Fairy Tail Series 1
Released By: Manga Entertainment

Rating: 12

Running Time: 300 Mins

Audio: English and Japanese Dolby Digital 2.0

Release Date: 05/03/2012

Reviewed By: Sandra Scholes

Fione is a kingdom in a far away land where its people live a peaceful existence. It is also a place of great magic and magic can be traded like goods in the market place. For the residents of Fione magic is a part of everyday life, but for some, say wizards, it is more special than that, there are the wizards who are part of various guilds where they have honed their skills for the better. One guild in particular though is the best of them all, and which some of the most intriguing tales are still told today.

Lucy has the desire to become a true mage, but it will be a struggle for that to happen. While in Harujion she comes across a young man called Natsu who is a member of Fairy Tale; it is considered by many to be one of the best mage guilds around. Natsu gets into town but doesn't have much luck when it comes to travelling as he's sick all the time, yet he needs to find his way to Fairy Tail as soon as he can. Lucy wants to buy something from the local magic shop but can't use her feminine wiles on the shopkeeper. Instead, she has to settle for something else, and that is when she sees a handsome man called Salamander who tries to get her to go with him to his castle - she also meets Natsu and other girls can't help but get into the famous mage. Her meeting Natsu could lead to a wonderful friendship providing she takes notice of what he says.

Like Hei from Darker Than Black, Natsu has one hell of an appetite when it comes to food, yet that can be put down to the journey he's just come back from. He knows Lucy wants to be a part of the guild, but can Salamander offer her more than him?. Salamander is the wizard in town and Lucy thinks he is as impressive as he looks, but on a second look notices he wears a charm spell ring that can get other girls to fall in love with him - after that she thinks he is a low life - but you can't blame him for trying even if he is an impostor. With the promise of getting her into Fairy Tail, she goes along with his wish to go with him to the party, but what will happen once she gets there?

Ritsu is an adventurous type who tries as hard as he can to get what he wants, and he doesn't like it when impostors make out they are the real deal. Lucy is kind, yet easily distracted by handsome men who make promises they can't keep, but luckily for her, there is someone who can get her into Fairy Tail. The first episode establishes the characters; while the next one lets Lucy gets to meet the others at the guild. Fairy Tail Part 1 is a funny, feel good anime and viewers will realize just how many characters are in it that can provide them with an excellent time. Grey Fullbuster a talented man yet he has to rip off his clothes and wander around half-naked when he fights; Karia barely wears any clothes, and is the heaviest drinker of all the guild put together, while Elfman Strauss thinks all you need to get on at the guild are a good pair of strong fists; Loke is the ladies man of the guild, and the girls just keep on coming; Mirajane is the beauty who ends up in bikini swimsuit photos in Sorcerer Weekly magazine.

These aren't all the characters, these are what I consider to be the best of the bunch - and there are many more. it is a perfect anime for those who like watching magic and wizard anime series like Naruto, Negima and Bleach.

Bonus Material: Episode 1 Commentary, Text less Opening Song: "Snow Fairy," "So.W. Sense of Wonder," Text less Closing Song: "Kan Peki Gu-none," and "Tsuioku no Merry-go-round."

Verdict: Enter the world of Fairy Tail where it’s fun, enchanting and bursting with colorful characters you won’t want to miss.