XXXHolic Review
/Story
Kimihiro Watanuki is an average high school student; except for the fact that he is chased by ghost and specters his entire life. Its a curse that he wants to get rid of. His wish comes true when he stumbles across this mysterious shop. A force drags him inside where he meets Yuko, a witch who can grant wishes for a price. He has to work in Yuko's shop to pay off his debt for taking the curse away. Well, demons and specters aren't chasing him anymore but they are going after others whether they lie, cheat, greedy etc. There are no such things as coincidences...
Thoughts
This is one of my favorite animes of all time. Everything about this show is magical and deep. In the end Yuko makes you think twice about life and makes you wonder if things happen for a reason or by chance. I love the dynamic of the show and the humor of Watanuki.
Voice Acting
Once again, Funimation did an awesome job. Todd Haberkorn plays Watanuki, Colleen Clinkenbeard as Yuko, J Micheal Tatum plays a character named Domoki and Chearmi Leigh plays a girl named Himawari. There are other voice actors that I haven't mentioned but some will recognize if you listen carefully. Everyone did an awesome job. They bring so much to each character it's amazing!!!!!
Animation/Sound
The animation is awesome. Its in CLAMP style for those who are familiar with Tsubasa Chronicles and Chobits. I love the music. It gives off of a mysterious tone. I especially love the opening and closing songs.
Rating
I gives this anime a A+. As a little side note I want to thank you guys for supporting us. We all work really hard and it shows by having you guys write, comment and subscribe to us. I consider it a blessing. I just wanted to give you guys a shout out. Thank you being our fans!!!!
^-^ Anime Rules!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rurouni Kenshin OVA: Trust & Betrayal Streaming Live On August 19th
/Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes Review
/Story - An origin story set in present day San Francisco, where man's own experiments with genetic engineering lead to the development of intelligence in apes and the onset of a war for supremacy. That is the story synopsis.
Rise Of The Planet The Apes is an origin story of how the Apes began to evolve. The story follows Will Rodman (James Franco), a scientist who is close to a scientific breakthrough to not only improve the human mental condition, but also cure Alzheimer's. In order to get funding for Human trials, Will first tested his new miracle drug on Apes. As time progresses the Apes grew smarter and little too smart. For the sake of keeping this spoiler free, I won't go into details on how the Apes rise. If you are concern with the story, you can relax and be happy to know that the story is wonderful. Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes is pack with a rich story with tons of social commentary. One of the themes I really enjoyed was fate and greed. Will Rodman's father is suffering from Alzheimer's, this situation puts Will in a must not fail case. However he sees the danger's of the drug, but his fear of losing things close to him, causes him to continue with the drug. The story is engaging and the real driving force of it is the apes themselves. Seeing the world from their eyes is the real joy. Especially the main character Ceaser, unlike Transformers which focus more on the humans than the robots. Rise The Planet Of The Apes made sure the Apes were the main focus. Every Ape emotion is told through facial expressions, hand gestures and you really connect with them, you will find yourself cheering them than fearing them. The story does lack a character development on certain characters like Freida Pinto character Caroline Aranha. She is kind of introduce like this the love interest and that's it. Her character although she is the supportive character, you kind of wish you knew more about her. However this doesn't effect the film at all. The film as great storytelling, with everyone getting a fair share of screen time. It's truly a breath of fresh air.
Acting - The acting is awesome. James Franco really does a solid job as Will Rodman. Franco brings complexity, emotional depth and you really feel for him. Freida Pinto doesn't get much to do, but when she is on screen, your attention is on her and she has good chemistry with Franco. The real show stealer is Andy Serkis. Even though he's not on screen in live action, his motion capture work is one of the best. The facial expressions, the movement, is all Serkis and he really brings Ceaser to life. Overall the acting is well done and the actors really put their heart into this film.
Music & Filmmaking - The music is done very well, filled with emotional, epic composition. The great thing about the OST is that it builds up towards the rise of the apes. When the final moments come the music really kicks in gear. The film has some of the best CGI to date. The apes look so realistic, it's almost scary. The motion capture effects are right up there with Lord Of The Rings and Avatar.
Final Grade A-/**** - Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes is filled with a rich plot, great themes and characters that you will feel for. The acting and visual effects are top notch, and the score is very entertaining. This is a must see film.
Win A Weekend Pass To New York Comic Con/Anime Fest 2011
/Contest Description: One thing that our readers love is Fan Fictions. Do you consider yourself an Otaku? Do you consider yourself a Comic Geek? Ever wanted to change a storyline on your favorite Comic, Anime or Videogame? Now it's time to show the Otakus & Geeks crowd what is going on in that geeky brain of yours.
Rules:
1. Write an original Fan Fiction short story based on an Anime, Comic or Videogame. Pages range from 1 page minimum to 3 pages max. It can be as violent or as graphic as you want, just no sexual content. Stay close to the source material as well.
2. No plagiarism! If your caught plagiarizing you will be disqualified. Trust us we will be searching the net, to make sure the story is not taken from other blogs or outlets.
3. You MUST be following us either on Facebook or Twitter. Click on the links below.
Like Us On Facebbok
Follow Us On Twitter
4. All entries must be uploaded through our CONTACT US Tab. One entry per person. Go to the contact us tab and enter your info and upload file by using the UPLOAD A FILE. In the subject put "Comic Con Contest."
5. The contest ends September 15th 2011.
6. Do not beg us to choose you, that will get you disqualified.
Prizes:
1. Grand Prize Winner: Wins a 3-day weekend pass to New York Comic Con/Anime Fest, and their short story will be published on the blog. Remember you're responsible for getting to New York yourself.
2. Runner Up Winner: Wins a choice to have a Anime Box Set, Graphic Novel or Videogame of their choice that's under 100 bucks.
3. Third Winner: Wins an OtakusandGeeks.com Hoodie.
Q & A's:
1. How will you decide the winners?
We will be taking a vote on the best entries, and grading them on originality, creativity and whether it stuck close to the universe.
2. Can I curse in my Fan Fiction?
Go crazy, just no sexual content.
3. Does grammar matter?
It not a big factor, but try not to write like this I be on da game, u sez, u be there.
4. Can we hang out with the Otakus & Geeks team at the Con?
If that's what you desire, but keep in mind we'll be very BUSY covering panels, interviewing and etc. We can do lunch though.
5. How will I get the pass?
We will mail it the next day we announce the winner. Other prizes will be given the next week.
Good Luck! Any other question use the Contact Us Tab. Contest Ends September 15th 2011.
UPDATE: CONTEST IS NOW OVER! NO MORE SUBMISSIONS!
Cosplay Boy Of The Week #51 (Simon From Gurren Lagann)
/Hiya this week's Cosplay Boy Of The Week is Simon from Gurren Lagann.
Read MoreThe Pop Art Goodness of Sean D'anconia
/In last week's post, I mentioned that we'd look more into some of the artists whose Hello Kitty goodness was shared last week. As promised!, The work of Sean D'anconia is something SCHWWWEEEETTTT! I mean, this guy has REALLY laid out the artistic red carpet and has definitely done it for the world to see. I won't go into much, but I am definitely sharing some of my fav art works. hopefully, it'll be enough for you to want to run to his site and witness for yourselves! Peep his bio. His work is NUTZ!
Cosplay Girl Of The Week #60 (Anemone)
/This week's Cosplay Girl Of The Week comes from the world of Eureka Seven. The sexy, scary Anemone is this week's Cosplay Girl.
Read MoreGreat Websites To Get Programs
/My personal experience has been positive with programs like this. The ads will never make any sound, so you dont have to worry about it suddenly screaming at you that you won a PS3 or things like that, also not all of them have ads, some do but not all.
Now with that being said, all you got to do is click on the pictures to check them out
Now all the sites do the same thing really, have programs for you to download thats free for your usage the thing is out of all of them, softpedia is the only one thats always updating with new things and have free programs for other O.S.(Operation Systems). The problem with softpedia is that it you would have to go in and check before downloading if the program is a free-ware or share-ware. The mixing of everything is also the same thing with Cnet-downloads. You would have to be very careful of what you get and got to double check before downloading, after all dont want to waste time downloading a program just to find out you have to pay to use it. Snapfile on the other hand had a whole section thats only free-ware, so when you go there you know any program you get from that section will only be free-ware. the down side with snapfile is that they will update the programs they have but not always add new programs to their collection.
In the end, you cant go wrong with either one of the sites and its best to check all of them out if one site does not have what your looking for, the other two just might.
Ghostbusters Fanfiction: Chapter # 1 The Interview
/Today is the big day. I have the job interview of a lifetime. Today I’m going to be interviewed to be the newest member of the Ghostbusters. I can’t tell you how excited I’ am right now. Ever feel so excited that you feel that your heart is going to pop out from your chest? That’s exactly how I feel right now. To tell you the truth I’ve never been more nervous in my life. As I sit on the cab heading to the Ghostbusters headquarters. I keep thinking about all the stuff I read in the New York Times and Daily News. Stories of how the Ghostbusters saved the city three times from the tenth level of hell. They had a new recruit, but since they are expanding their empire they moved him to another city. Basically they want to start a Ghostbusters Inc around the United States. After the new recruit left for another, there has been a huge uprising in the city. It’s has become too much that even the Ghostbusters can’t handle. The Ghostbusters put out an open ad looking for one new recruit to help them out. That is why I’m on my way to the headquarters right now, chasing a dream of a lifetime. My name is Chris Walker by the way. I’m 24 recent College Graduate from New York City City Tech. Born in Queens, New York Forest Hills. I’ve been into the paranormal ever since I was in high school. There is something about the undead that just fascinates me. Questions always raised in my mind. Why do these ghosts choose to stay here? What unfinished business do they have? Either way I was hoping to find out if I get this job.
The taxi cab parked right in front of the Ghostbusters headquarters. He was an odd looking taxi driver. He was breathing heavy was a huge guy, with muscles that look like he use to bodybuilder. He was gripping the steering wheel very tightly. I sworn this guy could have broke the damn thing off.
“That will be 25 bucks boss. “ The taxi driver said.
“Here you go.” I said.
He took his money and look at the location. He gave a sinister laugh that really freaked me out. He took turn around showing me a clear view, of his face and sunglasses. He took them off and I saw the most reddish eyes I have ever seen.
“You’re trying to be a Ghostbuster huh? Good luck. I guess we will meet again.” He said.
“Yeah right I guess.” I replied.
I got out the car and slam the door shut. I walked towards the entrance door and turned around because I felt a chill. The taxi cab disappeared. I thought that was weird because I didn’t even hear him drive off. Who was that guy anyway? I tried not to think anything of it, I had to keep focus. I enter the headquarters and was in pure awe. I was finally here at the GB station. I look to right and I see the famous Ecto-1. The Ghostbusters choice of transportation, I couldn’t help but fill a great sense of pride and joy. As I was staring upon Ecto-1 I heard a female voice from a far.
“Are you here for the interview?” The Female Voice asked.
“Yes I’ am.” I replied.
“Follow me to desk. My name is Janine Melnitz. I’m going to ask you a series of questions, before you meet Dr. Venkman.” Janine said.
“Okay.”
“Question 1: Do you believe in UFOs, astral projections, ... full trance mediums, the Lochness Monster and the theory of Atlantis?” Janine asked.
“If there is good health benefits, a steady paycheck and one hour lunchtime. I will believe everything and anything you want me to believe.”
“That sounds awfully familiar.”
“Question 2: Have you had any experience, sexual relations or fights with the paranormal?”
“I have never had sexual relations with a ghost. I don’t know how that is possible. I had several experiences encounters with this paranormal. This one time…”
“Question 3: Martial status and do you live alone?”
“My status is single and no I live with my roommate.”
“Is this roommate a female?”
“Actually…”
“Jeanine how many times do I have to tell you that the interview process is not a speed dating service?” Venkman asked.
“Listen Venkman I work nearly 20 hours a day, and you still haven’t hired more help. I barely get to go out and have time for myself. I will use this as speed dating service if I want too.” Jeanine yelled.
“Jeanine, Jeanine a woman as talented and beautiful as you, should have no problem meeting a man. You just have to put yourself out there.” Venkman explained.
“Really Dr. Venkman?” She asked.
“Not really you have those bugs eyes. The phone is ringing are you going to answer that?” Venkman asked.
“One of these days Venkman. Ghostbusters what do you want, if your male you better be single.” Jeanine said with anger.
Venkman signals me to come into his office. Venkman office is a mess. He has papers all over the place, clothes lying around and the garbage needs to be taken out. On the desk he has some strange looking device. He takes a seat and tells me to take a seat on the opposite side. He hooks my fingers, and forehead up to device. Venkman then goes into his drawer and takes out a couple of cards.
“Okay we’re going to conduct a little test on negative reinforcement on ESP ability. The cards have three symbols, a star, a couple of wavy lines and a heart. Use your ESP powers to guess what card I’m holding up.” Venkman explained.
“Wait I never said I had that power in my resume.” I explained.
Venkman holds up the card, not showing me what’s behind it. He takes a pencil and holds it up to the tempo of his brain. He is giving a smirk. I don’t know if this guy is serious or he’s just toying with me.
“The card is a star.” I answered.
Venkman shakes his head and flicks the switch next to him. I get a very small, but painful electric shock. Venkman has this smirk on his face. He holds up another card and this time he’s just laughing at me. I try to keep my composure and not get angry, because I don’t want to blow this interview.
“This card is a bunch of wavy lines.” I answered.
Venkman let’s out a sigh and flicks the switch again. The shock seems more powerful than the last one. Venkman let’s out another huge laugh. I can feel my blood pressure rising. I really want to punch that stupid smirk off his face. He holds up another card.
“This card is a heart.” I answered.
Venkman looks shock and gives another smirk and flicks the switch again. The shock sends me shaking in my chair. Venkman laughs loudly again. He’s really enjoying this game of his.
“Don’t worry only one hundred more to go.” Venkman said.
He holds up another card. As he’s sliming a green phantom like figure appears from the wall. I’m shock and terffied at what I’ am looking at. It’s an actual ghost right in front of my eyes. Venkman has no idea. The green ghost leans over to Venkman and gives him a peck on the cheek. Venkman drops the cards and goes nuts.
“Slimer!” Venkman yelled.
The other Ghostbusters finally enter office after they hear Venkman scream. I couldn’t believe my eyes Ray, Egon and Winston all here.
“Venkman we agreed that you’ll stop conducting this test, if Slimer stops sliming you.” Ego said.
“Venkman but I was just having a little fun. Besides this guy pass, he didn’t show any type of negative feedback. I even laugh in his face. Hire him.” Venkman explained.
“Not so fast. Before we hire him he has to go through the trials. Hope your ready for our new trial kid.” Winston said.
I have passed the interview, but now I would have to pass the trials. Little did I know what I would be getting myself into.
Stay tuned for Chapter #2 -The Trials.
Kaichou Wa Maid-sama! Review
/Story
Ayuzawa Misaki is a second year student at Seika High. Sekia High used to be an all boy school until the decicion was made it was to be co-ed (80% are males, 20% female). Misaki is the first girl student council president and is very strict on the boys. She feels that she has a duty to protect the girls that are at that school, to feel safe and secure in a sea of testosterone. With that being said, its tough to be a president, one of the top students in the class and maintaing a part-time job. Since she has unreasonable amount of stress, when the boys act up she become a female dictator that takes no mess from anybody. This makes the boys afraid and resentful towards Misaki so any chance to get rid of her would do them some good. Unknown to the boys at school Misaki has a secret job as a maid in a maid cafe. All of a sudden while taking out the trash, Usui Takumi the most popular boy in school, saw her secret. Now Misaki has no choice to put up with him since he comes by the cafe everyday. Will Usui spill her secret or what does she have to do to keep his mouth shut?
I for one love this story. It is very shojo but I love this type of manga. The characters are very dynamic. Usui seems like a jerk at one point, then nice, then flirty, then back to being a jerk. Its "that guy" in your class that is very annoying and interesting at the same time. Misaki is very headstrong and very independent. She tries to solve problems by herself but Usui comes in to save the day or give a valuable lesson to her. She reminds me of Haruhi and Usui of Tamaki form Ouran High School Host Club. However Usui is not nearly as loud and dramatic as Tamaki. I love the story and I love the characters.
The art was very well drawn. Like I said it definitely reminds me of Ouran especially the close ups of Usui and Misaki. I love the details of the clothing and I'm always picturing myself cosplaying in them.
Lets Analyze NBA 2k12 "Greatest" Trailer
/The trailer above shows 5 NBA legends Jordan, Magic, Bird, Dr J & Kareem. According to IGN NBA 2K12 will feature a game mode called "NBA's Greatest," which will allow the user to play through 15 historic games and control 15 basketball legends. Who's the other 10? Lets save that for another post. Lets figure out which 5 historic games for these 5 legends shown.
Michael Jordan
Last year was all about Jordan, 2k did a great job letting us play his greatest games. So whats left?
Bulls vs Rockets! The Bulls and Rockets won 8 consecutive championships in the 90s...8!
If you pause the trailer at the 35 second mark you can see the 1991 roster.
They only played each other once in Chicago that year. That game Jordan had the flu(again yes I know) Jordan scored 34 points shooting 60% from the field and blocking Hakeem The Dream 3 times...Lets just hope 2k doesn't make us block Hakeem 3 times for the achievement.
Magic Johnson
Magic had ALOT of great games but I'm not sure why 2k decided to show him against this Blazer team.
In 1985 Magic had 23 assist against the Blazers but since the trailer shows Kevin Duckworth -number 00-(he wasn't a Blazer in 85). I' am led to believe we will control Magic playing against the the Blazers in the 1991 western conference finals where the Lakers beat the Blazers 4-2.
Magic vs Clyde will be fun regardless.
Larry Bird
Once I saw the trailer I immediately thought OMG the shootout!
1988 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals game 7! Hawks vs Celtics or Wilkins vs Bird.
Bird scored 34 and D.Wilkins scored 47(only missing 4 shots.)
The Celtics squeaked out a 2 point win thanks to Birds 20 fourth quarter points. Wilkins battled at the end as well scoring 14 in the games final period alone.
One of the greatest NBA games EVER!
Kareem Abdul Jabbar
The NBA's all time leading scorer. Personally I would rather play as Kareem on the Bucks with the Big O but 2k has him later in his career as a Laker.
The game shown in the trailer is Kareem playing against the Hawks. Now this may have been a random game they threw in there because nothing adds up. Lets analyze this.
The biggest game Kareem had against the Hawks was in 1975, Kareems 1st year as a Laker. That game he scored 39 points, 23 rebounds and blocked 10 shots. The 2nd big game against the Hawks was in 1980(Magic Johnson rookie year) when he scored 28 pts, 15 rebounds and blocked 10 shots.
Now I'm pretty sure its not the 1975 game because both rosters lacked stars. While the 1980 roster had Magic Johnson on it the Hawks did not wear the jersey shown(unless it was a hidden alternate). Also the 1980 Hawks didn't have Wilkins. No offense John Drew(the Hawks star before Wilkins) but I doubt 2k will ever recreate you.
Dr. J
Again I don't understand why they have the older Dr. J on the Sixers. Dr. J on the NY Nets is what we want. Maybe because it was in the ABA, 2k refrained.
The footage of the Doc dunking didn't show which team he played against but from the looks of it my guess we would play the 82-83 season when the Sixers won the championship in sweeping fashion against the mighty Lakers.
Again this hasnt been confirmed by 2k. This is just my educated guess on what "NBA Greatest" mode will offer.

Catherine Review
/Story - The story of Catherine follows a man name Vincent. Vincent is having strange nightmares lately. Not to mention his girlfriend Katherine is talking marriage. After a night of drinking with his friends, Vincent wakes up in his room with a hot blonde name Catherine. Vincent now must overcome strange nightmares, that are taking the lives of men all over the city, and choose who will he be with Catherine or Katherine.
The story while not original in terms of situations, it is original in it's approach in story telling. Catherine is packed with social commentary on men and female relationships. The game's characters are all interesting, each story can be related to some real life situation. The story raises so many questions, that when it's done you'll probably start questioning the meaning of love, relationships, the effects of cheating and more. The story feels a little cliche, but it gets tense and has enough twist and turns to keep you going.
Gameplay - Catherine is a breath of fresh air. This is one unique game. The game is played in two forms. The nightmare world and the real world. In the real world you will mostly spend time in the bar called "Stray Sheep" (notice the reference of stray = cheating). At the bar Vincent will chat with other people in bar, his friends and through these conversations he will decide the outcome of the game, depending on his answers. The game features a morale meter. This is used when you answer your questions or make a statement in your text messages. When Vincent answers a question his answer will decide his moral standing. For example if a question is asked "Is it wrong to live with your lover even if you never plan to marry them?" Depending how you answer will effect Vincent's outcome to the story, it will either go to the red zone (bad morale) or blue zone (good morale). From time to time Vincent will also receive text messages from Katherine or Catherine. Depending on how you reply will also effect the relationship Vincent has with the girls. That's not all Vincent can do at the stray. Vincent can check email, get drunk which will help him in the nightmare world, also he can play a mini game which plays a lot like the nightmare levels. Finally while having conversations with other people, you can cheer them up and that might also save their life.
The nightmare levels are divided into eight different stages, one for each night of Vincent's sleep. It's up to Vincent to survive all these nights if he wants to find out who is responsible for his bad dreams. Each stage gets more complex and harder. Vincent will have to climb to the top of a mountain of blocks, while avoiding traps, enemies and a time clock. The controls are easy to use. The d-pad is much easier than the analog to control Vincent. However sometimes the camera view is fighting against you, if you your trying to hop from a box from the front to the back. Other than that the controls are smooth and works well. While playing you will encounter a couple of techniques and items you will learn and find from other sheep. These techniques will help you progress through the stages more easier, however these puzzles take a great skill of thinking to complete. The puzzles are very difficult on the hard level and holds your hand on the easy one. It gives a balance for people who want a challenge and people who just want to see the story. Overall the gameplay is unique and does a great job blending dating sim and puzzles.
Gameplay Video
Graphics - The graphics in Catherine are not the best on the market. However it does have a great art style. Those who watch Anime will fill right at home with the graphics and world. The environments, the character designs and the cutscenes scream Anime influence. Nothing groundbreaking about the graphics, but it does it job to immerse you in this unique world of Catherine.
Sound - The voice acting is a hit. Known voice actors and actresses from the Anime world lend their voices. Voice talent such as Laura Bailey, Troy Baker, Michelle Ruff, Travis Willingham and many more. For the most part the delivery is spot on, especially with Michelle Ruff and Laura Bailey as Katherine and Catherine. Both of them play the characters with sweet, but also scary touch to it. The performance with the writing will make it hard to decide who to go with towards the end. The music is wonderful it's a mix of Jazz and interpretation of classical music. The music brings a relaxing but tense feeling depending on the scene or moment in the game. It's a great OST and solid voice acting.
Replay Value - Catherine has multiple endings, the ability tor replay levels and very addictive mini game. This is one game you will come back to again.
Final Grade A-/9.0 - Catherine is a great gaming experience, pack with a great story with wonderful themes and messages. It has great gameplay which is very challenging, great music and decent graphics. This game is a breath of fresh air from the over flooding shooting market we get every month. If you want something different, challenging and a little fan service, get your money and take Catherine on date, just treat her right or it could be deadly.
CatchKuma Van T-Shirt
/We got an email today showing us another great Kuma shirt. From the same people who brought you the Pedobear, comes a really cute Kuma Van T-Shirt. The T-Shirt is 100% pure cotton and only cost $14.99. You can buy it here CatchKuma T Shirt
Kawaii HELLO KITTY Art
/We'll look at some work from one of these fine artists next week, PROMISE!
Enjoy
~je t'adore! (& I missed you, FOR REAL!)
Cosplay Boy Of The Week #50 (Tidus)
/As you know Cosplay Girl and Boy of the week are back for good on the site. This week we hit number 50 and we go Final Fantasy again.
Read MoreCosplay Girl Of The Week #59 (Cheetara)
/You guys ask for it to be never taken away and I listened. Cosplay Girl Of The Week is here to stay for good. This time we get a little wild with cats. This week Cosplay Girl Of The Week is Cheetara.
Read More