FIF#223-Ranma ½ (2024)

Ranma Saotome is a Martial Arts prodigy with a pretty big secret.  Thanks to an accidental fall into a cursed Hot Springs, Ranma turns into a girl whenever he falls into cold water.  Unfortunately, he and his equally cursed Panda father, have brought this trouble back to Japan, where Ranma finds a world of trouble waiting for him.  Now he’s possibly falling into an arranged marriage with the youngest daughter of his fathers best friend, a girl who cant stand him, guy or girl.  If the curse doesn’t kill Ranma first, everyone wanting to get their hands on him, or his heart, probably will.

 
The Anime world seems to be going through a bit of a Rumiko Takahashi re-renaissance doesn’t it?  Just a couple of years after Urusei Yatsura got a new era reboot, we’ve gotten a new go at Ranma ½.  I’ll admit, even though I haven’t watched too much Ranma (outside of one First Impression and my Review of the first Ranma ½ Movie a few years back), I’ve been pretty curious about this one.  The previews looked fun and, better yet, after dealing with a mostly darker and depressing reboot of another beloved 90s Anime (cough cough Sailor Moon Crystal), it was nice to see Ranma’s humor looked intact.  So, how is the long awaited first episode of a reboot of a beloved gateway Anime?
 

KonoSuba: God’s Blessings On This Wonderful World 2 Part 1 Episodes 1-3

Kazuma Sato, savoir of the town of Axel, is now a wanted man.  Desperate to prove he’s not a terrorist, Kazuma must rely on the ones he cant rely on at all to save his life.  While Darkness embarks on a dangerous quest that could set everything right, Kazuma, Aqua and Megumin find more trouble coming to their doorstep in the form of Megumin’s self proclaimed rival: Yunyun.  Then there’s a potential new Undead outbreak that even Aqua’s magic cant fully deal with.  The life of a reincarnated Adventurer just got a whole lot harder for Kazuma, and he hasn’t even gotten to the Devil King yet.

When I first started watching KonoSuba this year, I never expected to fall in love with it as hard as I did.  It’s hard not to when the comedy is on point, tons of tropes from one of the most oversaturated genres in Anime (Issekai) get flipped on their heads, and the main quartet has some of the best group chemistry in Anime ever.  When I reached the end of Season One, I knew I wanted to get right into Season Two, hence why we’re spending all month of December with KonoSuba and getting right back into things today.  The start of this set is kind of special since the Season Premiere is actually the very first episode of KonoSuba I saw back at Katsucon 2024.  I was already laughing my butt of plenty without context but now it’s good to have it cause it shows that KonoSuba was already well on fire before we got to this point.
 

T5W#488-Top 5 Gunpla I’ve Built in 2024

Well 2024 is almost over and my Gunpla craze is still in full swing.   Over the last 12 months I’ve added an impressive 66 new models to my ever growing collection and I might be able to squeeze in one more build or two before the new year cause you better believe a few models went on the holiday gift lists.  I know I’ve been a bit quiet on the talking about Gunpla front for a bit, particularly with a shortened second season of Gunpla Builder Thursday.  Time needing to be managed better cause of work is having me just focus more on enjoying the build rather than deep diving but I do wanna add more Gunpla material to the blog in the coming year.  As I work out those details, today on Top 5 Wednesday I’m listing off the Top 5 Gunpla I’ve Built in 2024

 

KonoSuba: God’s Blessings On This Wonderful World Part 3 Episodes 7-10

After slaying Verdia the Dullahan, Kazuma and company’s rep has skyrocketed…as has their massive debt for damages incurred to the town.  Though desperate for money, Kazuma relishes in his newfound fame even if he still cant shake his danger prone party of beautiful disasters.  But when a massive mechanical Mobile Fortress sets course for Axel, Kazuma, Aqua, Megumin and Darkness must prove their earlier victory wasn’t a fluke (even if it kind of was).  This is the time they become true heroes…or meet a horrific end, and one is more likely than the other.

Well we’ve reached the end of KonoSuba and Kazuma and company are no closer to defeating the Devil King than they were when Kazuma and Aqua first came to this crazy world.  And you know what?  That’s perfectly fine.  I’m in no hurry to see this series reach its ultimate end goal and clearly, neither is the show itself.  There wasn’t even a major build up to the climactic boss fight against a giant mechanical Mobile Fortress.  Instead we got four very fun, mostly stand alone adventures of different kinds that continued to pile on the comedy while also doing some fun world building.  Oh and Kazuma and the girls got a place to live so progress was there too.  I’m super eager to get into Season Two but first let’s break down what went down in the Season One Finale.
 

FIF#222-Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft

Lara Croft.  Trained by the best explorers and survivors, she has overcome so much since her journey to the island of Yamatai.  But all of that has come with great cost, a cost that is consuming Lara’s soul.  But when a beloved artifact is stolen from her families collection, Lara puts grief aside to track down this theif and reclaim this treasure.  It’s another worldwide adventure filled with danger, mysterious forces and the destiny Lara can only run from for so long, the one that leads to her becoming Lara Croft, the Tomb Raider.

 
No one can deny that Lara Croft is more than just one of the greatest video game characters ever created.  While we’re long past the time when she was an icon so enormous she was being used to add campaigns not related to her own franchise, when you hear her name and that there’s a new game coming out, its cause for excitement.  The “Survivor Trilogy” reboot that comprised of 2013’s Tomb Raider, 2015’s Rise of the Tomb Raider and 2018’s Shadow of the Tomb Raider, dialed back the overall smoldering sexiness factor of the character in favor of a more fresh faced beauty whose trials and tribulations made her all the more attractive compared to the “ahem” assets of her original form.  While we wait for whatever game will follow that pretty awesome trilogy, we have Lara Croft’s first animated adventure to keep us company.  Is it an trip worth taking?
 

T5W#487-Top 5 Anime Set During the Holidays

The Holiday Season is upon us once more (and I’ve already lost Whamageddon thanks to my stupid work radio).  While we’re all out buying gifts for family and friends and prepping the house with decorations, for Anime fans this is definitely a time to relax, keep warm and catch up on a show or two with lots of Anime binging.  And while that’s an all fine and good marathon option, there’s also those Anime with a ton of holiday cheer (or at least a ton of snow).  So to kick off the month of gifts, hugs and cookies, here are my picks for the Top 5 Anime Set During the Holidays.

KonoSuba: God’s Blessings On This Wonderful World Part 2 Episodes 4-6

Kazuma’s dream of being a heroic Adventurer isn’t going as well as planned.  He’s got a party assembled but it’s the most ineffective bunch of beautiful idiots ever assembled.  And just when things can’t get any worse, Megumin goes and accidentally picks a fight with one of the Devil King’s Generals…who’s none to pleased his castle is being used for target practice by the “Explosion Maniac”.  Kazuma’s crew might still be new and inexperienced.  But this is their mess and one way or another, they’ll have to clean it up.

So I have a small confession to make: I’m absolutely loving this series.  The comedy is top notch, the cast is a blast and every new episode is a breath of fresh air for me.  That said, it is hard as heck to take notes when I’m having this much fun and it makes me wonder if I can really give this show a proper review when basically I could probably sum up every review with what you just read.  But no, I am committed and I shall continue chronicling these reviews like completing a quest (just not getting paid for it).  Anyway, if last weeks intro episodes set the bar for KonoSuba, this weeks sophomore outing needed to prove it wasn’t a fluke.  Quest Complete: It wasn’t a fluke.
 

FIF#221-Dragon Ball Daima

Goku’s defeat of Majin Buu has sent shockwaves across all worlds.  In the Demon World, King Gomah succeeds King Dabura, learns of the powerful warriors of Earth and seeks to prevent them from foiling his future plans.  Using Earth’s Dragon Balls, he turns Goku and his allies into children, hoping it will lessen their fighting strength.  But Gomah has no idea who he has just messed with and soon Goku is on a new journey into the Demon World to undo this spell, bringing along old friends and encountering new possible allies in the process.

 
Almost 30 years after Dragon Ball Z first dropped in the US, the franchise continues to be one of the most beloved and fiscally reliable Anime in the world.  Dragon Ball Super’s successful run and it’s two subsequent feature films just reinforce that little fact.  But for anyone who thought Super ended too soon, new Dragon Ball has arrived, the very last we’ll sadly see written by Akira Toriyama before his passing earlier this year.  And it looks like Toriyama’s final tale to tell might be a bit of a redemption for another failed Dragon Ball venture that never involved him.  That said, are we really ready for Chibi Dragon Ball that’s actually cannon?
 

T5W#486-Top 5 Thoughts on the Mobile Suit Gundam: GQuuuuuX Announcement

Hold onto your Char Masks ladies and gents, we have legit fresh new Gundam news. And not just any news: we’ve got a brand new Mobile Suit Gundam TV Series on the way for debut sometime in 2025.  And it looks…interesting.  A brand new unorthodox design. A new female lead.  Plus a union of two Anime powerhouses behind two of the greatest Mecha Anime franchises of all time?  Let’s not waste any more time on this one and get into my Top 5 Thoughts on the Mobile Suit Gundam: GQuuuuuX Announcement.

 

KonoSuba: God’s Blessings On This Wonderful World Part 1 Episodes 1-3

After dying an embarrassingly pointless death, Kazuma Satou receives an offer from a Goddess: pass on to the after life or be reborn in a Fantasy world under siege by the monstrous Devil King.  Eager to live a real life JRPG, Kazama accepts the latter.  But the life of a hero isnt all its cracked up to be, especially when Kazama’s party consists of a ditzy Goddess, a Mage who loves Explosions and a Crusader who gets turned on by damage and danger.  And this is the quartet that’s supposed to take on the Demon King?  This world might be in more trouble than it realizes.

KonoSuba is a title that’s been popping up here and there for me over the years.  When people talk about the Issekai genre, it’s actually a contender for Sword Art Online’s coveted throne and I’ve seen characters like Megumin and Aqua cosplayed at a lot of conventions.  I got a chance to see an episode back during Katsucon 2024 and while my plan was to do a First Impression, as soon as I watched the first two episodes, I knew this had to get onto my review queue ASAP for 2024.  Low and behold, we’ve come to it at last, the perfect feel good Anime for the Christmas Holiday.  If it seems like I’m singing praises a bit early, it’s because I’ll admit I am.  For a guy who frowns at Issekai Anime (though there are plenty that I like), KonoSuba appears to be an instant winner and we’ll be spending all of December going through the first two seasons and the Legend of the Crimson Movie.  For now, let’s start with Season One’s extremely promising opening.
 

Hail to the King Baby!!!: A Godzilla Retrospective Part 5

Previously: Following Tri Star Pictures’ costly failure with their own take on Godzilla, Toho resurrected the King four years after the end of the Hesei Era for a new series of epic battles that took Godzilla in several creative new directions.  The culminated in the Millenium Era’s conclusion just as Godzilla celebrated his 50^th Anniversary.  Once again, the world waited anxiously for his inevitable return.

T5W#485-Top 5 Human Characters in Godzilla Films (Written by JMT-117)

What’s usually the one most common weak link in any Godzilla film?  Nine times out of Ten, it’s the Humans.  No one goes to Godzilla films to watch a bunch of normal civilians get into mostly pointless shinanigans while Monsters are terrorizing a city.  However, there is that one time out of ten where a Godzilla film produces a Human character worth investing time in along with the Kaiju action, it’s rare but it’s doable.  And to help point out the exceptions to the rule, as promised, my friend JMT-117 is back with a new Godzilla themed list of his own to close out the T5W portions of Godzilla Month III.  So without further ado, let’s turn things over to JMT with his picks for the Top 5 Human Characters in Godzilla Films.

 

Godzilla: Final Wars

The world faces its greatest crisis as a race of evil Aliens unleash Monsters all across the globe.  With the valiant warriors of the Earth Defense Forces stretched to their limit and compromised from within, a desperate plan sees them turning to the one force capable of standing against this invasion.  The King of the Monsters is resurrected to face an army of his greatest enemies, some of whom have been reborn more deadly than ever before.  Whether the world lives or dies, the final march of Godzilla marks the beginning of Earth’s Final War.

When an icon as big as Godzilla (pun plenty intended) turns 50, no one more than he deserves an epic adventure worthy of such a milestone.  Godzilla: Final Wars, the final entry in the Millenium Series and, at one point, proposed as the final entry in the entire franchise, both takes advantage of the celebration but not nearly enough.  Oh yes Godzilla is here but more often than not, he’s competing for screentime in his own film against another film that could be good on its own but decides to slot itself into this anniversary project.  The end result is a bit of a cluster cuss mess but it’s still a lot of fun, for the most part.
 

Hail to the King Baby!!!: A Godzilla Retrospective Part 4

Previously: Godzilla roared back onto the silver screen 9 years after the end of the Showa Era with The Return of Godzilla in 1984.  What followed was a seven film saga connected across ten years of spectacular Monster throwdowns while also returning Godzilla to his more menacing atomic horror roots.  But film studios across the sea wanted to take a crack at their own Godzilla film and Toho decided to send the King of the Monsters out in a fashion so epic that it made headlines worldwide.  The King was dead, Long Live the King.

 

T5W#484-Top 5 Godzilla Movies (from me this time)

It’s been a few years since I’ve started looking at Godzilla titles here and there for the Anime Corner, either as stand alone or as part of Godzilla Month events.  During much of this time, I’ve been a Godzilla novice, watching and learning more about the franchise through the mentorship of my good friend and top Godzilla advisor, JMT-117.  And while he’s still debating a Top 5 Godzilla list of his own for the month, he has helped me with research and editing the Hail to the King Baby Godzilla Retrospective.  So while I wait for him to pontentially add a new list to the Anime Corner, it’s finally my time to rank my own favorites within the Godzilla franchise cause by now I’ve seen mostly all of them save for a couple.  So, without further ado, I present my Top 5 Godzilla Movies (from me this time) on todays Top 5 Wednesday.

Godzilla: Tokyo SOS

One year after Kiryu’s defeat of Godzilla, a pair of Shobijin appear before humanity and offer an ultimatum: the bones of the original Godzilla used to build Kiryu must be returned to the ocean or Mothra will be forced to destroy humanity.  When Godzilla returns to finish what he started, however, Kiryu must answer the call to action once again.  Kiryu’s last mission begins but can its power along with Mothra’s be enough to destroy Godzilla once and for all?

Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla ended on a surprising cliffhanger as Godzilla retreated into the sunset and Akane and her giant Mechagodzilla, Kiryu, stood victorious.  I can see why you’d want to continue this storyline since the creation of Kiryu is unique in the history of Mechagodzilla and Akane being an excellent protagonist more than worthy of carrying her own mini arc in the Millenium Era.  So its surprising that everything that worked in Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla’s favor is immedietley sidelined in favor of something more straightforward and less interesting.  The movie delivers the Kaiju goods and looks great.  But this is a matter of style trumping substance and it doesn’t hold a candle to the two prior Millenium installments that came before it.
 

Hail to the King Baby!!!: A Godzilla Retrospective Part 3

Previously: During the second half of the Showa Era, Toho sought to make Godzilla more of a kid friendly character, transitioning him from destructive force of nature to planetary protector against Monsters both man made and from beyond the stars.  However, the steady decline of the Kaiju genre in the 70s led to the premature conclusion of the First Age of Godzilla.

T5W#483-Top 5 Scariest Versions of Godzilla

Godzilla has been many things over the years: King of the Monsters; cautionary tale for nuclear powers; hero; villain; wild card; unstoppable force of nature.  But one thing I think most tend to overlook is that Godzilla can be scary as Hell.  Yeah he’s got a ton of abilities that’ll take you out before you can really take it in but that’s a face that puts fear into the hearts of all as much as excitement.  Continuing with our Godzilla Month III Exclusive Top 5 Wednesdays, todays list is looking at the Top 5 Scariest Versions of Godzilla.  And while I considered jokingly adding the Showa Era suits that were used far beyond their usage, I’ve decided to stick with the ones genuinely designed to be the stuff of nightmares.

Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla

Four years after Godzilla reappeared in 1999, the Japanese Government is ready to face him with a new secret weapon.  Using the skeletal remains of the original Godzilla, a new Mechagodzilla, codenamed Kiryu, is born.  At the helm of this mechanized titan is Akane Yashiro, an officer looking for redemption after a previous encounter with Godzilla.  But Kiryu proves to be just as unpredictable as the King of the Monsters. With this Mechagodzilla emerge Japan’s savoir or join its flesh and blood brother as its destroyer?

Seeing as how bringing back multiple Godzilla favorites in GMK proved a box office success, Toho’s next Millenium Series entry returns to that well with another beloved Godzilla fan favorite.  Personally, I don’t know why they didn’t just call this Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla 3 (ok GvMCG 2 in the Hesiei wasn’t a sequel to the 70’s film but still the title is cool).  But that hardly matters when Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla proves to be a more than worthy follow up to GMK with impressive visuals, a long awaited rematch for Godzilla and a very cute and capable actress at the helm of a decent human side story. 
 

Hail to the King Baby!!!: A Godzilla Retrospective Part 2

Previously: In 1954, almost ten years after the end of World War II, the world was introduced to the ultimate Atomic Nightmare, Godzilla.  After a groundbreaking feature debut, Toho Studios would continue to build his legacy through clashes with new Kaiju who have since joined Godzilla’s ranks as Legends.  Though it was belived that 1968’s Destroy All Monsters would bring Godzilla’s rampages to a close, Toho retracted that decision…for now.

 

T5W#482-Top 5 Theories About the Next Japanese Godzilla Movie

Suppose it was inevitable but it’s hella good news.  During the Godzilla 70^th Anniversary, Toho made an “Emergency Announcement” that a new Godzilla Film is officially in the works with Godzilla Minus One’s  Takashi Yamazaki returning to the Directors Chair.  That’s all the information we’ve been given but its more than enough to get G fans excited about what might be coming next.  And its not a bad topic to kick off a potential month full of Godzilla themed Top 5s since I’m gonna share my Top 5 Theories About the Next Japanese Godzilla Movie today on Top 5 Wednesday.

 

Godzilla, Mothra & King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All Out Attack

History and myth are on a collision course when Godzilla returns for the first time in 50 years. Fueled by the souls of those killed during World War II, Godzilla is stronger and more merciless than ever before.  As the JSDF desperately tries to hold him back, a beautiful young reporter discovers signs that could lead to the only true hope for Japan’s safety: the emergence of two guardian monsters: Mothra and King Ghidorah.  Can the combined might of these two titans defeat the King of the Monsters?

 
Welcome to the start of Godzilla Month III.  This year, much like our first one back in 2021, we’ll be looking at four films from one particular era of Godzilla, specifically the Millenium Era.  The mere mention of a new Godzilla movie coming out is sure to put butts in seats.  The only thing that guarantees extra butts in seats is having him face an iconic foe from his long resume of rivals.  Toho’s taken that latter lesson to heart after the disappointing Godzilla vs. Megagirus and instead brought back not one, but two of Godzilla’s more famous combatants for a clash for the ages, while also delivering one of the scariest versions of the King of the Monsters ever. 
 

Sailor Moon Cosmos (Part 1 & 2)

Usagi Tuskino has faced many threats to planet Earth.  But an unthinkable loss and the arrival of three mysterious strangers heralds the coming of a war that will cost Sailor Moon dearly.  The stars become a battlefield as Sailor Senshi from across time and space come together for the battle to end all battles.  Can Usagi overcome her greatest despairs, doubts and fears to defeat the ultimate enemy, one who will not stop until they’ve claimed every power in the cosmos? 

It hasn’t been the smoothest journey for Sailor Moon’s big reboot for the new millennium.  The first two seasons of Sailor Moon Crystal were utter failures while Season Three and the Sailor Moon Eternal duology made critical course corrections though not without faults of their own.  Of all the stories in the original saga to be adapted, none come with as much pressure as the final arc aka Sailor Moon Sailor Stars.  The final season of the 90s Anime was borderline perfect save for the actual Series Finale which was so depressing it felt like Sailor Moon hadn’t really won in the end at all.  If the reboot needed to get anything right and take advantage of a chance to do things better, that time is right here in Sailor Moon Cosmos.  So, after so many downs and ups, does this reboot live up to the potential many hoped it would?
 

Hail to the King Baby!!!: A Godzilla Retrospective Part 1

Welcome Dear Readers to another Anime Corner Special Event.  Given that we’re celebrating the official 70^th Birthday of the King of the Monsters this month, nows a good a time as any to do a little revisit to those 7 decades of history.  For the next five Fridays, we’ll be looking at Godzilla from the very beginning and working our way through his most current successes in 2024 (which are pretty huge btw, no pun intended).  We begin our little history lessons with, as I said, the beginning, a beginning so massive…that this is the only era we’ll be splitting into two parts just to cover it all.  Welcome to Hail to the King Baby!!!: A Godzilla Retrospective.

 

Hazbin Hotel (Season 1)

Charlie Morningstar, daughter of the Lord of Hell himself, has a dream: to give the residents of Hell a chance at getting into Heaven by giving them a second chance to do some good.  With the help of her beloved girlfriend, Vaggie, Charlie opens the Hazbin Hotel, Hell’s premiere Rehabilitation Center.  Most in Hell see it as a joke.  And Heaven has some rather not so gentle plans for Hell itself.  It’s up to Charlie and her small collection of demented misfits to prove that even the worst of the worst deserve a shot at redemption.

Happy Halloween Dear Readers from the Gundam Anime Corner.  For this years terror-tastic offering, I’m trying something a bit different, a title I’ve looked forward to giving a full review on for months now.  Musicals and I have a bit of a complicated relationship.  They’re not my go to choice for entertainment but more often than not, I’ll end up liking them.  I guess it shouldn’t shock me then that one of the most talked about animated titles of the year ends up being one of these new hits I’ve come to adore.    The songs may have the tuneage and vibe of a classic like Beauty and the Beast or Aladdin and the lead heroine could be a secret Disney Princess.  But Hazbin Hotel is the ultimate showcase of Anti Disney entertainment. And holy crap, what entertainment it is.
 

T5W#481-Top 5 Otakon 2024 Cosplays

Previously on Top 5 Wednesday:

We kicked off our annual Cosplay Shoutouts for Halloween with a look at my Top 5 Katsucon 2024 Cosplays (you can check it out here if you missed it: http://gundamanimeblog.blogspot.com/2024/10/t5w480-top-5-katsucon-2024-cosplays.html).
 
Today we’re taking a look back at this years big 30^th Anniversary for Otakon.  This was a tough year to draw candidates from.  Not like there wasn’t a lot of variety but everywhere you looked it seemed like Frieren and Hazbin Hotel were dominating the entire scene (not a bad thing by any means, a lot of them were good).  Still, everyone brought their A Game for this landmark year for Otakon and today we’re giving them proper attention with my picks for the Top 5 Otakon 2024 Cosplays.
 

Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead-Part 4 Episodes 10-12

Akira’s homecoming gets some unwanted visitors when a disgruntled and broken Kanta Higurashi unleashes a horde of Zombies into the Village.  As Shizuka, Kencho and Beatrix battle to protect the people, Akira faces his dark reflection and finds his very beliefs challenged to their core.  Can Akira stay Akira despite the sacrifices that might have to happen and whose Bucket List of the Dead will win out in the end?

Someone broken by the end of the world brings death and destruction down upon a place undeserving of it.  If this were youre typical Walking Dead kind of storyline, there’d be a lot of death, blood, gore and a feeling of hopelessness despite the chance of victory.  However…THIS IS ZOM 100: BUCKET LIST OF THE DEAD and I’m happy to report that this finale isnt about wallowing in despair as paradise is under attack.  Despite some hiccups with last weeks set, this Finale (I hesitate to call it a Series Finale but more on that later), had Zom 100 stick to the guns it fired the series off with from the very beginning and told a tale of survival, hope and the indomitable spirit we need to see more of in stories like this.  Let’s breakdown why this three part epic had me simultaneously cheering and crying at once.
 

FIF#220-Suicide Squad Isekai

Harley Quinn.  Deadshot.  Peacemaker.  Clayface.  King Shark.  They are some of the deadliest villains on the planet.  And they’ve just been forcibly recruited for a special mission for the United States Government.  However, this isnt just any high end black ops assignment.  This time, the worst of the worst are being deployed…into another world.  In a place where Dragons sail the skies, bodies are buried under battlefields of steel and magic is for real, this could be a total nightmare or the greatest mission ever for this government assembled Suicide Squad

 
When it comes to DC and Anime, you’d think there be more offerings out there besides the Batman centric ones (DC still seems to think no one will be interested if it doesn’t involve him hence why we’re getting a Batman Ninja sequel but that’s neither here nor there).  The crazy and violent antics of the Suicide Squad make them prime candidates for a high octane action fest filled with blood, language and anything else too violent for the Justice League.  And while the idea of the gang being dropped into a fantasy world to have some fun sounds appealing, the first episode sadly has me doubting its full potential because of one crucial element: the star attraction…and no I’m not talking about the titular squad.
 

T5W#480-Top 5 Katsucon 2024 Cosplays

We’ve come to that time of the year again Dear Readers, when Halloween is just around the corner.  And, as is tradition here at the Gundam Anime Corner, it’s time to look at the hit cosplays to come out of two of my favorite conventions this year.  Sure I could always do this after the con itself but idk I this time of year is fun to talk about costumes for obvious reasons.  So let’s begin this pseudo two part Top 5 Wednesday my favorite cosplays from a semi cold winter convention earlier this year.  These are my Top 5 Katsucon 2024 Cosplays.

Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead-Part 3 Episodes 7-9

Akira, Shizuka and Kencho’s road trip hits a snag when Akira once again finds himself at the mercy of the man who tormented him for three years.  But Akira isnt the same man he was during that time and now he must face his past head on with the help of his friends…and some Zombies for good measure.  Once free, there’s sushi, hot springs and a gorgeous German Otaku girl waiting on the road to Gunma where Akria’s home awaits…along with a new threat more deadly than any Zombie walking the Earth.

This weeks Zom 100 episode set felt, for lack of a better term, a bit overstuffed.  But is that a good or a bad thing?  I guess it depends on the episode in question but each of these three episodes felt longer than their usual lengths and I sometimes wondered if these were all two parters merged into one.  This might have something to do with a production tidbit that has greater bearing on next weeks finale.  Sticking with these episodes for the time being though, Zom 100 continued it’s successful fun and genre defying streak though not without some downsides for once (no I’m not just talking about the episodes feeling a little overlong).  We got Sushi, Akira fulfilling more dreams and a gorgeous new lady joining the adventure as well.  Anyways, let’s get to it.
 

FIF#219-Zombie Land Saga

High School girl Sakura Minamoto’s dreams of becoming an Idol come to a crashing halt when she’s struck dead by a truck.  But Sakura quickly finds herself resurrected as a Zombie along with a select group of other zombified Idols from across history.  The mastermind behind this madness, Kotaro Tatsumi, has assembled this hand picked team to create the ultimate Idol group whose potential popularity can save the Saga Prefecture he resides in.  It’s the chance of a lifetime for Sakura, if she and her new friends can keep their secret lest the world try to destroy them.

 
Now this…is a combo I never really thought of.  Idols and Zombies.  One is one of Anime’s most popular sub genres that are the lifeblood of such classics as Love Live and Macross.  The other is a genre that is one of the most enduring in entertainment history (The Walking Dead is still going on even after its parent series has wrapped).  Put the two together? It’s as bizarre as it sounds but I’m not going to lie…I had to watch two episodes just to get my head around this properly and…I liked it?
 

T5W#479-Top 5 Ladies of Royalty in Gundam

Soooo this is a little random.  When I was setting up a new Lacus Clyne statue on my shelf, I posed the bikini clad, Haro holding beauty next to Mineva Zabi from Gundam Unicorn and it looked like she was introducing Lacus in epic fashion.  It made me think of a Princess introducing a Princess but funny thing, Lacus isnt a Princess.  For all her prominence in the Cosmic Era making her seem like it, Lacus isnt a daughter of Royalty.  Mineva however, very much is the heir to (and I believe current head of) Zeon.  It made me wonder about who else sits on her level in the Gundam Multiverse which brings us to todays Top 5 Wednesday, the Top 5 Ladies of Royalty in Gundam (and naturally, Mineva is on this list too).

Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead-Part 2 Episodes 4-6

The Zombie Apocalypse is in full swing and Akira Tendo is living his best life.  Best part is: he’s no longer alone.  He’s managed to rescue his best friend, Kenchiro “Kencho”, and officially form an alliance with the beautiful Zombie survival strategist Shizuka.  As they narrowly dodge the Zombie carnage, eyes soon look past Tokyo as Akira decides to find his parents in Gunma.  But it’s anything but smooth sailing when Akira runs into the last person he wants to see on his little vacation: his work horse Ex Boss.  Suddenly, surviving the undead seems preferable to the terror Akira must now relive.

Welcome back to how to survive the Zombie Apocalypse with an unapologetic smile…or Zom 100.  After a pretty seamless, exciting and fun premiere, Zom 100’s sophomore outing dials up the creative possibilities, amps up the suspense and provides some major challenges Akira has to endure and not the ones he was hoping to ever face again.  It’s loud, it’s frantic and it’s still entertaining as hell, so much so it’s hard to think of anything to complain about but we’ll see how that sticks as I get into this weeks review.
 

FIF#218-Kaiju No.8

When Kaiju threaten the city, the Japansese Defense Force is there to save the day.  When the battle is won, that’s when Kafka Hibino comes in.  His job is to clean up after the Kaijju’s are dead and it’s not the most glamorous job.  Long dreaming of joining the ranks of those who kill the Monsters, Kafka finds an in when he accidentally injests a mysterious bug that transfroms him into a human sized Kaiju.  Forced to lead two different lives, Kafka puts his newfound powers to the test while trying to prove he’s worthy to stand alongside the best of the JDF, especially his childhood friend and the JDF’s best fighter, Mina Ashiro

 
When I think of Humans battling Kaiju, my first thoughts go right to Giant Robots as the most effective weapons against them.  After all, how else are you going to handle skyscraper sized monsters otherwise?  It looks like Kaiju No.8 is looking to answer that question and even expand upon aspect of the Kaiju fighting business that are seldom explored.  Add in a nice dose of humor and some gross out gore courtesy of Production IG and I can see why this has become a bit of a favorite in 2024.
 

T5W#478-Top 5 Hottest Alien Girls in Anime

It’s been a surprisingly good year for the Alien franchise.  Not only was it just announced the other day that we’re getting a sequel to the best Alien video game ever made, Alien: Isolation, but Alien: Romulus kicked all kinds of ass, becoming the financially and critically successful entry in the franchise in a really long time.  This was no doubt thanks to bringing Alien back to its basics and making the Xenomorphs just as scary as when they first appeared in 1979, along with a few new surprises that scared the mess out of me.  And while Cailee Spaeny didn’t take on an Alien Queen (sorry Spoilers), she does continue the trend of tough as nails bad ass ladies to battle the infamous monsters.  Which got me thinking: hot girls and Aliens in Anime…how have I not done that Top 5 yet?  Well truth be told, for all the scifi Anime I do watch, there’s hardly any of them.  Ask me to do a Top 5 Hottest Scifi Ladies in Anime (or another Gundam themed one), that I can do.  Alien Girls, man that’s a tough one.  I did manage to think of five and they’re defintiley worth fawning over and wooing more than the Queen B****, the Alien Queen herself.  Anyway, here are my picks for the Top 5 Hottest Alien Girls in Anime.

Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead-Part 1 Episodes 1-3

For three years, Akira Tendo has wasted away at his dead end job with few breaks and no future in sight.  So when he awakens one morning to find Tokyo infested with Zombies and he realizes that he wont have to go to work anymore, Akira celebrates his new found freedom by creating a list of things he’d like to do before he becomes one of the living dead.  Chill out around the apartment, do some day drinking, learn how to ride a motorcycle?  Nothing is off limits so long as you don’t get bit.  It’s the end of the world but for Akira Tendo, it’s the vacation he’s sorely needed for three years and he’s gonna live it up.

Welcome to another October here at the Gundam Anime Corner and this year we’re taking a look at a surprisingly refreshing twist on the Zombie genre.  Zom 100 made immediate waves when it debuted in 2023 and, having seen bits of the pilot at Otakon that year, I can see why.  This isnt being presented as your typical survival horror title.  Sure there are plenty of the genres tropes still present (it’s kind of tough to do a straight forward comedy of such a nightmarish event).  Zom 100 still wants to joke about those tropes while still being honest and presenting a more optimistic POV on a world overrun by Zombies.  It’s still scary at times, its still hard hitting.  But damn if this isnt set to be one of the best feel good Zombie tales ever told.  Let’s hop into it then.
 

FIF#217-The Ultraman

Earth, the 21^st Century, is under attack from monsters of unknown origin.  The Science Defense Squad fights a neverending battle against them.  But they’re not without help.  Unbeknownst to them, their newest recruit, Hikari Chouichirou, has bonded with an advanced Alien, an Ultra Person, called Ultraman Jonias.  Though this joining, Hikari is able to become Ultraman, the titanic guardian who has the power to fight the Monsters on their own terms. 

 
So this one came as a bit of a surprise for me (a friend stumbled across one of Shout Factory’s 24/7 series streams).  Of course I know of the current Ultraman Netflix CG Anime but I never knew that Ultraman had an Anime adaptation prior, especially one dating as far back as the late 70s.  This seems fitting considering the 70’s were all about Giant Mecha teams being used to fight against Kaiju and Aliens.  So why not one of Japan’s most iconic superheroic defenders? 
 

T5W#477-Top 5 Sexiest Assassin’s in Anime

Last week we got our first look at the long awaited spin off of the John Wick franchise, Ballerina.  I’ve been excited for this one for a while for a couple of reasons.  First, the John Wick movies are freaking awesome, with plenty of room for stories beyond our titular hitman.  The second is Ana de Armis.  If you haven’t seen her in movies like Blade Runner 2049 or Knives Out, you should cause she’s a fantastic actress.  More importantly to todays topic, in her criminally underutilized role in the James Bond film No Time to Die, Ana’s Paloma kicks a tremendous amount of ass in a sequence that is probably the reasons she landed the role of titular Ballerina Eve Maccaro.  Personally it’s also kind of obvious but she is as gorgeous as she is a talented actress.  Got me thinking about Anime femme fatales who have a penchant for taking on deadly jobs with the odds stacked against them and making good use of their arsenal of weapons and to die for good looks.  And today we’re giving these ladies a shoutout on Top 5 Wednesday with the Top 5 Sexiest Assassin’s in Anime.

 

Psycho Pass: Sinners of the System-On the Other Side of Love and Hate

Four years after his exile from Japan, Shinya Kogami continues to work as a freelance Mercenary in East Asia.  After saving a young girl from a bandit raid, Kogami finds the girl is determined to become his student and learn the ways of combat and revenge.  As Kogami begins to reevaluate how far he’s come since killing Shogo Makashima, discord in the region brings a new wave of violence he cant avoid…as well as a beautiful officer from Japan’s Foreign Affairs Bureau in need of his special set of skills.  This is where the road home for Shinya Kogami begins.

While I’ve stated multiple times that Sinners of the System feels like a huge apology to Psycho Pass fans for the abysmal Second Season, I didn’t expect all three stories to be a bridging point between the events of Psycho Pass: The Movie and Psycho Pass 3 (and by eventual extension Psycho Pass: Providence).  Sinners of the System has done a great job fleshing out or course correcting a lot of the supporting cast but the final chapter of this trilogy brings one of the franchises two main leads back to the focal point and it’s about time too.  Much of Psycho Pass’ overarching narrative is about Akane and her dealings with the Sybil System.  But Kogami is just as important to the shows success and it’s about time he got a solo story free of the others for a little bit.  That’s not to say that I don’t miss him being with his colleagues, it’s just good to get a fun little Kogami existential action romp as only this guy could deliver.
 

FIF#216-Shimoneta: A Boring World Where the Concept of Dirty Jokes Doesn't Exist

Welcome to the world of Tokyo 2030.  Here you will find nothing that can corrupt the mind and soul as everything that does so is outlawed.  This includes lewd materials, foul language and a ban on almost all sex education.  But there is one dares to rise against this oppressive mindset: the Blue Swan.  This vulgar and promiscuous terrorist raises Hell wherever she can and now she’s roped a poor freshman student into her plans to start an all out revolution of sexual freedoms and the will to speak as raunchy and wild as one wants.

 
Random question: has anyone ever seen the 1993 action classic Demolition Man with Sylvester Stallone and Wesley Snipes?  I only ask because the world of Shimoneta feels very much in line with that vision of the future: a utopia where violence and anything that’s bad for the brain has been eliminated, oh and harsh language has been outlawed. Anyone who breaks these laws is fined for it (and honestly I forget if there was any larger punishment for multiple offenses).  It’s the kind of world Stallone’s cop out of time is prime to tear a new one with his old school action ways.  But Shimoneta isnt about bringing back the ultra violence, no it’s got something a lot more fun in mind and if you haven’t laughed your butt off by the end of the first episode, this might not be for you.
 

T5W#476-Top 5 Upcoming Netflix Video Game Adaptions

Well Netflix has certainly been hard at work, haven’t they?  Last week during GeekedWeek we got a slew of new trailers for upcoming animated project all centered around popular Video Game franchises, many of which I either follow extensively or are personal favorites that I’ve played.  I’d heard about a couple of these but one or two were total surprises (one in particular for all of us and in a very good way).  Could be a good time for Netflix to capitalize on their corner of the Video Game Adaptation market the same way Amazon and HBO have with Fallout and The Last of Us respectively and maybe not crash and burn as hard as Paramount did with Halo.  Anyway, let’s take a closer look at what’s headed our way with the Top 5 Upcoming Netflix Video Game Adaptions.

 

Psycho Pass: Sinners of the System-First Guardian

Before he became an Enforcer with the MWPSB, Teppei Sugo was one of the top drone pilots for the JSF, codename: First Guardian.  Not long after a military operation ends with the death of Sugo’s entire team, a series of Drone attacks rattles Tokyo.  Sugo becomes the prime suspect in aiding the true culprit, a ghost from his past.  As he works to clear his name, Sugo crosses paths with MWPSB Division 2 Inspector Risa Aoyanagi and Division 1 Enforce  Masaoka Tomomi, two individuals who will influence the course of his future.

In many ways, Sinners of the System seems to be acting more as an apology and a do over of Psycho Pass 2.  Seriously, you could just have Psycho Pass then Psycho Pass: The Movie, then name this trilogy Season 2.  Crime and Punishment already laid the groundwork for making Mika Tsumotsuki a better character and in First Guardian, the same is done for a another character I feel is kind of just in the background.  But really what makes First Guardian stand out more than the first part of this trilogy is the much welcome return of some familiar faces and with them, the same magic that made Psycho Pass’ First Season such a huge success.
 

FIF#215-Blue Eye Samurai

Japan, the 17^th Century.  Mizu is the offspring of a forbidden union: the product of a Japanese woman and one of four European men still left in Japan after it closed its borders to the outside world.  Shunned by those around her and abandoned long ago, Mizu now seeks revenge against the Man who wrong her mother.  Disguised as a man, she wanders the country.  Her main target is unknown but that will not stop Mizu from her mission and God help whoever dares to raise the sword against this Onna Musha: The Blue Eye Samurai.

 
Anime entirely CGI’d, I just don’t like it.  Even if the story is astounding and groundbreaking, if it doesn’t look appealing, I might touch it but I’ll always complain about the presentation.  It’s something Netflix has been trying to push forever when it comes to their slate of original Anime series and movies.  So why am I all set and ready to walk the path of vengeance with the Blue Eye Samurai?  Well for starters it isnt a Japanese Anime but rather an Animated Series from France that takes great influence from my favorite medium.  And second, it’s just really, really damn good.
 

T5W475-Top 5 Psycho Pass Characters

Incase you might’ve missed it, we’ve just gotten back to the sparkly dystopia of Psycho Pass (after I put off looking at Sinners of the System in favor of some more recent big titles).  This has slowly become a franchise I hold in very high regard alongside my all time favs like Gundam, Ghost in the Shell and Dragon Ball Z.  This goes doubly so for GitS since Psycho Pass was originally envisioned as a new project within that franchise before evolving into its own thing.  And while the discussions over whether the Sybil System is just, wrong or just plain F’ed up are really fun to listen to, they wouldn’t have such weight without an awesome cast to talk about it.  So since we’re getting back into the swing of things with the MWPSB and the Inspectors and Enforcers within for the rest of September, today’s Top 5 Wednesday is looking at my Top 5 Psycho Pass Characters, which is tougher than you’d think given how awesome (almost) everyone is (looking right at you Mika).

Psycho Pass: Sinners of the System-Crime and Punishment

Inspector Mika Shimotsuki and Enforcers Nobuchika Ginoza and Yayoi Kunizuka are deployed to the northern facility of Sanctuary to return an escaped criminal.  What is built as a new kind of peaceful paradise harbors dark secrets run by a woman who perceives herself as a savior of Latent Criminals.  When the investigation unearths more than expected, Mika and Gino find themselves Public Enemy Number One against a brainwashed society that will do whatever it takes to keep its peace.

Psycho Pass: Sinners of the System is billed as a trilogy of stories set at various points of the Psycho Pass timeline.  For the next three weeks I’ll be covering all three chapters individually, starting with todays post Psycho Pass 2 and Psycho Pass: The Movie entry.  There’s one big hurdle going into this one story: the fact that it centers on my favorite Psycho Pass pain in the ass Mika Shimotsuki.  While she’s a much better character in Psycho Pass 3, this is still a while before that  Does Crime and Punishment begin pushing Mika towards that more tolerable state or is she still the same whiny brat she was in Season Two?
 

FIF#214-Frieren: Beyond Journey's End

Frieren is an Elven Mage.  She has lived for hundreds of years and many pass as if through the blink of an eye.  When one of her most beloved traveling companions passes away from old age, the ageless Elf finds herself face to face with human mortality.  Determined to understand it, Frieren embarks on a new quest with a new party to find the resting place of souls so she can bid a proper farewell to the people who’s lives have impacted her the most. 

 
It’s been a while since a title was suggested to me by virtually everyone I know.  Even my sister has been urging me to give Frieren a go.  While after much meandering about it, I’ve decided to give it a First Impression Friday slot.  Aside from the title, I didn’t know much about Frieren going into it.  The most I knew were the occasional Youtube clip of a cute Elven girl getting stuck in a Mimic (a Monster masquerading as a Treasure Box).  It’s a funny bit and apparently theyre a bit of a weakness for our titular Mage.  But man oh man, this is a heavy title considering the subject matter and the impact it has on Frieren.  The first episode alone seems like a good table layout of everything to expect but is it a journey worth embarking on?
 

T5W#474-Top 5 Favorite Sailor Jupiter Moments

2024 seems to be the new 2016 when it comes to the loss of so many important figures in media.  Not only did we lose the legendary James Earl Jones but this week we also lost Japanese Voice Actress Emi Shinohara.  To many an Anime fan, she is the one and only original voice of Makoto Kino aka Sailor Jupiter.  Mako is easily in anyone Top Sailor Senshi list for more than just being a gorgeous gal with legs for days.  She’s as strong as an Amazon warrior, as kind a soul as any in the franchise and a Jane of all Trades when it comes to what she wants and can do with her life.  To honor the passing of such a beloved voice, todays Top 5 will be centered on my Top 5 Favorite Sailor Jupiter Moments.  While any moment from the franchise is fair game, rest assured pretty much everything is coming from the 90s series cause I think Mako got so little to do in Crystal/Eternal/Cosmos. 
 

The Case Study of Vanitas Part 6 Episodes 21-24

Noe and Vanitas return from Gevaudan only to find that their pasts have stealthfully caught up with them.  A sadistic child holds Dominique hostage and forces the two partners into a vicious confrontation.  Noe is determined to save Domi while Vanitas is determined to protect his secrets at any cost.  After surviving battles with powerful Curse Bearers, assassins and other worldly creatures, is it Vanitas and Noe’s shared fate to meet their ends at each others hands?

At some point during the extended stay in Gevaudan, it dawned on me that The Case Study of Vanitas still had so much left to deal with that there was no way the Series Finale would even come close to closing out everything.  Upon further research, I’ve found that, for once, the Anime and Manga are both neck in neck, so it’s not like there’s more to adapt for the time being.  With that in mind, my expectations for the finale were set to moderate.  I mean if the series couldn’t be concluded properly, at least it could go out on a satisfying high.  And sure enough, it succeeded.  It’s hard to say if this finale matched the same level of excellence of the Gevaudan arc.  Heck, in some respects I’d say it did the impossible and surpassed it.  But let’s break down Noe and Vanitas’ more emotionally wrenching outing and see how the finale cues things up for more adventures should the Anime or Manga wish to continue at some point.
 

FIF#213-Touken Ranbu: Hanamaru

In the year 2205, history is threatened by the Time Retrograde Army.  To combat this threat, Saniwa uses his ability to give life to the weapons of the past and send them on missions to combat the Time Retrograde Army and protect the timeline.  When they aren’t in life or death situations, the Touken Danshi are content to enjoy their newfound lives at the Citadel.  Whether it’s friendly squabbles or deep conversations over sake, just because history is at risk doesn’t mean there isnt time to relax with good friends and fellow defenders of history.

 
Sigh, I know I said was basically done with the world of Touken Ranbu after the disastrous watch that was Katsugeki/Touken Ranbu back in May.  But dammit, curiosity got the better of me.  It’s not like I’m banking on Hanamaru making me a Touken Ranbu convert.  At the very least though, it’s gotta be better than that beautiful waste of Ufotable’s hard work and time.  Whereas Katsugeki was more a straight up action series, Hanamaru is seemingly meant to be the exact opposite and instead focus on the Swords given Human forms chill lives back at their homebase.  And you know what?  Yeah the lives are chill but Hanamaru is kind of an answer to all of my constant complaining back in May, so much so it’s less a slice of life and more a parody of Touken Ranbu’s super serious mission.  Am I onboard for that?