I know I'm a month late for an AMV like this, but it's still pretty damn awesome. Can't say I'm a big Marilyn Manson fan, but this song fits the series perfectly. The strong focus on insanity as well as the numerous ghastly creatures make Halloween the perfect holiday representative of Soul Eater. Enjoy.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Hero of the Week: Alan
This week's hero is the hardened warrior from Mar-Heaven. I could only be talking about the dog-inhabiting fighter, Alan.
Alan isn't your typical hero. As he was sealed in the guard dog, Edward, he spends most of the day lying dormant. However, when he does get released, he can cause quite a bit of havoc to the chess pieces, even being able to fight on par with a knight. Of course this is expected. He did fight in the previous war alongside the hero, Danna. That of course, does not stop him from being badass.
He always puts the interests of the team above his own. This is apparent when taking into account his treatment of Alvis and Snow. Even though he has experienced the nightmare before, he won't rest until the world is safe from the chess pieces and the queen.
After being separated from Ed, Alan becomes one of the main fighters of Mar. He is an asset to the team and they wouldn't be where they were without him.
Alan isn't your typical hero. As he was sealed in the guard dog, Edward, he spends most of the day lying dormant. However, when he does get released, he can cause quite a bit of havoc to the chess pieces, even being able to fight on par with a knight. Of course this is expected. He did fight in the previous war alongside the hero, Danna. That of course, does not stop him from being badass.
He always puts the interests of the team above his own. This is apparent when taking into account his treatment of Alvis and Snow. Even though he has experienced the nightmare before, he won't rest until the world is safe from the chess pieces and the queen.
After being separated from Ed, Alan becomes one of the main fighters of Mar. He is an asset to the team and they wouldn't be where they were without him.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Liar Game
Since the end of Death Note, I've been craving an intelligent series filled with suspense and excitement. I came upon a little seinen series known as Liar Game. After the first few chapters, I was hooked. A week and a half later, I'm all caught up and anticipating the next chapter.
The premise is both unique and complicated. The protagonist, Kanzaki Nao, is an honest college student that gets sent 100 million yen as an invitation to take part in the "Liar Game". As the name suggests, this game encourages dishonesty and theft. The 100 million must be paid back at the end of the game by each player. Players try to steal from each other in hopes to profit from the game while driving the others in debt. A game of wits, perserverance, and pyschological torture begins, and that's just the first round.
The characters are fantastic. The other protagonist, Akiyama, is very reminiscient of L from Death Note. Whenever the situation looks hopeless, you just know he'll have a plan that can bring the team out unscathed and even profit from it. Nao also has her moments despite her constant stream of idiotic outburts. Fukunaga, the team's hot headed transvestite, is another interesting and unpredictable character that adds some spice to the series. The current antagonist, Yokoya, is a fitting rival for the genius Akiyama and makes for perfectly suspenseful scenarios.
The games the LGT come up with are interesting and clever. While they initally seem like games based on luck, many are in fact conduits for exposing human error and using it to the player's advantage. Sometimes the games get so complicated that it's difficult to keep up with the rules. I'n not gonna lie; sometimes I had no idea what was going on. Akiyama's explanations would usually confuse me even more, but at least he looked cool doing it.
Nao's noble ambition to take on all the debt herself really keeps you coming back for more to see how it all will end. As we're only in round 4, I expect this series to go on for a while. Let's hope for an anime adaptation.
The premise is both unique and complicated. The protagonist, Kanzaki Nao, is an honest college student that gets sent 100 million yen as an invitation to take part in the "Liar Game". As the name suggests, this game encourages dishonesty and theft. The 100 million must be paid back at the end of the game by each player. Players try to steal from each other in hopes to profit from the game while driving the others in debt. A game of wits, perserverance, and pyschological torture begins, and that's just the first round.
The characters are fantastic. The other protagonist, Akiyama, is very reminiscient of L from Death Note. Whenever the situation looks hopeless, you just know he'll have a plan that can bring the team out unscathed and even profit from it. Nao also has her moments despite her constant stream of idiotic outburts. Fukunaga, the team's hot headed transvestite, is another interesting and unpredictable character that adds some spice to the series. The current antagonist, Yokoya, is a fitting rival for the genius Akiyama and makes for perfectly suspenseful scenarios.
The games the LGT come up with are interesting and clever. While they initally seem like games based on luck, many are in fact conduits for exposing human error and using it to the player's advantage. Sometimes the games get so complicated that it's difficult to keep up with the rules. I'n not gonna lie; sometimes I had no idea what was going on. Akiyama's explanations would usually confuse me even more, but at least he looked cool doing it.
Nao's noble ambition to take on all the debt herself really keeps you coming back for more to see how it all will end. As we're only in round 4, I expect this series to go on for a while. Let's hope for an anime adaptation.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Funimation Co-producing Anime
If you needed any more evidence that anime is a world wide phenomenon, here it is. As localization and distribution is mostly a hands-off job, Funimation seeks to change that. They will be co-producing several new series along with the actual production studio. This could do wonders for cementing anime as a medium that surpasses regional expectations. I'll have more information when we start hearing about the titles.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Trigun: Badlands Rumble Teaser
Any fans of Trigun should be excited for the 2010 film. To help hype you up even more, the official website has released a teaser. Check it out.
Seeing Vash the Stampede move around in modern animation is definitely awesome. The film releases in April in Japan. Here's hoping for a quick sub whether it be fan made or official.
Seeing Vash the Stampede move around in modern animation is definitely awesome. The film releases in April in Japan. Here's hoping for a quick sub whether it be fan made or official.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Hero of the Week: Lelouch Lamperouge
This week's hero holds the title of Zero so he can lead the Elevens to freedom. I could only be talking about royal gone rogue with the Geass of absolute obedience, Lelouch Lamperouge.
Lelouch isn't your typical hero. Few have gone through the same amount of changes as him. While he started out as a psychotic anti-hero with questionable values, Lelouch overcame adversity and became worthy of the hero title. With help from those he cares aobut, Lelouch went through a major realization leading to a heroic feat few can even come close to taking credit for.
By shouldering the world's hate, he was able to prevent wars and discrimination, at least for a little while. Even though he exploited humanity's need to hate something, who cares about the method? Exploiting human nature is a job for the villain, and it takes guts to take up the gauntlet as a villain. The term hero isn't tossed around lightly, but the importance of the "villain" is often underplayed. "Heroics through villainy" is something I can get behind when it's absolutely necessary.
By giving his life, Lelouch will live on as a harbinger of peace through the actions of a dictator. Both ironic and clever, but if it unites the world, who cares? He will be missed regardless of the heinous deeds he committed in the beginning of the series.
Lelouch isn't your typical hero. Few have gone through the same amount of changes as him. While he started out as a psychotic anti-hero with questionable values, Lelouch overcame adversity and became worthy of the hero title. With help from those he cares aobut, Lelouch went through a major realization leading to a heroic feat few can even come close to taking credit for.
By shouldering the world's hate, he was able to prevent wars and discrimination, at least for a little while. Even though he exploited humanity's need to hate something, who cares about the method? Exploiting human nature is a job for the villain, and it takes guts to take up the gauntlet as a villain. The term hero isn't tossed around lightly, but the importance of the "villain" is often underplayed. "Heroics through villainy" is something I can get behind when it's absolutely necessary.
By giving his life, Lelouch will live on as a harbinger of peace through the actions of a dictator. Both ironic and clever, but if it unites the world, who cares? He will be missed regardless of the heinous deeds he committed in the beginning of the series.
Hunter x Hunter returning in January
I know I'm super late on this, but it's news nonetheless. After an incredibly long hiatus, Hunter x Hunter will finally make it's return in January. I don't know about you, but I'm excited that this damn Chimera Ant arc will finish this batch. I just hope it lasts longer than a few months this time.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Fullmetal Alchemist X Final Fantasy 6
Sorry about the lack of posts this past week. Not much is going on in the world of aninme and manga. I have started reading Liar Game, but I'll let you know about that another time when I'm not as tired. Now, I'll give you an nice MAD that I enjoy. This time, the cross-over in question is Final Fantasy 6 and Fullmetal Alchemist. Check it out.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Hero of the Week: Leorio
This week's hero is the seemingly greedy Emission type from Hunter x Hunter. I could only be talking about the doctor hunter, Leorio.
Leorio may not have the assassination skills of Killua or the badass hatsu of Kurapica, but there is something he does have; the unending determination to save people. While on the surface, his desire for money comes off as pure greed, but under the notions of avarice and perversion lie a noble goal; the desire to become a doctor. With the money he earns as a hunter, he will pay for med school and even the equipment he needs. He even plans on helping those who don't have the funds for expensive operations without compensation.
Leorio may be a bit behind in learning Nen, but he mostly makes up for it in physical strength. Despite his struggle, the guy has proven to be a qualified hunter.
Unfortunately, Leorio is a criminally underused character, especially recently. With the other 3 main characters hogging the spotlight, it may be unlikely at this point to wish for Leorio's spectacular comeback. Of course, I am still hopeful as there's still a lot to be done with the character. Everyone is still growing and if Togashi every gets back on a consistent schedule, maybe he'll decide to flesh out the characters that need it.
Leorio may not have the assassination skills of Killua or the badass hatsu of Kurapica, but there is something he does have; the unending determination to save people. While on the surface, his desire for money comes off as pure greed, but under the notions of avarice and perversion lie a noble goal; the desire to become a doctor. With the money he earns as a hunter, he will pay for med school and even the equipment he needs. He even plans on helping those who don't have the funds for expensive operations without compensation.
Leorio may be a bit behind in learning Nen, but he mostly makes up for it in physical strength. Despite his struggle, the guy has proven to be a qualified hunter.
Unfortunately, Leorio is a criminally underused character, especially recently. With the other 3 main characters hogging the spotlight, it may be unlikely at this point to wish for Leorio's spectacular comeback. Of course, I am still hopeful as there's still a lot to be done with the character. Everyone is still growing and if Togashi every gets back on a consistent schedule, maybe he'll decide to flesh out the characters that need it.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Old Boy Adaptation Gets Canned
If anyone was looking forward to the Spielberg remake of the acclaimed Korean thriller based off a manga, Old Boy, then I have some bad news for you. The project is officially dead. Seems there was a bit of a rights struggle going on and all parties involved didn't think it was worth the trouble.
As for me, I don't really have an opinion. I definitely enjoyed Old Boy, but not enough to worry about Spielberg butchering it. It would've been nice to see the movie get some mainstream coverage in the states, but perhaps this is for the best.
As for me, I don't really have an opinion. I definitely enjoyed Old Boy, but not enough to worry about Spielberg butchering it. It would've been nice to see the movie get some mainstream coverage in the states, but perhaps this is for the best.
Monday, November 9, 2009
The Shonen Formula Part 6: Train, Train, and Train Some More
The lamp aliens are on their way to destroy the Earth. Only our heroes, the G Warriors, can stop them. However, they are not strong enough to deal with the illuminated extraterrestrials. Fortunately, the aliens will not arrive for another a year. In that time, our heroes must train their bodies so they will be ready.
Does this situation look familiar to you? It should if you like Shonen series even a little. Sure, many characters get stronger in battle, but very rarely will they be able to grow enough to tackle the next main villain. As a result of this power discrepancy, training arcs are almost a necessity. Pretty much all the big series do them. DragonBall, Naruto, Bleach, JJBA, Reborn, Hunter x Hunter, etc. Some opt to not show the actual training like One Piece, but we know it's going on between islands.
While what is often seen as tedious cool down between major arcs, there are definitely some fun training arcs out there that serve as more than just a transition. The early Naruto training arcs come to mind. There was some nice interaction between team 8 and the training itself was pretty ammusing as well (walking up trees, walking on water, etc.).
It isn't often that we see the full pay off of the training during the actual training arc. Gotta have some surprises for the fight or things will get boring. I'm only talking about techniques of course. Strategic use of already known techniques can be pretty surprising even when extensively used during the training. A good example would be Goku's using his instant transmission against Cell with a fully charged Kamehameha. There's also Naruto legitimately using Rasengan for the first time against Kabuto. Even though we saw the full effects of the attack during the training, Naruto was able to make the scenario interesting by allowing Kabuto to pierce his hand with the kunai and hold it in place.
Some series tend to skip ahead after the training begins. The most recent training arc in Katekyo Hitman Reborn was like that as were most of the training arcs in Flame of Recca. Sometimes there will be flashbacks during the actual fight to signify what the fighter has learned during their training (usually displayed in emotional epiphanies).
While definitely a negative for some, the training arc is a necesary evil. When all is said and done, the main character must grow. He/she can't take out everyone from the beginning or else it would be boring. It seems some manga-ka are fine with only implying the training happened to move things along faster, but they're still prominent enough to mention. Love em or hate em, they're just another part of the genre we all love.
Does this situation look familiar to you? It should if you like Shonen series even a little. Sure, many characters get stronger in battle, but very rarely will they be able to grow enough to tackle the next main villain. As a result of this power discrepancy, training arcs are almost a necessity. Pretty much all the big series do them. DragonBall, Naruto, Bleach, JJBA, Reborn, Hunter x Hunter, etc. Some opt to not show the actual training like One Piece, but we know it's going on between islands.
While what is often seen as tedious cool down between major arcs, there are definitely some fun training arcs out there that serve as more than just a transition. The early Naruto training arcs come to mind. There was some nice interaction between team 8 and the training itself was pretty ammusing as well (walking up trees, walking on water, etc.).
It isn't often that we see the full pay off of the training during the actual training arc. Gotta have some surprises for the fight or things will get boring. I'm only talking about techniques of course. Strategic use of already known techniques can be pretty surprising even when extensively used during the training. A good example would be Goku's using his instant transmission against Cell with a fully charged Kamehameha. There's also Naruto legitimately using Rasengan for the first time against Kabuto. Even though we saw the full effects of the attack during the training, Naruto was able to make the scenario interesting by allowing Kabuto to pierce his hand with the kunai and hold it in place.
Some series tend to skip ahead after the training begins. The most recent training arc in Katekyo Hitman Reborn was like that as were most of the training arcs in Flame of Recca. Sometimes there will be flashbacks during the actual fight to signify what the fighter has learned during their training (usually displayed in emotional epiphanies).
While definitely a negative for some, the training arc is a necesary evil. When all is said and done, the main character must grow. He/she can't take out everyone from the beginning or else it would be boring. It seems some manga-ka are fine with only implying the training happened to move things along faster, but they're still prominent enough to mention. Love em or hate em, they're just another part of the genre we all love.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Fall 2009 Anime Openings
It's that time of the year again. All the long running anime series (mostly which consist of Shonen Jump adaptations) have received new openings. Let's take a look at the ones I care about starting with Bleach.
The song has its moments, but I wouldn't call it "good" per se. The visuals are nice and probably pretty epic for an anime-only watcher. Unfortunately, it's hard to get psyched for a filler arc even with a decent opening like this. I'm not a "purist" by any means, but I can't deny knowing what is and isn't canon can alter your opinion of what didn't actually happen.
Moving onto Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
This one is definitely high quality. Bones has been on a roll with the Brotherhood openings. Fantastic foreshadowing with Greed-Ling and Kimbley as well as Olivia's introduction along with the base faculty. I'm having a hard time deciding which opening is better; this one or the last one.
Now here's Katekyo Hitman Reborn
As with the previous OP, the visuals are impressive and do a good job displaying the events to come and seeing the real Funeral Wreaths make the jump to animation is impressive. However, the song is incredibly irritating to me. At least 1 out of 2 is better than nothing.
And finally, Naruto Shippuden
Overall, this is my favorite new opening of the season. Everything is put together perfectly from the visuals to the music. It fits great and doesn't under emphasize Jiraiya's fight against Pein like I had feared. The allusion to Jiraiya's death is fantastic and emotional. The inclusion of young Nagato's team is also a nice touch and the transition from young Yahiko to Pein is fantastic.
As usual, there were some winners and some stinkers. I would say the Naruto opening makes it all worth it seeing as it's the best one since Shippuden started. Perhaps the rest will get better openings next season.
The song has its moments, but I wouldn't call it "good" per se. The visuals are nice and probably pretty epic for an anime-only watcher. Unfortunately, it's hard to get psyched for a filler arc even with a decent opening like this. I'm not a "purist" by any means, but I can't deny knowing what is and isn't canon can alter your opinion of what didn't actually happen.
Moving onto Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
This one is definitely high quality. Bones has been on a roll with the Brotherhood openings. Fantastic foreshadowing with Greed-Ling and Kimbley as well as Olivia's introduction along with the base faculty. I'm having a hard time deciding which opening is better; this one or the last one.
Now here's Katekyo Hitman Reborn
As with the previous OP, the visuals are impressive and do a good job displaying the events to come and seeing the real Funeral Wreaths make the jump to animation is impressive. However, the song is incredibly irritating to me. At least 1 out of 2 is better than nothing.
And finally, Naruto Shippuden
Overall, this is my favorite new opening of the season. Everything is put together perfectly from the visuals to the music. It fits great and doesn't under emphasize Jiraiya's fight against Pein like I had feared. The allusion to Jiraiya's death is fantastic and emotional. The inclusion of young Nagato's team is also a nice touch and the transition from young Yahiko to Pein is fantastic.
As usual, there were some winners and some stinkers. I would say the Naruto opening makes it all worth it seeing as it's the best one since Shippuden started. Perhaps the rest will get better openings next season.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Hero of the Week: Shinji Mimura
This week's hero is the kind-hearted rebel from Battle Royale with the balls to go against the system. I'm of course talking about the athletic hacker, Shinji Mimura.
While the term "hero" can refer to most of the students forced to fight in the horrible and inhumane "Program", Shinji stands above the rest. His unending courage, his ability to take actions even when the odds are against him, the unwavering will, the plan. It's not hard to see why Shinji was one of the most popular characters while the manga was going on. No matter what happened, Shinji was vigilant to the end. In a way, he was the perfect good guy and the most likely out of all the players to get off the island with his fellow classmates still alive.
Of course, fate was not kind to the young athlete. With the dangerous stoic, Kazuo Kiriyama lurking in the shadows, Shinji Mimura met his end. However, he went out with a bang in one of the most enjoyable confrontations in the entire story. Even with the prior knowledge that he would lose, it is almost impossible not to root for him as if there was a sliver of hope. His death was indeed tragic and was one of the few that evoked an emotional response from me. When you end up crying over the death of a fictional character, you know he's gotta be a hero.
Regardless of the outcome, Shinji is a fantastic and likable character that you don't find very often. It's especially rare for a character will skills all around to be so likable. I want to say his lack of arrogance makes sure of that. Without him, the world of Battle Royale would definitely be a lot less enjoyable.
While the term "hero" can refer to most of the students forced to fight in the horrible and inhumane "Program", Shinji stands above the rest. His unending courage, his ability to take actions even when the odds are against him, the unwavering will, the plan. It's not hard to see why Shinji was one of the most popular characters while the manga was going on. No matter what happened, Shinji was vigilant to the end. In a way, he was the perfect good guy and the most likely out of all the players to get off the island with his fellow classmates still alive.
Of course, fate was not kind to the young athlete. With the dangerous stoic, Kazuo Kiriyama lurking in the shadows, Shinji Mimura met his end. However, he went out with a bang in one of the most enjoyable confrontations in the entire story. Even with the prior knowledge that he would lose, it is almost impossible not to root for him as if there was a sliver of hope. His death was indeed tragic and was one of the few that evoked an emotional response from me. When you end up crying over the death of a fictional character, you know he's gotta be a hero.
Regardless of the outcome, Shinji is a fantastic and likable character that you don't find very often. It's especially rare for a character will skills all around to be so likable. I want to say his lack of arrogance makes sure of that. Without him, the world of Battle Royale would definitely be a lot less enjoyable.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Filler Time: Gurren Lagann X Brawl
Let's get some MAD action in here. As a huge fan of both Super Smash Bros Brawl and Gurren Lagann, You could imagine how much win this video holds for me. Check it out.
Monday, November 2, 2009
One Piece Volume 0 Gets Animated
You remember that limited edition "volume 0" of the One Piece manga? The one that moviegoers checking out the 10th movie will receive? Well, it seems like the story won't be limited to the first 1.5 million viewers. The prequel will be getting an animated adaptation as well. While there's even a more limited release than the manga, I doubt we'll be waiting too long for it to wind up on the internet. I'll have impressions on both when they get scanslated/subbed.
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