Animesou.com

http://www.appleseedthemovie.com - U.S. Official Site
http://www.a-seed.jp/ - Japanese Official Site

In 2131, World War X had left the face of the planet torn and devastated. No country gained to benefit from the war as a superpower. However, there was one that thrived both economically and politically. Olympus through its sheer influence served as the head administrator of the other countries. Particular to this society is the coexistence of a race of Bioroids, cloned humans whose genetic traits were specifically selected in order to maintain the stability of the civilization. This poses an inevitable conflict between the Bioroids and militant groups that are opposed to these modified humans. Can true harmony exist or are we as humans doomed to be always at war with ourselves?

U.S. Release: January 14, 2005
Distributed by GENEON ENTERTAINMENT (USA) INC.
Rating: R (for some violence)
Running Time: 103 Minutes

Based on the manga by Masamune Shirow (Seishinsha Publishing) first published in 1985
Directed by Shinji Aramaki
Creative Producer Fumihiko SORI
Writers Haruka HANDA, Tsutomu KAMISHIRO
Executive Producer Sumiji MIYAKE
Producers Hidenori UEKI, Naoko WATANABE
Associate-Producer Norio KONISHI
CG Producer Yusaku TOYOSHIMA
CG Director Yasuhiro OTSUKA
Character Designer Masaki YAMADA
Music Producer Shin YASUI
Music Score Tetsuya TAKAHASHI
Music by Paul Oakenfold, Basement Jaxx, Boom Boom Satellites, Carl Craig Vs. Adult, Akufen, Atom, T.Raumschmiere, and Academy Award winner Ryuichi Sakamoto (APPLESEED Original Soundtrack by Sony Music Records Inc.)
Production Companies MICOTT & BASARA INC., TBS, Geneon Entertainment, YAMATO, TYO, and Digital Frontier Inc.

Thoughts:

hinatasou:Fan raves have been mixed for those who have already seen the Japanese DVD version. The blend of 3D computer graphics coupled with traditional 2D cel-style animation creates a breathtaking atmosphere although the shading on the characters themselves tends to appear disagreeable at times. As is always the case, there are some Japanese elitists who can only tolerate listening to the Japanese dialogue and are dismal about the English translation. Nevertheless Appleseed has the makings of an excellent futuristic action thriller with an equally exceptional soundtrack.

The film boasts its superior visual art rivaling that of Squaresoft’s unrewarding Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within. While this is true on the big screen, animes have been steadily integrating computer dynamics in their works for years and it has been progressing at an exponential rate. Compare the first installments of the rendered spacecrafts of Lost Universe to the marveling mecha designs and camera angles of the anticipated Macross Zero. More and more romance animes like DNAngel are utilizing computer elements to produce scenery and backgrounds.

The US website http://www.appleseedthemovie.com/ has an excellent flash interface. The Quicktime TVR feature provides you a full 360-degree perspective of three environments. They forgot to mention that you could zoom in and out by pressing the shift and ctrl keys respectively. The site features the official trailer, story information, character profiles, wallpapers in their download section, a cast list, nationwide theater locations, and a passage by Masamune Shirow himself. At the bottom left corner you can scroll through samples of the soundtrack. I recommend visiting the Japanese site http://www.a-seed.jp/ because it contains useful storyboards and design sketches, models, and a character relationship chart. If the Appleseed movie does well in the States expect to find the toy figurines on sale at your local video retail stores.

:Piro^kunBased on the Appleseed manga Masamune Shirow (Ghost in the Shell), Appleseed The Movie both defines the sci-fi genre and sets the bar for computer animation and cel-shading techniques.

Appleseed presents us with a human race teetering on the brink of self-extermination. In a situation brought on by their own seemingly endless need to argue over and over again, perhaps humans deserve to reap whatever they have sown, collectively zooming towards their grim fate.

If you were hoping for a remake of the older Appleseed OVA series, then you are in for disappointment. But don’t get too down, because this new movie still focuses on Deunan and Briareos and tells a solid story, mixing relentless violence and surprising depth. Also, Appleseed The Movie doesn’t just have the human/bioroid tension as an interesting subplot, but brings this to the forefront of the fight for survival of the human race. And anyone who is new to the Appleseed universe and worried about not having any prerequisite knowledge can breathe easy. This new movie requires nothing more than an appreciation for science fiction and action.

This film comes along at a rather good time in America. Over the past few years comic book based movies like Spiderman, animated films like Spirited Away, and Sci-Fi flicks like the Matrix have started to pave the way for more motion pictures like Appleseed to find a mainstream audience here. Appleseed and other animated features like it force Americans, who are stubborn in their narrow views of animation, to let go of the massively outdated stereotype that animation is only for children, or at least I hope it will.

Appleseed the Movie opens in theaters across America on January 14th. 2005; I would recommend going to see it as soon as you can.

Alpha: This Appleseed with revamped animation and music is certainly one cool customer. But as it goes for all shows, animation is not the judge of its character. While the action and character/mechanical designs are superb, the story just does not float my boat. The cel-shading reminds me of the game “Fear Effect,” but a hundred times better. I am astounded by the quality of action that was displayed on the screen. It was truly a heart pumping, gut wrenching experience. I might need to re-watch Appleseed, in order to fully appreciate it. As, as of this instance I am at a stage of uncertainty. The music was very very nice. Although I am not a lover of techno, I did like the way they meshed together. It was just a delight.

After all, this release of Appleseed seems more like a “check out my animation” title, rather than a movie with a plot that attracts the casual fans other than the zealous Appleseed fan base. Does that mean it is a disappointment? No, I would not say that. What I will say is that a title like Appleseed the Movie, creates the flooring to support the next movie release. I am anxious to see what comes after Appleseed, as the animation department will absolutely be a difficult task to top.

Appleseed the Movie Screen Caps:

http://www.gofishpictures.com/GITS2/ - U.S. Official Site
http://www.innocence-movie.jp - Japanese Official Site

‘Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence,’ which became the first anime film ever to screen in competition at the Cannes Film Festival this year, is the story of a solitary cyborg who desperately wants to hold on to what’s left of his humanity in a world where the worth of the human soul is fading almost into obscurity. ‘Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence,’ which was once again written and directed by Mamoru Oshii, will be released in U.S. theaters on September 17, 2004 under the Go Fish Pictures banner, a division of DreamWorks Pictures. Produced by Production I.G, the team behind the anime segments in Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Kill Bill: Volume 1,’ this is the second anime film to be distributed by Go Fish Pictures, following the September 2003 release of Satoshi Kon’s ‘Millennium Actress.’

DreamWorks
Production I.G in association with Studio Ghibli
Credits:
Screenwriter-director: Mamoru Oshii
Original story: Shirow Masamune
Producers: Mitsuhisa Ishikawa
Director of photography: Masamune Shirow
Production designer: Tanada Yohei
Music: Kawai Kenji
Animation directors: Toshihiko Nishikubo, Naoko Kusumi
Running time — 100 minutes
Preview:
First eight minutes of Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence

Thoughts:
Stikz: “Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence” looks to be more of what made the first movie (Gits) popular in the first place. This can only mean good news to us. The CG graphics and digital cels are blended seamlessly to create the new benchmark of quality animation. The music sounds very much like it did part one. It wouldn’t surprise me if it was composed by the same people. The scenes shown in the trailer were mostly action, which hopefully hints at more upbeat storytelling than the first Gits. There seems to be no limits to the amount special effects thrown on screen! Also the animation is fluid not just on the characters, but on everything around them as well. I can see why Production I.G. is held in such high regards. Gits2 doesn’t feature beloved, Motoko “Major” Kusanagi as the star this time. Her right hand man, Batou takes the spotlight. So for all you fans clamoring for a male lead, here you go. I, personally, can’t wait for the theatrical U.S. release on 9/17/04. Just how widespread of a release it will receive is yet to be determined. But regardless, I’m a New Yorker and I know it will be shown here. ;)

:Dark Wind Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence (known simply as GitS 2 from here on in) is the sequel to the extremely popular anime film Ghost in the Shell (1995), which is in turn based on a manga series by Masamune Shirow, though both GitS and GitS 2 are written and directed by the very talented Mamoru Oshii (Jin-Roh). From what I know of the film so far, almost no knowledge of the manga is required to watch this film, but GitS must be seen before you see GitS 2. GitS 2 is very much a sequel to GitS, so make sure to watch that before this one. Trust me, you won’t regret it anyway, since GitS is a beautiful film. GitS 2 focuses on two characters from the first film, Batou and my favorite character from the first one, Togusa. These two are investigating a series of hacks across the city which involves Batou’s past. I can’t give away much more, because honestly, I don’t know much more than that. But telling from the art, animation, and music from the trailer, it looks like those who loved the first film will love this one. I’m even told from early reviews of the film that those who disliked the first film may actually like this one. Improvements from the first one have been made, with a more sensible plot with a much tighter focus and narrative. I’m extremely excited for it, as I absolutely loved GitS. And for those wondering, the TV show GitS: Stand Alone Complex (coomprised of 52 episodes) has nothing to do with the films. I’m not even sure how the TV show fits into the whole continuity, so I’ll say to just not worry about it for those who need the whole story. This is one film to watch out for.

Alpha:
Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence is an anime that has the ability to jump start the anime industry once again. For fans like me, whom came out when the first movie was the shiznit, there is a certain extra hype towards Innocence. The animation quality is top notch. Just look at the trailer and you will be blown away by it. In Innocence you got robotic prostitutes revolting against their creators. (Hint: Do not make robotic prostitutes in the future please.) The action sequences are awesome. Damn I have never seen anything move like this before. This sure is going to be an eye candy; a treat so sweet that it will leave you crying to your dentist about cavity. Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence has such an immense amount of pressure for it to be great and the crew is looking very strong to deliver it that way. You must see it, even if you are not a Ghost in the Shell fan!

Innocence Screen Caps:

http://www.advfilms.com/titles/maburaho/ - U.S. Official Site
http://www.maburaho.com - Japanese Official Site

Kazuki Shikimori comes from a line of world famous magicians. Because of his stunning pedigree, he is enrolled at the elite Aoi Academy, a school where student learn the intricacies of their vastly powerful magic. Unfortunately, his powers are not up to snuff, and frankly, he’s a bit of a loser. He can only use his magic eight times before he turns into dust… literally. When three magical hotties enter the game, things start to get out of hand. There’s the sweet and caring Yuna, the sexy blond bombshell Kuriko, and the violent, bad tempered Rin. Each of these girls has her own agenda where Kazuki is concerned, and poor Kazuki doesn’t know what to think!! Are the girls after his love or merely his genes?

U.S. Release: April 2005
Distributed by ADV Films
Rating: TV14
Running Time: N/A

Director: Shinichiro Kimura
Music: Four Piece
Original creator: Toshihiko Tsukiji
Character Design: Yasunari Nitta
Art director:
Shichiro Kobayashi
Yoshiaki Honma
Character Conceptual Design: Eeji Komatsu
Director of Photography: Youhei Suzuki
Assistant director: Tatsuyuki Nagai
Color Coordination: Miyuki Ishida
Editing: Shigeru Nishiyama
Music Director: Harushi Tsukada
Planning:
Hiroshi Ogawa
Nobuhiko Sakawa
Seihiro Toriyama
Takeshi Yasuda
Tomohisa Abe
Tsuneo Suzuki
Producer:
Masato Matsubayashi
Shigeaki Tomioka
Takashi Tachizaki
Tsuneo Takechi
Yuji Matsukura
Series Story Editor: Koichi Taki
Sound director:
Toru Nakano
Tsuyoshi Takadera

Credit to ANN for the staff list.

Thoughts:
Dark Wind: Let me put it this way; the genres that describe Maburaho are: comedy, magical girl, and romance. I already don’t want to see it; but first let’s find out what it’s about: keep an open mind, right? It’s apparently about a magician in school who, while he sucks at being a magician, has three hot girls fall into his life who want his genes. Since he’s a nice guy, he keeps doing magic to please them, constantly getting in trouble at school. Stupid, stilted Japanese romantic comedy ensues (I assume). The character designs are stock harem anime schlock (big breats, big doe eyes, they look like kids) and the plot sounds like standard romance comedy fare. I’ll pass.

Kythlyn:
Maburaho looks to be the exact kind of anime that I enjoy. Something silly and fun with likable characters and a magical setting. It’s got a bit of the Love Hina thing going for it (i.e. mildly ecchi harem without ever getting too naughty) and I’ve also heard it described as a girl anime, but that won’t stop me from watching it! …half my collection is girl anime… :/ But, never mind that. This one has a lot of potential for people who like anime such as Onegai Teacher, Happy Lesson or even something like Tenchi Muyo.

Piro^kun: The concept behind Maburaho is simple: Maburaho is about a rather boring, untalented, and loser-is guy that only has one thing going for him. He’s lucky enough to have some of the best genes in the world and a bunch of girls want to have sex with him just so they can bear his well-endowed child. Now, compared to just about every other harem anime in existence this premise is pretty deep, as well as rather interesting. This is one show I’m more than a little curious about. Definitely one to watch for.

Alpha:
MABURAHO!!! Holy cow (in Scooter’s voice), this is a great fun series to be watching. I love everything about it! If you have not noticed, I am a fanatic for genres such as these. Yuna, Kuriko and Rin… only if that ever happened to me (that would be cool) ;). Anyways, ADV Films has really picked up a title that can rival that of Ai Yori Aoshi and Love Hina combined. That is how great Maburaho is. Kazuki Shikimori is a normal high school loser who just happens to have his life changed because of his genes. The animation is superb, the sound department is great, and damn it I will recommend this to everyone who is not like Dark Wind (that hater :P). Anyways, look for a review up for this title from me soon… if not already. I will go more in-depth about it then. For now, get ready to shell out all your pennies from you piggybanks on this amazing show.

Maburaho Screen Caps:

Synopsis
Despite his parents’ protests, Kazuto Tokino has taken it upon himself to run his late grandfather’s bathhouse. But with no previous management experience, Kazuto must rely on his sunny disposition to keep his new business afloat. And when the alien Princess Valkyrie destroys the bathhouse, mortally wounding Kazuto in the process, dark clouds seem poised to rain on his parade of optimism.
With a magical kiss, the princess saves Kazuto’s life, but at a grave cost to her own: transformed into an 8 year old, she is stranded on Earth, unable to fend for herself. Now, with an entire solar system out searching for her shrunken highness, Kazuto must defend the Tokino bathhouse, not only from hordes of alien invaders, but also from his new, hyper-adorable, sugary-sweet little houseguest!

Review
Cat girls galore, yay! Err… Umm… from the introduction you should have already figured out a part of the show, now here is the other. UFL Ultramaiden Valkyrie is a show featuring Kazuto Tokino and Princess Valkyrie (also known as Val). Her meeting with Kazuto was purely accidental. She crash landed into the hot springs that Kazuto runs, as a result killing him. Valkyrie then used her powers to revive him, and in the process she gave him a part of her soul at the expense of her physical appearance, which turned to that of a young little girl.

UFO Ultramaiden Valkyrie is another one of those shows where there is a guy, a girl who is secretly in love with him and a girl that outright shows her love for the male character, Kazuto. While this formula is used and reused, it just does not feel right for this series. Maybe it was because of Princess Valkyrie’s ability to transform into child form… but that should not be the case as Tenjho Tenge’s Maya has that ability but that show still flowed nicely. UFO Ultramaiden Valkyrie is more like, here is Val and when something is about to happen to Kazuto, here is Princess Valkyrie.

The characters are simple; there have not been any signs of complicated deep dark secrets or anything. The plot is a relatively straightforward deal. Seeing Val is kind of cute at times, but as with most children… they do tend to get annoying at certain periods. I am keeping a note that I have not seen much of this piece yet, for all that we know this could be a late bloomer. But as of now, UFO Ultramaiden Valkyrie is nothing more than a mediocre attempt at creating a good humor title. Sure, Ms. Sanada and her craziness were nice, but other than that, there was nothing present that solidifies UFO Ultramaiden Valkyrie as a title that is worth much of your time or money.

The Breakdown
Certainly I am looking forward to the future volumes, there is potential in this title and hopefully it does get better.

Synopsis
Ichise is an “entertainment fighter” in the underground city of Lukuss. However, when a gang punishes Ichise by cutting his arm and leg off, his will to live overcomes the odds and attracts the attention of the ruling Organo syndicate that controls both the city and the cybernetic Texhnolyze technology which is usually reserved for the elite. Meanwhile, an outsider has come down to the city and, along with a young psychic girl, the dominos are beginning to fall in the seething unrest of the city as their paths slowly intertwine with Ichise’s. What will come of these people and what will happen in this city of no hope?

Review
Ahhh….Texhnolyze. The new anime from the staff of Serial Experiments Lain. I would like to get out of the way right now a misconception many have about Texhnolyze, even other reviewers: yoshitoshi ABe (as he prefers it spelled), the creator of Lain, NieA_7, and Haibane Renmei, merely served as character designer and artist for Texhnolyze. He had little to do with the plot and story of the show. The trademarks that NieA_7 and Haibane Renmei share are non-existent here, and you can tell that the show was more in the hands of the other staff of Lain rather than ABe. But that’s no knock on Texhnolyze, which is one of the most brilliant (and overly serious) anime I’ve ever seen. I’ve noticed that little is talked about Texholyze in online circles. Many haven’t seen it and the few who have are turned off by the first few episodes, which throws you right into the show like throwing someone into freezing cold water.

But they don’t know what they are missing. The first two episodes are an extreme version of the style prevalent in the show, which is somewhat abstract and obtuse. But this “extreme” version dissipates as the show progresses (thankfully). The first episode has at most 12 lines of dialogue, and the main character rarely, if ever, speaks throughout the entire show. The creators of Lain were attempting to create something extremely different in Texhnolyze, and in that they succeeded. Each aspect of the show is a symbol, or a representation, of something that can be applied to our own world. Texhnolyze is trying to say something about us as humans and the way we perceive ourselves in the story it tells.

The story revolves around more than just the main character, Ichise. The first half of the show is intra-gang related warfare between three groups; the Organo, those who already control the underground city of Lukuss, the Salvation Union, who don’t believe in texhnolyzing lost limbs (or at all, for that matter), and the Rakan, a reckless group of young adults fed up with how things currently work. These groups battle it out, and the second half of the show is the aftermath and repurcussions of these battles and how it’ll relate to the “surface world” and the elite “Class” group of people who control Lukuss from behind the seat of power.

As you can tell, Texhnolyze is a hard show to pin down and explain. There are a lot of different factions and characters involved, and I became completely engrossed in the story. After a second viewing, the show castly improves, since now you know everything and so the first couple of episodes make A LOT more sense. And that’s the kind of replayablility I can appreciate. The characters are for the most part cold and calculating bastards. Ichise rarely speaks, and the leaders of the gangs generally don’t either. This is a far more visual anime than it is a dialogue heavy one. I don’t want to spoil too much of the show beforehand, but the mysteries surrounding the show are extremely intriguing, from where raffia (the material that the robots parts of limbs is made from) comes from to what the “surface world” is.

The show is dank and dark and depressing, because the entirety of the show takes place underground in an artificial city. When you finally do find out about the much-hyped surface world, you’re mind will be blown away by the sheer amount of things going on, both for the story and symbolically. I was shocked and in awe at the same time. The story slowly dolls out the details, leaving you on the edge of your seat every time to find out more. That’s exactly what I want from an anime like this.

The Breakdown
Texhnolyze is highly underrated, and unfairly maligned because of its experimental style, of which is most prevalent very early on. It goes away for the most part for those who don’t like it, and the show opens up to be extremely compelling and riveting in the end run. The animation is excellent, the music pretty good, and the story downright inspiring and depressing at the same time. The show will tug on your emotions, and the ending will leave you in tears, if not a sentimental smile on your face. The show is abstract and confusing and sometimes hard to put up with, but if you can get through these few problems a great show awaits.

ISHTAR Mk-II
Designer/Modeler: Ray

Finished: 02/17/2006
Scale: 1/35
Status: Finished

Review:
Skill Level: 7/10
Quality: 8/10
Design: 9/10

Background Information:
Appeared in the anime Gasaraki. Piloted by Miharu.
  

Specs:

Model: Metal Fake Experimental Model 02
Height: 4.6m
Weight: 3.0 tons

Total Weight: 5.6 tons

Max Speed: 68km/h

Max Operative Limit: 45min

Armament:

65mm Automatic Cannon

Guillotine

Colors:
Light Sand, Smoke Grey

Production Notes:

       I’m finished with my Ishtar MK-II! I personally like this model, it looks cool and unique, while I was building the model it made me feel like I was building my tank model, maybe it was because of the color or maybe because it has tank like features. The rear of the model looks like a tank’s rear and the head even looks like a tank turret, which is very cool. The design also has realism in it, which is another plus! It’s something that’s different from the usual model I build. The front of the model also reminds me of the LEVs in Zone of the Enders. I just wish it came with fist hands too, I don’t really like the open palms, but I still recommend getting this model!

       But even in all the coolness of this model, there were some flaws… I found problems in the design of the arms. Other then having limited mobility on the arms, the forearms of the models didn’t snap together well, so it left a gap. I easily  solved the problem with putty. Another issue I had was with the biceps, because of the way the elbow join and shoulder joints were designed, the biceps would pop off all the time. So if you’re getting this model just use some glue on the forearms and biceps of the model.

- Me fixing up the model.

- Spray Painting.

- The cockpit

- I cut the control sticks off the figure’s hands and glue it on to the seat.

- Damn you Ray! I want my hands back!!!

- While I was waiting for other parts to dry, I started detailing the finished parts.

- Parts all dried and test fitting them.

- Model all finished and complete!

Time for the Studio Photos!

http://www.samuraideeperkyo.us - U.S. Official Site

http://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/anime/ kyo/main_index.html - Japanese Official Site

You heard it too, didn’t you?

The voice of the wind.

During Tokugawa Ieyasu’s epic battle of Sekigahara, two samurai face off outside of history. In the heat of the duel between Kyoshiro and Demon Eyes Kyo, a shooting star slams into the plains, shattering the ground and engulfing both of them.

Four years later, the bounty hunter Yuya finds the good natured Kyoshiro, now a traveling medicine man. Hidden deep inside Kyoshiro is the soul of his old opponent, the merciless samurai Kyo. When Yuya and Kyoshiro are thrown into battle, the medicine man’s friendly personality will recede, and the whole world will learn why Kyo is called a demon!

Date Available - June 24, 2003
Running time - 125 Minutes contains episodes 1-5
Rating - 15+
Format - Hybrid
Media - DVD
Product Availability - Preorder - Not Yet Shipping
Publisher - MEDIA BLASTERS

Thoughts
Alpha: Let me start off this new Animesou feature, by explaining what it is. The watcher is a group discussion of what’s to come during the year if possible we will have a guest speaker from their respective companies to add their comments. This idea was sparked by something like this on IGN. Stikz just brought up this idea and it’s pretty cool. So without further ado my thoughts on this upcoming title from Media Blasters.

Rurouni Kenshin’s success in the states was probably a reason why Media Blasters acquired this new samurai hit. Samurai Deeper Kyo was created by Akimine Kamijo, aired in Japan on TV Tokyo starting from July 1, 2002 to December 23, 2002, consisting of twenty six episodes and animation done by Studio DEEN. What I like about this title is how it looks of course :P. The story is also pretty cool. Demon Eyes Kyo is hidden within Mibu Kyoshiro as a result of the meteor that hit the Earth and caused a mutation to those who were near the impact. Some people were given powers to transform into monsters known as “ken-you” or Sword Demon. At times we are given a character with two personalities. Kyoshiro who is kind and Kyo who became a legend after killing a thousand soldiers by himself. There is comedy to some extent and what about the ladies? Yuya Shiina is the main female character who is a bounty hunter and she isn’t afraid to use her body to get her victims to fall for her trap. According to my September 2002 issue of Newtype Japan Samurai Deeper Kyo received a rating of 1.8 on debut. Considering that it was broadcasted at 1:55AM and the rating was based solely on its debut, it is an average feedback from the Japanese viewers.

:Stikz
This kind of reminds me of Rurouni Kenshin, only cooler. Much like the Kenshin OVA’s (Samurai X). I rated the Samurai X OVA a perfect 10. So you can see how this title would interest me. Get ready for a real samurai showdown.

 
Sean Molyneaux (Media Blasters): Kyo is a series extremely wrapped up in Japanese history, even more so than Kenshin. In fact, the basic premise is that an unexpected event concerning the title character, Kyo, has caused history to diverge from its predestined course. Megeria, who knows the true future, is attempting to solve the problem. In the resulting chaos, major historical figures are killed off before their time, and the Sanada clan uses this as an opportunity to gain more power than they have historically. For those having taken basic Japanese history, it’s a lot of fun to try and stay one step ahead of the plot.

:Hornet
Heard some good things about it. I wonder how it will compare to Kenshin.

 
Alpha: So, Samurai Deeper Kyo is certainly going to be a surprise for the American anime fans. I’ve listened to both of the opening (Ao no Requiem - Blue Requiem) and ending theme (Love Deeper) sung by Tsubokura Yuiko, both of these themes are upbeat and simply awesome. I have to thank Sean of Media Blasters for taking time to reply to my email. Be prepared for another samurai adventure coming to you this summer! In the mean time drool over some of the screen caps.

 
Samura Deeper Kyo Screen Caps:

Welcome to model building 101!
Today we will learn the basics of model building.
Before we even start to learn how to build a model, we must have the proper
tools and work area.

Here is an example of a proper work area.

- I recommend working on a desk to prevent back pains and slouching back.
- But working on the floor is just as fine.

- It is not required to get a self-healing cutting mat, but it is required to have a neat desk.
- Building a model may look like a messy job, but it requires a clean work area and good organization.

- Now that we have a good work area, we need the tools.

- These are the most basic tools of model building.
- As long as you have these tools you can build any model.

Tool #1: A Nail Clipper
The Nail Clipper is an optional tool if you’re on the advance level, but if you don’t have a modeling knife around, using a Nail Clipper is just as great. They’re also very cheap compared to the model knife.

- With a nail clipper, you can use it to cut off parts that are left by the model tree.

Tool #2: Pliers
The Pliers are one of the must have tools, they’re good for holding tiny parts that require gluing and much more.

Tool #3: Modeler’s Cutter/Nippers

- The Modeler’s cutter looks like a special narrow wire cutter. It is very important to have this, you will need this to cut the
models off the tree. Never bend or twist the model parts off the tree! Doing so will risk damaging
the part! This is a highly recommended tool for all modelers!

- The comparison between a normal wire cutter and a modeler’s cutter. Because of the Modeler’s cutter design, it allows us to cut
off tiny and delicate model parts off the tree.

Tool #4: Box cutter
The box cutter is also a useful tool to have for various purposes. such as, stabbing someone messing with your models!

Tool #5: Modeler’s Knife
With this knife it makes you an official model builder! This is a highly recommended tool for all modelers! The modeling knife is not easy to use and takes time to master it. Using it improperly will result in cutting yourself. *ouch*

- A modeling knife can fit different types of blades for different purposes but it’s not required to have optional blades.
- Even a dull modeling blade still have it’s uses.

Tool #6: Model Glue, Super Glue
As models get more and more advanced the need to use model glue is required sometimes, but it’s always something good to have around.

- If you’re going to get model glue, I recommend getting the glue that comes with brushes.

- Now that we have all our tools, it’s time to move onto the Model!

- This is the box art of the model.
- And sometimes I just hate how the box art always glorify the model kit, at the end, the model looks nothing like the box art…
- But, that’s why I’m here! I’m going to teach how to make your models look just like the box art! unless it’s one of those really really old model kits…

- Like this model for example, it’s molded in one color! All white! That means… We’ll need to paint this model.
- But, today’s lesson is about building a model and not painting it. We’re still not at the stage to paint the model yet.
- This is called a model tree, everyone calls it differently, but I call it a tree.

- Before we even start building and cutting off parts from the model tree, we must look at the instructions!

- If you can’t follow instructions, then take the model and throw it in the trash can, because your chances of messing up are 90%.
- But Ray, the instructions are in Japanese! I can’t read Japanese, and I’ll say SHUT THE ^-^ UP! Can’t you see the pictures!? Everything is nicely illustrated for you like a picture book!

- Anyway, onto the model!

- Each part on the tree is labeled, if it asks for part 8, look for part 8.
- On advance models, sometimes the trees are labeled with letters, so if they ask for C8. look for the tree labeled C and find part 8.

- This is the proper way to remove the parts from the tree, bending them and twisting them off is the improper way!
- Use the modeler’s cutter!

- After cutting the part off the tree you will mostly be left with a little excess plastic. I call these stubs.

- Another example of a Stub, there are a few ways you can remove these.

- One way of doing this is with the model knife, but if you haven’t mastered it yet, you can try the alternative.

- Using the nail clipper is a good alternative.

- The Results with the model knife are perfect!

- And the results with a nail clipper. There’s still a bit of a stub left over, but it’s good enough for beginners.

- I also recommend cutting your stubs over a model box, this way the stub shavings won’t be all over the floor or table. It makes cleaning up a lot easier.

- With all your parts cut out, you can now follow the instructions to build the model!

- You are now one step closer to building a model like a pro!

Synopsis
‘X’ is the first of a new generation of robots which contain an innovative feature - the ability to think, feel and make their own decisions. However this ability could be very dangerous. If ‘X’ were to break the first rule of robotics, ‘A robot must never harm a human being’, the results would be disastrous and I fear that no force on earth could stop him.

Approximately 30 years will be required before we can safely confirm his reliability. Unfortunately I will not live to see that day, nor do I have anyone to carry on my work. Therefore, I have decided to seal him in this capsule, which will test his internal systems until his reliability has been confirmed. Please do not disturb the capsule until that time.

‘X’ possesses great risks as well as great possibilities. I can only hope for the best.

September 18, 20XX
T. Light

Review
The Japanese title for the PSP game is Irregular Hunter X and was released on December 15th, 2005. The US title is Maverick Hunter X released January 31st, 2006. The Day of Sigma OVA is a short unlockable movie that you have access to after beating X mode once. It’s similar to how the .hack game series for the PS2 was bundled with the four part anime .hack//Liminality. The OVA takes place before the events in Megaman X. Sigma had already been infected with Dr. Wily’s virus (ever since his encounter and fight with a berserk Zero, revealed in a flashback in Megaman X4). The OVA marks the turning point when Sigma finally declares his reploid war.

The Japanese Capcom website devoted to the game is located at http://www3.capcom.co.jp/psp_x/ with sound. Along the top are menu buttons. Click and you’ll find a basic storyline overview, 3 movie trailers, screenshots from The Day of Sigma in addition to an interview with the Japanese cast, a boss list, a description of Vava/Vile mode, and plenty of in game footage.

The pitiful excuse for a US website is located at http://www.capcom.com/xpml/game.xpml?gameid=850038 where you’ll be lucky to find in game screenshots of only X. This goes to show how much they care. The US game manual is even in black and white (cheap skates).

The Breakdown
If you are a diehard Megaman fan and by now have invested in a $300 PSP, then chances are you will buy the game. The anime is a more than satisfying bonus.

Synopsis
There is an old legend that speaks of a hidden paradise on Earth - a paradise only wolves can find. And while thought to have been extinct for hundreds of years, wolves still walk the Earth…hidden among mankind. Now, a group of outcast wolves set out to find Paradise: Kiba, Hige, Toboe, and Tsume. Each wolf is driven by their own personality and desires, but together they are pursued by humans seeking to quench their own thirst for power. A difficult and long journey lies ahead, with Paradise waiting to be found.

Review
You can tell from my synopsis that Wolf’s Rain is very vague in its premise. It’s most definitely unique, and in that alone I commend it, as anime these days rarely try to break the boundaries of their genre, be it a giant robot or magical girl or tournament fighting anime. I also have a bias towards loving wolves, who I find to be fascinating creatures, and to see them done in anime like this is a treat unto itself. A further plus was the fact that a majority of the Cowboy Bebop staff worked on Wolf’s Rain, chief among them scriptwriters Keiko Nobumoto and Dai Sato and musical composer Yoko Kanno. Yoko Kanno alone is reason enough to watch any anime, the fact that animation studio BONES (RahXephon, Cowboy Bebop: The Movie) is behind the animation is just icing on the cake. I’ll also add that Wolf’s Rain (and previously Cowboy Bebop) character designer Toshihiro Kawamoto is a favorite among anime character designers for me; his penchant for adult-looking, realistically-proportioned people is a rarity, and I’m glad that he’s on board.

As you can clearly see, Wolf’s Rain has a lot going for it and a high pedigree that shows a lot of potential. And with this mix we have one of my favorite anime of all-time. It currently sits in my top 15, which is saying a lot considering the amount of anime I’ve seen. And every time I rewatch it I enjoy it more. The idea that wolves will lead the world to paradise is an interesting premise, the fact that they hide themselves among mankind by casting a spell on people is doubly intriguing (to explain: the wolf characters in the show have human forms…sort of. If you look at their footprints in the snow and their shadows on walls, they appear to be wolves. They are merely casting a spell when they want to make people perceive them as humans. This is because they are being hunted by humans because the humans fear that having the wolves bring paradise will end their current world, so killing all the wolves will stop this and save their world).

It should be noted that Wolf’s Rain is more drama and plot than action. When action does appear, it kicks copious amounts of ass, because the wolves are given superhuman abilities of jumping and speed. When they use these abilities in their human form, it looks awesome. The animation certainly helps matters: it’s crisp, fluid, and detailed, just what is expected from BONES. Yoko Kanno’s music is far removed from anything she’s done before, she defines it as “brazilian with flamenco sensibilities” and you can tell with the peppered bits of spanish instruments strewn about the various musical tracks. I personally loved the music so much I went out and bought the soundtrack, and I think this is one of her best works ever, only being surpassed by Cowboy Bebop and maybe Escaflowne: The Movie.

The story itself is a road trip show in a sense, as the four main wolves are constantly on the move from one place to the next while the search for paradise. The secondary characters (which receive excellent backgrounds in their own right) are also constantly moving, either one step ahead or behind the wolves. Since the story is heavy on religion and mysticism and tribal/pack aspects, the plot tends to be vague for the most part. You either have to buy into what they are telling you or not. You can’t make sense of it because it isn’t meant to, and this will probably be the biggest hurdle for you to get over. There is no rational explanation why wolves are the ones that lead the world to paradise, they just are. There’s no reason why wolves have the abilities they do, like casting a spell on all humans or having the abilities they do….they just do. If one can get past these things, you will be enveloped into one of the most engrossing anime I’ve ever seen.

The Breakdown
Wolf’s Rain is easily one of the best things I’ve seen, anime or not. It’s mature, takes itself moderately seriously, enjoys what its telling us, and has a couple of important things to say about the state of man in accordance with nature. It’s one hell of a ride with an extremely bittersweet ending, and the production values are off the charts. If people can attain a certain suspension of disbelief, then there is no reason, I think, that you wouldn’t enjoy this anime. Give at least the first volume a shot to see if its your thing (it has five episodes on it, which is just enough to judge whether this is for you or not).