Otakus & Geeks Origins (Justin's How I Became An Otaku Story)

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As I stated on Twitter the team will be giving our readers a glimpse into our world. The site is going to be taking a more serious tone. Before we start tackling the serious issues. I thought I share you with a 3 part origin story. The first two are fun and the third will reveal more about me. My hopes for part 3 is to uplift other geeks who are still in that situation. Well here is the story of how I became an Otaku.

How did you become an Otaku?

My brother used to watch "Dragonball" on Channel 11 in NYC. It used to come on around 5:30 am. Besides "Robotech" that was the only Anime I ever knew at that age of 7. I really didn't know the difference between cartoons and Anime. I was watching shows like "Thundercats", "Rugrats", "Darkwing Duck", "Superfriends", and "The Real Adventures Of Jonny Quest." Just to name a few. However what attracted me to Anime was the mature themes of the shows. "Dragonball" and "Robotech" had something that "Jonny Quest" didn't. These shows had more heart and a better story. Even at a young age I was always attracted, to stories that had real human emotions. Characters that had obstacles or personal issues such as love, death and insecurity. The stories is what hooked me to Anime. I remember always waking up early to catch the next episode of "Robotech." Sadly Channel 11 stop running Anime shows in the morning. That is when I started watching the Sci-Fi channel's Anime Block.

On the Sci-Fi channel, is the first time I watch "Akira." When I first saw "Akira" I was blown away and feel in love with it. The animation, the story and that cool ass bike that Kaneda rides (I still want that bike). Just like any young boy what I really love was the violence. I loved every minute of Tetsuo's rampage especially when he turned into the giant body parts. It just blew me away. Sadly Sci-Fi stop airing Anime soon after. Then I had to actually buy import Anime VHS tapes. Yes I said import VHS tapes. My friend and I would go to Jamaica Ave and buy all the DBZ movies they had. For only 5 bucks a tape can you really beat that? Plus DBZ was no where dubbing Broly yet. I would also watch Anime on the International channel and that was without subtitles. I didn't care all I wanted to do was study the animation, try to figure out the story and get to know the characters. Trust me younger readers when I tell you this. You have it really good, when it comes to Anime. Anime is everywhere now. In the early 90's it was hard to get Anime. It wasn't that popular in the USA or at least near my area.

What do you love about Anime?

What I love about Anime is that it brought me to another culture. It introduced me to J-Pop, J-Rock and other forms of storytelling that I didn't know. If you watch Anime, chances are you will read Manga. I remember it took me five minutes to realize I was reading the Manga wrong. I have a huge respect and love for the creators over there in Japan. The way they do their storytelling and how they approach a character is so unique.

How did people such as friends, family and classmates treat you as an Otaku?

I only had one friend at that time who liked Anime. A lot of people didn't get it. Many people thought I was some African American kid trying to be Japanese. At that time mostly everyone was focusing on the boy bands. This was also the time period where I was getting my ass kicked at school. Yeah getting bullied was fun (will explain that in part 3). Anime was kind of a way for me to escape that and a tool to explore my creative power. It wasn't till Toonami when people consider me cool. I loved Toonami but also hated it. You know the feeling you get when you have a gem, then others discover it and it's not a gem no more? That's how I felt about when Anime became huge in the USA. My classmates would come up to me and say "Did you see SSJ Goku?" I would laugh and say "Did you see SSJ 2 Gohan?" I was always ahead of everyone in Anime. When they were watching The Cell Saga, I was watching GT.

Are you more of an Otaku today than you were yesterday?
I'm more an Otaku today because there is endless material to watch and study. There are Anime's and characters that I haven't seen yet. I want to know these characters and see what issues they have. I want to see what makes them tick or what makes them happy. As a writer and soon to be author Anime plays a big inspiration for me. I will be studying Anime till the casket drops.

As an Otaku what is your favorite genre? How did you get into it?

My favorite genre is the Mech/ Sci-fi genre. For some strange reason I'm drawn to Mechs. I think it's in my blood, since my Grandfather was in the Air Force. Ever since I was little I've had this desire to fly. You'll find out in part 2 that I' am a natural pilot in flight games. I got into Mech because I love the ability to control a huge cyborg and destroy stuff. Plus "Robotech" really made me love Mechs. I also feel that the Anime's that focus on Mechs, have a better conflict, love story and emotional build up. There is always something going on in Mech Anime's.


Finally what were some of the challenges of being an Otaku?

Growing up I just had to face the ignorance of the people who didn't get it. People would say to me "Oh how old are you again and your still watching cartoons?" People didn't understand why a lot of us love Anime and Manga. I also had to deal with my own culture calling me a sellout. "Oh you trying to be Asian, you need to be more Black." "I guess this means you only going date Asian girls now." Finally the big Otaku stereotype. "You like Anime, eww your a pervert." I had to explain to people time and time again that Anime is not Hentai. Other than that I had no real challenges of an Otaku. However being a geek overall I had some hurdles which you will read in part 3.

Thanks for reading part 1. Next is part 2. How I became a Gamer/Movie Geek.

Ouran High School Host Club Fanfic

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You all waited for my Ouran Fanfic and here it is. If you guys have any other anime I can write about, let me know. I'll see what I can do. Sorry to keep you waiting. I've been busy with life. lol. Hope you enjoy it! Anime Rules!!!!!!!!!
P.S Be kind with comments.

Ouran Academy

Anime Angel: I heard that my good friend Haruhi Fujioka got into the most fabulous (and expensive) school in all of Japan: Ouran Academy. I wonder what she'd say when I tell her that I'm enrolling in Ouran as well (giggle).

(Intro- Sakura Kiss. Narrate Title)

A Girl New to the Club

Anime Angel: Let's see... It says here that Haruhi is in the music room.

(Walking down the hallways and going up the stairs. Finally reaches destination)

Anime Angel: Oh here it is. Well the moment of truth....

(opens door and rose petals fly through the door. Then the entire club is standing right inside).

Ouran Host Club: Welcome!

Anime Angel: What the... O.o (Did I just pick the wrong room or I'm I dreaming that dreamy boys are welcoming me inside).

Anime Angel: I'm sorry> I must have gotten the wrong room. I;m looking for Haruhi Fujioka. Although I don't think she is here so I'll...

Tamaki: (glides over and holds Anime Angel in his arms. Looks at her romantically)
So my dear you want to see Haruhi right?

Anime Angel: (Totally taken back) Well... I (Why the hell I'm I so nervous? Its just a regular cute boy that happened to be holding me like a princess. No problem. Nothing I haven't experienced before...hehehe... Oh who am I kidding I'm soo screwed).

Hikaru and Kaoru: Boss I think you popped her personal bubble.

Anime Angel: I just wanted to um...

Tamaki: Its Tamaki my princess.

Anime Angel: (Oh boy never mind what I was thinking before. Does he do this to every girl he sees?).

Haruhi: Come on Tamaki-senpai. Leave this girl alone. (To me) Are you okay?

Anime Angel: Yes thank you.

Tamaki: What did I do that was so wrong Haruhi?

Anime Angel: (What, is that really Haruhi? I would never have guessed).

Haruhi: Let's see what you did wrong. You terrified this poor girl by invading her personal space. Some girls don't like to be that close to a guy until that guy buys dinner and a movie first!

Tamaki: (starts to whimper) B-but... Mommy! (turns to Kyoya). Mommy Haruhi yelled at me!

Kyoya: Well it's true. Sometime syou can go over board with your constant flirting.

Honey: Tama-chan does do things overboard. Please forgive him.

Mori: Hmmm.

Tamaki: (sulks in corner).

Anime Angel: I didn't mean to upset him or anything. I was looking for a long time friend Haruhi Fujioka.

Haruhi: (Points to self) You mean me?

Anime Angel: Yes. I'm Angel your best friend since Pre-K.

Haruhi: Oh my God! It is you. It's been a while. You've changed a bit since I last saw you.

Anime Angel: And you've changed ALOT since I last saw you. If don't mind me asking, why are you dressed as a boy?

Haruhi: It's a long story. Come and sit. I'll explain everything.

(An hour later. Tamaki still sulking in the corner).

Anime Angel: So you you've become a host just to pay the club back from the vase you broke.

Hikaru and Kaoru: Yep thats right and she has been our "toy" ever since.

Haruhi: (punches the twins) I'll pretend I didn't hear that (Damn rich people).

Anime Angel: Well I'm glad you made good friends here. I was wondering, if it isn't any trouble, can I be a host to?

Ouran Club: What?!?!?!?!?!?!!?!?!?!?

(Hears mechanical laughter. Then feels something rotating out of the ground).

Hikaru: Oh damn she's here!

Anime Angel: What is going on?

Kaoru: Here comes the Attack of Renge: Otaku Queen! (and manager)

Renge: (Cosplaying as Keiko from Yu Yu Hakusho) So you want to become a host huh? WEll then I guess it's time for your training to begin! I won't go easy on you!

Anime Angel: Alright I'm ready.

3 hours later

Renge: Presenting Angel, our new Hostess.

(Comes out of the changing room wearing the girls uniform)

Anime Angel: After all of the excitement I forgot to mention but I'm enrolling here too.

Honey: Wow Angel-kun, you are so cute.

Tamaki: Well this can't be helped but Angel, WELCOME TO THE HOST CLUB!

Anime Angel: (giggle)
(Next Episode)
Well it's my first day being a host and so far everything is well and I get to have my first costumer. However this particular costumer won't leave me alone. What should I do?

On the next Ouran "Why are you so Obsessed with Me?" The Hostess with the Mostest.

Tamaki: The Ouran Host Club will be waiting for you.

Everyone: We'll see you then! ^0^




Sword of the Stranger Review

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If you like dismemberment, overly bloody fight scenes and great art, then "Sword of the Stranger" is for you.

When I decided to rent "Sword of the Stranger". I didn't really know much about it. The summary on the back of the case gave a generic explanation of the plot and the main characters names. However, while watching this movie something happened that I didn't expect. Just twenty minutes into the movie I was sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for the next fight scene. I realize how weird that sounds, that the main plot wasn't what kept me watching, but I've got the be honest. The skillful art that made up the scripted fight sequences is really what keeps this movie apart from many others.

"Sword of the Stranger" is about a young boy, Kotarou, and his dog, Tobimaru, running away from what is later explained as the Chinese Ming Dynasty Army. While stopping for the evening he comes across a samurai who has no name. While Kotaru is reluctant for help, he realizes he doesn't have much of an option after Tobimaru is injured protecting him from an attack. Kotarou "employees" No-Name as his body guard and the two begin their journey to get Kotarou to a place he believes will protect him from the dangers following so closely.

As soon as the title menu appears there is a mesmerizing melody that draws you in to starting the movie. It is well orchestrated score that has the ability to take the viewer on a journey all its own. It encompasses the mood and intensity of each sequence accented by the fluid animation and captivating art.

The movie is pretty formulaic as far as the characters. They are generic and follow a pattern of growth much expected. Kotarou while he doesn't want the help, realizes he needs it. He starts off bratty and "independent". As Kotraou and No-Name continue their journey together, he is able to soften his attitude and once again act his true age. No-Name reveals a secret about himself and the two create a bond much like that of brothers, it's not revolutionary character development. Don't get me wrong, the characters may follow a formula, but it is undeniable that the presentation of this movie makes up for this. It doesn't over load the viewer with too much or become convoluted. By doing this the viewer is able to follow the story and see the beauty of the relationship, as simple as that may be.



The area where this anime sets itself apart from the rest are the fight sequences and how well done that are. It's hard to get over how amazing these confrontations become throughout the movie. Though the film may follow a formula seen before, it differs in the perfect execution of the fighting, both in movement and art style. Each encounter between enemies has beautifully drawn movements and bloody dismemberments, building the anticipation and excitement which drive the movie along. It all leads up to ad jaw dropping climax, the final confrontation of the movie. The scenes execution is done seamlessly without any moments of perforation to interrupt their encounter, until only one is left standing, not only having defeated their enemy, but a past that has long haunted them. This movie is 2D animation, yet captures fluid motions expected to only be achievable in 3D sequences. It really pushes the boundaries of hand drawn animations' capability. (It is noted that 3D was used in the making of this film, however, it was only used when trying to show the depth of things such as arrows flying past.)

This movie is one of the most simple, yet crowd pleasing stories I have ever watched. As long as you like action, you will like this movie. The execution of the story doesn't leave you disinterested in any part. It doesn't over complicate the relationship of put in confusing twists. It's a story you can follow and enjoy because of who the characters are and who they become.

I really don't believe there will be many who don't like this movie. There's few things in the movie to dislike. I realize that story wise there is nothing in the movie that hasn't been done before, but once you see the exquisitely numerated fight scenes it will be apparent why this movie is a one of kind and must see film.







Justin's AMV'S

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Justin here bringing you a collection of all the AMV's I have done so far. It's in order from my very first to my latest one. My AMV's mostly focus on romance and drama. I feel that the human emotions are more harder to capture in AMV's. Choosing the right song for that emotion is always the challenge. Make sure you vote on the poll of which one you like best.

1. Boys Be... (Close To You) - This was my first ever AMV. This is when I fully became an Otaku. You can't be an Otaku without doing at least one AMV. I used the song "Close To You" by Utada Hikaru. I used the anime Boys Be... to capture emotion of longing for someones love.



2. First Kiss (My Angel) - This was my second amv. I used the song "Shooting Stars" by Kelis featuring Pharell. I wanted to show people that, you don't just have to use Rock and J-pop for AMV'S. The anime used is called "First Kiss Ova."




3. Perfect Blue (The Darkness) - I had a lot of fun with my 3rd AMV. Perfect Blue is very hard anime to pull off in the AMV world. The song I used is "O.R.T" By Mary Elizabeth McGlynn. It's from the Silent Hill Origins soundtrack. I think I capture that psychological, fear emotion.



4. Grave Of Fireflies (Memories) - I knew I wanted to do a Grave Of Fireflies AMV. However I didn't know what song would capture, the emotion, the pain and horror of the film. Then I went into my music archives and remember Alicia Keys song "The Life." This in my personal opinion is the best one and my favorite one.



5. Voices Of The Distant Star (The Message) - My latest AMV using the anime "Voices Of The Distant Star." The song used is "1000 Words Orchestrated" By Sweetbox, its from the Final Fantasy X-2 Soundtrack. I wanted to capture the emotion of being far from someone you love. Check it out.



Vote on our poll of which AMV you like best. My next AMv will be "Cowboy Bebop."

XBLA Sale:Everything Must Go!!

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Amazing Xbox Live Arcade sale!! This list comes from Major Nelson. I know it looks to good to be true but he's a reliable source.

I will be picking up Shadow Complex and Uno Rush, off to buy some MS points....

Starting Monday June 14th:

Shadow Complex - 560 Points ($7) / Originally 1200 Points
Trials HD – 560 Points ($7) / Originally 1200 Points
Marvel vs. Capcom 2 – 560 Points ($7) / Originally 1200 Points
TMNT Turtles in Time HD – 400 Points ($5) / Originally 800 Points
‘Splosion Man – 400 Points ($5) / Originally 800 Points

On sale from June 16th to June 22nd (the Inventory Blowout Sale):

A Kingdom for Keflings - 400 Points ($5) / Originally 800 Points
Alien Hominid HD – 400 ($5) / Originally 800 Points
Banjo Tooie – 800 ($10) / Originally 1200 Points
Bionic Commando Rearmed – 400 ($5) / Originally 800 Points
Bomberman LIVE – 400 ($5) / Originally 800 Points
Braid - 800 ($10) / Originally 1200 Points
Castle Crashers — 800 ($10) / Originally 1200 Points
Castlevania Symphony of the Night 400 ($5) / Originally 800 Points
Contra – 240 ($3) / Originally 400 Points
Crystal Defenders – 400 ($5) / Originally 800 Points
Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2 – 400 ($5) / Originally 800 Points
Magic the Gathering – 400 ($5) / Originally 800 Points
N+ – 400 ($5) / Originally 800 Points
Panzer General – 400 ($5) / Originally 800 Points
Portal – 800 ($10) / Originally 1200 Points
TMNT: 1989 Arcade – 240 ($3) / Originally 400 Points
Uno Rush – 400 ($5) / Originally 800 Points
Vandal Hearts: Flames of Judgment 800 ($10) / Originally 1200 Points
Zombie Apocalypse – 400 ($5) / Originally 800 Points

Deleted Scenes From The Star Wars Prequels

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Here are some deleted scenes from the Star Wars Prequels. Some scenes I felt shouldn't been cut, because they gave a backstory on certain characters. Watch these scenes and you really see it was filmed on blue screen.

Star Wars Episode 1 Deleted Scenes

Dawn Before The Race



Extended Taxi Sequence


The Waterfall Sequence


Star Wars Episode II Deleted Scenes I actually like the scene with Padme, it gave her a backstory.


Star Wars Episode III Deleted Scenes I felt they should of kept the Yoda scene at the end.


Visitor Q Review

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Once in a while I come across a film that leaves me completely stunned. It's a rare thing when this happens to me. However Takashi Miike has done just that with his disturbing film "Visitor Q." Just a warning this review contains spoilers on certain scenes.

Story - "Have you ever done it with your Dad?" is the first text you see in Visitor Q. When I saw that, I thought what the hell did I get myself into. The movie then proceeds to show Miki a young prostitute, who is trying to get her father to sleep with her. The father agrees and films the act for his documentary on Japanese youth. Then the movie gets crazy from there. Let me sum it spoiler free here. The father is filming a documentary on Japanese youth. The daughter is a prostitute. The son is getting bullied and is abusive to his mother. Boy believe when I tell you, he beats the hell out of her. The mother is a drug addict, who likes getting abused and likes to get milked from her boobs. Does this sound crazy enough? What if I told you the father gets a hard on from watching his son get bullied, and then he bangs a dead body. But why is this called "Visitor Q?" well because some dude with no name,comes freeloading and in his own way gets the family back to whatever is normal for them. There is more but I want you to be shock when you watch it.

Visitor Q Trailer


Acting - Here is the cast below.

Kenichi Endo as Kiyoshi Yamazaki, the father
Shungicu Uchida as Keiko Yamazaki, the mother
Fujiko as Miki Yamazaki, the daughter
Jun Mutō as Takuya Yamazaki, the son
Kazushi Watanabe as The Visitor

The acting is very good. Trust me you will be disturb by the performances. Especially Kenichi Endo as Kiyoshi Yamazaki who is the father. His performance is very disturbing. That guy's performance made me say whoa especially the dead body scene. Every actor really shows their skills and in a movie like this you have too. It plays with your mind and not for the weak at heart.

Final Grade B+ - Visitor Q gets a B+ this movie is disturbing, weird and disgusting. I need to get my head checked out for liking this film. Leave your mind at the door and you will enjoy it. Or you will be totally disturbed.

Mobile Suit Gundam: MS Sensen 0079 (Wii Import Review)

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At last I have return back to my true gamer form. I' am happy to say that I have returned back to playing Japanese imports. This is the first import I have brought in ten years since Dragonball GT. I was originally looking for Fatal Frame 4 which is only a Japan release. However I couldn't find it, so I brought Mobile Suit Gundam: MS Sensen 0079. I'm a huge Anime Mech fan and I love Gundam so I knew I would enjoy it. However Gundam games have a history of sucking. Is this the case for this game?

Story - The story follows the events of the year U.C. 0079. That is the first Gundam, Gundam 0079 and the 08th MS team. You won't play the game as the main characters. However you play as new recruits for either the Earth Federation Forces or Zeon Forces. Since I don't understand Japanese I can't give you the full core of the story. However the cut scenes are just mission briefings.

Gameplay - This game is a First Person Mech Simulation. It plays similar to many FPS on the Wii. You will control the mobile suits with both Wii Mote and the Nunchuck's. The Wii Mote is used to aim and shoot. Aim with the Wii Mote and press B to shoot. The A button brings out your Gundam beam weaponry sword. When you use this swing your Wii Mote up, down, left or right. If the Zeon scum also have their sword and attack at the same time, you will engage in a tug of war. Simply shake the Wii Mote as fast you can to win. The Z button is used to jump or speed up with your thrusters. The C button is used to lock on to your enemies. The d-pad is used to zoom into your enemies. Finally the 1 button is used to command your squad in nine different formations.

The missions can get very repetitive, however it is very fun. The missions usually involved you doing a few things, protecting convoy, other pilots or destroying Zeon fighters or locations. This doesn't mean that the game is easy. Actually the levels can get very challenging. This is why it's important to know the formation and where to send your team. There is also a cool underwater level in this game. The A.I. ranges from smart to dumb. Some Zeon pilots just stand there and let you shoot them. Then on the other hand the A.I. plans and execute very well, to give you a mission failed. In addition to the story mode, there is an ace pilot mode where you play as the Gundam characters such as Amuro and Shiro. Finally this wouldn't be a mech game without customization. You are able to customize your Gundam from colors, weapons and even change mobile suits. However you must earn enough points in the missions to buy. I suggest you get a B or higher like I did.

Gameplay Video


Graphics - The graphics are pretty impressive. The Gundams and Zeons look wonderful. It makes me wonder if Japan keeps all the good games to themselves. There is a few texture issues on some levels, however it's nothing that would ruin your experience. I had no framerate problems. I only wish that the map was a little bigger on some levels.

Sound - The sound is straight from the Anime. From the engine's and some of the voice actors. The music has a great Gundam feel and really makes you feel like you are apart of the anime. Put this game on surround sound and your neighbors will be calling the cops.

Replay Value - This is a fun game to play. The additions of Ace Pilot Mode and the ability to play with the Zeon Forces will keep you going.

Final Grade B+ - The Final Grade is a B+. This actually a fun Gundam game. Good controls, great modes and great sound. However I wish the maps were bigger and some missions are repetitive. Is it worth the high price import? I brought it for 50 bucks if you can find it cheaper than suit up.

Mortal Kombat Rebirth Movie?

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This trailer or short film has been on Youtube. If this is the direction Mortal Kombat is going I say hell yes. Michael Jai White as Jax is perfect casting. If this a legit trailer then I say bring it on. What do you my gamer geeks of this? Does this look better than the first movie? Or is this just a trailer for the new MK game? Either way this has brought me back on the MK radar.



IPhone 4 Revealed

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Yesterday Steve Jobs revealed the Iphone 4. The price will range from 200 to 300 dollars. Check out the videos below and tell us what you think of it. I like the video calling feature. However I bet Japan been had that technology in their phones like in 2005. I would join the Iphone team but I don't like AT&T. Also the fact they are taking the unlimited plan is enough for me to say no.