Strangely, I'm SURE I covered this prior to making a standalone anime blog. Powerpuff Girls Z is, as the name implies, an anime based of the classic Cartoon Network hit: The Powerpuff Girls. I was skeptical at first, and plenty of the online fanbase deemed it horrible compared to the original. But alas, throgh very litte videos made dealing with them, it has a fanbase of some sort. I'll admit, even I caught on to it.
The premise isn't THAT much different from its American counterpart, but there are some noticeable changes, but I'll get to those later. The story takes place in Tokyo City, though over here, it's called New Townsville (I guess to keep in line with the PPG lore.) In this town, PPG's Professor Utonium has a son named Ken Kitazawa, who despite his age is incredibly smart (and his stature is a cross between young Utonium and Dexter from Dexter's Laboratory.) Using a new form of energy based on Chemical X, Ken fires a beam to break a glacier, the substance known as Chemical Z. Now in the original, some freak accident gave birth to 3 heroes: the titular Powerpuff Girls. Albeit different, another freak accident happens. In this case it would be black and white rays triggered by Chemical Z's impact. The black rays caused various individuals to turn evil, while the white ones, obviously, fell and came into contact with three girls: the sweet-loving Momoko Akatsutsumi, the gentle animal communicator Miyako Gotukuji, and the gutsy tomboy Kaoru Matsubara. Respectively, they transform into Hyper Blossom, Rolling Bubbles, and Powered Buttercup. Rectifying Ken's mistakes, they work together to stop these powered up villains before havoc ensues.
Debuting in mid-2006, both the anime and the 2-volume manga has aged little. Even so, the differences are plenty. For starters, as opposed to being a mere superhero action/comedy, it retains the latter 2 genres, tossing in more of a Magical Girl theme this time around. Second, as with the protagonists themselves, the cast in this are generally designed significantly different from the American cartoon. The other difference is its creation. Naturally, as it was Japanese made, series creator Craig McCracken (who made the American cartoon and Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends) was not directly involved with this project. It was co-produced by Cartoon Network Japan and animation studio Aniplex (who are known for works like Fullmetal Alchemist.) As far as actually animating it, the credit goes to Toei Animation, who also had under the name Sailor Moon and the Dragon Ball franchise. In fact, Miho Shimogasa, who was the anime director for Sailor Moon's 4th and 5th seasons (SuperS and Sailor Stars), did the character designs for this title.
In length, there are 52 episodes. Oddly enough, while it didn't see airtime in the US, all episodes are dubbed in English, thanks to the Ocean Corporation (who did English work for some of the Gundam metaseries as well as Dragon Ball Z's first 2 seasons.) As of now, there is no word when, nor IF this will be licensed for the UK and US. Never the less, Momoko is voiced by Nicole Bouma, Miyako by Maryke Hendrikse, and Kaoru by Kelly Metzger. Should you want to find it, your only bet is to hope and pray for a DVD copy in the Philippines, which is where the dub debuted. Alongside these two, a Japanese-exclusive Nintendo DS game was also made, published by Bandai/Namco Bandai Games.
PPGZ may not be everyone's cup of tea, and granted there are a few things in the anime that can cripple it, but I don't dislike it. Could have used more, but I'll give Japan credit: apart from the artist Bleedman, I never thought someone would come up with their own rendition of The Powerpuff Girls. I'll call it a 7 of 10. Not the greatest, but all the same, it's not mediocre in my opinion (though the dub is another story...)
2012/01/23
2012/01/22
CXCI: "Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack"
Returning to the sides they are known for, the movie Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack revisits the historic rivalry of the One Year War veterans, but it also dwells deeper into the newtype character the original Mobile Suit Gundam started. Chronologically, this carried on after the events of Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ and precedes the more recent Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn.
After the Neo Zeon conflict ended, Gundam ZZ heroes Judau Ashta and Roux Louka venture to Jupiter with his sister Leina. AEUG is no longer active, but conflict still lurks. The year is UC 0093. Returning to the menace known as the Red Comet, Char Aznable, who went by the alias Quattro Bajeena during his days with AEUG, returns to take up the helm of Neo-Zeon, launching a war for independence much like how the Principality of Zeon did in the days of old. However, the EFSF was prepared for such a measure one day, giving rise to the anti-insurgent force known as Londo Bell. Watched over by the Federatioon during the events of Z Gundam, Amuro Ray has since returned to the pilot seat, regaining the skills that made him the One Year War hero. Now, he serves as the Lieutenant of a mobile suit team from Londo Bell's flagship: Ra Callium. After encountering the Jagd Doga and Char's new red powerhouse, the funnel-wielding Sazabi, the ace flies to the moon, gaining the titular mobile suit he largely designed himself: the RX-93 v-Gundam (pronounced Nu Gundam), armed with the psychoframe and funnels to rival Char. While the threat of Axis is till a major plot device, for the two newtypes, it's more than that. Part of the battle revolves around the death of Lalah Sune, a person that mattered to both of them. Despite that Lalah died in the act of sacrifice, Char condemns Amuro and wants to kill him for revenge. Among Amuro's allies, Bright Noa returns as Londo Bell's commander and the captain of Ra Callium, with his son Hathaway as a pilot. The newtypes go toe-to-toe once more, with the fate of Earth at stake...
Char's Counterattack returns the 3 iconic characters to their respective sides, and features new mecha, including what's considered to be the mass production Zeta Gundam, the Re-GZ. Before Gundam Unicorn surfaced, this was to conclude the UC storyline, as the series Mobile Suit Gundam F-91 proceeded years after. Hathaway Noa takes a heel turn in the film, with his plot further stretched out as EFSF's enemy in Hathaway's Flash, a novelization succeeding Char's Counterattack, which starts in the year UC 105, after the events of this novel series. In this film, which lasts for almost an hour and a half, the voices of Amuro, Bright, and Char are reprised from their original roles, consisting of Brad Swaille, Chris Kalhoon, and Michael Kopsa respectively. The studio behind this is Sunrise, and was released for the US August of 2002. Around January the following year,, it made its television debut on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim on the Saturday block. Before the release of Z Gundam years later, this was to mark not only the supposed end to the Universal Century timeline (prior to Gundam Unicorn), but also marked the end of the first incarnation of the Saturday Adult Swim Action block, as they changed afterward.
Char's Counterattack brought the legendary rivals back on opposing sides, and scores an 8 of 10. A few differences were minor, but as opposed to the novelization, it ended with the fates of those two in a cliffhanger. Nonetheless, it is a title that found its fanbase.
After the Neo Zeon conflict ended, Gundam ZZ heroes Judau Ashta and Roux Louka venture to Jupiter with his sister Leina. AEUG is no longer active, but conflict still lurks. The year is UC 0093. Returning to the menace known as the Red Comet, Char Aznable, who went by the alias Quattro Bajeena during his days with AEUG, returns to take up the helm of Neo-Zeon, launching a war for independence much like how the Principality of Zeon did in the days of old. However, the EFSF was prepared for such a measure one day, giving rise to the anti-insurgent force known as Londo Bell. Watched over by the Federatioon during the events of Z Gundam, Amuro Ray has since returned to the pilot seat, regaining the skills that made him the One Year War hero. Now, he serves as the Lieutenant of a mobile suit team from Londo Bell's flagship: Ra Callium. After encountering the Jagd Doga and Char's new red powerhouse, the funnel-wielding Sazabi, the ace flies to the moon, gaining the titular mobile suit he largely designed himself: the RX-93 v-Gundam (pronounced Nu Gundam), armed with the psychoframe and funnels to rival Char. While the threat of Axis is till a major plot device, for the two newtypes, it's more than that. Part of the battle revolves around the death of Lalah Sune, a person that mattered to both of them. Despite that Lalah died in the act of sacrifice, Char condemns Amuro and wants to kill him for revenge. Among Amuro's allies, Bright Noa returns as Londo Bell's commander and the captain of Ra Callium, with his son Hathaway as a pilot. The newtypes go toe-to-toe once more, with the fate of Earth at stake...
Char's Counterattack returns the 3 iconic characters to their respective sides, and features new mecha, including what's considered to be the mass production Zeta Gundam, the Re-GZ. Before Gundam Unicorn surfaced, this was to conclude the UC storyline, as the series Mobile Suit Gundam F-91 proceeded years after. Hathaway Noa takes a heel turn in the film, with his plot further stretched out as EFSF's enemy in Hathaway's Flash, a novelization succeeding Char's Counterattack, which starts in the year UC 105, after the events of this novel series. In this film, which lasts for almost an hour and a half, the voices of Amuro, Bright, and Char are reprised from their original roles, consisting of Brad Swaille, Chris Kalhoon, and Michael Kopsa respectively. The studio behind this is Sunrise, and was released for the US August of 2002. Around January the following year,, it made its television debut on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim on the Saturday block. Before the release of Z Gundam years later, this was to mark not only the supposed end to the Universal Century timeline (prior to Gundam Unicorn), but also marked the end of the first incarnation of the Saturday Adult Swim Action block, as they changed afterward.
Char's Counterattack brought the legendary rivals back on opposing sides, and scores an 8 of 10. A few differences were minor, but as opposed to the novelization, it ended with the fates of those two in a cliffhanger. Nonetheless, it is a title that found its fanbase.
2012/01/20
1st Impressions: "Princess Jellyfish"
Quite an odd name for another anime dealing with otaku. Princess Jellyfish seems innocent enough, and to my knowledge, there's nothing in relation to the aquatic animal in question. It's another young title, and dubbed episodes for this anime surfaced just today, under Funimation at that. Info tells me it's rather short, so it shouldn't be TOO long before I can create a legit review on this one.
Another Kodansha manga, it received the award for best shoujo in 2010. The title of this in Japanese is Kuragehime. Should be an interesting one, so I'll fill you on my take when the dub is complete. but frankly, as much as I enjoy romantic comedies, I'm not sure how I can feel about this for right now.
Another Kodansha manga, it received the award for best shoujo in 2010. The title of this in Japanese is Kuragehime. Should be an interesting one, so I'll fill you on my take when the dub is complete. but frankly, as much as I enjoy romantic comedies, I'm not sure how I can feel about this for right now.
Ev6: Magfest X
I know it's late. Just had to organize my thoughts. Early this month, I had the privilege to work as a dealer in the convention Magfest. Running its 10th year, I found myself going back to the Gaylord Hotel and Resort in the National Harbor, MD.
The commute was bothersome, and lunchtime was a curse, but it was fun going there. The convention is unlike any of the others I've went to. For one thing, it felt more like a gamer's Heaven and Hell than anything related to anime. In fact if I must say so, it was clearly dominant of video games, even for cosplay. This fact I don't mind at all, because being there put the gamer in me into berserker mode. While there, I tried out some titles old and new, mainly Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition: Version 2012, Tekken Tag Tournament HD, EA's NBA JAM, and Dance Dance Revolution Extreme. What's more, I tried more Asian treats from the vendor across from the table I was manning, and even got to meet some of the people of the game site ScrewAttack face-to-face, even though I SOMEHOW missed James Rolfe, who is known as Cinemassacre's Angry Video Game Nerd (a webseries I'm VERY fond of.). Nobou Uematsu, known for the music from Square Enix's Final Fantasy series, was also there, and along with the concerts, everyone had a blast seeing him. Walking through there felt like an Antiques Roadshow for gamers, as old games, parts and consoles, both US released and foreign, were sold here, and even some hand-created games for the older consoles appeared.
Frankly, I'm glad I went. I felt as though I revisited my past being there, mostly from Sega Genesis and Saturn, and got some good competitions in. I felt, however, that it was aimed more towards retro gamers, as most of the tournaments dealt with the real classics from back in the days of early Nintendo and Atari. There were even pinball machines there. I don't mean the small ones you buy for your kids, I'm speaking of the 4-leg, coin-op ones we usually see in arcades and bowling alleys. Speaking of arcades, there were many, and I mean MANY arcade machines there, from Dig-Dug to Initial D to Capcom vs SNK 2. Thankfully, we didn't need to bring an overhaul of quarters to play any of them (it's enough of a hassle for travel, pass fee, and food, and if your lucky or rich enough, a room!)
Magfest X was a definite thrill, though the shift had me drinking on the first night (but then again, my old man DID treat me.) I hope the next time it comes nearby, I'll be able to have more of a fun time, and maybe get some souvenirs as well. But by then, I better be gaining an income for such a thing. Seiko once again, signing off for now.
The commute was bothersome, and lunchtime was a curse, but it was fun going there. The convention is unlike any of the others I've went to. For one thing, it felt more like a gamer's Heaven and Hell than anything related to anime. In fact if I must say so, it was clearly dominant of video games, even for cosplay. This fact I don't mind at all, because being there put the gamer in me into berserker mode. While there, I tried out some titles old and new, mainly Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition: Version 2012, Tekken Tag Tournament HD, EA's NBA JAM, and Dance Dance Revolution Extreme. What's more, I tried more Asian treats from the vendor across from the table I was manning, and even got to meet some of the people of the game site ScrewAttack face-to-face, even though I SOMEHOW missed James Rolfe, who is known as Cinemassacre's Angry Video Game Nerd (a webseries I'm VERY fond of.). Nobou Uematsu, known for the music from Square Enix's Final Fantasy series, was also there, and along with the concerts, everyone had a blast seeing him. Walking through there felt like an Antiques Roadshow for gamers, as old games, parts and consoles, both US released and foreign, were sold here, and even some hand-created games for the older consoles appeared.
Frankly, I'm glad I went. I felt as though I revisited my past being there, mostly from Sega Genesis and Saturn, and got some good competitions in. I felt, however, that it was aimed more towards retro gamers, as most of the tournaments dealt with the real classics from back in the days of early Nintendo and Atari. There were even pinball machines there. I don't mean the small ones you buy for your kids, I'm speaking of the 4-leg, coin-op ones we usually see in arcades and bowling alleys. Speaking of arcades, there were many, and I mean MANY arcade machines there, from Dig-Dug to Initial D to Capcom vs SNK 2. Thankfully, we didn't need to bring an overhaul of quarters to play any of them (it's enough of a hassle for travel, pass fee, and food, and if your lucky or rich enough, a room!)
Magfest X was a definite thrill, though the shift had me drinking on the first night (but then again, my old man DID treat me.) I hope the next time it comes nearby, I'll be able to have more of a fun time, and maybe get some souvenirs as well. But by then, I better be gaining an income for such a thing. Seiko once again, signing off for now.
CXC: "Foxy Nudes"
Very often do I see anime that has some form of newscasters as minor characters, however, I cannot say the same for those revolving around them. A rare case indeed, the hentai OAV Foxy Nudes is one of those, and frankly... I was at a loss as to how I feel about it. The original title for this is Hana no Joshi Ana: Newscaster Etsuko.
The story for this one deals with Etsuko Tamanobe, the titular character. As depicted she is the anchorwoman of Flower News, and to men, a very attractive one. She loves stories that can reel in great ratings, and should it come to that, she'll step in to make those ratings possible. Such a case occurs early when a fired businessman goes crazy, taking a girl hostage (which turns out to be the boss's daughter), yet can't seem to follow through the act of defiling her. To this end, Etsuko coaxes him into doing so with the hostage, even if it means getting her own hands dirty in these sexual acts! Normally, one would say lucky, but in a sense, I pity the newbie cameraman she has tagging along with her on this job...
Typical of hentai animations, it's not very long, only lasting 2 episodes released on separate discs, despite each being within a 30-min timeframe. It is also old, with the release of both episodes dating back to 2004. The production company behind this go by DISCOVERY, a Japanese animation group. It does have English voices, but they're mainly spotted in its native language, subtitled for English. Ashley Thrill voices Etsuko in English, and has worked on numerous related works (none of them clean, obviously...)
Frankly, I'm only glad we don't have this kind of news happening for real, otherwise, I'd be at a loss for words, as I was with Foxy Nudes. I'll go on a limb and say 6 of 10 for the hentai OAV. Not horrible in my opinion, just... hard to grasp.
The story for this one deals with Etsuko Tamanobe, the titular character. As depicted she is the anchorwoman of Flower News, and to men, a very attractive one. She loves stories that can reel in great ratings, and should it come to that, she'll step in to make those ratings possible. Such a case occurs early when a fired businessman goes crazy, taking a girl hostage (which turns out to be the boss's daughter), yet can't seem to follow through the act of defiling her. To this end, Etsuko coaxes him into doing so with the hostage, even if it means getting her own hands dirty in these sexual acts! Normally, one would say lucky, but in a sense, I pity the newbie cameraman she has tagging along with her on this job...
Typical of hentai animations, it's not very long, only lasting 2 episodes released on separate discs, despite each being within a 30-min timeframe. It is also old, with the release of both episodes dating back to 2004. The production company behind this go by DISCOVERY, a Japanese animation group. It does have English voices, but they're mainly spotted in its native language, subtitled for English. Ashley Thrill voices Etsuko in English, and has worked on numerous related works (none of them clean, obviously...)
Frankly, I'm only glad we don't have this kind of news happening for real, otherwise, I'd be at a loss for words, as I was with Foxy Nudes. I'll go on a limb and say 6 of 10 for the hentai OAV. Not horrible in my opinion, just... hard to grasp.
2012/01/19
CLXXXIX: "Tsubasa: Reservior Chronicle"
Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle is another CLAMP anime that I caught by chance, around the same time xxxHolic was spotted. In fact, they relate to each other more than just coexisting on the same channel.
The anime follows the Princess of the Clow, Sakura, as she loses her soul, which is the plot device for the protagonist. Being her childhood friend, archeologist Syaoran is instructed by the witch Yuko to venture to different worlds, recovering various fragments of her memories. Under the same order, he is accompanied by two others: Fai D. Flowright, a powerful magician with a calm, lax nature; and Kurogane, a rough-mannered ninja in search of his true strength. Throughout the series, he finds Sakura's memories bit by bit, though things may not be as they seem on the surface...
Made by the manga artist group CLAMP, the character designs and names are akin to their earlier work, Cardcaptor Sakura. Not only that, but as usual with CLAMP's works, they tie in with other titles, more so in this case xxxHolic, with Yuko and, on few occasions, Watanuki. It even spots a few references from Chobits, also made by CLAMP. Strangely enough, Mokona, another character of Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle (and ironically the name for one of the members of CLAMP), would appear there, xxxHolic, and another CLAMP title Magical Knight Rayearth. Nevertheless, Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle is dubbed already, under Funimation license. The length is 52 episodes, along with a 3-part OVA series called Tsubasa Tokyo Revelations, the 2-Part OVA series Tsubasa Spring Thunder Chronicles, and a film surnamed The Princess of the Birdcage Kingdom, based off of this anime. All of these works, as well as xxxHolic, were done in the Production I.G. studio. Quite much, but since it's CLAMP, who did other things like costume work for Namco Bandai's Tekken 6 video game, I kind of expected no less. Syaoran is voiced by Jason Liebrecht, Sakura by Monica Rial, Kurogane by Christopher Sabat, and Fai by Vic Mignogna.
Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle left a mixed feeling in me. I still see it as a little sappy today, but not as much as when i first saw it. That said, 7 of 10 should do it for this title.
The anime follows the Princess of the Clow, Sakura, as she loses her soul, which is the plot device for the protagonist. Being her childhood friend, archeologist Syaoran is instructed by the witch Yuko to venture to different worlds, recovering various fragments of her memories. Under the same order, he is accompanied by two others: Fai D. Flowright, a powerful magician with a calm, lax nature; and Kurogane, a rough-mannered ninja in search of his true strength. Throughout the series, he finds Sakura's memories bit by bit, though things may not be as they seem on the surface...
Made by the manga artist group CLAMP, the character designs and names are akin to their earlier work, Cardcaptor Sakura. Not only that, but as usual with CLAMP's works, they tie in with other titles, more so in this case xxxHolic, with Yuko and, on few occasions, Watanuki. It even spots a few references from Chobits, also made by CLAMP. Strangely enough, Mokona, another character of Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle (and ironically the name for one of the members of CLAMP), would appear there, xxxHolic, and another CLAMP title Magical Knight Rayearth. Nevertheless, Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle is dubbed already, under Funimation license. The length is 52 episodes, along with a 3-part OVA series called Tsubasa Tokyo Revelations, the 2-Part OVA series Tsubasa Spring Thunder Chronicles, and a film surnamed The Princess of the Birdcage Kingdom, based off of this anime. All of these works, as well as xxxHolic, were done in the Production I.G. studio. Quite much, but since it's CLAMP, who did other things like costume work for Namco Bandai's Tekken 6 video game, I kind of expected no less. Syaoran is voiced by Jason Liebrecht, Sakura by Monica Rial, Kurogane by Christopher Sabat, and Fai by Vic Mignogna.
Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle left a mixed feeling in me. I still see it as a little sappy today, but not as much as when i first saw it. That said, 7 of 10 should do it for this title.
2012/01/16
CLXXXVIII: "Rave Master"
Before I begin, the term Rave in this post is not applied to dance parties called Raves. Rave Master is a title where Rave is a type of stone, used to apply onto a weapon to gain powerful properties. The anime was spotted on Cartoon Network's Toonami block back in 2004, and resurface on the channel Syfy in March 2009, where the name of its channel would take place 3 months later. It concluded in September of the same year, as part of the Ani-Monday block.
The world was caught in a deadly struggle, The Great War was between two magical powers, and 1/10th of the world was destroyed during such a conflict. The catalyst for that particular event was back in 0015, where Dark Bring, dark stones that bestows magic prowess, corrupted the world. In the hands of the Raregroove Kingdom, things looked at its bleakest. The Symphonia Kingdom opposes them using Rave Stones, which were made to rival the Dark Bring. Tasked with destroying the "mother" of the said evil, Sinclaire, Rave Master Shiba Roses attempts to do so with the Ten Commandments Sword, but this causes an explosion known as Override, which took a portion of the world with it. Sheilded from danger by his guardian "dog" Plue, Shiba survives with the sword and one of the Rave Stones. However, Plue, along with the other 4 Rave are scattered.
Fast forward to the year 0016, and we center on the anime's main hero, Haru Glory. What starts as a normal day with his sister Cattelya changes when he not only discovers (and fishes up) Plue, but also encounter Shiba with intentions to reclaim him. Soon, his house is totaled from an attack by the terrorists from Demon Card. Realizing how much of a problem they cause, he is appointed as the second Rave Master, fitted with Shiba's Rave stone and his Ten Commandments Sword. Haru, alongside Plue, venture out to stop them, gaining allies along the way, such as Elie, who suffers from amnesia, and two of Demon Card's attackers-turned-allies Shuda and Sieg Hart, among others. With the world to save, and memories to recover, Haru has his work cut out for him, but like his father, he is up for the task.
Rave Master lasts for 51 episodes. Created in Studio Deen, this title was licensed by Tokyopop, which is now defunct. There are 3 video games made from this title: one for Nintendo's Gamecube, and the other 2 for their Game Boy Advance series, all made under Konami, who is known for licensing Yu-Gi-Oh! cards and games. In the English translation, a few names got changed here and there, with Demon Card being called the Shadow Guard, and the Dark Bring called Shadow Stones. Yuri Lowenthall voices Haru in the dub, with Michelle Ruff voicing Elie. In addition, Rave Master's author, Hiro Mashima, is known for creating another popular work out now called Fairy Tail.
Rave Master wasn't what I expected, granted it's a fantasy title, and aside from the islands' mediocre naming, I was entertained, so I'll give it a 7 of 10 to be nice. Not that I was die-hard for it, the title did grasp my attention, so I say that looking back on it can't hurt.
The world was caught in a deadly struggle, The Great War was between two magical powers, and 1/10th of the world was destroyed during such a conflict. The catalyst for that particular event was back in 0015, where Dark Bring, dark stones that bestows magic prowess, corrupted the world. In the hands of the Raregroove Kingdom, things looked at its bleakest. The Symphonia Kingdom opposes them using Rave Stones, which were made to rival the Dark Bring. Tasked with destroying the "mother" of the said evil, Sinclaire, Rave Master Shiba Roses attempts to do so with the Ten Commandments Sword, but this causes an explosion known as Override, which took a portion of the world with it. Sheilded from danger by his guardian "dog" Plue, Shiba survives with the sword and one of the Rave Stones. However, Plue, along with the other 4 Rave are scattered.
Fast forward to the year 0016, and we center on the anime's main hero, Haru Glory. What starts as a normal day with his sister Cattelya changes when he not only discovers (and fishes up) Plue, but also encounter Shiba with intentions to reclaim him. Soon, his house is totaled from an attack by the terrorists from Demon Card. Realizing how much of a problem they cause, he is appointed as the second Rave Master, fitted with Shiba's Rave stone and his Ten Commandments Sword. Haru, alongside Plue, venture out to stop them, gaining allies along the way, such as Elie, who suffers from amnesia, and two of Demon Card's attackers-turned-allies Shuda and Sieg Hart, among others. With the world to save, and memories to recover, Haru has his work cut out for him, but like his father, he is up for the task.
Rave Master lasts for 51 episodes. Created in Studio Deen, this title was licensed by Tokyopop, which is now defunct. There are 3 video games made from this title: one for Nintendo's Gamecube, and the other 2 for their Game Boy Advance series, all made under Konami, who is known for licensing Yu-Gi-Oh! cards and games. In the English translation, a few names got changed here and there, with Demon Card being called the Shadow Guard, and the Dark Bring called Shadow Stones. Yuri Lowenthall voices Haru in the dub, with Michelle Ruff voicing Elie. In addition, Rave Master's author, Hiro Mashima, is known for creating another popular work out now called Fairy Tail.
Rave Master wasn't what I expected, granted it's a fantasy title, and aside from the islands' mediocre naming, I was entertained, so I'll give it a 7 of 10 to be nice. Not that I was die-hard for it, the title did grasp my attention, so I say that looking back on it can't hurt.
2012/01/05
CLXXXVII: "Cyborg 009" series
Another retro title, Cyborg 009 was another Toonami entrant I somehow overlooked. Created by Shotaro Ishinomori, who introduced Android Kikaider and the original Kamen Rider, this title was hailed as the first anime dealing with a superpowered hero team made of 9 cybernetic warriors. Oddly enough, despite different creation times, it's often said that Cyborg 009 was based off of Android Kikaider, and the art of his work is similar to that of his mentor's: Osamu Tezuka, who created the iconic Astro Boy, which Ishinomori helped out on.
Cyborg 009 deals with a team of 9 cyborgs that were once human. Against their will, the secret organization Black Ghost kidnapped and converted 9 humans into cybernetic warriors. Their goal: to cause another world war, selling weapons of destruction for profit. To prevent such a conflict, and to securer their freedom, they band together to oppose Black Ghost, while dealing with other threats as well with their unwanted, but very useful modifications.
Cyborg 009 had plenty of animation titles, and the three that appeared in the US was part of it. However, only one of them featured well tolerated English dialogue and voices: that being their third series in 2001, which spanned 51 episodes, seeing daylight in the cartoon block, Toonami licensed under Avex Inc., who are the American branch of Avex Mode. Their first English attempt was the second film Cyborg 009: Legend of the Super Vortex, renamed Defenders of the Vortex, but was a poorly received attempt in English language. Aside from this there are 3 films and two other anime series: the first ran for 26 episodes, and the other ran for 50 episodes. Word is there is another set for 2012, details still unknown in regards to the plot, but Production I.G. and Ishimori Productions are said to be behind this. The title for this, at least for now, is 009: RE-CYBORG. Joe/009 is voiced by Joshua Seth, though Derek Stephen Prince sometimes voices him.
Cyborg 009 is a memorable one, scoring 8 of 10 from me. I never thought it would have such a history, but I see why this is such a big deal.
Cyborg 009 deals with a team of 9 cyborgs that were once human. Against their will, the secret organization Black Ghost kidnapped and converted 9 humans into cybernetic warriors. Their goal: to cause another world war, selling weapons of destruction for profit. To prevent such a conflict, and to securer their freedom, they band together to oppose Black Ghost, while dealing with other threats as well with their unwanted, but very useful modifications.
Cyborg 009 had plenty of animation titles, and the three that appeared in the US was part of it. However, only one of them featured well tolerated English dialogue and voices: that being their third series in 2001, which spanned 51 episodes, seeing daylight in the cartoon block, Toonami licensed under Avex Inc., who are the American branch of Avex Mode. Their first English attempt was the second film Cyborg 009: Legend of the Super Vortex, renamed Defenders of the Vortex, but was a poorly received attempt in English language. Aside from this there are 3 films and two other anime series: the first ran for 26 episodes, and the other ran for 50 episodes. Word is there is another set for 2012, details still unknown in regards to the plot, but Production I.G. and Ishimori Productions are said to be behind this. The title for this, at least for now, is 009: RE-CYBORG. Joe/009 is voiced by Joshua Seth, though Derek Stephen Prince sometimes voices him.
Cyborg 009 is a memorable one, scoring 8 of 10 from me. I never thought it would have such a history, but I see why this is such a big deal.
2012/01/03
CLXXXVI: "B Gata H Kei: Yamada's Fitst Time"
Again, I'm just thrown by the types of anime out there today. This title, B Gata H Kei: Yamada's First Time, is just as charming, yet ridiculous, as it sounds. Rightfully, all I can say is "What in the blue hell?", because like with MM!, it came as a fast ball to me, and if you checked my review, I was at odds with that one.
Well, on to the anime's story. The titular character is Yamada, her first name isn't disclosed. She is a beautiful student with just one overbearing fault: she's an oversexed 15 year old girl that is still a virgin, yet that doesn't stop her from being lustful and flirtatious. Guided by an Eros Deity (that looks like a chibi form of her with a mustache), she plans to become intimate with 100 men in her high school days. But, being a virgin is the roadblock she has to overcome, and the story really kicks off from there. Seeking the inexperienced boy, aka "Golden Cherry", she accidentally finds him: Takashi Kosuda. After an awkward first meeting, she'll go to any length to lose her innocence to this guy, but despite their different statuses in school (Yamada = popular and attractive/Takashi = ordinary and uninteresting), she could see something more to him than just being her object of lust. However, as with any romantic comedy, it's not without extra heads to mix things up.
The anime is 12 episodes long, though break them up and technically, you have 24 that's roughly... 12.5 minutes a piece. Yes, like with Panty and Stocking with Garterbelt, they are 2-in-1, save for the lame "Title made after popular media" bit. Made in the Hal Film Maker studio, this was completed, and made its run last year. Interesting enough are these two things:
Off the wall to me, I'm grading B Gata H Kei: Yamada's First Time a 6 of 10 for the time being. If it's as wacky subbed, then I'm sure that when the dub gets released, if ever, it'll be just as crazy.
Well, on to the anime's story. The titular character is Yamada, her first name isn't disclosed. She is a beautiful student with just one overbearing fault: she's an oversexed 15 year old girl that is still a virgin, yet that doesn't stop her from being lustful and flirtatious. Guided by an Eros Deity (that looks like a chibi form of her with a mustache), she plans to become intimate with 100 men in her high school days. But, being a virgin is the roadblock she has to overcome, and the story really kicks off from there. Seeking the inexperienced boy, aka "Golden Cherry", she accidentally finds him: Takashi Kosuda. After an awkward first meeting, she'll go to any length to lose her innocence to this guy, but despite their different statuses in school (Yamada = popular and attractive/Takashi = ordinary and uninteresting), she could see something more to him than just being her object of lust. However, as with any romantic comedy, it's not without extra heads to mix things up.
The anime is 12 episodes long, though break them up and technically, you have 24 that's roughly... 12.5 minutes a piece. Yes, like with Panty and Stocking with Garterbelt, they are 2-in-1, save for the lame "Title made after popular media" bit. Made in the Hal Film Maker studio, this was completed, and made its run last year. Interesting enough are these two things:
- Despite the short anime run, the manga is 9 volumes long, running from 2004-2011. Again, events unfold somewhat different, and more plot elements/characters appear more frequent in it.
- The anime, however, is licensed by Funimation, and English voices are confirmed. It's debut in English is set to begin at the end of this month. But given it's theme, it'll see a TV-MA rating.
Off the wall to me, I'm grading B Gata H Kei: Yamada's First Time a 6 of 10 for the time being. If it's as wacky subbed, then I'm sure that when the dub gets released, if ever, it'll be just as crazy.
2012/01/02
CLXXXV: "Mobile Suit Gundam"
Ah, I say this name often, partly because it's one of the mecha series I tend to live for. After covering other Gundam titles, I guess it feels only right to review the franchise origin: Mobile Suit Gundam. It is here where the titular white titan made its debut, spanning other series with the namesake machine.
The timeline here is known as the Universal Century. People have migrated to space colonies that had conditions fit for human living, monitored by the governing Earth Federation, who served a role similar to the United Nations. Independent from Earth Federation was the Republic of Zeon, located on Side 3. However, following the death of the founding leader, Zeon Zum Daikun, they called themselves the Principality of Zeon, and after amassing their guard force into an all-out military, utilizing machinery piloted by man, the term of them being called "Mobile Suits". Featuring that mass of power, Zeon soon declared war on the Earth Federation in order to declare their independence, sparking an atrocious conflict graved into history as the One Year War. The story begins 8 months after the conflict's beginning, and both sides were at a stalemate.
In the year U.C. 0079, the war was still on stalemate status, until the Zeon Army caught wind of intel regarding Project V, in which the Earth Federation Special Forces were having their own mobile suits, one of which that could play a huge part in the war. Picking them up was the newly developed warship White Base, known to their foes as the Trojan Horse. Under orders by Zeon ace pilot, Lt. Commander Char "Red Comet" Aznable, a reconnaissance team was sent to investigate the colony of Side 7. However, one of the members jumped the gun, ignoring orders and opening fire on the place, hoping to disrupt Project V. Side 7 civilian Amuro Ray stumbles upon one of the mobile suits. He then awakens the white mobile suit, called the RX-78. The name given to it was: GUNDAM. After dispatching the foes, he, along with other refugees, make an unlikely crew to serve as the E.F.S.F. flagship, led by Ensign-turned-Captain Bright Noa, with Amuro piloting Gundam. Through many conflicts and losses, it not only stood as the starting point of Amuro's military career, but it also brought forth the knowledge of Newtype pilots, and sparked a longtime rivalry with Char.
Initially intended to be longer, Mobile Suit Gundam ran for 43 episodes on TV, spotted on the likes of Cartoon Network's Toonami block. It was created in the Sunrise studio, with Bandai Entertainment licensing the animation. As such, the merchandise was also licensed by them, among which are model kits, clothing, and games (which are now under the Namco Bandai Games label.) There are also compilation films, which changed some features here and there to set it slightly apart from the anime. Nobody would expect that Gundam would become this big, as it lacked a fanbase before Bandai received the license. It's fame would erupt to a multi-title franchise we know of today, which is currently continuing with the young Mobile Suit Gundam AGE. Brad Swaile (who did other roles like Rock of Black Lagoon) voices Amuro Ray in the dub, with Char Aznable voiced by Michael Kopsa (who also voiced Commander Volcott O'Huey of the Galaxy Angel metaseries.)
Mobile Suit Gundam is a doubtless classic to what has become a common name in anime to this very day. Maybe that's saying too much, but this anime has its place in history, and in my book, scores a 9 of 10. Long live Gundam.
The timeline here is known as the Universal Century. People have migrated to space colonies that had conditions fit for human living, monitored by the governing Earth Federation, who served a role similar to the United Nations. Independent from Earth Federation was the Republic of Zeon, located on Side 3. However, following the death of the founding leader, Zeon Zum Daikun, they called themselves the Principality of Zeon, and after amassing their guard force into an all-out military, utilizing machinery piloted by man, the term of them being called "Mobile Suits". Featuring that mass of power, Zeon soon declared war on the Earth Federation in order to declare their independence, sparking an atrocious conflict graved into history as the One Year War. The story begins 8 months after the conflict's beginning, and both sides were at a stalemate.
In the year U.C. 0079, the war was still on stalemate status, until the Zeon Army caught wind of intel regarding Project V, in which the Earth Federation Special Forces were having their own mobile suits, one of which that could play a huge part in the war. Picking them up was the newly developed warship White Base, known to their foes as the Trojan Horse. Under orders by Zeon ace pilot, Lt. Commander Char "Red Comet" Aznable, a reconnaissance team was sent to investigate the colony of Side 7. However, one of the members jumped the gun, ignoring orders and opening fire on the place, hoping to disrupt Project V. Side 7 civilian Amuro Ray stumbles upon one of the mobile suits. He then awakens the white mobile suit, called the RX-78. The name given to it was: GUNDAM. After dispatching the foes, he, along with other refugees, make an unlikely crew to serve as the E.F.S.F. flagship, led by Ensign-turned-Captain Bright Noa, with Amuro piloting Gundam. Through many conflicts and losses, it not only stood as the starting point of Amuro's military career, but it also brought forth the knowledge of Newtype pilots, and sparked a longtime rivalry with Char.
Initially intended to be longer, Mobile Suit Gundam ran for 43 episodes on TV, spotted on the likes of Cartoon Network's Toonami block. It was created in the Sunrise studio, with Bandai Entertainment licensing the animation. As such, the merchandise was also licensed by them, among which are model kits, clothing, and games (which are now under the Namco Bandai Games label.) There are also compilation films, which changed some features here and there to set it slightly apart from the anime. Nobody would expect that Gundam would become this big, as it lacked a fanbase before Bandai received the license. It's fame would erupt to a multi-title franchise we know of today, which is currently continuing with the young Mobile Suit Gundam AGE. Brad Swaile (who did other roles like Rock of Black Lagoon) voices Amuro Ray in the dub, with Char Aznable voiced by Michael Kopsa (who also voiced Commander Volcott O'Huey of the Galaxy Angel metaseries.)
Mobile Suit Gundam is a doubtless classic to what has become a common name in anime to this very day. Maybe that's saying too much, but this anime has its place in history, and in my book, scores a 9 of 10. Long live Gundam.
CLXXXIV: "YuYu Hakusho"
Only one anime comes to mind when I think of a junior high student that was once dead, returns to life as a detective, and still cause ass-kicking mayhem with a potty mouth to match his toughness. Of course, by this I'm referring to Yusuke Urameshi and the anime he's in: YuYu Hakusho. Strange that my first post of the year is of a title I should have already went over. Oh well, here's the rough of things...
Yusuke Urameshi is considered a delinquent. He's known to get into fights, ditches class whenever people have pissed them off, and he is accompanied by a overexaggerated rumor to boot. However, he does tend to fight. Strangely enough, he would be the last person expected to die saving a kid, which is exactly where we see him at the very start: as a victim of a hit-and-run. Originally intent on staying dead, the mourning of those who know him: his mother, the school's principal, his childhood friend Keiko Yukimura, and even his punching bag/rival Kazuma Kuwabara, changes his outlook on being dead, and through certain trials, he is given a second shot at being alive. However, he soon learns that he can see, and do things he couldn't manage before. It's not until meeting again with the Spirit World's Grim Reaper, Botan, that he learns that he has gained powers, as well as the label of the Spirit Detective of Earth. Over time, he really starts to acknowledge his responsibilities. Instructed by Koenma, and fighting alongside Kuwabara and Botan, with later demon allies Hiei and Kurama, Yusuke gets ready to throw down at whatever problem comes his way.
A long 112 episode series, YuYu Hakusho also saw 2 OVAs and a movie featuring a few new faces. The anime is licensed under Funimation Entertainment for the U.S. Initially, it was part of the Toonami block back when it existed on Cartoon Network, but as of late, the show found itself on Funimation Channel, as with other works licensed by the company. It was censored during its first Toonami run, but after being featured on the block's Midnight Run, and later Adult Swim, it went uncut in terms of the language. Yusuke is voiced by Justin Cook in the dub (who is also known for Dragon Ball Z's Raditz), but in the movie, Rik Nagel voices him in English.
YuYu Hakusho is a ride indeed, scoring an 8 of 10. In a sense, this anime is one of the more memorable titles, still being broadcast today, and even gained more views that DBZ on its old run. However, as I stated, it has harsh language, and a few situations that may raise a few flags, so take caution when viewing, for it may not be suitable for minors.
Yusuke Urameshi is considered a delinquent. He's known to get into fights, ditches class whenever people have pissed them off, and he is accompanied by a overexaggerated rumor to boot. However, he does tend to fight. Strangely enough, he would be the last person expected to die saving a kid, which is exactly where we see him at the very start: as a victim of a hit-and-run. Originally intent on staying dead, the mourning of those who know him: his mother, the school's principal, his childhood friend Keiko Yukimura, and even his punching bag/rival Kazuma Kuwabara, changes his outlook on being dead, and through certain trials, he is given a second shot at being alive. However, he soon learns that he can see, and do things he couldn't manage before. It's not until meeting again with the Spirit World's Grim Reaper, Botan, that he learns that he has gained powers, as well as the label of the Spirit Detective of Earth. Over time, he really starts to acknowledge his responsibilities. Instructed by Koenma, and fighting alongside Kuwabara and Botan, with later demon allies Hiei and Kurama, Yusuke gets ready to throw down at whatever problem comes his way.
A long 112 episode series, YuYu Hakusho also saw 2 OVAs and a movie featuring a few new faces. The anime is licensed under Funimation Entertainment for the U.S. Initially, it was part of the Toonami block back when it existed on Cartoon Network, but as of late, the show found itself on Funimation Channel, as with other works licensed by the company. It was censored during its first Toonami run, but after being featured on the block's Midnight Run, and later Adult Swim, it went uncut in terms of the language. Yusuke is voiced by Justin Cook in the dub (who is also known for Dragon Ball Z's Raditz), but in the movie, Rik Nagel voices him in English.
YuYu Hakusho is a ride indeed, scoring an 8 of 10. In a sense, this anime is one of the more memorable titles, still being broadcast today, and even gained more views that DBZ on its old run. However, as I stated, it has harsh language, and a few situations that may raise a few flags, so take caution when viewing, for it may not be suitable for minors.
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