FIF#89-Ingress: The Animation

In the last few years, CERN has discovered a new kind of particle within our world, eXotic Matter, or XM, which can affect a humans psyche and unlock latent potentials.  Freelance Investigator Makoto Midorikawa, who has his own XM ability to see others memories with a touch of his hand, is called in to investigate an explosion at the headquarters of The Hulong Group.  When he touches the hand of an amnesiac girl named Sarah Coppola, Makoto is thrust into a thrilling race against time when he discovers Hulong is out to control all humans with XM potential.  What began as a simple investigation soon turns into an all out war for the future of mankinds next stage of evolution.

Ah, another Friday, another CG Anime from Netflix to take a look at.  I never knew Ingress was a video game before watching the first couple of episodes of the new Anime.  But I can see how it would be a mobile game as the beginning of the show definitely feels like the opening stages of one.  From the mobile app to the ways in which characters access and use their powers, we were definitely in “the tutorial level” territory.  That said, Ingress does intrigue me a little bit.

On the surface I don’t think Ingress brings much new to the table in terms of its main protagonist, Makoto, and his secret power to see anyones history by touching them with his right hand.  It’s when Sarah and the concept of the XM Particle arrives that something old becomes something old with a neat new twist.  The way in which the particle is being described, as an energy that surrounds all of the planet and exists on a different visual spectrum, adds a more scifi element to a supernatural super power.  In fact, I couldn’t help but think about X-Men while watching the first two episodes.  Anyone who can access the XM can gain an ability unique to themselves alone (at least right now).  For example, Makoto’s psychic scans, Sarah’s ability to see the XM spectrum and supposed assassin Jack being able to look a few seconds into the future and become a cross between Agent Smith from The Matrix and The Terminator, I’ll give Ingress credit: like I said, it feels familiar but still remains fascinating all the same.

Ingress also gains favor thanks to a rather cute report between Makoto and Sarah.  They have an instant connection, and not just because Makoto can tap into Sarah’s XM sight when he touches her hand.  I also really like the music.  Apparently this got a new score for a global release but it sounds amazing.  It’s like if Yoko Kanno was given the ok to do a score for Blade Runner.  The soundtrack is both soothing, haunting and one of the best ive heard in Anime in quite a bit.  However, this is still a CG Anime and the results of that animation approach are still mixed for me, at best.  There are moments during the action scenes of Ingress where the animation looks great and every aerial view of the neon lit city is gorgeous.  But when characters are just walking I felt like my Netflix was taking a long time to buffer at times, movements just looked sluggish.  Idk, maybe it’ll grow on me but who can say.

I can say, Ingress has promise and might be one I try to continue through for a little bit.  The Ghost in the Shell meets X-Men approach is a fun combo and there’s plenty of mystery to keep me invested (though thank God they didn’t run with Sarah having amnesia for more than the first episode.  She doesn’t remember everything but she’s not a Jason Bourne blank slate).  Great action, even better music and a cool premise, maybe I can look past or at least just ignore the back and forth animation for now.  I will say, that kind of praise is more than I can say for other CG Anime ive seen over the last couple of years.

T5W#211-Top 5 Anime I Didn’t Know Were Anime At First

While I generally clock in my Anime beginnings around…1998/1999, whichever year Dragon Ball Z was starting to get big, I know im not alone in knowing that I was watching some Anime before I knew it was Anime.  It stood out from all other cartoons I was watching as a kid but for a long time, I never knew some titles had an artstyle under a very special name I still hold close to my heart.  Recently, ive been checking out some older titles for future reviews on the blog (wayyyy down the line, like maybe a year away at this point) and thinking about that small handful of pre Anime fandom shows I checked out and enjoyed.  I wonder if anyone else will feel the same way reading this list.  So here we are, the Top 5 Anime I Didn’t Know Were Anime At First.

#5-Robotech (aka Super Dimensional Fortress Macross, Super Dimension Cavalry Southern Cross and Genesis Climber Mospeda)

I used to live in my parents collection of VHS collection tapes containing movies and TV shows they thought would appeal to me and my sister.  One of them was a mix tape containing mostly Transformers material (including the 1986 movie) as well as a little marathon of another kind of Transformer series that wasn’t Transformers.  Fighter jets that turned into giant robots battling aliens, a gigantic battleship that could also transform and kick some serious ass, and some actually likeable characters, I cant tell you how many times I marathoned the first six episodes of Robotech on that VHS tape without knowing I was watching something truly great (or basterdized depending on who you ask).

#4-G-Force: Guardians of Space (aka Gatchaman)

It wasn’t quite Power Rangers but G-Force had a five man team of super teens and a them song that got the blood pumping everytime “G FORCE” cried out on the screen.  I actually don’t remember too much about my few viewings of G-Force besides the intro featuring a Voltron style narraration (though not as cool) detailing who was who on the team.  I’d later find other renditions of G-Force in Eagle Riders, which had a very swift stay in syndication, and G-Force’s predecessor Battle of the Planets, all of which took on separate chapters of the Gatchaman legacy they were adapting.

#3-Dragon Ball (aka…way before Dragon Ball Z)

Long before the days of Super Saiyans and Vegeta, there were random TV Spots for a show featuring a little kid with spiky hair and a red staff battling random robots, dinosaurs and some wild looking warrior I had no idea would become the butt of every franchise joke.  Most may not remember this, but before Funimation became the sole custiodians of all things Dragon Ball, the original Dragon Ball was given a mid 90’s dub from…I wanna say Kidmark.  The dub itself wasn’t bad and some of the voice actors transitioned over to Dragon Ball Z eventually.  Still, the very short 30 second promo that introduced me to this world was just a pinky toe stepping into a much larger universe…I just didn’t know it yet.

#2-Ronin Warriors (aka Legendary Armor Samurai Troopers)

If I thought G-Force had something to do with Power Rangers, how about 5 young men in cyber looking under armor who power up into sweeter and sleeker looking actual Samurai armor with their own unique fighting styles and weapons.  Ronin Warriors had a surprise summer run on a local network and from the moment I jumped into it, I was glued to the screen for much of the initial run.  I couldn’t get enough of the battles and just how cool this quintet of mysterious warriors looked while kicking ass.  So when Ronin Warriors was eventually announced for Toonami several years later, I think I was one of the few who was pumped to see them again.

#1-Voltron (aka Go Lion Voltron Force)

“From days of long ago…from untold reaches of the universe…comes a legend…the legend of VOLTRON: DEFENDER OF THE UNIVERSE!!!”  God I had no idea just how iconic and important the voice of Peter Cullen would become in much of my Anime upbringing.  Like Robotech, the first five or so episodes of Voltron was cobbled together into a feature length special on VHS and I was onboard with the concept as soon as I saw five robot lions trying to take on giant monsters.  Just on the cusp of discovering Transformers (speaking of Peter Cullen) Voltron was my true unexpected entry point into Anime and it showed that if I enjoyed it at Age 5 and didn’t even realize it, well is it any surprise im here now 25 years later still writing about my favorite medium?

Street Fighter II V Part 4 Episodes 14-17

With Ryu’s training under Dhalsim complete, Ryu and Ken head to Barcelona along with Chun Li and her father, Chief Dorai.  Here, they meet the handsome Matador, Vega.  But this ladies man of effortless charm is more than he seems and he has his eyes set on the beautiful Chun Li.  A deadly game begins as Ken suspects Vega of sinister motives and finds himself locked in a steel cage match fight to the death.  Even if Ken can survive and rescue Chun Li from Vega’s clutches, someone far worse is waiting for him, a man whos operations have been hampered from constant interference from Ryu and Ken.  At last, Ken and Chun Li come face to face with the man behind Ashura and Shadowlaw itself: M. Bison.

Before I get started with this weeks review, a little history lesson.  Back in the mid 2000’s, just before Abridging got started, there was a parody group known as My Way Entertainment.  This small group of friends did their own voice overs for several Anime and 90’s cartoon series like Spider Man, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and even Power Rangers.  While they’re best known for the infamous “The Juggernaut Bitch” video, the reason I bring My Way up is because one of their first (and best) vids was a parody of the beginning of this weeks Vega Arc.  In it, the Spanish death dealer maintains much of his deadly charms but is also said to be the son of one of histories greatest musicians, Prince.  So whenever he walks around, My Way has Vega singing various Prince tunes and even some of the legends famous song cries, always reminding everyone he’s the “Son of Prince”.  If you can track down the video on YouTube, Kill Vega Vol.1, I highly recommend it and it’s sequel which parodies the Street Fighter II Animated Movie.  With all that said, let’s move on to the review featuring Ryu, Ken and Chun Li’s deadly encounter with the Son of Prince…ok that’s the only reference im gonna make for the rest of the review…maybe, no promises.

This weeks episodes of Street Fighter II V were kind of a mixed bag.  We more or less closed out the “Grand Tour” first half of the series and got things prepped for a darker and more intense second half with the full on arrival of M. Bison and his Shadowlaw organization.  And while Bison and his minions really shined, our heroes weren’t as well serviced.  Sure Ken got into a pretty bloody battle with Vega (and punched a bull so hard he chopped off its horn).  But Chun Li spent most of this set of episodes in a drug induced trance and Ryu…well Ryu stood on a beach and practiced his Hadouken for three episodes straight.  Like I said, mixed results for the halfway mark of the series.

Vega’s arrival signaled a very different kind of intro for any of the Street Fighter characters introduced so far.  Unlike Guile, Fei Long and Sagat, Vega was a straight up villain from the moment he gave Ken and Ryu the stink eye after he put the moves on Chun Li.  The man had charm to spare (I expect nothing less from the Son of Prince ALRIGHT IM DONE!!!), and its easy to see why women fell for him easily, even Chun Li before he gave her a Bulls ear as a token of his affection (ewww).  But Vega quickly descended into darker territory planting a drugged kiss on Chun Li before becoming increasingly psychotic during his duel with Ken.  Plus, lots of shivers down my spine watching Vega cut himself to lick his own blood.  We were looking at a very different Vega by the time it came to wrap up the cage match.  The Prince like gentlemen and hero of the people was replaced with a lunatic with crazy to spare in his eyes.  All in all, Vega’s arc might’ve been maybe an episode too long but he’s still one of the better served villains so far.

And then there’s Bison.  I know I complained about Ryu and Chun Li basically staying in one place doing next to nothing this set.  But while Bison did mostly the same, he had way more entertainment value going nuts over the cage match and letting some of his Psycho powers come out with his excitement.  Bison is just pure insanity and a lot of fun to watch.  He’s powerful and he knows it and he revels in it.  It kind of boggles the mind to wonder why he needs minions to do his work when few could probably stand against him (poor Chun Li’s on her way to figuring that out by the end of this set).  That said, it was cool to see new players enter the SFIIV storyline who will probably be around for the rest of the series.  I’m not too familiar with Balrog from the games but I do know a little bit about Cammy.  Sure she may not be sporting her traditional Street Fighter look.  But the ex MI6 assassin still has her drop dead gorgeous looks and confidence (enough to rival Chun Li) and I cant wait to see if we get a legit match up between Cammy and Chun Li’s father, Dorai, next week.  Shadowlaw came out of the shadows (pun intended) and made their presence felt, the game has certainly changed now.

I have to say, the Ken vs. Vega showdown was a little underwhelming.  Yeah, Ken was in bad shape althrougout and the battle was the bloodiest on the show to date.  However, having seen Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie, I can say that this bout came nowhere close to even matching Chun Li and Vega’s tussle in that flick.  That showdown was way more cinematic, surprisingly more brutal…and it gave us a chance to see Chun Li unleased (something SFIIV has yet to really do).  In this TV arc, Ken held his own admirably but the best part of his fight was the end when he pulled off the Shoryuken.  We’ve seen some good fights so far in Street Fighter II V from Ken vs. Fei Long to Ryu vs. Sagat.  I don’t think Ken vs. Vega is quite near the goodness those bouts offered, probably because they were tighter, shorter and more focused.  It didn’t help that we got sent to the land of reused footage as we kept cutting from the battle to see a dazed Chun Li replay her late night Vega kiss in her mind or watch Ryu try to pull off the Hadoken hand motions again.  

However, my gripes aside, the ending of this set of episodes got me excited.  Bison vs. Chun Li promises to finally give Chun Li some time to shine in battle (though for how long against Bison is anyones guess).  And the moving of several Shadowlaw pieces into place promises things are going to get pretty dirty and pretty awesome pretty fast.  Like I said, the Grand Tour is over.  Now it’s time for Shadowlaw to take over the narrative.  See ya next week as we see Shadowlaw unleashed and pray that Ken, Ryu and Chun Li can survive its onslaught.

FIF#88-One Punch Man Season 2

One wouldn’t believe it at first glance, but Saitama is a hero.  In fact, he might secretly be the greatest hero of them all, with enough power to literally end battles in one punch.  He even saved the world from an alien invasion even the mightiest of heroes couldn’t prevent.  And yet he’s still unknown…or so he thinks.  Little does Saitama realize, an apocalyptic prophecy has come to light, highlighting greater threats fast approaching and targeting him specifically.  Not that Saitama is really paying attention.  He’s got food to prepare, an apprentice to train and some new faces to inspire in his own, weird way.  It’s not easy being the worlds strongest hero with no real recognition.  But for Saitama, it’s just another day attempting to stave off boredom when you can end all of your fights in one punch.

It’s been four really long years since we saw Saitama beat the ever living crap out of Boros and save the world.  You know, it’s surprising the world of Anime has had to wait so long for the return of One Punch Man.  One would think that, after it hit the ground and destroyed it, that the studio would be chomping at the bit to churn more out ASAP.  Part of me suspects that the Manga wasn’t nearly along enough to do such a thing, so a long waiting game has been played.  Since then, My Hero Academia has stepped up to fill the void left in Saitama and Genos’ absence.  But with Hero Aca not back til later in 2019, it looks like the time is right for Saitama’s epic return.  

Like everyone else, I was a little concerned that the sudden change in production staff for Season Two of One Punch Man would affect the show big time.  It’s rare that a first season of any Anime does so much so right and is a legend in its own right (FLCL, Psycho Pass for example).  I am happy to report that despite the moving on of Production I.G., Season Two of One Punch Man has lost none of what made the first season so special.  In fact, it’s back in spades, all of it: the action, the outrageous personalities that inhabit this fun little world, and, of course, Saitama’s simple take commentary on life, the universe and herodom.  His laid back and nonchelante reactions to everything around him have been sorely missed.  From giant monsters appearing to realizing that a top notch hero is just a loser taking credit for his wins, Saitama takes it with the greatest of chill and the most optimistic of attitudes.  Indeed, in a world in chaos, Saitama’s just doing his own thing and not much else and that’s perfectly ok.  I do wish we’d gotten to see him fight a little.  Most of the action of the first episode is left to Genos, which hey nothing wrong with that at all, the metal bad ass has still got it.

As the final minutes of the first episode and the new intro suggest, it looks like we’re going deeper into Saitama’s world than ever before.  We got to see familiar faces like hilarious ninja Speed Of Sound Sonic and brand newcomers like Blizzard (who I think might be sister to the always awesome Terrible Tornado Tatsumaki).  We also got a tease that something big is coming this season, a promise of doom for the world based on the new high level threats coming to look for Saitama.  It’s hard to imagine something greater than Boros coming to cause our guy trouble.  But if One Punch Man knows anything, its how to ramp up the action and scope to unbelievable levels.  I’m excited to see the return of other fan favs like Mumen Rider and my gal Tatsumaki, while getting to know new false hero King and Blizzard, and seeing how they get mixed up in Saitama and Genos’ next adventures.

Damn, it is so good to have One Punch Man back.  Saitama’s level of humor, strength and chill has been greatly missed.  Yeah we had to wait four years and a few things have changed but I still feel this is a great companion piece to My Hero Academia and still as entertaining as it ever was in Season One.  One Punch Man’s potential to do amazing things has never been doubted in my mind and Episode One of Season Two has set the table nicely for a new level of insane action and gut busting humor.  Welcome back Saitama and Genos.

T5W#210-Top 5 Dream Castings for the Live Action Gundam Movie (Round 2)

It’s been a bit since we first heard the confirmation of a Live Action Mobile Suit Gundam feature film being made by Sunrise and Legendary Pictures.  Things have been pretty quiet.  We don’t even know if the project is adapting or borrowing from a preexisting Gundam era or is out to make its own story.  Most importantly (maybe?) we don’t even know who’s starring in this epic live action Anime adaptation.  Well back in April as part of Gundam Month Mark III, I took a stab at some fantasy casting choices (and you can view that list here: http://gundamanimeblog.blogspot.com/2019/04/t5w191-top-5-dream-castings-for-live.html)  But just 5 names is hardly enough to fill out a cast large enough for a Gundam feature.  So today I’m doing a second round with 5 more names and the specific (ish) roles they could play, whether its commanding from the sidelines or piloting the titular mecha itself.  Hopefully we’ll have some actual casting news soon…or I might have to do a third round muahahaha.  Before we get to that possibility, here’s this weeks Top 5 Wednesday: my Top 5 Dream Castings for the Live Action Gundam Movie (Round 2)

#5-Lance Reddick

 

Lance Reddick is an actor I feel is both underrated and underutilized.  From his poised, gentlemen stature to his beyond cool voice, Reddick has delivered solid performances as the Head of the Fringe Division in Fringe and the ever loyal Head Concierge of the Continental in the John Wick series.  His very presence screams “im in charge” without the need for raised voices.  And yet I’d be curious to see what Reddick would be like as a bad guy.  I could see him as maybe some kind of atache to the Zabi’s or even as Bask Oum from Zeta Gundam aka the head of the Titans.  Or heck, he proved he could kick some serious ass in John Wick Chapter 3-Parabellum, send Reddick out as some kind of secret assassin like Meme Midgard from Turn A Gundam.  Whatever the role, small or large, Lance Reddick would bring his all and rule it, maybe even making it one of the stand out acting jobs in a Gundam movie.

#4-Hailee Steinfeld

 

Man has this girl come so far after hitting the ground running.  Hailee Steinfeld drew immediate recognition for her star making role in True Grit and has been one of the “wow” factors of most films shes part of.  So yeah, she’s been in a few heavy hitting Hollywood blockbusters like Bumblebee, so we know Hailee is more than game with Giant Robots.  The reason I slot her into this list is for her singing abilities.  While I cant say that taking the Jpop filled route of Gundam Seed era is the wisest move to make, if they did Hailee would be a solid Lacus Clyne not just for her proven vocals (see Pitch Perfect 2 or that…no need for 3), but because she is so good at the drama aspect of any movie.  And as we all know, when it comes to Lacus Clyne, she might look like a cute pink haired pop star, but underneath it all is a bad ass seeking peace who isn’t afraid to throw down with the toughest politicians.  Beautiful voice and a commanding presence, sign Hailee Steinfeld up for any project…but more importantly this Gundam project ASAP.

#3-Sophie Turner

 

For the last 8 years, Sophie Turner has proved she knows how to play a character who knows her way around politics better than anyone as Sansa Stark in Game of Thrones.  Now that her obligation to that show is over, she’s got her pick of the litter of projects considering she was one of the breakout stars of that epic show.  Sophie’s already got tried and true experience with Hollywood blockbusters thanks to her time with the X-Men franchise where she played a young Jean Grey.  If I were to pick a role for her in a Gundam movie, it might very well be someone either in the political arena or in command.  Two ideas that come to mind are maybe an older Mineva Zabi from Gundam Unicorn. or even Lieutenant Matilda, the no nonsense crush of all the boys on White Base.  Sophie Turner’s grown into an incredible actress and her talents could help the Gundam project in a big way.

#2-Richard Harmon

 

Richard Harmon is one of the breakout stars of the hit CW series, The 100.  For six seasons he’s played the sarcastic survivor John Murphy, willing to do whatever it takes to survive while preserving his own soul and making hilarious one liners in the process.  One look at Harmon in this role and I could only think of one important role to play if they go the route of the original One Year War storyline: Kai Shiden.  Kai has one of the more memorable character arcs of the original series, beginning as cynical survivor and evolving into a competent fighter who cares about the family he’s made on White Base.  Murphy totes the line back and forth between redemption and damnation and Richard Harmon could bring that same charming magic to Kai or some other equivocal role in a Gundam movie.

#1-Grant Gustin

Every movie is only as strong as its lead actor.  While he hasn’t had a lot (if any) feature film experience, Grant Gustin still stands as one of my favorite choices for a lead role in a Gundam movie thanks to his role as Barry Allen on The Flash.  Able to bring the drama while being so damn charming and funny, Grant is a hero movie goers can get behind.  In a way, I could see him playing a more competent and likeable Amuro Ray if the One Year War route were to be taken.  But Grant could easily play one of the other lead heroes from a Gundam era like Kamille Bidan, Seabook Arno or even Shiro Amada.  I guess it’s kind of funny that my two top choices for actors in a Gundam movie are both headliners of the Arrowverse (Stephen Amell was top of my last list).  Just goes to show just how special their acting is to me and the world they’ve helped build with that universe.  Who’s to say they cant do the same to Gundam?  (and to be fair, Melissa Benoist aka Supergirl was on my Top 5 Gundam Wing Fantasy Casting Choices as my pick for Dorothy Catalonia so yes you can just cast all of the Arrowverse in the Gundam movie…oh God is there a third Arrowverse exclusive round of this list in the future?).

Street Fighter II V Part 3 Episodes 9-13

Ryu and Ken’s victory over the crime organization, the Ashura, comes back to bit them in Thailand when Ryu is thrown in prison for a crime he didn’t commit.  Now the young warrior must fight to survive and reteam with Ken to bring the organization down once and for all.  All the while, the pair are learning powerful new techniques and fighting styles.  But it’s the rumor of a powerful holy man in India that catches Ryu’s attention.  Is this Dhalsim capable of continuing his training towards mastering the Hadouken?  

Punches were thrown and wisdom was gained as Ryu and Ken faced the full might of a mob organization and took a deep look inside themselves, discovering new motivations and revelations.  Even if there are one or two details that were either a little annoying or unnecessary, Street Fighter II V is continuing to excel at having a decent story with good character development and solid action.

We picked up things right where we left them last week.  As expect, Ryu vs. Sagat didn’t disappoint.  Better yet, it was equal parts kicking and punching (I can feel my bones breaking with each bone cracking hit) and surprising character building.  Turns out Sagat had a deeper tale to tell than anyone might’ve suspected but it gave him and Ryu common ground to stand on, both as rivals and as friends in prison.  Thankfully neithers stay was very long (well Sagat’s was longer but he’d been there a while already), as Ken managed to track down the men who framed both fighters and landed them in prison.  This is where one of those little annoying bits came in.  While I like that Ken is both intelligent and able to hold his own in battle, I am skeptical of his Dad being his ultimate Ex Machina in the series.  Sure Ken’s rich beyond all reason and can spend all he wants on his and Ryu’s epic adventure.  But his Dad has the ultimate amount of pull to get Ken investigative back up and even help an aspiring Doctor in India build a better hospital.  It just feels so…convenient.  Thankfully it hasn’t happened too often (yet) and Ken has been able to get himself out of jams just fine thanks to his charm and skill (though the occasional dollar bill has been thrown in from time to time).

The best part of Ryu and Ken taking down the Ashura wasn’t anything they did really (though Ryu did almost lose his arms to Boss Zotchi’s sick fetish).  It was just before the take down, when Zotchi more or less spoke with M. Bison…or can just speak “stern face” cause Bison didn’t say a word.  I know Bison has some level of psychic abilities from the games.  But still, seeing him for the first time on a distorted screen and in darkness, not saying a word, said all we needed to know about the man destined to be the big bad of Street Fighter II V.  Ryu and Ken might’ve scored a solid victory against a relenting criminal organization but it remains to be seen just how bad this is going to come back to bite them when Bison decides to turn his attention their way.

Thankfully, the boys had a bit of time to chill and get in touch with their warrior spirits after the Ashura were dealt with.  I actually enjoyed Ryu and Ken training under Dahlsim and battling each other during a test of spirit.  The two were pushed to their physical and emotional spirits, unaware they were battling each other to the point of near death.  It really opened their eyes to their “punch first, keep punching and eventually win” approach to their travels.  Ryu, in particular, got the most out of this as his journey of self discovery brought him one step closer to his signature move, the Hadouken.  Ryu was geniuley frightened of the attacks destructive properties and even had to double check that Ken wanted to hang around him if the Hadouken was an attack he couldn’t control.  Well the bromance shined through and Ken told Ryu he wasn’t going anywhere.  That and Ryu battling an imaginary Guile during his training helped open up the young warriors eyes a bit.  With all this drama and character work, it just makes the evil treasure hunter subplot of the Dahlsim arc feel so needless.  All of the misfortune that befell those douchebags just to set up Ryu and Ken’s future trial could have been jettisoned in favor of just getting the two Street Fighters into the main plot of the arc faster.

So India changed some perspectives, an evil organization is KO’d and Ryu and Ken are off to reunite with Chun Li (YES!!) in Barcelona for some fun…maybe?  Idk they said she was there with her father so that might mean trouble in Spain.  Whatever happens next, we made some good progress in Street Fighter II V this week and next week I think we’re getting to another fan favorite’s debut on the show.  Those of you who know your mid 2000’s internet memes and YouTube vids be ready…cause im gonna make a few “Son of Prince” references.  See ya next Monday.

FIF#87-Fruits Basket (2019)

Having lost her mother to a car accident and her current residence being renovated, ever determined Tohru Honda has been living in a tent that just happens to be on the grounds owned by the mysterious and powerful Sohma Family.  Feeling bad for her, the handsome Yuki Sohma invites Tohru to come live with him and his cousins, Shigure and Kyo.  It isn’t long until Tohru literally stumbles into the family secret: 12 members of the family have been cursed to transform into their Chinese Zodiac member when hugged by a member of the opposite sex.  As Tohru learns more about the difficult life of the Sohma Clan, the closer she becomes with several family members…and becomes determined to find a way to free them from their curse forever.

It cant be just me noticing several Anime from yesteryear getting reboots or continuations in the last decade.  Sailor Moon, Dragon Ball and Devilman are just a few examples getting a new lease on life in this new age of Anime.  So it’s strange to see Fruits Basket getting the same treatment nearly 20 years after the original Anime aired.  But id be lying if I said that I wasn’t all onboard with it while checking out the first episode.  Believe it or not, I did read the Fruits Basket Manga and check out the original Anime when both were coming to the States (courtesy of it being one of the first big Anime and Manga my sister got into).  It’s been a long time but I do remember bits of Fruits Basket fondly.  So I know I’m not the only one whose nostalgia strings were tugged on in this new debut.

I was surprised how faithful this new Anime is staying not just to the story but the artstyle too.  There are certain images recreated from the Manga that invoke that feel good nature of early 2000’s Anime.  It’s hard to describe but the new Fruits Basket doesn’t try to look anything like most Anime you see today.  This is a nostalgia train on full steam power and it’s kind of awesome really. From the first appearance of Tohru, everything came flooding back to me at once: the gorgeous scenery of the Sohma household; the always entertaining banter between Yuki, Kyo and Shigure; the whimsically funny but heartbreaking storyline.  Fruits Basket’s first episode plays beat for beat the first couple chapters of the Manga and the first episode of the original Anime without attempting to really spice things up beyond the new animation.  And that’s perfectly ok for now.  I suspect that one thing this new iteration is destined to do is tell the complete Manga story, unlike the original series which only went up to Volume 6 (I think) and deviated from the original story at times too).  So it’s ok to run at a leisurly pace like the Manga and get the story going properly.  At least by the end of the episode we did get the big reveal of the Sohma Family secret and Tohru’s eternally priceless reaction.

I feel like for the high school kid in me, that first read a bit of the Manga in a preview guide, that I should continue on with this new Fruits Basket.  It’s hard to say if the final product will finally bring the entire Manga to life at last.  But it’s undeniable how good it is to see these characters again, feel the magic of the story and enjoy a glimpse of artwork that has aged very well and is being recreated in good hands.  I never knew how much I missed Tohru Honda or the Sohmas until I saw them again.  If you’re just discovering Fruits Basket for the first time, I think sticking with it for a bit wouldn’t hurt.  You might be in for a surprise, and I hope I am too.

T5W#209-Top 5 Anime that Make me Really, Really Mad

I love Anime.  Heck this blog being in its sixth year is proof of that, nevermind ive been into the overall fandom for over two decades now.  I love many titles from Gundam to Ghost in the Shell to Dragon Ball Z to Pokemon to Inuyasha and Full Metal Panic.  The list could go on and on about my absolute favs.  But what about the titles I don’t like, the ones that get me so riled up I am ready to go Super Saiyan just thinking about them. Well, full disclosure, it’s been kind of a rough weekend and the week hasn’t started off the best either tbh.  So for this weeks Top 5, I’m exercising my right to rant and I know 5 particular titles I can do that with easily.  Here are my Top 5 Anime that Make me Really, Really Mad.  Enjoy the comedic venting.

#5-Silent Mobius: The Series

I think I said it week after week when I was reviewing this one here at the Anime Corner, the potential for this shows greatness was squandered episode after episode.  Despite an interesting premise and promising cast, Silent Mobius never rose to the occasion.  The AMP is basically useless without its Dark Phoenix imbuned Katsumi and their technology never seems to work at fighting Lucifer Hawks.  Factor in a less than stellar backstory that is begging to be explored, villains who are just there to be there and a sense that the animation and writing staff just gave up after the first episode floundered and you have one of the saddest tragedies in all of Anime: not because of what happens to some of the main characters but because this could have been the Anime successor to Sailor Moon…and it just failed on every concieveable level for 26 episodes.  (the two part movies aren’t bad though.  Even though theyre an incomplete story id recommend checking them out anytime over the TV Series)

#4-Gundam Build Fighters Try

If Gundam Build Fighters was a love letter to me as a fan of Gundam for almost two decades, Build Fighters Try was the exact opposite.  Trading optimistic and  fun for hopeless and terrible characters, I think I was crying inside with every episode I watched.  The Build Fighters Try team had so much potential that was squandered on one characters depressing attitude and the other trying to be the Gundam Naruto.  Sure some of the Gunpla were cool but the series managed to take one of the most fun and interesting takes on one of Gundam’s most prominent staying powers and turn it into the most depressing game of torture ever played.  At least the first have of Gundam Build Divers managed to bring back some of magic of Build Fighters before the second half tried to play by Build Fighters Try rules…and broke my heart all over again.

#3-Puella Magi Madoka Magica: The Move 3-Rebellion

Madoka Magica is one of those rare, perfect Anime in existence that delivers more than what was initially promised and manages to overcome the odds to join the ranks of legends like Neon Genesis Evangelion and Akira.  The first two compilation movies achieve even rarer greatness when it comes to telling a condensed version of the TV series without much content sacrificed.  And then came the third film.  And truthfully, it was ok…until the last fifteen minutes when the Danarys Targaryan of all character shifts happens and tears down everything that Madoka stood for.  Homura becomes a demon?  Madoka’s powers sealed away and theyre destined to fight each other in the future?  WHAT THE F***!!!??? Why mess up one of the most perfect endings in all of Anime with this BS twist that has gone nowhere since it was released because it was so horrible?  Believe me when I say, avoid this movie if youre watching the Anime…the TV Series is perfect as is without this forced and insulting continuation/epilogue.

#2-Ghost in the Shell (Live Action 2017)

I honest to God recently had to get a friend to change the subject when this movie got brought up because I was going to get rilled up.  Ghost in the Shell is one of my Top 3 favorite Anime fanchises sandwhiched between Mobile Suit Gundam and Dragon Ball Z.  I love pretty much every adaptation from the Oshii films to Arise.  The live action movie boils my blood whenever it gets brought up, so much so I wonder if I really should have just written a rage fueled review of it for the Anime Corner’s Third Birthday.  Eveyrthing that makes Ghost in the Shell what it is doesn’t exist in this travesty, trading metaphysics for an old and boring festival of bad 80’s scifi tropes that basically make it a fusion of Total Recall and Robocop.  Bad casting, a half assed script and nods to the franchise that never feel earned…at least Death Note 2017 was a hilarious to watch train wreck of a disaster.  Ghost in the Shell 2017 makes me wish we had the technology to erase certain memories cause this movie should be freaking purged from the history books.

#1-Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Destiny

Oh man.  This was probably the very first low point I ever discovered for my favorite franchise.  I still remember watching this series on YouTube during my freshman year of college, hoping beyond all hope that this series would somehow get better.  Episode after episode I was proven wrong.  The sheer wasted potential of a conflict that could’ve dwarfed that of Gundam Seed.  The rapidly changing character motivations that felt more like grab bag than logical progression.  The fact that Shinn Asuka was calling the shots and claiming to be a hero when he might’ve been the biggest damn villain of the series.  Seed Destiny was the first Anime I truly regretted giving my attention to and I still to this day want those 50 episodes worth of time back.  Why…OH WHY…am I possibly planning to take a look at this one in the future for a special project I have planned for 2020?  Should make for an extended entertaining 10 part rant I can guarantee that.

Street Fighter II V Part 2 Episodes 5-8

Ryu and Ken are having a grand old time in Hong Kong, their first stop on their world tour to find the best fighters.  They’ve already come out of Kowloon City victorious and even have the beautiful and capable Chun Li as a tour guide.  Now Ken will face off with a popular Hong Kong Martial Artist who aspires to be an action film legend.  And Ryu will learn the first steps of a technique that will change his life forever.  All the while, more fighters are coming out of the woodwork for the two heroes.  Simple bouts are one thing but what happens when Ryu and Ken go to war with one of Asia’s most powerful crime syndicates?

 

For a show that seems set on sending Ryu and Ken around the world (not quite so in 80 days…ok ill stop now), Street Fighter II V gave them a bit of an extended stay in Hong Kong.  Though I was hoping theyd be going at a swifter pace with the story, the Hong Kong adventures haven’t been a bad thing.  Things improved from a strong beginning and only got better right up until the plane right to the next destination.  In short: not a bad second week for Street Fighter II V.

 

After not getting his shot at a one on one with Guile, Ken got to step in and battle Martial Arts legend turned Action Star Fei Long.  Definitely a much more hot headed Bruce Lee, Fei Long was a great addition to the cast and his fight with Ken was amazing.  I like how the director of Fei Long’s film wanted to catch it all on film and edit it for the final movie he was putting together.  This lead to great back and forth battle moments between Ken and Fei Long while the film crew tried to keep up (and also keep Ryu from talking during filming which was funny).  Best yet, Chun Li finally got in on the action and managed to throw down with a group of assassins sent to kill her and her father, Dorai.  Sure Ryu, Ken and Fei Long helped settle things down but Chun Li was given a good chance to shine at last and reminded us why she’s one of the best, and sexiest, characters in video game history.

 

Ryu also got to begin his journey to the move we all know him best for: the Hadouken.  Much like Goku with his Kamehameha Wave in OG Dragon Ball, it’s def not a technique that can be mastered overnight.  But Ryu got the basics down from aged Master Yo, who I wonder if we’ll see again (Ryu’s gotta learn the rest at somepoint, somehow right?).  It was a rather cheery encounter, bookended with this weeks climax that saw Ryu thrown in a Bangkok prison thanks to the assassins he and Ken encountered in Hong Kong.  Here, Ryu went through a torture scene that was unnecessarily brutal and extensive.  The continuous bloody whipping our poor dude got is probably a reason this series never found its way to a Toonami broadcast (Ive been wondering why this never came to be during the late 90’s early 2000’s period of Toonami history).  Still, Ryu got his payback in with some of the inmates and set the stage for what’s sure to be an epic fight against another Street Fighter regular: Sagat.

 

Speaking of fights, the Streets of Rage like battles I mentioned in the Kowloon City arc last week carried over this week too.  By now though, I was alright with battles being group based rather than one on one.  We still got our typical Street Fighter duels like Ken vs. Fei Long.  But seeing Ryu, Ken, Chun Li, Fei Long and Dorai facing Ashura assassins together was a treat and everyone got to show off fine.  That said, it does suck that Chun Li wont be continuing her adventures with Ken and Ryu to Thailand and beyond, at least for the moment.  I feel like we waited a bit to see her in action and only got a glimpse of what she’s truly capable of.  Eh, I’m sure she’ll be back.  After all, Chun Li is probably as famous, if not more, than Ryu and Ken or franchise baddie M. Bison (who’s organization was alluded to be in cahoots with the Ashura).  It’d feel wrong not to include her in more of the action.

 

Some needlessly darker moments aside, Street Fighter II V gave us a very strong second round after lasts weeks stellar debut.  Hong Kong was a great place to kick off the action packed grand tour of Ken and Ryu and Bangkok promises even more ferocious violence when Ryu steps into the prison ring with Sagat.  What can I say, so far this series has more than earned the “V” in its title.  See ya next week for more travels and fist fights.

FIF#86-ULTRAMAN

 It has been decades since Shin Hayata joined with the Giant of Light to defend the Earth from monstrous giants known as Kaiju.  Today, the hero known as Ultraman is a long remembered legend in a world at peace.  However, a new enemy has emerged, wishing to bring a new kind of chaos to the planet.  But Humanity is ready.  Though Hayata long since retired, the Scientific Special Search Party has been preparing for the day Ultraman would be needed again and that day has come.  Now, the future of Mankind falls to a new chosen one: Shinjiro Hayata, who has inherited his fathers powers.  New suit, new enemies, new Ultraman, the legend continues.

I start off this First Impression with a sad confession: outside of the name and the concept and super suit associated with it, I don’t know much about Ultraman.  I never knew he was part of a special science team and had to keep his identity secret from his comrades.  Don’t know much about his powers beyond getting big to fight Kaiju either.  Fortunately, you don’t really have to be a long time veteran of the franchise to enjoy this new continuation of the Ultraman story.  And if the first two episodes are any proof, the creative team in charge has things well in hand and are ready to offer something new and exciting for old and new fans alike.

What surprised me about this new Ultraman was that it was a sequel to the original.  I was

expecting a full blown reboot or a retelling of the original with a new animation style.  Instead, the new series transitions seamlessly into the next era while also letting viewers know that this world and this hero have a history and it’s important.  It’s not surprising to see Ultraman’s legend so fondly remembered in a museum (hell im sure there are a couple dedicated to him in Japan in real life.).  We even get adequate time to spend with both generations of the titular hero.  Shin Hayata has aged and while he still has his old powers, you can tell time has taken a toll on him.  He can still kick ass but he’s def not the Ultraman he used to be.  As for Shinjiro, he takes the surprising reveal that he has powers pretty well.  Even before he dawns the new bad ass Ultraman/Iron Man hybrid suit, he’s testing out his power in his free time and having a ball.  But Shinjiro also wants to do some good with his powers, even if part of that good might be to impress a girl.  Point is, the kids got heart and seems like a worthy successor to his old man, especially when he fairs well in his first foray as Ultraman.

Anime done in Ultraman’s artstyle of CG heaviness can be more miss than hit with the community, just look at the Berserk continuation.  This style of Anime seems to suit Ultraman nicely, however.  It doesn’t hurt that there are a couple of CG Anime experts co-directing this project.  Shinji Aramaki is best known for his work on the Appleseed Movie Trilogy and the recent Space Pirate Captain Harlock Movie, both done in an even more detailed kind of theatrical CG Anime.  And then there’s Kenji Kamiyama, the director and godfather of the Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex franchise.  The talents of these two seem to go hand in hand on Ultraman, keeping the human drama at the center of proceedings while still making the action look so freaking cool.  Considering these two directors are partnering up for a new future chapter of Stand Alone Complex, I cant wait for that even more now that ive seen Ultraman’s opening episodes.

Considering there are dozens of Ultraman series out there, im not shocked a new iteration can be squeezed in like this (Hell Gundam’s been doing it for years).  This project doesn’t just look like it’s trying to stand out from the rest because of its artstyle.  Ultraman’s newest chapter acknowledges its long history while bringing in fresh blood to carry on the legend.  This might be one I continue on with just to see if the goodness of the debut episodes can be maintained throughout its short season.  And who knows, maybe if I watch more, I’ll want to go back and find more older Ultraman series and movies to check out.  At the end of the day, I cant think of a higher accomplishment for a newcomer in a long running franchise to pull off.

T5W#208-Top 5 Hottest Final Fantasy Heroines

As one of the longest lasting video game franchises of all time, Final Fantasy continues to deliver unique worlds with plenty wonder, danger and tons of unforgettable characters.  And while there’s usually a somber guy learning how to smile while kicking ass, there’s a fair chance there’s a beauty worth dying for fighting by their side.  Yep, much like Chun Li of Street Fighter or the plethora of Dead or Alive femme fatales, Final Fantasy has a large library of brave and beautiful bad asses that are sometimes far more remembered than their leading counterparts.  Todays Top 5 Wednesday is a shoutout to these beauties: my Top 5 Hottest Final Fantasy Characters.  From front and center to supporting roles, these gals stole the show of their respective games and my heart too.  To keep things a little fair, only

 

#5-Quistis Trepe (Final Fantasy VIII)

Could anyone ask for a hotter teacher in their next generation mage/super soldier academy?  The moment Quistis first appeared in VIII, shaking her head at Squall landing in the hospital again, she had my attention.  Rocking glasses and a riding crop as her weapon of choice, Quistis could give you a good scolding while throwing down with monsters ten times her size.  She also has a small crush on Squall…which would make any guy jealous.  But Squall’s heart belongs to the lovely Rinoa, so there’s hope for us all still with the best Final Fantasy teacher ever.

 

 

#4-Riku (Final Fantasy X-2)

Final Fantasy X was the first main numbered entry to have the honor of getting a direct sequel, X-2.  What might’ve caught everyone off guard more than this news was Charlie’s Angels esque makeover given to Yuna and Riku.  And WOW Riku got one helluva new look.  It would be hard to pay attention to a girl twirling dual knives when she is basically rocking a string bikini leaving little to the imagination.  Throw in a fun hairdo and a deceptively flirty smile and you’ve got an amazing secret weapon in Yuna’s YRP trio.  Sure Yuna got to become a Jpop star with some nice tunes, but Riku still has part of my heart to this day.

 

 

#3-Tifa Lockhart (Final Fantasy VII)

Oh boy, I know I’m gonna get some flack for this (either this or that other Final Fantasy ladies aren’t on or at the top of the list).  Yes, I think Tifa is the best character in Final Fantasy VII and I like her more than Aeris, not that the latter is bad by any mean.  Tifa hits harder, is a cute bartender and her sense of fashion is enough to charm even certain members of the Turks.  Heck, Tifa’s newly revealed look in the Final Fantasy VII Remake is the reason I thought about doing this list in the first place.  Tifa looks tougher and more devastatingly beautiful than ever before (and yes adding in the Rin Tohsaka esque thigh highs is a very big plus in my eyes). I know Cloud will always love Aeris, but man…he should know how lucky he is to have Tifa by his side no matter what.

 

 

#2-Cindy Aurum (Final Fantasy XV)

The moment this southern voiced belle walked out of the Hammerhead station garage, I was in love and there would be no other competiton from any other girl in Final Fantasy XV, not Lunafreya or Aranea or Iris (and they all have their good qualities too).  Besides the obvious sexy attire, Cindy is a girl who isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty handling all the hard work on the Regalia.  After a long day of hunting monsters, it’s good to come back to Hammerhead and have even a brief conversation with Cindy to hear her soothing voice and her effortless, sexy charm.  Best mechanic in Final Fantasy, fight me.

 

 

#1-Obera Yun Fang (Final Fantasy XIII)

Wont lie, for the longest time Lightning was my Queen of Final Fantasy, the ultimate warrior crush…then I actually played XIII all the way through and found she’s not quite the best character in the game.  Nope, that honor went to a much more hyped character who lived up to the hype and surpassed it.  Rocking a tribal outfit, a sick spear, legs for days and a beautiful accent that could melt the toughest of hearts, Fang has good looks and a strong personality and one of the best character journeys in the whole game.  Not to mention the way her interactions with XIII’s lead heroine Lightning play out, I can see why these two continue to be shipped (including by yours truly).  Fang was on my party from the moment she first appeared and never got traded out.  Sorry Lightning but Fang is my official Queen of Final Fantasy.