Eighth grader Ginta Toramizu, the hero of the comedy-adventureMär(2005), is the class nerd, a skinny, uncoordinated, video gamer. But he dreams about a magical world where life is more exciting. One day, a mysterious gate appears that only Ginta can see: He passes through it into the world of his dreams. With the aid of a slinky witch, he finds Bobbo, anärmor magical weapon. Bobbo resembles a metal cup-and-ball game, but the ball has a face that talks--and argues. After some initial difficulties, Ginta bonds with the recalcitrant Bobbo, and sets off for the kind of adventure he could never enjoy on Earth. Ginata's slapstick antics suggest an episode of one of the.hack//series, restaged by the cast ofDokkoida. Based on a popular manga by Nobuyuki Anzai,Mäscored a big hit in Japan, running for more than 100 episodes. It will appeal to Americans who like very silly anime comedies. (Rated Teen, suitable for ages 10 and older: cartoon violence)--Charles Solomon