Title:Shaman King

Genre:Superhero/Fantasy

Airs:Fox-TV, check local listings

Creator:Hiroyuki Takei

Rating:TV-Y7(FV)

DVD Info: 64 episodes, not available on DVD at present

Company:4Kids

Summary:Yoh Asakura is a shaman, which means he can communicate with spirits. He is protected by the ghost of a 500-year-old samurai named Amidamaru. They are training to take part in the Shaman King tournament, which takes place every 500 years.

The Good:This cartoon is quite humorous. There's lots of action, and it actually fills you in on what's been happening. They gave it a really catchy theme song too.

The Bad:I really hate the voice they gave Rio.

Offensive Material:Amidamaru can be seen as Yoh's guardian angel. When he bonds with Yoh, he doesn't possess him. It's more like he enhances Yoh's abilities and gives him advice during battle. Yoh is still completely aware of his actions. Anna, his girlfriend, is also capable of communicating with spirits.

Overall:This cartoon is a great mixture of Dragonball and Yu Yu Hakusho. If you like either one of these shows, give Shaman Kinga try.

My Review:(out of 4)3.5Age Rating:A (All Ages)

Note:This cartoon is based on the manga that is currently featured in Viz Communications' Shonen Jump anthology series. It is also available in trade paperback. Shaman Kingwas made by Xebec Studios. Other titles by Xebec include Stellvia, Megaman NT Warrior, DN Angel, Zoids Chaotic Century, Zoids New Century Zero, Zoids Fuzors, and Mao-Chan.