NISA rescues Cardcaptor Sakura, Blu-rays a go

Hoeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

While pinching myself, I'm here to share with you the great news that NISA has licensed Cardcaptor Sakura the TV series for home video release. The series was originally licensed by Geneon and sat in licensing hell for quite some time, so you will have to forgive me why I am so excited about this license rescue. What's even more exciting is that NISA is planning both a DVD Regular Edition and a separate Premium Edition Blu-ray release for August 5th. The limited edition will have a hard-cover art book as you can see in the top image, adding up to 76 pages of illustrations and new content.

But you know, while I appreciate that the Blu-ray discs are "metallic gloss" I just want the darn show on Blu-ray. The seminal magical girls show has long captured the fascination of a generation of oversea anime fans (and domestic as well). I'm guessing they will use the latest Blu-ray content from the Japanese remaster, which is a notable step-up from the latest DVD material. Last for not least, NISA's Cardcaptor Sakura will have a dub, too.

August can't come fast enough.

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Masao Maruyama wants to make Pluto anime, doesn't have the cash

You may know about FicZone 14, an otaku convention in Granada, Spain. It's a fairly recent event, but it's been nabbing some big-name guests pretty rapidly. Most recently, they featured Masao Maruyama, a producer and co-founder of Madhouse, and Deculture.es had the chance to interview him. Much of it was on scheduling details, such as Sunao Katabuchi's new film, To All The Corners of The World, which will be released in Summer 2015. But the most interesting news was when they spoke about MAPPA, the studio Maruyama established in 2011.

Maruyama said that he desires to create a Pluto anime series at MAPPA, based off of Naoki Urasawa's fantastic re-imagining of Astro Boy. He doesn't promise it by any means, but implies he's at least been running the numbers, as he says they'd need an 800 million yen budget (oi). He also says the dream project would run 8 hours, presumably an hour per volume. While it doesn't appear to be coming anytime soon, he does say that it's "a project I have to do before I die." Morbid! He then goes on to say that the same goes for The Dream Machine, the unfinished Satoshi Kon film. Who knows if MAPPA and Madhouse, respectively, will ever finish or even tackle these projects, but it's nice to know someone with decision-making powers wants to make them happen.

The interview also goes into Shinichiro Watanabe's new show, Terror in Tokyo, as Maruyama says he thinks audiences will find in it a "whole new Watanabe." He then goes on to speak about money, managing a studio, and his priorities: he cares about whether an anime is good, rather than whether it is profitable. Let's hope it can be both!

Well... If a Pluto anime ever is officially announced, I will then be able to die a happy man.

[via Deculture.es]

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NARUTO Ch. 674 Review

Through their combined efforts, Sasuke and Naruto have both put Madara on the defensive and brought to light one of his darkest secrets.

The Good

Will this be a lasting change for Kakashi?

This issue of NARUTO has a lot of nice action going on, and I'm fully expecting that this battle isn't going to end until Naruto has displayed a version of the Rasengan that utilizes the energy of each of the Biju that he now houses. Part of me finds that interesting, but then I remember that this would mean the battle will easily last another seven weeks, not counting the Golden Week break.

With all the breakneck action aside, the most notible event that takes place here is Madara ripping thesharingan from Kakashi's skull. It'll be interesting to see if that change lasts for this series. Although, of all the cast changes Kishimoto has made in this arc. He keeps Might Guy alive, but removes the sharingan from Kakashi?

The Bad

As predicted, Naruto and Sasuke's battle feels far less impressive after watching Guy knock him around. Much like with the Wizard of Oz, you lose a lot of the magic once you pull away the curtain. The whole secret behind Madara's Limbo move is an invisible double that exists between dimensions and attacks on his will. Can't say I'm impressed. Last chapter, Kishimoto tried raising Madara to the level of a god, but this week he just comes across as diminished. He seemed more powerful before he claimed the Ten-Tails chakra.

I can't complain that this chapter lacked in action, but I feel the art really fails to explain everything that's happening here. Even with reading this chapter twice, I'm still not quite sure what's happening with this dark clone of Madara. It seems to imply that damage inflicted upon the clone will be reflected on the original body once they re-merge.

Verdict 3/5

This is a chapter of mixed feelings. I'm happy to see some actions that visually looks great, but I can't say really does its job all that well. I'm sure the animated version will make this all a lot more simple,but I'm reviewing the manga.

Sure, I'll be disappointed if Kakashi forever loses his sharingan, but I'll at least leave this with some respect for Kishimoto as a writer. That's all predicated on whether or not that's reversed later on. Going by the pattern he's been following these past few years, Obito will probably give Kakashi his right eye upon his inevitable death.

Next week is Golden Week, so that means all the WSJ series are going on break. This break from NARUTO will be well appreciated. See you all later.

Follow along with the latest NARUTO chapters yourself, tune in for the SJ Podcast, and check out the free starter pack sampler at ShonenJump.com here. You can download the free app for both iOS and Android devices.

About the Author

Kristoffer Remmell (FoxxFireArt) is a freelance graphic artist, writer, and over all mystery geek. Follow for news updates: @AnimeVicers / @FoxxFireArt / http://ift.tt/1hmMpg1

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Arcana Heart 3: Love Max!!!!! coming to PS3/Vita this Fall

Aksys Games announced that moé fighting game Arcana Heart 3: Love Max!!!!! will be hitting the Playstation 3 and Vita Fall 2014. This version of the series is a revision based off the original Arcana Heart 3, originally released in Japanese arcades in late 2009. It also eventually made it to the US on the Playstation Network April 2011.

New features for Love Max!!!!! include Japanese audio, six-player online lobbies, trial modes, galleries for the ladies and a match sharing system so you can show people how two lolis summoned giant demons to beat each other into a pulp. Like the original Arcana Heart 3, Love Max!!!!! has 23 characters with 23 corresponding arcana summons, each adding new attacks and altering each fighter's stats. That's over 500 possible combinations between girls and arcanas. When we get more info about a solid release date, we'll let you know.

I played the original Arcana Heart when it came out on the PS2 late in its life cycle. I thought it was pretty charming, if a bit cloying with the moé aesthetic. It ran pretty well and it had a solid variety of fighting types, not even including the alterations that each Arcana would bring in. So you take that idea and bump it up to HD, then you got my attention! Come Fall, I'll see about picking this one up.

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The Dose: Ayako Nakanomori

Well, hump day has come around once again. I'm hoping that the warming weather has you in good spirits and ready for the finest music Japan has to offer! It looks like we are recovering from the so-so rock songs that have plagued us for a bit!

Today we get a new track from Fukuoka's own Ayako Nakanomori on her second solo single. She was formerly the front-woman of the Nakanomori BAND, but obviously she was pretty much the focus of the group. What we have now with her new song Get the Glory, is a way tighter, cleaner sound that doesn't lose any of the band's energy. I'm also happy to report that Ayako is looking cuter than ever!

The track doesn't seem to feature her on guitar, and hoping she hasn't given up swinging the axe. The track can be found as the opening to Digimon looking kids show, Tenkai Knights. Did I mention how cute she is?

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Anime Caption Contest! -- 4/30/14

Welcome back to the Anime Vice Caption Contest! You know the drill; we have three new images that need some funny captions! See who won the previous contest below!

Rules!

• You can caption any or all of the images!


• You can caption the same image more than once, but not in the same post!

Your captions will be judged by the hosts of THE VICE PIT themselves; Tom Pinchuk and Sam Weller! The winners and their winning captions will be featured in the next Caption Contest post!

Winners!

	"Then she said he was like this and then she was like that and then he was like whoa" ~ mutant_god
	"What do you mean this is fan-service... I'm really sick in this episode!" ~ flashback180
	"When you see it you'll shit bricks 0_0....." ~ flashback180

How to Participate!

To post the images properly, you should copy them from this post and paste them into the comment box, rather than upload the images again yourself. To do this, highlight some of the text below the images (try starting from "want to recommend") all the way up to some of the text above the images (try highlighting up to "fill in the captions!") and then right-click on that text and select "copy", go to the comment box, right-click inside that and select "paste" - then all you need to do is fill in the captions! Hope that helps, have fun!

New Caption Contest!

So, are you up to the challenge? Just copy the images (READ INSTRUCTIONS ABOVE!) into the comment box below and fill in the captions!

"Caption me!"

"Caption me!"

"Caption me!"

Want to recommend some images for the contest? Go to my profile and send them to me in a PM and I'll check them out. Have fun and good luck!

About the Author

Daniel Newton is a senior editor at BagoGames where he currently writes about anime and manga, and occasionally about video games and other related shenanigans. He also really likes Wine Gums. If you're into any of that you can follow him on: Twitter /// tumblr /// Google+

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MAJIN BONE #1 + MEKAKUCITY ACTORS #1 -- Special Review

Join us as we view new pilots this season. See where they fit on the highly-scientific Rock-or-Suck Scale… FAIRY TAIL SEASON 2 -- BLACK BULLET -- THE COMIC ARTIST & HIS ASSISTANTS -- ONE WEEK FRIENDS -- MUSHI-SHI: THE NEXT CHAPTER -- BRYNHILDR IN THE DARKNESS -- CHAIKA THE COFFIN PRINCESS -- CAPTAIN EARTH -- NO GAME, NO LIFE -- THE IRREGULAR AT MAGIC HIGH SCHOOL

Still catching up after the cross-country con tour. Bear with me here…

Actually, it makes as much sense to bus these two shows as it did to cover CAPTAIN EARTH and NO GAME, NO LIFE together. Neither pilot is flashy enough to be categorized as “style over substance,” but they’re still really clumsy openers. I wasn’t asking “WTF did I just watch?” because there was anything shocking going on. I was asking that because it felt like somebody mixed up their cue cards.

== TEASER ==

At a glance, MAJIN BONE seems almost like Toei trying to update SAINT SEIYA for the 2010’s - - and stumbling into the same pitfalls as GATCHAMAN CROWDS. There isn’t enough pathos in this high schooler’s life to really justify the slow pacing. We’re not taking our time to establish a character here. It just seems like a bio card that’s been hastily thrown in between two bookends advertising figurines.

MEKAKU CITY ACTORS is a little more interesting for how it at least teases a bit of anime metafictional self-awareness during the opening dialog. The sprite girl seems to be making fun of her own tropey-ness for a minute there, but they never end up going any further with it. It’s yet another set-up about another grotesque media-addicted shut-in who goes into histrionic fits about the most basic human interactions. I’ve already seen enough of this season (even if this one does run into a bunch of crooks. What a twist!).

There was something… unusual about how the angles were framed, too. This might be the first anime I’ve seen that makes me aware of the proscenium arch at all times. It’s almost like it’s a three-camera sitcom. I don’t know if that’s a result of budget or style, but it was memorable. And I guess that’s really faint praise. I’m just fed-up meeting this particular character, over and over again in these shows.

Watch "Visitors from the Darkness" and “Artificial Enemy” and decide for yourself.

About the Author

Tom Pinchuk’s a writer and personality with a large number of comics, videos and features like this to his credit. Visit his website - - tompinchuk.com - - and follow his Twitter: @tompinchuk

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THE IRREGULAR AT MAGIC HIGH SCHOOL #1 -- Special Review

Join us as we view new pilots this season. See where they fit on the highly-scientific Rock-or-Suck Scale… FAIRY TAIL SEASON 2 -- BLACK BULLET -- THE COMIC ARTIST & HIS ASSISTANTS -- ONE WEEK FRIENDS -- MUSHI-SHI: THE NEXT CHAPTER -- BRYNHILDR IN THE DARKNESS -- CHAIKA THE COFFIN PRINCESS -- CAPTAIN EARTH -- NO GAME, NO LIFE

If I’d seen this pilot sooner, I would’ve bussed it with CAPTAIN EARTH and NO GAME, NO LIFE because it’s another, very pretty show that’s got nothing interesting going, plot-wise. And I knew that was going to be the case. Quite often, you really can judge a book by its cover in anime, and this show’s awkward title proved to be a reliable indicator of what was coming...

Anyway, somebody needs to edit together a super cut of every prologue giving viewers a history lesson on a post-Apocalyptic future’s backstory. We all could compare and contrast, and hopefully figure out how much of the exposition and ‘lore’ is actually needed for anybody to understand the show.

If we see a sign identifying this institution as a magical high school, and we see the students throw spells at one another, isn’t that really enough? You can establish the post-Apocalypse even more succinctly by just, y’know, showing some ruined city landscapes outside the school. Instead of burying us with an infodump, you could wait to explain the complicated political landscape of this world until the main characters actually deal with those things in the plot. EVA did that quite well.

I’m coming down a little harder on this for frontloading because I kept my eye on the time code from the beginning. A solid 14 minutes of continuous screen time is devoted to exposition here. More than half the episode, at the least. Even when we meet the creepily-incestuous brother and sister after the prologue, they’re literally just reciting excerpts from eachother’s character bios.

“I’ve always been reckless, little sister…”

“You’ve never been one to follow the rules, big brother…”

And so on. While the playful instructor who teaches them in magic was fun to watch, there’s no getting around that his scene is basically just another lesson. This is based on a light novel, but it really feels like a video game... with one exceptionally long tutorial.

Watch "Enrollment – Part I" and decide for yourself.

About the Author

Tom Pinchuk’s a writer and personality with a large number of comics, videos and features like this to his credit. Visit his website - - tompinchuk.com - - and follow his Twitter: @tompinchuk

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ONE PIECE Ch. 745 Review

Pushing Doflamingo and his forces into a corner with the plan to knock out Sugar and free the citizens may not have been the best idea. With his true villain exposed for all to see, the gloves come off, and he's going to push back with a terrible trap for everyone on the island.

The Good

I don't think you should lift someone with a neck injury like that.

If you were one of those people that felt that with the end of the tournament -- not to mention the complete loss of the coliseum -- meant that Oda would be abandoning the whole wrestling theme that this arc started out with, you'd be painfully wrong. If anything, the creator just turned it up a notch or three. Doflamingo has just turned things around on the Straw Hats & Gang with a single move. He's quite literally turned the entire island into an enormous cage match.

The citizens that the Riku Army were depending on will likely become the worse enemy possible. The people have two choices, either defeat Doflamingo personally, or take out his enemies for him. The latter of which will also grant them several bounties. It's not even just about the innocent civilians. Remember that the island was also playing host to some nasty bounty hunters and assassins.

For all the action, my favorite little bit was Robin introducing Koala and Sabo to a half dead Usopp. Her complete lack of concern for his condition gave me such a chuckle, and their reaction was the perfect end to the bit.

The Bad

The worst part of this whole issue has little to nothing to do with its contents, but with the fact that we're going from this cliffhanger to right back to another week long break. What was the point of that? They couldn't have just held off for a single week and fit in one more chapter?

Verdict 4/5

You really want a villain to ratchet up the threat for what should be your arc's finale. In that sense, Doflamingo has easily surpassedMadara from NARUTO , and he manages that by just being clever and deliciously wicked. I can't imagine there is anything redeemable about this jerk. Much as one would expect in a pro wrestling match, we're hissing the villain and cheering for the heroes.

Next week if Golden Week, so that means all the WSJ series are going on break. It's a touch annoying in the case of ONE PIECE . Seeing how we just got back from a break. Oh well, see you all then.

Follow along with the latest ONE PIECE chapters yourself, tune in for the SJ Podcast, and check out the free starter pack sampler at ShonenJump.com here. You can download the free app for both iOS and Android devices.

About the Author

Kristoffer Remmell (FoxxFireArt) is a freelance graphic artist, writer, and over all mystery geek. Follow for news updates: @AnimeVicers / @FoxxFireArt / http://ift.tt/1hmMpg1

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Review: Blast of Tempest S2

There's something inscrutable about Blast of Tempest. Even now that I've had a few days to digest everything and figure out the answers to most of my lingering story questions, I still feel that there's something about the show that I don't quite get. And it's not that I don't "get" it in some artistic sense, where I don't understand the themes or whatnot; I mean, I'm not sure I completely understand what even happened. Or why it happened.

Or, as Shakespeare once wrote in The Tempest:

What seest thou else

In the dark backward and abysm of time?

Read more...



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Sony unleashes JRPG sale on PSN for Golden Week

April 29 is the beginning of Golden Week, a series of holiday over the course of several days that's been converted into a sort of national spring break. In order to celebrate it this year, Sony is discounting a ton of Japanese games on PSN through May 5. Ranging from action games to role-playing games, the sale significantly drops the price of these games, some of them going for less than half of their original prices.

Here are some of the highlights from the list of games on sale:

• Chrono Trigger & Chrono Cross (PS3/PS4/Vita/PSP) for $4.99, or $3.49 with PS+


• Devil May Cry HD Collection (PS3) for $14.99, or $8.99 with PS+


• Metal Gear Solid HD Collection (PS3) for $19.99, or $11.99 with PS+


• Muramasa Rebirth (Vita) for $12.49, or $7.49 with PS+


• Persona 4 Golden (Vita) for $19.49, or $14.62 with PS+


• Tales of Symphonia Chronicles (PS3) for $19.99, or $10.00 with PS+


• Zone of the Enders HD Collection (PS3) for $17.49, or $10.49 with PS+

.You can bet that'll be snapping up a couple of these games come pay-day. Anybody else going to splurge on any of these titles?

[via Destructoid]

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Big Persona annoucement coming May 2

In a move that coincides with the marketing build up to the second Persona 3 movie, Midsummer Knight's Dream, there will be a live Persona-related stream on NicoNico come May 2, 11:30 p.m. JST.

In the stream, there'll be a brief "digest" of the first P3 movie, some preview material for the second flick and most importantly, some sort of big news regarding a new project. There'll also be guests present during the stream, so expect some sort of voice actor or something of that ilk.

I really wonder what new project Atlus has got up their sleeve. The last Persona event brought several new game announcements, so I can't imagine what else they'd announce. Maybe more info about Persona 5? A Vita version of the new game, perhaps? Well, at least we don't have long to wait.

[via Destructoid]

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JOJO'S BIZARRE ADVENTURE #8 Shows Where 20 Years Worth of Video Games Got Their Ideas

Araki named a lumbering, undead juggernaut with a ‘snakes face’ after the Doobie Brothers? At this point, I suppose it’s only a matter of time before Jojo runs into some giant, cybernetic bear named ‘E. Manilow’ or something.

The CASTLEVANIA’s parallels are even harder to miss in this one. As exhilarating as it was to see Jojo throw fiery vengeance down upon Dio (and for the show to play out what felt like a second finale episode in only eight installments), I’m sure we’ll see him or one of his descendants crawl around to bedevil the Joestar clan once again. Konami definitely borrowed a lot from VAMPIRE HUNTER D for that particular franchise, but this unmistakably smells like the Belmont/Dracula dynastic feud. The funny part is…

(Well… wait. This show’s almost entirely composed of funny parts).

== TEASER ==

Something that’s amusing about the show, at this point, is that it really doesn’t feel like a vampire story. I read a lot of essays in film school about all the potential metaphoric undertones which vampires can have in fiction. You know, like how they can represent everything from forbidden sexuality, to xenophobia, to class warfare, to death in itself. I really ruined the whole genre for myself, doing that, because seeing 'vampires' in the logline for any show really makes me lose interest right away.

Well, I can honestly say that I’ve never seen vampirism treated as some forbidden martial art, as it is here. Sure, the fangy-ness still embodies Dio’s quest for power and glory and all that, but it might as well be the Fist of the South Star in this universe. It’s the inversion of basically everything good about the Ripple. I don’t know if there’s anything significant about that, but it does make me wonder if this is where Capcom got the idea for that Satsui no hadou stuff in STREET FIGHTER. Both Akuma and ‘Evil Ryu’ look quite vampiric.

I feel like I’m finally reading the field guide which 20 years of Japanese comics, cartoons and video games took their plays from.

Watch "Bloody Battle Jojo Dio" and decide for yourself, then read my comments about the previous episode.

About the Author

Tom Pinchuk’s a writer and personality with a large number of comics, videos and features like this to his credit. Visit his website - - tompinchuk.com - - and follow his Twitter: @tompinchuk

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Review: Hal

Wit Studio is probably best known for their work on the hit anime Attack on Titan, but in stark contrast with high octane action and drama we might associate with Wit, they released a quiet yet ambitious short film OVA, Hal. Being a relatively new studio with some real production chops, Hal feels like a showcase that displays what the studio is capable of, pulling out all the stops and putting their best foot forward.

Read more...



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The Dose: UNLIMITS

Over the last month you've probably caught wind of my dissatisfaction of the recent rock ballads coming out from major artists. Huge tracks with horrible muzak grade songs seem to be coming from every direction lately, and I was getting a bit scared at what my summertime music selection was going to look like. Luckily, Japan's rock bands aren't going to let the top 10 acts ruin things, and are set to deliver.

It's been a while since we've heard from the amazing Japanese rock band, UNLIMITS, but I'm happy to report they are sounding sweet as ever. Since contributing songs to both Bleach and Naruto Shippuden, the bands been n my radar with their sweet, pop rock sounds. Their newest track Lily is refined, yet retains a pure live rock sound, not feeling over produced or forced.

The vocals provided by guitarist Yoko Shimuzu and drummer Yoko Gunjima are just delightful, maintaining fragility without getting overly poppy. They released a new album last week, which I haven't a chance to grab yet, but you be sure will be an upcoming purchase. I'm glad to see the summertime rock bands starting to make their much needed appearance.

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Get caught up with this JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle recap trailer

[As originally posted at Destructoid.]

Like many of the fighting game fans who will inevitably see JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle and become intrigued, I'm not caught up all the way with the storyline. Bandai Namco Games has just the fix: a trailer wrapping up the events all the way up to the third series arc. That way, if you're wanting to get in on some sweet, sweet JoJo action, you don't have to spend hours of your life getting into the show before playing. But you should anyway, if you have the time.

The trailer's a little hokey, sure, but it does a decent job when it comes to distilling several hours of content into one easy-to-follow hype reel to fill players in who may never have seen the show. There's also a ton of pretty colors. And Dio.

It's shameful, I know, that I haven't caught up all the way, but that doesn't keep me from ravenously devouring the manga and the series when I can. All-Star Battle looks goofy and deliciously frenetic, a bit of a palate cleanser. Look for a review soon, but for now enjoy these eight minutes of JoJo goodness and cue up "Roundabout." Now pose!

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THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS -- Manga Roundtable

Hello everyone, and welcome to The Seven Deadly Sins Roundtable! I'm Taka, and I'm here with my teammates on getting you interested in Seven Deadly Sins. My teammates, Low, Katmic, and DestinyHeroKnight (DHK), are my experts who promote it via wiki editing, reviews, and battle forums. Be sure to ask them some questions. Here's the plot of this wonderful manga series that we wrote together:

Seven Deadly Sins is a recent, growing Shonen manga series that is written by Nakaba Suzukiand originally ran in Kodansha's Weekly Shonen Magazine in October 10, 2012. The Seven Deadly Sins is about Princess Elizabeth who finds out a horrifying truth about her father's assassination by the Holy Knights. To claim her throne and protect her people, she roams the country in pursuit of the Seven Deadly Sins whose captain, Meliodas, is framed for murder. Will the unlikely duo be able to unite the former gang of criminals and save the Kingdom from the Holy Knights?

Let us know if The Seven Deadly Sins is on your manga reading list.

What made you get into Seven Deadly Sins?

The Explosive Action and Art

DHK: I got into the Seven Deadly Sins, because it was one of the first manga Crunchyroll's Simulpubtranslate. It drew me in because it was set in an European setting that I love while the art is pretty unique and doesn't have that normal Shonen look to it.

Low: Before it came out legally on Crunchyroll, I always check those fan scanlation sites for NEW orHOT tagged manga series, and I remember clicking this chapter and seeing Meliodas blowing up a guy sky high using Full Counter. That's when I started reading.

Katmic: I stumbled upon The Seven Deadly Sins on some random channel on YouTube, and after getting interested in it, I checked out the first two pages and dropped it, far from impressed by the art. Not until several months later when several voices on the internet wouldn't stop talking about it. I finally decide to give it a real try. At that time, Fairy Tail was starting to disappoint me and Noblesse kept going on breaks. So I needed something great to read on a weekly basis. What got me into the manga series was boredom mixed with a determination to find an alternative to Fairy tail.

Taka: I found out that some wiki editors especially my old Fairy Tail teammate, DHK, were working on the series. I seen the manga series pop up in conversations at the battle threads. I got curious about the manga. It was thanks to DHK and Bigz007 for getting me in the series because it reminds me of a bit of Fairy Tail and Buster Keel.

Does Seven Deadly Sins distinguish itself from other Shonen series? What are its unique features and common Shonen tropes?

Elizabeth's Damsel in Distress and Meliodas' pervertedness

DHK: Regarding tropes, one of the things that annoy me about The Seven Deadly Sins is Elizabeth, being the Damsel in Distress and Meliodas's play thing. I feel the only reason for her role is to be kidnapped or be played around with Meliodas. She does have awesome moments, but it doesn't happen a lot. I wish she would ask Meliodas or Diane, lessons on how to defend herself in the future. Now, for the Meliodas's play thing, I find those parts to be uncomfortable and not really funny. I also find it disrespectful to Elizabeth because he doesn't do that stuff with Diane since he sees her as his equal. It's implied that he doesn't see Elizabeth as his equal.

Katmic: If Seven Deadly Sins differentiates itself, it's in fact that it has no specific formula. Rather than seeking out any specific treasure, fighting against any specific villain, searching for a specific outcome, the story and its characters seem to wander about, almost aimlessly, and rediscovering their past and encountering all manner of adventure. In that aspect, the series presents a rather unique and unpredictable structure, unlike anything that even One Piece has produced. You literally have no idea what is coming around the corner even the Holy Knights seem to be a side thought.

Where it seems to link back to typical Shonen series, is in Meliodas' demonic aspect. You have a primary protagonist with a dark side that he cannot control and which threatens to destroy all those that he holds dear, less of a weapon and more of a curse; basically the typical setting you are likely to encounter with Ichigo (Hollow), Naruto (Kurama), Yusuke Urameshi (demon powers), Allen walker etc.

Low: The Seven Deadly Sins are definitely distinguished from the other Shonen series. For example, the element of pervertedness and the target usually retaliating on such notions as in Fairy Tail or One Piece does not happen in Seven Deadly Sins. Elizabeth, who is often the target of Meliodas's goofiness, does not seem to mind this behavior. It's usually Diane, whom Meliodas is oblivious to, bursts out in anger. Like many Shonen series, there is no notion that they would get any stronger, but there are many elements to a character's strength that is exploited throughout the manga, they don't always win every single fight.

What do you love and hate about Seven Deadly Sins?

A great mix of characters and story woven in

DHK: I love the fight scenes and the characters, I dislike Elizabeth being kidnap and Meliodas sexual harassment.

Low: I love the Seven Deadly Sins for the character designs, especially that of Ban. I love the facts and figures presented in the manga, just as in Nakaba Suzuki's previous work Kongou Banchou. I hated the fact that we never quite got much insight into King up until recently.

Katmic: I am not exaggerating. Seven Deadly Sins is perfect; well, not perfect per say, but there is nothing to hate about it. It is the perfect mix of action and story, never forcing one to the front while sacrificing the other. Every character matters. The action scenes are well choreographed and uniquely drawn, as opposed to Magi which has great action scenes, but sometimes, it has terrible art.

Taka: Since I'm not up to speed, I say the manga has a slow start. It didn't pull me in or wow me like other Shonen series from the start.

How do you feel about the manga getting an anime adaptation? Are there any concerns on your mind?

Low: I am absolutely thrilled for the anime. Can't wait for the fight between Meliodas and Ban. My only concern is with censorship issues, as Ban is quite a gory kind of character. There's a general concern that the anime was announced too soon, and that this wouldn't be an ongoing series for long.

Katmic: I consider the Deadly sins anime and think 'CRAP!' Naruto gave us nearly 100 continuous filler episodes during its first part (that was nearly a year of nothing but filler), and it had more chapters published when it began that Deadly sins. Depending on when they start, the anime could work, if they stick to 25-30 well animated episodes per season per year. By well animated, I mean Hunter X Hunter style. That said though, Seven Deadly Sins animated is going to be awesome unless they rush it like they did the first Magi season.

Taka: Because of Soul Eater, Blue Exorcist, Beelzebub, and many Shonen series had ended to reaching the manga, I felt the manga needs more time. For any anime adaptations of manga series, majority of fans want to see the anime be faithful to the source material. The only series I know that did well without being faithful was the original Fullmetal Alchemist series. Sure, a lot of folks didn't like the ending, but it did considerably well to deserve a reboot.

Would you recommend Seven Deadly Sins?

DHK: I would, for anyone who like a good Shonen manga, this is for you.

Low: For all you readers out there, I would like to say the Seven Deadly Sins is a must read for anyone that likes a manga with an old European setting. This is a well written manga, clean artworks and contains some precise character developments, such as Humans age faster than Giants that age faster than Fairies.

Katmic: If you love Naruto, One Piece, and Magi, Seven Deadly sins is for you. It has the adventurous spirit of One piece as well as its interesting cast of quirky fan loving characters. It has the depth of Naruto, with intertwining plots reaching far into the past and future, with an entertaining conflicted haunted lead.

It even has the spirit of bleach, in its visceral action sequences (though not as clean and sharply drawn). It is a great adventure story and truth be told i cannot think of any audience that wouldn't like it. Sure it has a unique art style, but like Hungry Joker, once you get used to it, there will be no turning back.

Taka: I recommended for age 10 and up because of fantasy violence with blood and suggested fan service. With a slow start, it takes a bit time to get into the series, but when you do, it's a entertaining series to read.

About the Authors

	Destinyheroknight is a dandy guy who enjoy Anime/Manga. Follow him @Xellos_TAS
	Low is an enthusiastic debator, someone who loves strong characters. Skype ID: lowlaville
	Katmic is a curious youth, who loves anime/manga, and is constantly on the look out for exhilarating stories to follow. Check out my blog: Katmic.Blogspot.com
	Kerry Chhay (Takashichea) is an Asian American Studies student who is a big wiki and anime nerd. He serves as a wiki mod in Anime Vice and an Admin in To Hollywood and Beyond Wikia(a 2nd home for Screened users). Follow him @Takashichea

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Veteran actor Kai-kun retires from Softbank Otousan role

For seven years, we've been accustomed to Kai-kun playing the fatherly figure in Softbank's series of ads. Now it's official: Kai-kun is retiring from acting at an elderly 11 years old and handing over the role to his son, Kaito-kun.

Most acting dogs retire by the age of 8, but Kai-kun held onto his role with an iron paw. After all, he's the only one we could trust to save us from a meteor and keep his entire family in line. Perhaps he'll pick up photography once again: he already has books of self-portraits in Japan.

Take a look back through our dedicated Otousan tag to relive some of Kai-kun's best performances.

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Evangelion meets Transformers with Takara Tomy figure repaint

I love Neon Genesis Evangelion , and Transformers are obviously awesome. What happens when you combine the two? An awesome repaint of the Takara Tomy Masterpiece MP-10 Optimus Prime done up like EVA Unit-01.

Planet Iacon found the insert pictured above in a Japanese hobby magazine that depicts what the toy could look like, but as of right now nothing's been confirmed. The text itself on the advert is vague, translated by Anime News Network as follows:

"The Angels are invading. Breaking a long silence, the mysterious life-forms known as the Angels suddenly appear. The weapons the UN forces gather together in retaliation can't even scratch them. In the end, they turn to the secret agency, NERV, to manage the anti-Angel strategy.

With Neo-Tokyo 3 in their sights, the Angels slowly advance upon the city...but suddenly a spaceship comes hurtling down from the sky above the Angels: the Sky Lynx! Out of the ship emerges warriors of the far-off planet Cybertron. They've come to investigate after noticing an unusual energy reading.

"We can't let a disaster like the Second Impact occur on this planet." "What?! What are these monsters?!"

The shocked Cybertron convoy sets its sights on an enemy much bigger than themselves."

Obviously, this would be one exciting crossover. I'd like to see even more repaints if it happened to be a Thing with a capital T, like Asuka's Unit-02. Actually, a whole host of Evangelion/Transformers crossovers would be all sorts of exciting. We'll let you know more as the story develops and we have more than just a magazine scan to go on.

[via Seibertron, ANN]

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Pick up Sailor Moon tribute album on vinyl June 25

It's Brittany again with another dose of Sailor Moon merchandising to populate the Japanator Sailor Moon tag! I kid, but hey, it's kind of true! Today I bring news and good fortune about the Sailor Moon 20th Anniversary Tribute Album going vinyl on June 25. But not just one record -- try five!

King Records' Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon: The 20th Anniversary Memorial Tribute album will actually be split into five different records with varying covers for each senshi. We've seen the cover art before from the "Complete Edition" manga series, but it sure will look fantastic as a vinyl sleeve.

There will be ten tracks in total, split across each 7-inch vinyl, with highlights like "Moonlight Legend" from Momoiro Clover Z, "Sailor Star Song" by Mitsuko Horie, and "Rashiku Ikimasho" from Haruko Momoi. Each record will run 1,620 yen ($17) apiece, or you can purchase all five together in a special box for 8,100 yen ($81).

One last thing though -- is it time for the anime to release yet? Jeez.

[via ANN]

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You can't even handle these JoJo Rubik's Cubes

I'm no good with Rubik's Cubes, but these JoJo's Bizarre Adventure cubes aren't meant to be played with anyway. Megahouse's "JoJo’s Bizarre Cube Part 1: Phantom Blood” and “JoJo’s Bizarre Cube Part 2: Battle Tendency" are releasing at the end of April, and they can be yours for 2,480 yen (~$24) apiece.

The "Phantom Blood" cube features Jonathan, Dio, Speedwagon, Zeppeli, and other characters from the Stone Mask narrative, while the "Battle Tendency" cube has Joseph, Caesar, Stroheim, Lisa Lisa, and other cast members from the Red Stone of Aja episodes. Plus, each individual sticker is foil, so it's kind of like they're all holographic. Kind of.

I've never successfully solved a Rubik's Cube, and if I had one of these I would just leave it as-is. They're too cool-looking to mess up.

[via Tokyo Otaku Mode]

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Magic Knight Rayearth Mokona prizes headed to Japanese Sega amusement centers

Magic Knight Rayearth is a classical magical girl series that should be on your radar if you haven't already taken the plunge, especially since Mokona plush prizes are hitting Sega amusement centers in Japan. The '90s series is coming back to life in a big way with this Mokona series, and they're super cute.

Clamp's adorable mascot character will be up for grabs as the "Mokona Big Plushie" that's 30 cm tall, as well as three different "Mokona Mascots" that measure 9 cm tall. If you're hitting up Japan or live there like one of our awesome editors, you can check the arcades for these prizes now, but hurry because there's no deets on the duration of this offer. It varies from location to location, so if you plan on going Mokona-hunting, better check to see if the promotion is going on before heading out.

[via Tokyo Otaku Mode]

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Princess Jellyfish live-action cast revealed

A short while ago we reported on the announcement of a Princess Jellyfish film (based off of Akiko Higashimura's manga), but the listing neglected an important detail: whether it was live-action or animated. I surmised that it was probably live-action, and it looks like my guess was right on the money, as the official site for the film has gone live and revealed the cast!

Rena Nounen will be playing Tsukimi, the lead character (a jellyfish otaku) and Masaki Suda will play Kuranosuke, her new best friend and cross-dresser. Also listed were Hiroki Hasagawa as Shu, Chizuru Ikewaki as Banba, Rina Ohta as Mayaya, Tomoe Shinohara as Jiji, and Azusa Babazono as Chieko.

I also want to note the brilliance of the website's URL: kuragehi.me

Anyone interested in catching a live-action version of Princess Jellyfish?

[via 24/7 Asian Media]

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Watch Kaoru Mori draw a character better than you ever will

With a number of comics now produced by digital mediums, it's always nice to see when people work by hand. Kaoru Mori, creator of Emma and A Bride's Story, details the entire process in a six-video series. The first one, above, details the early stages of drawing a character -- all the sketching and under-drawings, so to say.

After the jump, we have the rest of the process which includes four long processes of inking the character followed by adding in the toning. That last stage, toning, was one that really surprised me to see just how delicate the artist needs to be in order to not damage the entire drawing.

Watch and see just how far creators go to make your favorite comics.

[Comic Natalie via Deb Aoki]

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Community Spotlight 4/25/2014

Greetings, Anime Vice Community. Another week has gone by without any Vice Pit videos. I really hope you all are showing Tom'svideos some love with views and comments. He needs to know that you're into them, if you want them to continue. Although, he's also a pretty busy guy, and he still posted several series reviews.

Sam did make an appearance on the news page with his article on the Secrets of Miyazaki. That's well worth checking out.

Anime Vice Task Initiative: Alphabetical: HERE

Anime Vice Task Initiative: Wiki Style Guide: HERE

Wonderful Wikis

• Allen Walker


• Iihiko Shishime


• Aladdin


• Kenko Zenrakei Suieibu Umisho Vol. 1


• Kenko Zenrakei Suieibu Umisho Ep. 1


• Seven Deadly Sins Vol. 2

Recommended Reviews

• Check out Kino88's review of The Wind Rises - HERE

WANTED Wikis

• Sinbad (250 Bounty)


• Z/X Ignition (350 Bounty)


• Seven Deadly Sins (200 Bounty)


• Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders (300 Bounty)

Blog-o-sphere & Formidable Forums

• Weekly Manga Releases: April 15, 2014 by takashichea HERE


• ANIME REVIEW: STRIKE THE BLOOD: NOT VERY GOOD… by katmic HERE


• FAIRY TAIL CHAPTER REVIEW: TARTAROS ARC SO FAR… by katmic HERE


• Sket Dance Roundtable by takashichea HERE

Anime AMV Showcase

I never tire of showcasing one of my favorite comedy series in AMV form. Here's one for MARIA HOLIC .

Remember, if you would like to submit something for the Spotlight. You can send me a PM, but please be sure to add "Spotlight" to the subject line I can't stress how important that is because it might just be lost in my Inbox when I clear it. Even if you have worked on something yourself and are really proud of your work. Get to work, and make more content for the next Spotlight!! Jana!!

About the Author

Kristoffer Remmell (FoxxFireArt) is a freelance graphic artist, writer, and over all mystery geek. Follow for news updates: @AnimeVicers / @FoxxFireArt / http://ift.tt/1hmMpg1

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2nd Tales of Zestiria trailer hits the net

Bandai Namco's Tales games will always have a special place in my heart. Not all of them are great, but there's something comforting about knowing they'll always be there. It's one of the few long running RPG series that still manages to release with any kind of consistency.

Tales of Zestiria is the latest game in the series, and it's shaping up to hopefully be a good one. With Go Shiina contributing to the soundtrack, the Tales of Symphonia team handling the story, and Tales of Graces-like combat already have been confirmed, I can only cross my fingers that it all comes together.

In the meantime, check out the brand new trailer for Zestiria. It only features about ten or so seconds of gameplay footage, with the rest focusing on the characters and drama. Are you excited for Tales of Zestiria's eventual western release? Sound off below!

[via NeoGaf]

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Lupin III live-action teaser arrives

Hey you! Yeah, you! Do you want to see a short teaser for the upcoming Lupin III live-action adaption? I bet you do! This 30-second clip came out a few days ago, but it was covered in the typical trappings of Japanese TV, so when I saw a cleaner version, I had to share that one instead. This clip gives you a few glimpses of the cast, some action sequences, and Lupin's voice. It definitely looks better in motion than in the still images from earlier.

The film is directed by Ryuhei Kitamura, and will arrive in Japanese cinemas on August 30th. Here's hoping it's good! If not, I'll just have to hope that Koike's Grave of Daisuke Jigen film is quality instead -- I'd like to get some awesome Lupin entertainment in my body sometime this year.

Anyone else interested?

[via Lupin Central]

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Annotated Anime: Mushishi episode 4

Gather round, little ones, it's time for another dark tale of mystical creatures and people getting involved with strange things they don't understand. Thankfully, we have a guide to help us understand all the mushi we encounter: Ginko! Yes, his skilled hand and expert advice will guide you through the tough and bewilder land covered with mushi, all for the low price of $19.95!

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