Anime Blog Online

Archive for May, 2009

Christmas episode! We take a break from music playing to present to you lovely sisterly love!

Oh dear god Mugi. Never have I felt she is an ojou-sama as much as seeing her wearing that outfit. I mean, with the fur hat and the long coat. She is like the epitome of those lady from olden times. And the fact that she actually bloody traded away a Hawaii vacation for board game just to play with the club members.

Uhhhh…. yeah, well. It is what it seems to be. Poor Mio .

Seriously Sawa-chan is the single most entertaining character of the group now. Don’t you just love her bipolarity?

And more lovely sisterly love.

Mio finally gives in to Sawa-chan’s attempts. She should just surrender her body to her already.

Awww… I wished that we could’ve seen Mio in kimono for a bit longer. She looks positively lovely in them.

©2009 Kurogane’s Anime Blog. All Rights Reserved.

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I have lots to do…

I won’t lie I think I am suffering a bit of this burn out thing after roughly two years of being the tl;dr guy I hope to recharge my batteries soon and get back to business as usual, but it seems the perpetual boredom of military life is going to be beyond my reach for the time being, assuming that everything goes according to my supervisors’ plans I will be out and about frolicking from one base to another across the country attending classes real soon methinks. Even when I am not moving about, as a newly minted E-5 as my first real responsibility I get to mentor an E-3 who seems to be having a bit of the troubles, professionally and perhaps otherwise. Then there is the issue of my family… Still I hope to be doing some VOTOMS posts real soon and catch up with the rest of the season. I suppose this is more for myself as once this gets published I will have to try and meet these goals.

I want my Kasrkin to look like these guys…

Once again I skipped Fanime and instead went to a gaming convention which reignited my passion for another hobby quite profoundly…Now that the Imperial Guard Codex is out I have a hankering to get cracking on that, and trust me I have plenty to do. I also promised 13sugars that I would paint up a 1:100 Union Flag for her as well so I suppose with all these tasks that I will have to start keeping things shorter and using less screen caps. I also have to do a proper two years on post now that I have felt the first pangs of burning out… ah well K-ON and VOTOMS: Roots of Ambition post sometime later I suppose I have to run up to Davis and back to try and snag two extra tickets for graduati0n first thing in the morning.

Yeah I think I can really get into this one.

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I haven’t dropped it yet! Two weeks ago I was out of town for a few days, and last weekend I was studying for finals (plus the episode was dull) so I skipped them. I’ve also started work on the summer anime preview, so there’s always that to anticipate sometime soon.

I was rather looking forward to this episode, as I remember that the fights with these guys were particularly entertaining the first time around. I was generally pleased with how they treated it this time, albeit with a few too many speedlines for my tastes. Although Slicer the Homicide is an awfully stupid sounding name.

This guy’s story reminded me of Johnny Depp’s character in Sweeny Todd who was a barber who kills people sitting on his trap barber’s chair with his shaving knife. The dead are then dropped down and turned into meat pies in the basement. Not exactly the same, but that’s just went through my disturbed mind (Mr. Todd was certainly scarier, he sung).

Oh man, the awkward gags again…

That looked painful

The “am I a doll” storyline is necessary for character development I know, but I still don’t particularly like it. Less emo, more fightan~!

Now Kimbley, he’s one crazy ass freak too. Plus, Hiroyuki Yoshino (Allelujah, Gundam 00) does a great crazy guy voice. I always found that turning stuff into bombs was a rediculously awesome alchemy power, one of my favorites in the show by far. And, I think this show has a rather high ratio of mentally unstable individuals making up its cast of characters. Keeps it interesting, but often creeps you out.

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So I know I’m supposed to be orgasming here about the new Haruhi season, considering the title of this blog. Well unfortunately, the unbridled enthusiasm I had for this show has significantly waned in the 3 years since it last aired. Much of that has to do with the dipshit way in which Kadokawa has done the marketing for this show (remember kids, KyoAni is just the animation studio, they don’t do marketing), so I’m going to rant a bit before I get to the actual episode (which I nonetheless enjoyed), you have been warned.

Now I really loved the first season of the show, I even own all of the DVDs (buying anime? shocking I know!). That being said, the show aired from April to July of 2006. Now three years isn’t that long between seasons, but it’s more than ideal. The real problem has been the atrocious way in which Kadokawa has handled the show in the interim.

It’s important first to note that that the second season was announced right after the first season finished airing. Several months later they announced that the show was “canceled” and that there was a new show that was exactly the same as the old one or something! We heard that they were completely doing away with the idea of a sequel and starting a new series since a sequel would be too hard. And a few months ago, they put a tantalizing and purposefully ambiguous piece in a magazine that hinted of a new Haruhi season, only to later deny that fact and claim it was all a rerun.

I only hit the highlights, but I hope you get the general picture of douchebaggery that has been put upon us in regards to the show. Also throw in that a lot of us have already read all of the translated novels, only to find out that the author has stopped at volume 9 (published in April of 2007), right in the middle of a storyline, and rumors have surfaced indicating that he has lost interest. So, you’ll forgive me if I am a bit soured on the whole experienced and do not blow a load all over my keyboard while watching the episode.

The first thing I noticed was that the art was not the same quality as the first season (and it’s not just the lackluster raw), as the colors were noticeably duller and not as crisp. This is pretty surprising for KyoAni, considering the prominence of the show and the fact that they even made fightan animu colorful (see Munto TV version). The art style seems to have changed a bit as well, Kyon looks…different.

For future reference in case I actually blog pieces of this show, be aware that I love Nagato, a lot. Nerdy girls turn me on, what can I say. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy Tsuruya’s genki antics, but she’s not #1. No matter how much I get miffed at bad marketing, I can never hate one of my top waifus. It’s those eyes too, those eyes…

Uh, I guess it’s good to see that he’s as…flamboyant as ever

The massively dramatic violin playing (I’m clueless as to proper musical terminology for the beginning of a piece of music) from this scene made me laugh ridiculously hard, it sounded more like part of a Shakespeare adaptation than anime. I couldn’t completely decide whether they meant to give the scene some drama or it was a bit of tongue-in-cheek, but I’ll lean towards the latter.

On the other hand, the music here was more like some slow, lovemaking music. Ohhhhhh yeah.

Warning, tsundere loli spotted. Bring proper protective equipment.

Much better without glasses, mmmmm Yuki.

Yes, I had dirty thoughts right there.

Well, despite my rant up front, I did enjoy the experience of watching the episode. However, it will not be viewed as the Second Coming or anything of the sort. I fully expect the show will deserve a pretty good rating when it’s all over, but it could have been much more~ Anyways, it’s rather impossible to predict when the next episode is going to be, as it appears that they are going to weave it back in to the original series to keep it chronological. That also makes it kind of hard to regularly blog, which is hard enough when you already know what is going to happen. However, I may drop in and fawn over Yuki on occasion, we’ll see.

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Ui is smooth…

I like how they have upped the Yuri levels in this show as of late, though it might simply be a case of seeing things that aren’t really there. Still it is good to know that the efforts of Ui do not go unsung, and if the local curs that pass for men in their town are found wanting Ritsu has expressed interest in marrying Ui, given how much dirt Ritsu seems to have on Mio I am sure Ritsu can bully Mio into a…favorable arrangement. I think I am being slowly won over by Ritsu as she bullies Mio. Even if Ritsu is boke, at least she has some cunning and pictures of a compromising nature. If poor Sawa-chan stays single much longer I cannot help but begin to question her actual interest in men, after all Sawa-chan does have a particular fondness for getting girls to wear her hand made out fits and judging by her infiltration to the party I suspect that she has stolen into the homes of other young girls before… I highly approve of Mugi-chan’s hopes for more girl on girl bonding. Although I was mildly disappointed that Mugi-chan didn’t break out Twister, I did enjoy her barely hidden pleasure at watching Sawa-chan force Mio to conform to her will and don Sawa-chan’s latest hand made outfit. I have to hand it to Ritsu for effortlessly getting Mio all dressed up with a mere implication. Nice to know that poor Mio and Mugi-chan actauly put effort in maintiaining fitness standards, it seems that these two lasses were not born outstanding; they actually worked on it through many years of blood, sweat, toil, and tears. Next time it seems Sawa-chan brought out more handmade outfits, I can only hope Mio shows her appreciation for such skill by wearing it with her friends.

That’s okay I am sure you wanted to host the party, it would have been an all nighter…

Ritsu would know she tore them off Mio herself.

Indeed Ritsu usually targets all of Mio’s garments during her visits…

Oh don’t pretend you don’t know…

That’s just the cover sheet…

But wait there is more…

Call now and Ristu will show you the videos of said events.

I see we have a taker…

I am only disappointed that they did not got to Oktoberfest first…

I am beginning to see why Rommel felt that there was no use for the dumb and industrious.

Just look at that expression of anticipation.

Pfft we all know she snuck in through the vents in skin tight octo-camo.

Sheryl…Sheryl Nome.

I cannot help but wonder if she made clothes for her band mates back in the day.

Actually that is a good question…

I am not sure going strapless would have helped…

Yui knows no fear, nor shame.

Target Acquired…

Mugi-chan was overjoyed with this development.

This isn’t what you think…

…

…

Sawa-chan just had to know if Mio color coordinated.

And no Pants!

I like how Mugi just swooped into to give Mio a shoulder to cry on after with holding aid during the Sawako assualt, how deliciously underhanded.

I see no reason to disagree.

No it’s not a mini boyfriend.

Now Mugi-chan can cosplay as a Latin lover…

You’ll just have to get use to your death metal loving club advisor and all of her gifts.

It will be scorching hawt yes?

Look at least there wasn’t a pole.

Sawa-chan is having too much fun.

I take it she doesn’t share Yui’s metabolism.

Should have just gone with teeth picking.

She went wild.

Don’t worry Nodoka Sawa-chan has plans for you too…

Yeah some how after this I think we know which way Ritsu always leaned.

Trust me she pays for it in other ways…

I think these two have gotten along famously.

To be honest I don’t think it matters much in your case.

You have no idea…

I think Sawa-chan is beginning to discover the local boys are simply disgusting.

…

M&M (Mio&Mugi, see they did meet through providence) will not tolerate your gluttony.

Look God has already answered Mugi-chan’s prayers!

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Oddly enough it’s always the the weirdos that get famous, Patton was a weirdo who believed in reincarnation.

I find it morbidly funny that Ellet is blonde haired and blue-eyed as that makes her Grade “A” Jerry and it’s up to Alicia to try and thwart what General Sherman would call a spy, though in this age of poncy politeness we call them journalists. I am pretty certain they changed Aisha’s VA as she doesn’t sound 12 years old but at least it seems they allocated a bit more budget to the rest of the gang even if Marina looks the best out of the bunch beating out Edy who actually tried to get all gussied up until Homer told her that Ellet was only doing radio. I think that in many ways Alicia is Kana as she is blowing things way out of proportion with facial expressions that do at times almost reach the same levels as the black bible faces in Minami-ke. In the end it seems that militia being militia that every one wants to have their own 10 minutes of fame and completely disregard Ellet’s efforts to keep on topic in regards to Welkin. Alicia knows full well how underneath it all, Welkin is a weirdo with an animal fetish. Many funny faces were made as Alicia tried to stop Ellet though such a mighty effort was rather unnecessary. I do like how Welkin asked for a big old pile of pork and some real food, as rations generally suck compared to real food. Sadly the pricks from Faldio’s squad were a bunch of pricks who would bite the hand that feeds them. In the end the so called men of 1st Squad get trounced by the girls of 7th squad who basically routed them once Jann showed them the joys of men. Oddly enough Marina hugging Hans is feasible, but more importantly I also found Marina adorable throughout. She is as adorable as she is lethal. Next time Faldio’s boy friend starts acting weird and Jaeger starts messing around with 40 year old women in front of Gregor. Even if the tactical stuff is pretty much dead for the most part I sort of like the military mishap thing they got going it reminds me of the old movie Stripes, sure the odds of meeting a good looking female MP are pretty much nonexistent but the idea of it is still amusing.

Calawain’s Commentary

I agree with her hostilities to the fifth column.

It was not lost on me that Alicia was making several of those Bible Black faces that Kana made in the first season of Minami-ke (something that Crusader touches on above as well). For those of you not aware, Kana and Alicia have the same seiyuu. I’ve said before that her facial expressions carry the show, but I didn’t know they were going to carry an entire episode. We saw “oh shit,” “WTF!,” a shit eating grin, “I’m in despair!,” frustration, dere dere… and that was all in the first 5 minutes. Alicia has managed to force her way into contention for one of the top waifus of the spring season. I’m not sure she can quite reach the level of Hinagiku or Mio, but she’s getting damn close.

“That’s the kind of person nii-san is” *blush*. Isara is trying really hard to get up there in the rankings too. I’m really having fun with the characters in this series, they have been able to display a wide range of endearing character traits, from singing to being flamboyant (watching him with a rage face getting ready to kick some clowns’ ass while wearing lipstick was hilarious). I could do without the wanna-be model airheads, but they don’t get much screentime thankfully.

The truth is, I’m seriously considering dropping the 400 bones to pick up a PS3 to play this game. I already planned to get one in the fall, but I think I’m moving up the timetable here. From what I hear the game is even better than the anime, which is already pretty hot, and add that to the actual gameplay (I’m a big fan of Tactical/SRPGs) for a complete package of Bar Exam review distraction for the summer.

More Screen Caps

He’s a homo homo side character?

I’d keep him away from Hans if I was you…

Not as bad as Damon’s at least…

Why so SERIOUS?

In the sky of despair, storm blows savagely
For whom the future exists
Collapsing is the world, storm blowing through it
The chosen ones WOMEN OF DESTINY

I see your morale is low.

Wait you forgot the rest of your squad consisted of idiots?

I take it that Largo is a poor hunter.

A true musician doesn’t ask they just force people to LISTEN TO MY SONG.

The rap duo Vegetable Bar will not tolerate criticism.

So she can make a face like Haruka’s…

Some secret Jann…

At least some one remebered that loose lips might sink ships…

So I guess these two mistook Ellet for a VJ from MTV.

Better late than never?

Ellet did not have a Fujioka to toss at Alicia.

Dang Alicia missed the boob grab.

It’s dead Jim.

Alicia has heard of Jerry cans…she just never expected to find a Jerry in a can.

Dearest Alicia please tip the drum and roll it down a hill, Ellet and all…

Woah there Welkin it’s a little early for that.

Alicia refuses to hold Welkin’s droppings.

This is bad why?

Time to become a woman then.

I need some one to marry Alicia..any volunteers?

Alicia’s thought of the day: Lame pick up line is lame.

I take it someone is actually eating poop.

I wonder what she was thinking…

Guess who gets to clean this latrine…

Someone looks pissed off today…

Yes where is that delicious Ham?

The only thing missing is the beer.

Valkyria Chronicles = Kana Goes to War

Look buddy just because your patch has a one don’t make you the best…

Okay Susie now isn’t the time to think about pacifism…

To Homer pain is fresh bread, and he wants some mo’

Who says Gays make bad soldiers…

:3

She kicks high…

Oddly enough Salinas started out as an enemy of women…

You’re making it worse…

That’s why your are the Sergeant and she is the Corporal…

Ellet is talking tommyrot.

Talk about low standards…

I like it when subbers have a bit of fun.

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Fuck yeah.

No idea what the fuck is going on? In celebration of its 10th anniversary and a new reprint, there is a new serialisation of Azumanga Daioh in Gessan (Monthly Shounen Sunday) [ゲッサン(月刊少年サンデー)], which is a newly launched monthly magazine. The serialisation is going to last for only 3 months, but more Azumanga is more Azumanga, right? In the same magazine is Adachi Mitsuru’s new serialisation, Q and A, but I couldn’t really give two shits about that.

Incidentally, I’ve already read the first chapter, and I’m satisfied with the copious amount of Osaka and what little of Sakaki I got. Tomo’s just as much of an asshole as always, and Yomi continues to act as her straight man, and Chiyo continues to be adorable. So in short, more of the same awesome that we got 10 years ago. I miss this series so much.

Sources: あずまきよひこ.com　and アキバ総研
Chinese scanlation: http://www.lightnovel.cn/viewthread.php?tid=122191&extra=page%3D1

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Best seat in the house.

This stuff is definitely old school five episodes in and the first battle is still not over though as a tech demonstration it works. It seems that the Mazinger Army is just full of hot shots who think they can amount to something but in the end it’s Mazinger Z that demolished Garada K7 and Doublas M2 while they were fafing about uselessly. While I understand Kouji’s little crisis while blood was oozing out of the rubble I didn’t particularly care much. Nevertheless I like out Old man Kabuto took things into his own hands and got Mazinger Z back in the fight. While the old man did not live long after that I did like how Kouji went batshit and was about to school the prima donnas of the Mazinger Army a thing or too about giving a proper ass kicking. It was funny how they were all just praising Aphrodite A which we all know is USELESS, I hope to see their faces after Mazinger Z kicks Blocken’s ass while they stare helplessly. I like the detective who was stopped Kouji from really going over the edge. No slap here, instead he used a gun and as much as I like the Bright Slap I confess I think a loaded gun is much more effective…that shut Kouji up real fast. I was rolling when Aphrodite A was declared as the imouto of Mazinger Z, pffft…I want a paternity test to validate this impudent assertion. I still find it hard to put into words how much I love this show, but with everything else it’s fairly easy only this is difficult. I want to follow this show but each time I am left over awed and with a burning urge to just punch something for fun. Well I wonder if the next episode will be more low key.

I want that job.

This is the story of the Hurricane…

Why do the twins need tinted cockpits?

Mazinger Z’s breath is just that fresh.

The Great Mazinger Z always means what he says.

The rust bucket is no match for the might of Mazinger Z.

I’d like to see you try…

You call this fighting?

Ah yes the old mafia trick of breaking some one’s knees.

Now that is fighting dirty.

Get back in the kitchen!

I dare say two heads are better than one.

Stealth systems are the heraldry of cowards, says Mazinger Z.

In Mazinger we Trust.

No pixie dust required.

Indeed somethings just have to sound funny.

At least you cannot argue with the results…

Because piloting Mazinger Z just does that to people.

He’s dead Jim Kouji.

Mazinger Z has proven it’s superiority once again.

I see that Mazinger Z’s fresh breath kills germs fast…

Unlike the sissy shows of today Mazinger Z is not afraid to kill animals. In fact while every modern show sucks up to PETA Mazinger Z loudly proclaims that animals were mercilessly slaughtered during production.

Unlike Hal Dark Kouji has yet to be defeated or forced to eat his words.

We must waterboard him!

I laughed pretty hard at this.

Back in ye olde days brandishing a gun was nothing at all, sadly these days people get shocked at a pitiful slap.

And you thought Bright was a mean bastard…

The monocle makes him a count…

I take it these two took a page from Nixon and Agnew .

That’s got to hurt coming from a severed head.

The good Baron is annoyed that Blocken has more of everything…

Wait didn’t you just drop it?

Are you Mazinger Z’s prophet?

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You should listen to the song while reading the following textual pornography. It is very raunchy.

[ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW IS THAT THERE IS DELICIOUS YAOIRABU]

And so do you know what we have learned about this?

In His name. Let us observe. Omo has spelled his name as such, to the dismay of the god of symmetry, and this is why the world is in such a bleak state; Zaitcev isn’t our ambassador to Mother Russia, Hinano hasn’t divorced JP yet, Owen still lives in a third world country, Pontifus still denies that his English degree is worthless, Von Schilling is actually Kristen of Chihiro, icystorm still hasn’t recovered from his latest moefluenza (he’s auu~ing on my lap now), digiboy is still a creep, lolikit hasn’t descended from the heavens, and so forth and so on.

BUT.

As per the magnificence of our lolikitean cryptology, we have just become conscious of the cipher for the omoite cryptology. It was so obvious!

And we were so blind.

Omo, his utter genius blinds us, and do you know why? Many American Liberals who think they are smart will try and point out ironies of Christianity, but they are wrong because the bible does not lie. And other than that, Omo has shown that a world of despair is necessary, because if Omo were to unleash the maximum potential of his brain, the world would explode. That’s right – we need despair, unless we are to perish under the holiness of pure orgasm.

The Lord Omo hath shown the path, that the world is actually in a default state of orgasm. We need despair to curtail this orgasm. The orgasm would have killed us long ago if it were not for the despair Omo has disseminated across the globe. The poor cretin, Owen, he knows not that of which he speaks.

But here, I will reveal the truth. I pray that you will not orgasm unto death.

THE REAL WORD:

omo

DO YOU KNOW WHAT THIS IS?

LOOK CLOSELY:

omo omo

omo

omo

There is symmetry.

A special symmetry.

A godly symmetry.

This is the true union of humanity.

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Kanako has taught you well.

They finally gave us the long awaited concert, but sadly it was only passable and not awesome. No teeth picking, no leaping on stage, no skin tight holosuit, no declaration of LISTEN TO MY SONG, and no Krauser. Still it was fairly funny during the periods when Mio was not trembling uncontrollably with what I can only assume to be with anticipation at over awing her audience. Nevertheless I did appreciate how Sawa-chan was setting them up for success with her hand made outfits that were definitely crafted lovingly even if I cannot yet discern her intent. Nonetheless I do admire Sawa-chan’s handiwork and success at getting a cosplay party going, Kanako would be proud of her padawan. I am pretty sure Yui’s class would have been better off using propane or butane stoves, but at least they happened upon the glorious idea of using Yui as a grandmother server. Not sure what to make of Yui and Ritsu using their sumo voices but it’s nice to know they have range I guess. As always Mugi was just awesome as she has the strength of ten regular men as she moved most of their equipment while Yui struggled to keep up. I am not certain who it was that had the gall to take a picture as Mio tripped but I have my suspicions…still it’s a great way to get a fan club of girls who like girls.

Yes Grandma…

We have found the first fan.

At least she gets a 1up.

Oddly enough Yui is showing more martial might than most animu males…

Should have gone with that one Mio.

Well I thought the stitching was excellent.

AND HOW!

At least give it a try…

Strong as ten regular men, definitely…

I take it that Ritsu was in love since they were kids…

Mio…Ritsu just loves you too much.

Make no mistake those were tears of joy…

I guess Ritsu and Mio are in a longterm relationship…who could say no to that face?

Yes.

Ritsu just thinks this is just delicious.

Come on Mio at least try to look excited.

Modest Mugi

Does that bow qualify as gift wrapping?

I like this school.

You mean GREAT job.

Mugi-chan is right behind, if you pass out she will preform CPR.

What is this, the 60s?

At least they were no handing out flowers.

I wanted her flip the bird or something…

Yeah should have gone with Sawa-chan’s death metal idea.

Awww…

Yeah you did it!

I see London, I see France…

I see Mio’s…

Glorious rice bowl.

And Ritsu is the president.

You will always have Ritsu and possibly Mugi-chan.

In Great Soviet Union Wii Fit find YOU!

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