Orphen - The Perfect Collection
Based on a series of fantasy novels by Yoshinobu Akita,Majutsushi  Orphen(literallySorcerer Stabber Orphen, 1998) is a rambling but  entertaining saga of a pure heart triumphing over seemingly insurmountable  challenges. Orphen is the adopted name of Krylancelo, a promising young  sorcerer. Azalie, an older girl who was like a sister to him during their  training, tried to use magic that was too powerful for her--and was  transformed into the dragon Bloody August. When their wise instructor,  Childman seemed bent on destroying the dragon, Orphen left his tutelage in  the Tower of Fangs, vowing to save Azalie himself. Six years later, he's  still on that quest, joined by his apprentice Majic and feisty blonde Cleao,  plus the comic brothers Volcan and Dortin. As they wander through cities and  enchanted ruins, Orphen's story is recounted in flashbacks. The world they  wander througn is a decidedly odd one that mixes elements of feudal kingdoms,  the American West, and Europe during the Industrial Revolution.The  translation is problematic, with the English dub differing substantially from  the subtitles: the blue puppy Cleao adopts is called a "Deep Dragon" in the  subtitles, but a "Wolfen" in the spoken dialogue. The animation is erratic,  and the design of Orphen's face changes noticeably in the last few episodes.  But Orphen remains such a likable character, the viewer willingly overlook  any flaws. Note: the plastic case comes apart easily. (Rated 12 and older:  violence, grotesque imagery, nudity)--Charles Solomon