The story, which is set on a future Earth controlled by aliens known as the Third, revolves around a sword dancer named Honoka and her talking Kitt like tank named Bogie. The two mostly spend their time doing freelance work for clients (such as killing giant spiders). One night, Honoka discovers a magical and mystery young man in the middle of a danger-filled desert. She immediately falls for him, and together the two begin to embark on adventures together. This first volume contains four episodes titled "Sword Dancer," "An Eventful Night," "Desert Town," and "Blue Breaker."

"The Third" comes off as being a sophisticated anime series. The main character Honoka spouts flowery poetry and the plot attempts to have an elaborate back story and mythology. In reality, however, the series is litte more than shallow eye-candy, but the eye-candy is definitely worth looking at. The CGI animation, the detailed landscapes, and the eye popping action is enough to keep most viewers entertained. I just wish a little more thought would have gone into developing the story arc which will no doubt become even more tedious than it already is.

Extras: Two music videos, a booklet, character art and bios, interviews with voice actors Megumi Toyoguchi and Daisuke Namikawa and trailers for "The 3rd," "The Melancholy Of Haruhi Suzumiya," "Ninja Nonsense," "Shingu," and "Boogiepop Phantom."

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