[2005] Achieving 2d + alpha + seperate layers with Managed Direct 3d?

The project I'm working on will have several image layers that need to be quickly updatable without having to redraw the entire stack of layers. I understand that Direct 3d is usually the best way to do this?

The best analogy to use would be a graphics editor that supports layers (and sub-layers) that can be individually moved/edited/otherwise modified by the user. I'd like to do this without having to redraw otherwise unaffected layers.

Ideally, I'd like to update the images via a Graphics object or at the very least, using an array of pixels that I can attach a Graphics object to. All of the layers must support alpha transparency.

Can somebody point me in the right direction towards a Managed Direct 3d tutorial specifically for this?