If you're into dolls and find Barbies not cool enough for your liking, then Rozen Maiden may just be the thing for you!

The story begins with a junior high school student named Sakurada Jun, who refuses to attend school after the occurrence of an embarrassing incident there. Instead, he locks himself in his room and passes each day by ordering supernatural goods online.

One day, he receives a strange letter. Shortly after placing the letter in his drawer, a wooden case appears in his room. He opens it and finds a doll with a chain attached to it. He winds up the doll who comes to life and introduces herself as Shinku, the fifth doll of the Rozen Maiden.

Apparently, she and the other dolls from Rozen Maiden are made by a craftsman whom they call "Father". And all of them are participants of Alice Game, a contest in which dolls duel with each other to become Alice, who possesses a persona that's "more sublime than any flower, purer than any gem and without a tinge of impurity", and who ultimately gets to meet their creator. In this competition, losers have to surrender their Rosa Mystica, an essence that endows competitors with the ability to move and win.

There are many quirky characters in the first season: Hinaichigo, Shinku's servant, who draws on Jun's floor with crayons. Twins Suiseiseki and Souseiseki, who have the habit of smashing through Jun's windows. Suigintou, a villainous doll with wings. Two new dolls appear in Season Two: Kanaria, who claims to be the most intelligent of the lot; and Barasuishou, who lives with Suigintou.

In a final episode of a dream sequence, the remaining dolls fight to protect their Rosa Mystica. I shall leave you to guess who eventually emerges as the winner of the Alice Game. (It's not as straightforward as you might think!)

Most episodes will make you laugh out loud, just as they will touch your heart. There are Rozen Maiden dolls for sale in Singapore, but they don't come cheap - each one costs S$150!

Check out this brilliant anime soon!

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There is more magic in the world than you think. That is just one of the many conclusions one can derive from watching the novel-turned-anime series Kaze No Stigma.

Set in modern-day Japan, the story revolves around main character Kazuma Yagami, a dark and sadistic chap who specialises in Wind Magic. Having been banished by his previous family (Kannagi) for failing to master the art of Fire, this anime not only documents Yagami's struggles with his next-of-kin, but also features exciting action sequences that make the show a cool pick.

The series also gives an insight into Yagami's dark past, how he copes with it and moves on in life to eventually become a powerful Wind Magic user - a far cry from the frail being he was four years ago. Of course, you should look out for Ayano, who's the next Kannagi leader and who happens to be Yagami's love interest too!

Want to know how the plot develops? Watch the show to find out more!

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Ikeuchi Aya is your average 15-year-old: She has just entered high school, has a bright future as the star of a basketball team, and a senior whom she has a crush on seems to be interested in her too.

Everything seems like a bed of roses until one day, when Aya is diagnosed with a disease called spinocerebellar degeneration, which causes her body to slowly degenerate until she can no longer walk, speak, write or eat.

Now, before you get turned off by this stereotypical plot of a tear-jerker, I must tell you that this Japanese drama is very different from what you would typically expect of shows in such a genre.

First of all, it is based on a true story. Kitou Aya, who passed away in 1988, struggled with this disease and penned her experiences in her diary entitled One Litre of Tears (which is also the title of the show).

Secondly, this offering doesn't simply focus on the main character. It shows how Aya's parents, siblings, friends and doctor learn to encourage and help her through her ordeal. In the process, they too gain courage as they become motivated by the heartfelt words in Aya's diary. It also demonstrates how Aya stands up against society's view of the handicapped, whose lives and the daily obstacles they have to face are realistically portrayed in the show.

While the powerful themes of strength and love hold the story up, it is the cast that shines in this touching outing. Sawajiri Erika plays the role of the protagonist flawlessly; her flowing tears express her deep pain, while her beautiful smiles inspire those around her. The male lead Nishikido Ryo, with his awkward yet smug portrayal of Aya's love interest, also convincingly brings across the helplessness of one who has to gradually cope with losing his beloved.

This show has certainly made an impact on my life. I strongly encourage you to give Aya's story a chance. Who knows, you may even shed one litre of tears for her!

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So, you are seeking a good story blending school life and supernatural powers in a manga? No, we are not talking about Card Captor Sakura or Mahou Shoujou Lyrical Nanoha here. Try Tokyo Majin Gakuen Kenpuchou instead.

Although she is stunning, all the guys in her school do not dare to ask her on a date. She manages to attract the interest of Jonno, a school heartthrob, but this soon leads to trouble as "Teen Queen" Kaylie (who carries a torch for Jonno in spite of his disinterest) gangs up with her friends to start a mean campaign. They spread rumors and secrets, and send threats, to bully Lia.

Bogged down by the bullying, Lia begins to wonder why she has become a victim of circumstances. She also discovers that not all her friends are her true buddies as the notion of "stick together through thick and thin" disintegrates.

Instead of wallowing in self-pity, Lia chooses to look on the positive side and not be discouraged. She eventually finds her true love too, but I'm not going to tell you who it is. If you want to know who her knight in shinning amour is, read the book yourself!

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Set at the dawn of time, this movie tells the story of the Dragon King of the Eastern Sea, who rules over weather and water with the mandate of Heaven.

This mighty overlord of rain and the seas has a son and heir to the throne. Named Draco (voiced by JJ Lin), the Little Dragon Prince is both playful and rebellious.

In a moment of folly, he steals a luminous pearl (the ruler's treasure and source of his power) to play with it. However, he then tangles with Ocho, the evil octopus. As the King's arch-enemy, Ocho wastes no time in scheming to get hold of the pearl and the power it holds.

Threatening the prince, his father and all whom they hold dear, Ocho commands General Hermit Crab, who leads a fearsome army of swordfish and hammerhead shark henchmen, (Hammer and Anvil) to attack the palace and hunt down Little Dragon.

Thus begins Draco's undersea journey of discovery and redemption as he tries to save his friends, father and the kingdom.

Watch out for lovable characters such as Sam the squid (voiced by Lin Yu Zhong), Ping the puffer fish (voiced by Jin Sha), Star Lee the Kungfu-fighting starfish, Museum the all-knowing clam, and more!

Catch the animation and find out for yourself if this local production can live up to the precedent set by the Finding Nemo ensemble for all underwater tales!

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