Dragons are an important part of Japanese culture and the animators of The Legend of the Dragon Kings did a great job at depicting how these majestic beasts play into the culture. The Legend of the Dragon Kings is an awesome new title (to be released November 13, 2001) and will make an excellent part of anyone's anime collection. It contains everything you want in an anime: action, adventure, an intriguing story and cool fight scenes.

     The story centers on the four Ryudo brothers who are the keys to a powerful secret and unbeknownst powers. Hajime, the oldest of the four is a teacher and a member of the board at a prestigious school. Tsuku is a heartthrob at his college and the two younger brothers are your regular high school kids. But their normal lives are turned upside down when a wealthy and powerful adversary unravels their secret, and seeks to control the band of brothers for his own devices. But his information will not be enough to control the power he is about to unleash.

     The story opens with the family knowing that they are being watched, but not knowing why. When the youngest brother is kidnapped a high-speed chase reveals that the brothers are skilled and powerful, leaving all presently surprised. When these guys kick ass, they seriously kick it, literally knocking heads off. Leaving everyone wanting a part of the Ryudo. Even their uncle is against them, siding with their main adversary in order to political power.

     The discovery of the Ryudo Brother's powers has resulted them loosing everything they have worked hard including their jobs, education, banking, and even having their utilities cut off. But when none of these actions break the Ryudo Clan, their adversaries seek to reveal their family secret.

     The Legend of the Dragon Kings is a great; it is definitely a sleeper hit. It is one of those series that make you happy to be an anime reviewer. Dragon Kings has great animation, well-developed characters and an intriguing story, that manages to maintain the anime formula while reaching further to expand the art form. These characters are more realistic despite their superhero roles, and that is what made this series so spectacular. It was a show about a tight knit family that will do anything for one another. Together, they will unleash the dragons within. The only question is, when?

     Send your comments and or questions about this article to JMinners@ybfree.com. If you are interested in buying this series go to Amazon.com.

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