December 31, 2007

Happy Poopsies New Year!

kenshin and kaoru fireworksHere's to wishing everyone a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Thanks to everyone who has been supporting Poopsies (we wish we could get to know you all). We hope to keep seeing you this coming 2008 (and for the next year and the next and the next)!

I know I said there'd be some updates soon, but due to a very, very busy schedule, I have to resume writing on January 2. So I hope you'll all be online to read it ^^;

Once again, we wish that you have a VERY HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!!

December 29, 2007

Top 10 Anime for 2007

solaAccording to Yahoo Japan (and dannychoo.com), the Top 10 Anime for 2007 are as follows:

1. sola
2. Lucky Star
3. Katei Kyoshi Hitman Reborn
4. Ookiku Furi Kabutte
5. Higurashi
6. Gintama
7. Nanoha StrikerS
8. Nanatsuiro Drops
9. Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei
10. Hidamari Sketch

The results were obtained based on a poll by Y! Japan. 2 million people voted, and the top three's votes are as follows:

sola - 340,000
Lucky Star - 160,000
Hitman Reborn - 130,000

On a side note, all these Top [insert # here] lists are popping up like crazy these days. End-of-the-years won't be complete without them ~v~

December 26, 2007

Kristin Kreuk = Chun-Li?

chun liCan you imagine Kristin Kreuk as Chun-Li? I'm sure practically everyone who reads this entry knows what Chun-Li looks like, and any fan of Superman must have seen Kristin Kreuk at least once (from Smallville). So, any comments on this?

I think I'm going too fast. For those who aren't aware yet, there's an upcoming Street Fighter movie that revolves around Chun-Li this time. The title? Street Fighter: Legend of Chun-Li. It's set to come out next year. Filming starts March next year too, in Thailand.

An early version of the script has been acquired and it says that the Street Fighter: Legend of Chun-Li will deal with Chun-Li's revenge:

Chun-Li's father was taken by Bison when she was just a child and was unaware of this. Well, not until her mother's death and not until she meets a character called Gen who tells Chun-Li that her father's still alive with Bison. She trains with Gen to become better at fighting, hence, she is the street fighter.

Apparently, there's not much emphasis on other characters, unless they actually show up in the movie. So far, there's Chun-Li, Gen, Nash (an Interpol police who helps Chun-Li), Bison, Vega and Balrog. The rest are just minions who are part of Bison's Shadow Law Organization.

I'm really wondering how they'd make the fight scenes here. I hope Kristin Kreuk trains hard and does Chun-Li's character justice. I think Kristin Kreuk should put some weight around her thighs, otherwise, a part of Chun-Li's essence will be removed: those strong, massive thighs that are agile enough to do a helicopter kick!

December 24, 2007

A Very Merry Christmas to Everyone!

anime christmasChristmas eve today and everyone's been super busy with preparations these past few days. I've been busy too, but not too busy to wish you all a very Merry Christmas!!!

I'll do a regular post on the 26th (and probably Jeff will have time to post an entry or two too). What you can expect to see on Poopsies on these following days:

- a review on the Lilics Chii figure
- a review on the Capcom Morrigan figure
- a review on the GSC Lucy figure
- a review on Guitar Hero Encore
- a review on Guitar Hero III

Yep. I finally got my hands on a copy of Guitar Hero III and I've been playing like crazy. So yeah...that's part of what's keeping my busy too lol.

Well, we're all preparing for parties and such so I won't keep this entry any longer! Enjoy the holidays everyone!

December 21, 2007

The raging hormones of high school kids

boys be...Title: Boys Be...
Episodes: 13
Studio: Hal Film Maker
Genre: Shounen

Boys Be... is one of the anime series that I really enjoyed. I can't say that it has a list on my 'favorites' list, but it's something that I think I related to. Boys Be... is very realistic in terms of plot since it deals with the lives of six ordinary high school friends who are all looking for two things in their lives: love and a relationship.

So you meet six adolescents, right? There's Kyoichi who finds it difficult to tell his childhood friend, Chiharu, his feelings for her. Chiharu, likes Kyoichi back but can't tell him so she enters another relationship. Yoshihiko is a guy who's good in baseball but has no passion for it and he runs into a lot of pretty girls. Makoto, Yoshihiko and Kyoichi's friend, believes that love can be calculated and he keeps a record of all the pretty girls he sees. Yumi is in love with Makoto but she doesn't have the confidence in herself. Finally there's Aki who is in a long-distance relationship with her photographer boyfriend.

The lives of Kyoichi, Chiharu and their friends is something that anyone who has ever experienced the ups and downs of adolescence can relate to. It's a down-to-earth story that doesn't really complicate things. Well of course, when you're a teenager, everything just seems complicated - even when they're not. So if you want to relieve your teenage years, Boys Be... is one way to do it.

At the start and end of each episode is a quote that would reflect the "mood" of that episode. They're all so lovely so to end this post, I'll list down those quotes for everyone to read! (Btw, you might notice that they're all referencing a certain season - that's because the series seems to happen in a span of one year, covering all four seasons.)

"Cherry blossoms, the noble flower, witness to many an encounter over time. Cherry blossoms, the vain flower, have watched many a farewell. And again this year they bloom to watch over a lot of faint but painful feelings in the season of beginnings called spring."

"Nice memories have their own scent. Whenever you are veiled in its scent, Your heart can always return to your unforgettable past. Together with your own scenery that will never fade."

"There are many books in the library. Each book has a wonderful story that will never happen in reality. But as you fall in love, reality becomes a wonderful story, better than any novel."

"No one can stop the flow of time. But a moment captured in the frame of the heart will never disappear. That will be shown at the bottom of their hearts, and will always give off a great feeling. Sweet...and bitter."

"The color blue has a soothing effect on people. All their stresses and troubles are absorbed by the blue. Awakening honest souls which have no lies. Summer is the season...that is colored in blue."

"Not many people know when love really starts... More than a friend, but not quite lovers. A delicate relationship like this changes gradually once it is noticed, and keeps on blossoming, Just like the changing seasons."

"The summer days blow through fiercely. With the buried feeling that something is going to happen... Over a summer storm, Soon, the season will change..."

"With summer's raucous noises, a simple dream seen in spring has turned into a simple heartbreak. The melancholy autumn wind speaks quietly of its meaning...Your heart's true self..."

"In the autumn it is said that the reason why leaves fall down from the branch is to make way for new leaves to grow. No matter how sad the fallen leaves look, there will always be new sprouts in the spring. Perhaps, emptiness in the heart is something similar to that."

"All sound has died out, and the cold, dark night fills the room. Unable to go to sleep, holding on to the covers. Suddenly, that's when it strikes, as if my chest was being crushed in pain and wanted to cry. A painful and uneasy feeling. Yes, from the depths of my heart, a thing called "loneliness" will come..."

"Snow covers everything in white. It covers the sadness, softly. If there is happiness, it decorates it beautifully. The snow continues to fall..."

"An ending will come to everything in this world. It may be a fate that one could never avoid."

"There is nothing that really changes, there is nothing that really ends. It's hard to admit, but that is reality. One season ends, and another season begins."

And at the end of episode 13...

It must only be a matter of a moment once it's gone...
We should probably be able to laugh at it someday.
But the feeling will stay forever in the depths of the heart.
It's precious, only here for now. It's our season.
So, one season ends, and a new one begins...

December 20, 2007

Gatchaman has alien invasions!

IESB.net managed to talk to Gatchaman directors, Kevin Munroe and Tom Tanaka.

The city is called Utoland and the story is set in the year 21xx. Munroe says that there's politics, terrorism and economics within the movie's plot... Oh and check this: alien invasion.

I think "Alien invasion" is going to make me watch Gatchaman lol ^^;

Anyway, here are the really cool hi-res concept art for Gatchaman. Unfortunately, these are all there are so far. So be contented >0<

Gatchaman concept art Gatchaman concept art Gatchaman concept art

December 19, 2007

The sweet-faced assassin

kiteTitle: Kite
Episodes: 2
Studio: Green Bunny
Genre: Psychological, Film Noir

I think I started too early on Kite. It was a good thing that my copy of Kite was the edited one so a lot of the heavy graphic scenes and such were cut out. Buuut, curiosity always gets the best of me, so I looked for the director's cut. It left me quite speechless after. It's definitely not for kids with all the excessive violence, sexual scenes, more violence and a whole lot of sexual scenes. The morals reflected throughout the movie isn't also something that should be taken lightly. It's twisted, sadistic and just wrong.

Aside from a bit of spoilers from here on, the summary contains things not suitable for humans 18 below. Okay, maybe 16 below.

Kite is about a young girl named Sawa. Her parents were murdered when she was still a kid and she was taken in by a police officer named Akai and his assistant, Kanie. Akai then trains Sawa to become the perfect assassin while he forces her to become his sex slave despite Sawa being in her early teens. Sawa kills whomever Akai tells her to kill and she becomes famous especially because of the special bullets that she uses.

Sawa then meets another young assassin named Oburi with whom she starts hanging out with and makes plans to run away with. Of course, Akai and Kanie won't easily let their best assassin escape just like that. Akai threatens to kill Oburi if Sawa doesn't come back to him. What follows is a series of revelations, violence, rape, et cetera, et cetera.

Disregarding the really gross sex scenes between Akai and Sawa, I found Kite quite enjoyable. I mean, sure it was twisted and all but there's a deeper meaning to everything that's been happening in Sawa's life. Or maybe I'm just thinking about it too much, and Kite is basically just some lolicon pornography of sorts.

Well I think that the story of Kite just revolves around a girl who wakes up one day, realizing that the things she thought to be right were actually wrong. Knowing this, she wants to correct her life and move on, forgetting everything bad that has happened to her. Putting it this simply, I guess anyone can relate to it. So if you're after the story itself, get the general release version of Kite. If you're after the story and how it was "supposedly" animated in actuality, get the director's cut. If you're after the porn (seeing how pretty Sawa is), get the special edition.

And no, you didn't just read the three different releases here. Okay? ^0^

December 18, 2007

The anti-climactic end of Hitokiri Battousai

rurouni kenshin ova seisouhenTitle: Rurouni Kenshin: Seisouhen
Episodes: 2
Studio: Studio Deen
Genre: Seinen

Rurouni Kenshin (Samurai X) is the first samurai-themed anime that I've watched and loved. I watched the whole series more than five times so when I learned that an ending was made, I wanted to watch it as soon as I could. I was excited and I kept imagining what kind of fight Kenshin would perish in and who will kill him. As a fan of Saito, I kept hoping that the former Shinsengumi captain will bring Kenshin's end.

I finally had a copy of the OVA - Rurouni Kenshin: Seisouhen, seisouhen loosely translates to reflection. So I watched and eagerly waited for that final duel that will end Kenshin's life. I waited without blinking. Waited until I had to change to disc 2. Waited some more. Then the credits finally rolled. Flabbergasted, I rewound the whole OVA inside my head but found no ultimate fight. Instead, I realized that Kenshin, the greatest swordsman in all of Japan, died in the hands of.... SPOILERS FROM HERE ON!!!

...some uncurable disease. Yep. I was really disappointed.

How did that happen? Well after the storyline of the series, Kenshin got married to Kaoru but still thought that he didn't deserve the right to be happy with all the crimes that he committed as a hitokiri. So he goes off to aid in the First Sino-Japanese War - not as part of the troops, but as part of the medical team...something like that. Before he goes off, he contracts some sort of disease and Kaoru makes Kenshin give it to her by means of sexual intercourse. So they both have that disease, Kenji (their son) is with Hiko training, Yahiko is training too and Sano is a fugitive. That pretty much describes the whole setting.

Anyway, Kenshin becomes to weak to go home so Sano finds him and helps him go back to Kaoru. Skip the drama, Kenshin and Kaoru die in the arms of each other, under sakura trees. I was expecting a really cool fight, more awesome that Kenshin's fights with Saito, Shishio, Shogo and Enishi. But noooo. Kenshin had to die because he was too weak to fight off this weird disease.

In hindsight, and now that I'm a bit more level-headed when it comes to these things, I guess that Seisouhen's purpose was to remind people that Kenshin is still human. That no matter how invincible he may seem, he still succumbs to one of the weaknesses of being human: diseases. I guess it also shows that even if he already has a family, his inner demons are still strong and he still thinks that he carries the burden of his past. He couldn't let go of his sins and it drove him away from his home and life. Really human, right?

I'll end this entry with a bit of information about Seisouhen: Rurouni Kenshin: Seisouhen wasn't done by RK's creator, Watsuki Nobuhiro. He just checked the script and said that Kenshin deserved a happy ending with all that he's been through.

December 16, 2007

Great Ninja Warfare?

basilisk mangaTitle: Basilisk
Story & Art: Segawa Masaki
Volumes: 5
Genre: Seinen

I consider Basilisk as one of my favorite reads of all time because of two things: 1) it's historical fiction and 2) it's great fight scenes.

I haven't really read that much serious ninja-based manga before as I focus more on samurai-themed ones and there isn't that much hardcore ninja stuff out there. I just tried reading Basilisk after I read the summary of the plot online. What else can I say? I absolutely loved it to bits!

Basilisk, for those who have yet to read it (or those who have no idea about it), is based on a novel by Yamada Futaro entitled Kouga Ninpouchou, written in 1958. The plot of the manga revolves around two lifelong-rival ninja clans: the Kouga Manjidani and the Iga Tsubagakure. A truce was called between them by the legendary Hattori Hanzo under the Tokugawa shogunate.

Fast forward a few years after the truce was established, the current shogun Hidetada cannot decide on which of his two sons should take his place: the elder one (who should be shogun by birthright) or the wiser (yet younger) one. To settle the dispute, the truce between the clans was called of and the Iga and Kouga clans have to put forth ten of their best fighters in a fight to death. Both clans are supporting an heir and whichever clan wins will have their faction named the new shogun.

The twist of the story is that the current heirs of the Kouga and Iga clans, Gennousuke and Oboro respectively, are lovers and was supposed to get married before it was announced that they have to fight each other to bloody death. Pretty cool, huh? Well I won't tell you anything more than that so you have to pick up the book if you're wondering what happens to them.

Basilisk's fight scenes are really great. It's action-packed and you don't miss out on some mean ninja one-on-one combat. The plot unfolds really well and it ends nicely, not rushed at all, despite it being just 5 volumes long. The artwork is great and it gives justice to the story and to the action scenes especially. Oh and the powers and abilities of each of the 10 representatives of each clan are very creatively thought of. Of course, I'm not sure if they were based on the novel itself since I haven't read it, so if you have, tell me about it, okay?
(Edit: I forgot to put a title!!! It's fixed now... T_T; )

December 15, 2007

Manga to aid student's death + some updates

Kyoto Seika University's Faculty of Manga Chiba Daisaku mangaI just updated the Winter 2008 anime list. Some of the dates were changed, especially for the month of January, so if you're looking forward to one of the January series, better check again! And mark your calendars again too. Oh and a couple of new series are set to be aired on January too: .HACK and OnChan. No information on those yet, but links are up!

Another thing I think I'm looking forward to is the third season of Gokusen live-action. The show is set to come out on April. If you're wondering about that "I think", it's because I haven't seen the second season. Why? Because my friend demanded that I avoid it. Now that there's a third season, I just might go around watching (and finishing) the second series before April comes.

At least, Nakama Yukie is still playing Yankumi.

In other news, a 20-page manga pamphlet was released by some of the teachers and students of the Kyoto Seika University's Faculty of Manga. This is to appeal to the public for help in finding the killer of the school's student, Chiba Daisaku, last January 15 (of last year, I'm supposing).

December 14, 2007

Activision gets sued

guitar hero 3 activision law suitGuitar Hero III: Legends of Rock's maker, Activision, gets sued because the game does not produce surround sound when being played on the Nintendo Wii.

Activision, according to the law suit documents, claimed that Guitar Hero III on Wii only has Dolby Pro Logic II surround sound. Apparently, GH3 on Wii "only permits mono sound'.

You can read the lawsuit here. Oh and the guy who filed the suit is one Samuel Livingston. I've no time to read the file so in case you do, tell me about it, okay?

Source

December 12, 2007

Hana Yori Dango news!

Hana Yori DangoRAVE: Yoko Kamio, creator of one of my favorite manga, Hana Yori Dango (Boys over Flowers), has issued a statement that there will be a special two-part side story featuring Hanazawa Rui! The story will be published in Shueisha's magazine, Margaret, in issue #3/4 of 2008.

Just in case you don't know what Hana Yori Dango is, I'll post a review later when I find myself still awake. Well if you're more familiar with dorama and stuff, there's a Hana Yori Dango dorama (with the same title) starring Inoue Mao as Tsukino and Matsumoto Jun as Domyouji. A Taiwanese drama was also based on Hana Yori Dango: Meteor Garden. Meteor Garden stars Barbie Xu (of SOS) as Shan-cai and Jerry Yan as Dao Ming Si - counterparts of Tsukino and Domyouji respectively.

Source

December 11, 2007

What is Coeli's Obsession?

otaku motivational poster(Note: This post is an entry to Otaku Anonymous' contest, "What's Your Obsession?")

The readers of this blog might already have an answer to that question based on what they see and read here. Strictly speaking, I don't consider myself an otaku because I don't spend my life inside my room with anime, manga, video games and figures as company. Using the Americanized meaning of the term otaku though...well, I guess I am.

What am I a fan of:

Anime - I've seen more than 300 anime series, OVAs and movies. 300 and still counting. I've seen some of my favorite anime like Fushigi Yuugi, Rurouni Kenshin, GTO, Yu Yu Hakusho and Slam Dunk more than 5 times each. I've tons of CDs and DVDs in my room, most of them scattered just about everywhere since I've run out of space for them a long time ago.

Manga - I think I enjoy manga more than anime ever since I started reading. I have more than 250 manga already (still counting too!), most of them not generally known while some are where anime series are based on. The most I've read in one day was more than 30 volumes -- manga makes me lethargic and once I've started reading, I refuse to stop unless I really need to.

Figures - I started collecting anime and video game based figures around 5-6 years ago. It all started with a Shishio and a Seijuro (of Rurouni Kenshin) figure that I bought in a toy store in Singapore. Now I have around 50 different figures ranging from gashapon to trading figures to large figures. Add a couple of gunpla (Gundam kits) there and you have a three-tier cabinet full of figures. I've actually run out of space already so some of my gashapon are on top of the case. I still have a long list of figures I'm waiting to purchase so I need to get a larger display case first.

Video Games - Okay, I don't really have that much patience when it comes to playing video games which is why I stick to fighting games and those interesting, funny and amusing games. I do like playing samurai-themed video games though (and history-themed ones too). I did say that I don't have that much patience, but I've liked playing ever since Super Mario Bros. came out in FamiCom. Oh and I can sit in front of the console and play for more than 24 hours too.

Well, that pretty much summarizes my obsessions. The picture I posted above is pretty much how I want my collections to end up, well more than that too, but I want them organized and not just scattered everywhere. Looking back on what I've written there, I guess they really are an obsession since I can't get enough of them and I always want more, more, MORE! *evil laugh*

Oh oh if you want to see my figures, try these two links (mind you, I still have to update the albums so keep checking them out ^^):
Girls! Girls! Girls!
Samurai, Male and Various Figures

December 10, 2007

Akkan Baby -- Teenager Parents

akkan babyTitle: Akkan Baby
Story & Art: Miyaouchi Saya
Volumes: 3
Genre: Shoujo

Akkan Baby is probably one of the nicest stories I've read. I wouldn't really go as far as calling it "wonderful" or "one of the best manga in the world" but it did leave a nice impression on me. It's has a pretty mature plot despite it being quite funny and with kids as the main characters.

So what is Akkan Baby all about? When you start reading the story, you get introduced to two teenagers. They're probably two of the most immature kids I've ever seen - considering their age bracket of course. We have Shigeru and Yuki who met while following a band called Conflict. When the band's leader, Rui, saw how determined the two kids are, he welcomed them as Conflict's groupie. The plot thickens when Shigeru and Yuki saw Rui and his pretty girlfriend, Nina, having sex. They didn't know what it was and decided to copy Rui and Nina. Ever since then, Yuki and Shigeru became "sex friends".

Since they're both naive and I guess they really didn't know what they were doing, Shigeru became pregnant with Yuki's child. What follows are a series of obstacles that they have to face including their parents, the mistress of their school, expulsion and the fear of being parents. They have to face all these but in the process they find out their feelings for each other and their love for their child, Muni-chan.

I don't think this is something that kids below the age of 16 should read. It encourages sex and while it promotes "safe" sex, it's still something kids shouldn't be...you know...encouraged to do. It does tackle the responsibilities of parents and the problems and fears that parents-to-be face before and after giving birth to a child. It also doesn't promote abortion, so if you're pro-life, I guess this would be something you'd like.

The artwork isn't spectacular, mind you. It's a generic shoujo drawing style, so if you're looking for a nice story with a nice artwork to boot, skip Akkan Baby. Well...yeah, the characters are drawn decently enough. Akkan Baby also teaches lessons about being parents, as mentioned above. So...I suggest you grab a copy of Akkan Baby (if you can still find it) and give it a shot ^^

December 8, 2007

Gatchaman Concept Art

These are the concept art for the 2009 Gatchaman movie (just so that we'll know what to expect). It's all that's been released so far and the graphics look superb. It's CGI and is supposedly going to focus on the team's pre-Galactor-fighting days. Also, it will rely on the original Gatchaman storyline as compared to Battle of the Planets which is good. Oh and it's been said that the movie will have a PG-13 rating, so nya nya X3

In case you didn't know, the original series is entitled Kagaku Ninja Tai Gatchaman (Science Ninja Team Gatchaman) which was changed to Battle of the Planets after it was edited for US release. It was re-edited to put some scenes back from the original, this time launching it as G-Force: Guardians of Space.

The film will be directed by Kevin Munroe of the TMNT fame and will be released under Imagi Animation Studios.

Gatchaman Gatchaman Gatchaman Gatchaman Gatchaman Gatchaman Gatchaman Gatchaman

Source

December 7, 2007

Speed Racer Movie Stills

Speed Racer MovieSo is there anyone who is looking forward to the big-screen, Hollywood-adaptation of Speed Racer? I'm pretty skeptical about this whole movie since, well, I don't really know why I'm skeptical at all (^_^;)

Anyway, the (important) cast for this May 9, 2008 movie are:
  • Speed - Emile Hirsch
  • Trixie - Christina Ricci
  • Mom Racer - Susan Sarandon
  • Pops Racer - John Goodman
  • Racer X - Matthew Fox
  • Rex Racer - Scott Porter
  • Spritle - Paulie Litt
  • Sparky - Kick Gurry
  • ...and others
Here are some of the screen shots for the movie. Any thoughts on these? Oh and thoughts on the Mach-5?

Speed Racer Movie Speed Racer Movie Speed Racer Movie Speed Racer Movie Speed Racer Movie

December 6, 2007

New anime promo videos!

kimi ga nozomu eienHere are links to some of the upcoming anime series:

Ayakashi - Compressed WMV-format video can be found here.

true tears - The second promo video can be viewed in 500K or 1MB bandwidths.

Okay, this isn't really part of the Winter 2008 lineup, but I loved the story so much and the DVD will be released in Japan on December 21. This is the alternate retelling of Kimi ga Nozomu Eien. If you haven't heard of it yet, I'll write a review when my schedule clears up a bit ^^

Watch Kimi ga Nozomu Eien ~Next Season~ promo video here (in WMV-format).

December 2, 2007

Lenny Kravitz sings for Death Note

paper moon al azif life-size figure
Some news for today:

NANA gets back on track after Ai Yazawa's medical operation. The project stopped around June and only resumed late November. So yay! Yay!

Lenny Kravitz's song, "I'll Be Waiting," will be used in the Death Note spinoff L change the World which will hit the theaters on February 9 next year. I haven't really heard the song yet so I have no idea how it sounds. Although based on the comment Kravitz gave regarding his song being used in Death Note,

"When I heard that my new single will be used as the theme of a worldwide hit movie, I was very excited. I'm glad to be able to have this wonderful opportunity, and I'm thrilled to play it before everyone."

...it kind of hit me that he has no idea what Death Note is.

Anyway, on December 2 - 14, 2007, the Tokyo Anime Center will hold a Life-Size Figure Party. The "life-size" part is of course, to be taken literally. Paper Moon, a famous dollmaker company, will showcase their works during this period. Around 20 - 30 1/1 scale dolls will be displayed for everyone to see. The dolls included in the mini-museum are Rei and Asuka from Evangelion, Saber from Fate/Stay Night, Lain from Serial Experiments Lain and Ryoko from Tenchi Muyo!.

Oh and you can buy these life-size figures at Tokyo Anime Center's official shop. The prices range from 200,000-480,000 Yen. Quite pricey, but for a figure that big, I guess it's worth it. Although I wouldn't really want to have one of those inside my room...kowaii... >< Source

December 1, 2007

Women in Action!

Kaiyodo Revoltech FrauleinThis is pretty old news but Kaiyodo's new line of Revoltech figures are called Fraulein. Fraulein because these new figures are girls. Yep, after all those Revoltech mecha (like Evangelion and Gaiking) and the cute Yotsuba and Danboard Revoltechs come three female ones:

Fraulein #1: Ayanami Rei (Evangelion)

Fraulein #2: Tousaka Rin (Fate/Stay Night)

Fraulein #3: Asuka Langley

They are all on the 1/10 scale (around 15cm) with lots of movement (Rin has 20 and Rei has 18 -- Asuka's movements isn't announced yet I think) and comes with extra parts. I heard Kaiyodo's aiming for a new Fraulein release every month starting next year. I would love to own every Fraulein but they're action figures!! But I'll see. If I find it nice enough, I'll probably start collecting it.

Oh and for Shunya Yamashita fans, a new Fraulein is in the making: Fraulein #4: Heppoko Onna Senshi Pokko from his Sweet Dreams artbook. It's absolutely lovely and I'm wishing they make a 1/6 figure of her...

Kaiyodo Revoltech Fraulein
Are you into Kaiyodo Revoltechs? Will you collect the Fraulein series?

November 29, 2007

Airing Schedules!

true tearsThese are tentative schedules so they can change anytime. I'll keep this list updated as much as I can. Oh and newly added series are in italics. Updates are in bold. [Last update: 12-02-08]

December:
  • Saa! Iko Tamagocchi - [12/01]
  • Ah! Megami-sama! Tatakau Tsubasa - [12/08]
  • AYAKASHI - [12/12]
  • 25 Year Anniversary! Ano Macross ga Shuunen Kuruzo SP!! [12/23]
  • Haruka Naru Toki no Naka de 3 -Kurenai no Tsuki- - [12/28]
January:
  • Wellber no Monogatari Second Part - [01/01]
  • H2O~FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND~ - [01/02]
  • Rosario to Vampire - [01/03]
  • Hatenkou Yuugi - [01/04]
  • .HACK//G.U. TRILOGY Perfect Memory Special - [01/04]
  • Kimi ga Aruji de Shitsuji ga Ore de - [01/04]
  • true tears - [01/05]
  • MAJOR 4th season - [01/05]
  • Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei Season 2 - [01/05]
  • Shigofumi - [01/04]
  • PERSONA -trinity soul- - [01/05]
  • Zenryoku Usagi - [01/05]
  • Minami-ke ~Okawari~ - [01/06]
  • Porphy no Nagai Tabi - [01/06]
  • GUNSLINGER GIRL -IL TEATRINO- - [01/07]
  • ARIA The ORIGINATION - [01/07]
  • Ookami to Koushinryou - [01/08]
  • Noramimi - [01/09]
  • Hakaba Kitarou - [01/10]
  • Koharu Biyori Part II - [01/13]
  • Moegaku 5 - [01/14]
  • Yatterman New Series - [01/14]
  • OnChan - [01/18]
February:
  • Yes! Precure 5 GOGO! - [02/2008]
  • Mnemosyune -Mnemosyune no Musume-tachi- - [02/2008]
GUNSLINGER GIRL -IL TEATRINO- - I'm not really sure what this is, but I'm guessing it's the second season. Or not. Visit the official site here.

Koharu Biyori Part II - This is probably the sequel of Koharu Biyori whose story revolves around a guy who purchases a maid robot for other tasks aside from the ones that maids are supposed to do. Visit the official site here.

Yes! Precure 5 GOGO! - This is the fifth installment of the Precure series. Visit the official site here.

Moegaku 5 - This is based on a dating sim game. It's about a girl who is guided by 5 guys as she goes through different languages. Oh and Hirano Aya's voice is lent to the character called "the goddess". Visit the official site here.

New Update!
.HACK//G.U. TRILOGY Perfect Memory Special - I have no idea what this is, so here's the link to it's site.

OnChan - I can't find anything on this newly added series, so here's the link (again!).

Source

November 28, 2007

Winter 2008 Anime List

noramimiI have here the list of the Winter 2008 anime lineup. A few of them are sequels so in case you're suddenly interested in any of them, better get a copy of the first seasons and watch it. You still have a month or so to finish those before these are aired.

I can't give full descriptions for all the series since most of them don't have them yet. For those that don't have any descriptions, I'll give the links to their official sites. Anyway, on with the list:

Ah! Megami-sama Tatakau Tsubasa - This is the third season of Ah! Megami-sama. The story continues one year after Keiichi and Belldandy met. A threat to their happiness comes and the contract between them might end.

Ayakashi - This is based on a visual novel and is different from the Ayakashi released in 2006. Watch the trailer here.

ARIA the ORIGINATION - Another sequel to the original ARIA. Visit the official site here.

H2O ~FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND~ - This is based on a visual novel. The protagonist is a blind guy. Visit the official site here.

Hakaba Kitarou - I'm not really sure what this is, so why don't you just give its official site a look.

Haruka Naru Toki no Naka de 3 -Kurenai no Tsuki- - I've still no idea what this is but it looks nice (the animation does, at the very least). Visit the official site here.

Hatenkou Yuugi - This is adapted from a manga and the story revolves around a girl kicked out of her house and a guy who wants revenge for the death of his father. They aren't the best of friends but something attracts them to each other - it could be for each other or their magic powers.

Macross Frontier - This is another Macross sequel whose story is set in 2070 aboard the 11th Macross Frontier. The story features new pop songs, new love interests and the same mecha.

Major (Season 4) - This is the fourth season of the baseball anime.

Minami-ke ~Okawari~ - This is the second season of the anime about three sisters. It's mentioned that this season is more of a retelling plus more moe. Visit the official site here.

Mnemosyune -Mnemosyune no Musume-tachi- - There's not much information yet regarding this anime except that it might just be 6 episodes long. Visit the official site here.

Noramimi - This is the anime adaptation of Kazuo Hara's manga. The story is set in a world where families can contact mascot agencies and find a mascot suitable for their kids. Noramimi is a mascot of one of those mascot agencies.

Persona -trinity soul- - This is the sequel to Persona 3. The story takes place ten years after the game's events. Visit the official site here.

Porphy no Nagai Tabi - This is an animated adaptation of the French novel Les Orphelins de Simitra by Paul-Jacques Bonzon. Visit the official site here.

Rosario + Vampire - This is based on a manga about a boy who finds himself enrolled in a school for monsters. Now he must do everything to pass his subjects and not let the students of his new school learn about what he really is.

Saa! Iko Tamagotchi - I'm not sure what this anime is all about but I'm guessing it's about Tamagotchi. Visit the site here.

Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei (Season 2) - The despair-filled teacher is back together with his students. Visit the official site here.

Shigofumi - This is based on a visual novel. The animation looks good but I have no idea about the story yet. Visit the official site here.

Sisters of Wellber (Season 2) - This is the sequel of the anime about a princess who was pampered all her life but due to some events, she has to get used to the rough life. Visit the official site here.

They are My Noble Masters - This is based on an eroge (erotic game). The story revolves around two sisters, desperate for money, lands a job as maidservants to three sisters. The thing is, when you pledge service to their family, absolute loyalty is needed and demanded.

true tears - This is based on a visual novel. Visit the official site here.

Wolf and Spice - This is based on a novel about a man who encounters a wolf-girl.

Yatterman - This is a remake of the 1977 anime. This is I think the only mecha show for the Winter 2008 lineup. Visit the official site here.

Zenryoku Usagi - This is based on a manga by Ikeda Kei about construction workers who happen to be rabbits.

If I missed anything, do tell me. I'll also try to keep this updated (probably in new entries or I'll make a link to this post on the right panel).

November 27, 2007

Underwear for the Gamer Chick!

space invaders underwear
Gamer Ladies! Would you wear this? For the men, would you make your girlfriend wear Space Invaders-themed undergarments?

I'd definitely wear something like this. Jeff was like 0_o and I was like X3 when I stumbled on this picture while surfing for random things. It's cute, isn't it? With the black-and-pink colors highlighting all those little colorful aliens.

The top-and-panty pair is especially cute :3

November 25, 2007

Magical Princess Holy Up!

akazukin cha chaSeries: Akazukin Cha Cha
Episodes: 74
Studio: Nihon Ad Systems
Genre: Shoujo

Akazukin Cha Cha (or Red Hood Cha Cha) is probably the one that got me really into anime. I'm not counting the mecha anime like Voltron and Voltes V of course (since I wasn't really aware that that's what they're called). For those who aren't aware, Akazukin Cha Cha is an old anime, shown back in 1995.

Akazukin Cha Cha has a simple plot: a magical girl named Cha Cha and her two friends Riiya, the wolf-boy, and Shiine, a wizard, saves the fictional world from harm and on the process, they learn about Cha Cha's past. They go to a magical school with kids (and teachers) of all sorts, including some classmates they made friends with: a mermaid, a ninja and a witch.

Ah! I almost forgot to tell you why Akazukin Cha Cha is a "magical girl anime": Cha Cha transforms into a princess-warrior named Magical Princess (very creative, I know...) using a pendant called Princess Medallion (another burst of creativity there!). The thing is, the Princess Medallion will only transform Cha Cha if it's used with Riiya's magical bracelet and Shiine's magical Ring. Oh and only after Cha Cha shouts:

"Let Love, Courage and Hope... Magical Princess Holy Up!!"

Anyway, it's a kiddie anime, more of comedy than romance. Oh and I also heard that the anime is a far cry from the manga. I wouldn't really know since I haven't read the manga yet (surprising!!). It's very lighthearted and you wouldn't have any trouble watching the series. Yep, all 74 episodes of them. Akazukin Cha Cha also has LOADS of interesting characters like Seravi, Dorothy, Barabaraman, Rascal...oh and the Principal!

Cha Cha's wacky antics and spells will keep you laughing because they usually start all the trouble at each episode. Never mind the cheesy line you just read up there that Cha Cha uses when she'd transform. Lol just watch it for the sheer fun of something that can make you laugh! Everybody needs to laugh once in a while XD

November 24, 2007

Deep Love - Ayu no Monogatari

deep love ayu no monogatariTitle: Deep Love ~ Ayu no Monogatari
Story & Art: Yoshii Yuu
Volumes: 2
Genre: Josei

Deep Love ~ Ayu no Monogatari is the first of four Deep Love stories. It's kind of like the main story and the other three are just spin-offs or something. Erm well the characters for the other three Deep Love stories (Deep Love Host, Deep Love ~ Reina no Unmei and Deep Love ~ Pao no Monogatari) are all introduced in Ayu's story and they all play an essential part there.

With that clear, Deep Love ~ Ayu no Monogatari is definitely not for kids. It has lots of sex and adult themes that you wouldn't want your little sister (or brother) to read about. Not until they're say, 20. It's a mature josei manga, not smut, mind you, so the story is substantial. Substantial and sad.

Speaking of the story, Deep Love ~ Ayu no Monogatari is about a girl named Ayu. (Ayu no Monogatari literally translates to "Ayu's Tale.") She's a lost soul who's trying to search for a meaning to her life. Being a teenager with no one to guide her, she's gotten mixed up with some bad crowd and has led a pretty wayward life.

Ayu sells her body to support herself and her addiction to drugs. That's how she's lived her life until an old woman takes her under her wing and for the first time in her life, Ayu felt as if she was really needed and loved. Circumstances arose which led her into meeting a boy who has some sort of heart disease and Ayu finally finds meaning in her life. Things don't turn out well for her though and her story ends tragically.

Yes, yes. You have to read the manga to know what exactly happened to Ayu. If you decide to read Deep Love ~ Ayu no Monogatari, I'm 99% sure that you won't regret it. It's a dark, sad and touching story that people can relate to even if they don't sell their bodies for money and drugs.

The artwork is great too. The drawing style is similar to Yayoi Ogawa's if you're familiar with her works like Kimi wa Petto. The dialogue that transpires between the characters is superb too and it kinda gets you thinking about your own life as well. Oh and I did mention that you'll meet the characters that are featured in their own Deep Love manga: Pao (a stray puppy that Ayu picked up), Reina (Ayu's friend who is loyal through and through) and Yoshiyuki (the boy who has heart disease).

After you finish reading Ayu's story, I'm pretty sure you'd want to read all three immediately. They're at most 1-2 volumes long each so it's not that much of an effort to do so, right? ^^

November 22, 2007

Cute little things called Nendoroid.

yagami death note nendoroidHave you ever heard the term Nendoroid (Nendroid)?

If you're into collecting figures, I'm pretty sure that you've heard of Nendoroid/Nendroid at one point or another, even if you've no idea what they are.

If you don't collect figures, well nendoroids are cute little figures that has extra parts for maximum cuteness. They're chibi, actually. Chibi and super-deformed (SD).

There are lots of nendoroids these days, mostly coming from popular anime like Death Note, Fate/Stay Night and Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuutsu. I don't have a nendoroid despite me thinking that I would love to have all published nendoroids so far. Nendoroid figures are pretty expensive despite being so small. They're uber cute though so when I have some cash to spare, I'd probably get me one or a couple of those.

Here are some of examples of nendoroids!

From Death Note, L, Misa and Ryuk:
L death note nendoroid Misa death note nendoroid ryuk death note nendoroid

From Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuutsu, Haruhi, Mikuru and Yuki:
haruhi nendoroid mikuru nendoroid yuki nendoroid

From Fate/Stay Night, Saber, Rider and Rin:
saber nendoroid rider nendoroid rin nendoroid

Various other nendoroid (L-R: Lucky Star, Ghost in the Shell and Binchou-tan):
lucky star nendoroid tachikoma nendoroid binchou-tan nendoroid

There are a lot more nendoroid out there. Just check out some online stores (you can use the search function on the lower left panel) if you want to see more nendoroid.