Negima (Vol 1): Added 8-29-06
Holy moley has it really been that long since I did a formal review? Well I've also been brushing up on a backlog of really good anime as well. OK so where was I? Negima, at first I had a lot of apprehension about this series. I mean if you were to look at the boxart you'd suddenly think it was an attempt to create a Harry Potter anime. Luckily however it isn't quite that kind of a story.

Following the misadventures of 10 year old wizard prodigy Negi Springfield as he teaches at an all girls school, viewers can expect fan service, comedy and some very good dub work by the folks at ADV.

The storyline is left a little vague in volume one, instead these first few episodes really give us a setup for the characters of Negi Springfield the male lead and the female lead of Asuna Kagurazaka. Negi, voiced by Greg Ayres is a 10 year old British wizard who seeks the answers to the disappearance of his father. In order to reach that goal he seeks to become a master magister. His last assignment however before reaching such a station in the magical world is to teach at an all girls school in Japan (Well, naturally of course =P). Asuna, voiced by Luci Christian on the other hand is the brash, red headed firebrand of her class. Physically gifted, tempermental but caring the female lead is a good fit for Luci's vocal range but in energy and her ability to tone down her characters for those sincere moments. Some of the supporting cast members of note include Monica Rial who voices Konoka Kanoe, Asuna's closest friend and roommate.

To setup what should be the fundamental pairings in the plot, Negi as a wizard is required to keep the secret of his magical abilities out of the public eye. Naturally however through mishaps and misadventures the cat is out of the bag as Asuna discovers Negi's secret. Though their relationship starts out a little on the rocky side, Asuna (who looks strangely a lot like Negi's sister) begins to take a shine to the young wizard and begins to take on something of a brother-sister demeanor. Add into that the shy but cute character of Nodoka Miyazaki, who is the first girl to really "fall for Negi" and you have the makings for some interesting relationship triangle(s).

There are definately fan service moments scattered throughout Negima, but if you're familiar with the creators other works (such as Love Hina) you've sort of come to expect them. Bust lines, brash girls, fighting and of course romance abound in this story. While I think folks who dislike ecchi elements are going to be put off by some of the borderline quasi romantic parts of this series, as a comedy it stands on its own fairly well. With good work both in the sub and a good portrayal of the characters in the dubbed form as well, I think Negima is worth a look. You may want to rent volume one first before you decide if the style of the show is to your liking. I give this an 8/10.