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The engaging characters and rambunctious charm of Real Bout High will appeal to fans of Generator Gawl, Outlaw Star, and other comedy-adventures. Ryoko Mitsurugi is the reigning champion of the K-fight, an anything goes/any time/anywhere martial arts battle that is the signature event of Daimon High. One day, Ryoko checks her locker and finds a mysterious pendant that transports her to the alternate world of Solvania, where she battles a dragon-like "demon beast." Convinced it's all just a dream, she returns to the more pressing concern of her rivalry with Azumi for the attentions of Tatsuya, the soft-spoken captain of the kendo team. As she travels between the Earth and Solvania, Ryoko forges a grudging alliance with brash ex K-Fight champion Shizuma "Nagi" Kusanagi. Daimon High School begins to feel like Furinken High in Ranma 1/2 when Azumi's Secret Flower Arrangement Club attacks Ryoko using multi-pointed flower holders as ninja weapons. Ryoko dresses up as Magical Waitress Oyster Lulu, a hilarious spoof of Sailor Moon ("In the name of oysters, I'll teach you a lesson!")--with Nagi joining her in drag as Lobster Coco. Unfortunately, Aya Matsui's script fails to explain who the villains are or how the worlds of Earth and Solvania relate. The over-the-top final battle wrecks the school play, but it doesn't really resolve anything. The misadventures of the nutty cast are entertaining, even when they don't make much sense, but the conclusion leaves the viewer unsatisfied. (Rated 13 and older: violence, minor profanity) --Charles Solomon
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