Gate Keepers, Vol. 2: New Fighters!

The cast of this nutty sci-fi adventure-comedy expands as Shun, Ruriko, and the absent-minded Reiko search for more teenagers with the psychic power to become Gate Keepers and defend the Earth from invading aliens. Two new recruits join the crew at Tategami High: "Big Boss" Bancho, who's as strong as an ox and half as bright, and track-and-field star Kaoru Konoe. Romantic polygons begin to take shape as Bancho develops a crush on "Princess" Ruyriko and techno-geek Megane falls for Kaoru, who's setting her cap for Shun. When Shun tries to go undercover, the results are hilariously ineffectual, whether he's disguised as a tough guy to challenge Bancho or in drag to investigate a mysterious presence in the Sumire dorm. Between adventures, the characters squabble constantly, and the result suggests a cross between Generator Gawl and Tenchi Muyo. Suggested 13 Up: Violence, mild risqué humor. --Charles Solomon