Crazy Talk Animator By Real Illusion

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I've been meaning to start doing more tech posts here on the site. I think today is a good day to get started. Yesterday I downloaded the trial version of "Crazy Talk Animator", by the company Real Illusion. The program is actually pretty cool. It's a 2D animation program, that can even let your still pictures talk. Here is two videos I did using the trial version. Another good thing about this program is you can take the head of a picture, then place it on an animated body. FYI the trial version has a watermark there, so I couldn't remove it. Just a few more facts the program only takes up 109 MB on your computer. It comes with easy tutorials and is very user friendly. It's worth a download. Check it out.

Nobody's talking but Justin


Let's Dance


Saitama Chainsaw Girl (Manga Review)

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Title: Saitama Chainsaw Girl
Author: Sakurazaka Hiroshi
Illustrator: Uguisu Kagura
Number Of Volumes: 6
Pages: 192


Story - Kirisaki Fumio's is just an average girl, with an average life and average girl problem. Well not really average life. Kirisaki is a girl who has fallen in love with a boy name Takumi. They started dating for a while, until a new student came to school and Takumi left Kirisaki. What transpire is Kirisaki going into deep depression. Until one day she decides to take matters into her own hands. Kirisaki decides to end it all, and go to school with her chainsaw and kill her boyfriend and herself.

You would think a storyline this dark will have some serious depth to it. Instead we get a story with poor execution. The character of Kirisaki was done very well. I like how Sakurazaka Hiroshi examines how a heartbreak can affect a girl, who is anti-social. He paints a picture of a girl whose whole world was her boyfriend, and when that world is taken you see a woman who is in a dark place. The story has a wonderful build up that leads to the chainsaw killings. The problem is the ending is a huge cop out and will leave you dissatisfied. If you don't want a spoiler then read no further. Okay Kirisaki's best friend Kaoruko, says that the new girl is actually an alien and she is on the run from other alien assassins. Kirisaki and Kaoruko turn out to be friends that are old souls, and they have a life connection. They made a pact that everything Kaoruko says will be true. With Kirisaki being heartbroken she can't believe Kaoruko claims. This causes a rift in the relationship and they eventually stop talking, which leads Kirisaki into severe depression. Here is what makes this story disappointing Kaoruko was right! After Kirisaki chainsaw massacre happens, she wakes up and Kaoruko tells her that her boyfriend is gone. That the alien took him and now Kirisaki has to find him. All the build up was for nothing!The killings never happen, and it was pointless. Also if your wondering how can a high school girl wield a chainsaw. Kirisaki grandfather is an American who had a lumberjack company, and trained her in the arts of Chainsaw Martial Arts. Yes Chainsaw Martial Arts! I know sounds really crazy.

Art


The chainsaw massacre was great. Blood spills, heads get chopped off and Kirisaki looks cool doing it. There is very good detail in the environments and I love how the facial expressions are used. I also enjoy the way the shots were drawn, not to many splash pages and it has great pacing.

Final Grade C-/7.0 - Very, very disappointing. Saitama Chainsaw Girl has great artwork, wonderful build up, but poor execution on the ending and some characters.

Anime Videogames: The Hits & Misses (Part 1)

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Today I wanted to create a list of the hits and misses. Now before we start the list. I just want to say the hits and misses are based on gameplay and whether the game capture the soul of the Anime. Here is Part 1. Part 2 will be soon.

Robotech: Battlecry (PS2, Gamecube, XBOX)


The Hit: Robotech Battlecry gameplay wise capture the Robotech universe. You had the three modes the Guardian, Fighter and Battleloid modes. The game was fighter shooter with players having to protect convoy's, destroy aliens, etc. The voices from the original series were all there.

The Miss: The story was a miss. Jack Archer was not an interesting character. The drama that Robotech is known for was missing. You didn't really have no real connections to the characters, for that reason it was also a disappointment.

Gungrave Overdose (PS2)


The Hit: Brandon Heat kicks major ass. There is a enough gunplay in this game to even satisfy a shooter fanboy. The world of Brandon Heat is capture very well. This game was a sleeper hit on the PS2.

The Miss: The gameplay can get a little repetitive. Also some of the voice acting is a little over the top.

Eureka Seven: New Wave & New Vision (PS2)


The Hit: This is the prequel to Eureka Seven. You follow the story of Sumner and his friends. Through the two games you will learn what Moondoggie was doing. What Holland was doing? Also you'll learn how and who gave Eureka the Nirvash. The story is actually pretty good and a great tie in to the series.

The Miss: The gameplay is a miss. Piloting the Mech's are decent enough. However when your doing missions on foot, the combat system is horrible. Also not enough of Renton and Eureka at all.

Yu Yu Hakusho Dark Tournament (PS2)


The Hit: It captures and tells the story of the Dark Tournament saga almost perfectly. All the voices and characters are here. The gameplay is so, so depending on your taste in fighting games.

The Miss: It's missing the original soundtrack from the show. Also Toguro is nearly impossible to beat.

Ghost In The Shell Stand Alone Complex (PS2)


The Hit: Great story, great voice acting from the cast. The gameplay is pretty quite good as well.

The Miss: The jumping physics isn't really that good, the final boss is disappointing. Also the multiplayer aspect wasn't that great either.

Mobile Suit Gundam 0079 (Wii)


The Hit: First person Mech game. The controls were awesome, the graphic were neat. Voice actors from all the Gundam 0079 are there. Also the 08th MS Team is in there.

The Miss: It's Japan only.

Lupin The 3rd Treasure Of The Sorcerer King (PS2)


The Hit: It captures Lupin very well. Players have to use stealth, change outfits, solve puzzles in order to get the treasures. The music is wonderful.

The Miss: Poor execution on gameplay, it feels stiff and combat is horrible.

Jump Ultimate Superstars (DS)


The Hit: So many Anime characters to name in a all out brawl. Gameplay reminds you of Super Smash Brothers but Anime style. Very addictive game.

The Miss: Only in Japan.

Dead Flowers (Manga Review)

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Title: Dead Flowers
Author: Takahashi Tsutomu
Illustrator: Takahashi Tsutomu
Number Of Volumes: 1
Pages: 62


Story - "Running about desperately trying to escape reality. But what will you find beneath it's surface?" These are the words utter by the main character Shuuko Souma. Shukko is a woman that rides her bike to escape the reality of life. One night on her usual route, she encounters a car accident. Shukko finds a boy in the car and calls the hospital. When they arrive at the hospital, she meets the boys sister and they become friends. She tells Shuuko the history of her brother's condition and why he tries to kill himself. We found out that their parents dies when he was five. The entire town kept the deaths from him for a year. Once he found out he has been in serious depression. The sister who name is Ayauima asks Shukko to talk to him. Shukko talks to him and he reveals that he can see sounds. Dead Flowers is a well written story. The characters are very interesting especially Shukko. Shukko is running from something as well, which I won't reveal but the story is really great. I enjoyed theme of running, but I did find the seeing sounds thing a little bit out of place. However towards the ending it makes sense.

Art


I really like the art style in this one. The thing that stuck with me in terms of art style was the facial expressions. The facial expressions of the characters faces really brings the story. The environments on the other hand are ok, but not really the best. Their is a lot of use of close up shots but that isn't a bad thing. Overall the art work does it's job.

Final Grade B- The story will keep you interesting till the end. The journey of finding the reason of why the characters are running away is a pleasure. The ending leaves you with hope and wanting to find out more. Final Grade B-.

Ouran High School Host Club Fanfic Ch. 2

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This is my New Years gift to all of my friends and supporters of the site. Love all of you guys and Happy New Year!

"Why are you so Obsessed with Me?" The Hostess with the Mostest

Anime Angel: Hello and welcome to the Host Club.

(In case you guys are wondering a job for a lady host like me, is to greet our guest by taking their belongings. I was an attendant).

Tamaki: Oh Angel! There is someone who wants you!

Anime Angel:(gets excited) Really!?!

Tamaki: Yes he's right over there on the balcony.

Haruhi: (with sweat drop) When did we get a balcony. Never mind. i shouldn't be surprised anymore.

(Angel walks over to the balcony and there stands her customer. He is tall, slim but has muscles. has a carmel skin tone and dark brown hair. He is looking at the sky.)

Anime Angel: Hello. It's a beautiful day isn't it?


(The boy speaks) Yes it is. I love to watch beautiful things, like you.

Anime Angel:(blushes) um but I don't even know you. Don't get the wrong idea for saying this but....

The Boy: But you want to know why I requested you in the first place with the fact of never meeting me. Well (turns around in slow dramatic anime motion) ever since I laid my eyes on you, I knew you was special.

Anime Angel: (blushes. I just notice, he has sapphire eyes) Oh well i'll take that as a compliment. Well if your going to be my client, I must know your name.

Rengi: I'm Rengi Heero.

Anime Angel: And you can just call me Angel. Shall we go inside. I'll get some tea.

Rengi: Of course. I would like that.

(Angel and Rengi are sitting at a coffee table near a big window. Everyone in the host club is peeping around the furniture wondering what they are talking about).

Tamaki: (whispers to Kyoya) Hey Kyoya what do you think of this young man Angel is seeing?

Kyoya: Well lets see (opens up his mysterious black book). Rengi Heero is a straight A student, is the son of a well-known doctor, lives in a lavish mansion and is in Angel's class grade.

Hikaru and Karou: How come we haven't notice him before?

Haruhi: Maybe because you two did and just ignored his existence.

Haruhi: Whether he is in our class or not, I'm happy for Angel.

(Everyone looks at Haruhi)

Haruhi: She finally has a client and looks very happy. Actually, she seems smittened by Rengi.

Honey: You can tell just by looking at them?

Tamaki: Ok guys. Let's stop snooping and start working.

Everyone: Ok.

(Back to the coffee table)

Anime Angel: (laughs) Wow so you got stuck in the tree?

Rengi; Well I was young and naive and apperently not a good boy scout since I couldn't get down.

Anime Angel:(laughs hestrically)

(The school bell rings)

Anime Angel: Oh. Well that bell means our meeting is over for today.

Rengi: (Stands) Can I come visit you again?

Anime Angel; Of course. Anytime the Host Club is open I will be here. Besides they probably have me on door duty again.

Rengi: I won't let that happen. I made up my mind, I'm going to visit everyday.

Hikaru: I don't like the sound of that.

Karou: Yeahh he seems kind of... off.

Kyoya: Well Hikaru from your experience with judging boys before, I don't think you should be talking. (Hikaru grimaces and talks to himself recalling the events at Haruhi's dad's friend's bed and breakfast). However I want to see how this will play out.

A week later

Anime Angel: Welcome to the Host Club. Welcome to the Host Club. Welcome to... Oh hi Rengi.

Rengi: I did say I was coming back.

Anime Angel: (saying this in a uneasy way) Yep you sure did. (Yeah you keep saying that ever since last week).

Kyoya: So Haruhi do you think Angel is still smittened by Rengi Heero?

(Kyoya looks at other girls behind him) Kyoya: Pay up.

Hikaru and Karou: You took bets to see if this relatonship would work out?!

Haruhi: That's low even for you Senpai. (Damn rich people) Anyway, at this point no. Have you noticed that Daisuke had gotten to be really....

Hikaru: Creepy?

Karou: A creeper?

Hikaru and Karou: A creepy creeper?

Tamaki: I can tell just from standing over here. That guy is way too clingy.

Girls: (screams) Angel! Are you okay?

(Angel is on the floor with a bruise on her cheek and tea all over her dress).

Anime Angel:Daisuke! Listen to me. You will regret hitting me first off. Second, what is going on with you?

Tamaki: What is going on? (Helping Angel up) Are you okay?

Anime Angel: Yes. i'll be fine.

Rengi: This b**** says i should stop coming here. (turns to Angel) I loved you and I know you had the same feelings I did.

Mori:Time for you to leave.

Honey: Yeah we don't want a person like you around here again. (gives a raseberry)

Rengi: Fine. But soon Angel you will be mine. I won't rest!

Anime Angel: Thanks guys I appreciate it.

Hikaru and Karou: What can we say he was a total tool.

Kyoya: (writes in book then looks up) At least Angel is okay. Although the client you had had an obsession and tried to kill you. I never factored him in my information with that sort of temper. Now your back to no clients.

Anime Angel: Guess I'll be at that door for a while greeting everybody huh?

Haruhi: Actually their are a lot of boys who want to meet you.

All:Huh?

(Behind Haruhi was a line of boys)

One of the boys: After seeing you stand up against that lunatic, we really want to get to know you. Trust me a lot of boys here are not like him.

Anime Angel: (laughs) I guess it became a happy ending after all.


Okay so my last client wasn't exactly boyfriend material but I think I found my new favorite client. Who knows maybe I'm falling in love with this guy!


Next Chapter 3 "Game Over! I Seemed to Lost the Game Of Love."

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

All: We'll see you then!

International Superheroes (France)

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We are back on the International Superhero radar. This time the location we journey into is France, to see what Superheroes they have. Here are some of our findings.

Arthur le Fantome Justicier (Arthur The Phantom Justice)


Arthur The Phantom Justice was created by Jean Cezard. Arthur is a ghost child who has travel through parts of history. His powers are flying through walls, not being able to be harmed by physical hits, he can also time travel by his own will. No time machine needed for this hero of justice.

Cosmo


Cosmo had a short lived run. But we like the way he looks so we gave him a spot. Cosmo is a Prince who travels with his girlfriend Yana, a kid name Punky and a robot name Bibip. They are traveling the galaxy to escape the evil ruler Rexor.

Mikros


Mikros follows the story of three friends Mike Ross, Bobby Crabb and Priscilla Conway. These three people were mutated into a insect humanoids, by the evil alien race called the Svizz. Together they must stop the Svizz plans from taking over earth. Mikros powers are strength, flight and the ability to shrink.

Felina


Felina will remind many of Batman and Robin. Her parents are dead, she is rich and used to be in the circus. After her rich husband is killed, she decides to use her training and skills learned at the circus to fight crime.

Tenebrax


Tenebrax follows the story of Edgar Dunor an author and his friend Doum. Together they discover the plans of Tenebrax. Tenebrax is an evil mad scientist who plans to take over Paris, with his army of evil super smart rats.