Summary: >

As a child Yuzura was arranged to marry his cousin... a young girl named Azusa. As it happens, Azusa was possessed as a young child, by dark spirits... unbeknownst to her mother and anyone else. As the years past (and he had moved away from his cousin long ago) he forgot about his cousin. Yuzura is an ordinary guy who has a girlfriend, and is rather popular on the archery team. Azusa's mother eventually died, and she decided to visit her cousin whom she had been promised to.

Yuzura is thus put in a dilemma... he already has a girlfriend, but his cousin is obviously VERY bent on marrying him (not to mention the fact that she happens to be drop dead gorgeous). Eventually Yuzura finds out that Azusa is far more possessive than he thought, but even he couldn't imagine the darkness that lies within her.

Thoughts: >

This is a fairly dated anime (released in 1987), and the sort of horror, and animation defiantly reflect this. On the other hand, I still like to go back and watch this sort of anime, since it isn't very common now days. This show makes Fatal Attraction look like a tea party with Barney the dinosaur. Those people who liked the Mermaid Saga (also by Rumiko Takahashi), will certainly want to check out this title .

Personally I enjoyed Laughing Target, not so much because the title was exceptional, but more because I think these spooky sort of horror tales could be better represented in anime, and I find them to be a refreshing change. This title does have issues though. The main one being the rather linear plot. The Mermaid Saga always had an awesome twist in there just waiting to ambush you, but this title was just strait forward.

One thing I would like to say is that Yuzura really needs to look at his situation. I mean if you look at his girlfriend, then look at Azusa... well maybe a cousin isn't such a close relative that you could "bend" a couple natural laws. I mean your parents made the deal right? No use going against their will and you'll just have to suck it up and marry this totally hot chick. Sure she's possessed by massive amounts of evil, but everyone needs a little zest in their life right? A chick who's eyes glow in the dark could be handy as a flashlight. If I were Yuzura, I'd consider giving Azusa another chance and moving to Arkansas.

So like I said it's nothing special, but worth your time if your into the old school sort of horror anime.

Screen Caps: >