Anime-watching-updates, stuff...GeneShaft

I haven't been too active, but in all fair-ness, I've been...well, should be more busy (awhile I waste my time >_>'').

Anyway, I had opportunity to watch Gene Shaft. It's a 13 episode series based in the future where mankind almost destroys itself in the 21st century.

 I say that in a awkward, trailed off way, to make room for thought.
......Something seems ironic, and speechless. Can we do that? yeah, probably....
Basically they recreate the population with gene-changed humans, where people are born with modified DNA, and some human emotions are taken away to ensure everyone cooperates. There seems to be lots of anger issues however in individuals, so I think they had some miscalculations......

For the most part, they can't feel "Love" anymore, not comprehend why you would need it....everyone has replicas possible from the gene bank. So if anyone dies, well, you can replace them.

There is a character named Mario.
I know it sounds funny..."Hey, like Super Mario Bros"....but he actually is quite a likable character. His personality affects the ship crew, especially when he takes over the bridge while the captain is not fit for duty due to some bothersome flashbacks.

This here is the captain. I like his grin...usually he's not too emotional on the outside Xp

It was rather interesting, but I disliked how the ending was so...abrupt. Did not really quite see how things turned out between some people, it was hinted, thrown in, or had some basic idea of, but didn't really conclude that "so and so are now exclusively together", or "so and so is now feeling happier about their life".

The opening theme was pretty cool, and was actually the basic theme music for the entire series. In other words, it wasn't just a song picked out to market the show-you will hear a lot of this guitar stuff.


Oh yeah...we also didn't get to see Mika reunite with her dog! she promised to come back....what's with that? we barely got to see what happened after she saved *insert character name spoiler*, and didn't even show being back onto the ship yet. I want to see the dog!
Did you know her dog can type? it also can talk apparently.

Another thing I did enjoy was that the mecha designs (within the series), through data, and programming, were not perfect. Not near it. There may be "perfect" examples of human being dna in this series, but despite all that, even their Shaft (the robot piloted between two people), was not even close to perfection. There were tons of bugs, and many times during life-threatening moments, the program would crash. This often led to floating helplessly in space for a few moments while rebooting the system.

                                                 This is obviously not a life-threatening moment.

The way they controlled the Shaft, too was interesting. All sorts of cables make the control pieces look a bit more interactive for some reason, and how the seat slides...it reminds me of those rides where you sit in that seat, and the seats are all inside this "space ship" that bumps around, as if you are hitting space debris XD....it was amusing.

I also re-started the last 3 episodes of, and than finished, Last Exile.
I was again displeased with the ending. It seemed rather unclear what all really happened in the last scene, apparently 9 years later.
I didn't quite notice it at the time, but I read other's say how being 9 years later, the kid protagonists sure haven't aged..........but the one other guy did, also while growing facial hair and having a child with the girl he had a crush on.
I guess those kids got the gift of immortality, haha! flying vanships in strange places in the sky can do that.

I have Ghost in the Shell: Sac 2nd Gig to watch too....I picked that up.
Le Chevalier D'eon is something I've watched in the last few months, too. I grabbed it for Boxing day, and got to finishing in sometime in February.

What I'd really like to know, though, is when an online version of Fafner: Heaven and Earth is up. (I'd probably grab a dubbed version on dvd, but it's highly unlikely anyone will pick it up-because the original series wasn't saved from discontiuation-they'd even have to hire the same voice actors as ADV did...preferably) It hit the Japanese theatres in December last year, but, I haven't seen any news of dvd releases :/.....

Well, that wasn't quite exciting....but at least it's an update.
I think Geneshaft is re-watchable. 13 episodes isn't too long, and I rather enjoyed it.
There are of course flaws, too...and it's an older series, but who cares...
I don't know about you, but I watch anime to watch it-not to criticize it. I'll criticize it if I want, but that's not really my intention when watching most anime...or most of anything.

You will know when I do intent to criticize...because from the moment it starts, I start sharing my sarcastic side and making fun of just about anything. Hope your show isn't one of them...

Anime Marketing

Oh, and Happy New Years!
There are several topics I wanted to cover the past month, but did not get at doing that. I hope I will catch up! Most of it is related to my samurai anime craze, and just how in-depth I got into the characters--it is worth a read if you enjoyed Hakuouki, actually...I'll have to rewatch an episode to get me into the mood---the depressed mood of emotional relating and empathy.

Anyways!

So there is this thing called "marketing". I tend to find that, while I'm a nobody and have no experience in the matter, I do enjoy some of the marketing theory or whatever it may be called...

My concern within this area of anime merchandising is in DVD reprice sales!


For example: company decides "hey, let's mark down this title-it's a great idea, and people will buy it more, I mean, it's older now anyway"

Yeah, that IS a good idea.....


However, they still keep the products created before the mark down price at the full price, often being nearly 50% more than the new price.
 So basically, they have these shiny new dvds with shiny attractive prices now showing up.....but, since the older stock that is not repriced to match the needs of this idea are still on shelves (and not selling!), some stores will probably not re-order, OR, the newer dvds will sell, but the older stock will absolutely go nowhere.
This is self-defeating, a waste of resources, energy, and most of all--it just is not efficient. Seriously? NO ONE is going to buy the old price!

My other related concern is when we get anime in part 1 and part 2. They both sell individually for the same price that they now sell together as a complete set.
Yet, even after this new release, the old dvds are still their old, unselling price. Instead of just marking them down to a seller point, like 50% off to get rid of the old lingering product that refuses to be sold, they keep them?
What's the point in this? You guys are just losing money, and misusing what resources you already have for fast income and faster customers.

When something shinier comes out that sells well to the whole audience (rich and poor alike) the old product is no longer of service....that is, unless it's marked down so well that people WILL choose it, thinking they are saving even MORE this way, even if it's just $10.
I think they need to visit a market and read those "buy for $3, or buy 2 for $5". It sound as if these vendors and crafters rip themselves off, doesn't it?
Well, because this deal they offer to buy more sounds more appealing, and as if they were to rip themselves off---people WILL buy....rather, MORE people will buy---and it proves that these sellers are willing to lean to a slightly risky appearance to sell well--like confidence that their product works.


So in comes to me that these anime companies are wasting a lot, and causing everyone more stress by being stubborn about letting their dusty old expensive versions of their new loved items go to waste when they could very well make themselves more money, as well as gaining more reputation "This company will sell this item you are now staring at for half this price once they release a better deal to buy them together--unlike so and so company".

So, why wouldn't you?
I'm not going to buy that now-overpriced version of what I just bought for half! why would I?
My personal account on this is when I picked up Le Chevalier 'D Eon in it's new S.A.V.E edition for $31. The original dusty packaging was sitting in quantities of 3 for $50 or so......and no, there is no way I'd buy that.

Note to self: update products to more efficiently sell, attract more buyers, and get the "This company really knows how to grab me now, it's like I can actually afford them when they say "Sale price" instead of using it as a gimmik--they are real".



And this is my look on marketing. Hope you enjoyed my rant, for what it's worth. It's bizarre how much this bothers me....except that, I want to spend what I should be spending if that sale price is what it says it is---I want to pay what they say I should be paying.


-Little Shadow Fox

Have a good January!

And happy Chinese New Year in advance

Hakuouki-name game

There is some silly game application on facebook that determines the meaning if your name. Do not think I believe most of them..(infact, the app itself is improperly titled "discover the hidden of your name").facebook apps have worse spellcheck than I do, as I know my grammer is shit too sometimes...can't say I did well in school >_>...I tend to talk in my mind intellect-sounding...but it never comes out the way it's supposed to XD...anyways.

so I decided to put the characters/historical figures of Hakouki in, really it was more regarding again their famous names as much as it was this series I'm totally into at the moment...but, anyway:

The secret mean behind name CHIZURU YUKIMURA is :
Life is never dull with your adventurous and restless spirit. You are always on the move and seeking a new challenge to pit your wits against. Being in touch with nature you love the outdoors. You have keen intuition and a desire for knowledge and you can be something of a crusader. When you apply discipline and tenacity to your energetic mind then leadership positions are easily available to you.

The secret mean behind name TOSHIZO HIJIKATA is :
You have great self-confidence and a charming personality which attracts many friends and admirers. Your innate sense of personal power and ability to lead are ideally suited to positions of authority. Being so versatile and seeing the big picture your ambitions are high and much is usually expected of you. With patience and tenacity you will certainly fulfill the great potential you have for success.

The secret mean behind name SAITO HAJIME is :
Having confidence in yourself and integrity you have your emotions under control and are rarely ruffled. You have a quiet and reflective manner and are responsive to the needs of others giving you the ability to be a mediator. You are extremely successful in the material world being organised, financially astute and pursuing realistic goals. Your caring attitude and compassion certainly makes you a loved individual.

The secret mean behind name SOUJI OKITA is :
Honest, dependable and practical you tend to have a fairly conservative but determined approach to life. Your intelligence and wisdom means that you are sought out for guidance and advice. Gifted in communication you are philosophical and intuitive and are usually a traveller both mentally and physically. People respect you for your patience, discretion and integrity.

The secret mean behind name ISAMI KONDOU is :
You are both a visionary and a realist able to bring your dreams into a tangible form. Pioneering and ambitious you accept new challenges and the responsibilities which go with them willingly. Your sound judgement, resourcefulness and positive nature means that your progress in life is assured. Certainly your kindness and generosity to others and your inspirational manner attract success as well as many admirers.


The secret mean behind name KEISUKE YAMANAMI is :
You have enormous vitality and originality making you a dynamic individual with great charm and sex appeal. You believe in putting one hundred per cent into all your activities of which there are many. You have potential to achieve great success in business or public affairs where your friendship and consideration of others wins you many allies. Your innate strength and determined effort is able to overcome any obstacles. Freedom is important to you.
The secret mean behind name SHINPACHI NAGAKURA is :
Honest, dependable and practical you tend to have a fairly conservative but determined approach to life. Your intelligence and wisdom means that you are sought out for guidance and advice. Gifted in communication you are philosophical and intuitive and are usually a traveller both mentally and physically. People respect you for your patience, discretion and integrity.
lol, I think this one is rather unrealistic XD...I read him being a womanizer on wiki after all.

The secret mean behind name SANOSUKE HARADA is :
You are both a visionary and a realist able to bring your dreams into a tangible form. Pioneering and ambitious you accept new challenges and the responsibilities which go with them willingly. Your sound judgement, resourcefulness and positive nature means that your progress in life is assured. Certainly your kindness and generosity to others and your inspirational manner attract success as well as many admirers.
The secret mean behind name HEISUKE TODO is :
Versatile, intelligent and artistically talented. You love to enjoy yourself and tend to experience a happy domestic life and material success. You have a methodical and thorough mind and are able to organise large projects easily. Charming and likeable and with more than your share of sex appeal you tend to find yourself in the spotlight and much admired by others. Life is more fun with you around.

The secret mean behind name CHIKAGE KAZAMA is :
Sensitive, emotional and caring you seek peace and harmony and desire to work for the benefit of others and society. Your talents and abilities may draw you towards teaching or service occupations where you would be a natural success. Although quite reserved your courage and ideals mean that you are single-minded and industrious in pursuit of your goals. Your affectionate and giving nature means that you are loved by all.
LOL...right.



The secret mean behind name SUSUMU YAMAZAKI is :
You have enormous vitality and originality making you a dynamic individual with great charm and sex appeal. You believe in putting one hundred per cent into all your activities of which there are many. You have potential to achieve great success in business or public affairs where your friendship and consideration of others wins you many allies. Your innate strength and determined effort is able to overcome any obstacles. Freedom is important to you.

for some reason, he was discluded in the wikipedia hakuouki character list...but I know he existed too. Well if attractiveness means anything...he's a shinobi, and that means he dresses up sometimes...and also he is shinobi, how can you hate shinobi, at least they only kill selectively!...sort of.





 I believe some of these do quite well. Saito's is quite right as is Hijikata's, and Kondou's for example. Kazama's is totally not..unless in some twisted, bizarre kind of way.

Hakuouki!

I have a new anime love, an anime based off a girl's dating game from Japan (obviously). It is a series based on the shinsengumi, and of course we get to be a girl who is amongst all these famous samurai, with obvious fictional elements...but that's what makes them interesting...(the art is beautiful! I love it).

I fall for the artwork every time I see it, because the characters are done so well. the individual look of each samurai boy, plus all the detailing in their costumes...

Chizuru the female protagonist is not hated by me, am I not the type of "fan girl" who puts hate into the female protagonists, rather I support the couples, how else do you expect romance anyway? the men can't fall in love with themself, and they cannot fall in love with you, either...so just suck it up, and enjoy being happy for them >_>. That being said, I do hate some female characters....I hate the annoying ones, the ditzy preps, there are some I just cannot stand, and I hate them even more when they take any of the decent males, esspecially from another female character.  I really hate the females that are hyperactive and bouncy, who think they can claim any man for themselves, who hate all other girls and cling to the protagonist, proposing they be married asap so the other girls won't take him, even if he doesn't want to.

Now I got that over with...I will focus on the main idea again...
Considering this is a 13 episode series based on a dating game, I'd say it was pretty good..I mean really, as long as I generally enjoy it, I won't bother critisizng it...unless there really is no romance. I mean really, you cannot label your show romance-based if there's no romance...it's unsatisfying for the view, pointless and bland...but you find reasons to watch it still if you are me....

So far ,Chizuru has the most feelings for Hijikata. Actually if you rewatch episode one again, it's obvious. Basically some of the first subtitles I read were her admring him, the way he looked, and how his hair flowed....she did not do that for the other men.
Why is there a girl with the shinsengumi?
Chizuru was on the run for one reason or another, and ended up into a group of posessed samurai...and was saved by no other than the great Hijikata. (Also when she started admiring him)
because her father went missing, and since the men are also looking for him, they let her stay. She was kept captive for a bit, as it was a suspicious time and after seeing the possessed men, she wasn't really just going to be set free. Also being it's a place full of men only, she was confined to a room....but all the main male characters grew fond of her and let her come out when she wasn't allowed XD...than Hijikata allowed her to join in on patrols, as she wore her male clothing and pretended to be a guy, but we all know the men here are fond of her regardless of how she dresses, she is still a female, and she tries to pacify them when she doesn't like violence...but she soon realizes some things are inevitable.

Also, did I mention how they react when she's dressed up as a woman?

words like "cute" and "babe" made her run out of the room embarrased, as she is quite shy about it. Than she sees Hijikata outside...and I'm pretty sure deep down inside, he feels more than those boys do :).

also, if he did not, why would he be shown seperately and last? it had importance, and he was calm about it, which made her more relaxed..perhaps he already saw she was pretty before she was forced into a kimono, and expected no less?

I think Saito's design is wonderful. I love his scarf and the way his hair sits, and the color of it looks nice with his overall appearance.

Awhile I do miss their traditional shinsemgumi uniforms, the western style ones look amazing too. It is easy to tell that regardless of the west influence, there is much flair if Japanese in it. For example, the subtle patterns on their coats, ie Okita's has koi fish. It is quite amusing to see Chizuru walk around and notice how all the men look, and naturally, the last one is Hijikata :)...and how she does notice him XD. He sits there, calm and natural as if it was made for him, and she is in awe.

 Sadly we have to say goodbye to their artistic-inspiring long hair that used to flow quite pretty when they were fighting, and welcome their shorter hair styles....but they don't look that bad to be honest.

Chizuru

<3 Hijikata...so composed, how could Chizuru not stare? Lol.

and as you see, the anime version has less fine details...but sacrifices have to be had for animation..you still have the nice still images to look at...plus, they got their own style, I really do like both.

Now, considering this is based off a date sim, I guess it's fair that I conclude who my favorite pairing possibilities are:

Saito x Chizuru

Okita x Chizuru

Hijikata x Chizuru.

and yes, there is blood...come on, it's a samurai-based anime...blood is quite important here XD..for more than you realize if you haven't seen it yet *cough*.

Personally I'm not a fan of Heisuke, the younger boy that is the same age as Chizuru. They may have their youth to share and relate to....but really, I think she's best off with one of the above three, and they are more capable of protecting her too.

plus....did you see half the artwork of Heisuke? he looks like a freak XD...what's with that expression? I don't know, he's just so uncomposed and noisy looking...he makes the entire group artwork look bad, it barely even matches the other's expressions. He might also spout cute hero things, but he is still a child in some ways. If he dies, I might miss him a bit...but I'd miss him far less.

And for those who go on about how Chizuru is useless...at least she tries to take care of the stubborn guys...and, don't forget when she stood infront between Sen and those armed men, when she could've just expected the guys to do it.

I'd like to write about season 2...

however, there are no subtitles released yet, as anyone anticipating this sequel knows. I looked again today, as episode 3 should be available...I watched the previous episodes raw, so I can tell you so far: possessed gunmen vs samurai=cheap. Hijikata showed some affection towards Chizuru, nothing quite major, in a sense...but cute. All the guys are dressed in their western-influenced clothing, Chizuru seems quite amused...really, she probably enjoys staring at the guys more than she admits. I don't recall what all happened, it's been a week already. Considering the danger of the situation I mentioned, it is to be assumed that someone is going to die...actually, about that....oh, nevermind, I won't say anything :P.

You know, by posessed gunmen, I mean like this...only not wearing cool samurai clothing, and more hatable since they want to hurt our characters...which being "organized" gunmen, they all walk together shooting, like a slow mob of zombies...something like that anyway...their minds arent much worth credit.


but wait...why are they possessed? that potion was shinsengumi-related, not really public knowledge...why are they in this state? well they are evil, obviously!...that poses a silly question when you don't really think about it, because evil armies always have something, which makes me ask "Who is doing this? is Chizuru's father supplying these men?". Kazama thinks that potion is stupid, and the man making it is "on his side"...so who?, or, why?
I have never played the games, sadly I do not know Japanese...otherwise, yes, I would go play them...I hope they release one of the PSP titles in north america...please! XD....Atlus could pick it up, they do great with indie titles that are always wonderful...(although I've only played Persona and Dokapon Kingdom for most of my atlus gaming experiences, 2 of my other titles are as hard as their reviews told me >_>)

My wish is to see this series licensed by someone, or have a well-done subtitled dvd release that we can watch. I also wish someone would release an english-subtitled release of Iroha(Bakumatsu Kikansetsu Irohanihoheto).....I don't want the over-popular-lization of a major license company to touch either of these 2 series, not because I hate them, but I dislike the annoying fanbase audience that ruins the enjoyment of a good show... just subs is good for me there...english dub is okay, but the re-cast would mean higher price unless lots of copies were made.

and that is the end of my Hakuoki post....sadly. I take into consideration that I am not here recap word for word what wikipedia tells you, and I'm not an official "blog" of anime updates...so, I hope I give enough.

I'd love to say how excited I am about buying the latest merchandise related to this anime as well...but unless you got a hole burning in your pocket, don't even LOOK at the products! or you will be having less than a hole in those money pockets, crying inside and/or remorse for those who CAN afford them and show off to the world.....am I jealous? XD...Duh. and if you do buy them...don't tell me o.o

Great Asian music

As I would like to note right now, I don't care about top charts, celebrity magazines, or everyone else's preferred music genres.

I would like to recognize more or less, the artists I love, and if you disagree, so be it.
 None of these are in order.

Kokia
She has a beautiful voice. She puts most singers to shame, worldwide.  I believe she is religious, but don't let that narrow thought of yours deter you. Just go check her out on youtube.  If your one of those people who tear up easily, have tissue.

anime works: *Origin: Spirits of the Past Op&Ed, **Break Blade, Gunslinger Girl, Phantom~requiem, Furusato, Brain Powered,

Inoue Joe
He is a very talented artist. Inoue performs every aspect of his 'band'. He plays guitar, sings, and apparently does the sound mixing too. The only thing he can not do, is duplicate himself to perform live...maybe he hires others to play his music with him. Joe can also speak fluent English.
Did I mention he sings in 3 different languages in one of his songs? it's a fun song, for sure.
anime works: Naruto: Shippuuden.

Rie Fu

Rie has a pleasant voice. She has a natural, welcoming type of feel to her music, it is something you can listen to and not feel bad.  She has no need to be stuck up, she is not rude, she too can sing/speak English. Rie Fu just overall seems like a nice person.
anime works: *Darker than Black, *D. Gray-man, Bleach, *Gundam SEED Destiny.

YUI

Yui is a  respectable artist. I see footage of her playing guitar on the streets in train stations, and she sounds great. Like Kokia and Rie, Yui has a more reserved natural appeal awhile she does attempt rock sounds, hardcore rock would not suit her. She seems to have many fans, judging by all the fan covers(even guys) that have infiltrated my search results.  I look up to this girl, she is great. She has also appeared in movies, I also think she is very pretty :).
anime works: Bleach, *Fullmetal Alchemist:Brotherhood.

Angela Aki

Aki is another very talented singer. She is easy to listen to, whatever mood you're in.  Aki is actually Japanese/Italian, and she wears both well. Often, Aki plays the piano along with her  well-carrying voice.  She is one that is harder to describe, your best off listening to her for yourself.

                                                                                                            anime works:  Blood+.

 Last but not least....is my favourite band. Well, they were one, anyway.
I have a soft spot for them. Something about them...

AciD

Acid was a band founded by a former singer/leader Hideki, who left the band to allow them to lead into their own direction. If you will, Acid is like Hideki's child....he had aspirations to see them get it big at Tokyo Dome I believe it was called. Acid's lead singer is Junpei, he has an awesome voice, I loved. Junpei's hair made him stand out a bit from the others, nothing crazy, but his own look...but the way he carried his voice, or sang rather stands out a bit. Perhaps Junpei wasn't the more amazing original voice in the world, no one is THAT original anymore for the best of reasons....however, I could usually recognize him. I found this band through my anime Tokyo Majin, which is a less known series, just like the band;both very good, but not recognized. I had them for every song in this anime, whether it be the op, inserts or ending. I think I loved that sound the more I heard it, I don't know really what to say. Acid could have done well with music awards, given the chance. I would have rooted for them, hands down.

Unfortunately, they did not last long.  Lead singer Junpei, heart of the band's sound imo, actually had a lung illness. It was only a matter of time before he had to quit his career. I am to believe they are in their twenties still, just starting. I believe he might have pushed himself to that point, as well.   
Sure, that seems like not a big deal to you.....because, it is not YOUR career. Imagine, having to stop doing something that you love, especially when it was given to you by someone respectable with expectations. What would you do? depressed, angry, I'm sure. What will he do for the rest of his life? I do not know...I only wish there was just a bit more publicity on that, but to me, it is probably equivalent to losing my ability to create art, because that is part of who I am, and what I'm known for (awhile not popular, or  famous), to not even have begun a career.....I'd be depressed, frustrated.
Somehow, I feel for him beyond a stage title, as if he is just a regular person who suffers from a shitty irregular thing. That is one reason I love these asian artists...they aren't stage-whores who want magazine fame, they dress with self-respect, and sing with it.
anime work: Tokyo Majin.

                                                         notice how there are sakura pedals shared in the concert photo? with all the songs they contributed, I'd say they are a part of this anime, my personal view/theory.

Don't get me wrong, I'm sure there are also some who stand out against that image, but for the ones I've met in music and photograph, I don't see that. I respect them as people.  They inspire me to have faith in them as role models, something you cannot feel in America. I don't want my future kid's friends and  own (maybe) child to listen to the shit on tv these days.  I don't even watch music channels.
I honestly miss AciD...it was part of my goals in life to see them Live in Japan one day, I was excited about it. Those slower songs with some sort of depressing or meaningful lyrics feel utmost depressing, yet I listen to them anyway. For all the AciD fans, we miss you Junpei :( <3.
I hope the disbanded members whom are still together in their new reformed band do well in the future...but I have to say they need a new singer, because it sounds terrible without Junpei, as if they are improvising without him. Please save this band, one of you vocalists in Japan :) .


I also love the soundtrack works of Hideyuki Fukasawa.
His credits are in Devil May Cry, Chaos Legion, Street Fighter 4 for some games.
Anime work was Bakumatsu Kikansetsu Irohanihoheto (where I found his work, and loved it instantly. There is always credit to his music when I read BKI fans talking about this anime on blogs and fan groups Despite it being his first anime work, I think he did very well, beyond just good. His music really sets the mood, from feeling cold, depressed and that feeling like things arent working, to some upbeat festive music, and his probably more well-known darker themes.  Most of the soundtrack has some feeling of darkness to it, whether it's still coming, already happened, or is gone away for awhile to leave a nicer feel. Than again, I feel it because I've seen it beside all the animation scenes and dilemmas that happeened.


To end my post, I think it's safe to say that foreign artists have something else to offer that other's don't.



I have tried out Finnish, Chinese and Spanish rock before too. Finland has some good music, don't deny them because of their small reputation in America.

Other Japaneses artists I enjoy:

Stereopony
Abingdon Boys School
Angela (name of band not artist)
Aluto (great duo)
Hideyuki Fukasawa
Chiaki Ishikawa
Kajiura Yuki
Origa (not quite Japanese, but her work in Ghost in the Shell is recognized)

I know there are other good artists, but these ones I've come to enjoy the most.  I'm kind of happy Acid stayed Indie...I did my part in preserving that on my own fandom spree, sharing it with only 3 of my friends. I hate over-hype...I think they ended with dignity, and respect is due. I understand they arent actually deceased, so I don't want to treat them that way...I root for the new band that is rebirth of what's left :).

Anyways, I guess I'll close now.
G' night :).
-Aoikita aka Little shadow fox

Releases of Interest, Funimation value titles, Ys7 LE

As I'm sure many fans of animation are a fan of How to Train Your Dragon (most?), anyway....
It is being released October 19th. I'm pretty excited...if that is even the right word.

Prince of Persia comes out Tomorrow on dvd (Sept.14/2010) :). Saw it in theatres, it is good enough to pick up. Do it.
Robin Hood is right after the following Tuesday.

Alpha and Omega, a 3d animation about 2 wolves is released in theatres this Sept.17(Friday), and Guardians of Gahoole I believe is not too long after....Sept 26?...I'm sure anyone interested would have looked it up already.

I know those were not anime, but I didn't say I was strict about the subjects in the first place.

Eden of the East is on dvd from Funimation this month, I believe Sept. 30th?
Hetalia just came out I recall too.

I picked up a copy of Fullmetal Alchemist:Brotherhood part2 a couple days ago....you can pick this up in Wal-Mart for cheaper than at a comic store if you have this option. The supplies are very limited though, I am lucky my current area isn't quite populated by anime fans, all 4 copies were still in. No, they will not re-order it.

Wal-Mart often has been receiving the odd anime title, so make sure you check every location on the new release stand. I picked up Sword of the Stranger and Deathnote movie2 here. Miyazaki movies were on sale for a very limited supply given. I was told the franchise was having mark downs, so I didn't buy any titles...I regret that now...except that I was a bit short on money. Really wanted to see Naussica though, and have my copy of Spirited Away.
I have also found Digimon here, but again, that was a limited thing. They also carry Fullmetal Alchemist ova collection and Pokemon (which isn't surprising).
The thing is they do not ever know what anime comes in, so it's up to you to find that out on tuesdays. Anyway, the price difference is usually noticeable. Bestbuy marked down Brotherhood recently to Wal-mart's price.

Yes, I do shop around, a lot. I don't often buy things I really really want, though.....I mean, anime-speaking, it gets expensive.

Also, a complete collection of Nabari no Ou is finally coming out! After I sadly purchased D.Gray-man season 1 part1&2, just a week after, they re-released both into one boxset. I did not realize the money I could have saved.....I expected it to take longer for them to do this, I was relying on the fact that nothing was getting marked down anytime soon....but now I know better XD.
aka, if there is ever part 1 and 2, just wait a few months. Painful, yes, but I've managed to get over my instant hype up knowing I cannot afford the new release prices...I also had many favourite titles released this year! I mean, it was so scary, financially. I avoided buying most of them....most being:

Druaga part 1&2
Spice and Wolf part 1 (and 2, soon)
D. Gray-man part 3&4
Nabari no Ou part 1&2
Heroic Age (complete set now)
Utawarerumono complete set
Mushishi complete.
Darker Than Black vol.2-6 (now a complete set)

Others I really, really want to complete some collections:

Tokyo Majin vol.2&3 (season 1)
Peacekmaker vol.6
Fafner vol.3-7
Record of Lodoss War (never given a chance to afford it T_T...now it's out of print)
Zoids vol. 4 and up.
Ghost in the Shell:2nd Gig. (never got to see most of it)


If you are wondering "why would you buy all those anyway?"
I recall, that supporting the industry keeps it going. Am I right? Honestly, I do not want to hear " cannot afford anime!" Why? because...I cannot either!...but I love collecting hard copies, not fakes...and we never said you couldn't treat yourself once in awhile.....some things are far more costly than anime, with fewer benefits.

For Video games, Ys7 just came out last month for the PSP. I got myself a preorder of the limited edition. I toke it out of my savings...but heck, I got one great deal for $50!

included in box: map, artbook, soundtrack, game (I hope so! lol).

Did I mention the box is really shiny? the artbook covers 3 different Ys titles, but is not very big. I am curious of one of them, the art makes it look like a newer game, and it's nice.

I think Eden of the East and Druaga complete series (when that is released) are going to be my first anime assets.

Did I mention Funimation is also selling some great titles for  new mark down collection? called S.A.V.E-super amazing value edition!
Seriously, they are great deals. Most are under $30 (before taxes). Ganketsu and Glass Fleet are among them. Both have caught my interest, but even more so now.

other titles under this Save compaign are:
Air, Suzuka, Hell Girl, Jyu-Oh-Sei, Kanon, Kurau:Phantom Memory, Pumpkin Scissors, Aquarion, King of Bandits Jing, and others.

Most new titles of course will not be in this collection...I just wish Record of Lodoss War was picked up again...and Monster Rancher....also, Zoids, as in, Zero AND chaotic century. I'd love that. Add Genesis too.....

ALSO, an anime based on WEREWOLVES:- Guardians of Luna.   Co-produced between the directer of Gargoyles animation (american ), and a team in Tokyo. I am tired of vampires, and tired of Twilight. Guess what? there's no vampires! .

New Here, welcome.

First off, I'd like to say that I will not be blogging anime the same way. Same way as I see just about everywhere.  As much as giving a episode to episode review sounds  great and all, I really do not think I can keep up with that.
I will probably post images. Hopefully most of them will be my own screenshots...but I don't consider myself an awesome blogger who puts a lot of her time aside for that. I'd honestly be drawing, rather.

On the other hand, I will still post up my own views of anime I've watched. Not just anime, however. I will include video games, and also, release dates of said things that I do indeed read about in my own time.
You might be interested if these are some of your favourite series/games:

anime-
BKI, Tokyo Majin, Druaga, Sayonora  Zetsubou Sensei , D. Gray-man, Peacemaker,  Ghost in the Shell, Zoids, etc.

I do admit, most of my anime arent very shoujo. Do I care? no. However, I never said I didn't like romance withIN the genres I watch. You'll find I'm rather enthusiastic about pairings...just not over the top.


Games-
Star Ocean (currently playing), Tales Of,  Persona,  Shadow of the Colussus, Spyro, Final Fantasy, Tenchu, Savage Skies, etc.

I might cover stuff related to those games at some point, it depends. I am looking forward to playing
ys7.  I want to cover things related to Team Ico.

I warn though, I tend to love things that others hate, and critic. It tends to happen that I cannot even tell what bad actor looks like...perhaps I just never got into the state of mind to notice, I honestly don't want to.  I might throw fire at things like Twilight, but that's another story.