardners that it is called 'Angelic Layer' and that the fighters are actually DOLLS! Misaki wants to buy one immediatley! Luckilly for her, this oddball of a man, who calls himself 'Icchan', shows her where and what all to buy.
By the end of the first episode she has created and named her doll, 'Hikaru'.
Later on in the DVD, Misaki meets some new friends and begins to play in the Angelic Layer games.
Beautiful artwork and animation. What do you expect? It's CLAMP we're talikng about here. I was highly disappointed when I discovered the dolls can only move on the 'layer' (the fighting arena) and they don't talk! BUMMER!
But, the DVD, left me wanting more. Plus, Wizard is hot! I don't care if he's just a doll...he's a cutie.
Anywho...Definately worth your time and money. Plus, if you buy the DVD w/ the box, you get an Angelic Layer T-Shirt! Nifty! =3
Rating:
Summary: Don't let the dolls fool you
Review: The basis for this series is around the timeless hobby of doll-collecting. If any of you guys are letting that turn you away from this series, I feel sorry for you. This series has something for everyone. The characters are cute, and the dolls they own are even cuter, but when they enter the "Layer", these dolls go from cute to vicious in seconds. I've obsessed about this anime for months! It's very satisfying to see it get a US release! I recommend this to anyone that wants a good story with a lot of fighting.
Rating:
Summary: When Angel's Fight!
Review: This is a very good series and I'm glad to see it finally coming to America! About a young girl Miyaki who comes to Tokyo and sees two Angel's fighting and soon gets hooked and gets her own Angel! I would definitly recommend this series to just about everyone. It is for both girls and guys to, the action scenes between Angel's, weather they are cute or brawny and all sorts of different things I think pretty much anyway will enjoy.
Rating:
Summary: Fight fight fight Mizakichi fight fight fight!
Review: This is an awesome series. It was a precurser to Chobits, and is made by the same company (CLAMP) As Cardcaptors. It's one of the more light-hearted Anime, and each episode makes you want MORE. The graphics and steamlessness of the anime is awesome. ^_~
Rating:
Summary: one of the best
Review: This is my second favorite Anime, after Ruruoni Kenshin. In a word, Angelic Layer is enchanting. Basically, the story is about a girl's progress from demure wallflower to confident idol. Her love of Angelic Layer is the driving force behind her growth. The story is covered in other reviews, so I won't go into more detail. I really enjoyed learning about the main characters; they are likable and well developed. Along this line, the issues Misaki deals with are believable and mostly common, if a bit exaggerated. For example, Misaki was convinced that girls can't beat boys at a fighting game. But she discovers that while boys are physically stronger, girls have other strengths that can be equally useful. Misaki learns to pit her strength against the boy's weakness. That's good strategy in general, not just for girls v. boys. I also like that Misaki works hard to become a better player. Yes, she has natural ability that is amazing, but has to make a determined effort to develop this into winning skills. This is in contrast to a runt Jedi who accidentally blows away a hangar full of bad guys... Another sdtrength of Angelic Layer is that the plot is tight - more like a short story than a TV series. I have the first three DVDs, and so far the plot details weave together beautifully. There is little filler, excepting the "Entry Angel" sequences; every event seems to have a purpose. So far, the only logic flaw I've noticed is that in disc two Misaki watches Ringo sing, but in disc three she is astonished to learn that Ringo is an idol. Nit-picky, eh? For parents, this is a wholesome series that should inspire girls (in particluar) to reach for their dreams. Further, Angelic Layer is unusual in that the main characters are honest. For example, when Misaki spends her train money on an angel, she tells her Aunt so, instead of making up a story. That said, there are a few things that may concern some parents. Drinking is shown to be part of normal life, though it is not emphasized or glamourized in any way. Also, there are a few jokes where a girl asks Misaki to marry her. In addition, the first episode has some man/young girl humor that doesn't go over well here in the states. It is in poor taste in our culture, but probbably not offensive. That said, I think that these are pesented in a way that should only disturb a most conservative person Personally, there is only one thing that bothered me. Aroun here, we teach our children to not talk to strangers. Not only does Misaki talk to a strange man (Icchan), she even goes places with him. Early on we see that Icchan has a picture of Misaki with her (presumably) grandparents, so we know it is innocent. But still, it isn't a good example for little ones. Finally, as usual, the Jap/sub is much better than the Eng/dub. In fact, I'd give the Eng four stars instead of five. Little girls sounding like women clashed with their cute characters.
Rating:
Summary: Great!
Review: This story is about a young lady named Misaki who leaves to go to school in Tokyo and Live with her aunt. She is in the hopes of meeting her mother one day, but never really focuses on it because she figures her mom must be a very busy lady and she must not have time to see her. She gets to Tokyo and is caught up in this new gaming craze called Angelic Layer. She learns to trust her self and have faith in her new partner, Hataru. It was absolutely delightful. I really have enjoyed this series so far. It is kinda cute but not to the point where it would make you want to puke. I definently want to see the rest of this. The fact that they used a battle doll that only works in an arena brings it to some what of a reality, and does not give it that fishy "pokemon" after tatste. Buy this one I am sure you'll like it!
Rating:
Summary: It was great ! !
Review: This was a fun and cut animation. I was hooked on it right away.
It's about a girl that travels to Tokyo to see her aunt. She sees the Angelic Layer being played on a big screen that you see in the Cites. She is amazed by the way the angels fight and she wants to have one of her own.
I cant wait until it comes out on DVD in the USA.
Rating:
Summary: Thinking outside the boxing ring.
Review: Your average adult can be forgiven for the impression that this is just another kid's show, because that's a fair assessment of the first couple episodes. There's little doubt that the younger set will love the story with its compelling simplicity. It's the triumph of the underdog; David and Goliath, Luke and Vader (but with a game instead of a big evil guy!); the `age and size doesn't matter' philosophy. Angelic Layer is straightforward, uncomplicated, devoid of innuendo or references outside the show itself.
All this might sound pedestrian, but that basic premise is the obvious layer over the more complex story of how champions are made. Misaki (the lead character) discovers that she's not using her angel (battle doll) Hikaru to fight another angel, but her human opponent; that growing, improving, participating and winning isn't vicarious, but comes from within through conscious effort. Sometimes, in true Samurai fashion, the game is over before it begins; the confidence and inner balance achieved before the start determines the outcome.
So perhaps the local grown-ups shouldn't dismiss it too quickly. This isn't just kids playing with toys; there are real life lessons that we've all faced, with circumstances that even the most jaded adult can appreciate: 1) We've all had a toy we thought of as `real' (the velveteen rabbit thing), and no toy seems as real or symbiotic as an angel in the layer. 2) The game is used as a metaphor/catalyst for the story. The character types and interactions are complex enough to be interesting, true to form with differing motivations for reaching the same goal. 3) We identify with the gaming angle, and we'd LOVE to play!
The series starts slowly as we become familiar with the characters and the game, but picks up as Misaki learns to control Hikaru. Misaki always has the ability to guide her and Hikaru's destiny, but she lacks self-assurance. But by skillfully observing others and events, she builds on her natural talents and overcomes her own self-imposed limitations. As in real life (and contrary to many modern-day edu-fads involving the often mis-named `self-esteem'), confidence to win comes not from without by being told we're worthwhile, but from within through achievement and self-determination.
Yes, it's an old story with few surprises. But the tale is rarely woven so well. The game and its use in the story is a brilliantly executed concept, using a variety of sub-plots and characters that come together to form a synergistic whole. Each player has their own story about why they're driven to play. The pacing is superb. The battles are beautifully choreographed. The mix of humor against tension is just right. Side issues and themes fit together logically. The artwork is excellent with brilliant colors and touches of soft focus. The Japanese voice actors pull off the required passion, ease and drama. The last episode, though predictable, is outstanding. The altered final closing credits and bonus shot at the very end are the crowning touch to a masterfully sculpted production.
But Hikaru is uniquely special. CLAMP hit a creative home run with her and the angels, making them almost more interesting than the players. You couldn't create a cast of main characters this unique and wonderful without losing story continuity. But in context of the game, it works like magic. As a result, Hikaru is the cutest, most compelling thing in the show, pulling anime double-duty as both star and mascot. It's a total winner in `supporting character' design. We care about Hikaru as much as any `real' person in the show, if not more.
The music is orchestral, lush and supportive, one of the best examples of a soundtrack setting the mood and complementing scenes. Particularly effective is the battle theme, with trombones playing in parallel, providing a Hollywood gladiator feel to the fights. Even the waltz during the final round of combat (yes, waltz!) fits right in. The start of the closing theme is evocative, mournful and whimsical as it gently breaks into the final moments of each episode. Unfortunately, half way through the series they change to a different theme that tends to `thud' rather than rise into the close (even though the whole song fits better than the first).
And one big hat tip to the English dub which keeps some of the `kun' and `chan' suffixes; at least some script translators don't view Americans as unteachable Neanderthals that can't handle a little colloquialism.
The series is rated for ages 13 and over, although I'm not sure why. There is no language or sexual content that made me hesitate allowing my 10 and 7-year-olds to watch. Some might be queasy at Misaki being so trustful of this stranger (Icchan) she meets in episode one, or the few `pervert' references early in the show.
So what's left to quibble with? 1) While the people in the story are interesting, they can approach being generic; some story lines and character types risk being somewhat old hat. 2) Misaki's `win ratio' is, er, difficult to believe, more so than the possibility of the game itself. 3) The motivation for Misaki's mother to be away for seven years is a big stretch. While key to the story, I really couldn't buy it. 4) Even with the thematic universality and cinematic excellence, it's probably `too cute' and predictable for most adults (but go ahead...sneak an episode or two!).
Will boys react negatively to the emphasis on girl players (just one tournament player is a boy)? If my own male offspring are an indication, no. The provided reason for the lopsided ratio might sound sexist, but has a degree of validity from my own observations.
Like many anime there's an underlying message: Do your best. Never give up. Love your angel. Size matters not. Find your weak point and make that knowledge your strength. Ignore the negatives others tell you. And remember; angels are not mere playthings...neither is life.
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