Dear Aniplex...

I first just want to thank you for serving in us American Otaku, and slowly bringing anime back to its prominence overseas. You are on the top of the list of distributors who shows real interest in your fans, like many you want these fans to go from casual watchers; catching the latest release online to casual buyers of your and other companies titles.

I'm very much stoked that you guys and Funimation are putting your faith in the new Toonami line-up, airing titles like Sword Art Online, and coming next spring; Blue Exorcist. Not to mention you've followed after Viz and have released english subtitled versions of your titles on Hulu and Crunchyroll. (This is how I was able to watch Magi and Madoka Magica this past summer) However one of the big titles I knew you guys had under your sleeves, was the re-release of Gurren Lagann, which some assumed was lost when Bandai Entertainment folded.

There's alot to like about you Aniplex, really I mean it; but there's a good reason why all the titles I've bought have come from Funimation... the pricing. The prices for some of your DVD sets are just ridiculous, we're talking 70 dollars and up for a new release. What? are the cases covered in small strands of gold or something? I could get the all the Season DVDs of Breaking Bad for much less. So until you lower the prices or until I find a job, I guess the only way for me to watch anything you guys distribute in the west is online or on Toonami.

Sincerely,
Most broke Otaku 

My Thoughts on: Kendrick Lamar's verse on "Control"

Let me put this out before it becomes an irrelevant matter, but first "Oh my God, did you hear what Kendrick Lamar said on Control yet? You haven't? well here it is! Listen so we can all complain about it!" 


Heard it yet?

Yeah Big Sean got murked on his own song.

Wait what am I talking about again?

Oh yeah Kendrick's Verse... What was that again?

"I'm usually homeboys with the same n----s i'm rhymin with/ But this is hip-hop and them n----s should know what time it is/ And that goes for Jermaine Cole, Big K.R.I.T., Wale/ Pusha T, Meek Mill, A$AP Rocky, Drake/ Big Sean, Jay Electron', Tyler, Mac Miller/ I got love for you all but I'm tryna murder you n----s/ Tryna make sure your core fans never heard of you n----s/ They don't wanna hear not one more noun or verb from you n---as." 

Now I may not make this apparent on this blog, but right now K-dot has been one of my favorite rappers since 2012. He's one of the few reasons why I started to have more faith in Hip-Hop nowadays. (sad but true) He's one of the few rappers that doesn't talk about the money in his pocket or how much his watch cost, he focuses on his struggle, the struggles of others, self improvement, movement, things a lot of rappers today can't speak on cause they don't wanna rock the Status Quo. Though now he's managed to carve out a bit of mainstream appeal, he still keep true to his origins. 

K-dots verse on "Control" may not be the best verse he's ever wrote, but since the single dropped it has become the only thing people talk about. Why so? because we are all wondering the same thing: "Why did he say that?" When I mean we I don't mean rappers or artists (The good ones have excepted the challenge), I mean "we" the fans, the consumers.

That's real Hip Hop! Its not just here to make Twerk music; its not just here to swoo females with breaks of singing inbetween, and its not here to throw catchphrases and memes: it's here to make a statement. Kendrick is using his verse to challenge his competition to come stronger than what they have coming out with. Most of us look at it as an approaching war against K-dot, I look at it as a friendly spar of wits and styles between heavy-hitters in the game. If someone wants to diss Kendrick let him, if someone wants to outdo Kendrick go right a head, cause really all the verse is saying is "Do Better or I will Do better!" And quite frankly the true cause death of any thing in this world is Stagnation.

Here's what most of the rap game thinks

Sources:

http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1712240/kendrick-lamar-big-sean-control.jhtml

The Top 4 best Reboots/Sequels/Alternate of any series of 2013

**Originally Titled: Top 5 Reboots of any series that is someone informed me that most of what I put on the list were not reboots. Re did the list with an actual reboot but didn't finish writing out due to school. So here is the original list but with a new title (I'm so creative! yay me!).**

Well I left this Blog with no posts for the longest time ever, and now all of a sudden I'm back with a brand new post. This time I'm counting down some of my best Top 5 reboots of any series. Now most of you guys already know what a Reboot right? so I don't need to define it right? Ok good! So just remember, this list is based off of Reboots that I enjoyed, rather they were better than the original series or they were just as good, so sorry if your favorite reboot doesn't make it or if the reboot you hated is here, so lets get started.

SPOILER ALERT: Just a warning, this will have some spoilers so if you haven't seen any of these series and don't want it to be ruined don't read

4. The Looney Tunes Show

I haven't watched that many episodes of it, but even I was a bit surprised that I would have enjoyed it as much as I did. The show greatly differs from its original counterpart cartoons, setting each Looney Tunes character in pseudo-real life settings. The writing for each episode is superb (even for current Cartoon Network standards) with a few hit or miss with jokes; but when they hit they'll have you chuckling. I mean besides the original DBZ, only few shows have ever based an entire episode around a day at the DMV and made it as hilarious as this show. Again I haven't watched many episodes but if the chance comes to watch an episode I'll be eager to watch.

3. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (The 2003 4Kids Version)

So... I bet all of you are wondering why "this series" is here. Some of you are asking.

"What about the 1987 series?"... I said this was about Reboots right?

"What about the movies?" ... True those existed, but I barely remembered watching them.

"What about the new 2012 TV series?"... Do I look 12 years old to you?

Truth is, among all things Retro and Radical in 80s; I never really cared much for TMNT. So going into the 2003 series, I thought this would just try to recapture its former glory. But again somehow I found it very enjoyable, The character designs were appealing, the fight scenes were epic, (very few times dark) the comedy; while it was very 4Kids like was enjoyable for the most part. A few couple of episodes that I remembered fondly followed Leonardo as he took on the Shredder alone. Of course, he's out gunned; he gets beaten up and his swords broken, and leaves the city to train himself. Definitely not the praise most of you wanna hear about this series but hey, it wasn't that bad.

2. The Amazing Spider-Man 

Coming into this movie I had very little expectations for it, I mean it felt like a step down from the Sam Raimi films. You had Spidey fighting some of the most popular villains of the series like Doctor Octopus, and Green Goblin. But I will admit, Spider-Man 3 classifies as a "Jumping the Shark" moment in cinema. I'll save my complaints about how Venom was so easily defeated later, and focus on this continuity.

With "The Amazing Spider-Man" you had a new Peter Parker, a new love interest, a new setting where Peter gets his geek on, a villain that few of us barely remember. And somehow it all worked out, the plot was interesting with parallel plot-lines that all started to come together in the end. I liked how it explained Peter's back story and how he came to live with Uncle Ben and Aunt May, talked about his parents. (which in any continuity is rare for me) But above all, the acting came off as more realistic than in the previous films; Peter's guilt of Uncle Ben murder is more noticeable on Peter and Aunt May than it was previously. Neither elders leave this world with any corny inspirational speech (i.e. "With great power comes great responsibility") It knew how to write every line, every dramatic scene, every fight sequence, from the comics and put it into its own words. All I can say is, can't wait for the sequel.

1. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

I didn't know much about FMA going into Brotherhood, I've watched some episodes of the original series around the time I graduated High School. And though back then I was a causal fan of the show, Brotherhood is what turned me into a FMA super-freak. From episode 1 to 64, every fight sequence, every sad moment, every funny scene kept me entertained for hours on end. I will admit, the beginning was rushed. And for being close to the manga, I'm surprised it left out the train incident with Bald which introduced both Maes Hughes and Roy Mustang into the story. But once it got to a point where the first anime could not follow the manga, the show got progressively better with time. For me the point where FMA:B got better was episode 19 "Death of the Undying" where Roy and Al have to deal with Lust the Homonculi, a simple confrontation that leads to one of the most brutal defeats I've ever seen in FMA. Even the first episode of the series was very interesting despite being a filler episode, but it was a decent prelude to what the series would focus on. Characters who appeared at the end of the first series (like Hoenheim) finally get their back stories told, and new characters join the already large cast with their back stories. But what it does well, is what the both the manga and the original anime have been known to do: show the relationship between Ed and Al, and from beginning to end it was given the utmost care that it deserves. I urge a lot of you to watch this show if you haven't already.

Honorable Mentions:

Dragonball Z Kai: Watched very few episodes, greatly impressed by how the returning voice cast has improved in their acting, though Piccollo's voice is not as distinct.

Did I leave a reboot you know and love out? Did I mention one you didn't like? (that's not the 4Kids TMNT) Please share you're thoughts in the comment section bellow.

**Will be going back to blogging soon**

Re:Jyssica Chapter 6

Re:Jyssica Chapter 6

Coming out 9/8/13

Catch up on all the chapters by purchasing Re:Jyssica Volume 1

Now available at the Lulu Marketplace

2013 StudioNonsense/Project J. Use with Permission 

UPDATE: Re:Jyssica/ Kuro?

Hi everyone,

So for everyone wondering why I didn't post last Sunday. (after assuring a new post every Sunday) Well I recently got back to working on some of the projects that I had put off for a while. So with that being said there's actually some good news regarding some of my other projects.

Re:Jyssica Chapter 6 will no longer be postponed, I'm actually working on it as of now. The chapter will be available for download in early September. This may or may not be the last chapter to come out for the year. I will let you know at a later time

For any Kuro Fans out there (still) don't worry I haven't forgotten about you guys, and I have a surprise for you coming later in the year.

This is all I got for now

Peace. 

Forever Grateful: The Story of Howard Ashman

What made Disney films memorable? Was it the setting? Was it the characters? Or maybe it was the slapstick/drama/ or action? Or maybe it was the music, more specifically the songs; those rousing numbers that explain one's motivation, goals, dreams. Played with varying modes of energy, from the high energy "Be Our Guest" to the smooth love ballad of "Beauty and the Beast." The music of a Disney film must have been the focus point because to this day people are still sing these songs, to their friends, to their children, even to themselves. In the end, no one seems to ask themselves or others this question "Who wrote all those amazing songs?" As a kid I originally gave credit to composer Alan Menken, but as the information age rose, I was directed to another person, a man who may have done more than just write songs. A man who fleshed out these characters and stories at the whim of the non-conforming Disney executives. a man who took these simple fairy tales, and turned them into the classics they are. That man is Howard Ashman.

Howard Eliot Ashman was born May 17th 1950 in Baltimore Maryland and studied at Boston University and Goddard College. A director of many plays prior to his Disney work, that were had a mixed reception. He first met Alan Menken in 1979 on a play "God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater" and the two would later form an inseparable bond working on more projects such as the stage adaption of "Little Shop of Horrors" in 1982 and provide its music for the plays 1986 film adaption. Needless to say both versions were loved by audiences and critics alike; eventually winning an award for the song "Mean Green Mother From Outer Space."

In 1988 Ashman proved his lyrical prowess, writing "Once Upon A Time in New York City"; the opening sequence song in "Oliver and Company." Surprisingly, Ashman found himself attached to another project; one that has been in the making for the past 30 years, one that would set the high bar for all the films to follow. "The Little Mermaid" was that film that changed the way people looked at animation at the time, and the film that showed Ashman's talents as stage play experts. Alongside Menken, the two released some of the films most unforgettable songs; the most leading example was heartfelt "Part of Your World." For most of the project it seemed that he was calling a majority of the shots at the Disney Animation Studios, largely due to the passion he had for the films and his desire for these films to be the best. After the film was released in 1989, even Ashman had executives like then chairman Jeffery Katzenburg bowing before his every suggestion. Ashman continued to spread the same enthusiasm for Disney's next two projects "Beauty and the Beast" and "Aladdin." He was able to finish writing at least 6 songs for each film, however; his time was slowly about to run out.

Ashman was infected with the HIV/AIDS virus that plagued many during the 80s/early 90s. The first person he confided this to was his long-time collaborator: Alan Menken. Disney Animators were sent from Burbank to New York to help a weakening Howard finish the film that would set even an even higher precedence than "The Little Mermaid." Pouring everything he had, as he was withering away; Ashman finally succumbed to complications of AIDS on March 14th 1991. Nearly 8 months before "Beauty and the Beast" was released; the film was dedicated to his memory with the words.

"To our friend Howard, who gave a Mermaid her voice

and a Beast his soul, we are forever grateful."

Despite such a tragic loss, Disney journeyed on, Menken would join the likes of lyricists like Tim Rice to finish work on Aladdin in 1992, and Stephen Schwartz on both Pocahontas (1995) and The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996). Animators, directors, anyone who has worked with Ashman before; pressed on putting their hearts into the creation of these films released on a yearly basis. This period was known by all film buffs and people as the "Disney Renaissance" of the 90's. In 1994, "Beauty and the Beast" spawned an even more successful Broadway show with Alan Menken and Tim Rice involved. This show included "Human Again," a song written by Ashman but was cut out of the film due to consistency problems. In honor of the film's 10th anniversary, Disney re-released "Beauty and the Beast" this time adding the "Human Again" song: another way of honoring Ashman's legacy.

What can be said about a man like Howard Ashman, really what can be said about someone I never knew? I don't get this emotional listening to a 2Pac song or a Biggie song, so why is talking about someone like Howard Ashman invoking so many emotions. Maybe it because in all those songs I felt a little of him resonate; not knowing who it was at the time. Maybe there was a part of him that wanted to be "where the people are," or maybe he wanted "adventure in the great wide somewhere." Maybe he wanted to remind Menken or Katzenburg or even us that  well "never had a friend like him." Or maybe he wanted us to strive to be "part of that world," or get closer to each other and find "something there that wasn't there before." Whatever he was trying to say, whatever he yearned for, or whatever he wants us to yearn for. We will all be listening to the amazing lyrics of an spectacular man.

To Howard Ashman:

For giving us Mermaids a voice

And us Beasts a soul

We are truly forever grateful

RIP Howard Ashman

1950-1991

Sources

1. http://howardashman.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/howard_ashman_1020.jpg (Photo Only)

2. http://www.howardashman.com/index.html

3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howard_Ashman

4. http://www.filmreference.com/film/73/Howard-Ashman.html

What I Learned from Berserk **Spoilers**

1. OLM is cheap studio 
1. a. It also stands for Oriental Light and Magic

2. The Bigger the sword, the smaller "it" is... you would think

3. Berserk's opening contrasts with the rest of the show

3. a. Attention to 0:44 to 0:46 can you say "WEEEEE" in a deep manly voice?

4. Despite my earlier comment Guts is a really cool character

4. a. Guts Theme is also really good 

5. Casca is the beautiful female member, that's just as deadly as she is gorgeous

6. Griffith... Female or Male you decide

6. a. He'll do anything for a kingdom... Anything

7. This is the rest of the Hawk Raiders, don't worry they're not that important

8. Did you know that  Susumu Hirasawa's Forces is the Best song on this OST






9. This guy lived his life like a Kamehameha

10. If your eggs do this... Seek medical help immediately

11. Bleeding-Teary eyed red eggs... Not even once

12. So we got a Cross between King Kai from Dragonball and a baby octopus

12. a. Morrigan from Marvel vs Capcom 3

12. b. This Thing

12. c. & That Thing all at the same place about to pound some despair into our heroes

















13. OLM: Oriental Limted Movement

14. The Blooper reels are extremely funny (if you find those funny)


All in all, Berserk is a definitely a high energy show with one of the most badass characters in all of anime. Its cheap-ish looking, but then again this came out at the same time as the Pokemon series. (another OLM production) At least on the production side the music as well as its use is fantastic, compositions play when they are needed, but not always. 

My Thoughts on: 90's Nostalgia

Ahh! the 90's, the clothes, the hair, the shows, the movies, the era that most of my friends and family members were born in... boy does that get annoying real quick. Now I'm not talking so much about the fashion or culture; oh no, I love 90's fashion & I love how it's is coming back into popularity in the 2010's. I like how some women go out and get long braids a la Janet Jackson in Poetic Justice. I like that snap-backs are now the most dominant head gear for African American males, a big difference from when dudes would only rock fitted with du-rags. I'm loving the fact that Afroscentricity is slowly coming back, (despite the current state of hip hop) young black people becoming more conscious and more vocal on black issues and black culture as problems still continue to arise.

I like going to Late 80's-90's themed parties and you have guys and girls dressed up like Run DMC, Aaliayah (Sic), Fresh-Prince Era Will Smith and other dominant trendsetters of the 90's. I like hearing those 90's nostalgic beats, that you see people like J.Cole or Tyga use in their productions. I don't hate that the culture is coming back, but it gets annoying quick when some people become incredibly nostalgic when it comes to the 90's.

I can admit that there were a lot of things in the 90's that were better, (especially since we all lived in a post 9/11 world) but to say things like "Life was so much better in the 90s!" is a bit of a trip. First off if you weren't 16 or older in the 90's I don't think you should be saying things like that. I was a kid during that decade, a kid who had no idea about the first Iraqi war (A.K.A. Operation Desert Storm), the "first" World Trade Center bombings in 1993, The "War on Drugs" that carried over from the previous decade. I even had no idea who Tupac Shakur or The Notrious B.I.G was until I was about 14 years old. I was just a kid watching his favorite Disney movies. Even crazier, I had no who people like Howard Ashman was, let alone the fact that he died from a disease during an epidemic I had no idea even existed until the early 2000s. Truth is; life in the 90s was just as bad as life in the 2010s.

But like I said before, there were a lot of things the decade had that you rarely see anymore in 2010s, and alot of those things don't come from the technology or stuff that we had, but the strong relationships and connections we formed.

Cellphones were luxury items that only the wealthy had, it was a giant bulky behemoth that costed just as much on a contract as a smartphone off contract. (and God bless you if you had to text with that thing) You didn't see any 5 year old kid with Nextel phones, texting friends, going on Facebook, and playing Angry Birds. Systems like the Super Nintendo or the Sega Genesis lacked the ability to play online (As the internet was still fairly new then) so kids would have to run to their friend's houses to play multi-player games like NBA Jam or Street Fighter. Most homes had at least 2 TVs in their and one PC that had to be shared between all members of the family. As a results families grew closer to one another, and formed unbreakable bonds that have survived the test of time. People in general communicated much more better with each other, mostly due to the fact that verbal communication was the only the way we had to express ourselves and our thoughts.

To say that the 90s was better is, without a doubt; a partially true statement for me. Not for the technology, (seriously) nor the TV shows, or even the movies. But its the fact that we communicated face-to-face, voice-to-voice, modes of communication that were more to the heart than the modes most people currently used. Its rare to see a young person these days who prefers calling over texting, who would rather meet a person face-to-face than to just "add" him/her on Facebook, who socializes with people she doesn't know, rather than a friend via text messaging. We call it the new way of communication; but the generations before us (even those in our own age group) look at us in disapproval of our social awkwardness and the methods that cradle it. Maybe its more of that human interaction that we need; not just in the workplace, but between people in schools, universities, at home, in churches, anywhere. When you really think about it, its not the stuff or the events that made the 90's memorable; but the personal memories & relationships we made that makes the nostalgia all that powerful.

UPDATE: Explaining "My Thoughts on"/ Changing my name/Re:Jyssica

Hi everyone,

Some Updates

I think I should kinda explain how my "My Thoughts on" posts work.

This section is not really a way to spread conspiracies, rumors, or misconceptions, it's sort of a way to vent my thoughts on a certain issue that's going on. They're more like editors notes, than me trying to be a reporter/blogger. I'm a comic artist and while I need to talk about topics that concern my interest, I can't help talking about something that is on my mind. If you've like these type of posts, well I can promise to have more of these popping up in the future, if you didn't well sorry; if anything they will be less frequent than they were this summer.

Also I'm thinking about changing my name "Dr.Njoku." After many have shared their concerns about the name, even noticing some of my own concern, I am considering dropping the "Dr.Njoku" moniker for something less problematic but just as chaotic. Truth is, besides the copies of Re:Jyssica that are all around the internet, I barley use the name in printed publications. Not to mention the fact that I am not a Doctor "big shock." So for the sake of my comic publications I will go by my birth name of Alex Njoku.

Finally, I regret to announce that after a year of on and off work and 5 chapters published that I will be taking an hiatus on Re:Jyssica to work on other projects and other pressing issues. I can't at the moment talk about any of these projects as they are still in development but I will give more information later on this summer.

So you wanna condemn George Zimmerman?

"George Zimmerman's acquittal is all the proof people need to believe that there is no justice in this country."

That's something alot of people feel is the utmost truth about the verdict of the Trayvon Martin Case, let alone the American Justice system. But take into consideration the following murders that took place within the city of Boston, all of which happened within the last year.

Sharrice Perkins, Kristen Lartey, Genevieve Philip

On the night of August 14th, 4 Dorchester women unexpectedly caught in shooting. Three of these women did not make it to the next day. Sharrice Perkins, Kristen Lartey died that night & Genevive Philip passed at Boston Medical. The other person; whose name has not been released is released, has survived with only a gunshot to the leg. This horrid case collectively titled "The Harlem St Murders" was reported as as a "likey gang-related" murder, no one has been charged or has been reported to be charged. All 4 women were 22 years old.

Sources:

http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2012/08/14/violence/4ZuwrRy3RF5XBXQv9NWEoJ/story.html

http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2012/08/16/boston-police-commissioner-harlem-street-triple-slaying-was-gang-related/WsY264siQ3JLygXltJrhkM/story.html

Rashad Drogba

On August 15th 2012 (the following day after the previous shootings) , Rashad A.K.A "Rizzy" Drogba was brutally stabbed to death leaving an MBTA Bus in Roxbury. Drogba and another unidentified male were involved in an heated argument that took place on the bus, once the bus reached its destination the unidentified male then approached Drogba and stabbed him in the neck. Despite all efforts by the Boston Police Department to try and gather information no arrests or developments have been made in the case. He was only 25 years old.

Sources:
http://quadeershakur.blogspot.com/2012/08/man-stabbed-and-killed-in-front-of.html

So where am I going with this?

I'm not suggesting that people should be not be mad about the verdict or that our system is not broken. It is broken, its severely broken; but if this trial is your first realization of this fact then let me be the SOB to welcome you to Black Culture. It still astounds me to this day that we still stay quiet about Black on Black violence, yet we expect the law to be carried out to the fullest with White on Black crimes. We're mad that Zimmerman got off on murder charges for a killing a young boy, but were's the anger for the murderers that took the 4 lives above? If you wanna hate and condemn Zimmerman for taking the life of black person, please condemn the hundreds of other people (black, white, etc.) who have done the same thing.

My Thoughts on: The Trayvon Martin/George Zimmerman Case

First let me give all my condolences to the Martin Family & Friends; I cannot even imagine what they've have been through before and after this trial. But know that Trayvon's story will be one that is forever etched in our minds, as he is etched in their hearts.

Everyone to some degree has been following the Trayvon Martin case, in which George Zimmerman was just acquitted on all charges. And while I would like to go on about the verdict and how there's no justice in our country, I don't really feel all that angry about the verdict. The attorney's did what they could for their respective parties and the world as an audience. Both had to not only defend their clients, but also had to "entertain" nearly 6 Billion people in the process as it was recorded for broadcast around the world. (How many court cases in a year get that type of treatment? Not a lot right)

I'm not so much upset with this verdict, but I'm for the most part disappointed by it. Here lies a young black male who just stepped out to get an ordinary Arizona Ice Tea and a pack of skittles; two items that would not only be the last thing he would ever bought, but the rallying cry of young people everywhere; claiming his innocence. Trayvon's story is a sad one, mostly because its a story that has been told time and time again. A story about young black men who just went to the corner store/barber shop/etc. only to have life ripped away from him in the back of police cruiser or behind the barrel of a gun. Its stories like this, that we hear all the time through various mediums and despite the attention, Trayvon's Case is no exception. So why do I feel so disappointed by the verdict? Because it once again strips the life out of another young man based on the context of his skin. 

Trayvon, was accused of being a hoodlum & a troublemaker in the area where the crime happened; was shot and killed because one person truly believed that he was up to no good. And the court, and America as well feels he should walk free because he was "Standing his Ground to those effin punks." And what is an "effin Punk?" What does one look like? Did Trayvon fit the description of an "effin Punk?" Are people like Trayvon generally considered "effin Punks?" As a black male am I an "effin Punk?" Its questions like these that black males since for years law enforcement has been arresting us and throwing them into the prison systems at alarming rates. Even people like me, that have no criminal record whatsoever, can be subject to arrest one day should we "fit the description." But since we live in a world where people distrust the government, people are more likely to take matters into their own hands. Accusations and actions similar to the one Zimmerman took could happen more often to a new set of black youths trying to survive; now with the title "effin Punk" branded on their heads.

 I don't know Trayvon Martin, neither do I know any of the hundreds of black boys who could not walk among us today; but their stories and struggles is one I've heard before and one I might continue to hear as I get older. As someone who will become a parent one day, it frightens me that I might have a child whose life could be ended so tragically because of one single dispute. This saga cannot end here! we have to keep pushing! Not just for Trayvon, but for all the black youths... born and unborn!

RIP Trayvon Martin

1995-2012

My Thoughts on: Current State of Anime

Big colored eyes, 

Crazily designed hair, 

Accentuated features, 

This is the type of stuff I live for! It pretty much comes to no surprise; but if you are still wondering, I'm a big fan of anime. I grew up on the Toonami block watching heavyweights like Dragonball Z, Gundam Wing & Yu Yu Hakusho. (My personal favorite)

As I got older I graduated to the adult swim line-up where shows like Bleach, Fullmetal Alchemist, and Code Geass quickly grabbed my attention. Going into college I started watching old school stuff like the original Mobile Suit Gundam, and the much loved/hated Neon Genesis Evangelion that still remains a staple of the medium to this day. Being a big fan of anime in this day and age does lead me to ask myself alot of questions bout the direction its going. The most pressing question for me: "Is anime now even worth caring about?"

It seems most people are divided among old school & new school otaku; old school fans praising old animes for their meaningful stories and creative ideas, and new school fans pretty much in love with how cute the characters look and act. But there's also another problem to consider, an over saturation of the market in the numbers of series that get produced. Even for someone like me, there is way too many animes out there to really devote a day to watching. Though most of these animes are barley spared thanks to certain circumstances in the writing process, (Taken from an already existing source) shows within the slice of life/harem genre usually suffer from using the one or more of the same tropes in every series.

For example in most harem shows; where multiple partners will compete for the affection of another, its usually common for to have two of the partners fight about which one will win the affection of the other partner. (Think Ryoko vs Ayeka from Tenchi Muyo!)

Some Slice of Life animes centered around schools have episodes that take place during various school activities such as school festivals or enterance exams. Though they're usually fun it tends to repeat the same old stuff we've seen hundreds times over and done way better before, and yet oddly enough there's not alot of protest from either generation. Old school otakus do make some comments that despite a better budget to create more fluid animation and an extremely cute (or "Moe" as Otaku call it) character designs, the anime that's airing now is very generic and unimaginative.

Many folks have expounded on the state of anime as it is today; such people like Youtuber ForneverWorld, and That Guy With the Glasses' Bennett the Sage who have shared some of their feelings as I am right now. I don't have a problem with old or new anime, I have my own opinion on certain series regardless of its appeal to fans. But I do want to see something new from the industry, something revolutionary; much in the same vein as Akira or Ghost in the Shell. I wish to one day see something so mind-changing, so foundation shattering, that it will change the way all people (anime fan or not) perceive the medium in a new light.

God so help me live to see that day!

Credits:
The First Picture is from a Blogpost from AstroNerdBoy Check out his blog by clicking the link below.
http://astronerdboy.blogspot.com/

Second Picture: http://fc04.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2013/075/e/e/toonami_2012_and_beyond_by_marcotte-d5y825k.png

Third Picture: http://www.angelfire.com/anime5/beckywi0/ryokoaeka2.jpg

Fourth Picture: http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww132/Fayrra/Akira_3_p262-p263.jpg

UPDATE: Re:Jyssica Free Download to expire soon!!

This is just a heads up but the free download of Re:Jyssica Volume 1 will expire in a couple of days, after this period, the only way to get a copy is through purchasing it on the Lulu Marketplace

If you wish to get a free copy click the link below to downlad one to your PC or Mac

http://rapidshare.com/files/2914489947/ReJyssica%20Volume%201.pdf

Again! After this period the Volume will no longer be available for free. So get your copy now!!

Re:Jyssica Chapter 5! Now Available!

Re:Jyssica Chapter 5 is now available for digital download. Click the link below to download your copy today.

http://rapidshare.com/files/3584398069/ReJyssica%20Volume%202%20Chapter%205.pdf

Thank You and enjoy

Catch up on all the previous chapters by purchasing Re:Jyssica Volume 1




Now available at the Lulu Marketplace

2013 StudioNonsense/Project J. Use with Permission

My Top 5 Favorite Songs of early 2013

5. V.I.P. by SID 
Used as the 1st Opening theme of Magi the Labyrinth of Magic anime. SID (Who band name I have no idea as if its an acronym for something) has been on of the few new J-Pop bands I've been keeping an ear open for. I've always liked how alot of their songs have their own unique atmosphere to them, and with V.I.P., they have managed to once again make another hit song. I have no idea why the song is titled "V.I.P." but I'm guessing it with lines like "The Show Time!" it must know what its talking about.



4. I'm the Doctor by Murray Gold (Doctor Who)
Recently I've been watching some episodes of the current series of Doctor Who, and honestly at a some point of every episode, this piece of orchestral epicness starts playing. It's songs like this that I always love to listen to whenever I do something powerful. It gets the adrenaline going, it gets me excited, motivated and when placed at the backdrop of my everyday life, gives impact to everything that I do.



3. Fairy Tail Main Theme by Yashuharu Takanashi
If you have ever watched Fairy Tail, then there is no way in hell you could walk away with out its main theme burnt into your memory. This song has all the same ingredients that makes "I'm the Doctor" quite epic, but because its such a high fired composition it makes you put your all into whatever it is you are trying to do. I mean after repeated hearings, if you don't have the pieces most noticeable arrangements stuck in your head then you probably have an impenetrable shield between you and your brain.



 2. Radioactive by Imagine Dragons
To be honest, I almost passed this song up after hearing it played some many times for Spike's Ultimate Fighter series. But after seeing listening to the song in full, I instantly loved it. Its another high energy song that  inpowers you through your darkest days.



1. I'm Dying of Thirst by Kendrick Lamar
Lets me just get this out of the way and give thumbs up to the beat, Its very grim and serious sounding with choirs providing haunting ooos to Kendrick's lyrics of being tired of the everyday and wanting to escape. I think a part of me can relate to this song "Dying of Thirst, Dying of Thirst" it makes you think about what it is in your life that is you're tired of dealing with, that you're tired of running from, that you want to find a solution to "So hop in that water/ and pray that it works." Probably, one of the few songs from Good Kid Madd City (Sorry for the incorrect capitalization) that really resonates with me when its done playing.

BeingNerd (The Inner Nerd)

So about some weeks ago, one of my cousins came through to chill with me, and I noticed he was wearing one of those retro TMNT t-shirts people where nowadays. Well knowing my cousin, I suspected he just bought it cause it was probably dirt cheap and might get him a few likes on Instagram. But its something I see alot of people do on social networks and it bothers me a little to. I mean its like people have reduced being a nerd down to black rim glasses and or allegiance to some overrated franchise. In a sense, being a nerd is now the norm among people.

Being a nerd is alot more than just what you wear and what you perpetuate online, to me its falling in love with something so much that you know the ins and outs of it. And the thing is; anybody at some point in there lives (were/or will be) considered  nerd for some time. Contrary to popular belief, there are many ways one can be a considered a nerd. (Geekdoms if you may call it) For example, my sister decided to go natural and is constantly looking for ways to make her hair not only look better but feel better too, she's a natural hair nerd. The cousin I mentioned before loves basketball, he plays many pick up games and finds ways to better his game, so he's a basketball nerd. It might sound immature coming from someone who is a nerd by conventional standards but when you really think about it, it might be true. If there is one thing, that you do with all your mind and heart you might as well be a nerd. (an Inner-Nerd you may call it)

So yeah, I'm calling everybody a nerd! but its more than just about wearing some glasses, taking a facebook pic then writing in the captions like "OMG I'm such a nerd! jk" Cause to most of us we know you just posing, so show your inner-nerd!

My Thoughts on: The Xbox One and Consoles In-general

So E3 happened, big news came out, Sony and Microsoft made there bids into the 8th Generation with the PlayStation 4 and the Xbox One. When you pile up all the announcements of features and upcoming games it comes to no surprise that the PS4 reveal trampled over the one for the Xbox One. But besides simple mindless console fandom, what's the real reason why more people are hesitant to buy the Xbox One?

One issue consumers would like cleared up concerns the built-in Kinect camera that NEVER shuts off. Its always on, always functioning, and apparently is being used by companies and or the government. Think about it! even if you were to pass the room where the Xbox One is, once that Kinect detects that you're in the room its on and on for good. While that's a big concern, it's not as huge as the announcement as Microsoft's plan to remove used games or swapping games. They have announced a system that declares that once you buy a fresh copy of a game for your console it can only be registered and played on your console. It cannot by traded (or swapped at an exorbitant price) with someone else to play on that person's console. So just keep that in mind... Anytime you want a new Xbox One game you have to buy a new Xbox One game. (And at 60 dollars per game that's something most of us aren't willing to do)

Its moves like this where companies lose me as a consumer; I mean you get a console with the most pointless peripheral ever, built in to the console, it never shuts off and it sends all of you're data to advertisers, the government, or God-knows anybody else. A tracking system that will make sure you play your Xbox One game on your Xbox One console. And then you wanna us as consumers to pay 500 dollars and then some on some Privacy-Defying, Game-controlling console. (No thanks) Microsoft is making all the mistakes Apple is making; and should hope that their consumers are just as blissfully ignorant. For everyone else though; everyone's eyes, ears, & money is on the internet ready, user friendly PlayStation 4.

But let's be honest, console & game companies have been wanting to do this for a while. They see the money they could be making from advertisements or from not buying used games, and say "Hey we could make money from that!" One of the big de-factos about both PS4 & XB1 is that neither console is backwards compatible. While that's a drawback to both consoles lets me just clear something up

• Gamecube wasn't backwards compatible with N64 games or earlier nintendo games
• Dreamcast didn't play Sega Saturn Games
• The 360 and PS3 compatibility only worked for a few Xbox/PS2 & PS1 games

Backwards compatiblity is not that much of a loss, and compared to what we've been hammered with its might be the least of our problems. But what do you think? Are you still Team Xbox? or are you team PlayStation? Or do you feel like there's any difference? Let me hear from you in the comment section.

Team Xbox

http://www.xbox.com/en-US/xboxone/meet-xbox-one

Team PlayStation   

http://us.playstation.com/ps4/

Here's the link to the article

http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/news/xbox-one-features-create-privacy-concerns-20130613

AMV of the moment: Radioactive Evangelion

Welcome to another AMV of the moment today's moment prove that no matter what the world has for you, you can still surivive. And what better way than with an Evangelion AMV... Neat!


Song: Radioactive by Imagine Dragons
Video: Evangelion 1.11: You Are (Not) Alone
           Evangelion 2.22: You Can (Not) Advance
AMV byIleiaAMVs

Facebook Thought (6/20)

I've been thinking about something in terms of this comic industry, and I'm sure it's a burning question for you guys too: "How am I gonna get money off this comic book thing?" or "When will I get money off this comic book thing?" Money is the motivation no matter where you rest your head but you gotta ask yourselves "Where are the people who want to be involved?" The investors that want to talk business with you, the dedicated crew of writers and artists that do what they do outta love, and the customers who want to purchase your work, and most importantly... The YOU! the brainchild! If we want to be successful, if we want to build an industry we have to think about the people (Online and Offline) that we want involved with us. Not saying it to offend anyone, just a personal thought.

Re:Jyssica Chapter 5... Now with a release date 7/7

Re:Jyssica Chapter 5 will be released Sunday, 7/7 at 8pm

All Subsequent Chapters will be released the first Sunday of every month (unless noted otherwise) at 8pm

Catch up on all the chapters by purchasing Re:Jyssica Volume 1

Now available at the Lulu Marketplace

2013 StudioNonsense/Project J. Use with Permission 

AMV Of the moment: Put it On

Welcome to AMV of the moment where I give cool AMVs time to shine. Today's first entry is a high action music video with some lyrics from the late but still great Big L.



Song: Put it On by Big L
Videos: Fullmetal Alchemist: The Conqueror of Shambala & The Sacred Star of Milos
            Sengoku Basara: The Last Party
AMV byMonkeyKingGhost

**UPDATE My Store Page Now Up

Although you may already know this but the my "store" page is now up on this blog! Check out the latest additions we have for sale.

Today's Special item includes

*Re:Jyssica: Volume 1: $6.99 +shipping at the Lulu Marketplace

Synopsis: Jyssica Williams is not your average high school girl, in fact she is the toughest and most cruelest fighter her school has ever known. But things are about to change for her when she receives an invitation to join The Order of the Seven Knights; an secret organization created with the sole purpose of protecting humanity from certain doom. Along with fellow knights and her new friend Miguel, Jyssica storms into battle against sinister enemies with monstrous amounts of strength and power. 

The full first volume of Re:Jyssica, comes with Chapter 4 and 4 shorts, and a sneak peek of Volume 2! Order your copy today!

Plus all the cheap customized items available at the StudioNonsense Zazzle Store

All items available are created (and or designed) by me Dr.Njoku

Please take your time and search for the item of your choice, if you can't find anything today come back again as we will have new items available soon.

Thank you for your time

My Thoughts on: Dragonball Z Battle of the Gods

I kinda don't wanna sound like the whiny fanboy that is constantly waiting for the newest installment to an old childhood series, but for this movie its kinda warranted. "Dragonball Z Battle of the Gods" has been that one movie billions of people on my Facebook news feed have been anticipating for about a year now, (Not that  have billions of Facebook friends mind you) but the overwhelming amount of talk centered around this flick has brought about a standard, yet legitimate question asked by most Anime fans in the US... "When will we get it?"

If it where just another anime movie, released by Toei on their own, it unfortunately will be released in less than 2 years despite the series' fandom here in the west. So it means more years of waiting for the film to be released by Funimation (unless watched by other means in Japanese). But here lies the problem, A. Its not just another anime movie, its a Dragonball Z movie. This is a movie that will fill the pockets of any company who invests in it. B. Toei did not release this movie on their own; infact it was also produced by 20th Century Fox. (An American Film company) So my question today is simple... With one of America's biggest film studios, a great film reception, and great number of fans in the west when will we get to see this film?

I can kinda see Toei being part of the reason as to why they don't want to release it in he west, they don't think it would bring in a decent profit abroad since the DVDs for their other products don't sell as much. (Heads up Toei: Every studio is feeling it) Fox; on the other hand; probably wants to have this film released in the west because they believe that the US fans of DBZ will eat up anything that has Goku attatched to it. (Mind you this is also the studio that would release Dragonball: Evolution and we all know how that went) So the film may be in a gray area in terms of a US release. Toei will be the reason why we got it so late while Fox will be the reason we got it at all.

But fear not DBZ faithful, according to an article by Tokyo Otaku Mode, 20th Century Fox is planning to negotiate a July/August release in other unspecified countries. Should the negotiations go well and the release happens its a possibility that the US might see a release sometime around next Spring. Till then all you have are pretty pictures and some cool trailers

Here is the Original Article 

http://otakumode.com/news/51977396d096922358001d12/TOM-Interviews-20th-Century-Fox-Regarding-International-Release-of-ldquo-Dragon-Ball-Z-Battle-of-Gods-rdquo?utm_source=tom&utm_medium=facebook&utm_term=NEWS&utm_campaign=article2013060112&utm_content=direct&tom_cohort=article2013060112&tom_landing=facebook

The following trademarks (the "Marks") are owned by TOEI ANIMATION CO., LTD. of 3-2-17 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104, JAPAN and licensed by FUNIMATION PRODUCTIONS, LTD. of 6851 N.E. Loop 820, #247, Fort Worth, TX 76180:
DRAGON BALL®, DRAGON BALL Z®, YAMCHA®, GOKU®, KRILLIN®, TRUNKS®, FRIEZA®, VEGETA®, GOHAN® and DRAGONBALL GT™ , SUPER SAIYAN™ , GINYU™ , DBZ™, CELL™, PICCOLO™, GOTEN™, GOGETA™, VEGITO™, MAJIN BUU™, MR. BUU™, GREAT SAIYAMAN™, ANDROID 16™, ANDROID 17™, ANDROID 18™, and ANDROID 19™

TOEI ANIMATION CO., LTD. of 3-2-17 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104, Japan, is the owner of the exclusive copyrights in those animated English language television and home video series (and each program thereof) entitled "DRAGON BALL", "DRAGON BALL Z" and "DRAGON BALL GT", including the music and soundtracks thereof.