Despite its roots as a videogame, "Arc the Lad" has a surprisingly complex storyline with fascinating characters.

While the storyline involving genetic experiments on children is far from a genre first, it is executed well enough to remain fresh. At risk of creating a pun, the characters thus far are still at the beginnings of their arcs. The stage is set, however, for more clashes between Arc and Elk as a result of a misunderstanding, and for a confrontation between Elk and his mentor regarding Elk's reckless pursuit of Arc.

Few of the characters break new ground in terms of dynamism or personality, but the cityscapes of Prodias and the island backdrops are awe-inspiring.

The dub of "Arc the Lad" leans toward overacting, giving the story a more juvenile feel than the scripts warrant. In Japanese, the nuances in tone and attitude are more noticeable, even to those merely reading the well-translated subtitles.

There is a small measure of blood and violence, and a few hints of sexuality.

With no extras and only two tracks per episode, there are few advantages to the DVD version of "Arc the Lad." Furthermore, the disc lacks a timer on the episode, making it difficult to find your place if you need to remove the DVD.

With all this talk about children being used for experiments in White House, one can't help but be reminded of Manticore's most famous genetically engineered super-being. And the actress who plays her. Whoa!

When Bob Dole takes his pill, he can appreciate the Britney Spears Pepsi commercials, but when Chimeras take their pills, they turn into vicious fighting creatures with several added appendages.

Like his airship, the Hien, Elk is full of hot air.

Love it? Hate it? Buy it.