Hey guys!

I finished the Tuesday Review but my laptop can't seem to hook itself onto a decent wireless network. Ugh.

Will keep trying!

Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld

It's a good day!

No post today.

Just testing to see if I can write reviews on my Blackberry. :)
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld

AFA ‘09: Post Post

See my pun? Post Post? HAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

Okay enough with the lame puns.

So, how was AFA ‘09, you ask?

See, I’m not an otaku. I may sound like one, but no, I’m not. I’m too manly to hug a K-ON pillow or wipe myself dry with a Lucky Star towel after a bath. Can’t guarantee for Pokemon, though.

The following will be written in the perspective of one who has not been to AFA before and is not extremely fond of being a sissy fanboy otaku.

For starters, there were definitely many, many people. Enough to make me surprised. I never knew there were so many crazed anime fans out there who bothered leaving their house for such an event. Multiple Ichigo, Sasuke and other anime character cosplayers were walking around as well. Well, it doesn’t really take that much courage to walk around in a costume when a couple dozens of other people are doing so as well. Try walking into APEC with a kimono. I’ll give you ten bucks for that.

Now, the convention itself was really nothing out of the ordinary. Anime goods like manga, figurines, models and the like were being sold and put on display. I went with a friend who has only watched/read 4-5 anime/manga. None of the merchandise really caught our fancy there- it seemed to us that these merchandise catered to the most hardcore of fans and general otaku. After all, Lucky Star and K-ON aren’t really the masterpieces of manga, they’re just the ones which have garnered the greatest fanbases through the use of comedy and cutesies. I don’t know how men bring themselves to like these. Are we headed for extinction?

But that’s not the point. AFA isn’t the sort of convention which caters to my grandmother. However, it was somewhat amusing to see the cosplayers and people queuing up to buy seemingly useless merchandise. I personally bought a dagger of sorts which I regret very much now. The blade is coated with a thick layer of crusty, white dirt-fungus thing. Yes. Disgusting to the max. I think I’m throwing it away first thing tomorrow.

My friend and I did have fun looking around, though. The verdict? It is worth going to AFA once in your entire life, just to take a look and have a laugh. Unless you’re an otaku of sorts, you won’t really be considering going next time round unless you have a lot of time on your hands.

Oh, those people who wanted my autograph?

 

Just kidding. It was no one, actually.

Cheers!

Year ‘09 Week 47 Manga Update

Lost+Brain Chapter 13:

This chapter exists just to tell us that Ren’s ass is going to get kicked real bad. And that will be something to look forward to. You don’t like a villain succeeding all the time. Oh yes, I checked Wikipedia for Lost+Brain. I quote, “When this manga was first serialized, it was criticized by many readers as the series was similar to another manga, Death Note.” WHO BLOODY CARES IF IT’S LIKE DEATH NOTE? IT'S AWESOME.

Psyren Chapter 91 – 95:

I literally scoffed at the sight of the little girl’s powers- how unoriginal can that get? (Yes, I know. I’m creepy for scoffing at the computer screen. Sue me.) However, good news- WARNING: EPIC FIGHT AHEAD.

Toriko Chapter 73:

Ah, yes. The insect guy still creeps me out as hell. But I am very amused by both the chapter title and Zonge. Yeah, I know. The jokes are colder than Ice Hell. (If you don’t know what Ice Hell is, you haven’t read Toriko)

Nurarihyon No Mago Chapter 83:

I love to see the different Youkai coming together- the interaction between them is very dynamic. Moreover, an epic fight seems to be coming. We are reminded that these Youkai have braved more fights than we have seen, having followed the previous Youkai Supreme Commander in battle. Amazing.

Katekyo Hitman Reborn! Chapter 267:

Not too bad a chapter. At least it’s not as boring as the previous one. The appearance of the Varia definitely helped in making the dull atmosphere more interesting. Nobody hates a group of anti heroes.

Beelzebub Chapter 38:

This is “one of those chapters” where the characters do nothing but party and show that they’re fun loving. Nothing much to be said about it. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next arc, though.

Bakuman Chapter 63:

Yet another chapter giving in depth information as to what kinds of manga actually more prone to succeeding and which are epic fails. I think a mangaka needs a lot of courage to write a manga about manga.

Naruto Chapter 472:

I just realized the reason as to why I’m not fond of Naruto. The fighting is rather brainless. And there’s not much comedy. This chapter says it all. The fighting sure looks epic, but there seems to be this air of dullness hanging around the characters. Bah.

Detective Conan Chapter 714:

I have mixed feelings about Conan waking up. On one hand, I can’t wait to see what he’s realized. On the other, I’d much rather the Detective Boys try hard in solving this one case themselves. So?

One Piece Chapter 564:

Let me just put it this way, when the previous ten chapters of your manga have been epic, it’s really difficult to bring out the epic-ness of it all when you really need to. I think this chapter is such a case.

Hajime No Ippo Chapter 874:

It really gets boring when characters say “He’s difficult to beat” and the likes. If the mangaka keeps them quiet, at least the readers can hope that the character has some ultra awesome plan up his sleeve.

Say Hello To Black Jack Chapter 18:

The artwork for this chapter seems a little overboard, too exaggerated. Yes, we know the young doctor is upset, but don’t give us so many wrinkles and sweat on the poor guy’s face.

Akumetsu Chapter 147 – 148:

Utterly ridiculous. But this is what makes Akumetsu awesome. I mean, putting up a COMMERCIAL to advertise about the terrorist act you’re going to carry out a couple of days later?! Aw damn.

Fairy Tail Chapter 160:

The Obligatory Passing By. You know, the one where the good guy and bad guy reach the final showdown and they use their ultimate attack and SHING! Somehow, they’ll pass by each other. And more awesomely, they have the ability to end the chapter, resulting in a cliffhanger.

Gamaran Chapter 25:

I couldn’t get enough of Gamaran. It was almost everything I could wish for in a martial arts manga. Then came Ninjutsu?!

Shibatora Chapter 24:

Aw come on. I thought the teacher did something worse. Writing their secrets on the whiteboard? I know that’s bad, but not that bad.

AFA ‘09

I’ve got my new computer and I’m ready to go!

Yepp, it’s the Anime Festival Asia 2009 here in Singapore this Saturday and Sunday!

So what’s so awesome about this event?

Seriously, I don’t know.

BUT! Everyone’s going “Whee! Awesome!” So I shall too.

Whee! Awesome!

 

To be absolutely honest. I have no idea what half of the programmes mentioned above are about.

Whee! Awesome!

You can’t blame me, can you? I’m a manga reviewer, not an otaku.

However, I will be there on Saturday to take a look. My first time at this annual event. I wanted to go last year as well, but I had to go overseas.

So my hardcore blog fans, if you want my autograph, you know where to find me! (Not like you would know it’s me even if I looked you in the face and started stabbing you with a knife)

I think that does it for the Thursday Random Post! I know I kinda missed the Tuesday Manga Review this week, but who cares?

Whee! Awesome!

Year ‘09 Week 46 manga update

A couple of nice updates this week!

The ones to really watch out for are:

Defense Devil Chapter 26-27:

What can beat the main character cupping his hands over the boobs of a fighter for justice? Apart from that, the plot hasn’t moved much. I liked better the format of the previous chapters where the main character simply went around helping people one by one. Some of them were seriously touching. But since then the story has evolved into something more complex and sophisticated. However, the mangaka is turning the entire manga into a lump of goo. Characters are flying all about and appearing and disappearing for the most ridiculous of reasons just so that the story continues. We need to see more than just the main character.

Nurarihyon No Mago Chapter 82:

An interesting chapter. Everyone welcomes the appearance of a wise, all-powerful ancient priest. Or maybe that’s just me. But undoubtedly, this manga has shown potential to rise to the top with interesting characters and a variety of skill sets. The idea of a set number of “higher demons” leading their weaker counterparts to attack the human world and disrupt peace is perhaps the most traditional format for good-evil shounen manga. But the mangaka in Nurarihyon No Mago is working it just fine, as can be seen from this chapter.

Liar Game Chapter 90-91:

This one is a toughie. I don’t know whether I should say this is cliché. In Liar Game, you expect the unexpected to happen. You expect the main characters to think of things in a way only a genius would. 9 out of 10 times, you wouldn’t expect what is to come, although you know it’s coming. This has gone on for 91 chapters, I don’t know how long it can last until the last of its readers gets so bored he quits reading it. That being said, we all know full well that no one is going to stop reading it. The puzzles and mind games played in Liar Game is simply too addictive. The latest one’s no exception. I’m just wondering how this round is gonna be played out although I know I’ll never figure it out.

New Prince Of Tennis Chapter Jitaku 1-2:

Give me back my storyline and stop giving me Jitaku. (Although I must admit they are funny) I want to know what happens next, not a series of ridiculous comedy episodes. Seriously.

Bakuman Chapter 62:

An uninteresting series of events. This chapter is mainly used to introduce the new (or old, if you wish) character Iwase. There’s not much to be said about the plot here, although I do have a feeling that the manga is going to delve into the love life of the duo. If you know me, you will know I don’t like love stories. But this could be different. Bakuman has proven time and again that the most ordinary of stories work well if told in the right manner. I hope it proves me wrong.

Katekyo Hitman Reborn! Chapter 266:

I’m unsure if I’m the only person here who is unexcited about the appearance of a fiery crossbow. But yes, I am unimpressed. The story is appearing to turn out to be what it was in past events- the members of the good guy mafia fighting with guys from the bad guy mafia in one to one fights. Yes, boring.

Toriko Chapter 72:

Yet again, crude artwork but awesome fighting. The comic relief is sufficient and the appearance of villains is just right. Does anyone else seriously not like the fact of that insect guy? I find it totally fugly.

Dragon Ball Chapter 59 – 64:

I remember reading this before. A good 5 chapters out at once. Yet again, Dragon Ball is a manga which successfully merges comedy and battle into one, making it interesting to watch and interesting to laugh at. No one really cares if Goku finds the dragonballs or not, really.

Detective Conan Chapter 713:

Like Liar Game, this is one manga which format hasn’t changed throughout its freaking 713 chapters. However, this one chapter brings about a little freshness. Conan is out cold and its up to his peeps to solve it. Interesting enough a change for me. I’m just hoping its doesn’t deviate too much from its usual format- I think Conan is good where it is.

Bleach Chapter 382:

Reeking of Kenpachi/Byakuya awesomeness and a little sampling of what the 4th Division captain is truly capable of. To showcase Ichigo as THE ray of hope is cliché, but can’t be helped. I’m not going to blame Tite Kubo when he comes up with such an awesome idea what Ichigo is the only person who hasn’t seen Aizen’s Shikai.

Beelzebub Chapter 37:

This chapter ends the scuffle. And it’s a nice end. I think the plot is gonna take off now, like how Reborn! and Defense Devil did, hopefully it doesn’t die in the process. Up to now? Liking the cute baby and the awesome fighting.

Naruto Chapter 471:

I’m truthfully not very fond of Naruto. But it does have an interesting premise going on here. I’m actually hoping the eight tailed beast escapes. Well, that just goes to show how much I anticipate the future of Naruto. A nice storyline going there with so many things going on. I want to see how the cooperation of the Kage turns out.

Veritas Chapter 58:

Fight, fight and more fight. Just what I love about Veritas. You are allowed to have high hopes for Veritas, considering that it’s the only manhwa I read. The Northern Broad Strike and stuff reminds of age old martial art films. Which I welcome. Who wouldn’t?

Otaku No Musume-San Chapter 29:

The oddest one out. Another chapter of comedy. I welcome comedy. in face, it’s the only reason why I’m reading such an ecchi manga. I’m not a 2D sexual deviant you know. (I can’t guarantee about 3D, though) So there you go. Funny chapter. Read it.

Fairy Tail Chapter 159:

I seriously had no idea what to type initially here. But then I realize that there’s something to say about having nothing to type. So then I have something to type. Fairy Tail isn’t going to change after a million years. Its storyline has been somewhat constant and unchanging throughout. I need to see creativity of some sort if you want me to write something substantial about it. There you go. See what I just did? I just totally avoided the review for this chapter.

Gamaran Chapter 24:

Gamaran is a manga I have very high hopes for. Not to become one of the top three, but to blossom into something which I would look forward to reading everyday. Its variety of skill sets and different kinds of fighting moves is what is so amazing. It has potential to be 2nd to Rurouni Kenshin. NOTHING BEATS RUROUNI KENSHIN I TELL YOU.

Hajime No Ippo Chapter 873:

Ah well. Ippo’s getting owned~ That only means he’ll turn out victorious. It’s always like that. Bah. But yes. Interesting opponent here. I wouldn’t want to fight a monkey myself.

Akumetsu Chapter 145 – 146:

Yet another blossoming manga. The roots behind Akumetsu and the cloning stuff is being revealed. This means a major shift in storyline. And I think it’s high time this is being done. People do get sick of seeing politicians being hacked/slashed/burned/operated on amongst other terrorist acts you know. I wish this manga best of luck. I have absolutely no idea how it’s heading out, but I should think the mangaka will find a way somehow.

Liar Game - Roots Of A Chapter 1 – 6:

I have no idea at all how this has anything to do with Liar Game. Yes, I mean it does have to do with the GUY in Liar Game, but don’t name your manga after one of your previous manga just because you’re talking about a character who was in it before. But apart from that, very nice idea. I actually already managed to make the criminal profile of the sender of the note after I read it. No kidding. You see, I’m actually rather adept in the study of psychology. But not like you, the reader, would know anyway. Yes, nice concept. Good idea. Touching story.

That’s all for the week, guys/gals!

I’m kind of trying my best to stick to the schedule. And I’m making it in good time. It’s 11 PM here in Singapore now so theoretically I HAVE miraculously managed to do the obligatory Saturday post on a Saturday. :)

I received an email asking about why I mentioned reading Fullmetal Alchemist before but yet haven’t done any reviews on it. That’s because I’m actually avoiding reading it on the internet. You see, I’m collecting the books, and if I read ahead, I won’t want to collect it anymore. So there goes your answer, extremely-hardcore-fullmetalalchemist fan!

Time to get back to my life!

Cheers!

A Minor Update.

I’ll be doing a re-review for my Bleach and Ouran posts because I realized how crappy they are.

I’ve decided to make a fixed schedule for my reviews after I get a new laptop as well so I have something to stick to. (And thus, have no excuse to laze around)

Saturdays will be recent manga updates day. To give a short one to two sentence review on the chapters of the manga of the week.

Tuesdays will be manga review day, where I’ll review one selected manga.

Thursdays is the more flexible day. I may or may not post a review something unrelated to manga but somehow still quite connected.

There goes the schedule. Pray I’ll stick to it.

Want me to do a review?

I’m currently busy with mastering Go.

The game above is sucky, I know. Oh, I’m white btw.

Let me beat a pro or two, then I’ll come back. (That hints never)

Since I’m on a roll here…

Now you know what “fail” means?

Oh, there’s more.

This one’s dedicated to my dear friend Stefan.

Got to love translator humour.

Are you thinking what I’m thinking?

Or not.

Di(e)ce Review: Dead Upon Arrival

My O levels are ending soon.

So more reviews coming up!

Today,

Di(e)ce.

To be absolutely honest, this sort of manga will never get into the Big Three, no matter how hard the mangaka tries.

Why?

Because shounen manga readers are twits yearning for impossible superpowers, brainless fights and pointless chivalry.

That’s why.

Di(e)ce speaks of a group of students who are the “chosen ones”, having to fight in “games” where other students in the school are “zombified”.

Hmmm… Now this seems very familiar…

Oh, and did I mention two “brothers”  having to kill each other?

Indeed, Di(e)ce is a manga which has elements from various other manga. Not that we ought to blame them? Just how many ideas are there out there left for us to think of when so many manga have already been established.

I’m not one to complain about stealing ideas.

I’m here to complain about how the mangaka of Di(e)ce sucks at putting these ideas together.

In Di(e)ce so far, no effort has been made to give characters any distinct personality or character traits. This manga consists of nothing but cardboards. The storyline is extremely flimsy, where no head or tail can be made after reading each chapter. Attempts made by the mangaka to make the plot heart racing and exciting through quick movements are visible, but miserable- this only serves to make Di(e)ce more pathetic than it already is.

I did some research on Di(e)ce, and found that the author and cartoonist isn’t the same person. It was written by Saki Oto of Naked Ape, the duo behind Switch.

So naturally, I read Switch. I found its premise to be believable and interesting, much unlike Di(e)ce. I’m hoping that Di(e)ce was either a one time mistake or Saki Oto was intoxicated when he was writing Di(e)ce.

In other words, don’t read Di(e)ce.

Shaman King- Flowers

This page alone makes the entire chapter worth reading.

Tao Men must be the most awesome character.

Yepp! The sequel to Shaman King is born! (Just like I predicted)

AND OH. MY. GOD.

THE. FREAKING. COOL. SHAMAN. KING.

Oh, wait a minute. Wrong picture.

There you go. How awesome is THAT.

Okay. So that’s it for the pictures. Review.

Nothing much can be said about the very first chapter of this sequel. From the looks of it, both main characters, Hana and Tao Men are rather hot headed. I’m quite expecting a more cool headed kid to enter the scenes and level the playing field a bit. What originally set Shaman King apart from the rest of the manga was its set of unique characters with interesting personalities. Oh, and who can forget the awesome Over Souls and the unbeatable Spirit of Fire?

Slight reminder of how the Spirit of Fire looks like. Butt ugly. But kick ass.

So yes, no interesting personalities have been spotted in Shaman King Sequel. Also, I’m not personally fond of the fact the Amidamaru is back as Hana’s sidekick. I mean, is it really that hard to create a new spirit for Hana? It’s ridiculous that he has to use the same old spirit as his father.

However, honestly speaking, for manga such as Shaman King, the possibilities are limitless. Come on, you have a freaking fictional spirit world. You can have all the adventures you want! But if this sequel wants to make magic happen like its predecessor, it will need more than ordinary fighting scenes and a fresh bunch of skill sets, heroes and villains. In other words, a not-so-extreme makeover.

Hope to see more!

The November Post

Not going to write much. As usual.

Today, it's the Anime Cynic.

Rurouni Kenshin. Which manga/anime/Japan loving person hasn't heard of this?

The adventures of this wandering samurai would definitely be one of those at the top of my revolutionary manga/anime list.

I am re-watching the Rurouni Kenshin episodes, currently at episode 32.

The magic of Rurouni Kenshin is aplenty.

First, the action. Fighting styles of this manga doesn't involve shooting thunderbolts out of sword tips or summoning giants from nowhere. However, it doesn't fail to awe and make small kids imitate the actions of the samurai in the manga using anything they can get their hands on- bamboo sticks, their mothers' canes, toy lightsabers and many more. I must admit I was one of these innocent children, trying especially hard to imitate Saitō Hajime's Gotatsu. Every trademark move has its defining trademark stance which sets it apart from the rest, giving the viewers a sense of familiarity when seeing a certain swordsman attack.

Second, the morals. Let's face it. If Aesop Fables was converted to a manga word for word. It would suck really badly. It's difficult for manga and anime to impart life lessons without sounding corny. Rurouni Kenshin does just fine. I always believe that if you let children read/watch/learn smart things, they will be smart. Rurouni Kenshin doesn't have characters going "Today, I've learnt violence can't solve problems," at the end of episodes. The lessons are reflected upon the actions of characters and decisions they make. In other words, they don't make their viewers look like idiots.

Third, the love. No sappy love stories. Only subtle hints here and there. Which is good. Come on, people who watch Rurouni Kenshin are looking for slice and dice, not hugs and kisses. So Kaoru can continue being the maiden in distress but never gets to be the bride. Isn't that just lovely?

Fourth, the laughs. Many a times, various manga start off well with comedy before losing it as it goes on to the more serious stuff. One example would be Hitman Reborn. What the people behind these sort of manga/anime don't realise is how important it is not to put too much pressure on its audience. Rurouni Kenshin has over 90 episodes. Each lasting over 20 minutes. Do you think one can endure over 30 hours of anime if there aren't any comedic moments? Rurouni Kenshin has vibrant characters who can pull off comedy scenes well. Very nice.

Last, the plot. I personally like how many of the episodes don't link. Each has a story of its own. Only a hint and reference here and there to make a full linkage between all the episodes to make one running storyline. Extra care is taken to ensure not one character is under developed, with entire episodes devoted to a single character.

So, there really isn't any doubt as to why I regard this as my favourite anime of all time.

Cheers.