Spring 2014 Season wrap-up

How about instead of lamenting my lack of writing, I just get right into it?

As another anime season comes to a close, I figured I would share with you all my impressions of what was presented to us, ne? As with every season, there are titles that surprised me, both positively and negatively; shows that disappointed me; music that stuck in my head; standard tropes that worked and didn't; overall fantasticness and cringe worthy moments. Let me go over what I felt were the highlights and the low lights.

This time around, let me go over the let downs, and the next entry will cover the rest.

Shows I stopped watching within the first couple of episodes, and wonder why I started

Is the Order a Rabbit?

As cute as this show is, it is essentially another one of those moe sleepers with no action. We've already had K-on, folks, placing it in a German coffee shop where there just HAPPEN to be a shit tonne of folks who HAPPEN to speak fluent Japanese and just HAPPEN to have the same cultural habits... ugh. If you like cute girls who look far younger than their age serving coffee and being clumsy, then feel free to watch. I will pass, thank you very much.

Kanojo ga Flag wo Oraretara (If Her Flag Breaks)

A standard boarding school harem with a supernatural twist. I lasted five episodes, then the harem part just started to develop too quickly. The extremes of the story also kind of detracted from the plot and felt really gratuitous. I was hoping for something similar to the recent Henneko (Hentai Prince and the Stony Cat), but was disappointed. It just felt like it was trying too hard to be too many things. Pass.

Riddle Story of the Devil

Apparently this show is about a classroom full of teenage girl assassins whose target is another student in the class. I say apparently, because despite giving it three tries at different times, I could not stay awake through even the first episode. If someone has watched it, and it was good, please let me know why, and maybe I'll give it another go. Or I might just save it for those nights I can't get to sleep...

Blade and Soul

Been there. Seen that. Two episodes in and I just kept thinking those two phrases over and over again. Done.

Shows I was looking forward to that didn't live up to expectations

Dai Shogun Great Revolution

I am actually a fan of these overly shonen/seinen shows with mecha, samurai, ninjas, and lots of fan service. I found the premise promising, considering the altered Edo period, familiar historical names getting bounced around, manly men and curvy women piloting mystical mechs, and a little of the harem aspect. However, I seem to have slept through over half of the season. I couldn't tell who was attacking behind the revolving femme fatales, and I couldn't tell who I was supposed to be rooting for as the love interest. It all seemed a bit convoluted, which is a real shame. I had high hopes. I might finish it (as in, go back and stay awake while watching it), but only might.

Mekakucity Actors

From the brilliant mind who brought us the Bakemonogatari series this one had a lot of hype. An original story about a group of super-powered shut-ins who all seem to be linked to this one girl who died and her father. The visuals, as to be expected, are fantastic. The play with colour is well done, and the story seems pretty decent... and I'm sure I'll finish it sometime... maybe soon... but it just...

... yeah...

Yeah. I don't know what it is, but it just isn't grabbing me. Maybe there are too many characters getting shoved into too few episodes? Maybe the timing is weird? I mean, the pacing is very odd, and the bouncing back and forth between past and present feels disjointed.

Shows that were nothing more than what you'd expect

La corda d'oro - Blue Sky

The third installment in the "corda d'oro" dating sim adaptation. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the show. The music was fantastic, and kudos to the instrumentalists they got to play the pieces specifically for the show. The voice acting - for the most part - was really good. Fukuyama Jun, Miyano Mamoru, and Kionishi Katsuyuki are some of my faves, and they didn't disappoint. The boys were good looking and there was plenty of BL undertones ripe for shipping. But, that's all it was. Nothing that made it stand out, nothing above and beyond, nothing unexpected. Also, the lead sieyuu - Takagi Reiko - was just horrible. An overly high pitched voice to make her sound more helpless, timid and young, with no real emotion portrayed. There was a real chance there - the story had potential, especially for her, and I felt like she could have done something amazing with it.

Worst OP:

Kamigami no Asobi - Loved the show, and the ED was awesome, but the opening never really brought it together.

Nanana's Buried Treasure - Didn't feel like it fit the show at all. Also, the beginning is the only thing that sticks in my brain and it is somewhat abrasive.

Worst ED:

The World is Still Beautiful - Again, loved the show. The ED was just kind of trite and boring.

Okay, so that's it for the downers. Next time, we go over the stuff you should not have missed! And if you did, you should go and watch it as soon as you get the chance!

Until then, ja ne!

Gomen nasai! Again!

Wow. I mean, wow. Over a year, eh? This must have been one messed up year! (It was, I will not go into details.)

This is another one of those posts to let you know that I will be updating soon with love from Anime North 2013, a whole bunch of squee goodness, and my impressions on this season's offerings from Japan! Not all at once... I must take baby steps...

Until the next (sooner than later) time!

Anime North 2012 - Return of the Otaku!

OMG, where to start! God, I hardly even remember what I did first!

Wait, that’s not true… the first thing I did was go and register at the media office to get my pass. It was here that I once again got to meet up and see Louisa and Charlie from last year. That’s right – Charlie!! That Charlie!! You guys know Charlie, right? The one who got me hopelessly hooked on One Piece.

Well, he once again earned a place in my writing, since he moved heaven and earth to get me an interview with J. Michael Tatum!!!! Who is J. Michael Tatum, you ask? Well, he is a prolific voice actor from Texas, having voiced such iconic characters as Kyoya Ootori from Ouran High School Host Club, Sebastian Michaelis (the butler) from Black Butler, and – my personal favourite – Doumeki from xxxHolic!!! I have made my love of Doumeki very clear in this blog space before, so I’m sure at this point you can imagine how excited I was!

Okay, I have to slow down. I’m using way too many exclamation points.

Breathe in.

Breathe out.

Breathe in…

Nope, can’t hold it in:

*SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!*

These, of course, were just some of the main highlights. I also got to go to a host club, of sorts, got to see Sailor Moon Battle Chess, see some amazing Cosplayers, watch some anime I haven’t purchased yet, learn about the start of the convention and the ins and outs of how it works, learn about the style and culture of actual male hosts in Japan, and just enjoymyself surrounded by fellow otaku!

Needless to say, it was a packed weekend, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I will retell one story from the Masquerade, witnessed by one of my travelling companions and photographers.

First, a quick description of what the masquerade is, for those who don’t know. For all of the convention’s participants who dress up in cosplay, there is a sort of talent show/fashion show where they can compete for the best costume. You have to sign up ahead of time to participate, and you have to get your tickets as a spectator ahead of time as well. This is because it is the most popular event at the convention – by a long shot.

So, this year, one of the entries was a pair dressed as Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask, dancing a waltz as the well-known piano theme played. All of a sudden, there were some scratches as the music was interrupted, and a voice came over the system. It was a male voice, saying: “My partner doesn’t know about this, but I actually have another reason for being here. I’m here to ask her to marry me.” He then gets down on one knee and pulls out a ring.

This, my lovely readers, is Otaku love. The audience went wild, Sailor Moon went into hyper-embarrassment-mode, and she also said yes. I wish I had been there, but I’m glad I at least got to hear the story.

In the next couple of weeks I’ll be bringing you other stories about the con, and links to articles about my interview with J. Michael Tatum, the resurgence of Sailor Moon, and maybe even about Cosplay culture in general.

Let me know if there is anything else you guys want to hear about!

Until then,

Jya ne!

AN Mania!!

Hello folks!

Guess where I am right now? I'm in a hotel in Toronto, getting ready for the second big day of Anime North!!

*SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE*

Yeah, as you can see, I'm a bit pumped. Needless to say, I'm going to make sure to report all about it to you guys soon. I know it's been a while, but I am bursting with energy! Ready to write! Verbosim ad nauseum!

Yes. Well. There you have it. I will be back soon with tales of adventures in Toronto!

Jya ne!

Update: Okay. So, I got my interview with J. Michael Tatum and it went SO WELL!!! It was AWESOME! I can't wait to tell you guys about it!

Why I Stopped Reading "Bleach"

I want to take a quick pause from my AMAZING lists of faves in order to address a serious issue: the beating of the dead horse know at Bleach.

**Spoiler alert! If you are watching/reading Bleach and want to continue doing so, please do not read this post!***

Okay, so I really liked Bleach. Like, REALLY liked it, and even have an entire shelf dedicated to some figurines (mmmm... Renji...).  I started reading ahead online and got caught up with the whole story. It became part of my weekly routine, since Naruto, One Piece  and Bleach all had chapters released on Tuesdays. I had a full docket! I was loving the Hueco Mundo arc, the evil-ness of Aizen, the creepiness of Gin, and the evolution of Ichigo. I loved his full-on Hollow state! I loved how he and his papa fought together! I was a little put off by Gin's true intentions... (had me fooled, for sure).

Needless to say, the final fight between Ichigo and Aizen was epic! It was well written, beautifully drawn, and had me on the edge of my seat! I immediately went to see if the anime had caught up yet and watched the fight unfold in front of me!

It was fantastic.

That is where the series should've ended.

Should've.
*sigh*
But didn't.

The next chapter takes place after the magical "two and a half year gap" that Shonen Jump top series like to take in order to refresh. Naruto did it, One Piece did it, and Bleach did it. Big difference? Two of the three did not come to a natural ending prior to the time-skip! One of them did! Guess which one!?!?!

I would've been okay with this were it not for a few things:

1. The art style felt completely different. Everything seemed shinier, and the female characters seemed poutier and... and something, but I can't put my finger on it. It's like by trying to make them look older, Kubo sensei tried to to make them sexier. I don't think he was successful in this endeavor, at least in my personal opinion.
2. Everyone else still had their powers, and just tip-toed around Ichigo who had lost all of his Shinigami powers. Didn't like that. I think the characters would be aware that Ichigo is stronger than that.
3. Nothing about how Isshin (Kurosaki-Dad) was a Shinigami. There seems to be some behind the scenes stuff that goes on, but it isn't done with enough detail, and we, the audience is left with this whole "WTF?" feeling.
4. Chad's powers revealed to be this "Fullbring" garbage. There was allusion at one point early on that, like Orihime, Chad's powers were partly thanks to Ichigo unconsciously sharing his power with those close to him. At least that's what I got from it. Either way, I didn't like this whole "Fullbring" stuff from the get-go. Does Ichigo have access to EVERY SINGLE KIND OF MYSTICAL POWER OUT THERE??? FOR REAL??

I think I got my point across. I did, however, read the entire "X-cutioner" arc. I didn't even like how that ended. Everyone gave a bit of their shinigami powers to Ichigo so that he could somehow be more bad-ass than before? Nope. Don't like it.

After that arc ended, Kubo sensei went on a short month-long haitus, and then started what has been titled as "The final arc!" And do you want to know how much I care?

Not. One. Bit.

How much of it am I going to read?

Not. One. Bit.
I'm done.

If you're big into the story right now, take my advice and stop at the natural conclusion to the story. The rest just feels forced. In fact, that might very well be the case! If it is, I feel sorry for Kubo sensei having to butcher his amazing story like that. It's just... it's just sad, really.

Okay, rant: over.
Jya ne!

Aurora’s Awesome Anime list #3

The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya

Now that I am currently unemployed (darn budget) I will hopefully have more time to bring you the best of what I've seen and read.

Check back later for the full piece!

Aurora's best of Manga! Volume 3 - Fruits Basket

#1 - The World God Only Knows
#2 - Fairy Tail
#3 - Fruits Basket

The first manga to make me openly weep, and make me think “what do I do with myself now that the story is over?”

In this 23 volume completed series Natsuki Takaya weaves a sad and emotionally wrought story about a clan who has been cursed for hundreds of years, and the ever-optimistic girl who comes to learn their secret.

Our protagonist is Tohru, an adorable, if slightly slow, high school student who has not only lost her parents, but in order to unburden her family and friends is living in a tent by herself. She soon learns that she has unknowingly built her tent on the property of the school’s prince, Sohma Yuki. Partly out of pity, and partly in desperate need of the help, Yuki and his older cousin Shigure take in Tohru in exchange for her cleaning and cooking skills. Soon after this move, another cousin – Kyo – enters the fray, and the family secret is accidentally let out of the bag: when hugged or embraced by a member of the opposite sex, these three turn into talking animals. Not just any animals, of course, but each cursed member of the family turns into a member of the twelve animals of the Chinese Zodiac, plus the cat who is part of the original legend.

Sound complicated enough? Trust me, that just skims the surface of how intricately this curse weaves sorrow and disdain throughout this family. In typical shojou fashion the tale is all about how love and acceptance heals all and solves the world’s problems, but the torment that Natsuki-sensei puts her characters her through is heart-wrenching. I don’t think I spent a single page of the last two volumes without tears in my eyes. I vacillated back and forth between happy tears and sad tears, but definitely tears the whole time.

This was one of the first shojou manga that I read, and I’m glad I read it before I watched the anime. I love the anime, but it just kind of stops… it doesn’t even introduce the entire cast! I know that it was limited by the boundary of 24 episodes, but it still leaves me saying: “but it’s not finished yet!!!”

So, I’m going to leave this review kind of short, because if I go on I would ruin it for those of you looking for a good “chick-flick” manga equivalent. I can only gush about how wonderful the story telling is so much before it becomes tired. All I can say is, if you’re going to read one, and only one shojou manga, make it this one.

Until the next time,

Matta ne!

Aurora’s Awesome Anime list #2

Back in the saddle again!!

Ok, I’m ready to admit it… I can’t keep up with a regular schedule. This new job is running me ragged (damn you MSAccess!!!), and the lack of sun is definitely affecting my energy levels.

With that said, I will try to be more diligent, and update more often than once every… Oh, dear. How long has is been?

*checks date of last post*

Seven weeks??!!?? Geez guys, I’m sorry. At least I’m here now? I’ll try to make it worth the wait.

Aurora’s Awesome Anime list #2

1. Howl’s Moving Castle

2. xxxHolic

Remember how I said that I didn’t want to play favourites and hurt my anime’s feelings? I didn’t want to be the parent that says: You’re all great, but this is the one I love more than the rest of you. This is the title that inspired that feeling, because, in all honestly, I love xxxHolic (pronounced just “holic”) more than any other anime I have ever watched, more than any manga I have read, more than anything I have ever watched ever. In fact, at the moment, I am wearing a wrist band of my favourite character from the show, and my messenger bag has the lead on it, and my set of keys has a Mokona trinket… Feel the love people!!!

This is me, at Starbucks, writing this blog! And there is
proof of the wrist band I am wearing. :)

This story is a big title from Clamp and crosses over with several other titles, mainly Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicles. It has the perfect mix of drama and comedy, horror and fantasy, mystery and mythology, that it titillates every part of my brain. While we westerners have the classic ghost stories born of twists, and urban myths to make you weary of the streets at night, Japan has a plethora of myths about ghosts and spirits and demons that populate the world and keep everything in balance.

So what’s it about? It is about Watanuki Kimihiro, a spazzy, orphaned high school boy who can see, and is haunted constantly by, spirits. One day, he is inexplicably drawn (figuratively) into a strange shop. After being greeted by a creepy pair of young girls, he is brought to Yuko, who is said to be able to grant any wish – for a price. Without asking, he is given a reading and has his wish revealed. The payment? He has to work part-time for Yuko in the shop – a wish-granting shop. Of course, this is all destined. The theme for the entire story is that there are no coincidences, it is all “fate”: Hitsuzen. Through this “hitsuzen”, Watanuki is constantly partnered up with his classmate, Doumeki Shizuka (that’s who is on the wristband!), the only son to a long line of exorcists and lives at a prominent shrine. Together they help many clients, both from this world and the other world, full of sprites and fox spirits and demi-gods.

Although Clamp’s works are often recognizable by the lithe nature of their characters, xxxHolic takes the aesthetic to the extreme, and to their credit, it works in their favour. The lanky, stick-figure-like body type works well to emphasize the awkwardness of some characters, and the elegance of others. The angular and wiry limbs also contrast the swirls and whirls that make up the atmosphere indicating the “other” world. The artwork is haunting, and hauntingly beautiful, emphasizing the spiritual and spooky aspect of the stories told.

I love Clamp’s works, but this one takes the cake for me. By far and away my number one, I watch it over and over again, and can almost recite half the episodes. Pick it up, borrow it, check it out online, but whatever you do, watch it! And if you do, let me know and we can chat all about it!

Until the next time (which I promise won’t be as long this time)!

Jya ne!

My Bad...

So, how about that post schedule I was talking about before? You know, posting 2 out of every 3 days? Where did that go? Oh yeah, HOLIDAY CRAFTS COOKING CHOCOLATE MAKING GLUING PAINTING SHOPPING PACKING-
(laboured breathing)
hah...hah...hah...hah........

Now that it is all over (THANK THE GODS!) I can resume my originally planned schedule. I will start up again tomorrow with installment #2 of the Aurora's Awesome Anime List!

So, you can wait until tomorrow, ne?

Aurora's best of Manga! Volume 2 - Fairy Tail

So do you know what it means to have glue, glitter, and chocolate under your finger nails? It means you are bad for neglecting your blog! At least, that's what it means for me. Sumimasen!

And, let's move on...

#1 - The World God Only Knows
#2 - Fairy Tail


While twiddling my thumbs between jobs I would stroll along the information highway looking for new things. One of my many stumbles was this fantastically typical shonen title: magical battles between macho guys and large-breasted women, sprinkled with humour. The thing is, Mashima Hiro sensei has created characters with such a strong sense of loyalty, friendship, and integrity, that it is easy finding yourself liking each and everyone of the members of this guild of magic users.

That being said, none of these characters are without flaws, sometimes many: Natsu is hot-headed and quick tempered, Lucy is a bit naive, Gray is competitive, and for some reason always stripping... but never-the-less, they are good people with beautiful hearts. I should also add that their beautiful bodies don't really hurt, either. At one of my previous jobs, a co-worker was telling me how her son is an avid fan of manga and anime, and that the only thing that really bothered her was the sexual depiction of women. She then pointed to the cover of my volume of Fairy Tail that I had. I then flipped through the tankoubon and came to a page with Gray, and his former sempai, Lyon, both with their shirts off, displaying their incredibly toned bodies and rippling abs. My coworker, being her wonderful self, then decided that if it was even, it was ok. We laughed, and smiled, and all was good.

I love this series, hands down. It is already over 250 chapters, with as many as 17 volumes available in North America through Kodansha Comics (Volumes 1-12 available through Del Rey). It may be formulaic, but it is a formula that works!

Now, lets hope I don't get too distracted by Christmas gift crafting again...

Matta ne!

Aurora's Awesome Anime List! Episode 1 - Howl's Moving Castle

Yesterday started the Manga recommendations, so today must be anime! Again, the selections are presented in a completely random order. We're starting off with Japan's answer to (and in my opinion, better version of) Walt Disney - Hayao Miyazaki, and his work Howl's Moving Castle.

Anime #1 - Howl’s Moving Castle

Oddly enough, this is the only work on my list by the famous and prolific Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli. I love his other works, like Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke, but the list can only be so long. I selected this one because it really is my favourite of all his works. While Spirited Away is like the epitome of the Japanese fairy tale, Howl’s Moving Castle is like Miyazakai’s interpretation of the Western fairy tale. Witches, curses, mysterious heroes, wizards, and princes all populate a village that has a very industrial European feel.

It goes without saying that it is a good movie, since it is by Hayao Miyazaki, and contains many of his usual messages surrounding environment, war, and repentance. We follow Sophie, a young lady who is leading a simple life, until one day when she overhears the Wicked Witch of the Waste talk about something she wasn’t supposed to hear. The Witch curses Sophie, aging her 60 years and rendering her physically unable to speak about how it happened. She ends up eventually in the magical home of Howl, the wizard. In Howl’s home she meets magical characters like Calcifer, the spirit in the fire. It has everything a fairy tale needs!

This film also happens to be one of the only titles I will also recommend with the English dub! Really! Once Disney stepped in to license the Miyazaki films they were able to get big names to do the dubbing. In the case of Howl’s Moving Castle we have the likes of Christian Bale as Howl, Billy Crystal as the fiery Calcifer, Jean Simmons as the cursed “Grandma” Sophie, and Lauren Bacall as the wonderfully wretched Wicked Witch of the Waste.

And so, one evening, sit down with the kids, or nieces and nephews, or friends’ kids, or just your adult friends, and put on this incredibly moving piece. If you’ve never discovered the world of Miyazaki, let this one start you on your journey.

What’s your favourite Miyazaki film? Often a good debate, so I’d love to hear your votes!

Matta ashita!

Robots! Giant Robots! Fighting! in Space!

What's this? The article is finally published? How wonderful! Would love to know if you think I'm missing a cornerstone or two...

Read it first, then let me know what you think!

Aurora's best of Manga! Volume 1 - The World God Only Knows

And so the journey begins!

#1 - The World God Only Knows (TWGOK)

I was first introduced to this title as an anime, streaming its way through Crunchyroll, and was immediately taken. The brash character of Katsuragi Keima, the protagonist known as “the capturing god”, is easily the most unlikeable likable character I’ve ever watched or read. With a catchy opening theme, a bumbling idiot savant sidekick, and a new take on an old premise, this was a show I kept my eye on.

At this point, you’re saying “but isn’t this on your MANGA list?” Yes, it is! I mentioned that this was how I was introduced to the series; I was so taken I needed my TWGOK fix faster than the episodes were coming out. I quickly looked online for the original manga, and found it was not available yet this side of the pond. In order to follow the story, I had to be sneaky, and visit a scanlation site (this would be where fans take their spare time scanning, translating, and editing the works directly from Japan). I found a good source, and as soon as it is licensed over here you can be sure that I will add it to my collection! The anime has been green-lit for North American distribution, so I’m hoping the manga is soon to follow.

You probably want to know why I like it, huh? Well, let’s start with the premise, and then it should become pretty clear. Keima is known in the online world as the “capturing god”, stating that he is able to capture the heart of any female, no matter the situation. The Demons of “New Hell” – a kinder, gentler kind of Hell – is looking for a way to capture rogue/escaped souls that have rooted themselves in the hearts of humans. Keima receives a request through his website to help capture hearts, and of course he accepts. What was not communicated was that Keima’s expertise had an addendum: he can capture the heart of any two-dimensional female, within the dating sim, or “gal game”, dimension.

Without the information being known, a cute young-looking girl falls from the sky and introduces herself as Elsie, a demon of “New Hell”. She is there as his case worker to help capture the hearts of real girls. The plan is essentially to take that space in the girl’s heart currently occupied by the renegade evil soul, and fill it instead with love (“an honest kiss should be enough”), thereby evicting the ethereal baddie. Simple, yes? Sadly, for all of Keima’s genius in the gaming world, he has zero tact or desire when live, three-dimensional girls are involved. It takes a threat of death under contract for him to kick into gear, and be able to put a show, episode after episode, where he puts his knowledge of situations in gameplay into real world practice. It’s like an anime version of meta fiction – or, metagaming I suppose? Look at me, inventing words!

I think one of the other appeals is the idea that this is a harem genre without the bumbling male lead. He is callous, arrogant, stubborn, and completely self-centred, and yet somehow, by recreating the situations in the games he plays, he is able to get girl after girl fall for him. Astounding, really.

Thus, my first manga recommendation is, um… recommended? Tomorrow, entry number one for ANIME!!

Ja nai!

New Job, New Blog Series!

As I begin a new venture, I want to strive to keep up my new blog schedule. While I will continue to write longer articles and link them here, I want to do something else, too. In order to do that I have constructed a new series about my personal favourites! People often ask me what I recommend in terms of anime to watch and manga to read, and I always find myself flummoxed. Fortunately, having my collection evaluated for study has forced me to prioritize my titles and preferences.

I took some time at the end of my work day today, and wrote down the first fifteen anime that came to mind as ones I love, and then did the same for manga. Obviously, I haven't watched or read everything that's out there, so the list has changed as a discover new gems. For now, however, I will stick to the list I've written up. I will go through it in no particular order, if only because I can't bring myself to rate them in any sort of order. It equates to a parent picking his or her favourite child - you just don't ask someone to do it.

Starting tomorrow I will count out the top 15 manga and 15 anime, one at a time, and help you all fill out your own collections, or at least your viewing repertoire. Feel free to share your own opinions of my faves, since I will not begrudge anyone for their own feelings.

I feel prompted now to ask: What's your number 1? Is it as hard for you to pick as it is for me? Do you prefer to watch or read? That's probably enough questions for you all. ;)

Until tomorrow!
Matta ne!

This Damn Article!! Grrrrrrr...

So, the mecha article that I am currently writing is taking waaaay longer than I thought it would. Although I am finally wrapping it up, I have to wait for the publication notice from my publishing site. I figured, in its place, I would give you all a bit of a teaser!

Here you go!

"The three titles I am currently watching span the reaches of near space, distant space, and the backyard of Tokyo. What is really amusing is the fact that two out of the three of these series take place within their future, but our past. Patlabor: The TV Series takes place in an alternate 1989 (the year after it was originally released) where large robot-like vehicles, called labors, were created mostly for the construction industry. What is really amusing is that after every ending credit they state that the story is completely fictional, “but in ten years… who knows?” Contrary to the man-made mechs of Patlabor, Macross’s initial incident involves the crashing of a large space ship onto on island off the coast of Japan. According to the anime, this happened in 1999, and “now”, ten years later, aliens known as the Zentradi are attacking, after having followed said starship. I must admit, I think I missed that article in the paper … Each one of these titles has something that makes it unique: the love stories in Macross, the politics in Gundam, and the humour and realism in Patlabor."

Why Naruto?

I was trolling for ideas to write about today, and one of my closest friends said: “Well, with all this stuff you write about One Piece, why do you still like Naruto better? That’s something I’d like to read.” I shall, henceforth, fulfill said desire!

Yes, lately I have been writing a lot about One Piece, the super-franchise that has taken Japan by storm and is now making its way westward. Before I was introduced to the pirates of East Blue, I was an honorary citizen of Konohagakure – the Village Hidden in the Leaves – where Naruto was known as the number one knucklehead ninja! As silly as it sound, the level of serious drama that lines the pages keep it from being considered ridiculous (as I imagined One Piece was), but has a humour that seems a perfect balance of silly and clever. I think a lot of that comes from the fact that the title character is really the only one who is lacking in the intelligence department, and he actually learns as he progresses through the trials and tribulations before him. I think the other big difference between Naruto and his shonen compatriots is that he genuinely works hard to improve himself. We watch him train, figure out how to do things, and get frustrated when he doesn’t understand. We've all been there, trying hard to be better, to be who we want to be, and finding nothing but hurdles and dissenters along the way.

I could go on and on, and probably will at a later time. For now, I leave you with this.

Lights. Sound. Live-Action!

I've had a few people ask me what I think about the current Hollywood project to make a live-action version of Akira. To be perfectly honest, I'm excited! Everyone else seems appalled, but let's think about this rationally.

Firstly, we haven't seen the script or the storyboards, so we don't know if they are doing an accurate recreation or simply an interpretation to represent Western culture. Gary Oldman seems to like the script, and he's picked some big winners in the past. Who are we to argue with Commissioner Gordon?

Secondly, the cast has still to be finalized, so all of this speculation about how "it's gonna suck if Bella is in the damn thing," is just that: speculation. It looks like they are approaching a lot of greenhorns for some of the major roles, and that can be equally good as it can be bad. All in all, if Twitch is reporting accurately, then I think WB seems to be heading in the right direction in terms of casting, but again, NOTHING is finalized, so quit your griping.

My third point: Akira is an awesome piece of sci-fi history! I mean, it is one of the only anime titles to be so well known, to the point where some classify it as sci-fi first, then mention it is anime. While Hollywood has an exceptional knack for ruining awesome stories, sometimes they get it right, and we shouldn't be so quick to judge. With the current political and economic climate I think this is the right time to revisit the post-apocalyptic world depicted in Akira. I think that we need stronger sci-fi representation in film these days, and this might be the adaptation to do it.

All in all, I'm happy anytime anime and/or manga are brought to the forefront in North America, since it needs more promotion over here if we want to keep the industry going. Think of it this way: if the WB version of Akira does bite it big time as a movie, it will just encourage people to pick up the original! So, as stated at the beginning, I am excited for the new live-action Akira, if only so that I can pass judgement on it when it comes out, and not before-hand.

Ja nai!

Lolly-gagging again...

Look at that! As soon as I say: "Oh, this is just to post until I finish writing the article," I find myself laying my writing responsibility by the wayside. Again, not for lack of things to say, just finding myself a bit lethargic these days. Looking for work and not having a structured day leads one only to procrastination!

I started writing a preface to the article I was writing, and found that it was actually better suited for the actual article, so am now thinking back to what I've written, read, and watched. Still watching One Piece, but there are 78 episodes to get through, so it might take a while. I've started watching Honey and Clover, which I've been reading since the summer. Both through reading and watching it is very obvious that this is a shojo title. It is not apparent only in the story, but also in the artistic treatment. The poetic language partnered with abstract imagery spins on the screen as Takamoto falls in love and for some odd reason remembers riding a bicycle as a kid and philosophically thinking about how far he can go without looking back. What does that have to do with the plot? Absolutely nothing. Is it artsy and trite? Of course! Does it work within the context of this story of love triangles within love triangles within love triangles (I suppose it is more of a love dodecahedron...)? Darn tootin'!

I got completely absorbed into the manga over the summer, and was stopped only by immediate availability. The wash of greys in the manga translate gorgeously into the colour of the anime. The big question now is whether I will get ahead faster on screen or will I finish it on paper first?

Any thoughts?

Mata ne!

Aaaah!

Trying to finish and article I'm writing about the mecha trifecta. Hopefully will have it done by end of day today (Sunday). Consider this a placeholder until then!

Arigato!

Finally watching One Piece

Today I had another box arrive, but this time it was a big one!! It's one I've been looking forward to, and was happily surprised at its early arrival! I now finally have my first two volumes of the Blue Exorcist manga, season 1 of Honey and Clover, Sora no Woto (Sound of the Sky) complete series, and....

...drum roll....

.....

One Piece Collection One!!!! I've had Collection two on my shelf for about a month now, so having the first 26 episodes is beyond exciting! For those who haven't read my article in (Cult)ure Magazine, I became completely obsessed with the manga after Anime North 2011. Now that I'm all caught up with the manga, I am ecstatic about being able to watch the anime! I remember clearly stating in my conversation with the article's title character - Charlie - that my original revulsion for the show came from the horrible job that 4Kids! Entertainment did for it first, and that my half-asleep impression of it was: "Wow, this is stupid."

With my newly refurbished interest in this show about pirates (ninjas still rule) I have placed disc one within my DVD player, enjoying its "new DVD smell" and all! I can already tell that the first airing of the show in Japan was a while ago, simply from the animation and art quality. Fortunately, my FAVOURITE SEIYUU OF ALL TIME, KAZUYA NAKAI, does the voice for Zoro, who has recently become one of my FAVOURITE CHARACTERS OF ALL TIME!!!! Yes, I am happy to be watching this, and listening to it.

I was about to say: "Hey! I'll let you know how it is after I've watched it a bit", but lets be honest... Kazyua Nakai + Zoro = happy camper. It could be garbage, and I wouldn't care. I'm going to return to my TV now, and watch Zoro wield some awesome swords.

Ja nai!