Mao-Chan: V.1 I Will Protect the Peace of Japan! (ep. 1-7) [DVD]

Features

• Type: DVD
• Studio: Geneon (Pioneer)
• Language(s): english, japanese
• Subtitle(s): english

When 8-year-old Mao Onigawara presses her smiling clover pin, she acquires a uniform and a baton, and assumes her role in the Special Ground Defense Forces, protecting Japan from "cute little aliens." Mao is a typically klutzy "magical girl," and she gets needed reinforcement from Misora Tsukishima (air defense) and Sylvia Maruyama (sea defense). It's not clear how aliens who look like plush toys could harm Japan, or why only second-graders can fight them. As Mao is based on a concept by Ken Akamatsu, the creator of Love, Hina, it's not surprising that the characters look like junior versions of the Hinata Apartments gang. The series plays like Sailor Moon, but with the ages of the characters pared down and the cuteness factor amped up to the level of Hamtaro or Hello Kitty. (Rated suitable for all ages, but appropriate for 6 and older: minor cartoon violence, tobacco use) --Charles Solomon