Today's review update, the first in a line of updates centering exclusively on ElfShadow based content, serves up a couple of new reviews on recent series. Both reviews, the first on Escaflowne and the second on Lost Universe, deal with shows not far along in their release schedule. Need help deciding whether these shows are worth putting your hard earn cash down on? Read on and find out!

Starting with Escaflowne, this series has been available for quite a while in the form of subbed VHS from Bandai, and more recently started an ill-fated broadcast run on Fox. For those that missed its original VHS release though, or are disappointed with its broadcast cancellation, Escaflowne is currently in the early stages of its DVD and dubbed VHS release, the first volume having hit retail shelves at the beginning of this month, while the second volume is scheduled for a December 5th release. Future volumes exploring the fantastic world of Gaea are expected on a bimonthly basis, but till then, sit back and learn about what makes this series the classic it is. Elfshadow's Escaflowne review can be read here.

Moving on to Lost Universe, this series replaces the fantasy elements from Slayers with an injection of sci-fi, and throws in a dose of seriousness for good measure; which isn't to say you won't be treated to plenty of familiar Slayers styled silliness though. After all, there's a reason Lost Universe is known as "Slayers in Space," both series having sprung from the mind of Hajime Kanzaka. The first two volumes of this series are already available from ADV, both on DVD and VHS, while the third and fourth volumes are scheduled to release on November 14th and January 23rd respectively. To see what ElfShadow thinks of this space faring comedy, click here.

Wrapping up today's review update, I'd like to encourage everyone to do their part in opening up those Submissions flood gates. Seen an anime you just can't stand? Write up a review explaining why it's so bad and send it to ElfShadow. Have an anime you love more than any other? Write up a review explaining what makes it so great and send it to ElfShadow. Send those submissions in soon and send them often!