Oooga booga! Here's Grumpf the caveman from Jerom. Get it here.
Fitness Equipment
Tired of going to the gym to work out everyday? Why not have your very own fitness equipment at the comfort of your very own home? That is right, why not purchase a fitness equipment so you can work out anytime that you want? Globalfitness.com has the largest in stock inventory and is known as the largest dealer in the USA. Their fitness equipment lineup includes all the leading brands of exercise equipment namely, Life Fitness, Stairmaster, Star Trac, Nautilus, Cybex and more.
Hunter x Hunter DVD Box Set 2 Impression
Viz continues to give anime fans what they want. Collections of great anime at a nice price. Hunter x Hunter DVD box set 2 continues this trend with 15 episodes of an excellent anime that does feel a bit dated with its voice work and animation, hey the industry has gotten much better. The story rocks even with the dated animation, but hey, good price, great collection, let’s take a peek.
The hunter exam continues in trick tower and only a team working together will escape and advance. Having done this Gon and the group move onto the next stage which consist of being assigned a number, a badge, and then assigned a number to capture. This assigned number along with other badges result in points, six points need to advance. So it’s hunter candidate vs. hunter candidate and then some. The most impressive encounter is Gon and his attempt to get a badge from Hisoka. It’s here that we see an encounter with a certain spider tattooed hunter applicant. Next the group is put on an interesting island where they must gather treasure to gain a room at a unique inn only to find themselves stranded and needing to work as a team yet again to survive. After surviving the tower, badge hunt, ship expedition each remaining applicant must pass an exam with the Chairman, which does not so much require studying as being ones self. The final phase is a tournament where each fighter must either kill or cause their opponent to quit, something Gon cannot do, thus he’s knocked out and needs a recap of what transpired as Killua’s brother makes his presence known. Killua, for reasons all his own, is disqualified and the exam is complete. Did Gon pass?
Wow, quite a busy few episodes. So I spoke about dated animation, and it is. The same can be said of Dragon Ball and DBZ, but it does not take away from the quality of Hunter x Hunter. Any older movie, animation, etc, heck even books, they just look a bit rougher from those newer shows created with today’s technology. The character designs are still fresh, Gon, Killua are unique and the world the live in is timeless. This is quite a feat as many anime copy each other. The story is full of action and explanation. Each stage of the exam has hidden meaning, but the introduction of Killua’s brother, his expulsion, this is where the show begins to get interesting.
Overall this is one of those shows where I’m going to say if you are a fan of the manga, get the anime. I will also go a step further and say if you subscribe to, or have picked up and liked Shonen Jump you need to go buy this series. It’s got everything one is to expect from a great and timeless anime and I’m willing to put it on the same level as Yu-Yu Hakusho (same creator) if not a notch higher, it’s that good minus the marketing.
Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 on PS3 Impression
Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2 from Activision gives decent service to Marvel fans while remaining open enough for the average gamer to jump in and enjoy. The overall formula remains in place with a few updates but this is clearly a case of if it isn’t broke, lets see why …
Gameplay – Gamers start off with a pre-determined team of four then later will piece together their team of heroes (and villains). The action is a top-down, angled brawl-fest where gamers proceed through levels with obstacles, boss encounter’s check-points, etc to advance the story. Co-op mode is a plus, but when the second player decides to leave the disconnect process, well it sucks. Gamers can level up their heroes and reallocate points later and on the fly, very handy. Fusion attacks between characters will determine which teams gamers choose and can un-balance the gameplay with very powerful attacks, but punch, punch, kick goes a long way. Healing and reviving characters on the go makes up for sometimes spotty AI (anyone heard of block?)
Graphics – Cut scenes look really good and the in-game graphics are not too shabby. In-game story points can be carried out with in-game graphics, close-ups that don’t look as good as cut scenes (duh!) but still get the job done. In these instances the characters can feel a bit stiff but the detail remains. The gameplay can sometimes feel like the old arcade Smash TV! as gamers are overrun with bad guys just waiting for a fusion attack. While levels and even characters have more detail thanks to the next-gen upgrades due to the distance gamers are playing from there is not too much to this detail. Like the first MUA the game is a brawler that gets the job done and looks good doing it.
Sound – The soundtrack is film worthy with epic scores and changes in pace but there are enough Saturday morning cartoon one-liners thrown in to keep gamers from enjoying the music too much. The voice work overall, during cut scenes, is decent enough but again feels pulled from the cartoon counterparts, of which there are many.
Design – Levels are very interactive and also very linear. Don’t think too much about why Ironman can’t fly over a building or Spidey just scale rooftops, just part of the game. The characters look good, carry a stance befitting their station (Wolverine crouches all the time, Venom all over the place, etc) but it’s the bonus costumes which are really fun. Old looks, new looks, it’s all implemented very well. The design put into the fusion powers is also well done no matter how lacking in power they may be, everyone works together.
Miscellaneous – The storyline. The first MUA was more about the joy of picking a varied team of Marvel heroes while this latest iteration, its gameplay similar to the first, takes up one of the best Marvel storylines and implements it to mixed results. The Civil War storyline circa 2006 sees the Marvel universe split into two factions. One side is Pro-Registration, the other Anti-Registration taking up their roles in the Superhuman Registration Act. While the comic was outstanding and conflicts between former allies great the game loses a bit as the story is not quite as fleshed out, a shame really. The unique story is such a great draw for fans even as it’s almost three years old. That being said the other miscellaneous item which really makes MUA2 shine is the downloadable characters that have already seen Cable, Carnage and Psylocke offered and more on the way. There is so much incentive for gamers to keep playing and downloading, it’s outstanding.
Overall, Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2 breaks into three groups. First the must buy, which is anyone who enjoyed the first game. Don’t waste time, go out and buy an excellent follow-up. Second are Marvel fans with any gaming system. It’s tons of fun to play as such a variety of characters then get online and praise/bash the look, feel, costumes, powers, power fusions, etc like any good gamer should. Third is the average gamer, not casual gamer, but the average gamer who likes a great distraction and good gameplay. MUA2 is a solid game with solid graphics, great sound, a ton of characters and flavors to pick from and a decent difficulty level. MUA2 also reminds us that a sequel does not have to reinvent the wheel, sometimes it’s about a new set of rims and nothing more.
Gameplay – Gamers start off with a pre-determined team of four then later will piece together their team of heroes (and villains). The action is a top-down, angled brawl-fest where gamers proceed through levels with obstacles, boss encounter’s check-points, etc to advance the story. Co-op mode is a plus, but when the second player decides to leave the disconnect process, well it sucks. Gamers can level up their heroes and reallocate points later and on the fly, very handy. Fusion attacks between characters will determine which teams gamers choose and can un-balance the gameplay with very powerful attacks, but punch, punch, kick goes a long way. Healing and reviving characters on the go makes up for sometimes spotty AI (anyone heard of block?)
Graphics – Cut scenes look really good and the in-game graphics are not too shabby. In-game story points can be carried out with in-game graphics, close-ups that don’t look as good as cut scenes (duh!) but still get the job done. In these instances the characters can feel a bit stiff but the detail remains. The gameplay can sometimes feel like the old arcade Smash TV! as gamers are overrun with bad guys just waiting for a fusion attack. While levels and even characters have more detail thanks to the next-gen upgrades due to the distance gamers are playing from there is not too much to this detail. Like the first MUA the game is a brawler that gets the job done and looks good doing it.
Sound – The soundtrack is film worthy with epic scores and changes in pace but there are enough Saturday morning cartoon one-liners thrown in to keep gamers from enjoying the music too much. The voice work overall, during cut scenes, is decent enough but again feels pulled from the cartoon counterparts, of which there are many.
Design – Levels are very interactive and also very linear. Don’t think too much about why Ironman can’t fly over a building or Spidey just scale rooftops, just part of the game. The characters look good, carry a stance befitting their station (Wolverine crouches all the time, Venom all over the place, etc) but it’s the bonus costumes which are really fun. Old looks, new looks, it’s all implemented very well. The design put into the fusion powers is also well done no matter how lacking in power they may be, everyone works together.
Miscellaneous – The storyline. The first MUA was more about the joy of picking a varied team of Marvel heroes while this latest iteration, its gameplay similar to the first, takes up one of the best Marvel storylines and implements it to mixed results. The Civil War storyline circa 2006 sees the Marvel universe split into two factions. One side is Pro-Registration, the other Anti-Registration taking up their roles in the Superhuman Registration Act. While the comic was outstanding and conflicts between former allies great the game loses a bit as the story is not quite as fleshed out, a shame really. The unique story is such a great draw for fans even as it’s almost three years old. That being said the other miscellaneous item which really makes MUA2 shine is the downloadable characters that have already seen Cable, Carnage and Psylocke offered and more on the way. There is so much incentive for gamers to keep playing and downloading, it’s outstanding.
Overall, Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2 breaks into three groups. First the must buy, which is anyone who enjoyed the first game. Don’t waste time, go out and buy an excellent follow-up. Second are Marvel fans with any gaming system. It’s tons of fun to play as such a variety of characters then get online and praise/bash the look, feel, costumes, powers, power fusions, etc like any good gamer should. Third is the average gamer, not casual gamer, but the average gamer who likes a great distraction and good gameplay. MUA2 is a solid game with solid graphics, great sound, a ton of characters and flavors to pick from and a decent difficulty level. MUA2 also reminds us that a sequel does not have to reinvent the wheel, sometimes it’s about a new set of rims and nothing more.
Jack & The Witch on the idiot box in time for Halloween!
I interrupt this blogcast for an important message!It appears This TV, a digital terrestrial network available as a sub-channel on many stations across the country, will be airing the 1967 Toei classic "Jack & The Witch" this Halloween morning at 8AM EST. You owe it to yourself and your fellow man by watching/taping this masterpiece or it's too late! And if anyone wants to help out a fellow man who doesn't have this channel at all, feel free to ask! :-)
Check local listings for station availability.
PARTIAL STATION LIST:
- KTLA ch. 5.1 Los Angeles
- WCIU-TV ch. 26.4 Chicago
- WPHL-TV ch. 17.2 Philadelphia
- WFAA ch. 8.3 Dallas/Ft. Worth
- WHDH-TV ch. 7.2 Boston
- WNEG-TV ch. 32.1 Toccoa (Atlanta)
- WDCW ch. 50.2 Washington, D.C.
- KPRC-TV ch. 2.2 Houston
- WDIV-TV ch. 4.2 Detroit
- KTVK ch. 3.2 Phoenix
- KOMO-TV ch. 4.2 Seattle
- WMOR-TV ch. 32.2 Tampa/St. Petersburg
- WUAB-TV ch. 43.2 Lorain/Cleveland
- WKCF ch. 18.2 Orlando
- KQCA-TV ch. 58.2 Sacramento
Inukami! vol. 4 Impression
Inukami! is a fun manga with great art. If that’s not to the point enough for you volume 4 of Inukami! from Tor/Seven Seas Publishing shows what makes this a great series and also (at times) a frustrating one. Let me explain after a quick look at the story.
Kaita and Yoko take on a new job after being approached by the butler to the wealthy Shindo family. The job is simple, protect Kei Shindo as she is about to turn 20. The catch is the Shindo family is cursed as each member and anyone trying to protect them, will die on their 20th birthday, carried off by Death himself. The history of the Shindo family is a sad one, but it means nothing for Keita and Yoko as they are determined to face down Death and begin training to do so. They get an added advantage as Death seems to not be the best time keeper and he makes an early appearance thus showing some of his power. The clock is ticking on Kei. Will Keita and Yoko be able to save her or will they follow her to the grave?
Yup, that’s it for story which is my main frustration. The story is way too short as a third of the book is a ‘bonus’ story titled Inukami Girl’s Academy. This story is fun, about Yoko and Keita in a school, but I for one would much rather have had the fight with Death. There is not too much exploration into Yoko and Keita’s relationship and just when we get to the good stuff, the fight, its bonus manga time. Just feels a bit jipped. If this was not a good manga I would not be bothered, but it is good thus I’m a bit peeved. The art is excellent, all I’ll say there. New characters, Shindo’s butler for example, a pure trip in his wrestling shorts, and Death ... not exactly what one expects death to look like. So the art of Mari Matsuzawa and story by Mamizu Arisawa continues to deliver, just not enough of it.
Overall this is a very good series that fans of the awkward love, violent love, human/demon love will dig. Pick up a copy and know this. If you like volume 1, volume 4 will just continue to entertain.
Kaita and Yoko take on a new job after being approached by the butler to the wealthy Shindo family. The job is simple, protect Kei Shindo as she is about to turn 20. The catch is the Shindo family is cursed as each member and anyone trying to protect them, will die on their 20th birthday, carried off by Death himself. The history of the Shindo family is a sad one, but it means nothing for Keita and Yoko as they are determined to face down Death and begin training to do so. They get an added advantage as Death seems to not be the best time keeper and he makes an early appearance thus showing some of his power. The clock is ticking on Kei. Will Keita and Yoko be able to save her or will they follow her to the grave?
Yup, that’s it for story which is my main frustration. The story is way too short as a third of the book is a ‘bonus’ story titled Inukami Girl’s Academy. This story is fun, about Yoko and Keita in a school, but I for one would much rather have had the fight with Death. There is not too much exploration into Yoko and Keita’s relationship and just when we get to the good stuff, the fight, its bonus manga time. Just feels a bit jipped. If this was not a good manga I would not be bothered, but it is good thus I’m a bit peeved. The art is excellent, all I’ll say there. New characters, Shindo’s butler for example, a pure trip in his wrestling shorts, and Death ... not exactly what one expects death to look like. So the art of Mari Matsuzawa and story by Mamizu Arisawa continues to deliver, just not enough of it.
Overall this is a very good series that fans of the awkward love, violent love, human/demon love will dig. Pick up a copy and know this. If you like volume 1, volume 4 will just continue to entertain.
Touhou Project: Sitting Yuka Kazami Papercraft
Another character from Touhou Project by gt40. Check it out here.
auto insurance quotes
What type of auto insurance do you need? Which auto insurance company is the best? How much do I have to pay for a can insurance? These are just some of the questions that pop-up when you have a new car. 2insure4less.com can answer these questions and more. They also have auto insurance quotes which can help you get a better deal.
Kenichi The Mightiest Disciple Season 1 DVD Impression
Ah, the training anime. Geeky kid takes on intense training to get stronger. There are a ton of these type of anime on the market, some comedic, many serious. Kenichi from FUNimation is a mixture of both and executes well on both levels. What is it about Kenichi that makes his training and confrontation different from others? Gotta watch to know, but let’s try to summarize.
Kenichi Season 1, Part 1
Kenichi is a wimp. He is not spectacular at anything but has hopes of becoming … something, anything near great. He joins the karate club but is only accepted to cleanup after the older students. A chance encounter where he tries to help a damsel in distress, Mui, leads to another butt kicking for Kenichi but also a revelation. Mui lives at the Ryōzanpaku Dojo, a dojo with six martial arts masters whom Kenichi seeks to train under. He pleads and is finally accepted into a world he could very well regret as he is the only disciple of the dojo and must contend with the insane training of the masters. Kenichi uses his brief training to counter the much larger head of the karate club which of course puts him on every bully’s list to smash. Very quickly Kenichi attracts the attention of the gang Ragnarok, his first encounter is with Takeda, a former boxer With an insane father, gang after him and six crazy masters the question is not when Kenichi will complete his training, but if he will even survive.
Now a quick look at the second part of season 1 …
Kenichi Season 1, Part 2
A former foe turned ally thanks to a helping healing hand, an insane Dojo challenge and ‘relaxing’ trip to the beach. While not normal for most martial artist it’s just another day, another week for Kenichi. A seemingly innocent trip to an island turns into an insane training regime which teaches Kenichi to swim and deal with sharks. Thanks to his continued training Ragnarok is beginning to get more serious with Kenichi by lining up their top dogs, the 8 Fist of Ragnarok, including Kisara Nanjo, the Hermit and Romeo? Well, not quite Romeo yet, but a play where Miu is Juliet reveals Romeo to be the head of Ragnarok and Kenichi’s most dangerous foe yet. He wanted to just get stronger but now he finds himself fighting on the top of a moving bus and staring face-to-face with a group that could rival his Dojo. The fun is just getting started for Kenichi.
Ok, so let’s cover animation first. It’s good, little overblown for Miu and her … assets, and the characters remain, for the most part, in the same clothing and in same settings. School, Dojo, Streets and for a change the Beach are the settings, very ordinary looking. The animation itself is good but not great, its anime art, what the average person would think of as anime. The characters, especially the masters, each fit their character type and are funny as hell. Kenichi himself, he’s plain guy nothing more.
So how does an average looking anime hook the viewers? The story and this weak guy in training story is really good from the opening theme to closing. The story, once Ragnarok really jumps in, starts to feel like Tenjo Tenge with the bad guy back stories, it moves beyond Kenichi, but that is at the end of season 1. The bulk of the story is Kenichi slowly getting stronger, learning about different fighting styles and doing it all in funny ways. That’s it, nothing more to add. It’s a training anime with decent art and a fun, enjoyable story carried on with good voice work. Kenichi does not spectacular but it does many things well, check it out.
Kenichi Season 1, Part 1
Kenichi is a wimp. He is not spectacular at anything but has hopes of becoming … something, anything near great. He joins the karate club but is only accepted to cleanup after the older students. A chance encounter where he tries to help a damsel in distress, Mui, leads to another butt kicking for Kenichi but also a revelation. Mui lives at the Ryōzanpaku Dojo, a dojo with six martial arts masters whom Kenichi seeks to train under. He pleads and is finally accepted into a world he could very well regret as he is the only disciple of the dojo and must contend with the insane training of the masters. Kenichi uses his brief training to counter the much larger head of the karate club which of course puts him on every bully’s list to smash. Very quickly Kenichi attracts the attention of the gang Ragnarok, his first encounter is with Takeda, a former boxer With an insane father, gang after him and six crazy masters the question is not when Kenichi will complete his training, but if he will even survive.
Now a quick look at the second part of season 1 …
Kenichi Season 1, Part 2A former foe turned ally thanks to a helping healing hand, an insane Dojo challenge and ‘relaxing’ trip to the beach. While not normal for most martial artist it’s just another day, another week for Kenichi. A seemingly innocent trip to an island turns into an insane training regime which teaches Kenichi to swim and deal with sharks. Thanks to his continued training Ragnarok is beginning to get more serious with Kenichi by lining up their top dogs, the 8 Fist of Ragnarok, including Kisara Nanjo, the Hermit and Romeo? Well, not quite Romeo yet, but a play where Miu is Juliet reveals Romeo to be the head of Ragnarok and Kenichi’s most dangerous foe yet. He wanted to just get stronger but now he finds himself fighting on the top of a moving bus and staring face-to-face with a group that could rival his Dojo. The fun is just getting started for Kenichi.
Ok, so let’s cover animation first. It’s good, little overblown for Miu and her … assets, and the characters remain, for the most part, in the same clothing and in same settings. School, Dojo, Streets and for a change the Beach are the settings, very ordinary looking. The animation itself is good but not great, its anime art, what the average person would think of as anime. The characters, especially the masters, each fit their character type and are funny as hell. Kenichi himself, he’s plain guy nothing more.
So how does an average looking anime hook the viewers? The story and this weak guy in training story is really good from the opening theme to closing. The story, once Ragnarok really jumps in, starts to feel like Tenjo Tenge with the bad guy back stories, it moves beyond Kenichi, but that is at the end of season 1. The bulk of the story is Kenichi slowly getting stronger, learning about different fighting styles and doing it all in funny ways. That’s it, nothing more to add. It’s a training anime with decent art and a fun, enjoyable story carried on with good voice work. Kenichi does not spectacular but it does many things well, check it out.
Batman: Arkham Asylum on PS3 Impression
Just as Batman Begins and The Dark Knight made movie going Batman fans forger the sins of the past so too will Batman: Arkham Asylum aid gamers in the less than stellar previous Bats gaming offerings. The stigma of comic super hero games was one mediocrity at best, controller smashing at worst. Marvel has fixed this issue for the most part with solid Spider-Man and Ultimate Alliance titles but DC has remained in the dark. To escape the dark use one who lives in the dark, thus it fell on an out of the blue Batman adventure to show DC can do it right, and do it so well that this is indeed a game of the year candidate. Let’s take a look at a few reasons why …
Gameplay – It’s Batman in a third-person, very Metal Gear Solid-ish, adventure with a Metroid type level setup. Gamers take control of the Dark Knight as he returns Joker to Arkham. The trap is sprung and now it’s Bats turn to round up all the inmates and return Joker to his cell. Gamers utilize a slew of bat-gadgets and stalks the Jokers henchmen, some armed, other not. Combat is one button with counters, done quite excellent. A detective mode allows Batman to follow forensics trails, check crime-scenes and do a few other tricks CSI would be envious of. Outside the single-player game there are various challenge modes to engage in, set high-scores and log scores online, great re-playability.
Graphics – Unique designs for all of Batman’s foes from the sultry Poison Ivy to Bane. The characters look outstanding and while the inmates are all cookie cutter they each sport unique detail in their molds. Batman looks incredible as his outfit gets tattered from combat and it seems like he even needs to shave as the adventure continues. The levels sport outstanding detail and Gotham in the distance seems real enough to visit. In both detective and regular mode this is one outstanding looking title. A nice touch with the character profiles unlocked by finding gaming secrets is the original DC art for each.
Sound – Thank you Luke Skywalker. You are the best Joker EVER! Mark Hamill continues his role as the ‘official’ voice of the Joker and from Batman to Harley Quinn each character is the same seen in the animated series. The background music is good, but the voice actors show their professionalism and make gamers feel like they are playing a movie and not a game with afterthought voice work.
Design – The characters look outstanding but the levels, Arkham itself, is a character in and of itself. After completing the introduction level and coming out on a cliff above Arkham gamers are treated to an asylum that is detailed, unique and haunting. The history of the asylum is everywhere to be seen. The Metroid comparison comes from each level being unlocked as gamer’s progress, certain weapons and upgrades needed to access secrets. Gamers must, and will, want to retrace their steps.
Miscellaneous – The Riddler, how you challenge the cranium. Like many games of its type, Arkham Asylum offers unlockables and these are accomplished in various Riddler Challenges. There are trophies to collect which unlock character models and more as well as hidden symbols which tell the history of Arkham and interview tapes for each inmate. Beating the Joker is only one goal for gamers, the other, I’d say primary objective for fans is going Secret Origins on the story and characters, there is a lot to be learned and unlocked.
Overall, Batman: Arkham Asylum is a must have for any Batman fan and for fans of titles like Metal Gear Solid. The gameplay is superb, graphics outstanding, voice work the best there is and overall package just way too much to pass up on for adventure gamers. Get the message or do we need to flash a bat signal in your face to convince you?
Gameplay – It’s Batman in a third-person, very Metal Gear Solid-ish, adventure with a Metroid type level setup. Gamers take control of the Dark Knight as he returns Joker to Arkham. The trap is sprung and now it’s Bats turn to round up all the inmates and return Joker to his cell. Gamers utilize a slew of bat-gadgets and stalks the Jokers henchmen, some armed, other not. Combat is one button with counters, done quite excellent. A detective mode allows Batman to follow forensics trails, check crime-scenes and do a few other tricks CSI would be envious of. Outside the single-player game there are various challenge modes to engage in, set high-scores and log scores online, great re-playability.
Graphics – Unique designs for all of Batman’s foes from the sultry Poison Ivy to Bane. The characters look outstanding and while the inmates are all cookie cutter they each sport unique detail in their molds. Batman looks incredible as his outfit gets tattered from combat and it seems like he even needs to shave as the adventure continues. The levels sport outstanding detail and Gotham in the distance seems real enough to visit. In both detective and regular mode this is one outstanding looking title. A nice touch with the character profiles unlocked by finding gaming secrets is the original DC art for each.
Sound – Thank you Luke Skywalker. You are the best Joker EVER! Mark Hamill continues his role as the ‘official’ voice of the Joker and from Batman to Harley Quinn each character is the same seen in the animated series. The background music is good, but the voice actors show their professionalism and make gamers feel like they are playing a movie and not a game with afterthought voice work.
Design – The characters look outstanding but the levels, Arkham itself, is a character in and of itself. After completing the introduction level and coming out on a cliff above Arkham gamers are treated to an asylum that is detailed, unique and haunting. The history of the asylum is everywhere to be seen. The Metroid comparison comes from each level being unlocked as gamer’s progress, certain weapons and upgrades needed to access secrets. Gamers must, and will, want to retrace their steps.
Miscellaneous – The Riddler, how you challenge the cranium. Like many games of its type, Arkham Asylum offers unlockables and these are accomplished in various Riddler Challenges. There are trophies to collect which unlock character models and more as well as hidden symbols which tell the history of Arkham and interview tapes for each inmate. Beating the Joker is only one goal for gamers, the other, I’d say primary objective for fans is going Secret Origins on the story and characters, there is a lot to be learned and unlocked.
Overall, Batman: Arkham Asylum is a must have for any Batman fan and for fans of titles like Metal Gear Solid. The gameplay is superb, graphics outstanding, voice work the best there is and overall package just way too much to pass up on for adventure gamers. Get the message or do we need to flash a bat signal in your face to convince you?
VINX18 Wooden Ye-bot Papercraft
Check out VINX18, a wooden themed robot papertoy by Vinsart. Download it here.
Best Diet Pills
Are you a frustrated diet pill user? You might want to try out something new. If you are in the mood for something different then you should check out godietpills.com. It will help you find today's most popular best diet pills. Not only that, you can also learn about other ways to lose weight, get diet tips, vitamins and more.
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation Manga Impression
CSI has hit Vegas, Miami and New York. Next up, the land of the rising sun, Japan. Well, not really but the new CSI: Crime Scene Investigation manga from Tokyopop offers us an interesting story spun with manga style art and a format between traditional manga and American comics. So what’s to like for both CSI and manga fans, lets take a look at the story by Sekou Hamilton first.
Kiyomi Hudon is just another 15 year old, growing up in Vegas scraping by with her father. There is one thing that separates Kiyomi from other 15 year olds and that’s her love of forensics which drives her to take the CSI internship exam. Only five interns will be accepted and it’s either this or a part-time job for Kiyomi. As results are relayed Kiyomi is thrilled to learn she’s been accepted with fellow interns Damian, the jock, Kirin, the nerd, Christof, the … kinda psycho Goth and Gregory, the suave ladies man. The group begins day 1 with a drip to the morgue and an autopsy for a girl, Gretchen Yates, who attended the same school as the interns. As they visit the crime scene and learn about the lab the CSInterns delve into the case of Gretchen and come to the startling realization one of their numbers is responsible for the crime. How will the case play out when it’s just study for them and the murder has an inside knowledge of the case. It’s just another day in the life of a CSI intern.
Give away the ending, now way, sorry, not going to happen. The story is typical CSI minus the musically scored investigative scenes. Taking the angle of an internship at CSI with Grissom and Catherine making an appearance makes it believable and fun for fans. Overall the murder and its resolution leave a bit to be desired but its fun for mystery fans, albeit a bit quick. The art is quite good making Grissom look fresh and young while Catherine looks year’s younger and very manga-ish. The interns all fit their stereotypes, Damian for example as the jock has a crew cut. The lab, settings, crime scene all match those seen in the show. So the story is good, characters ok and the art good, but what does it offer to manga and CSI fans?
Manga fans, you get the above and an introduction to what CSI is all about. Yes the show is deeper than just interns but the settings are pulled from the show. The cast has changed, but not as big an impact as they make appearances only in the manga. This is a good mystery manga that won’t break anyone’s grey matter but is still fun to follow.
CSI fans get two things. A look back, before Grissom left, at what could be a very real side-story in the CSI universe. It’s an easy investment, easy cost, good story, and good art PLUS there is a chapter from the novel Brass in Pocket, so you have that going for you, which is nice. CSI fans also get a cliff notes intro to the world of manga, which only gets better the more you explore. For example check out the Conan (detective, not barbarian) manga fro some great crime solving.
Overall a good read for both sets of fans for different reasons. The one hope I have is this is not a one-shot, that we get more intern stories in the current setting.
Kiyomi Hudon is just another 15 year old, growing up in Vegas scraping by with her father. There is one thing that separates Kiyomi from other 15 year olds and that’s her love of forensics which drives her to take the CSI internship exam. Only five interns will be accepted and it’s either this or a part-time job for Kiyomi. As results are relayed Kiyomi is thrilled to learn she’s been accepted with fellow interns Damian, the jock, Kirin, the nerd, Christof, the … kinda psycho Goth and Gregory, the suave ladies man. The group begins day 1 with a drip to the morgue and an autopsy for a girl, Gretchen Yates, who attended the same school as the interns. As they visit the crime scene and learn about the lab the CSInterns delve into the case of Gretchen and come to the startling realization one of their numbers is responsible for the crime. How will the case play out when it’s just study for them and the murder has an inside knowledge of the case. It’s just another day in the life of a CSI intern.
Give away the ending, now way, sorry, not going to happen. The story is typical CSI minus the musically scored investigative scenes. Taking the angle of an internship at CSI with Grissom and Catherine making an appearance makes it believable and fun for fans. Overall the murder and its resolution leave a bit to be desired but its fun for mystery fans, albeit a bit quick. The art is quite good making Grissom look fresh and young while Catherine looks year’s younger and very manga-ish. The interns all fit their stereotypes, Damian for example as the jock has a crew cut. The lab, settings, crime scene all match those seen in the show. So the story is good, characters ok and the art good, but what does it offer to manga and CSI fans?
Manga fans, you get the above and an introduction to what CSI is all about. Yes the show is deeper than just interns but the settings are pulled from the show. The cast has changed, but not as big an impact as they make appearances only in the manga. This is a good mystery manga that won’t break anyone’s grey matter but is still fun to follow.
CSI fans get two things. A look back, before Grissom left, at what could be a very real side-story in the CSI universe. It’s an easy investment, easy cost, good story, and good art PLUS there is a chapter from the novel Brass in Pocket, so you have that going for you, which is nice. CSI fans also get a cliff notes intro to the world of manga, which only gets better the more you explore. For example check out the Conan (detective, not barbarian) manga fro some great crime solving.
Overall a good read for both sets of fans for different reasons. The one hope I have is this is not a one-shot, that we get more intern stories in the current setting.
Isis novel Impression
Beware what you wish for, it may come true. A lesson that Iris Villiers learns in the novella Isis by Douglas Clegg with illustrations by Glenn Chadbourne. What makes this novel unique is readers don’t have to, well read, to enjoy the story or the art. All they need to do is search online for Isis Spot the Difference and a number of sites will come up and readers can experience this supernatural tale in an entirely new manner. First a look at the novel then the game.
Iris Villiers lives with her mother, twin older brothers Spence and Harvey. She rarely sees her father who’s a war trader or her oldest brother Lewis. Due to their father’s absence and the war the family is sent to live with her grandfather, whom she and Harvey nickname the Gray Minister. They live in Belerion Hall which has a history, a history both real and supernatural. As Harvey and Iris learn of these tales from Old Marsh, the gardener, they joke and jest at the possibility of them being reality. Isolated in this dreary manor Harvey and Iris become close as twins. They perform daring trapeze acts in their minds and share a bond which Spence cannot fathom in all his wickedness, a wickedness which reveals itself in his dealings with the tutor Edyth. As tragedy approaches Iris must recall the tale of Isis, a play her family performed, as the raising of the dead becomes a very real possibility.
There are major story points missing from the above for a purpose, that being not to ruin what is an excellent read. At just over 100 pages with illustrations sprinkled throughout this tale of tragedy feels perfect for the big screen, a stirring tale of another time where a lost loved one is wished for with all the proper intentions but none of the desired results. The stories told by Old Marsh become very real for Iris and the play of Isis which both she and Harvey took part in, becomes more than a play. Clegg takes readers on a journey both dark and chilling. Now the online game, just find it and listen to the music, it’s as chilling as the tale it illustrates. Finding the differences in each image is of course the object but upon playing once take time to go back and study, enjoy these fully colored images as they show the haunted tale which Clegg weaves.
Both the novella and the online game can be enjoyed separated but put them together and the flavor is more robust and enjoyable than the separated parts. While not the first game of its type, not by a long shot, what Isis does is gives readers another interaction with a too short novel (a good thing, great read) and gives gamers a reason to get off the computer and pick up a book.
Iris Villiers lives with her mother, twin older brothers Spence and Harvey. She rarely sees her father who’s a war trader or her oldest brother Lewis. Due to their father’s absence and the war the family is sent to live with her grandfather, whom she and Harvey nickname the Gray Minister. They live in Belerion Hall which has a history, a history both real and supernatural. As Harvey and Iris learn of these tales from Old Marsh, the gardener, they joke and jest at the possibility of them being reality. Isolated in this dreary manor Harvey and Iris become close as twins. They perform daring trapeze acts in their minds and share a bond which Spence cannot fathom in all his wickedness, a wickedness which reveals itself in his dealings with the tutor Edyth. As tragedy approaches Iris must recall the tale of Isis, a play her family performed, as the raising of the dead becomes a very real possibility.
There are major story points missing from the above for a purpose, that being not to ruin what is an excellent read. At just over 100 pages with illustrations sprinkled throughout this tale of tragedy feels perfect for the big screen, a stirring tale of another time where a lost loved one is wished for with all the proper intentions but none of the desired results. The stories told by Old Marsh become very real for Iris and the play of Isis which both she and Harvey took part in, becomes more than a play. Clegg takes readers on a journey both dark and chilling. Now the online game, just find it and listen to the music, it’s as chilling as the tale it illustrates. Finding the differences in each image is of course the object but upon playing once take time to go back and study, enjoy these fully colored images as they show the haunted tale which Clegg weaves.
Both the novella and the online game can be enjoyed separated but put them together and the flavor is more robust and enjoyable than the separated parts. While not the first game of its type, not by a long shot, what Isis does is gives readers another interaction with a too short novel (a good thing, great read) and gives gamers a reason to get off the computer and pick up a book.
Naruto Shippuden on Disney XD
Guess what, Disney is not just for kids anymore. Naruto Shippuden is joining Disney XD's lineup beginning on Wednesday, October 29th with four, YEAH FOUR, back-to-back episodes. This starts up at 8:30 and why this is of great interest is it’s more anime on TV. Adult Swim used to hook up anime, but has since scaled back to one night and other channels, non-anime channels, have shows from time to time with SyFy’s anime Monday’s and shows sprinkled into the lineups of other channels. Really nothing of serious note until now. Naruto is a big name, a great series and trust me; it’s going to get very dark very soon. What Disney does is help legitimize anime a bit more and put it’s massive marketing machine behind it like no other anime has ever experience … at least that’s my gut feeling. Lets wait and see how things go but for now find out where you have Disney XD (and if you don’t, begin bitching) and check in with these episodes.
Homecoming: 8:30pm – A fearless teen trains to become a ninja while battling the demon that lives inside of him. Sequel to "Naruto," a popular anime series. In the opener, Naruto returns to his home place after two-and-a-half years and receives his first assignment.
The Akatsuki Makes Its Move: 9:00pm – Naruto and Sakura challenge Kakashi to a survival test to show off their skills.
The Results of Training: 9:30pm – Naruto's years of training pay off in a battle with Kakashi.
The Jinchuriki of the Sand: 10:00pm – An aerial battle takes place between Deidara and Gaara; Kankuro assembles troops to fight Akatsuki.
Oh, btw, if you are a fan this should make you happy. True uncut episodes can be purchased from Viz, so if these showings do scale down some of the gore relax, it’s great exposure that will help the series you love, give more merchandise and you can still get uncut episodes (yeah, said it twice) so chill and enjoy. Also Disney purchased Marvel, don’t see too much changing there unless Mickey joins the X-Men … hmmmm …
Homecoming: 8:30pm – A fearless teen trains to become a ninja while battling the demon that lives inside of him. Sequel to "Naruto," a popular anime series. In the opener, Naruto returns to his home place after two-and-a-half years and receives his first assignment.
The Akatsuki Makes Its Move: 9:00pm – Naruto and Sakura challenge Kakashi to a survival test to show off their skills.
The Results of Training: 9:30pm – Naruto's years of training pay off in a battle with Kakashi.
The Jinchuriki of the Sand: 10:00pm – An aerial battle takes place between Deidara and Gaara; Kankuro assembles troops to fight Akatsuki.
Oh, btw, if you are a fan this should make you happy. True uncut episodes can be purchased from Viz, so if these showings do scale down some of the gore relax, it’s great exposure that will help the series you love, give more merchandise and you can still get uncut episodes (yeah, said it twice) so chill and enjoy. Also Disney purchased Marvel, don’t see too much changing there unless Mickey joins the X-Men … hmmmm …
Battlestar Galactica: Echoes of New Caprica manga Impression
Battlestar Galactica: Echoes of New Caprica from Tokyopop offers fans of the Sci-fi show a chance to look back at events during and after the occupation of New Caprica. These side stories feel plucked from the show with their grit and harsh reality. Three stories, three chances to go back to a dark time for the survivors of New Caprica. The show may be over but the stories and legacy live on.
Teachers Pet – Laura Roslin, relieved of her presidential duties, continues her role as teacher to the children. As she tries to keep the history of the colonies alive not only is she working against Cylons but also traitors, children even. As her learning plans are stripped back more and more she must work to uncover just who is betraying their fellow students all while living under the rule of they Cylons.
This story shows Laura doing what she does, fighting for her belief but in the classroom. The use of children in war may sound taboo but it’s not. This story lacks in background as reader, fans of the show know Roslin taught but not this aspect. A decent story but the cartoony art, not really manga, not really comic is lacking.
Shelf Life – Dealing with traitors, a key plot point in the show but seeing how it began, the inner workings and choices made by Tom Zarek for the better of the fleet, now this is the dark story deserving of the new Battlestar. The story is straight; Zarek makes the choices a leader must that include their downfall and blame. The art is so-so, thick black lines but gets the job done much better than Teachers Pet.
Visitation – Kara Thrace, aka Starbuck, had a child, or at least she thought she did. A trick, but a real child. She must deal with taking back her child, crossing lines that only a broken mind would cross. A story of one going a bit crazy but one which closes the door left open in the series.
The best story of the group as it really gets into the cracked mind of Kara. Seeing how different the population lives; very chilling and real. Now the art is very kind as Kara is hot in this story, but come on, it’s not realistic. The best, most realistic art in the series but not realistic as how the actors look. The backgrounds are non-existent putting much emphasis on the characters.
Overall all three stories give a glimpse into what else happened, which is exactly what readers should want and expect. The art is a mixed bag as is the storytelling. Both get better as the page numbers grow but for only three stories, kinda disappointment. Unless you are a Battlestar fan then do not bother, knowledge of the series is needed to enjoy these stories. For those who are fans you get three stories to take you back to a dark time that begs revisiting.
Halloween Specials That Time Forgot: Witch's Night Out (1978)
Another day, another review of Halloween Specials That Time Forgot!
Meet Small and Tender (literally), two sibs just bursting with energy as they can't wait til Halloween night so scare everyone in town with their cheapo masks (best their parents could buy 'em down at Kmart I take it). The grown-ups however have their own ideas of what Halloween should be, against the ideas the children have all the long. Malicious and Rotten (you can tell their the baddies because of their putrid colors) display their disgust of the holiday, while Goodly (the town jerk, or pansy, take your pick) insist there needs to be something in it for adults to be a part of as well. Nicely (the village idiot/whore) can't help but suggest the pretty/beauty that Halloween isn't really about, but suggests a party with Goodly fails to talk his way out of. Aside from planning the party, a need for a haunted house is thereof in perfect order, and Goodly and Rotten begin on their trek for a house worthy of a party filled with adultery (just kidding).
Meanwhile, in the outskirts of town, a witch in a run-down house crys and moans over how she hasn't gotten any work or fun out of Halloween in a long time since nobody has called for her services. Just then the two bozos come knockin' at their door, letting themselves in anyway to see the joint, and to make plans on where to stage things like a stereo for the party. The witch couldn't be more than happy to help out with her devilish surprises.
That night, Small and Tender tend to their trick or treating, only to come to the realization that nobody was scared of them, and knew who they were all the long. Back at home, Small and Tender go to bed, feeling all sad pissed at how their trick or treating's gone to bust, when suddenly...
Just kidding, it's only their babysitter Bazooey (the friendly neighborhood hippie, and he probably needed the job badly so he can go buy himself a brand new comb) who came to tell them a bedtime story. Being fed up with Halloween, Bazooey tells them one of a fairy godmother as the kids listen in. Meanwhile, the grown-up party goes underway in the haunted house, complete with the usual chatter, hors d'œuvres and the like. Don't ask me where they put the coats at (hadn't notice where the bedroom was in this home). The Witch comes up with a plan to use her magic wand to living things up at this party of boring gab.
After reading the story, Small and Tender go on wishing they had a fairy godmother to help them on their Halloween scare-a-thon, and because of that, their wishes transmitted telepathically to the witch, who's more than happy to leave her home to heed to the call, breaking through the window of Small and Tender's room. The kids start calling her a fairy godmother, but Bazooey's not buy it. Small asks to be a wolfman, while Tender a ghost, and so it shall be! Baoozey just goes apes--t at the thought of what is happening, and tells the witch these kids were his responsibility. After some convincing, Bazooey is turned into a Frankenstein's Monster. With the classic generic icons of Halloween festivities in place, the witch whisks them off to her house for a night of ghoulish fright at the grown-up borefest.
After scarring the crap out of everyone and everything in the place, the kids get all emo at the thought that nobody knew who they were due to their horrible appearances (gee, didn't they wanted that anyway), and wanted to be turned back to normal, but the witch's wand gets lost in the shuffle of the crowd vacating the door, so now a search through town is therefor in order, admist a mob now crying bloody murder at the loss of Bazooey, Tender and Small (how they find out they're gone I'll never know, it's one of those small towns I guess).
Will the three guys get turned to normal, will the Witch find her magic wand, and will the true spirit/meaning of Halloween be acknowledged, just watch and see!
While I gave you the jist of this special, it's look and design might need to be mentioned as well. As it's a late 70's special, it features a kind of minimalistic approach to the cartoon where the characters are rendered individually in the same color throughout most of their bodies, despite the backgrounds and other details being far more lavished with care. To say this is the work of a bored high school student is an overstatement, I think it works every effectively for the story and characterization (even though the names alone sound like ones you'd give The Smurfs). This was just one of those I saw a long, long time ago, and hardly remembered it at all until today, and it's quite refreshing to see it again after so long (old-school mentality settling in), plus I think it had a pretty funky theme song. It was produced by another Canadian outfit, Leach/Rankin Productions, Ltd. and aired on NBC in 1978, and featuring the voice of SNL's Gilda Radner as the wtich (though renamed "The Godmother" in the end credits), this special is surely a Halloween special time forgotten a tad ago.
Click HERE for some witch's magic!
Meet Small and Tender (literally), two sibs just bursting with energy as they can't wait til Halloween night so scare everyone in town with their cheapo masks (best their parents could buy 'em down at Kmart I take it). The grown-ups however have their own ideas of what Halloween should be, against the ideas the children have all the long. Malicious and Rotten (you can tell their the baddies because of their putrid colors) display their disgust of the holiday, while Goodly (the town jerk, or pansy, take your pick) insist there needs to be something in it for adults to be a part of as well. Nicely (the village idiot/whore) can't help but suggest the pretty/beauty that Halloween isn't really about, but suggests a party with Goodly fails to talk his way out of. Aside from planning the party, a need for a haunted house is thereof in perfect order, and Goodly and Rotten begin on their trek for a house worthy of a party filled with adultery (just kidding).
Meanwhile, in the outskirts of town, a witch in a run-down house crys and moans over how she hasn't gotten any work or fun out of Halloween in a long time since nobody has called for her services. Just then the two bozos come knockin' at their door, letting themselves in anyway to see the joint, and to make plans on where to stage things like a stereo for the party. The witch couldn't be more than happy to help out with her devilish surprises.
That night, Small and Tender tend to their trick or treating, only to come to the realization that nobody was scared of them, and knew who they were all the long. Back at home, Small and Tender go to bed, feeling all sad pissed at how their trick or treating's gone to bust, when suddenly...Freddy comes through the door!
Just kidding, it's only their babysitter Bazooey (the friendly neighborhood hippie, and he probably needed the job badly so he can go buy himself a brand new comb) who came to tell them a bedtime story. Being fed up with Halloween, Bazooey tells them one of a fairy godmother as the kids listen in. Meanwhile, the grown-up party goes underway in the haunted house, complete with the usual chatter, hors d'œuvres and the like. Don't ask me where they put the coats at (hadn't notice where the bedroom was in this home). The Witch comes up with a plan to use her magic wand to living things up at this party of boring gab.
After reading the story, Small and Tender go on wishing they had a fairy godmother to help them on their Halloween scare-a-thon, and because of that, their wishes transmitted telepathically to the witch, who's more than happy to leave her home to heed to the call, breaking through the window of Small and Tender's room. The kids start calling her a fairy godmother, but Bazooey's not buy it. Small asks to be a wolfman, while Tender a ghost, and so it shall be! Baoozey just goes apes--t at the thought of what is happening, and tells the witch these kids were his responsibility. After some convincing, Bazooey is turned into a Frankenstein's Monster. With the classic generic icons of Halloween festivities in place, the witch whisks them off to her house for a night of ghoulish fright at the grown-up borefest.
After scarring the crap out of everyone and everything in the place, the kids get all emo at the thought that nobody knew who they were due to their horrible appearances (gee, didn't they wanted that anyway), and wanted to be turned back to normal, but the witch's wand gets lost in the shuffle of the crowd vacating the door, so now a search through town is therefor in order, admist a mob now crying bloody murder at the loss of Bazooey, Tender and Small (how they find out they're gone I'll never know, it's one of those small towns I guess).
Will the three guys get turned to normal, will the Witch find her magic wand, and will the true spirit/meaning of Halloween be acknowledged, just watch and see!
While I gave you the jist of this special, it's look and design might need to be mentioned as well. As it's a late 70's special, it features a kind of minimalistic approach to the cartoon where the characters are rendered individually in the same color throughout most of their bodies, despite the backgrounds and other details being far more lavished with care. To say this is the work of a bored high school student is an overstatement, I think it works every effectively for the story and characterization (even though the names alone sound like ones you'd give The Smurfs). This was just one of those I saw a long, long time ago, and hardly remembered it at all until today, and it's quite refreshing to see it again after so long (old-school mentality settling in), plus I think it had a pretty funky theme song. It was produced by another Canadian outfit, Leach/Rankin Productions, Ltd. and aired on NBC in 1978, and featuring the voice of SNL's Gilda Radner as the wtich (though renamed "The Godmother" in the end credits), this special is surely a Halloween special time forgotten a tad ago.Click HERE for some witch's magic!
Bonus Track: Astro Boy Covers
From Atom Kids Tribute To The King "O.T."
Shonen Knife - Tetsuwan Atom
Sean Lennon - The Astro Boy Theme
Wireless Alarms
If you value your property and more especially your family, then you have to invest in the security system of your home. Whether you are looking for fire, burglar or wireless alarms alarmsystemstore.com has it. They offer the top brands of alarm systems and security alarm equipment at the best prices. You also get their unlimited toll free installation technical and programming support. They have been selling security alarm systems and equipment wholesale direct to do it yourselfers since 1997!
Sergeant Frog Season 1 Part 1 DVD Set Impression
Not since Alf has an alien invasion been this harmless. The frogs are coming, the frogs are coming and has it been a long time. First announced by ADV a few years back, Sgt. Frog never saw the light of day due to ADV folding. Then something wonderful happened, FUNimation. Over the past few years FUNimation has thrived where ADV and Geneon had some issues (look at their catalogue of collections and release). So before I get to the frogies props need to be paid to FUNimation as well as Viz as they’ve changed the game of DVD release. While there are titles that get single DVD ($15-25) release both companies have been taking anticipated series and putting them out first as full season sets (34-26 episodes) or as parts (12-13 episodes) meaning fans get more, faster and for less not to mention the saved shelf space. Just go to any DVD store and you’ll see less spacing for anime but actually more content. That being said lets take a look at one of the best of those saved titles, those that ADV and/or Geneon never got to release which FUNimation snatched up …
The invasion is about to begin. The Keron invasion fleet is waiting on their advance team’s word to begin, but what is this? A distress signal, invasion off, the advance team is on their own? Oh brave soldiers, we salute you for saving the fleet … or did you just press the abort button by mistake? Yeah, Keroro is not the most capable sergeant and even manages to get himself captured by an average family. First you have Keroro, a Master Grade Gundam model kit loving pushover who lives in the haunted room, and cleans the house of the Hinata family. Fuyuki is into the paranormal, Natsumi is the older sister and Aki, the mother, is an obsessed manga studio director who utilizes Keroro for her own stories and inspiration. As Keroro looks to gain the advanced over his ‘captors’ he encounters the rest of his squad including Private Second Class Tamama who goes a bit crazy when pushed too far, Corporal Giroro who could be the love child of Kermit and Rambo, Sergeant Major Kururu, an information officer who nobody really likes and finally Lance Corporal Dororo who changes his name and takes on the life of a ninja. There’s also the Fuyuki obsessed Momoka Nishizawa who lives with Tamama in her families vast wealth.
The group is odd, yes, but their adventures are anything but. Besides the strange circumstances for each reunion there’s a lunch gone very, very wrong, a toy store going out of business, a haunted island retreat, a time and space distorting base and a few side invasions from other races not to mention a very powerful, world destroying niece who slept through her assigned doomsday. Yeah, it’s a pretty odd world, one that has to be seen to be believed.
I for one have been waiting for years for the localized version of Sgt. Frog. The manga is outstanding, well designed, simple art that just nails the humor. The Gundam references are outstanding and for an invading army, yeah, they are pretty pathetic frogs. The animation follows the manga, simple but excellent. The story is very funny and simple, not little kid simple but heck yeah, I enjoy this simple but don’t feel like a kid by watching, or something like that. The voice work is great because it’s full of established actors who’ve held serious roles but now find themselves in the body of frogs. The storylines jumps all over, introduces characters and just keeps rolling. It’s not supposed to be taken serious so don’t. Where I’ve got to give major props to FUNimation is how they’ve updated the cultural reference, that each time 2004 is shown or mentioned the narrator or characters correct the date, it’s really good and shows effort was put into this set.
Overall I love this series. It’s funny, well paced and just a nice distraction from the serious stuff out there. The split box set mentioned earlier works really well and is easy on the wallet. I usually try to recommend series to fans of similar but I’ll go out on a limb and tell any anime fan to take the Sergeant for a spin.
The invasion is about to begin. The Keron invasion fleet is waiting on their advance team’s word to begin, but what is this? A distress signal, invasion off, the advance team is on their own? Oh brave soldiers, we salute you for saving the fleet … or did you just press the abort button by mistake? Yeah, Keroro is not the most capable sergeant and even manages to get himself captured by an average family. First you have Keroro, a Master Grade Gundam model kit loving pushover who lives in the haunted room, and cleans the house of the Hinata family. Fuyuki is into the paranormal, Natsumi is the older sister and Aki, the mother, is an obsessed manga studio director who utilizes Keroro for her own stories and inspiration. As Keroro looks to gain the advanced over his ‘captors’ he encounters the rest of his squad including Private Second Class Tamama who goes a bit crazy when pushed too far, Corporal Giroro who could be the love child of Kermit and Rambo, Sergeant Major Kururu, an information officer who nobody really likes and finally Lance Corporal Dororo who changes his name and takes on the life of a ninja. There’s also the Fuyuki obsessed Momoka Nishizawa who lives with Tamama in her families vast wealth.
The group is odd, yes, but their adventures are anything but. Besides the strange circumstances for each reunion there’s a lunch gone very, very wrong, a toy store going out of business, a haunted island retreat, a time and space distorting base and a few side invasions from other races not to mention a very powerful, world destroying niece who slept through her assigned doomsday. Yeah, it’s a pretty odd world, one that has to be seen to be believed.
I for one have been waiting for years for the localized version of Sgt. Frog. The manga is outstanding, well designed, simple art that just nails the humor. The Gundam references are outstanding and for an invading army, yeah, they are pretty pathetic frogs. The animation follows the manga, simple but excellent. The story is very funny and simple, not little kid simple but heck yeah, I enjoy this simple but don’t feel like a kid by watching, or something like that. The voice work is great because it’s full of established actors who’ve held serious roles but now find themselves in the body of frogs. The storylines jumps all over, introduces characters and just keeps rolling. It’s not supposed to be taken serious so don’t. Where I’ve got to give major props to FUNimation is how they’ve updated the cultural reference, that each time 2004 is shown or mentioned the narrator or characters correct the date, it’s really good and shows effort was put into this set.
Overall I love this series. It’s funny, well paced and just a nice distraction from the serious stuff out there. The split box set mentioned earlier works really well and is easy on the wallet. I usually try to recommend series to fans of similar but I’ll go out on a limb and tell any anime fan to take the Sergeant for a spin.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
