[Jrock] Making of Snow White PV

What is cuter than two cute guys hugging each other? Well...

A cute guy giving another cute smaller guy a piggy back! And doing squats!!!! It's SO ADORABLE!!!!

KAWAAAAIIIIIII!!!!!!!!

(or in chinese: ke ai!!!)

All together now, H/R fangirls SCREAM!



What is this? This be Asagi's leg... encased in...

Can it be?

Netted stockings? So rarely do we get this kind of close up fanservice.

Meditates on such beauty for 10 minutes.

Yes. Such is jrock made of...




But the mystery of the stocking is resolved...

Asagi seems to find this funny and shows it to everyone.... who all laugh (I nearly peed my pants).

Because... there is now this image...

Perhaps Asagi-san... Can it be possible? He surely isn't wearing such a naughty item?

*dies*

New D Stuffs

Anyways... lately... I've been severely D-less. Which isn't good for a stressed fangurl...

So out of desperation I found a way to surf the net for a short time in order to browse through LJ and see what was up. A lot was up... (altho D fanfiction seems to be dead...)

But it was nice to see that D fans are still alive and kicking and sharing (more or less). Unfortunately, there was a lot of mediafire linkage... which... isn't so good when one is out here...

*sigh* But these pictures surfaced... so cute, I think...















Top: (left to right) Tsunhito, Hide-zou, Hiroki

Bottom: (l to r) Ruiza, Asagi



ISN'T ASAGI ADORABLE????? He is soooo cute!!! I know he likes to cover one eye (his right with his bangs) but pulling his hair away doesn't hurt him at all! I know some think his nose is big - but I like it! It's so normal and everday... You realize that he's a normal, ordinary guy, after all (albeit sexy and having long hair and abnormally young looks)...

And his little picture he did of what his genes look like... "Nya-sagi"!!! KYAHHHH!!!

Just too cute! How can one say no?
I think his drawing is too amazing!

[musings] ARGGHHH!!!

I hate the lack of D-ness in my life.

No new music.
No new vids.
No new pics.
No new fanfics.

ARRRRGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!

*dies*

X.X

I hate lack of youtube and LJ in my life.... *sigh*

Now more than ever... I want to be in JPN! Ah well... such is the life of an otaku....

[Anime - Commentary] Anime Rec List: Part 2: Sci-Fi

Part 1 ~ Part 2

ANIME CLASSICS (as it were)

Part 2: SCI-FI MUST SEES

Title: Darker than Black
Sci-fi/Fantasy Elements: Futurism, Technology, Superior Genetics, Robots/A.I.
Summary: An assassin, his handler and his A.I. partner uncover the mysteries which surround their society - at the cost of their own lives?
Why you may not like it: Randomness. Story-telling is rather disjointed.
Why I think you must see it: There is something about "Darker than Black" that makes you wonder... about life at large... and in particular - about memory and the dangers of technology. The main hero, a quiet character with a dark, disturbing past, really makes you wonder what is going on in his head... and what drives him to do the things he does... A great side cast - combined with interesting music, makes for an interesting discussion on killing, life and technology in general.

Title: Ergo Proxy
Sci-fi/Fantasy Elements: Utopia, Futurism, Technology, Superior Genetics, Robots/A.I.
Summary: Re-l, a cop, is investigating some murders when she gets caught up in a curious phenomenon surrounding the A.I. of Romdeau (the globe city she lives in). Leaving Romdeau with Vincent, a mysterious man hunting a dark creature, and Pino, an enlightened A.I., Re-l discovers the truth about herself, Vincent - and the world at large.
Why you may not like it: Super highbrow intellectualism, complex meanings...
Why I think you must see it: Interested in discussions on identity? In the importance of experience and its effects on reading texts and the self? In memory? In the fragmentation of identity and knowledge? Know anything about Derrida and Foucault? Want to delve into some post-modernist thinking? Ergo Proxy is the show for you! I recommend this show - not just for the art, the music, the seiyuu and the story line that tugs at your heart - but also for it's superior, complex thoughts that intertwine with the story. Rewatching this for the third time, I am still shaking my head over it...

Title: Trigun
Sci-fi/Fantasy Elements: Post-Apocalypse, Futurist, Technology, Superior Genetics
Summary: Vash the Stampede is considered a natural disaster - because he apparently single-handedly destroyed the entire city of July. However, as Vash's past collides with the present, his friends realize that more is at stake than a city... perhaps, the whole planet.
Why you may not like it: Western elements. I mean, like WESTERN. Like, cowboy styled elements in it. You hate cowboys... it may take you a while to like this...
Why I think you must see it: Trigun is unique. There is no other serious that combines the "cowboy" style so well with the futuristic visions of sci-fi. "Cowboy Bebop" is close - but Trigun has the additional issue of brothers... and genetics... and what happens when family issues threaten to destroy a planet. You can't get more angst than that...

Title: Trinity Blood
Sci-fi/Fantasy Elements: Vampire Viruses, Technology, Futurist, Post-Armageddon, Superior Genetics
Summary: A nun, Esther, joins the Vatican's secret service - serving alongside very interesting characters. The most mysterious one is Father Abel who holds secrets going back... hundreds and hundreds of years...
Why you may not like it: ..... I don't know why you wouldn't like it...
Why I think you must see it: Trinity Blood is an amazing show - and draws from a very complex, well-written series of books. As such, the anime merely scratches the surface of a very large mythology. Still, the quality of animation, voice action and music is stellar - as well as the development of the various characters. The journey of Father Abel and his fellow priests and nuns is an interesting journey exploring issues of race... and technology....

[Anime - Commentary] Anime Rec List: Part 1: Fantasy

ANIME CLASSICS (as it were)

Part 1: FANTASY MUST SEES

Title: Blood+
Fantasy Elements: Vampirism
Summary: Saya, as she regains her memory, is torn between duty and identity. Will her brothers, Kai and Riku, and her Chevalier, Haji, be able to help or be destroyed in the process?
Why you may not like it: Long. Takes time getting into the story.
Why I think you must see it: Of all the anime shows that I have seen, I think this one is the most cosmopolitan. Often times, anime is so set in Japan it almost becomes claustrophobic. This one isn't afraid to break boundaries of time and space. Settings in Russia, France, Britain and America, besides Japan, give a great feel for world-wide struggles.

Title: Fullmetal Alchemist
Fantasy Elements: Alchemy, Alternate Dimensions
Summary: Two brothers, Ed and Al, are on a quest to regain what they have lost - Ed's body and Al's limbs. Al will do anything to regain Ed's body - will it be at the cost of his own life?
Why you may not like it: Long. Takes time getting into the story.
Why I think you must see it: There is something about the whole feel of the show that is very original. Music and animation style are quite interesting - and the use of alchemy is very complex and well-thought out in this story. The moral - "there is always an exchange" - is very deep and explores something that few shows will go into.

Title: Hellsing
Fantasy Elements: Demons, Vampires, Werewolves and Religion
Summary: The Protestants have the ultimate defense, Alucard. The Catholics have an amazing warrior priest. And Nazis are building a Fourth Reich... How is the newly undead Victoria going to fit into this?
Why you may not like it: Excessive gore.
Why I think you must see it: If you have nothing against excessive gore, this is the show for you. Alucard (who is Dracula, in reality) is just too amazing. After seeing him do battle, any other vampire show will lose its pizzazz. There is something about the way he tears arms off... and reconstitutes his body... It makes you wonder if he will ever bite the bullet in the end.

Title: Kyo Kara Maoh
Fantasy Elements: Alternate Dimensions, Demons, Strange Creatures, Magic Swords, Magic, Anything that could be fantasy cliched material
Summary: A boy is flushed down the toilet to another world, where he is informed that he is the new Demon King. How is he to cope with living between two worlds? And what happens when both worlds threaten to collide?
Why you may not like it: Corny. Mildly shounen-ai... >>;;; (ie. He gets a boy fiancee by accident.)
Why I think you must see it: This show is the ultimate in corny magic saga. The sword, for example, is a rip off of Vampire Hunter D's sword - and incredibly noisy. But setting aside the corniness, this saga is almost artistic in its corniness... and is sure to make you laugh...

Title: Majin Tantei Nougami Neuro
Fantasy Elements: Demons, Weird Mutations and permutations...
Summary: A young girl, Yako, teams up (rather unwillingly) with a demon called Neuro who feeds on the negative energies that come from solved mysteries.
Why you may not like it: Twisted, macabre.
Why I think you must see it: Koyasu Takehito as Neuro - is at his best. There is something about the manically cheerful Neuro (in front of customers) and the vicious Neuro (alone with Yako) which is charming. The mysteries are also very twisted and come with interesting side characters that make you quirk your brow. Combined with crazy artwork, this show is designed for twisted people who like to watch twisted stuff.

Title: Petshop of Horrors
Fantasy Elements: Fantasy Creatures, Vampirism(?), Mermaids, Man-eating Rabbits, Shapeshifting (?)
Summary: A detective in L.A., Leon, is investigating a string of murders that he thinks are linked to a petshop in Chinatown. Thing is, this petshop is run by a peculiarly beautiful man called D - who fascinates and intrigues the detective... and the viewer...
Why you may not like it: Disturbing.
Why I think you must see it: If you are into horror and are into pro-environment morals, this is a great show to root for the downtrodden nature around us. Count D is an amazing advocate for right living - at the cost of his own customer's lives! We, like Leon, are drawn to the mesmerizing evil and beauty of D.

Title: Tokyo Majin Gakuen Kenpucho
Fantasy Elements: Demons, Spirit World, Super Hero-type powers, Apocalypse
Summary: A bunch of messed up teens end up getting superpowers from the spirit world - and try to save the world by bringing back balance to various spiritual places etc.
Why you may not like it: Complicated. One episode was animated badly...
Why I think you must see it: The animation - action and artwork - is really amazing (despite that one episode that made us all puzzled over). There is a detailed complex world in this show - and the endnotes on some of the better subs are extremely helpful for understanding the Buddhist and Shinto parts of it.

Title: Vision of Escaflowne
Fantasy Elements: Magic, Alternate Dimensions
Summary: A girl is taken to another dimension where she aids various people to find freedom and gain victory over a common, evil foe.
Why you may not like it: Vintage style of animation which caused weird noses.
Why I think you must see it: It's really the starter for most anime fantasy. The whole 'girl travels to another world' hadn't gotten old yet, and there are alot of interesting characters along the way. It is really quite epic in scope.

Title: Witch Hunter Robin
Fantasy Elements: Witches, Magic
Summary: Robin is a Witch Hunter - and develops her own witch powers. Will Amon and her coworkers hunt her down - or recognize her to be what she really is...
Why you may not like it: Takes its time building up...
Why I think you must see it: If you let it, this show will grow on you. Great animation and seiyuu make for an awesome production - along with a rather complex discussion on "othering"... The ending is... interesting... but there is an interesting development between Amon and Robin that keeps us guessing...

----

Next up: Science Fiction!!!

[Reading] Pyramids by Terry Pratchett

Pyramids by Terry Pratchett is a very amusing book (so far). I really enjoyed the movie of his first two books. The movie was titled The Colour of Magic - and was quite enjoyable!

My favourite part in the book so far is when the new king (Pharoah), a young man is looking at his dead father just newly mummified:


"Part of him, which still lived in Ankh-Morpork, said: this is a dead body, wrapped up in bandages, surely they can't think that this will help him get better? In Ankh, you die and they bury you or burn you or throw you to the ravens. Here, it just means you slow down a bit and get given all the best food. It's ridiculous, how can you run a kingdom like this? They seem to think that being dead is like being deaf, you just have to speak up a bit."

My favourite character in the whole Discworld series is Death. As can be seen by this excerpt, wherein the now dead Pharoah is observing his body's preperation for mummification:

"Behind him a voice said, GOOD MORNING.
The king turned.
'Hallo', he said. 'You'd be -"
DEATH, said Death.
The king looked surprised.
'I understood that Death came as a three-headed giant scarab beetle,' he said.
Death shrugged, WELL. NOW YOU KNOW.
'What's that thing in your hand?'
THIS? IT'S A SCYTHE.
'Strange-looking object, isn't it?' said the pharoah. 'I thought Death carried the Flail of Mercy and the Reaping Hook of Justice.'
Death appeared to think about this.
WHAT IN? he said.
'Pardon?'
ARE WE STILL TALKINGA BOUT A SCARAB BEETLE?"

Yes. In the movie, Death has the honour of having the voice talent of Christopher Lee. Nice touch, I think....

[Anime - Commentary] A Time for Tears...

TOP Naruto Moments Which Make Me CRY!

1. Neji: Tragic Family History

There is something about his fight with the Sound-nin that makes me sad... Perhaps it's his desperation? His memories... His "ah well, I'm going to die anyways" kind of outlook... I don't know... There's just something pitiful about Neji...

2. Naruto and Sasuke: Tragic Friendship?

Naruto and Sasuke........ I hate them as characters. Sasuke needs to be spanked... Naruto is too stupid to deserve life at the beginning... but by the time this episode comes around.... You kinda feel bad for the boys. Especially since it seems like their friendship is doomed.... This moment in the anime was supreme animation and art... Just a heartfelt moment... That was awesomely quiet but had so many words unsaid...

3. Chouji: Tragic Unsung Hero

Here's another example of the unsung hero. I really love it when he realizes that he has more friends that he ever thought possible. The whole tree/butterfly moments were golden.

Maybe because I understand how Chouji felt all that time... never being accepted because he was considered too slow or stupid... I was also always the last one to be chosen for team sports. One day maybe I will burst out as a beautiful butterfly one day - like Chouji. Haha.

4. Kimimaru: Tragic Tragic Flaw

Kimimaru did everything with the best of intentions - but for misguided reasons with so much misinformation on life that it is sad. Being crushed by a kind-hearted, but monosyllabic Gaara could perhaps be the highlight of his life... and the best thing for him.

5. Zabuza and Haku: Tragic Pairing

Next to Kimimaru, the only other "anti-hero" I was truly sad about were Zabuza and Haku. There is something about the whole death thing... the uselessness of their struggle... the snow falling... the realization of bonds as death takes over...

"You will go there - you and he together."

Kakashi's words encapsulate the final feelings of the audience. For some reason, despite the years that have passed since that first season, I feel the sadness...

6. Sandaime: A Celebration of Sacrifice

The Sandaime is not a poster boy for Ninja Life. He's old. Wrinkled. Has moles. And a crackly voice. But I cry all the time when he dies because he meant well... and even at the end, he cared for Orochimaru... because when he dies, he sees his young student - not the ugly villain. When Naruto knocks Gaara out and Sandaime talks about his hope for the future... I cry like a baby.

Every time.

"Where the Konoha dance, fire burns
The shadow of the fire will flash over the village
and the leaves will grow once again."

I can't end this post better than that!

[Anime - Commentary] Kakashi's Death

Okay, so there is this big hullaballoo because Kakashi is dying apparently. He is seen blacking out and then having vision-like dreams about meeting his father in the afterlife (???). Some people are freaking out - but I am not one of that number... why?

Because...

1. Kakashi is a main character. Kishimoto would be nuts to kill him off so easily. He would lose a large part of his fanbase.

2. Kakashi is still unexplained. There is no way a good author could leave a character so unfinished. There are still so many things to be explained. Such as...
- What happened to Rin?
- What is up with the Hatake family?
- How important is the white chakra anyway?
- How did Kakashi get the Mangekyou Sharingan?
- Where was he before, during and after the Kyuubi incident?
- Will he become Hokage?

3. All of Kakashi's characters get to have massive long flashbacks before they die. Examples of this are: Haku and Zabuza, Orochimaru's lackey at the Chuunin Exam (and he wasn't even dying), Sarutobi, Kimimaru and Asuma. These are all SECONDARY characters - and they got quite a chunk of info before they died. This is because I think Kishimoto really wants us to get attached to them before they die... or something like that. So how could he off Kakashi so easily when there has been no adequate flashbacks?

4. Why would Tsunade cover him with a healing slug - if he wasn't dead already?

5. Kakashi's talk with his dad is too early to label as an afterlife talk. For all we know, it might be some kind of understanding or acceptance which might lead to some sort of powerup.

At any rate, I can't wait to see what happens next!!!

[Anime - List] My ANN Anime Lists~~~ Wahhh!!!

Want to see

Anime Sanjushi (TV)
Appleseed: Ex Machina (movie)
Ashita Genki ni Nare! ~Hanbun no Satsumaimo~ (movie)
Blade of the Phantom Master (movie)
Boys Over Flowers (TV)
Ceres, Celestial Legend (TV)
Chimera - Angel of Death (OAV)
Chinese Ghost Story (Chinese movie)
Cinderella Boy (TV)
Clamp School (TV)
(La) Corda D'Oro ~secondo passo~ (special)
Coyote Ragtime Show (TV)
Daddy Long-Legs (special)
Dennō Coil (TV)
Detective Loki (TV)
Emma: A Victorian Romance (TV)
Emma: A Victorian Romance Second Act (TV)
Fire Emblem (OAV)
FLCL (OAV)
Gedo Senki (movie)
Genji Monogatari Sennenki (TV)
Ghost Hound (TV)
Gilgamesh (TV)
Glass Fleet (TV)
Grey : Digital Target (movie)
GTO: Great Teacher Onizuka (live-action TV)
Gungrave (TV)
GUNxSWORD (TV)
Haibane Renmei (TV)
Harukanaru Toki no Naka de ~Ajisai Yumegatari~ (OAV)
Here is Greenwood (live-action TV)
Heroic Age (TV)
Hi no Tori (TV)
Itazura na Kiss (TV)
Kiba (TV)
Kino's Journey (TV)
Kurau: Phantom Memory (TV)
Little Prince Cedie (TV)
Magic Knight Rayearth (TV)
Male (movie)
Malice@Doll (OAV)
Millennium Actress (movie)
Moonlight Mile (TV)
Mōryō no Hako (TV)
Naruto Shippūden: Kizuna (movie)
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (movie)
Neo-Tokyo (movie)
Noir (TV)
Origin ~Spirits of the Past~ (movie)
Otogi Zoshi (TV)
Outlaw Star (TV)
Paprika (movie)
Pet Shop of Horrors (live-action movie)
Phantom - The Animation (OAV)
Phantom ~Requiem for the Phantom~ (TV)
Pictures at an Exhibition (movie)
(The) Place Promised in Our Early Days (movie)
Planetes (TV)
Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea (movie)
Psychic Academy (ONA)
Record of Lodoss War: Chronicles of the Heroic Knight (TV)
Requiem from the Darkness (TV)
Revolutionary Girl Utena (TV)
(The) Rose of Versailles (TV)
Saint Seiya (TV)
Samurai 7 (TV)
Samurai Gun (TV)
Scarecrowman (TV)
Sensitive Pornograph (OAV)
Serial Experiments Lain (TV)
Shikabane Hime: Aka (TV)
Shinigami no Ballad: momo the girl god of death (TV)
Shrine of the Morning Mist (TV)
Slayers (TV)
Soul Hunter (TV)
Steamboy (movie)
Tactics (TV)
Taimanin Asagi (OAV)
Tales of Eternia (TV)
Tales of Phantasia (OAV)
Tales of the Abyss (TV)
Tanoshii Moomin Ikka (TV)
Tenjho Tenge (TV)
Tenku Senki Shurato (TV)
Texhnolyze (TV)
Tezuka Osamu Story: I am Son-Goku (movie)
Toward the Terra (TV)
(The) Tower of DRUAGA -the Sword of URUK- (TV)
Trigun the Movie
Viper's Creed (TV)
Voices of a Distant Star (OAV)
Watashi no Ashinaga Ojisan (TV)
Whisper of the Heart (movie)
Windy Tales (TV)
XXXHOLiC (TV)
Yokoyama Mitsuteru Sangokushi (TV)
Zoku Natsume Yūjin-Chō (TV)

Seen some

Afro Samurai (TV)
After School in Teacher's Lounge (OAV)
Angelic Layer (TV)
Ayakashi Ayashi: Ayashi Divine Comedy (OAV)
Bamboo Blade (TV)
Black Cat (TV)
Black Jack (TV)
Black Lagoon: The Second Barrage (TV)
Bleach Rock Musical (musical special)
Bus Gamer (TV)
Castle in the Sky (movie)
(The) Cat Returns (movie)
(Le) Chevalier D'Eon (TV)
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion (TV)
Cool Devices (OAV)
(La) Corda D'Oro ~primo passo~ (TV)
Cowboy Bebop (TV)
D.Gray-man (TV)
D.N.Angel (TV)
Death Note (TV)
Detroit Metal City (OAV)
Fancy Lala (TV)
Final Fantasy: Unlimited (TV)
Fushigi Yuugi (TV)
Futakoi Alternative (TV)
Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo (TV)
Genshiken (TV)
Ghost Slayers Ayashi (TV)
Gintama (TV)
Goku Sayonara Zetsubō Sensei (OAV)
Gurren Lagann (TV)
Hana Yori Dango [2005] (live-action TV)
Haré+Guu (TV)
Hataraki Man (TV)
Hell Girl (TV)
His and Her Circumstances (TV)
Infinite Ryvius (TV)
Initial D (TV)
Inuyasha (TV)
Junjō Romantica (TV)
Jyu Oh Sei (TV)
Karin (TV)
Koutetsu Sangokushi (TV)
(The) Law of Ueki (TV)
Mahoromatic - Automatic Maiden (TV)
Maison Ikkoku (TV)
Marginal Prince (TV)
Metropolis (movie)
Monster (TV)
Mushi-Shi (TV)
Nadia - Secret of Blue Water (TV)
NANA (TV)
Neon Genesis Evangelion (TV)
Night Head Genesis (TV)
Nightwalker (TV)
One Piece (TV)
Princess Princess (TV)
RahXephon OVA
RahXephon: Pluralitas Concentio (movie)
Rurouni Kenshin (TV)
Shakugan no Shana (TV)
Shaman King (TV)
Shonen Onmyouji (TV)
Soul Eater (TV)
Spice and Wolf (TV)
Spiral (TV)
(The) Story of Saiunkoku Second Series (TV)
Sukisho (TV)
(The) Third: The Girl with the Blue Eye (TV)
Tokyo Babylon (OAV)
Tokyo Majin Gakuen Kenpucho: Tou 2nd Act (TV)
Tokyo Tribe 2 (TV)
(The) Tower of Druaga: the Aegis of Uruk (TV)
Tsubasa RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE The Movie: Princess of the Birdcage Kingdom
Tsubasa Tokyo Revelations (OAV)
Tsubasa: RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE (TV)
(The) Twelve Kingdoms (TV)
Vampire Knight (TV)
X (TV)
You're Under Arrest (TV)
Yu Yu Hakusho: Ghost Files (TV)
Yu-Gi-Oh! (TV)
Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters (TV)

Seen all

Aeon Flux (live-action movie)
Akira (movie)
Alakazam the Great (movie)
Antique Bakery (TV)
Antique Heart (OAV)
Aru Tabibito no Nikki (ONA)
Baby Blue (movie)
Bakumatsu Kikansetsu Irohanihoheto (TV)
Black Blood Brothers (TV)
Black Lagoon (TV)
Bleach (TV)
Bleach the Movie: Memories of Nobody
Bleach: Memories in the Rain (OAV)
Blood+ (TV)
Blood: The Last Vampire (movie)
Cardcaptor Sakura (TV)
Cardcaptor Sakura Movie 2: The Sealed Card
Cardcaptor Sakura: The Movie
Comedy (OAV)
Cowboy Bebop: The Movie
Darker than BLACK (TV)
Descendants of Darkness (TV)
Devil May Cry (TV)
Doorbell (movie)
Ergo Proxy (TV)
Excel Saga (TV)
Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children (movie)
Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within (US CG movie)
Fruits Basket (TV)
Full Metal Panic! (TV)
Full Metal Panic! The Second Raid (TV)
Full Metal Panic! The Second Raid (OAV)
Full Metal Panic? Fumoffu (TV)
Fullmetal Alchemist (TV)
Fullmetal Alchemist (TV 2)
Fullmetal Alchemist: Chibi Party (OAV)
Fullmetal Alchemist: Kids (OAV)
Fullmetal Alchemist: Seven Homunculi VS State Alchemists (OAV)
Fullmetal Alchemist: The Movie - Conqueror of Shamballa
Fuyu no Semi (OAV)
Gakuen Heaven (TV)
Genius Party (movie)
Gensomaden Saiyuki: Kibou no zaika (OAV)
Gensomaden Saiyuki: Requiem (movie)
Getbackers (TV)
Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence (movie)
(The) Girl Who Leapt Through Time (movie)
(The) Gokusen (TV)
Gravitation (TV)
Gravitation: Lyrics of Love (OAV)
Great Teacher Onizuka (TV)
Happy Machine (movie)
Haru wo Daiteita (OAV)
Hellsing (TV)
Hellsing (OAV)
Howl's Moving Castle (movie)
Karas (OAV)
Knight Hunters (TV)
Knight Hunters Eternity (TV)
Kuroshitsuji (TV)
Kyo kara Maoh! (TV)
Last Exile (TV)
Last Order Final Fantasy VII (OAV)
Leave it to Kero! Theatrical Version (movie)
Loveless (TV)
Majin Tantei Nōgami Neuro (TV)
Memories (movie)
Mirage of Blaze (TV)
Mirage of Blaze: Rebels of the River Edge (OAV)
Monochrome Factor (TV)
My Sexual Harassment (OAV)
Nabari no Ō (TV)
Naruto (TV)
Naruto (OAV)
Naruto Shippūden (TV)
Naruto Shippūden (movie)
Naruto Special: Akaki Yotsuba no Clover wo Sagase (OAV)
Naruto Special: Battle at Hidden Falls. I am the Hero! (OAV)
Naruto the Movie: Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom
Naruto the Movie: Legend of the Stone of Gelel
Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow
Naruto: Konoha Sports Festival (movie)
Natsume Yūjin-Chō (TV)
Ninja Scroll (movie)
Nodame Cantabile (TV)
Nodame Cantabile (live-action TV drama)
Nodame Cantabile in Europe (live-action special)
Nodame Cantabile: Paris (TV)
Oh! Edo Rocket (TV)
Ouran High School Host Club (TV)
Paradise Kiss (TV)
Peacemaker (TV)
Perfect Blue (movie)
Pet Shop of Horrors (TV)
Princess Mononoke (movie)
RahXephon (TV)
Saiyuki (TV)
Saiyuki (OAV)
Saiyuki Gunlock (TV)
Saiyuki Reload (TV)
Saiyuki Reload: Burial (OAV)
Samurai Champloo (TV)
Samurai Deeper Kyo (TV)
Sayonara Zetsubō Sensei (TV)
Shanghai Dragon (movie)
Speed Grapher (TV)
Spirited Away (movie)
(The) Story of Saiunkoku (TV)
Strait Jacket (OAV)
Suteki desu wa, Sakura-chan! Tomoyo no Cardcaptor Sakura Katsuyaku Video Nikki! (special)
Tokyo Godfathers (movie)
Tokyo Majin (TV)
Trigun (TV)
Trinity Blood (TV)
Vampire Hunter D (OAV)
Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust (movie)
(The) Vision of Escaflowne (TV)
(The) Wallflower (TV)
Weiß Kreuz (OAV)
Welcome to the NHK (TV)
Witch Hunter Robin (TV)
Wolf's Rain (TV)
X (movie)
Zoku Sayonara Zetsubō Sensei (TV)

===========

Nan-chan's interests have grown since 2002!!!

[Anime - Critics] On Fansubbing... My Response...

My thoughts on the fansubbing discussions going on at ANN...

I've never spoken up before on this subject - and I can't say that I have any real experience in business or marking... but I just wanted to agree (with enurtsol and Zin5ki) that there is another world outside of North America where (depending on location), legal streaming sites are not viable options either because they are not accessible (or streaming is next to impossible). I speak as an otaku who moved to China for work. When fansubs stop subbing various shows (niche or otherwise), chances of one getting properly subtitled (and legal) stuff in English is next to impossible - forget quality. Buying a dvd is a bit of a gamble, to be honest. And as for the post... it's expensive and not always reliable.

Like ANN (and other people), I hope there is a day when anime will be as accessible and affordable as it is purportedly in Japan. [Although, what with this global financial crisis - things can change any day for the better or for worse.] And if Crunchyroll streams the shows - I will watch them - low quality or no, because it's my only option. People who are desperate will follow suit, I think. Still, for those people overseas, in the country (or with just bad connections), fansubbing will continue to be a lure. I have bought merchandise (and dvds and manga) - only because I consciously wanted to support the artist/show - and I think streaming and blogs could adequately replace fansubbing in terms of promotion.

At the same time, it's good for companies to know that there is always a threat of competition - it promotes quality, better pricing and quicker delivery. Monopolies often offer low quality services, I find. And as mentioned before, there are shows that will lose out if dubbed or carelessly subtitled... *thinks of Sayonara Zetsubo Sensei*

[Anime - Critics] On Fansubbing...

I did not write this. Someone did - and I thought it was quite interesting and hilarious!!! *must admit to being Class B*

Its ridiculous that the conversation are too long to read, my eyes popped out after a few paragraphs.

REALITY CHECK EVERYONE!
Here's the 7 aspects how to get an anime the legal & illegal way!
I group them according to their description, & arrange it according to Class Quality!

A. Japanese DVD - It is the most RAWEST form, with the highest quality as possible present there is. No touch up like those English DVDs, no cut scenes nor censorship. With additional extra scenes.
Consider as CLASS S for those truly an Anime fan at OTAKU LEVEL.

B. Japanese TV RAW ripped - These are anime in its rawest form. The difference of it from the Japanese DVD are the cut scenes, censorship, & TV commercials.
Considered as CLASS A for those Anime fans who are at the NEAR OTAKU LEVEL who can't wait for the DVD to come out.

C. FANSUBS - are a group of individuals (fans) of an anime doing subtitle to the highest quality as possible incorporating several subtitling techniques like attractive & enjoyable karaoke effects & providing supplemental notes and maintaining the director's & producers' true intention on executing the essence of the anime.
The non-anime & anime fans will be aided during the process of watching the anime as supplemental notes.
The REAL true purpose of FANSUBS (early years):
1. Promote an unknown anime to the world, building up fans.
2. Subs an anime that its impossible to be brought to the world (eg LOGH)
3. Fansubs provide supplemental notes that aid fans as they watch the anime. They even provide translation of several background signs, others to the extend of superimposing it to the signs.
4. They provide further explanation especially "puns"
5. (later on) Fansubs serves as the preserver of the "true essence" of the anime. Fans seen a lot of English (R1) dvd are much like disappointed. Several changes in the English script, difficult pun turn to unrelated to anime english joke, etc... list goes on. Plus the ecchi genre animes are too horrible in English dubbed. English dubbed of ecchi is comparable to American cheap, over the top acting PORn.

Here's way to find out why.
If you're not a fansub fan:
1. Get your R1 DvD (if possible, early R1 dvd back then).
2. Play it Using English Dubbed with the English subbed. You can observed that there are some changes even the content intended changes.
3. For Japanese dubbed, with English subtitle... if you understand some Japanese terms, you can tell that they uses some plain English translations than the Japanese intended to execute.
If you're a fansub fans.
1. Get your R1 DVD.
2. Play it in English dubbed & english subs.
3. Play the fansubs too, at the same time.
4. Compare. Fansubs are superior, maintaining the essence of the anime where the R1, some have changes, etc.
Fansubs are irreplaceable, too early to become obsolete.
But if the Legit owner really want to, they should
1. Be or more like fansubs (attractive karaoke with special effects subs, supplemental notes, good translation, etc)
2. English dubbed airs at the same time with Japan to the world.
3. I know its possible, the R1 DVD should be available before it airs in Japan
Fansubs Are considered as CLASS B for TRULY ANIME FANS, maintaining the True Essence of an anime as close as posibble to its RAWEST FORM, in Japanese.

D. Anime R1 DVD-Rippers these are individuals as the name implies ripping R1 DVDs available sometimes with multilingual dubbed. These are the true illegal groups, not the fansubs. Sometimes these groups provide their own subs because the subs & the dubbed provided by R1 dvds are BIG disappointment. These are the groups that is slightly comparable to the ever elusive AXXO.
Considered as CLASS C for TRULY ANIME FANS, because they provide some subs that are as close to its RAWEST form.

E. English DVD (R1)
The English dubbed. I've tried several times the experiment I mention above. Im not a big fan of English dubbed. Why is it that theres always a GAY sounding characters even the characters are not GAY. The cyborg/robot voice is too genericly GAY/annoying. Majority of the English dub sounds cartoony & cheesy, stereotypically leveled anime to cartoon level. The teasing part, japanese "teasing" are erotic compare to the English dubbed sounds cheap & like im about to throw up. Some pun are erased are replace with non anime related line/joke. Ill just leave my hatred to English dubbed here, because if I continue, I'll consume several paragraphs.
Considered As CLASS D for TRULY ANIME FANS. The integrity of the Anime is pretty much murdered & butchered to cater the Western-loving shallow anime individuals.

F. English dubbed Tv Anime.
Description from above paragraph + censorship + commercial
Considered as CLASS E, intended for those indivual who die happy just by watching this.

G. Streamed Anime (CRunchy Roll, Youtube, BOST, alike)
These are CHEAP streaming, video quality is awful, but the disappointing part is the translation & subtitle quality. Its subquality. No karaoke effects, supplemental notes etc. Not very much like fansubs.
Considered as CLASS F for FAILURE for a TRULY ANIME FANS. You can see Failure all over the streamed videos.


Im not promoting fansubs but its a good way to have them, especially in aiding you in watching & loving the anime providing you additional information that the R1 FAILED to bring. I know its somewhat illegal. I also bought R1 DVDs for COLLECTION SAKE.

[Anime - Commentary] Sayonara Zetsubo Sensei!!!

There is something to be said for enjoying the zaniness of life. I think this show - Sayonara Zetsubo Sensei - really celebrates the intelligent bizarre. I say bizarre as a noun - because if bizarre was a person - he would be the central figure of Sayonara Zetsubo Sensei.

But there is a method in the madness - and for every fit of despair that Sensei Itoshiki Nozomu has - there is a startling commentary on the world (or Japanese world) at large.

For those who are not familiar with this series, Sayonara Zetsubo Sensei is about a truant, suicidal teacher who has a similarly screwed-up high school class. The story begins with a failed hanging - and goes downhill from there - in a totally awesome way. The title says it all: "Farewell, Teacher of Despair!"

[Insert culture fact: "sayonara" means "goodbye" in Japanese - but the implications are much stronger than Westerners think. It really means something closer to "farewell, I will see you in the next life, if ever". So - make sure you think twice before using it!]

One would think that the show would evaporate after 13 episodes... No sirree, the creators came back with 2nd and 3rd helpings: Zoku Sayonara Zetsubo Sensei and Goku Sayonara Zetsubo Sensei. Can't get much easier than that, can it?

As for the students - there's the "Overly Optomistic" girl, the "Bossy, Control Freak", the "Animal-Tail-Loving" girl, the "Invisible, Comb-over" boy, the "Stalker", the "Hikikimori at School", the "Normal" girl, the "Bi-lingual Personality" girl, the "Abusive Text Messager", the "Illegal Alien" and the "Violent" girl (to name a few).

Each episode deals with 1 (or more) issues - from the evils of card-carrying society, to "deep love", to xenophobia, to otaku culture, to cults, to useless festivals and their useless customs to strange sketches that make no sense at all.

I find that I have to watch it with my finger on the space bar - so that I can pause the scene to better enjoy the various lists that often scroll behind the teacher as he rants on about the current topic that he is despairing over. It's really all too much!

Snow White Comment VID

Who else thought that Asagi with his new... D item??? Was as cute as a button? I mean... he was totally engrossed in it - and most everyone else had something to say... but he was just like "Hai... hai... hai... hai...."

*glomps Asagi*

Just too cute...

[Anime - Review] Kuroshitsuji

Kuroshitsuji

A new-ish anime that randomly caught my attention thanks to a Newtype Mag I bought in Hong Kong. I can't read Japanese hardly - but the official website had been provided... After watching the first episode, my interest was piqued...

The animation is only so-so - and the seiyuu cast isn't as large or famous as some other shows that I have watched... But there are some pretty funny things that happen and some odd references to Asian culture (which is strange in this pseudo-Victorian world).

But the bishies are hard to refuse - and the females aren't to annoying. And there is something cool about the whole paranormal side to things. There is a feeling of "Loveless" about the whole thing (the whole young boy, older man) - which is just fine by me, really.

As you can guess, I find Sebastian really really cute. And totally the reason why I watch the show. Although there are a few other guys that are interesting... Can't say much about them - since there is large spoilers for the new guys...

At any rate - I'm waiting for episode 6 to download so I can enjoy this lovely show!

Sebastian isn't boasting when he says, "I am one hell of a butler!"

[Anime - Commentary] Kotetsu, Izumo, Shikamaru and Others

ナルト～～～～！！！！！

かわいい～～～～
かわいいですね～
今、私は「ナルト」が見ります～～～　

見て～見て～～！！！

コテツとイズモ～

私はイズモさんが大好き！でもね。。。

私はイズモさんがあまり見ません。。。　T＿T


「がんばって、コテツ！がんばって、イズモ！」と言っています。

「フ、フ、フ」
「アア。。。」

ああ～　シカマルくん～～！

シカマルくんはかっこいくて、頭がよくて、やさしですよ～

シカマルくんは「アスマせんせい。。。」と言っていました。「コノハであなたの力が思い出します～」

（笑）

でもね。。。シカマルくんが真面目腐ります。。。　がんばって、シカマルくん～～！！！

Kotetsu and Izumo are just tooo toooo cute~~~ I love them tooo much~~~ Although I don't see Izumo too often... :( I often say, "Good luck, Izumo! Kotetsu!"

Also, Shikamaru is really cool, smart and kind. He's been thinking alot over Asuma-sensei, telling his sensei that his power (and love etc.) will be remembered in Konoha...

Ha.

But... Shikamaru has got really serious... Good luck, Shikamaru~!!!

- Notice the extreme different styles of animation depending on the situation? Gotta love Naruto~~~

Farewell DB

Naruto was first brought to me by ANBU-AONE - but eventually over the year(s), Dattebayo subbers have delivered the goods swiftly after the airing of one of the most popular anime shows ever. Sometimes, on torrents, there would be up to 100,000 peers. They were regular, good, helpful and just plain awesome.

Now their Naruto days are over. Even though Naruto Shippuuden is all the rage (and breaking more downloading records), Dattebayo is laying its torch down.

I feel sad. Not just because of the loss of amazing subs - but a twice as an amazing community that helped strengthen a three times as amazing fanbase.

Thanks Dattebayo and good luck!!!
Believe it!