Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha(2004) scored a big hit in Japan, generating  two broadcast sequels, a feature-length "retelling," and an OAV. The series begins like a mixture ofCardcaptor SakuraandInu-Yasha. After a strange dream, third grader Nanoha Takamachi discovers a ferret-like creature in a nearby park: Yuuno, a being from another planet, has disguised himself in this form while he's trying to find the powerful Jewel Seeds that have been scattered on Earth. Nanoha, who has little of Sakura's insecurity, curiosity, or charm, takes these revelations in stride. She quickly develops her magical powers, but she and Yuuno encounter a rival collector, a blonde girl named Fate who's accompanied by a canine familiar.  At this point, the story veers in a completely new direction, jumping from a low-keyshojo(girls') adventure to an overblown epic involving travel through space, time and alternate dimensions. The story-telling is erratic at best. Although Nanoha has two adoring parents, two doting siblings, and two best friends at school, she's sure that a friendship with Fate will cure her loneliness. During the climactic battle, she, Yuuno, and a new ally have to seal a reactor-- although it's never been mentioned until that point. But hard-core fans of magical girl adventures may not care about these gaps. (Rated 13 and older: brief nudity, mild violence and risqué humor)-- Charles Solomon(1. Is This What You Call a "Mysterious Encounter"? 2. My Magical Incantation is "Lyrical"? 3. The City's in a Lot of Danger? 4. A Rival!? Another Magical Girl! 5. This is a Town of Hot Water, Uminari Hot Springs! 6. Feelings That Can't Be Understood? 7. The Third Mage!?   8. There's A Really Big Crisis? 9. The Decisive Battle Above the Ocean! 10. Everybody's Seperate Heart-felt Vows, 11. Memories That Lie Beyond Time, 12. The Time of the Sealing of Our Fates, 13. Call My Name)