Full Moon (O Sagashite) Vol. 1by Sheena McNeilReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk. Studio
Credits Grade: 9 12-year-old Mitsuki loves to sing but is sick in her throat. She also has a very old-fashioned grandmother who forbids her to sing (or have anything to do with music — no CDs, no music zines, etc). Her dream is to become a famous singer and keep her promise to her love Eichi who moved to America two years ago. Now she has just learned that she has one year to live according to the two kid-friendly Shinigami who have come to watch over her. Takuto (with cat ears) and Meroko (with bunny ears) are a bit like kids/teens themselves and appear rather new at their job so it's easy to accept them (and overlook the fact that they are "Death Spirits" that are meant to help prepare and guide her soul into the afterlife). So now Mitsuki's more determined than ever to achieve her dream - with a little magic help from them and her doctor, but when she wins an audition after transforming into a healthy (and blond) 16-year-old, they realize they've gotten into quite a pickle.Full Moon is easily one of the cutest shojo anime I've seen. We get the expected romantic interest, big dreams, constraints (time, illness, and age) plus some "magical girl"-esque transforming, very sexy Shinigami that manage to be totally cute at the same time, and the cute animal icons (bunny and cat). The story takes a little bit of reality and mixes it with a large dose of fantasy and creates a story that is 100% lovable. The character designs are wonderful, really capturing the innocence and cuteness of that age, and the animation itself is quite excellent. I really like Meroko's outfit (she reminds me of a character from Miyuki-chan in Wonderland with her Mad Hatter-like hat, bunny ears, and sexy red clothes). And while Eichi is the love of Mitsuki's life, the doctor and Takuto are the eye candy for the viewer. Both English and Japanese voice actors do an excellent job, though I didn't quite care for Mitsuki's Japanese voice — sometime in the quality of it didn't fit (too old or the accent or something). I became somewhat accustomed to it but basically I like the English voice actor better for her and was equally impressed with sub and dub versions for the other characters. If you're on the look-out for a new shojo series to get into Full Moon will capture your heart and keep you swooning while entertaining you with it's drama and humor. Written: June 29, 2006
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