▪	RELEASED BY:		GENEON ENTERTAINMENT
		▪	ASPECT RATIO:		16:9 ANAMORPHIC WIDESCREEN
		▪	AUDIO:		ENGLISH AND JAPANESE DD 2.0
		▪	RUNNING TIME:		125
		▪	RATING:		13UP
		▪	RELEASE DATE:		07/03/2007
		▪	REVIEW DATE:		07/23/2007
		▪	REVIEWED BY:		HOLLY ELLINGWOOD

Onmyouji: The practitioners of the mysterious Onmyodo, a belief that comes from the Chinese philosophy of the Five Elements, concepts of Yin and Yang, all blended with Indian astrology, influenced by Buddhism and Shinto.  This arcane practice of divination and protection from evil spirits helped influence philosophical and esoteric thought with its mysticism. Onmyouji priests were known to have unparalleled influence in the royal court. None were more legendary than Abe no Seimei. Now his grandson, thirteen year old Abe no Masahiro, fights to preserve that legacy and make his own legend while defending the capital!

With a compelling opening theme song, the show opens on a young man, Masahiro, flitting from one interest to another, master of none. It seems no matter how much he searches for a path outside of becoming an Onmyouji, he is always brought back to the legacy of his grandfather. This becomes an urgent calling when a fox/rabbit like creature named Mokkun appears before Masahiro and the two end up partners in attempting to quell the attack of an evil sprit. In that moment of struggle, Masahiro’s latent spiritual powers are awakened, and his ambition to become as great an Onmyouji as his grandfather is awakened as well.

Although the show starts off gently, the interest lies with the quirky mononoke Mokkun that has joined Masahiro’s side. As Masahiro’s powers grow, so too does he learn more about his furry companion who hides many secrets. A powerful demon named Guren appears to fight for Masahiro, vowing never to leave him and to always protect him.  Later we will learn part of what binds these two together, but first Masahiro has to become much better at his abilities before the next demon tries to devour him! And sure enough, a strong creature appears. It is only due to the help of a mysterious and enormously powerful Onmyouji and his fellow shikigami that Masahiro and Guren might have a chance to survive the attack.

There are spiritual battles, some very physical ones, and many eye-catching displays of power. The story however focuses more on Masahiro turning into a respectable Onmyouji and a man. Mokkun tries to help him but they also tend to quibble and squabble like siblings almost. Then Masahiro meets a princess who is sure to steal his heart. The question is if he can win hers. All this plus he has to outgrow the long shadow of his esteemed grandfather. Masahiro has a lot cut out for him in this appealing anime based on the novels by Mitsuru Yuki.

There’s also a touch of historical nods in the series. Abe no Seimei was a real person and one of the most respected and powerful Onmyouji recorded in history. This would set the anime in the middle of the Heian era and the anime gives the scenes and costumes of the humans a certain amount of authenticity to the era the story is set in.

Done by Studio DEEN (Fate/Stay Night, Kyo Kara Maoh), the animation has an appealing look, with some historical attention to detail as well as interesting charismatic character designs. The various shikigami, and diverse range of mononoke including spirits both benevolent and evil, demons, and monsters, have intriguing interpretations. Fans of tactics will enjoy the wide range of attractive supernatural males in the show.   

EXTRAS:
Bonus features include Geneon previews, clean opening animation, cast and staff credits, and reversible cover. This first volume is also offered with your choice of volume 1 only or volume 1 with a limited edition art box to contain the entire series.

IN SUMMARY:
Esoteric mysticism meets high fantasy in this promising anime adventure. Fans of series like tactics, Kyo Kara Maoh, and supernatural anime with a gentle heart, will want to give this anime a good look.