▪	RELEASED BY:		MEDIA BLASTERS
		▪	ASPECT RATIO:		4:3 FULL SCREEN
		▪	AUDIO:		JAPANESE DD  2.0 W/ ENGLISH SUBTITLES
		▪	RUNNING TIME:		100 MIN
		▪	RATING:		16UP
		▪	RELEASE DATE:		02/28/2006
		▪	REVIEW DATE:		01/31/2008
		▪	REVIEWED BY:		HOLLY ELLINGWOOD

The final volume of Sukisho concludes with drama, violence, and vengeance born out of despair as the final trap for the young lovers is sprung. Sora has chosen to face his long buried memories with the help of Sunao and also face his feelings for his roommate. But this particular trip down memory lane is rife with peril. Once unleashed, the chaos in Sora’s mind from the damage done by Aizawa’s inhuman experiments could see the road to ruin – not only for Sora, but for all those he loves as well.

The conclusion to this short shonen ai series is suspenseful and dramatic. Just when the lovers meet on an equal plane, or so we are left to think, everything is turned upside down when Aizawa’s true plans are revealed and just what part Sunao had in it all. Predator or pawn? It has everyone racing to either save Sunao, or stop the tragic series of events unfolding, threatening to repeat the terrors of the past. It builds to a crescendo of angst ridden feelings and ultimate decisions under extreme circumstances. Can love win out in the end after everything that has happened? The conclusion answers all.

This is a tremendous yaoi series. There are a variety of characters along with the main couple of Sunao and Sora, that are intriguing and the story lures an emotional investment into each of them. As Sunao and Sora’s story hits its climax, so too do key moments play out in the lives of those around them. Some are heartwarming, some bittersweet, but most of all it is a well done romantic drama that reveals its mysteries with good pacing and unexpected twists to keep viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Although the main story concludes in episode 12, there is a bonus 13th episode that serves as a lighthearted epilogue. Filled with fan service and many laughs, it sees the continuation of the Jack of All Trades when the entire gang goes to the hot springs for some down time. While various couplings occur, nothing too graphic, a wee mystery happens when the trio of Sunao, Sora and Machida take a moonlit dip into a very special hot spring. The next thing you know they’re dealing with an unusual supernatural effect and have to find a way to undo it fast. With help from a new friend, everything turns out fine. And the adventure serves up some fun and sweet moments for everyone. It proved a great warmhearted way to end the anime series.

EXTRAS:
Bonus features include trailers, music video clips for the characters of Shinichiro and a cute one for Sei, and the last series of the installments of “Sukisho! Broadcast”, an original Japanese feature that has a video table discussion with the Japanese voice actors Hikaru Midorikawa (Sora) and Kouki Miyata (Sei) doing a variety of comical skits on air.

IN SUMMARY:
Sukisho is a delightfully immersing shonen ai series that is both suspenseful and intensely romantic. Its off-beat humor and tale of angst ridden lovers will appeal to fans of Gravitation.