Search - I'll CKBC (Crazy Kouzu Basketball Club) on DVD

I'll always love I'll

R. Koszerek | At the moment, in Japan | 12/13/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I'm a big fan of the manga for this series, so was delighted when I discovered the OAV was available.

Not to create too many spoilers, this two part story covers one of the earlier storylines in the manga, when Hiiragi is tempted to leave Kouzu. It is a major point in the team's history, marking the moment when the two main characters, Hiiragi and Tachibana, find a way of communicating (kind of) and define their friendship/rivalry.

The art in the DVD is excellent - and very much of the same style as the manga, for which I was glad since Hiroyuki Asada's art style is one of the things I love about the series.

I found the beginning scenes of the anime very engaging as there wasn't the usual intro song and credits - a bit of a change from the norm.

Not that the anime has no music - I especially loved the song 'Migite'. I thought the soundtrack fitted in well with the feel of the story.

The extras are worthwhile as well; from what I can remember without having the DVD in front of me, there are some great interviews with the original voice actors and also an image gallery.

It's a shame there's not a longer anime series for I'll, since this DVD is most likely to attract fans who've already read something of the manga. But if you're coming to the series as a newcomer, I'd still recommend the OAV as a good watch - it won't leave you wondering 'Who was that character again?' or 'What exactly are they fighting about?'

The only reason I'm not giving this DVD five stars is that, frankly, I prefer the manga - there's more of it!"