Central Park Media has released the first volume of Japan's new wacky sci-fi romantic comedy DNA2 (squared). You know the series is going to be interesting when the main character pukes every time he tries to get close to a girl. Let's take a little look-see, shall we?

Episode 1
A girl from the future, Karin, prepares to return to the present day. She is a DNA manipulator - she can affect subatomic particles with the aid of special DNA bullets. Karin takes off in her time ship on a special mission for the future's government. In our time, high school schmuck Junta is trying to keep his cool at the apartment of school sweetie Tomako. Her flirtations cause Junta to barf - it seems he is allergic to girls! Junta leaves, vowing to someday beat his affliction and have a real relationship. Meanwhile, Karin arrives, and suspects Junta of being the Mega Playboy. However, she is doubtful after observing his reaction at Tomako's. At home, Junta bemoans about his fate to Ami, his childhood friend and the only girl who doesn't make him puke. The next day, Tomako and her real boyfriend Ryuuji have a fight because Ryuuji believes their "DNA wants them to be together." Junta is confronted by Karin, who forces him, at gunpoint, to go to a coffee shop with her. Once there, Karin tells hem all about her mission to stop the Mega Playboy. Seems the Mega Playboy sired 100 children, who each sired 100 kids, who each sired 100 children, and so on. This has caused a population explosion crisis in the future. So she is here to stop it before it begins. Karin informs Junta his DNA hasn't manifested yet, but shoots him anyway. She leaves, congratulating herself on a job well done. But Junta revives and winds up at Tomako's house. Will he become the Mega Playboy now, or simply spew again?

Episode 2
The Mega Playboy Junta leaves a love struck Tomako, just as her boyfriend Ryuuji arrives. Tomako breaks up with Ryuuji now that she's fallen for Junta. This does not make Ryuuji very happy, and he resolves to crush Junta! At school, Karin keeps Junta under scrutiny, wondering if he is really the Mega Playboy and how to stop him if he is. Tomako arranges a meeting with Junta at the coffee shop, and tries to kiss him. A normal Junta feels that familiar puking sensation, but before he upchucks, three thugs sent by Ryuuji crash the party. Junta gets the crap beaten out of him, but then the thugs start to molest Tomako. Junta tries to help, but his butt keeps getting kicked. Who will be able to save Tomako from these thugs now?

Episode 3
Ami seems to have fallen under the spell of the Mega Playboy. When Junta wakes up the next day, he finds Karin in bed next to him! Karin has conflicting emotions - she think Junta is a loser, but loves the Mega Playboy. Junta just wants to vomit, as usual. Ami arrives, and when Junta's bumbling reveals the hidden Karin, Ami slugs him. Karin realizes the Mega Playboy DNA is unstable, and if she can get Junta and Ami together, they'll have a "normal" life, and the threat will be avoided. Karin sets up the two to meet at that night's festival. Will her idea to stop the Mega Playboy work, or will her plans continue to flop?

Well, if cotton candy were to become a TV show, DNA2 would certainly qualify! The craziness of the situations Junta finds himself in keeps the story going at a quick pace. The interplay between Junta and Karin has an almost "Three Stooges" absurdity to it. Then there's those quirky "super-deformed" moments when Junta pukes, which add to the zaniness. This series is all about fun, so the creators don't let the plot get bogged down, or the give the characters uber-depth. Because of some of the sexual situations, this isn't for kids, but teens and older will get a good laugh from DNA2. Sometimes, it's o.k. to be wacky.

The picture quality of DNA2 is very good, and the animation is good, although not highly detailed because the series was made for TV, not the theatre. The audio is very crisp and clean. Extras included on the DVD include an art/sketch galley, a scientific explanation of what exactly DNA is, and the "Mega-Playboy" quiz. Are you Mega? Now you can find out!

The first volume of DNA2 was very enjoyable - I look forward to future installments. I hope the creators can keep up the hectic pace they've set and keep the comedy at a high level - we don't need no stinkin' plot! Give us some more laughs!

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