Yesterday, I was at Barnes & Nobles Booksellers in Georgetown, Washington D.C., with fellow anime friends who held a party. But it wasn't just a mere party. We did this to celebrate the return of the Pretty Soldier Sailor Moon manga.
Now, to bring you up to speed, I've covered the anime series already, in post LX (60) to be exact, but I don't believe I spoke anything of the manga. Now, and note I learned some of this during the party itself, but Sailor Moon was developed from the manga Sailor V, a manga that focused on one of the 5 sailor scouts as the main heroine. This same character would later appear in Sailor Moon as the 5th scout member, Sailor Venus (ironic, eh?) However, much like how I pointed this out in other anime, the manga has different plot directions, such as one of the scouts turning evil, and even a somewhat different fate for some of the enemies. In Japan, the manga was published by Kodansha, while Tokyopop (which is no longer active) released it here for the USA.
The purpose of this party was to celebrate its return to the states, featuring a whole new translation. Both Pretty Soldier Sailor Moon and the Sailor V manga debuted yesterday, but to our dismay, thanks to weathering, much issues weren't sent initially. Even so, I did manage to take a peak at them, both licensed by (oddly fitting) Kodansha Comics USA. Now with this said, even back when it was announced, there was talk going around about a re-licensing of the anime. Now, this I can't really vouch for. I said before in the franchise review that the franchise was license by two different companies for the US, each holding 2 titles of it a piece, save for Sailor Stars (which was never dubbed). The most recognized dubbing thus far was the one done by Disney subsidiary DiC Entertainment. And by that, I speak of it being famous for not only an overhaul of censorship, but also changes in dialogue and format. Anyway, it was rumored that popular anime licensor Funimation Entertainment was thinking about re-licensing the franchise, but as of now, that's all it is: a rumor. Currently, the licensing is under Toei Animation (the same people who licensed Dragon Ball before Funimation did so for USA), with no solid clue as to when it will be licensed for US re-release, if at all.
Anywho, the party was grand, and oddly enough, that party was the first time I ever truly cosplayed, as I was dressed as Malachite/Kunzite, one of the antagonists from the first arc. I thought more would appear, but aside from daily lives, there were other reasons why some couldn't make it. As with any event done by DC Anime Club, it was advertised in the papers, though I feel a slight criticism towards one of those press release groups. I had a grand time, save that there was no food and drinks (outside food aren't allowed in the bookstore, for what I understand), but we did have games and activities, and we made our presence known. Something tells me that, thanks to this, I'll be hearing the word bishounen for a long while.
In any case, the night was great (and fitting with the full moon out, which is truly ironic) and I hope that the rumor of the anime re-licensing upgrades to a confirmed possibility somewhere down the road. Even so, I can honestly say this proudly:
"Welcome back to the USA, Sailor Moon!"
2011/09/14
CLII: "Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko"
Heaven knows how I manage to come across this, or why I'm even speaking about it, but this post just proves that one could make an anime out of anything these days. Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko is such an example, and honestly, I thought it was just a mere doujinshi series, but it turns out that this was made from a light novel, only being turned into an anime earlier this year.
The character of focus is Makoto Niwa, a disbeliever in anything supernatural (much like Kyon from Haruhi Suzumiya series) Sadly, much like Kyon, he is forced to deal with such ideals, thanks to a rather eccentric girl who was initially wrapped in a futon (a freakin' futon!), revealed to be his first cousin Erio Towa. Introducing her to him is her mother and Makoto's aunt, Meme Towa. It's early when he learns about her eccentricity, with claims from Erio herself that she's an extraterrestrial lifeform. This just adds to her weirdness, aside from having no memories from half a year ago. Between his crazy aunt, hanging around Erio, and dealing with unique people, he is going to have quite the life in this new town as a transfer student.
I'll put it like this: if you weren't that much of a fan of Haruhi Suzumiya, chances are you won't find this eyecatching either. As I said before, the anime is quite young, being created April of this year. It premiered on the TBS network in Japan, so with those two facts, it's obvious that this has yet to see licensing for the US, which means it's too early to find English voices. It's 12 episodes long, and it's run is pretty much concluded. Chances are, like with others of the sort, the manga takes another turn.
The music is okay, but honestly... I'm at a loss as to how I feel about this anime. Not that it's bad, just... odd. I still give Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko a pretty decent 7.0 of 10, despite its short length and weirdness.
The character of focus is Makoto Niwa, a disbeliever in anything supernatural (much like Kyon from Haruhi Suzumiya series) Sadly, much like Kyon, he is forced to deal with such ideals, thanks to a rather eccentric girl who was initially wrapped in a futon (a freakin' futon!), revealed to be his first cousin Erio Towa. Introducing her to him is her mother and Makoto's aunt, Meme Towa. It's early when he learns about her eccentricity, with claims from Erio herself that she's an extraterrestrial lifeform. This just adds to her weirdness, aside from having no memories from half a year ago. Between his crazy aunt, hanging around Erio, and dealing with unique people, he is going to have quite the life in this new town as a transfer student.
I'll put it like this: if you weren't that much of a fan of Haruhi Suzumiya, chances are you won't find this eyecatching either. As I said before, the anime is quite young, being created April of this year. It premiered on the TBS network in Japan, so with those two facts, it's obvious that this has yet to see licensing for the US, which means it's too early to find English voices. It's 12 episodes long, and it's run is pretty much concluded. Chances are, like with others of the sort, the manga takes another turn.
The music is okay, but honestly... I'm at a loss as to how I feel about this anime. Not that it's bad, just... odd. I still give Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko a pretty decent 7.0 of 10, despite its short length and weirdness.
2011/09/12
CLI: "Burst Angel"
The day when mecha meets the west was sooner than expected. Burst Angel, or Bakuretsu Tenshi, is a cyberpunk anime that brings East anf the Old West together, creating a title full of shooting, mecha, and a yuri element.
The world of Burst Angel has people of Tokyo suffering from an unusual and unforeseen rise of criminal activity. To this end, firearms were legalized even for lawful civilians, so that they could defend themselves. However, in addition, the Armed Police were also created, which the purpose of taking out criminals as opposed to merely arresting them. The story focuses on, however, a team of psuedo-mercenary females from Bailan, and one unlikely student that becomes involved after his encounter with one of them.
Kyohei Tachibana is a culinary student, who plans to fly abroad to be a pastry chef. Nobody would expect that he of all people would come across a shootout between a mutant and the silver haired Jo. Afterwards he would be hired by the kind Sei, and cook for her, Jo, and two other females: Amy and Meg. However, being dragged into dangerous work is just the tip of the iceberg for him. That aside, the team definitely has their work cut out for them.
Made by Gonzo, this Funimation-licensed title spanned for 24 episodes, created in 2004. Available on Funimation Channel (and perhaps their On Demand service) as well as Animax TV, this series is pretty much complete, with episodes available though means like the PlayStation Store. Three years later, an OVA was made, titled Burst Angel: Infinity. Here's pretty much who you would hear as the English cast:
The world of Burst Angel has people of Tokyo suffering from an unusual and unforeseen rise of criminal activity. To this end, firearms were legalized even for lawful civilians, so that they could defend themselves. However, in addition, the Armed Police were also created, which the purpose of taking out criminals as opposed to merely arresting them. The story focuses on, however, a team of psuedo-mercenary females from Bailan, and one unlikely student that becomes involved after his encounter with one of them.
Kyohei Tachibana is a culinary student, who plans to fly abroad to be a pastry chef. Nobody would expect that he of all people would come across a shootout between a mutant and the silver haired Jo. Afterwards he would be hired by the kind Sei, and cook for her, Jo, and two other females: Amy and Meg. However, being dragged into dangerous work is just the tip of the iceberg for him. That aside, the team definitely has their work cut out for them.
Made by Gonzo, this Funimation-licensed title spanned for 24 episodes, created in 2004. Available on Funimation Channel (and perhaps their On Demand service) as well as Animax TV, this series is pretty much complete, with episodes available though means like the PlayStation Store. Three years later, an OVA was made, titled Burst Angel: Infinity. Here's pretty much who you would hear as the English cast:
- Jo: Monica Rail
- Meg: Jamie Marchi
- Amy: Alison Viktorin
- Sei: Clarin Harp
- Kyohei: Greg Ayres
2011/09/06
CL: "Queen's Blade" series
Queen's Blade is a name I've been hearing a lot. Starting out as a game book series, many media has spun from this, obviously, an anime wasn't too far behind. Hitting the tip of the iceberg, part of its fame comes from a particularly dominant female cast.
Queen's Blade is the name belonging to a tournament held every 4 years to determine a Queen. Only women considered to be beautiful are allowed to participate. The anime focuses on Leina, a warrior who is heir to Count Vance and next in line for the throne. Traveling to Gynos, she encounters other warriors, among which being those like Risty and Melona, who also participate with their own intentions. However, they all share a common goal: to become the new Queen, they must defeat Aldar, the current Queen.
The series has very little men in it, and even at that, they are seldom involved as parts of the story, save for Cattelya's case. The series is sexually suggestive for a few reason. Two in particular I'll go over. For one thing, in the Universe of Queen's Blade, the female breasts are generally big, Cattelya's being the largest out of them. Next is regarding Melona in particular. Though shapeshifting, her hair covers up her breasts, which shows that save for those, she's wearing NOTHING up top. To add to this, one of her attacks are from there, with actions imitating... you know what, you can find this out on your own, because I clearly have no better way to address it. Even though the anime was green lit, it involves some censoring.
Hard to believe that this was actually derived from a game book called Queen's Blade, which had a sequel, Queen's Gate, involving other female characters from other game series (and particularly those with large busts, like Samurai Showdown's Iroha and Soul series' Ivy). The anime, which DOESN'T involve the other game characters, began as a 12 episode anime called Queen's Blade: The Exiled Virgin, succeeded by Queen's Blade 2: The Evil Eye, also running 12 episodes. In addition, OVAs of the series were also made, titled Queen's Blade: Beautiful Fighters, running 6 episodes. The cast list is long, indeed, so I'll say it's both subbed and dubbed. All the animations were made in the ARMS studio, licensed for USA under Media Blasters. Manga and video games were also made from this.
Queen's Blade is definitely not meant for young viewers, and it's a fairly infamous title. I score it an 8.5 of 10.
Queen's Blade is the name belonging to a tournament held every 4 years to determine a Queen. Only women considered to be beautiful are allowed to participate. The anime focuses on Leina, a warrior who is heir to Count Vance and next in line for the throne. Traveling to Gynos, she encounters other warriors, among which being those like Risty and Melona, who also participate with their own intentions. However, they all share a common goal: to become the new Queen, they must defeat Aldar, the current Queen.
The series has very little men in it, and even at that, they are seldom involved as parts of the story, save for Cattelya's case. The series is sexually suggestive for a few reason. Two in particular I'll go over. For one thing, in the Universe of Queen's Blade, the female breasts are generally big, Cattelya's being the largest out of them. Next is regarding Melona in particular. Though shapeshifting, her hair covers up her breasts, which shows that save for those, she's wearing NOTHING up top. To add to this, one of her attacks are from there, with actions imitating... you know what, you can find this out on your own, because I clearly have no better way to address it. Even though the anime was green lit, it involves some censoring.
Hard to believe that this was actually derived from a game book called Queen's Blade, which had a sequel, Queen's Gate, involving other female characters from other game series (and particularly those with large busts, like Samurai Showdown's Iroha and Soul series' Ivy). The anime, which DOESN'T involve the other game characters, began as a 12 episode anime called Queen's Blade: The Exiled Virgin, succeeded by Queen's Blade 2: The Evil Eye, also running 12 episodes. In addition, OVAs of the series were also made, titled Queen's Blade: Beautiful Fighters, running 6 episodes. The cast list is long, indeed, so I'll say it's both subbed and dubbed. All the animations were made in the ARMS studio, licensed for USA under Media Blasters. Manga and video games were also made from this.
Queen's Blade is definitely not meant for young viewers, and it's a fairly infamous title. I score it an 8.5 of 10.
CIL: "Black Lagoon" series
Black Lagoon, after resisting for so long, left one hell of an impression on me just from the first episode alone. Crime, blood, cursing, and plenty of bullets... This series sought its fans and the large prescription of action was worth it!
Black Lagoon follows the exploits of the titular Lagoon Company, who handle jobs for a good price. However, they play it rough when it comes to doing what they do, which means someone is getting killed at least. Originally a trio, Revy, Dutch, and Benny do what they can to fulfill a job by any means. Each person has their quirks, but are usually good at what they do. During a mission, they take hostage Rokuro Okajima, a Japanese salaryman and unwilling participant in a smuggling operation, hoping to get a bonus off of him. But after he is abandoned by his boss, not only is he deemed useless, but the shock became a catalyst for pushing him over the edge. After the mission was over (with a risky attack thought of by him), he becomes the pirate known as Rock, the 4th member and the unlikely heart of the group. Throughout his new life as a pirate, Rock's going to come at odds with enemy and ally alike (Revy in particular), and despite his seemingly useless appearance, he'll prove indispensable to the Lagoon. But Rock will soon learn that in a world of criminals, being soft or seeking a God will do so little.
Broken up into seasons, don't think that there's only the 12 episode title. Season 2, Black Lagoon: The Second Barrage, also has 12 episodes, and their both licensed by Geneon Entertainment. The OVA series, Black Lagoon: Roberta's Blood Trail, lasts for 5 episodes, and just got acquired by Funimation Entertainment. Despite being an OVA series, this is considered Season 3, marking a total of 29 episodes. There are also 7 omake episodes, which puts the cast in unlikely situations, just for kicks. Brad Swaile, who is known as the voice of the One year War hero Amuro Ray from Mobile Suit Gundam, voices Rokuro "Rock" Okajima, while Revy is voiced by Maryke Hendrikse.
Black Lagoon is entertaining indeed, but with all the violence, brief nudity, and constant swearing that occurs, it's a series not exactly ideal for minors. My verdict: another 10 of 10 hit! With how the anime closed off, it may or may not hold grounds for a follow up, but truly a great anime to dwell in for sure!
Black Lagoon follows the exploits of the titular Lagoon Company, who handle jobs for a good price. However, they play it rough when it comes to doing what they do, which means someone is getting killed at least. Originally a trio, Revy, Dutch, and Benny do what they can to fulfill a job by any means. Each person has their quirks, but are usually good at what they do. During a mission, they take hostage Rokuro Okajima, a Japanese salaryman and unwilling participant in a smuggling operation, hoping to get a bonus off of him. But after he is abandoned by his boss, not only is he deemed useless, but the shock became a catalyst for pushing him over the edge. After the mission was over (with a risky attack thought of by him), he becomes the pirate known as Rock, the 4th member and the unlikely heart of the group. Throughout his new life as a pirate, Rock's going to come at odds with enemy and ally alike (Revy in particular), and despite his seemingly useless appearance, he'll prove indispensable to the Lagoon. But Rock will soon learn that in a world of criminals, being soft or seeking a God will do so little.
Broken up into seasons, don't think that there's only the 12 episode title. Season 2, Black Lagoon: The Second Barrage, also has 12 episodes, and their both licensed by Geneon Entertainment. The OVA series, Black Lagoon: Roberta's Blood Trail, lasts for 5 episodes, and just got acquired by Funimation Entertainment. Despite being an OVA series, this is considered Season 3, marking a total of 29 episodes. There are also 7 omake episodes, which puts the cast in unlikely situations, just for kicks. Brad Swaile, who is known as the voice of the One year War hero Amuro Ray from Mobile Suit Gundam, voices Rokuro "Rock" Okajima, while Revy is voiced by Maryke Hendrikse.
Black Lagoon is entertaining indeed, but with all the violence, brief nudity, and constant swearing that occurs, it's a series not exactly ideal for minors. My verdict: another 10 of 10 hit! With how the anime closed off, it may or may not hold grounds for a follow up, but truly a great anime to dwell in for sure!
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