2. Hybrid

Yami no Matsuei to me is one of the better bishounen anime that has been produced. The story of Descendants of Darkness follows a pair of 'Shinigami' (God of Death) Tsuzuki Asato and his new partner Hisoka Kurosaki, are to investigate cases that involve a disruption in the course of a soul's existence. This show consists of mini-four arcs that run for the 13-episode length. The name of the 1st arc that runs form episode 1-3 is called the Nagasaki arc. The name of the 2nd arc that runs from episode 4-6 is called the Devil's thrill arc. The 3rd arc that runs from episode 7-9 is called the King of swords arc. The 4tharc that runs in this show runs from episode 10-13, which is called the Kyoto arc. When I first viewed this show, I was expecting something like Angel Sanctuary that is full of blood and bishounen. However, much to my dismay, this show actually turned to be quite funny and intriguing at the same time. I personally was impressed with the visuals of the show, as J.C. Staff have done a wonderful job depicting the Gods that appear in the show when they are summoned. The music of the show was quite nice and memorable, as it wonderfully set the atmosphere of the scenes. I found that the use of angst in the show was used well, as it wasn't used in excess amounts like in most anime shows. In all, I recommend this show to those how enjoy bishounen shows, or those looking for a good detective/horror/comedy show.

1. Iodine

A shounen-ai that's subtle enough for primetime, and competent enough with its supernatural plot to attract the action crowd as well. Our characters are a unique bunch, with the main couple switching traditonal roles. Teenaged Hisoka is the brooding stoic while the older Tsuzuki is an ebullient puppy-eyed goof. The plot has dramatics to spare, especially with a deliciously manipulative evil doctor perpetually trying to sink his claws into Tsuzuki, but the biggest surprise is the amount of humor the series manages to include amidst all the angst and chaos. And it's very well incorporated too, sparing the audience the schizophrenic atmosphere of similar shows. The series is actually made up of four short multi-part stories that give the characters a good start on their adventures. With its source manga still unfinished at the time of production, the series sensibly doesn't try to be anything more than a solid introduction.

Designs are a pleasure to look at, detailed and yet wonderfully expressive. The animation is loaded with computer enhanced imagery that makes the supernatural bits very impressive. The secondaries come off well, though there is a noticeable lack of anyone female, which is probably a good thing. All in all, the series is a lot of fun and very careful with its atmosphere, so neither the serious or silly sides of the anime get too overwhelming.