Kaze no Sylphid is a manga about a horse and a boy who face difficult circumstances but refused to be beaten by the odds. I was rather intrigued by this since this is the first time I saw horse racing as a genre in manga.

I have been sitting on this for a few weeks to see how it turns out. ^^

You can download it from either MangaTraders or directly from the subbers, Doko Demo Doa.

Moral of the story: It doesn’t matter what people think of you, as long as you have the will and determination to suceed, you will definitely find a way to achieve your goals in the end.

If only internet spam were this delicious. If only...

After a few days of absence, I come back this blog to find a rather nasty surprise. OVER 9000 fucking comment spams. Well… 7,736 to be precise. Definitely gonna need to activate that anti-spam plug-in.

I’ve been kinda lazy on updating this blog… Okay, very lazy, but I’ll be sure to make some noticeable changes once my exams are over and done with.

Mighty Atom, as the Japanese community know of him as, and as Astro Boy to the rest of the Western world. Originally conceived by manga artist Osamu Tezuka in the 1950s, the Astro Boy mangas incorporated thoughtful storytelling and robot-ass-kicking-action (most of which committed by the title character) to form the basis of great tales for readers spanning over generations.

Unfortunately, we seem to have fallen very much short of that in Astro’s latest updated gig – Astro Boy, the recent American computer-animated 3-D film. Presented here is a highly Americanised adaptation towards a classic character. Directed by David Bowers, this origins story takes Tezuka’s original science-fiction manga and literally butchers it.

Astro’s origins are addressed appallingly, with unnecessary alterations made where the writers seemingly have seen fit. These origins are overstretched and over focused to the main contention of the film. Despite this clearly being what the filmmakers had set out to accomplish, it is a serious misstep that has led to the film’s substandard storytelling. Much of the film feels as though the filmmakers were pushing for fillers in the story; when this is unnecessary considering Astro’s numerous stories that could’ve been considered for adaptation.

Numerous pointless new characters are introduced, whilst integral original characters have their roles severely diminished to the point of cameos or otherwise, omitted completely. Previous characters also have their definitive roots altered and changed, that they might as well be renamed into one of the “pointless new characters”. Some key characters even begin to not even resemble their manga and anime counterparts in terms of appearance. There is an introduction of a villain by the name of “President Stone”. Such new character introductions seem largely redundant, considering the large inventory of pre-existing characters by Tezuka.

The continual underlying themes that were consistent with the Astro Boy mangas become largely irrelevant and are barely apparent now.

The film does; however, sport impressively fluid computer animation, handled by Imagi Animation Studios. There’s an obvious level of cartoonish effects, akin to that seen in Pixar’s The Incredibles. The cartoon physics do not go overboard either, and remain constrained without going to extravagant exaggerations.

An animated Osamu Tezuka makes two cameos, which was a nice tribute to the late “God of Manga” who would often draw himself into Astro’s stories and break the fourth wall to readers. The earlier cameo is voiced.

This ultimately is a disappointing project that really did have much potential, perhaps if it had been handled with more tact. This film will undoubtedly impress its key demographic and there is much for them to enjoy in the way of a spectacular big screen adventure. But for those who have some sense, this film is far too derivative of Astro Boy to really even be titled “Astro Boy”.

-that_guy.

Brb

Due to the recent addition of two new bloggers, LemonLe and that_guy, I’m going to give this blog a little bit of a makeover. It’ll be done over the next couple of days.

]]> http://velvetroom.crystalstar.me/?feed=rss2&p=259 0 http://velvetroom.crystalstar.me/?p=252 http://velvetroom.crystalstar.me/?p=252#comments Sat, 10 Oct 2009 12:20:46 +0000 that_guy http://velvetroom.crystalstar.me/?p=252

Showtime’s thrilling crime drama, Dexter, has recently returned to full swing with a fourth season. Those who have been following Dexter Morgan, aptly played by Michael C. Hall, and his escapades for the past few years will all know him as the forensics blood splatter analyst who moonlights as a mission-orientated serial killer.

This season focuses and captures a new and rather interesting facet to Dexter’s life and takes place approximately six months after the events of season three’s finale. New characters are introduced, inclusive of Dexter’s new son – Harrison. Harrison, being a baby of course, offers less in terms of as a character but instead much more as a plot device; driving other characters, in particular the lead. The baby presents a new dynamic to Dexter’s previous lifestyle. Dexter’s assumed fatherhood and recent marriage to Rita force him into the scenario of the “American Dream” and it quickly becomes very interesting as towards how he juggles work, life, and spare-time pursuits.

Another new character, which we only get to see very little of in these early episodes is a new antagonist to our anti-hero – The Trinity Killer; played by John Lithgow, best known for his main role in the 90’s sitcom 3^rd Rock from the Sun. The fourth season premiere episode opens with a scene of Dexter driving around the streets of Miami, juxtaposed with scenes of the Trinity Killer meticulously courting his prey. Without throwing too much away in the air, the shock value reaches a new high here, with what is literally a blood bath.

There is a reintroduction of a previous character as well, Lundy, the FBI agent from season two. His character comes into crucial play towards the new antagonist and will undoubtedly become an interesting device for other characters, in particular Dexter’s sister, Debra Morgan.

It becomes quickly apparent that not only will the main characters be experiencing interesting and fresh character development, but also will the secondary supporting characters. Season four offers plenty in store for those eagerly watching.

The series continues to utalise wonderful photography and editing, brilliant script work and dialogue, and persistently acute all-round acting. There are a few small gripes concerned with miscellaneous matters that can be complained of here, but these are minor and aren’t even worth the mention. Dexter fans will not be disappointed with these early episodes that promise a gripping season ahead.

-that_guy.

I’m that_guy, and I’ll be blogging largely about western media, more or less concerned with film and television.

-that_guy.

The guy is a prince. And needless to say, cute^^.
However, he is not all looks, he is smart too. Plus he is not a stuck up brat who cares about money, rank and status.

These two meet and become good friends… you know what, I’m not going to give away the storyline. It spoils the feeling lol.

http://www.onemanga.com/Akagami_no_Shirayukihime/

Go read it. I guarantee you will be hooked on it. And love the characters like I do as well.

Hologram

Yes! I managed to finish my FMA:Brotherhood marathon today. 23 episodes of Fullmetal goodness crammed into a few days. I can’t believe I didn’t follow it earlier, it’s so damn good.

Hologram is the second OP for FMA:Brotherhood. I was very tempted to put YUI’s Again (1st OP) up as this week’s song but I found this song more catchy.

Here’s a link for the song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_TcEnKnl5o

And here’s the link for the PV: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBON2n7SdWI&feature=related

Anyway the manga I will introduce today is somewhat similar to that of 07Ghost. That’s what struck me immediately as soon as I read the first volume. When I say similar, I do not mean in terms of storyline, but in some quirks… well, you will see what I mean when you read it for yourself… I will also try to further explain this as I go along.

So, without further ado, I bring to you: Ilegenes

“Ilegenes is an island internationally known for its prowess in genetic engineering research and technology. But behind the scenes, it is a breeding ground for illegal clones, which are sold for major profits in the black market. After witnessing the death of his parents, young Fon F Littenber joins the Ilegenes Military Academy to rid the island of both its connection to the black market and its tainted name: The Genetic Sodom.”

~Baka-Updates

This manga cannot be found on OneManga unfortunately, you need to create an account on MangaTraders and download it.

This manga has mainly a sci-fic theme behind it where issues such as ethics and morals are examined. A black market for illegal cloning has been created. Chimeras and human-animal hybrids etc can be artifically formed for commericalisation.

Howvever, I feel the deeper meaning within this manga is that: it is possible that one day, our world could be like this as well. By this, I am talking about humans playing God, deciding what kind of baby will be born. With this sort of control over lives, the slippery slope theory may be proven. Morals and Ethics may crumble away, and it is not always easy to make the right decision.

For example, lets say you have a pregnant mother, who has a unborn baby within her. Amniocentesis has shown that the baby definitely has Down Syndrome. Trisomy 21. Robertsonian’s translocation. What have you. So what is the best decision here? If the baby is allowed to live, it poses a burden on both parents and the baby itself. The burden is not just financial alone. It is also physiological and psychological. The parents will not be able to take care of him/her all their lives. Who is going to bear the responsibility for a human who cannot take care of himself/herself? If the parents chose to abort it…you get my point.

Also, clones are created specifically to act as spare parts for the original human. which means that donors are no longer needed since your spare parts are literally walking around, ready if you need them.

Yes, so anyway back to the manga… Fon is a this guy with peacock eyes and black hair- almost like Teito in 07Ghost. He is a top class student, who incurrs much jealousy because of his status of son of the military institute. Similarly, Teito also suffered bullying/heckling because of his status as favoured pupil of the head of the military.

Then you have Jacques, blond Frenchman who is superbly easygoing and stays by Fon no matter what. Needless to say, he is Fon’s roommate. Fon gradually trusts and opens up to him. Almost a mirror to Mikage, Teito’s roommate, who is also similarly easy going.

anyway, a series of events pit them against the rich kids in school, who take every chance to set traps and such. They target our hero of course, and he takes measures to turn the tables against them.

The story has not progressed far, just 12 chapters are out, but it is definitely worth your time to read. Once again, really have this feeling of nostalgia. I remember around this time last year, was reading 07Ghost as well, which was only just starting out.

In short, Ilegenes is 07Ghost set in a scientific world, and grown up versions of our favourite characters.

Bonus: Pretty guys *Squeal*

If you are waiting for another chapter of 07Ghost to come out, go read this in the meantime.

And now I get back to my work…*gah*

LITTLE BOY!! SQUARED!! PLUS GYRO GRAVITATION!! PLUS MAGNETIC WORLD!!

Did someone say best action anime of the season? Or was it just me?

This was your standard Needless episode, as awesome as always. Full of GARRRR, full of panties, full of YELLING, and… full of SOLVA-TAN. ^_________^

Looks like Solva-tan’s knocked Blade off the #1 spot on my favorite Needless character list. *goes off to find a wallpaper with Solva-tan only*

Now onto a quick re-cap of what happened during this episode. The story resumes back where episode 9 left us: in the middle of  battle between Blade’s crew and the Pretty Girl Squad. Some ass kicking happens. A little bit of  W Shock Ignition, Little Boy, Gyro Gravitation, and Magnetic world. PGS (Pretty Girl Squad) goes down and then A CHALLENGER APPEARS.

Enter yet another member of the PGS (apparently there’s 47 of them): Kurumi, who has brainwashed Eve with her Black Attraction (mind control fragment). Well, technically she didn’t enter the battlefield. Kurumi then has Eve do her bidding. Eve drills hole through Adam, NOOOOOOOOOOOOO. Yamada remains useless.

Towards the end, our Adamless crew appears to be losing. I really don’t know how they’re going to pull themselves out of this one.

Will our heroes suffer at the hands of defeat? Will Yamada ever become useful? WILL I EVER FIND A WALLPAPER OF SOLVA-TAN?! Find out on the next episode of… Dragon Ball Z.