Finally, something up my alley! Anyone who has ever had a benevolent obsession with something knows that it's almost like an alternate personality - a Hyde within you that (hopefully) doesn't kill people. It's something that's turned on or off like flipping a switch. The Read or Die (R.O.D.) TV series plays off one of my bigger obsessions: books. I just love books, and bookstores love me. My shameless attachment to its book-loving characters is not the only reason to give R.O.D. attention, however. Its unique spin on the dangers associated with writing caters to the imaginative mind. The series plays off the fact that there is much power in the written word. People would kill for it....

The R.O.D. OVA lays the groundwork for this series, but the series has a life of its own. It centers around The Paper Sisters detective agency in Hong Kong, which is made up of sisters Michelle, Maggie, and Anita. Michelle is the leader, despite being very flaky. Maggie is tall and doesn't say much, and Anita is the youngest of the group and hates books (in stark contrast to the other two). Their first client is Nenene Sumiregawa, a popular Japanese writer, who has had a bit of a lull since her last book was published due to the disappearance of a dear friend who loved her books. The sisters are hired to look after Nenene during her stay in Hong Kong (for a signing of her most recent book, which is about to be made into a movie). The job certainly has its share of unexpected mayhem along the way, stemming from a disgruntled writer's discontent about Nenene's appearance in Hong Kong and the surrounding fanfare.

Michelle is the leader of the Paper Sisters, and arguably the biggest book nut of them all.	Anita hates books, but Nenene gives her one anyway.

The first few episodes of the series introduce the targeted writer and the sisters, and identify their quirks. The interaction of their personalities gets special focus early on. Nenene's standoffishness gets countered by Michelle's boundless enthusiasm for books, and Anita is more like Nenene - strong-willed and having a no-nonsense attitude.

Did I mention that the Paper Sisters have a special ability to manipulate paper and use it as a weapon or utility? The Sisters' ability to protect Nenene early on hinges on their paper master skill, an idea carried over from the R.O.D. OVA. The irony of this is that the personalities of the Paper Sisters themselves are so engaging that their skill with paper seems ordinary in comparison. It makes for some exciting scenes, but the characters are where it's at in this story.

The first volume makes a strong showing in the audio department, with 5.1 digital surround tracks in both Japanese and English. Aside from the great surround sound effects, the show sports a highly enjoyable score - a lovely variety of tunes ranging from the adrenalin-pumping guitar and trumpet action of the OP (R.O.D., by YKZ) to the relaxing reggae of the ED (Moments in the Sun, by Kazami). The visuals are equally strong, with a clear video and fluid animation - especially where it counts. The disc is a bit shabby on extras, only containing episode previews, audio commentary (does anybody actually view those things?) and a conceptual art gallery. Though not a requirement or anything, this show is one where textless opening and ending sequences would be appreciated. I hope to see them included in a later disc.

R.O.D. the TV is something that I just know I will like throughout. I've been proven wrong on these things before, but the characters and scenario writing thus far have been most worthy of attention. I suspect that others who share my book obsession will enjoy this series as much as I expect to; and for others, I believe the show has enough individuality to spark an interest. This is one that I will be rabidly consuming.

Distributor: Geneon
Creator: Hideyuki Kurata / J.C. Staff
Released: 2003-2004

Video Quality: A+
Audio Quality: A+
Presentation: A
Content: A+
Overall: A+