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Strike Witches the Movie is a refreshing and fitting sequel to the two television series. Those who are not familiar with the Strike Witches franchise receive a brief introduction to the premise of the series, but they may not be able to appreciate the unique personalities of each character fully if they have not watched the preceding works.

Strike Witches revolutionized the "mecha musume" genre of moe anthropomorphism, especially because of the special attention given to the realistic setting of the series. Compared to the futuristic setting of Shimada Humikane's earlier work Sky Girls, Strike Witches employs World War II era technology and personalities as ... the basis of its story. In a timeline where Earth's history is altered because of the invasion of unknown aliens, the total war we know of is re-imagined as a fight between modern witches and the mysterious alien Neuroi.

Following the conclusion of Strike Witches 2, speculation was ripe among fans as to how the story could continue because the series protagonist Miyafuji Yoshika seemed to have lost the major driving force of her character development. It soon became evident that the creators did not intend on taking Miyafuji out of the picture. Strike Witches the Movie opens in August 1945, and the calm that follows the liberation of Venezia (Venice) and Romagna (Italy) mirrors the real world scenario where World War II is nearing its conclusion. Unfortunately for the witches, the Neuroi still remain a formidable enemy, and signs of a new invasion soon begin to appear throughout Europe. In the meantime, Miyafuji travels from her home in the Fuso Empire (Japan) to Helvetia (Switzerland) in order to enroll in a medical school and fulfill her desire to become a doctor.

Viewers are introduced to a new protagonist to the franchise. Hattori Shizuka, a newly minted officer with the Fuso Empire who enters the military with the same enthusiasm as Miyafuji did in early 1944. For Hattori, Miyafuji is the hero of the Fuso Empire who is admired throughout the country, yet Miyafuji does not seem to care for the hierarchical structure and formalities of the military and instead willingly takes up work seemingly unrelated to the fight against the Neuroi. This contradiction presents a conflict for the naïve Hattori, who dreams of the glory of battle described in stories of Miyafuji. In this way, it appears as if Hattori was introduced in order to serve as a foil to Miyafuji; however, viewers soon realize that her stubbornness mirrors that of Miyafuji's when the latter first entered the military and sought to find her own purpose in the war.

Characters from the earlier television series, especially members of the 501st Joint Fighter Wing, return in numerous cameo appearances throughout the movie, guiding Miyafuji and ensuring her safety in the land journey from Gallia (France) to Helvetia. Viewers are also treated with additional appearances of witches in other units throughout Europe who are called into action by the new Neuroi enemy that caught them off guard. While it initially seems as if there are two separate plots in the movie, viewers are reminded that Miyafuji is indeed the main protagonist as the story begins to converge around her.

Strike Witches is known for its impressive mechanical design. Following in the footsteps of the two television series, the movie features World War II military hardware in detail, including the Japanese aircraft carrier Amagi. AIC presents an artistic quality that is above average, and the animation is especially entertaining to watch during aerial combat scenes. Despite the prevalence of low camera angles intended to market its military-girls-in-underwear appeal, these shots are weaved quite well into the combat animation, making them less distracting. If there were any complaints about the art itself, perhaps it is that the theatrical poster does not do enough justice to the quality of the movie.

The soundtrack of the movie does not vary from the television series, and viewers can immediately recognize the trumpet fanfare that has become the signature piece of theme music from Strike Witches. While this can become a point of concern, it can also present the viewer with the an atmosphere that unifies the movie with the two television series. Voice acting of returning characters also does not vary in the movie, but the performance of Uchida Aya as Hattori Shizuka is well deserving of an applause as she captured Hattori's transformation into a character who begins to understand Miyafuji's ideals. This is followed by a special ending song which features Hattori's voice actress in its vocal cast.

If the viewer enjoyed the two television series, they will find the movie even more enjoyable. On the other hand, if the viewer feels that the franchise has become stale without recent developments, the movie can reinvigorate interest. Pacing of the plot is conducted in a balanced way by breaking it up into scenarios that resolve themselves quickly and maintain viewer interest as if discovering local adventures during a road trip through continental Europe.

Tales of forbidden love are common, yet we are constantly drawn to them and empathizing with their characters. Perhaps it is borne from a desire to experience something so simple yet beautiful. Or perhaps it is to remind ourselves of how lucky we are to be able to love without having the world turn against us. "Toaru Hikuushi e no Tsuioku", or "The Princess and the Pilot", can do both of those.

It was originally published as a single volume light novel in 2008 and was considered a runaway success. Although Inumura Koroku was already writing a different novel series at the time, this novel became ... his breakthrough and most well-known work. Inumura left such an impression on his readers that the novel reached tenth place in the annual "Kono Light Novel ga Sugoi!", or "This Light Novel is Amazing!", poll conducted on the Internet. It spawned a subsequent "Hikuushi" series which encompasses two additional spin-off series of the same "Toaru Hikuushi e no" title.

There are a number of predictable formulas for characters involved in forbidden love. In this case, we are introduced to mercenary pilot Charles Karino and Juana del Moral, fiancée of the crown prince of a powerful empire. Their story and the conflict that is in their hearts are set within a greater conflict: relentless warfare between two neighboring empires. The conditions also beg of the question of whether it is right to sacrifice a world's peaceful future for the selfish desires of two people. The juxtaposition of these two elements presents a love story that is timeless and refreshing. While it is something we've read before in stories like "Romeo and Juliet", the tale does not fall into the trap of creating a predictable ending, but rather an inevitable one. In fact, when the reader begins to understand the fate of the two characters, he or she can still be impressed by the way their relationship is developed.

With the story focused on only two noteworthy characters, it can be easy to assume that watching their interaction will boring. On the other hand, one can easily empathize with the strong feelings of the characters. Each time pilot and princess are torn between duty and personal affection, even the reader feels can feel torn as to which decision they should make. One can sense that the two are close in their hearts, yet a gap as wide as an ocean separates their conscience. As both characters begin to open up to the feelings of each other, we become more invested in their relationship.

Madhouse presents its viewers with an artistic presentation that is both appropriate and experimental. Heavy use of the color blue is obvious from the theatrical poster alone as it represents the vastness of both the sky and the ocean. It does not, however, drown out the other colors that are also presented, and certain environmental details make this anime movie as realistic as possible. Madhouse also presents a sound mechanical design for aircraft technology in the film. Aerial combat is presented with great detail in the movement of each airplane as if one were watching a World War II reel, complemented by a rich portfolio of sounds that realistically replicates an propeller airplane's engine.

While the film's soundtrack may not be very memorable, Niizuma Seiko presents us a touching theme song with lyrics that reflect the longing of both characters. As an ending theme, it provides an appropriate closure for a story with mild pacing. Conflicts in the plot came at the appropriate times and keep the viewer interested through a film that could easily have bored viewers if done improperly because of its length.

"The Princess and the Pilot" is a simple story set in a rich universe that shines through the human interaction that is neither exaggerated nor lacking. While it can be enjoyed as a standalone work, reading the novel will also present a richer understanding of the distance that separates Charles and Juana and the affection that binds them.

Stories of forbidden love are common, yet we never cease reading them and empathizing with their characters. There is something about these stories that makes our heart ache for the bittersweet love that is always portrayed. The same goes with "Toaru Hikuushi e no Tsuioku", or "Recollections for a Certain Pilot".

There are a number of predictable formulas for characters involved in forbidden love. In this case, we are introduced to mercenary pilot Charles Karino and Juana del Moral, fiancée of the crown prince of a powerful empire. Their story and the conflict that is in their hearts are set within a greater conflict: relentless warfare ... between two neighboring empires. The conditions also beg of the question of whether it is right to sacrifice a empire's peaceful future for the selfish desires of two people. Inumura's juxtaposition of these two elements presents a love story that is timeless and refreshing. While it is something we've read before in stories like "Romeo and Juliet", Inumura does not fall into the trap of creating a predictable ending. In fact, when the reader begins to understand the inevitable conclusion, he or she can still be impressed by the way the relationship between the two characters is developed.

With the story focused on only two noteworthy characters, it can be easy to assume that reading their interaction will boring. On the other hand, one can easily empathize with the strong feelings of the characters. Each time pilot and princess are torn between duty and personal affection, even the reader feels can feel torn as to which decision they should make. As both characters begin to open up to the feelings of each other, we become more invested in their relationship.

As with other light novels, art is used sparingly and does not necessarily contribute much to the story. However, the drawings that were present can give readers an impression that will last through the story's conclusion. For example, the depiction of Juana del Moral early in the story offers a glimpse of her beauty, yet it is possible to see the numb facade she has learned to put on to please the family that has raised her as a potential bride for royalty.

While Inumura's romantic tale is certainly not perfect, it benefits from the occasional aerial combat descriptions, making the story easy to read and enjoy. It is often difficult to create a fictional world that can fully contain the story that is told in a single novel, but Inumura provides the reader with every single detail that is necessary to understand its characters' circumstances.

Most importantly, provided enough closure for both the novel's characters.

Ritz Kobayashi's mahjong manga is a relatively simple concept that has been executed well. The title character Saki Miyanaga is a genius player whose ability to manipulate her own score develops from being bullied while playing with members of her family. Despite her hatred for the game, Saki is drawn into her high school's mahjong club and soon aims to help take the club to the national tournament in order to reunite with her older sister who is member of the reigning national team champion.

Artistically, Saki is very clean and easy on the eye. The art does not occupy the reader with individual detailed panels ... and makes it easier to read at a faster pace. One initially wonders how Kobayashi would be able to vary the drawings of her characters each time they declare mahjong, but she pulls it off by using different points of view and creative action shots. The reader can almost see the tiles come alive with the players' movements. Depending on reader interest in fan service material, one will find the occasional suggestive angles either distracting or refreshing.

Kobayashi presents her readers with a multitude of named characters that sometimes it becomes difficult to provide an equal amount of development. At one point during the height of the national tournament, the total number of characters introduced doubles from the number of characters in the prefectural tournament. If there is one conclusion readers can draw from this is that each girl has her own reasons for aiming at the national title. This makes it easy to attach oneself to a particular character because she has peculiar characteristics or manners, whether it be her love of tacos, her ability to remain hidden from her opponents, or simply her monocle. Unfortunately, this also means the title character is more easily forgotten than readers will originally expect.

Readers will enjoy this manga for more than its impressive display of mahjong skill (or luck, as some will say). The anticipation of seeing certain characters interact with each other is enough for fans to create multiple relationship pairings, which are abundant. Although readers who do not understand mahjong terminology may find the reading slow in the beginning, it becomes easier to not get caught up in reading explanations and proceed with a general understanding of each match outcome.

There is much similarity between the manga and its anime adaptation. While the two mediums approach the concept of the story differently, they complement each other well and can enhance each other's enjoyment.

Twin Spica is a gem among science fiction manga. While the story is told in a futuristic setting, it does not always portray space development optimistically. Earth in the first quarter of the 21st century seems no different than it did in the late 20th century. It is in this premise that the protagonist, whose dream of reaching the stars was born out of tragedy, seeks to bring joy to the people around her through sharing her love for space. Twin Spica is as much a tragic story of human drama as it is an uplifting coming-of-age tale.

Kou Yaginuma's art is drawn in a way ... that makes readers want to absorb every corner of the manga panels to fully immerse themselves in the environment of the story. Changes in the atmosphere of the story are reflected in subtle changes within the art style itself. This provides a refreshing approach so that readers do not become accustomed to one style. Flow of the story is as fluid as the artwork. One could not ask for better art to reflect the dramatic moments of the story, except if every page of the series were drawn in color.

Character development is a primary drive to the story of Twin Spica, and the interactions among every characters, both leading and supporting, are never without purpose. Readers follow the journey of five eager teenagers who seek to become astronauts in a prestigious national space academy. Each of the primary characters were introduced with sufficient characteristics to make them unique within the story, but readers soon find out that each has his or her own secrets that others do not know. One by one, they are forced to face these challenges together and individually. Tragedy also features prominently as a defining moment in their developmental years. Character backgrounds are explored through carefully timed flashbacks and further explain particular actions within the story.

It is difficult to not enjoy this series for its nostalgic feel. Twin Spica reflects the mixed optimism and melancholy experienced by young adults, especially in Japan. Readers can more or less empathize with the characters (through the primary storyline) and the the author (through well written semi-autobiographical sketches at the end of each manga volume). The significant number of references to historical events, objects, and persons related to space exploration makes Twin Spica a very realistic story with a small twist of fantasy. It does not aim to instruct, but rather to make readers approach their own experiences as optimistically as they can, knowing full well that there will be challenges.

Twin Spica was a nominee in the 49th Japanese National Science Fiction Convention award for best comic series, a domestic equivalent of the Hugo Awards, in 2010. It was listed by the U.S. Young Adult Library Services Association as one of the 2011 Great Graphic Novels for Teens.