Well, this isn’t technically about a game, but if you think metaphorically in terms of “fun and games,” then this item fits in the SciScoop Games category. I’ve mentioned before I’m a big fan of Cowboy Bebop, the Japanese anime series that’s taken America by storm as an introduction to anime for those who have no idea where to start on the subject of anime. If you have to start on anime somewhere, the excellent (R-rated for violence) animated Cowboy Bebop movie, Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door, set entirely on Mars, is a great rental at your local video store.

Once you’ve gotten hooked on Cowboy Bebop and seen all of Spike and Jett and Faye’s two dozen adult-level adventures (which starts over again with Episode 1 on February 23, watch them in order! That’s an order!), then what? I’m hoping the answer is Witch Hunter Robin. Listed as “…one of the best anime series of all time, certainly the best one this year…,” WHR kicks off as a new series in the Adult Swim block on Cartoon Network next Monday, airing at midnight and 3 AM. From a review: “Simply put, if youre an adult, you like mystery, intrigue, dignified supernatural goings-on and lots of moody atmosphere, go to the store and buy Witch Hunter Robin right now. Dont wait. Get up, go buy it. You have no excuse for doing otherwise. This show is a landmark, a new high point in animation for adults. Witch Hunter Robin is a spooky, well-written, elegant and exciting affair, and it shouldnt be missed by anyone with a mind for more than bouncing breasts and gigantic explosions.”

Huh? What’s wrong with bou…nevermind. Apparently inadequately described as a cross between X-Files and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, WHR is described thusly: In modern-day Japan, magic use has become almost commonplace. A technique called CRAFT is used by those with supernatural ability. Those who use CRAFT for evil purposes are branded as witches and are hunted down by the STNJ, an elite organization of hunters designed to end the threat to Japan’s populace. The STNJ team is comprised of five hunters: Amon, a brooding, skilled leader, Karasuma, an eager rookie, Michael, a computer expert, Doujima, a slacker, and Sakaki, a hunter with the CRAFT power of scrying. A mysterious sixth member joins the team; a gentle girl named Robin, who, with her amazing fire-wielding ability, brings awe, confusion, and a whole lot of intrigue to the STNJ.

My Tivo is set. Maybe this is a good weekend to go get yours?

Update [2004-2-17 4:8:35 by rickyjames]:: OK, the first episode has me hooked, there’s real promise in this show. It certainly doesn’t hurt one bit in my book that the team behind Robin is obviously a bunch of rabid La Femme Nikita (LFN) fans, just like me. There are so many creative influences on Robin from Nikita you’d have to be blind not to see them.

A few years ago I tried to get into the thematically similar Alias and just never could. While Jennifer Garner is every bit as good as Peta Wilson for that kind of role, there’s a big, big difference between true dramatic suspense and just being strung along endlessly by plot twists. (This is nowhere more true than in Fox’s 24, which I also just couldn’t get into. In a story timeline that only lasts twenty-four hours it’s impossible to have the character development I savor, only character revelations – not at all the same thing.) While Sydney in Alias is endlessly reacting as she faces whatever surprise comes next, Nikita is endlessly growing as she faces what’s inside her, both good and evil. Let’s hope Robin and her creators have taken the latter course.

Update [2004-2-18 10:37:4 by rickyjames]: Anime Nation reports that the Sci-Fi Channel recently secured the rights to create a live-action television series based on the gothic anime series Witch Hunter Robin. Joe Menosky, a writer and producer who’s credits include Star Trek: The Next Generation and TNT’s The Dead Zone, will reportedly write and executive produce the live-action adaptation along with Roy Lee and business partner Doug Davison.