Ugh, ugh and ugh. Is it just this reviewer or is there no shame amongst U.S. companies importing and "domesticating" anime for mass comsumption? While the proverbial gems like WINGS OF HONNEAMISE or PATLABOR do shine through the murky depths, many of the titles lining the shelves are pointless visual and audio drivel. U.S. Manga Corps' MY MY MAI is a perfect example.
Initially, the question that will enter the unfortunate buyer's mind as he/she is watching MAI is, "Why was this even made?!" The premise to this OVA series is that Mai, a young and perky girl, is in the consulting business and the cases she takes are paranormal in nature. However, rather than endow an eerie, supernatural and serious feel to the series, the paranormal activities are nothing more than an excuse to take off Mai's clothes in exotic and erotic ways. The two episodes on the first MAI tape include the investigation of an unlicensed doctor and a media/female-phobic rock star. Nothing too intelligent. And the 'action' that ensues is something to make related colleague SoftCel proud. Mai, through her zany adventures, manages to flash enough T & A to win herself a role on Baywatch. And that's about all there is to it.
And the fun doesn't stop there; MAI is dubbed in English, too! For those who are still naysayers to Chad Kime's "The Dodo" article, which condemns the current practice of U.S. anime companies in dubbing, they only need to watch this title. I guarantee that not more than five minutes will go by before the hapless viewer will want to either turn off the vcr or press fast-forward to get to the T & A. If there was ever perfect material for a fandub, Robotech notwithstanding, MAI more than fills the role.
I'm not familiar with any of the Japanese staff of MAI Producers Kikuchi Koji and Kawano Ruriko, director Sekita Osamu and character designer Nakayama Yumi. But I hope for their sakes and careers that MAI is only a stepping stone to get to a higher plane of anime intelligence. The anime industry in Japan is quite cutthroat and perhaps this is the only way of climbing the experience ladder. As for U.S. Manga Corps shame on them, they know better. Erotic comedy, indeed.

U.S. MANGA CORPS / 45 MIN.
Volume 1, two episodes
Dubbed $19.95
Release date Vol. 1: 10/8/96
Release date Vol. 2: 12/3/96
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