Long Time ... But Let's LOLITA On!

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My apologies that I haven't posted in forever! However, I've been extremely active on our Tumblr, OtakuTime, with otaku related and Lolita reposts and shares. So I guess I should update you guys since this is our first time getting together since 2013 happened. I do believe I shared my あけおめ(Happy New Year's) vlogs via Facebook, but in case I didn't ...I'd like to personally wish you a Happy New Year. I truly hope January has been kind to you!



English (above)
日本語（下）



So! Though I've been away a bit, I still have time to make things better I hope. My 2013 intentions, here, on Otakus and Geeks are to not bore you too much with my Lolita rants BUT to share more art and fashion. Of course, Lolita will come up often, but let's get into some other J-fashions and trends. Also, some Lolita art has my life! Not that it's anything new that art is my obsession, but I'm definitely excited to doing my Lolita inspired art. With all of that said, I have no real excuse to not be with you at least once a month. Let's choose the 15th ... because the 1st & the 15th are dear to my life!

My two lifestyle obsessions (tattoo/ art & Lolita) are recently taking to liking each other. I've been fortunate to meet so many kind Lolita's. Some from every walk of Lolita life (Classic, Sweet, Country, Alternative) and made a few friends. Since I've been introducing myself in communities, I've taken care to share that I am an artistic Lolita with my trade being tattooing. It's my hope that I reach Lolita's of alternative career lifestyle and business oriented. I've found that these lovely ladies (& gentlemen) inspire me to grow in Lolita.

As such, my first IRL (in real life) ambitious effort was to organize my first meet-up. I did it at Pinz-N-Needlez Tattoo, my place of INKPLAY in Washington, DC. Our friends from The Sovereign Space stopped by for a bit to take some video and flicks, but being the beauties we are, there were plenty cameras on deck.

*MY CO-ORD*
...was SUPER party girl busy! I received my Bodyline shipment and was excited to have a dress that I'm utterly in love with. Reminiscent of Emily Temple Cute, a brand that I've been considering obsessing over, I have been awestruck by this dress. I assume it's because it's far away from my usual dresses that are easy to lend themselves to a bittersweet type of styling. At any rate, this dress and I have a love/ hate relationship, but the minute I've styled it to my liking I'll be sure to share!
For now, here are a few flicks of my coordinates, all Bodyline and topped of with a Minty Mix split wig, of which I also have to learn to style better as I move into learning how to abuse the use of wigs during the winter.

*The MEET-UP*

... was a make-up and tattoo play date, scheduled for late January, where we could all take over Pinz in our cutest ruffles and bows and talk tattoo while others got quick make-overs, compliments of Kelly Crown, special effects make-up artist and piercer apprentice. I planned/ created the event, as the brainchild of myself and Kelly, back in November and only a few people responded. So I was more than thrilled and excited at the turn out. non-Loli's and dudes came, too! With everyone comfortable, thoroughly down for the cause, and enjoying themselves, I'd rate this event SUPER DOPE!

             

There would be too many introductions to give, but it wouldn't be fair to share that each of these guests are amazing in their own rite. From bakers, to military, seamstresses, photographers, etc. Told yah I'm pretty fortunate to be acquainted with beautiful folks! ^^

*I Scream ... You Scream ... WE ALL SCREAM*
... for RAMEN! at DC's newest ramen spot which isn't too far from the shop, by the way. So what better way to conclude Lolita life for the day than breaking bread with friends at Adam's Morgan's own, Sakura Ramen. I think this part of our meet was a bit more personal, so I'll end here and simply say ... if you want to know, you should plan to come to our next meet-up. ^^ OH! And that Sakura's pan fried gyoza is oisssssshhhiiiiiiiiiii (delicious ;-D)

 Hopefully I'll be back sooner than later, but if nothing else ... the 15th of March is all you, BOO! 'Til then, though, I'll miss you bunches, but will be ready to share some more MISS-Adventures!

 Remember to paint your days bright!
~je t'adore!

Should AKB48's Minegishi Minami Be Demoted?

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If you're not paying attention to the J-Pop world let me bring you up to speed. One of the first generation members of AKB48 Minegishi Minami has been demoted to trainee status, due to spending a night at her boyfriend's Alan Shirhama's house. One of the main rules of AKB48 is that you're not allow to date. Minegishi Minami age 20 broke the rule and was demoted, she later on went to shave her head and made a public apology to her fans. The video is now private on the AKB48 official Youtube channel so you won't get to see the apology. However I did find another channel that had a few seconds of the clip. Check it out below. 

 Minami did break the rules but should she be demoted and kicked out? Personally I think the rules of no dating for AKB48 should not effect the stars that are 18 and up. AKB members that are below 18 I think that rule should apply to them. Minami is 20 years old and naturally love will eventually come across her path, she is a human and urges and feelings will take over. A 20 year old is at the stage where they really get serious exploring the dating world, this is a time they find out about themselves. It's an important stage in a young adult's life. However looking at it from the perspective of a manager or business. Minami did know the rules and broke them. It's like playing sports, if you miss a number of practice sessions the coach will bench you. There are rules we all must follow and if you break something that you agreed on, you have to be punished simple as that. I think the apology was going a little too far. A simple apology to her fans on a social network like Twitter would have been fine. I think the self punishment was a little overboard. Do I think Minami should be demoted? No! Do I think she should punished for breaking the rules she agreed too? Yes maybe like a miss performance or something like that. What do you think? Was Minami demotion too far? Was her apology too far? 



CRYSTAL DYNAMICS AND DARK HORSE BRING LARA CROFT BACK TO COMIC BOOKS

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CRYSTAL DYNAMICS AND DARK HORSE 
BRING LARA CROFT BACK TO COMIC BOOKS STARTING WITH 
TOMB RAIDER: THE BEGINNING
MILWAUKIE, OR, JANUARY 30 – Crystal Dynamics™, a Square Enix® studio, and Dark Horse Comics, today revealed they have partnered to bring the re-imagined Lara Croft back to print in the world of comics. Look for news on the new series following the release of TOMB RAIDER®, the highly anticipated origin story for Lara Croft®, available March 5, 2013, and will chronicle Lara’s journey after her harrowing adventure in the Dragon’s Triangle.

To kick off the partnership, Crystal Dynamics and Dark Horse have teamed up to create “TOMB RAIDER: The Beginning.” This will be the first installment in the new TOMB RAIDER comic book series, and is a prequel to the events in TOMB RAIDER. “TOMB RAIDER: The Beginning,” was written by lead game writer Rhianna Pratchett. Fans can get the first series early when they pre-order TOMB RAIDER at Best Buy.

A 48-page, six-part hardcover omnibus, “TOMB RAIDER: The Beginning” follows the story of how the crew came together for The Endurance's fateful mission to discover the lost Japanese kingdom of Yamatai. Originally intended to feature as the latest instalment of Dr. James Whitman's successful archaeology show, Whitman's World, the show-biz archaeologist gets more than he bargained for when he enlists the help of Captain Conrad Roth. As Roth's unique and eccentric crew gradually come together and share their stories and secrets, the expedition faces unexpected threats before it's even begun.

“Lara Croft is an icon across all forms of media, including comic books,” said Karl Stewart, global brand director for TOMB RAIDER and Crystal Dynamics. “The team at Crystal Dynamics has worked closely with Dark Horse on ‘The Beginning’ to bring the relatable, re-imagined Lara Croft back to the comic book world.”

"Whilst penning Lara’s origins story for the game I had lots of ideas about the world she and the other characters inhabited, and the story behind their voyage: as great to be able to flesh out the world of TOMB RAIDER and work with the talented team at Dark Horse to bring Lara Croft back to comics,” said Rhianna Pratchett, lead game writer for TOMB RAIDER.

"The bold new vision of the game demanded we bring an equally fresh approach to the comics," said Dave Marshall, editor at Dark Horse. “We’re excited for TOMB RAIDER fans to experience a new side of Lara Croft as they accompany her on the earliest parts of her first adventure.”

To celebrate the partnership, Crystal Dynamics and Dark Horse revealed four pages from “TOMB RAIDER: The Beginning.” The full comic is available as a bonus when you pre-order TOMB RAIDER at Best Buy. More news on Tomb Raider comics will be available in the coming months.


VIZ Media Launches Original Graphic Novel Series "Max Steel"

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VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, has announced its newest forthcoming original graphic novel series with the launch of MAX STEEL. Scheduled to debut in the Fall of 2013, MAX STEEL will be published under the VIZ Kids imprint, is rated ‘A’ for All Ages, and will carry an MSRP of $7.99 U.S. / $9.99 CAN. Developed by Mattel, MAX STEEL is a global boy’s entertainment franchise spanning toys, publishing and consumer products. In addition, a new MAX STEEL CGI animated series co-produced with FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME) will premiere in the U.S. on the Disney XD channel on March 25, 2013.

  Max Steel is the ultimate aspirational teen hero with a secret! The story revolves around the trials and tribulations of a teenaged boy named Maxwell McGrath™ and his out-of-this world alien companion, Steel. Both have super strengths and powers, Max with Turbo energy and Steel with alien intellect. Steel gives Maxwell the ability to harness his power while merging his own to create one unified super force, Max Steel. When they combine forces to create Max Steel, the ultimate superhero is unleashed- unlocking their inner heroes. “MAX STEEL is a fun and action-packed adventure that we look forward to launching this year,” says Beth Kawasaki, Senior Editorial Director, VIZ Kids. “Max and his sidekick, Steel, embark on all sorts of adventures as they battle evil forces and monstrous villains while balancing school, first dates and homework. Our latest original graphic novel property will add an exciting new dimension to the MAX STEEL franchise. Max and Steel will soon discover that facing challenges together is always better than facing them alone and the power of two is always greater than the power of one!” The new original graphic novel series from VIZ Media and the forthcoming animated series launches the MAX STEEL storyline with exciting characters, villains and a superhero for today’s tech forward kid. For more information on MAX STEEL or other VIZ Kids titles, please visit http://www.vizkids.com.


New Genshiken Anime Announced

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Top creepy otaku manga Genshiken is to receive a new anime adaptation, covering its second post-hiatus incarnation and new cast of characters, it has been announced.


 Amongst fans a certain amount of trepidation has attached to the amount of material available to be adapted and whether any remaining material from the first manga will be used, but otherwise there seems to be a great deal of anticipation.


Article from Sankaku Complex

Movie 43 Review

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Movie 43 is a comedy that stars and all star cast of some of Hollywood's best today. The tagline to promote the movie reads "The most outrageous comedy you will ever see, the biggest cast ever assemble." Does this movie hold up to that promise? 

 Story - Okay for me to say that Movie 43 has a story that follows the overall standard rules of story like a beginning, middle, ending, character development, themes, plot, sub plots you would call me a liar. This movie has no real basic story. If there is any story in this movie it's that Dennis Quaid character is a down on his luck screenwriter who is looking to pitch a movie he wrote. This movie is the basis of a series of comedy sketches that will be a hit or miss. The problem with this movie is the fact that it has no sense of story structure, it's just one interchangeable joke to another joke which has no connection what so ever to each other.  Having Hugh Jackman character have a disability on his neck was funny for the first minute, then the joke ran too long and the sketch fails. That is one of the big problems with the movie, when the joke is working it doesn't know when to end. The jokes are a hit and miss, most of them are a miss. The best sketches are Halle Berry's (Truth Or Dare), Terrence Howard (Victory's Glory), Seth Macfarlane (The Pitch)and Sean William Scott (Pot Of Gold). Other than these four sketches the movie is not funny at all. The jokes are awkward downright immature that only a child will laugh hard at it. The homeschooling sketch is a fail and really awkward especially with an incest kiss. The children machine rubbed the audience the wrong way. I have no idea why the writers would think child labor was funny. The Batman and Robin speed dating was working, but it ran way too long and it took you out of it. The first period sketch gave you a little bit of a laughs, however it got silly. The worst of the worst sketches was Anna Ferris (The Proposition) and Elizabeth Banks (Beezel) I won't spoil it for you but it just took a joke and kept hitting you over the head with it, like hey this funny, laugh at it and it really wasn't.

 Acting - The acting has some of the most talented people in Hollywood right now. The problem is they have nothing to really do. This movie might have been better with comedic actors, or some upcoming actors who are trying to make a name for themselves. Maybe comedic actors could have made the movie more funny by the use of improvisation, because the mega stars just didn't really make you laugh with the performances. Even the outtakes wasn't funny.  

 Music & Film-Making - The music is nothing memorable and there is barely a score for you to check out an OST. The film itself looks good for a comedy film. The set pieces, camera angels do they job, but some effects like Beezel could have been done way better and would have better if it was a CGI cat instead of a drawing.

 Final Thoughts - Movie 43 is disappointing. It could have truly been one of the funniest movies of this year if it had better writing, a story, and less immaturity and more smart comedy. These talented actors talents are wasted on silly joke gags that only last for only thirty seconds. If it had more comedic actors and better assemble cast this movie would have been worth considering, but this one you should wait till it hits Netflix.

 Final Rating



GARTH ENNIS RETURNS TO HORROR WITH CROSSED: BADLANDS #25

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Hey Otakus and Geeks fans, today we're bringing you some news and previews of Garth Ennis's return to horror in Crossed Badlands #25 which will be onsale in March. Now I've been a fan since a friend recommended I read the original Crossed series. For those of you who might not be familiar with Crossed Badlands, here is a quick run down of the series.

 Crossed Badlands features short story arcs of varying length, by different authors. Issues #1-3, by Ennis and Burrows, follows a group of United Kingdom survivors traveling across Scotland. The leader of the group, Ian, relates his introspection on the purpose of survival when there is no hope. By the end of the third issue, the entire group is killed and/or turned.

In issues #4-#9, by Jamie Delano and Leandro Rizzo, the story follows individual survivors in the Everglades banding together, only for their individual psychosis to ultimately cause them all to become Crossed, the last survivor coming over willingly.

from Wikipedia

 GARTH ENNIS TALKS ABOUT HIS RETURN TO HORROR WITH CROSSED: BADLANDS #25
The Second Annual C-Day this March will do more than just celebrate a year of publishing two issues of Crossed: Badlands every month on time... it will also mark the long-awaited return of the man who created Crossed, Garth Ennis!



In the comics industry, no doubt you have heard the name. Perhaps you think of his grueling reinvention of The Punisher for Marvel. Maybe you cringe and chuckle at his Preacher epic with Vertigo. Perhaps you thought he “Out-Preachered” himself with Dynamite’s The Boys.



But if you haven’t read Crossed by Avatar Press, you haven’t seen Ennis at his most extreme.



This March, Ennis returns to the world he created with Crossed: Badlands #25.


"Funny thing is," Ennis admitted, "I never really intended to be a horror writer. I'm not the world's biggest fan of the genre. I like a book here, intermittently follow a writer there. I like one zombie movie, one vampire movie, a couple of werewolf flicks, but I'm not really what you'd call dedicated. Yet here I am."

 
Listed in this month's Previews catalog, Ennis returns to the plague-infested world where those infected carried out the vilest of acts. These are not mindless zombies that survivors would run from or fight. These are living sentient beings who act upon their most evil thoughts, committing the most heinous of acts ever known to mankind. Their sole unending drive is to satiate their basest of needs and cruelest of thoughts to whomever is closest, usually former loved ones and friends.



This is real horror.



Ennis sees his new story as a great jumping-on point for fans of horror, as Crossed: Badlands arcs are normally self-contained and easy to pick up. 



"Like any worldwide horror setting," Ennis explained, "... the possibilities are endless. You can do stories about anything, anywhere. Ideas suggest themselves all the time. And I do feel a sense of responsibility to come back from time to time, help keep things ticking over." 



Ennis’ new story arc, “The Fatal Englishman,” is Ennis at his best; interesting characters with dialogue that is both thoughtful and full of particular dialect, meticulous details regarding the militaristic cast, a nod to the history of the land, as well as the over-the-top brutality and insanity one expects in the world of the Crossed.



The story centers on a small band of soldiers who have decided enough is enough, and decided to fight back. They will take the fight to the Crossed hordes and have a plan for wiping them all out. But can they actually follow through? 


Ennis is committed to exposing more people to the infection that is Crossed, as he will be writing and directing live Crossed webisodes later this year. These 4-6 minute stories will be available for free online, hoping to attract new interest in the world of the Crossed comics, as well as generate interest for a possible feature film.



Prior to the webisodes debuting, however, Ennis returns to tell a new story in the comic, with the first issue to publish on March 13, 2013. That day, comic shops all around the globe are planning on celebrating the Second Annual C-Day (or “Crossed Day”) with cos-play for staff and fans, creating videos, store displays, contests and generally having fun with letting their inner-Crossed play for a little bit.



To help comic shops celebrate C-Day on March 13th, Avatar Press is offering a Promo Kit in the January Previews catalog, filled with Crossed temporary tattoos, buttons, postcards, stickers and new Crossed masks.



To help create more excitement, Avatar Press is increasing the amount of covers for Crossed: Badlands #25, giving fans more choices for which cover(s) they want to celebrate Ennis' return (eight $3.99 covers, one $14.99 leather cover, two retailer incentive covers and one collector's box set). Also, available for the first time in the January Previews catalog are Crossed T-Shirts - starting at only $8.99 retail.


2013 promises to be a big year for Crossed. It all starts with the return of Garth Ennis and the Second Annual C-Day this March. 

  Information provided by Avatar Press.
 Crossed Badlands # 25 looks like it's going to be a great story arc and I will be sure to give a review of the new issue. Until then here are some previews of the upcoming covers.







































































Interior art pages



 





Aniplex of America launches the Nisemonogatari Limited Edition Blu-ray Box Set on February 26, 2013

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Recently on their live panel on their Youtube channel, Aniplex of America Inc. announced that the Nisemonogatari Limited Edition Blu-ray Box Set is set for release on February 26 th , 2013 and will be available through anime distributor RightStuf.com and official retailers (http://aniplexusa.com/retailers/). The Director of Puella Magi Madoka Magica, Akiyuki Shimbou, returns to direct the critically acclaimed sequel of the hit series Bakemonogatari. Nisemonogatari continues the story of Koyomi Araragi as he further deals with more mysterious characters in his life. In addition, Koyomi Araragi’s life gets more complicated as his sisters (a.k.a. the Fire Sisters) get involved with these new characters. 

 The Limited Edition Blu-ray box set features the entire series (11 TV episodes) on 5 Blu-ray discs, a 36-page deluxe booklet, textless openings and endings, trailer collection and more! All of the discs and bonus materials will be packaged inside a sturdy rigid box featuring key art from the series.“If you are a fan of the Monogatari series, the Nisemonogatari Blu-ray box set is a must own item for your collection” says Hideki Goto, the president of Animation Business of Aniplex of America. This release is a US and Canada Exclusive and available while supplies last.
The Nisemonogatari Limited Edition Blu-Ray can be pre-ordered and purchased at:
Right Stuf:   
http://www.rightstuf.com/1-800-3386827/catalogmgr/1U6UNih3veIVi8xLTX/browse/item/97476/4/0/0

 Official Retailers: http://www.AniplexUSA.com/retailers



Geeks Who Do Music #4: Level Boys

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We're back with another addition of Geeks Who Do Music. This time we head back into Hip Hop world with the duo Level Boys. The anime rap duo is based in Chicago and released their first EP "Project Otaku" last year in July. To check the out the EP go http://www.levelboys.com/#!musiclevelboyscom/cqyt. The highlight track on the EP is Animated/Otaku and 60 Billion Double. 

Here is there song Naruto Flow




Who's Hotter ( Scooby Doo ) Character Comparison

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Hey Otakus and Geeks fans, Sean ( the true comic fan ) bringing you another segment of Who's Hotter. This time we are going to compare two retro cartoon characters from a great cartoon Scooby Doo. Daphne and Velma were the only two girls part of what is now called Mystery INC. In the original cartoon Daphne was always the hotter of the two, but that's the she was drawn. In the recent and updated cartoons, artist have had a different take on how Velma is drawn.

So now that both characters have been drawn equally as hot, who do you the fans think is HOTTER!
I have submitted a cosplay picture above of two sexy models. One playing Velma and one playing Daphne. I am also showing examples of  drawings from the original cartoon and sexy updates. It's now up to you fans to pick who's Hotter. Like last time I will cast my vote first. This was a tough decision, but Imma have to go with the sexy nerdy girl Velma!!

Have fun with this Guys and Girls. Let us know what you think.


Velma Dinkley is a fictional character in the American television animated series Scooby-Doo. She is prone to losing her glasses. She is usually seen wearing a baggy orange sweater, short pleated skirt (or in later episodes an A-line skirt, or sometimes shorts), knee socks, and Mary Janes. She is seen as the brain of the group.
Throughout her various incarnations, Velma is usually portrayed as a highly intelligent young woman with highly specific interests in science (which in the Scooby and Scrappy Doo series leads her to pursue a career as a NASA research scientist) or merely being very well read on obscure fields, such as ancient Viking writing (as in the third Scooby-Doo series The New Scooby-Doo Mysteries).





Daphne Anne Blake is a fictional character in the long-running American animated series Scooby-Doo. Daphne, depicted as coming from a wealthy family, is noted for her red hair, her fashion sense, and her knack for getting into danger. Daphne has appeared in more adaptations than the other characters, aside from Shaggy Rogers and Scooby-Doo. Together with her other teenage companions, Fred Jones, Shaggy Rogers, Velma Dinkley, and Shaggy's pet Great Dane Scooby-Doo, Daphne would engage in solving various mysteries. In the first series Daphne was portrayed as the enthusiastic but clumsy and danger-prone member of the gang (hence her nickname, "Danger-Prone Daphne") who always follows her intuition.










Velma


 

 Daphne


FRINGE LIVES AGAIN ON FRIDAYS ON SCIENCE CHANNEL

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FRINGE LIVES AGAIN ON FRIDAYS ON SCIENCE CHANNEL

 

--FRINGE Moves to Friday Nights at 8PM (ET/PT) Beginning January 25--


After the critically-acclaimed franchise ended its fifth season last Friday night on FOX, FRINGE fans turn to Science Channel on Friday nights from 8-11PM (ET/PT), beginning January 25, to relive the entire FRINGE experience from the very beginning.

Science Channel continues to enhance FRINGE with leading experts, such as Dr. Michio Kaku, examining phenomena such as time travel, dream sharing, and parallel universes with the short-form series, "Science of FRINGE". Friday night airings of FRINGE on Science Channel will begin with special appearances by series star John Noble, who sets the stage for the back-to-back-to-back episodes.

FRINGE explores the ever-blurring line between scientific concepts and reality, where hybrid beings tear through sewers, thieves walk through walls and portals open to parallel universes. Unable to police a world in which science has advanced beyond our wildest dreams-and nightmares-Olivia Dunham (series star Anna Torv) seeks help from Dr. Walter Bishop (John Noble) and his jack-of-all-trades son, Peter Bishop (Joshua Jackson). Under the direction of Special Agent Phillip Broyles (Lance Reddick) and assisted by Agents Astrid Farnsworth (Jasika Nicole), Charlie Francis (Kirk Acevedo) and Lincoln Lee (Seth Gabel), the Fringe Team investigates unusual incidents that defy human logic and unimaginable events that threaten our very existence on a universal scale.

This Friday night on Science Channel, season two of FRINGE concludes from 8-10PM (ET/PT) and season three begins from

VIZ Media Begins All New Weekly Shonen Jump Digital Manga Magazine

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Today's  first issue of the new WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP digital manga magazine. The weekly serial anthology features the synchronized latest chapters of various manga debuting on the same day as the Japanese Weekly Shonen Jump magazine counterpart, including flagship series NARUTO, BLEACH, ONE PIECE and more. Formerly known as WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA, the next phase in the evolution of VIZ Media’s popular digital manga magazine will now simply be known as WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP. The publication features a brand new look and logo, along with a completely redesigned website at ShonenJump.com. To learn about the new WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP, please watch the anthem video at http://youtu.be/d-mjfJ4fptk. “The ‘ALPHA’ phase of WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP marked our bold transition to an entirely new digitally-based format and attracted thousands of new readers in the process,” says Andy Nakatani, Editor-in-Chief. “With that transition now complete, WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP will be even closer aligned with our Japanese counterpart, and domestic readers finally will be able to enjoy the latest chapters of their favorite manga series on the same day as Japanese fans. This is the beginning of an exciting new era in international digital manga publishing!” 

  Also launching in today’s issue of WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP is the brand new superhero comedy series ONE-PUNCH MAN (rated ‘T’ for Teens) from writer ONE with artwork by Yusuke Murata (also the artist for EYESHIELD 21, published by VIZ Media). In this new action-comedy, everything about a young man named Saitama screams "AVERAGE,” from his lifeless expression, to his bald head, to his unimpressive physique. However, this average-looking fellow doesn't have your average problem... He's actually a superhero that's looking for tough opponents! The problem is, every time he finds a promising candidate he beats the snot out of them in one punch. Can Saitama finally find an evil villain strong enough to challenge him? Follow Saitama through his hilarious romps as he searches for new bad guys to challenge! WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP is available exclusively on the VIZ Manga digital platform, and features the latest installments of BLEACH, CROSS MANAGE, NARUTO, NISEKOI, ONE PIECE, and TORIKO on the same day as their general release in Japan. Monthly series such as BLUE EXORCIST, RUROUNI KENSHIN: RESTORATION and YU-GI-OH! ZEXAL will debut on the closest Monday after the Japanese release. Every digital edition of WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP treats manga fans across North America to the latest chapters of some of the world’s most popular manga titles. Annual membership is available through the VIZ Manga digital platform for just $25.99 (USD/CAD), and provides readers with permanent access to 48 weekly issues each year. Members can also look forward to exclusive YU-GI-OH! promotional trading cards throughout the year (the first card will be Number 88: Gimmick Puppet of Leo), and access to additional magazine content, including creator interviews and insightful promotional videos.

 For more information on WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and exclusive subscriber offers, please visit www.ShonenJump.com. To learn more about ONE-PUNCH MAN, and to read a free preview, please visit ShonenJump.com/node/1394. To learn more about VIZ Manga and to download the VIZ Manga App, please visit VIZManga.com and www.viz.com/apps.


Lagrange: The Flower of Rin-ne Review

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Lagrange: The Flower of Rin-ne English dubbed has finally come to the states thanks to VIZ Media and Neon Alley. I had the pleasure of viewing it. How does the series and English dubbed hold up? 

 Story - Madoka is the lone member of her school's Jersey Club. She is one day recruited by a mysterious girl named Lan to pilot the robot "Vox" and protect her city from space invaders. They are joined by a third girl, Muginami, who has a different goal than Ran. Meanwhile, they still don't know their enemies' true goal, or what "Rinne" might be. Lagrange: The Flower Of Rin-ne is a pretty good mech anime. The character Madoka is very fun to watch. She is sweet, heroic and can be a little naive. She is one of the anime characters that you would consider pure, always there for people, willing to help those in need, but very strong when the time comes from it. Her relationship with the alien girl named Lan and the mystery behind who Lan is, will keep you invested in the story. 

 The anime has some interesting characters, but some of them unfortunately fall into the typical cliche mech storyline that has been used over and over. The mysterious alien pilot, the one chosen mech fighter who has to save the world, it's not bad and doesn't really kill the anime but we see some of it done before. However minus that little complaint this is one entertaining show. The characters are fresh enough minus the cliche elements to keep you engaged, there are enough set pieces, action and comedy that will have you waiting for the next episode.

 © Lagrange Project













Voice Acting - The voice acting cast consist of a very stellar group, Kira Buckland plays Madoka and does great as her. She brings that sweet innocent, but naive approach to the character and works well. Sophie Roberts plays the mysterious Lan and I really enjoyed her voice, it's very cool calm but very mysterious in tone. Other mentions are Johnny Young Basch, Wendee Lee and Karen Strassman all do great jobs.

 Music & Animation - The music in this anime has one of the most addicting opening theme songs "Try Unite" by Megumi Nakajima. This song will get you get excited, have you dancing or at least get you in the groove for the anime. The background music is Saeko Suzuki and I love the use strings it's up tempo at times, but really works well for the battle sequences. When the piano is used it's very mellow and tones down the intensity from the action. I will recommend getting the OST if you can find it. 

 The animation is lovely. I love the design on the mech's and action sequences. The background and some character designs remind of Eureka Seven for some reason, especially Lan's character she reminded me of Eureka. However the detail and CGI use is well done and it's truly is a beautiful anime to look out.

 © Lagrange Project














Final Grade B-/8.0: Lagrange: The Flower of Rin-ne is a anime you should check out. It has a different type of story with some original and cliche characters that you would expect in a mech anime. The music is awesome, the animation is great and the English dubbbed does a good job.

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Ni No Kuni: The Wrath Of The White Witch Review

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When I heard that a new anime style RPG was on the way I was excited. When I heard that Studio Ghilbi, Namco and Level 5 was apart of this project I immediately said give me the game! Now Ni No Kuni: The White Witch is finally here, but is this the game the Otakus have been waiting for? Does it do well to please the RPG crowd and the gamers in general?

 Story - The story of Ni no Kuni revolves around thirteen-year-old Oliver, a resident of Motorville, whose mother, Allie,... ... (no spoilers) after rescuing him from drowning. A doll, given to Oliver by his mother, is brought to life from his tears and reveals itself to be a male fairy named Drippy who gives Oliver a book that allows him to use the power of magic and enter the world of "Ni no Kuni," a reality parallel to his own.

 That is the story synopsis and what a story Ni no Kuni is. If this was just an anime movie released by Studio Ghibli and had Disney to distribute it this would be Oscar worthy. Ni no Kuni story is phenomenal and a great way to kick off the RPG's for 2013. This is a fun, emotional, lighthearted and touching story. Oliver is a wonderful, likable protagonist and you will feel really invested in his journey. When his mother sacrifices herself for him, you will really feel for Oliver and want to play the whole game through to see how the story plays out. As great of a character Oliver is, his supporting cast is a blast to see. His sidekick Drippy is a great mentor when it comes to Oliver's quest and is used well for the comedy relief throughout the story. I won't go into more details for the sake of spoilers, just know that this is truly an experience.


Gameplay - The gameplay is a mix of RPG style mechanics. It has a little bit of turn based which you will be able to control your character freely during battle. The battles you control Oliver who attacks are based on melee, defend and magic since he's a wizard. He also has the aid of of his friends called Familiars. These are creatures that are created from Oliver's pure heart. They each  have they own attacks, require upgrades and need to be taken care of. You can control Oliver or the Familiars at any time. However the Familiars have a time limit which they will then need to be given a break to regain they stamina  This gives a great element of strategy and you will have to be careful how they are used, because if they get harmed, so does Oliver.  The element of Familiars is very well welcomed, you will be spending a lot of time trying to match what upgrade, weapon, accessory and food that your Familiar would like. The side missions are not the typical tedious side missions that you see in JRPG. Even though you run the typical get this item, bounty hunter an enemy the side missions you want to do because you would care for everyone in this story. Even if it's a cat person looking for her red earrings, or a bird man looking for you take an enemy out, because the world is so likable and characters you care for you might do every side mission big or small and they give some pretty good rewards. 


Graphics - Stunning does not describe Ni No Kuni. This game is truly amazing to see, from the worlds, towns and character designs you can really see the influence Studio Ghibli had in this game. Level 5 did a amazing job capturing the anime spirit and otakus will be proud of this game. It gives you such an nostalgia feeling of the old days of Studio Ghilbi and it truly has this magic feel to it. 

 Sound - The cast both English and Japanese does a stellar job. The voice acting is top notch. The music is composed by Studio Ghilbi's go to guy Joe Hisashi and it's such a delight. The tone of themes range from emotional, happy and sometimes dark. The uses of strings and his signature piano is a welcome addition and brings the world truly to life.

 Replay Value - There is tons to do in this game, the side missions will keep you busy and there is even stuff to do once the main story is finish. Getting a platinum trophy will take a very long time. It will take 40 hours to beat the main story and about more to get a full completion.

 Final Grade A+/9.5/10 - Ni No Kuni: The Wrath Of The White Witch has brought JRPG's back! Dare we call this game a classic but it's the only way to describe it. This is an anime game you must buy, this is an experience from the story, the characters, the music and the presentations. The gameplay is solid, addictive and challenging. The only complaint would be the camera sometimes is too far out when traveling through the lands. This is something you must play. 



Dead or Alive 5+ Adds “Extreme” Gravure

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The efforts of Tecmo to further sex up Dead or Alive 5 Plus look to have been bearing even more juicy fruit -  the latest “extreme private gravure movie” seems to have dispensed with fighting entirely, in favour of sexy girls frolicking on the beach in skimpy bikinis.
The “extreme private gravure” in question:







 Aside from sexy costumes and the obligatory addition of gratuitous touch functionality, the features various cross-platfrom functionality between PS3 and PSV – although it seems inevitable it is the costumes which will be of most interest to series fans…









Superior Spider-Man #1 Review

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Title - Superior Spider-Man #1
Author - Dan Slott
Illustrator - Ryan Stegman
Pages - 26

 Story - After the death of Peter Parker in The Amazing Spider-Man #700, by Doc Ock who cleverly swapping bodies with Parker. Doctor Otto Octavius was able to survive and now is in control of Peter Parker's body, memories and his life. That's right Doc Ock is the new Spider-Man. The Superior Spider-Man kicks off with Doc Ock as Peter Park visiting Doc Oct's grave (now Peter Parker).  He says goodbye to his old life and excepts his life now as Peter Parker.

 What makes Superior Spider-Man really great is the fact how different Parker and Octavius are with being Spider-Man. This concept is really interesting to read. Octavius is in Parker's body with access to his memories, his powers, basically everything. He starts to see the world from the other perspective and you think he would start to shed a little more light and be more understanding. Not necessarily he's still the same Octavius in someways. Not to give a spoiler but the first fight with him as Spider-Man he tries to do what most villains do when they are losing which is running away. Unfortunately for him it doesn't work and he is force to take on the new Sinister Six. However later on as Spider-Man Octavius is more well prepared than Peter Parker was. Octavius likes to analyze and find out his opponents strength and weakness before he attacks. He relies heavily on science and prefers a preemptive strike compare to the dive in first tactic like Parker.

 The Superior Spider-Man is a great character study on Octavius view of the world from another perspective. He's force to see things in a new light from his most hated rival  He has to live his life, see his struggles and endure the great theme with great power is great responsibility. So far Octavius doesn't seem to have what it takes to be Spider-Man, he's arrogant, tends to brutalize his opponents and doesn't fit well with interacting with the people. He even says it himself how does Parker do this all the time. So far the story is very interesting and one big part I left out that I won't spoil is his interacting with Mary Jane. Let's just say Otto needs to learn a thing or two about women.

 Art - I love the art work on this book. From the cover art to the very sexy look on Mary Jane when she is getting ready. Ryan Stegman did an amazing job and the battle sequences fit very well. Spidey fans won't be disappointed.

 Final Grade 9.5/10 - Superior Spider-Man is up to a promising start. It has a great set up and study on a villain looking through life from his rival eyes. This is one Spider-Man book that you need to check out.



Ghost in the Shell ARISE Announced: “A New Motoko!”

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 A new anime in the Ghost in the Shell series has just been announced, Ghost in the Shell Arise,  although there look to be some very dramatic changes to the franchise in store – including a new design for Motoko.
The details of the project so far are limited, indicating only that it is to be a new anime which starts production in 2013 and that Production IG’s Kazuchika Kise is overseeing the project, having had heavy involvement in various previous iterations of the franchise, along with being the creator of Mardock Scramble.
The production even boasts what looks to be a new look (or yet another body at least) for Motoko:





The new look prompted instant speculation as to where it is the new production fits into the existing canon – with there already being separately released settings for the manga, movies and Stand Alone Complex, anything from a sequel, prequel, reboot or otherwise could apply to any of them – or, as seems to be implied by some announcements, it may be an entirely new realisation of the franchise.
While a change to Motoko is daring, few seem to think they would risk changing her seiyuu – although this seems far from guaranteed.
Further details are scheduled for release with a full announcement later in Februrary.

From: Sankuka Complex

Top 15 Anime Representative of the 90s

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Hey Otakus and Geeks fans, here are the latest ranking voted for by fans of the top 15 Anime's of the 1990s. I agree with most of the picks, but not all. Some of my favorites like: Here is Greenwood, Cowboy Bebop, Wicked City, Boah and Lupin the Third were left out. Check out the list and let us know what you think.

 1. Neon Genesis Evangelion



 2. Detective Conan



 3. Princess Mononoke



 4. Sailor Moon



5. Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water



 6. Yu Yu Hakusho



7.  After War Gundam X

 


 8. Brave Police J-Decker



 9. Martian Successor Nadesico

 


 10. Brave Express Might Gaine



 11. The Brave Fighter of Sun Fighbird



 12. Slayers



 13. The Brave Fighter of Legend Da-Garn



 14. Lord of Lords Ryu Knight

 


 15. Gundam Wing