The Qwaser of Stigmata vol. 1 Impression
The Holy Wars Ignite in this stylish epic
Who knew breast could have this much religious meaning? The Qwaser of Stigmata volume 1 from Tokyopop offers up an intriguing story, by Kenetsu Sato. In its most simplistic form this is a fighting, battle manga where there is a prize and a number of ‘fighters’ each with unique powers and motivations. How this story unfolds, who the players are and where they get their stamina not to mention the base beliefs it challenges, this is what makes Qwaser unique especially when combined with Hiroyuki Yoshino art style. Let’s take a look at the core tale in volume 1.
From watching out for her cousin Tomo to fighting for her life, things get very interesting for school girl Mafuyu Oribe. A promise made when her uncle passed, Oribe takes it upon herself to protect Tomo but when she comes across and helps a wounded boy named Sasha, well things get very interesting. Sasha, from Russia, is a Qwaser and as one he can control an element, in his case metal. One of many Qwaser’s, Sasha’s purpose is to protect Tomo and a hidden religious relic sought by other Qwaser, the most mysterious of which is the golden Qwaser whom Sasha seems to have a deep past. The ultimate relic is call the Theotokos of Sary Su and it represents the secrets to Christ miracles including his resurrection. Sporting a Hexed Crucifix, Sasha is a member of an order who wishes to preserve Christ secrets while he must battle those with less noble intentions. St. Mikhailov Academy is the battleground and the source of power for Qwaser is the breast. As Jesus gained life from Mary so must Qwaser gain their energy leading to some awkward situations. The battle is just beginning and more Qwaser begin to appear. Let the fight for the Theotokos of Sary Su continue.
The story in Qwaser can draw many comparisons to Fate/stay Night in that there are many powered beings (Qwaser) paired with normal humans for power fighting over a religious relic. These fighters fall into school age ranges and come from a variety of social levels and geographic regions. Gaining power from suckling on breast is both symbolic and a little naughty (to read that is). The action in Qwaser is great and the use of elements and how they interact with other elements makes the battles great but it’s the religious information that really makes this a manga worth reading and researching. The hexed crucifix, the religious artifacts; are they real? Do they have real meaning or all just part of the manga? (I’m looking to be sure.) The characters are also interesting and have much depth to still be explored. This type of story could get very complicated but does not in volume 1 as readers are eased into just about everything. Wrap this fine level of narrative in an artistic package reminiscent of such manga as Fullmetal Alchemist in detail and beauty and reader really don’t have much to complain about if anything.
Overall The Qwaser of Stigmata is a well told, well drawn manga that intrigues the mind and delights the eye with potential for some religious objections. Nothing wrong with that so if you’re of age take a gander, rock solid.
Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 2 on Xbox 360 Impression
Playable anime? Just about dang near close with Ultimate Ninja Storm 2
Anime based video games have come a long way in the States and they continue to evolve with Naruto: Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 2 from Namco Bandai. The blending of fighting game action with RPG leveling up elements merges with storytelling and graphics grander than the most top-level games … period. Having a prior knowledge of Naruto will help greatly but the game moves along at a pace on par with the manga and anime which will allows those new to the franchise to get into the action. What makes UNS2 the next evolution in anime gaming? Let’s take a look …
Gameplay – Take control of Naruto in the Shippuden story-arc as he returns to Konoha after training with Jiraiya to begin his search for Sasuke. Gamers move through the story up until the Pain battle by moving from village to village, location to location taking on battle after battle with a mixture of timed events thrown in. Essentially it’s playing the anime, the key battles and events with a lot of running around between battles. The story mode is the meat but there are also single player and vs. modes to fight out. A fighting game wrapped in an excellent adventure story with outstanding and memorable characters.
Graphics – Beautiful, worth the purchase alone. Only the anime compares in how the game looks and flows from the character movements to the settings. Every piece of this game is eye candy not only to fans of Naruto but gamers as a whole. Impressive visuals, all the special moves and effects from the anime, it’s just one gorgeous game.
Sound – Looks AND sounds good! Oh yes! With the voice cast from the anime and a strong soundtrack to back it this is one title that sounds as professional as it looks. The voice actors know their stuff, sound great and bring the game to life while the background music matches the situation with a unique flare that is totally Naruto and worthy of some soundtrack purchasing love.
Design – Not much freedom for the developers when it comes to story (already set) or character/setting design (ditto) but how the battles unfold with regular moves and time actions works very well and makes this feel like playing an anime. Gamers and fans are in the Shippuden story arc with ease and it’s seamlessly integrated.
Miscellaneous – Ultimate Ninja Storm 2 on both PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. When Naruto was first licensed in the states the video game rights went to three publishers, one each for Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft. With Ultimate Ninja Storm 2 the same game now appears on both PS3 and 360 making one next-gen choice which is a treat in place of a variety of games on all systems.
Overall for fans of Naruto reading this, they do so for fun as they must have purchased Ultimate Ninja Storm 2 already. For gamers looking for something different that looks, sounds and plays great then look no further. As Dragon Ball Z put anime games on the map in the last generation it’s now in solid hands with Naruto moving the genre along yet again. Naruto: Shippuden is an excellent anime and manga and with Ultimate Ninja Storm 2 games can be added … nay continued on that list.
Vermonia volume 1 and 2 Impression
Four youths destined for greatness, the battle to retake Vermonia begins
The big boys such as Viz and Tokyopop, even Bandai have most of the major manga titles but once in a while a smaller studio pops up and delivers a quality tale that gives readers solid, non-big boy titles. YOYO is this company, a group of artist who wanted to create a new type of manga. The results so far is Vermonia and if volume 1 and 2 are any indication these creative minds are headed in a solid direction. This tale of four youths destined for greatness reminds me of Ronin Warriors or the old animated Dungeons & Dragons. What do these first two volumes offer in terms of the overall package, the art, story and layout? Let’s take a look.
Vermonia volume 1: Quest for the Silver Tiger – Childhood friends Mel, Doug, Naomi and Jim may have their own earthly issues but they are about to be drawn into a grand battle which will determine the fate of not only earth but all existence. Being the daughter of the mayor puts extreme pressure on Mel to quit the band and be an upstanding young citizen, but it’s this which causes her to fight with Naomi and makes her an easy target for General Uro’s forces. General Uro is on the verge of conquering Vermonia, home of Queen Frasinella and center of all that is. To keep total control from Uro the queen sends her four most trusted ministers away to guard the secrets of Vermonia. These four are foretold to be reborn and it’s within the four friends from Earth where this will take place. Uro knows this and not only traps the four ministers but also tries to abduct the friends succeeding in getting Mel. The other three are transported by the just hatched squelp to the Turtle Realm to find the ministers and fulfill their destiny. First up is Doug and he must free Raitetsu to gain his true power. With the help of a local princess the journey begins.
Whew, sorry about such a long summary but gotta cover the basic backstory which is fairly solid if lacking in a bit of detail. What the story does it setup with nicely printed, color pages is the background of Vermonia, the war with Uro and the destiny of the four ministers and four heroes. Readers don’t have to worry about the action starting as the background is set not just for Vermonia but also the four heroes, that they love to skate, play in a band and have normal teenage issues. Readers go feet first into this pool of action with the hatching of the squelp (just who do you think he is) and journey to the Turtle Realm. They need assistance and must change themselves to succeed, something Doug does in … well I won’t ruin that but the characters grow and change even in this first volume. The story gets to the point but it’s not overly complicated and is a great fantasy read.
The art in volume 1 is solid, not spectacular but very solid and retains a more manwha style, something closer to Korea or China than Japanese manga. The characters are the focus of this tale as the backgrounds are overall plain is not non-existent. The colored pages, book sleeve and use of color on page ends makes the reader feel like they have a very prestigious manga in their hands, which they do. Impressive first volume but what does volume 2 offer?
Vermonia volume 2: Call of the Winged Panther – With Naomi turning to stone it’s on Doug’s shoulders to free Raitetsu and gain the power needed to help his friends. The battle is won but only due to the heart of an enemy. Mel remains in her prison helpless to watch as her friends fight and when the next battle begins its Jim’s turn to find Suiran and gain his power. As the heroes triumph they also learn of the tribes of the Turtle Realm, how the four ministers were captured and they also learn about the fate of their guide’s twin brother. The world around them continues to take shape and their foes get stronger but these kids are more than up to the challenge.
The story progresses with the same solid art as seen in volume 1. The pacing is well done as more background is revealed making the Turtle Realm and Vermonia seem more real. First Doug then Jim and of course next has to be Naomi right? The story is deep enough that a few mysteries are to be revealed but it’s knowing where the story is going that makes the journey fun.
Tales of destiny, trials and challenges date back to the oldest tales in every culture. Heroes taking on the seemingly impossible to become kings, gods, heroes, legends … it’s a reality and formula that works and works well. Vermonia, in its first two volumes, is setting up to join the long line of hero manga that fans love and which become anime. My reference to Ronin Warriors especially shows off the potential of Vermonia where first one hero gains power followed by the others before a final showdown. I cannot wait to see how Vermonia turns out and highly recommend the same to fans looking for something new; an adventure with action but short on violence mixed with solid art and a great looking published package.
Tales of destiny, trials and challenges date back to the oldest tales in every culture. Heroes taking on the seemingly impossible to become kings, gods, heroes, legends … it’s a reality and formula that works and works well. Vermonia, in its first two volumes, is setting up to join the long line of hero manga that fans love and which become anime. My reference to Ronin Warriors especially shows off the potential of Vermonia where first one hero gains power followed by the others before a final showdown. I cannot wait to see how Vermonia turns out and highly recommend the same to fans looking for something new; an adventure with action but short on violence mixed with solid art and a great looking published package.
The Day After Christmas
Yeah, there's language. And a man wish no hands who jizzes on women's shoes.
Huh?
And what did Santa bring YOU?
I was just thinking about toys and how my favorite Christmas was when I got all the He-Man figures (and Castle Greyskull!). I'm so glad my folks did not puss out on "girly" toys.
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I'm not sure if this one is safe for work. Or anywhere, really.
BigBang Christmas Papercraft
Birthday Gifts for Women
Sometimes, remembering the date of a person's birthday is more than enough to make her feel special. But of course, you can do more than that. Why not give her a gift that she likes. The gift will be appreciated more if it is something that she really likes. So before you buy anything, make sure that you know what are the best birthday gifts for women.
Naruto Shippuden: Dragon Blade Chronicles Game Wallpaper
Naruto Shippuden Dragon Blade Chronicles Game Cover
Naruto Shippuden Dragon Blade Chronicles Game Picture
Naruto Shippuden Dragon Blade Chronicles Nintendo Wii
Naruto Shippuden Dragon Blade Chronicles Video Game 
Naruto Shippuden Dragon Blade Chronicles Fighting Games
Naruto Shippuden Dragon Blade Chronicles Game Wallpaper
I was sick and slept all day
Granted, he's no Art Carney, but we do get Dickless from "Ghostbusters" and Richard Mulligan (who was great in "S.O.B.").
The Christmas Funnies!
Some adapted newsprint tripe guaranteed to make you fall asleep!
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PEANUTS CLASSICS by Charles M. Schulz
BEETLE BAILEY by Mort Walker
GARFIELD by Jim Davis
THE CAPTAIN AND THE KIDS by Rudolph Dirks
B.C. by Johnny Hart
THIMBLE THEATER featuring POPEYE by Segar
DENNIS THE MENACE by Hank Ketcham
FOR BETTER OR FOR WORSE by Lynn Johnston
THE LITTLE KING by Soglow
THE FAMILY CIRCUS by Bil Keane
SNUFFY SMITH by Billy DeBeck
BLOOM COUNTY by Berke Breathed
ZIGGY by Tom Wilson
Pokemon Best Wishes episode - 13
Japanese | Subtitle: English | 0:24:04 | 704 x 400 | AVC1 (24fps) | MKV | 70 MB |
Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Sci-Fi, Shounen
NEXT
Detective Conan 599
Japanese | Subtitle: English | 0:24:24 | 720 x 400| AVC1 (24fps) | MKV | 46MB
Genre: Anime , Suspence, Adventure , Action
NEXT
It's A Canuck Christmas!
Some innovative, crazy and unique yuletide animations from our buddies up north.
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Avez-vous un Joyeux Noël!
A COSMIC CHRISTMAS (1977)
NFB SHORT: THE GREAT TOY ROBBERY (1963)
THE CHRISTMAS RACCOONS (1979)
NFB SHORT: CHRISTMAS CRACKER (1963)
NFB SHORT: AN OLD BOX (1975)
THE TROLLS AND THE CHRISTMAS EXPRESS (1981)
NFB SHORT: THE ENERGY CAROL (1975)
NFB SHORT: DECEMBER LIGHTS (1979)
BABAR AND FATHER CHRISTMAS (1985)
NFB SHORT: THE STORY OF CHRISTMAS (1973)
GEORGE AND THE CHRISTMAS STAR (1985)
From the director of Heavy Metal, featuring music by Paul Anka
NFB SHORT: THE SWEATER (1980)
NFB SHORT: LUCRETIA (1986)
NOEL NOEL (2003)
Festivus
It's true. They really will Sell you an aluminum* pole. The entire thing was started on this show called "Seinfeld", and if you have any questions about that, you can ask your parents or watch it late at night on local TV.
Considering American culture, it's no more or less significant than any other holiday.
Or, if you're in the UK, an aluminum pole.
The Night Before Christmas (1968)
This one always seems to be so forgotten, yet I bothered having watched it c/o home video now and then. A supposed true story of how Clement Clarke Moore wrote the famous poem featuring the Norman Luboff Choir. Of course if you bothered Wiki-ing on Moore himself, you might get a better idea of this guy and question whether or not he did in fact write "A Visit from St. Nicholas", but for now, just watch (if you can stomach the constant musical numbers here)!
Info Naruto 522 , Bleach 432, One Piece 609
Informasi yang sangat menyedihkan bagi kita semua, Bahwa minggu ini semua manga WSJ dan diantaranya Naruto 522 , Bleach 432, One Pece 609 Indo libur, jadi bagi yang penasaran harus sabar menanti sampai dirilis lagi.
Ys: The Oath in Felghana on PSP Impression
Another Y’s handheld gem awaits in Felghana
Gameplay – Never go on vacation with Adol Christin. The quiet hero of the Ys franchise seems to land on a new shore just to encounter new troubles. This happens again as he visits companion Dogi’s home town only to find childhood friend Elena attached by monsters and a town on guard. Elena’s brother Chester is missing; a victim of the monsters or worse? Time for Adol to get to work in helping the town and diving into yet another action-RPG adventure where gamers hack and slash through forest, ruins and dungeons to solve the mystery, power up, gain new abilities and take on some challenging boss fights. The action is quite simple as gamers run around, kill monsters, solve puzzles and advance the story but real meat lies in the tough boss fights. An adjustable difficulty, on the fly change system allows gamers to cheat a bit on tougher segments.
Graphics – Sharp and oh so Ys. Adol and Dogi look as they always have and the overall look and feel retains the Ys charm seen in earlier PSP releases. This gamer is reminded of titles such as Zelda on Super Nintendo and Alundra, titles that looked sharp with tons of personality. The static character designs are excellent, very anime in look and feel.
Sound – Adol, being all silent, is his usual great sounding self while characters like Dogi, Elena and brother Chester offer up mixed performances. The experience of the voice actors comes through as does some inexperience and overacting. The soundtrack is outstanding, a long running staple of the franchise. Worthy of the CD pickup.
Design – The story is so-so, more like a chapter in a longer running tale, which it is. Adol travels a lot and has many tales, like Sinbad. The question is why does he always seem weaker from tale to tale? The graphics have a nice redesign and the overall action fits the PSP well with plenty of updates made to menus and settings. A franchise that’s past has a future on PSP.
Miscellaneous – Finally is the name of the game. Finally gamers in the States get a taste of … a full meal of the deliciousness that is Ys. It really is a great fit on the PSP both in control and design with easy to get up and go gameplay.
Overall Ys: The Oath in Felghana is a fun journey on the PSP. It’s familiar and engaging and while it’s not even the best PSS Ys this year it’s still a shining star for the system. Fans of Zelda, old-school Zelda, owe it to themselves to take Felghana for a spin.
Eeeeels
Eel is a difficult fish to prepare. The eel is first filleted, and then grilled on open flame. This gets rid of excess fat under the skin, which is where the unpleasant scent mostly comes from. Then it is steamed to make the meat fluffy and to further drain out the oils. After this, it is once again grilled on open flame while basting it many times with eel sauce (unagi no tare) which is made from the eel trimmings, soy sauce, sugar, and sake (rice wine).
I don't like the little bones, but I can see why people think it's pretty neat.
Eels - "Christmas Is Going To The Dogs"
Candy Claws - "Snowflake Eel Wish"
Two holidays for the price of one
You know, I had this grand plan for some solstice videos or an eclipse video or something, but I swear to you, I cold not find one that did not contain one of the following:
- More text than anyone wants to look at
- In a font that makes you want to puke
- "Haunting" piano music
- Mystical hippie-dippie music or similar "newage" (rhymes with "sewage"!) soundtrack
- Someone who will not shut up about having a "double rainbow" experience.
Yesterday, I scoured my collection (and everyone else's) to find something that would be appropriate. I found this god-awful thing about werewolves.
But then, I thought, hold on. The bestest movie ever about creepy things and the holidays has already been made. Yes, I know, you've seen it before. But isn't it nice to be reminded that there's a good movie that isn't "White Christmas" out there? Heck, decorate your tree, then turn it on its side and build a snake to eat it.
Boris Pickett - "Monster's Holiday"
Fiona Apple - "Sally's Song"
Last minute? Yes, it was.
Everthus - "Deadbeat Christmas"
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