Angelic Layer - Divine Inspiration (Vol. 1)
Twelve-year-old Misaka Suzuhara arrives in Tokyo from the country to attend  middle school, and is immediately drawn to "Angelic Layer," a battle game  played with animated dolls. Under the skewed tutelage of "Mr. Icchan," Misaka  assembles her doll Hiraku, begins playing, and immediately wins. Although she never  does any school work, Misaka befriends kindergartener Hatoko, her older  brother Kotaro, and his rambunctious friend Tamayo. Not surprisingly, all their  socializing revolves around the "Angelic Layer" game. This 2001 broadcast series  plays like a mixture ofPokémonandChobits. Both the original  manga and the animation are by Clamp Studio, and typify their unremittingly cute  style: the character designs suggestCardcaptor Sakura, but without  any mischief to leaven the sugar. Icchan approaching Misaka and her  unquestioningly following him may strike American viewers as distinctly creepy. (Unrated,  suitable for ages 12 and older: violence, minor risqué humor, alcohol use)--Charles Solomon