I wrote all about this here. But that’s a really vague entry in that Top 100 anime series of posts, so here’s some more.

Looking at the crew, there was a bunch of talented people who passed through the project, and I’ve seen plenty of clips crop up in various key animator clip videos, most notably that of Takaaki Yamashita who frequently collaborates with Mamoru Hosoda. The look of the show is down to Ken Ootsuka, who also shows up on Hosoda projects. Takuya Igarashi (Soul Eater) directed the second movie.

If I had the time I’d go through the 1998-2003 Toei shows and see where various staff ended up, because I think they’ve produced some strong talent and continue to do so. Obviously not everyone is gold, but I think the fact I’m seeing about one One Piece episode a month now that amazes me (normally Naoki Tate’s eps), tells me they’re doing something right.

I know nothing of this show apart from telling me I should watch it.

Actually that's not entirely true.

I know it was Golden Gash Bell in the original Japanese version. And that the US version involves digital underwear being worn by the title character.

The internet tells me it's about 100 demons battling on earth to find who will be the demon king. Sounds shonen tournament plot mixed with Pokemon to me. Is it?

EDIT: I watched a random subbed episode I found on Youtube. It reminded me a little of Shaman King, only better. The humour played out a better than that show did, and it doesn't suffer so much from being a clearly watered down Jojo's Bizarre Adventure. But there's definite similarities.

Oh and I see Gash is voiced by Ikue Ohtani (Pikachu, Tony Tony Chopper, Mitsuhiko Tsuburaya), who I've really liked ever since seeing her on the goofy Club Escaflowne extra on the second Vision of Escaflowne disc. Which outside of the Giant Robo extras is probably the best anime DVD extra I've seen. Jouji Nakata is awesome in it. But then he's kind of awesome by default.