Although the packaging proclaims that this new series is from "the creators of Tenchi Muyo!", Dual! is closer in tone to a mecha version of El Hazard. Everyone at Naniyo Academy regards nerdy Kazuki Yotsuga as weird because he flinches and ducks for no apparent reason. But Kazuki sees visions of giant robots fighting in the city where he lives. When the pretty and popular Mitsuki Sanada learns about the visions, she takes him to her father, Ken, an eccentric scientist whose specializes in "dimensional physics." Kazuki's visions confirm Ken's belief in a parallel world--where he accidentally sends the two teenagers via an untested invention. In the very different parallel world, Ken heads the Earth Defense Force, commanding the giant robots that engage in stylized battles against the troops of the fanatic scientist Rara. In the best anime tradition, Kazuki demonstrates an unheard of empathy with the huge mecha Hartzenan, winning a battle for its injured pilot. But all the other pilots are girls: to hide the existence of his new star warrior, Ken puts Kazuki in drag, which leads to new problems.
The results are agreeably silly, although Dual! lacks the warmth that gives the "Tenchi" series its offbeat charm. Rated for ages 13 and up for mild profanity, sexual humor, and robot vs. robot violence. --Charles Solomon
