" If you don't feel you're getting your requisite amounts of sword wielding high school girls, then here's a series for you. "

      Title: Real Bout High School Volume 1 by TokyoPop

      Format: Anime DVD

      Reviewing Monkey: Chimpan-A

      The Hype: Remember high school? Remember all the ninja's and sword wielding chicks fighting in the hallways? I certainly do… Actually I just remember watching Real Bout High School (RBHS). Follow the adventures of Ryoko, Samurai Girl wannabe, as she takes on all the comers at this feisty High school.

      What This Monkey Thought...

      Animation: The animation is a blend of computer drawn and hand. It comes off very much like a video game, to be honest. A few of the action scenes look a little out of place, but they generally hold together well. Eye candy is prevalent in the series. And with a female protagonist, I don't think I have to explain what that means. The show is nice to watch, with no complaints about the animation. 4 out of 5

      Action: This show is nothing but action. It's got action oozing out of its pores… if DVDs had pores anyway. The whole show seems to be based on a fighting game motif. Moreover, the prime catch of the show is the "K-Fight", which is a school sanctioned martial arts match. Anyway, the action is good and keeps up at a good pace. And good thing, cause if the action sucked there'd be no redeeming qualities whatsoever to this show. 4 out of 5

      Story and Voice Acting: The story is thin at best. The first volume doesn't get too far into it, but essentially Ryoko is the best fighter at her high school (of ninja's and samurai, remember). She eventually gets picked to be some kind of interdimensional savior- fighting monsters in some nether realm. There's a sub plot going on that I don't at grasp at all. Suffice it to say the show leaves itself plenty of avenues to explore in later episodes. The main story so far focuses on Ryoko's search to become a true swordsman, not just the play stuff she does for school. It's interesting enough to hold the endless stream of action together, but certainly isn't the focal point of the show. The voice acting isn't terrible, but it's certainly not the best in the world. 2.5 out of 5

      Music: Once more the fighting game energy comes out here. The music is very action oriented, with a driving techno rhythm being most common. The music fits the mood, but otherwise isn't particularly excellent. It's fun, not great. 3 out of 5

      Translation: The translation job is decent; they don't have to change too many words. There aren't too many really awkward phrases either. I'd rate it as "not painful", but that's not a number, so I'll give it a 3.5 out of 5.

      Value vs. Price: For the 20 bucks, you get four episodes. More over, the DVD contains specials, like the "Special End Corner" featurette. Plus all the menus are made up to look like a fighting game. I'm talking life bars and everything. It's quite well put together. 4 out of 5

      The Verdict:

If you don't feel you're getting your requisite amounts of sword wielding high school girls, then here's a series for you. The lack of a plot and relatively vapid nature of the show may turn off some of the more intellectual types. Still, there's fan service galore and it's a fun little romp of a show. Watch it if you're looking for some mindless fun.

      The Good: Plenty of action at every corner.

      The Bad: The story is pretty thin so far; it's nothing but action.

      The Overall Ugly: Give it a go if you're a fighting game fan.

      What it's Worth: Market price.