The Anime Hentai Primer A companion to The Anime Primer
23 July 2003 This is a companion posting to The Anime Primer, or What Anime Should I Watch Now? dealing with erotic and pornographic anime (often called "ecchi anime" and "hentai anime" respectively). These have been separated into their own posting so that the parent posting may safely be given to people under the age of majority. Notes There are no images or links provided in this document. At the request of a number of contributors to this primer, all contributions are anonymous. Credit may or may not be given in the main Anime Primer, at the discretion of the individual contributors. The rules for inclusion in the Anime Primer also apply to this document, as does the process. In these reviews, "softcore" and "hardcore" refer to the explicitness of the sex scenes contained in the titles, not to levels of violence in the scenes or story. Definitions of other terms can be found at Aestheticism's Yaoi/Slash Glossary (found at http://www.aestheticism.net/visitors/editor/aestheticism.htm). Reviews Adventure Kid (in UK, Adventure Duo) Somewhat hentai story of a group of children caught up in a battle in time and space against a monster and the usual demons. You want to know why I say hentai? Well, when the key to the alternate dimension sits squarely between the legs of an often naked and not unattractive female demon ... Ai no Kusabi A 2 OAV series derived from a novel. The story is set in a future dystopia and concerns the destructive relationship between Iason, head of the elite Blondies, and the mongrel, Riki, he picks up off the streets. Iason is a classic cool, emotionless seme. Riki is the classic bad attitude street boy uke. The story deals with honor, obsession, and well deserved fate. The designs are lushly romantic and fairly very dark, but there isn't that much sex, but what there is, is hardcore. [Available fansubbed.] Black Mail Nice looking, bud decidedly un-nice tale featuring the systematic breaking and humiliation of half a dozen high shcool students and two somewhat older female relatives, by a gang of rapists. The plot is fairly hard to follow - none of the motivations involved become at all clear until the third and final volume, and even then you're left wondering. As the whole thing is basically 90 minutes of non-stop non -consensual sex, this is firmly in the "disturbing" category. Also, the explicitness of the animation varies wildly from scene to scene. Boku no Sexual Harassment (a.k.a. My Sexual Harassment): A 3 OAV series about Mochizuki, a young salary man willing to do anything for the sake of the company, and his experiences with his colleagues, management, and clients. This is an interesting morality play about sex, business, self esteem, and true love. It is one of the few hardcore yaoi titles around. [Available fansubbed.] Can Can Bunny A light, softcore comedy in which the cute and sexy goddess Suwati appears to a young man named Kenta and grants him a wish. Much to her chagrin, it's to be able to make it with any beautiful young woman he meets. We follow their adventures as Kenta gets his wish granted and Suwati watches over him (with the help of her cousin Shuree), tries to keep him out of trouble and wonders when he'll realize just why she gave him the wish in the first place. [Available from Soft Cel Pictures.] Cool Devices A hardcore anthology series which explores the darker sides of human sexuality, with stories ranging in tone from cute yet edgy to downright disturbing. Directors include Mon Mon (well-known for the cheesecake artbook Illustrations Candy), Hiroyuki Utatane (Count Down) and Yasuomi Umetsu ((A) Kite). [Available from Critical Mass.] Count Down Based on Hiroyuki Utatane's assorted-stories manga, this series sweeps back and forth between comical and bizarre. Features character design that is faithful to Utatane's work, and stories that make you wonder (unless you've read the manga, that is). [Available from Soft Cel Pictures.] Cream Lemon An anthology OVA series from the 80's which is acknowledged as the first hentai anime to emphasize the stories, which range from drama (the Ami Nonomura episodes, which were acclaimed for the lead character's strong personality) to suspense/horror (Black Cat Mansion) to comedy (Pop Chaser). The popular general-audience series Project A-ko was originally intended for this, but that was changed during planning, and the rest is history. CL is also infamous for its catering largely to Rorikon (Lolita complex) fans, and spun off into the Lemon Angels series. A couple of episodes of CL are available rewritten (not translated) and dubbed into English by assorted American '80s porn stars as Brothers Grime Cartoons #2. Custom Slave Another "kidnap the cute girl, then boink her 'til she likes it" title, this time set in a prestigious girl's school - which is in fact a front for an organization that provides sex slaves to the rich and powerful. Has a very distinct "first episode" feel, even though there only exists one part. Also a "disturbing" title, but very well done. Desert Island Story X A four episode tale of a half a dozen girls who get shipjacked and then stranded on an island with two bank robbers. This reviewer has only seen the fourth part, which in which the girls in fits of jealousy and for revenge manage to trick each other into getting raped (again?) by the resident criminals. Much backbiting and turning of tables. Due to the non-consensual nature of the scenes I saw, yet another "disturbing" title. Desert Island Story XX Not a sequel, but uses a similar setup - half a dozen women and a little girl, and three men, stuck in a remote research station where wierd experiments have been performed. But on who? And for what purpose? Add in that several of the characters are convinced that they're not getting off the island alive, and are therefore free to indulge, and this too ends up in the "disturbing" category. But the intense plot and mood make up for it, and someday soon I'll have to get the fourth part, just to see how it ends. Devilman A Go Nagai series which shows the amalgamation of a seemingly innocent boy with a powerful demon; his purpose, to eliminate other demons from the world. Occasionally violent, and it wouldn't be a Go Nagai without some sex ... (Manga) Doukyuusei: Natsu no Owari Ni see End of Summer Dragon Knight Takeru is a medieval sword fighter and incurable lecher who travels the land in search of adventure and a good roll in the hay. The first OVA is an ecchi comedy, while the second, Another Knight on the Town, is more serious and more obviously hentai (if still softcore). Based on a series of computer games. At least two more OVAs based on later editions of the game have been released in Japan, but those have not been licensed for North America. [Available from Soft Cel Pictures.] Dragon Pink The hardcore fantasy RPG-ish adventures of "hero" Santa, man-mountain Bobo, elven mage Pierce and much put-upon catgirl slave Pink. Three OVAs were made, with the first being pretty cute, the second one shocking and disturbing by comparison and the third quite painful (Pierce and Bobo's scene notwithstanding). [Available from Soft Cel Pictures.] The Elven Bride Loving newlyweds Kenji (a human man) and Milfa Links (a buxom young elf woman) discover that a physical incompatibility is making consummating their marriage impossible, and these two OVAs follow their efforts to find a solution to their problem. Fantasy, comedy, romance and even a bit of social commentary all come together in this softcore story. [Available from Soft Cel Pictures.] End of Summer (original title Doukyuusei: Natsu no Owari Ni) Golden-hearted horndog Wataru's big dream is to "make a wonderful memory" with school idol Mai before summer is over. However, circumstances on her side (shyness, a strict family and a rich snob named Kenji also vying for her affections) and his (several female classmates seeking his advice and sometimes-intensive help) make things difficult for them. A very nice romantic drama with great character development and steamy softcore scenes, based on the popular dating -simulation computer game. [Available from Soft Cel Pictures.] F? [Frantic, Frustrated and Female] (original title Nageki no Kenko Yuryoji) Hiroe is a beautiful, healthy young woman with a decent boyfriend and a loving home life. The only problem she has is a big one - she's unable to have an orgasm with her boyfriend. When it's found that she can't help herself, her sister and mother (sorry, neighbour and landlady) and "known lesbian" friend pitch in to try to help, in a series of events ranging from funny to twisted. [Available from Soft Cel Pictures.] Fujimi Orchestra Fujimi (town) has a small adult orchestra. The first violinist is very good, but has no self confidence. The new conductor becomes enamored of him, is convinced he can do better, and eventually forces a relationship on him. The novels of this title do a good job of following their long term careers. The anime gives an introduction to the characters up through the initial forced seduction. This title has no science fiction, no magic, no comedy, just good solid drama about everyday people in their everyday lives. It also features what appears to be the single longest sex scene of all hardcore yaoi anime. [Available raw.] Goku, Midnight Eye see Midnight Eye Goku Hanappe Bazooka An odd title by Go Nagai (Devilman, New Cutey Honey) about a young, hapless, heavily picked-on guy named Hanappe who really wants no more than to go out with one of his beautiful classmates. He inadvertently summons a couple of demons, who grant him his wish to be strong and overtake his life, house and family in return. While the small bits of sex in this are quite obvious, it's difficult to consider this a hentai title. Weird slapstick humour and poignant moments run alongside each other, and somehow still work. [Available from ADV Films.] The Hex Files see Magical Twilight Immoral Sisters Yet another blackmali story, about a twisted old man who gets his jollies deflowering young girls, and his sone, who thinks he has to prove his worth to the boss' secretary by being an even bigger pervert. Involves a hilarious revenge scheme in the last part - after the female characters decide to abandon their dignity and hit the guys where it hurts... Very, very explicit, well drawn and animated. Koihime A sweet story of four girls in love with a boy their guardians will never let them have, but who they go to great lengths to get anyway. This one is very nice in all respects - from art, to animation, to story, to character definition, to sexual content. Add in the twist that it's the girls doing all the chasing, and it's a title that stands out. La Blue Girl Urotsukidoji creator Toshio Maeda spices up the Overfiend formula with the cute and sexy Miko Mido, a half- demon girl who must now battle evil Shikima using a school of martial (marital?) arts known as Sexcraft after the signet case which symbolizes the Mido family's authority over the Shikima is stolen. The humour quotient is also increased, but the tentacles are still the main draw here. [Available from Anime18.] Legend of the Overfiend see Urotsukidoji Love Lesson A guy with money trouble gets recruited by the Yakuza to train perfect partners for high-profile clients with "exotic" tastes, which turn out to be not that bad after all - one of them even wants a dominatrix... Haven't seen all of this yet, but so far it's fairly gentle, with only a mild bit of blackmail. Consensus seems to be that this is a "nice" title. Fairly explicit in parts. Lunatic Night In this action/fantasy/comedy, Kamizaki's creepy friend Mutsuki returns from a trip with a souvenir for him - a cute (and very naughty) dog -girl. As things unfold further in the convoluted plot, it turns out that Kamizaki is the amnesic ruler of Atlantis, and is needed to help restore it to its former ruling glory, despite Mutsuki's own efforts. Even the hardcore scenes are cute, and the parodies of Sailor Moon and tentacle scenes will raise a smile. [The first two episodes are available from Anime18.] Magical Twilight (repackaged as The Hex Files) Two young witches in training come down to Earth from the white magic world for their practical exam, in which they have to make a good impression on a young man named Tsukasa. The sincere, innocent Chipple tries to do so through his heart, the brash, pushy Irene tries a little lower, and the tension between the three of them runs high. A fine softcore romantic comedy. Available from Soft Cel Pictures. Meiking As the commonly spread summary says: "Blame it on the sheep". The main character is a shepherd turned lord, who in order to keep his title, and his shot at the princess, must turn his fief into the most profitable in the kingdom. Four eps (of which I've seen only the first and last), with a blend of hilarity and some seriousness, and of course a fair bit of explicit sex. Sources claim that there is Hot. Naked. Elf. Sex. Almost as nice as Koihime. Midnight Eye Goku Futuristic detective fantasy. Private investigator Goku has a computerized eye that can interface with any electric device at will, as well as an expandable baton that enables him to skewer adversaries and vault across skyscrapers. Stylish animation with soft-core sex and bondage motifs. My Sexual Harassment see Boku no Sexual Harassment Nageki no Kenko Yuryoji see F? Angel/New [Shin] Angel Shizuka returns to Tokyo to find Kosuke, the boy who had befriended her during a difficult time 12 years earlier (when they were both five years old), who she only got to know for a week before her family had to move. She finds that Kosuke is now a terrible lecher, but still holds out hope that he can solidify the flashes of decency that he shows (when he isn't getting it on with other girls in a variety of bizarre and comical situations) and commit himself to her. Episodes 2-4 of New Angel are possibly the most explicit non-violent hentai ever released here. Based on the controversial manga by U-Jin. [New Angel is available from Soft Cel Pictures.] Ogenki Clinic A farce set in the titular clinic, where a wide assortment of people go to have Dr. Oguri and Nurse Tatase straighten out their sexual problems (when they aren't taking care of their own misadventures, that is). S&M, impotence, sex toys, lesbianism, infidelity, fetishism, transvestitism/transsexuality, grossly exaggerated body parts... it's all here, and it's all laughed at. [Available from Kitty Media and Anime18.] Orchid Emblem see Rei-Lan: Orchid Emblem Orgy Training Title is irrelevant to the story, which is about a rich kid who's father is in the habit of buying young women by paying off their parents' debts to the Yakuza, and having them pose as maids, serving his every need. When the latest acquisition turns out to be a girl the son has already fallen in love with, he sets out to rescue the girl. All the characters in this title are in need of psychiatric treatment - the males before the show starts, and the females too by the end of it. Too explicit in parts - especially the deflowering of the new girl, which is shown more than once... All in all a very disturbing title. Overfiend see Urotsukidoji Private Psycho Lesson Dr. Sara Iijima is a well-endowed psychotherapist who diagnoses and cures young people's problems using Psychofeed, a method combining deep subconscious analysis (employing an interesting hypnosis method) with Eastern sexuality. While containing some touches of U-Jin's distinctive humour, this is a dark psychological (but of course) drama, including a couple of tentaclish scenes. Not very explicit, but a hardcore story. [Available from Anime18.] Pure Mail Teenage mistakes, deception and private chat rooms. Much more would spoil the plot, which was good. One of very few anime titles of any category that has left me with the feeling that "this could happen" - and with the exception of one scene, in the "Nice" category. Rei-Lan: Orchid Emblem Rei-Lan is an up-and-coming Super Grappler Wrestling star and an ex-DEA agent. A flashback shows her going on assignment with her boyfriend to capture the prominent underworld boss Tojo and ending up becoming enslaved by him. Very dark and violent psychodrama. [Available from Kitty Media.] Rei Rei Softcore title based on the manga by Toshimitsu Shimizu (801 TTS Airbats). Kaguya is the Missionary of Love, a goddess who strives to keep the moon close to the Earth by helping out romantically troubled young people. While it's funny in parts, the overall tone is fairly dark, including a murder plot and subconscious psychological problems. Despite all that, it keeps a sense of warmth. [Available from Soft Cel Pictures.] Shusaku Replay Same genre as Black Mail, only here it is a boarding school full of female students and teachers, and a perverted caretaker who's rigged the whole place with video cameras. Non-nice in all respects except animation quality and sexual content, if you like rape scenes. Apparently a sequel to a series named Shusaku. Slight Fever Syndrome A light softcore comedy, in which a young woman starting her new job as a nurse and counselor at a high school finds that the students (and some of the staff) seek her help for the sort of problems that she never anticipated having to handle - especially within herself. [Available from Kitty Media.] Stepmother's Sin I only saw the second part of this. Insane son seduces father's new fiancee, then blackmails her into keeping quiet while boinking her silly and abusing her daughter. When he finally gets it into his head that maybe he did something wrong, it's too late. Sick and twisted in the extreme, both in content and in presentation. If there is anything at all to recommend this title by, it's the art quality and animation. Strange Love/Hen Chizuru Yoshida is the attractive and busty idol of her school, with a major attitude problem. In the two softcore OVAs released here, she turns the tables on a teacher who becomes obsessed with her after she appears in an ad campaign for shampoo, and has her world turned upside down when a new transfer student breaks through her cynical feelings about love. Funny, in both senses of the word. [Available from Anime18.] Supernatural Beast City Definitely for adults. Demon terrorists resist treaty to separate demons & mankind. Stylishly drawn. Available (as Wicked City) from Urban Vision. Tales of Titillation/Misbehaviour/Sintillation The domestic release of Konai Shasei (Sketches in the School), the anime based on the U-Jin manga. Whimsical, comical softcore short stories, with U-Jin's distinctive edge and cute female character design. [Available from Kitty Media.] Teacher's Pet About an utterly devoted student and her kinky teacher boyfriend. Starts out mild in all respects, but the fetishes grow a bit wierder in each episode, as the animation grows more explicit. Despite this, the title remains all consensual - mostly due to the female lead's "it's okay because I love you" attitude, which sounded a bit wierd after a while. I have a hard time calling it nice, but it's not insidiously evil like Orgy Training or Stepmother's Sin. Tokio Private Police A very thinly veiled H take on Patlabor. A tomboyish young policewoman gets transferred to a new police combat unit in a rough part of Tokyo. Much goes on behind closed doors. Part police drama, part mecha, part romantic comedy, all explicitly anatomically correct. The first sex scene is a rape, unfortunately, but, after that, all of it is consensual and scorching. [Available from Kitty Media.] Urotsukidoji (a.k.a. Legend of the Overfiend, literally Wandering Kid) In the future, there are three dimensions of beings in the world: Humans, Man-Beasts and Demons. Man-beast Amano Jyaku is obsessed with finding the fabled Overfiend, an omnipotent demon who manifests every 3,000 years as a giant tentacled humanoid and leaves a wide trail of rape and carnage in his wake. This is a very controversial and dark hardcore series with an epic plot, which is considered to be the first "erotic horror" anime to feature tentacles as penetralia, and has spawned many imitations. [Available from Anime18.] Visionary A collection of cute yet naughty stories based on the U-Jin anthology manga, including parodies of Doraemon and vampire stories. [Available from Anime18.] Weather Report Girl When ATV's regular weather report girl Michiko Kawai has to take a day off to attend a friend's wedding, unspectacular-looking Keiko Nakadai is drafted to do the evening forecast. Keiko, however, turns out to be a stunning, daring, evil, conniving bombshell who has been waiting for this opportunity, and she creates a furor (and increases the show's ratings) when she lifts her skirt and flashes her panties on the air. When Michiko returns to find that Keiko has been given her spot permanently and she has been reassigned to the 6 AM weather report, the battle begins. A wicked parody of the cutthroat broadcast industry with not that much actual sex, but so much of everything else that that isn't much of an issue. [Available from Critical Mass.] Wicked City see Supernatural Beast City Words Worth (eps 1&2 reviewed) A proper fantasy anime plot as good as many mainstream titles - Light kingdom and dark kingdom (below ground) are at war, people living down below don't even know about the sky, etc. Story focuses on a prince who has dreams of a blue sky he's never seen. Unlike most films, war is depicted as it happens in real life to the extent that captors gleefully rape their prisoners etc. So plenty of sex, both consensual and non-consensual, inc. bestiality thanks to the mutant creatures such as horse-men, and some violence. Related Book Reviews The Erotic Anime Movie Guide When considering erotic anime good information is both needed (there's no shortage of stuff to avoid) and hard to come by (since many sources won't cover the domain). Thus the Erotic Anime Movie Guide, by Helen Mc Carthy & Johnathan Clements (ISBN:1-185286-946-1) seemed like a promising possibility. Even though, being sold at a comic specialty store, it was expensive and shrink-wrapped. Which is a shame, because the contents are not quite what you might expect. Especially given that it shares the style, and one of the authors, from the more useful Anime Movie Guide. The first thing is that about ?/3 of this slim volume (190 pages) is actually filled with 'film studies' essays on various elements of erotic anime. While some of these are interesting to serious students of anime history, although there are some doubtful arguments, they're not actually much use for understanding erotic anime. The subjects are old news and well known by most anime fans (U-jin, Go Nagai, Overfiend etc.). Even more disappointing is the list of 200 reviews provided. A lot of these have only a marginal erotic content, or are provided to back up arguments made in the essays. Thus titles such as Dirty Pair, Gunbuster, Doreamon and Oh My Goddess have reviews, despite requiring a lot of imagination to see these as 'erotic anime'. And there are many more titles that simply don't belong in this book. The remaining reviews tend to be well known, commercially released, titles that are largely synopsis rather than commentary. While this is an interesting book, especially to someone interested in the history and development of erotic anime, it is largely useless as a guide to the genre. Those planning a purchase should definitely find a copy to look through first.