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.