Trailer for Arpeggio of the Blue Steel DC compilation movie surfaces

While it doesn't seem like there's going to be any new content for fans of the Arpeggio of the Blue Steel -Ars Nova- anime, any chance to see my favorite battleships in action gets me giddy. I was totally surprised at how much I enjoyed this show. It pretty much has tons of elements and tropes of anime that I can't stand. It's moe, it's harem, and it doesn't have giant robots. However, something just clicked with me about the show.

Perhaps it was the weird 3D/2D mixture, or the space opera type of set up. Even the designs grew on me quickly. Maybe it was the fact that it was just a tightly produced show with some endearing characters. Whatever it was, I'm eagerly waiting the second season as well as the second film. In the meantime, the compilation film, which spans the TV show's 12 episodes will hit theatres in Japan on January 28th of 2015. Also, nano will be providing the theme song, following up on her amazing Savior of Song.

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Community Spotlight 10/31/2014

Greetings, Anime Vice Community! Tom and Metal Mike brought the Vice Pit back to review the BAYONETTA Blu-ray, and talk about Otaku's making fun of themselves. Sam returns to check out the BLOOD LAD anime, but he didn't seem too fond of it. If that's not enough content, he also brought his unique viewpoint of a married man to I CAN'T UNDERSTAND WHAT MY HUSBAND IS SAYING .

Hope you all enjoy the Halloween festivities tonight. I regret not getting a jump suit to dress up as Egon, in memory of the passing of Harold Ramis this year. I did carve a pumpkin with the eyes of Satsuki Kiryuin. Are any of you doing something special this year? Is anyone dressing up as an anime character this year? Eat that candy responsibly, and we'll see you next month.

Anime Vice Task Initiative: Alphabetical: HERE

Anime Vice Task Initiative: Wiki Style Guide: HERE

Wonderful Wikis

• Irisviel von Einzbern


• Suman Dark


• Akame ga Kill Ep. 17


• Chaika - Coffin Princess - AVENGING BATTLE Ep. 4

WANTED Wikis

• Rail Wars (300 Bounty)


• Cars (444 Bounty)


• Studio Ghibli (500 Bounty)

Blog-o-sphere & Formidable Forums

• Anime Vice RPG Character Creation Guide by Kuma_From_Argentina HERE


• Ani-Crap Halloween Special Review: High School of the Dead by Dream HERE


• Bonjour Sweet Love Patisserie Intro & Ep. 1-3 Impressions by takashichea HERE


• Kuma's Toku Corner III by Kuma_From_Argentina HERE


• DRAGONBALL KAI: WHAT FAIRY TAIL SHOULD BE. by katmic HERE


• Kristantei Case File - DC Ep. 754 "Tragedy of the Red Woman" by FoxxFireArt HERE


• Weekly Manga Releases: October 28, 2014 by takashichea HERE


• MAGI CHAPTERS 243-244: HAKURYUU ANDJUDAR-TRUE SHONEN VILLAINS. by katmic HERE

Anime AMV Showcase

This is a SHIKI AMV using Rob Zombie music on Halloween. I would have gone with "Living Dead Girl", but "Dragula" is still an alright choice. You have no valid reason not to watch this. Watch it now!

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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BLEACH Ch. 602 Review

Askin Nakk Le Vaar is a diabolical opponent to have when he can turn your own biology against you. What recourse does Oh-etsu have when his own body becomes his enemy?

The Good

Would it be fair to call him a "Born Again Shinigami"?

On occasion when following politics, I'll hear more than one elected official, who you'd assume graduated high school level chemistry, spout nonsense that elements such as sodium and carbon dioxide aren't harmful to you. I just end up in a facepalm wondering how such witless wonders are responsible for crafting legislation. That said, I find it interesting to see a villain who understands that even something beneficial in small doses can be fatal, and uses that knowledge as a weapon. In this case, it's Oh-etsu's own blood.

It's deliciously villainous to overdose your victim on their own blood, and it's something I don't believe I've ever seen before. However, Oh-estu doesn't fold like a pile of laundry due to one set back. You might think his solution is somewhat reckless, but it's not as if he didn't have a backup plan. The Zero Squad really keep proving themselves again and again to be an effective fighting force both solo and as a team.

The Bad

For a chapter that spends a great deal of its time explaining events and chemistry, it fails to clear up a rather important detail for me as a reader. How is Askin directly manipulating Oh-estu's biology? While I enjoy the theme of death by remote control, I think Kishimoto pulled it off better with Hidan, by requiring he consume his victim's blood. Even Giselle can't control a person until her blood touches them. It gives me some sense of what links the two. I don't get any of that in this battle. I could come up with some theories from what I've seen, but I shouldn't have to be doing that sort of work. Kubo could have spent a little less time opening the issue with a chemistry lesson and given a bit more detail on how this particular power works.

Verdict 3/5

Overall it's a good chapter with a great turn at the end. Unfortunately, it over explains details that are irrelevant, such as that entire first page; and at the same time doesn't explain the more important aspects. I liked the chapter well enough, and I'm now looking forward to seeing how this battle will turn once again.

Follow along with the latest BLEACH 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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WTF Fridays: I hope you like rabbits

Rabbits are cute right? Even if there's a rabbit hoard of them rushing you with glowing red eyes? Well maybe not the last part... These things sure know how to breed.

from Japanator http://ift.tt/1wOSUza

Counter-Strike on Titan?

Now here's a collaboration I didn't see coming. Attack on Titan is teaming up with the Nexcon developed Counter-Strike Online game in Japan. It's an Asian market version of the popular Valve shooter, which I spent endless hours of my college life on defusing bombs to no avail.

Players will be equipped with 3D Maneuver Gear as well as Snap Blade from the series, as well as facing Titan bosses, including Armored Titan. The combination of the gear with the quick paced gameplay of Counter Strike actually sounds really appealing! I haven't dusted off my trusty Colt or AWP in quite some time. This might just be the perfect opportunity to Pwn some campers.

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The Last: Naruto the Movie trailer is here!

Naruto fans rejoice! There's finally a new trailer for the highly anticipated upcoming film, The Last: Naruto the Movie. I haven't followed the story in quite some time except for the tidbits that Josh drops me once in a while, but seeing how much they've changed the designs for Naruto makes me interested! This trailer has me feeling some excite.

The series deserves my attention in its swan song, even if I can't claim to have been a loyal fan. It sounds like there's been some really dramatic changes since I dropped out of Naruto Shippuden, and I like what I see. I'm personally hoping the movie is canon, and ties into the end of the series itself, putting a few final answers to some pretty big questions. The Last: Naruto the Movie will hit theatres in Japan on December 6th.

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A Daily Dose of Music: AKB48 Team Surprise

After the last few line-up changes, my interest in AKB48 really took a nose dive. Once the ladies who I grew to love moved on, my interest in the super ground slowly dropped off. Well, to my surprise, the AKB48 sub group, AKB48 Team Surprise has resurfaced.

The line-up was originally put together to promote the team's Pachinko game, and as far as I knew, it faded away. As you can see they are back, and they are packing serious fire power by bringing along my favorite former AKB48 member, Mariko Shinoda. I don't actually know what the arrangement is, but I do know I enjoy Saigo ni Ice Milk wo Nonda no wa Itsudarou? (Bara no Gishiki.)

Whew, that is a long title! It is a very sweet ballad though, and I hope we see more of Miss Shinoda in the future.

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Happy Halloween from Japanator!

Happy Halloween to all of our awesome readers. I know things have been a bit unstable around the site as we make some changes, but you can definitely look forward to some great treats in the upcoming few weeks. No tricks, I promise. Well... I can't control Salvador's pranking ways, so if he does something it's not on me.

To celebrate this day of costumes and scares, I wanted to share one of my all time favorite videos of when Morning Musume all sit around and watch the classic Japanese horror film, The Ring. I still crack up every time I see this!

So wether you are curling up to an old episode of Hellsing, or throwing on your Colossal Titan mask for a night out --make sure you have a great evening. We look forward to you visiting us again soon!

<3 Hiroko

from Japanator http://www.japanator.com/happy-halloween-from-japanator--33193.phtml

I CAN'T UNDERSTAND WHAT MY HUSBAND IS SAYING -- SPECIAL REVIEW

Spontaneous cat-lips is all an all too common thing that happens in marriages.

I feel extraordinarily qualified to let you know that I CAN'T UNDERSTAND WHAT MY HUSBAND IS SAYING might be the most literal title ever in an anime. Feel free to dispute me in the comments. C'MON, TRY. The trials and tribulations of a woman and her otaku husband is filled with honest observational humor and deep, deep anime references, making the ideal audience for this show the one they portray.

The length of each episode is about three minutes long and the concept plays out like a serialized newspaper strip. There's a little backstory about the characters in episode one, and every entry builds a small world for this couple. There's discussion about the husband's doujinshi-drawing brother (who looks like his little sister) introducing said otaku husband to the wife's friends, and the woman coping with a man who writes for a blog and spends all his time on the internet.

SCROLL WHEELS ARE SERIOUS BUSINESS, BABY

ICUWMHIS (take a breath) is completely charming and extremely funny. Yes, to a married man it rings a little truer than I'd care to admit -- but am doing so anyway -- without being condemning to the otaku lifestyle or portraying him as some unrepentant pervert. Refreshing! The woman is also a fully-formed character in her own right, balancing her sense of responsibility with her obviously deep love for her ridiculous husband, and a penchant for getting drunk sometimes. Wow, a female lead with relatable flaws? An otaku husband who isn't a total loser? A functional relationship between two people in an anime?!?!

Are YOU?

Definitely make the three minutes it takes to watch this show in between whatever you're doing. It's worth it, it's fun, and mark my words EXTREMELY MEME-WORTHY. Lemme know how you Vicers took to it in the comments.

- Sam W.

Check out the series on the Crunchyrolls:

http://ift.tt/1tv1ZrP

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NARUTO Ch. 697 Review

With their chakra depleted, Naruto and Sasuke resort to settling this fight the way all ninja should. With some raw hand-to-hand combat.

The Good

Fight, Fight. FIGHT!!!

For weeks we've been dealing with a mixed bag for this surprise finale. That's been a series of spectacular battles book ended by pointless and repetitive attempts at overdramtizing the events. Let's just sweep all the disappointment of the past few weeks under the rug for a moment and forget about that. Strip these two of their powers, and what we get is an incredible brawl. This is a chapter filled with a back and forth of beating the living hell out of one another. It's as if you're watching a wrestling match of exhausted combatants trying to gain the upper hand, but neither are willing to give up the title.

I normally hate it when a fight turns into the equivalent of a tennis match, but the back and forth completely works here. Just as it seems one gains the upper hand. The other tuns the the tide. You'll see that through most of the issue. Some of the hits look vicious enough that even an MMA ref would call foul.

The Bad

The only moment that I felt was just a bit too silly was Naruto tripping over a small rock and wasting the Ransengan. That was just too comical for the mood at hand. It took me out of things for a moment, but it won me right back when Naruto scored a stunning headbutt.

I've been noticing a pattern to the complaints regarding the criticism that NARUTO has been getting these past few months. The whole argument that only the "real fans" get what's going on. That's some self-congratulatory, elitist nonsense right there. I've been reading this series since chapter one and throughout, and even I'm calling the creator on some of this nonsense. I get that Kishimoto would want to end this series on a Naruto v. Sasuke fight. I don't think he could end without one. Not after all the build up. The least he could have created some rational justification why they need to have this fight immediately after defeating Kaguya. Even if you set aside Sasuke's contradictory motivations. They are both literally putting the fate of the world at risk over a personal, childhood grudge.

It also doesn't help that in a little over a month they'll be releasing a movie that shows both Naruto and Sasuke grow up to be adults. So, you can just forget all that drama about one of them dying that's been building since their last confrontation in the Land of Iron. I never believed the whole "one shall die" idea. I never thought the creator had it in him to off a title character, but there must have been someone who was willing to suspend disbelief somewhere. Those trailers even came out before the finale to the series was officially announced. This must be the first time in history that a manga's end has been spoiled by a movie it's based upon. Just imagine the last HARRY POTTER movie coming out before the book.

Verdict 4/5

If the battle these last couple of weeks had been closer to this brutal beat down, this could have been far more entertaining. Kishimoto does a really great job in conveying just how devastating these hits must feel. In that sense, it's probably some of his best work in a long time. We leave on a really great turn that caught me by surprise. A ton of these SHONEN JUMP titles end on cliffhangers that feel completely artificial. This one legitimately earns the suspense it's trying to build. I look forward to seeing what happens next week.

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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BLOOD LAD -- SPECIAL REVIEW

We're the kids, we're the kids, we're the kids in the Demon World.

I remember a time in high school when I would have been open to watching ANY anime. There was of course NIGHTWALKER: THE MIDNIGHT DETECTIVE, which had a yaoi angle to it before I knew what that meant, MAGIC KNIGHT RAYEARTH, which despite the excellent animation I wasn’t ready to accept Clamp into my heart yet, and RECORD OF LODOSS WAR, which had an amazing OP and Deedlit in it, but wasn’t... good.

And right around the same Suncoast Video shelves would have been BLOOD LAD. Blood Lad is like an anime that should have been made back in the 90's, for good and for ill.

Blood Lad follows our intrepid (read: kind of a jerk) protagionist Staz Charlie Blood as he fights to become the main yakuza in the Demon World. Oddly, Demon World resembles Tokyo, except with more disaffected youth who happen to have fangs. His one charming conceit is that Staz is inordinately obsessed with human culture, namely anime and human women, whom he’s only seen in the former. That is until one day when Fuyumi Yanagi, a young girl suffering from a back-crippling cup size, dies (again) while in his care and he vows to return her life to her. Staz and Fuyumi’s journey to restore her soul to her body fill the run-time of this briskly-paced 10 episode (and 1 OVA) length series. Along the way they run into werewolves, man eating plants, and various foes that would crowd their path.

...so did I!

The reason why I feel this is SO 90‘s, is due to a few factors. The concept itself seems straight of 1997 from a Media Blasters trailer. Jokes fly pretty fast and the animators have a lot of fun utilizing manga-style sound effects to round out some of the sparse animation at times. I’m a sucker for this conceit, as I feel it helps jokes land way more often, and honestly, feels more artistic. I also think the voice-over team does an excellent job translating the tone of the original joke, rather than chucking it for their own gags in the dub. It feels like a throw-back to a simpler time when gags in anime weren’t just for the converted.

Of course the reason why it’s 90's bad is some of the humor seems outdated... or maybe I was just hoping we’d progressed? There’s an overly-gay stereotype that sells them clothing and immediately gets his ass kicked by the OBVIOUSLY MORE MANLY Staz. There’s also a lot of women-as-tropies-to-be-won, but that isn’t nearly as bad as it usually plays out even in modern anime. And their overly globular chests remind me more of LOONEY TUNES characters than moe-style pin ups.

"HELP I'M STUCK IN A MUSIC VIDEO!"

Finally I have to commend the overall packaging of this complete set. It’s an attractive yellow and black case and inside it comes with a little art book containing some back-stories and interviews. The value proposition factors in for this review as well. If you’re looking for a fun, light-hearted anime by way of SLAYERS and SOUL EATER then Blood Lad won’t suck... hard.

Pick up Blood Lad at fine retailers like this one.

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ONE PIECE Ch. 765 Review

Even with a potential cure in reach, Law may not have time to wait for Rocinante to steal the Op-Op Fruit to save his life.

The Good

I'm enjoying the story that Oda has created here. He's doing a good job of crafting a plot that explains Law's connection to Rocinante, and why Doflamingo turned on him. All with his classic style and characters. Rocinante is in a no win situation between his brother and the Navy, and it's all for the sake of saving Trafalgar.

I also enjoy how Doflamingo is proving to be the consummate villain. He knows if Rocinante disobeys he'll be confirming he's a spy. If he agrees, he could obtain immortality and be rid of someone who's a potential spy. Either way, he knows his bother wants the fruit to save Law. He just doesn't realize his brother already has a devil fruit power.

The Bad

I wouldn't say useless.

It's not that I'm not enjoying this flashback drama. It certainly paints a better picture for me of how Law and Rocinante became so close. I just can't been tense about the situation this chapter ends on. We see Law in dire straights, Rocinante has the Op-Op Fruit, but his clumsiness has gotten him surrounded. We're left with the impression of "Will he make it?", but we already know he does. That's the problem with prequel stories. Much of the drama of the characters that we know is undercut.

It's hard to decide if Rocinante's powers are the dream or worst nightmare of the ONE PIECE anime foley artists. For anyone who doesn't know, that's the person who creates the sound effects for movies - animated or live action. They go to rather remarkable lengths to create the sounds for foot steps to explosions. However, what do you do for someone who makes no sound? They could either take the day off, or the director could force them to contemplate the sound of no sound.

While problematic in some ways, I will admit that his powers aren't truly optimized. I'm sure it must be incredibly unnerving to have things explode around you but not hear anything. However, wouldn't he be far more effective to use his powers for stealth. When I ponder on silent but deadly, I wasn't thinking about flatulence. Still, Oda went there.

Verdict 3/5

The story is entertaining enough, but I'm just not moved by the sort of drama we're left at. Not when I know the outcome of Law getting the fruit and surviving. It's sort of a conceit that one needs to accept in a weekly serialized story. They always want to leave things at a cliffhanger. I guess the appeal in this sort of story is more in seeing how events happened in detail. I just hope this wraps up kind of soon so we can get back to the chaos in Dressrosa.

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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So yeah... let's watch GACKT play video games: Tekken

You know what I've not been doing? I haven't been torturing you and trying to put you to sleep enough! Thus, GACKT Games returns! This time he's stinking up a storm with Tekken, missing roundhouses and executing the occasional knee to the head with Law.

The whole thing is honestly really hard to watch. Whoever thought up this concept is either a genius or jerk. Either way, let the pain commence!

Also... I'm running out of GACKT pictures for headers.

from Japanator http://www.japanator.com/so-yeah-let-s-watch-gackt-play-video-games-tekken-33179.phtml

Wasabi flavored tooth paste?

I don't really know anyone who truly enjoys the act of brushing their teeth. It's not that it's an unpleasant experience, it's all just a bit boring. However, if for some reason you were itching to make brushing your teeth both painful and unpleasant, there might just be a product for you.

The shop of all weird things in Japan, Village Vanguard is selling the highly unusual product now, admitting that even they don't know what to do with it. They suggest that you might be able to prank someone with it, or force a punishment for a lost bet with it. Personally, I'll be just fine with my Colgate.

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from Japanator http://www.japanator.com/wasabi-flavored-tooth-paste--33178.phtml

TRINITY SEVEN #1 - Special Review

Insert Soundgarden joke here.

We're checking out all the newest pilots this season! Read our write-ups on other Fall 2014 offerings like...

• TERRA FORMARS *** TRIBE COOL CREW *** KAREN SENKI *** WORLD TRIGGER


• PSYCHO-PASS 2 *** WHEN SUPERNATURAL BATTLES BECOME COMMONPLACE


• YOU LIE IN APRIL *** PARASYTE *** MYSTERIOUS JOKER *** FATE/STAY NIGHT


• WOLF GIRL & BLACK PRINCE *** CHAIKA -- THE COFFIN PRINCESS *** CROSS ANGE


• GUGURE! KOKKURI-SAN *** CELESTIAL METHOD *** RAGE OF BAHAMUT: GENESIS

When an episode description starts with “Arata Kasuga, a high school student, is being targeted by a girl with humongous boobs,” you know you’ve got a real winner of a show.

== TEASER ==

Arata is a laid back, totally up-front dude who has a crush on his cousin. It turns out that he forgot about the apocalypse that he had some sort of hand in, and gets in big trouble with the aforementioned “humongous boobs” girl (or HBG, as I’ll call her now) when it turns out he used latent magic powers to wish a fantasy world into existence. To avoid the awful possibilities of death or forgetting about his hot cousin, Arata chooses to become a mage at an academy that HBG teaches at despite being the same as age him.

This academy is also home to a harem of seven girls who “are not unlike boss characters in a video game” – yes, that’s a direct quote from the show (delivered by the headmaster who is pretty obviously Arata from the future) – each of whom is modeled after one of the seven deadly sins. He’ll probably date all of them. And, naturally, one of them looks just like Arata’s hot cousin.

The thing that sticks out in my mind about TRINITY SEVEN isn’t the complete lack of interesting characters, the opener that features action that will probably never happen, the casual objectification, or even the nonsense title. While all that stuff bothers me, what I can’t stop thinking about is just how bad the art and animation are. Characters move around like marionettes with mismatched limbs. Perspective is so bad in many scenes that it actually looks cubist.

It's like they tried to cram a two-thirds perspective onto half a face.

Much like its lead character, TRINITY SEVEN is very on-the-nose about everything and doesn’t leave much, if anything, up to the imagination. It’s got underaged girls underdressed and under-inhibited, and frankly it’s no marvel that it under performs.

About the Author

Matt Murphy is a freelance nerd who has contributed to many nerd websites. You can reach him by going to where the light meets the shadow, by sending out zeta-brainwaves or by following him on Twitter @Murphix.

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The new Japanese PS4 trailer is super sweet

Sony is readying its new Share Play system for the PS4 system in Japan. Basically, it allows players to allow another player to take over their controls via the Sony Network, similar to passing the controller to someone else. From what I've heard so far, the feature actually works quite well.

They've concocted a new commercial that for some reason just got right in the heart. Perhaps it's because I'm typing this exhausted at the end of the night, or I just like seeing gamers get a little win once in a while. What ever it is, it's pretty darn sweet. I need to go look at some violent robots to wash all the sentimentality off me.

Read more...



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Dragon Ball Z fan video blows Hollywood release out of the water in 2 minutes

When you have some love for a project, it really shows. Throw in some decent acting, a knack for special effects, and some martial arts skills --you are onto something special. Dragon Ball Z fan group, Robot Underground is making a web series covering the "History of Trunks" in the webisode, Dragon Ball Z: Light of Hope.

They're really going all of on this great looking production. Watching self-made projects like these make me feel like I really waste my free time. I wish I could make projects like these! The story involves the Androids, Trunks and Goku, sticking pretty close to the original source material. I'm definitely excited to see their final project. To keep updated with their progress make sure to stick close to their Facebook page.

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from Japanator http://www.japanator.com/dragon-ball-z-fan-video-blows-hollywood-release-out-of-the-water-in-2-minutes-33176.phtml

Otaku Make Fun of Themselves?

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It's awesome Japanese commercial time!

Any week with Tommy Lee Jones is a good week. Throw in some adorable Otousan, and I feel pretty good. The commercial for the new Suzuki car being endosed by Arale is in there, as well as some really expensive kids' backpacks. My personal favorite is probably the Smash Brothers commercial that has an appearance from AKB48.

As usual, the goods are provided by our friend JPCMHD. For you J-Pop fans, there's some Momoclo bits, as well as other pop star favorites. Don't watch this one on an empty stomach!

from Japanator http://www.japanator.com/it-s-awesome-japanese-commercial-time--33175.phtml

Annotated Manga: Naruto chapter 698

Oof. That's gonna leave a mark.

At least it's over, though! Almost.

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A Daily Dose of Music: Ikimonogakari

Today I present to you the fantastic smooth rock trio Ikimonogakari hailing from Kanagawa. You might be most familiar with group from their hit contribution to Naruto Shippuden, Blue Bird. The classy group got their start actually playing outside of subway stations, slowly working their way up to a major release.

Since then, they've become quite a musical staple in the anime soundtrack world. Their newest track, Netsujou no Spectrum can be found as the opening theme to The Seven Deadly Sins. Always energetic and well controlled, they are a band you can always count on delivering quality dramatic music.

from Japanator http://www.japanator.com/a-daily-dose-of-music-ikimonogakari-33174.phtml

Daily Over-Dose: OK Go

So, I don't like OK Go. I can't quite figure out what it is about the band that irks me. It's not that they make particularly bad music, there's just something about their esthetic that just bugs me. Well, they've just released the video for the new song, I Won't Let you Down, and it includes a cameo from J-Pop goddesses Perfume. Reason enough to give the song a whirl, right?

Eh... still not a fan.

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DRAGON BALL Z: Battle of Gods -- The Uncut Version?

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Valkyria Chronicles finally rolls onto PCs

One of the all time favorite games around the Japanator office is the 2008 PS3 strategy game, Valkyria Chronicles. It's unique mix of strategy, twisting story, amazing character design, and surprisingly deep character development make it a game worth revisiting. SEGA confirmed today that the game will soon be making its way to the PC, and hopefully gaining a the wider audience that it deserves. I'm hoping the mouse and keyboard controls add a bit to the control elements of the game, making certain strategies easier to deploy.

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from Japanator http://www.japanator.com/valkyria-chronicles-finally-rolls-onto-pcs-33169.phtml

Seriously, stop pirating anime and manga

There's no denying that piracy is rampant amongst anime and manga, which is deplorable given how affordable and accessible things are now. I know this makes me sound old, but you kids have no idea how good you have it. When I really began my dip into fandom hardcore, the cost and availability of things wasn't even a fraction of what people have access to now.

Behind every cell, drawing, and design is a person just trying to earn a wage. The pay for is deplorable at best, making it somewhat a labor of love for many mangaka and animators. If you like something, give it back the love that it deserves.

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from Japanator http://www.japanator.com/seriously-stop-pirating-anime-and-manga-33168.phtml

RAGE OF BAHAMUT: GENESIS Is TOO Good?

We're checking out all the newest pilots this season! Read our write-ups on other Fall 2014 offerings like...

• TERRA FORMARS *** TRIBE COOL CREW *** KAREN SENKI *** WORLD TRIGGER


• PSYCHO-PASS 2 *** WHEN SUPERNATURAL BATTLES BECOME COMMONPLACE


• YOU LIE IN APRIL *** PARASYTE *** MYSTERIOUS JOKER *** FATE/STAY NIGHT


• WOLF GIRL & BLACK PRINCE *** CHAIKA -- THE COFFIN PRINCESS *** CROSS ANGE


• GUGURE! KOKKURI-SAN *** CELESTIAL METHOD

It’s common wisdom that shows based off card games are crappy and meant only for the youngest children. We here at Anime Vice have also discussed at length the quality of shows based off of MMORPGs, and while there have been examples of a couple of good ones here and there they always earn a more skeptical eye.

So when I tell you that RAGE OF BAHAMUT: GENESIS (also known as SHINGEKI NO BAHAMUT GENESIS) is based off some sort of card collecting game you play on your phone, it would only be natural for you to snub your nose at it. There’s not a chance in hell that this show is even worth watching... right?

You would be wrong. Dead wrong. In fact, we may be looking at the best show of the season.

Everything starts off in media res on this show. After an epic prelude about a three- way battle against a gargantuan dragon, we’re brought into a slightly less bombastic but equally epic chase. Favaro (our rougeish lead) is hounded by Kaiser (a disgraced knight who blames Favaro for his downfall) as they race on horseback over an aqueduct and bound onto the rooftops of the city below. When they’re not squaring off with one another, they’re bounty hunters who capture monsters and sorcerous criminals.

Ain't he a stinker?

What’s great about Favaro is that he’s a total snake and an archetypical rogue. He’s a bastard, and he’ll stab you in the back if he’d be able to profit from it, but damn if he isn’t likeable and fun to watch. It’s this very bravado that lands him in trouble, as the mysterious and beautiful Amira overhears him bragging/lying to some ladies about how he knows secret shortcuts to Helheim, a realm far to the north that Amira needs to get to. Favaro agrees to help her, thinking she’ll be an easy mark for a grift.

Turns out she’s actually an immensely powerful demon masquerading in human form, and everyone from demons to gods to Jean D’arc is trying to capture her. Unable to back out of his promise to her, he’s forced to journey with her to Helheim.

This story manages to balance high fantasy epicness with fully realized characters whose choices move the plot forward. Everything presented feels like it’s there for a story reason, and if that wasn’t enough they respect your intelligence enough to never resort to pandering. This gives it a real “old school” vibe – though maybe Favaro’s afro has something to do with that too.

And if engaging story and characters STILL isn’t enough for you, there’s the downright cinematic quality of the animation. Backgrounds are dynamically lit with the stunning colors of dusk or the rich blues of night. Everything from the raging Bahamut to Favaro’s afro moves organically and smoothly, and character design is evocative and memorable – even monsters that get killed off in less than a scene. You get an immediate sense for what these people and creatures are about, and yet none of that is betrayed when you peel back the layers to learn more about them.

This show not only achieves everything it sets out to do, it exceeds every possible expectation you might have for it. Nothing can really prepare you for the sheer shock of expectation versus reality of a show that is, I remind you, based off a mobile phone trading card game.

Surely, you ask, there must be something that’s subpar about this show? How can it achieve on literally every possible level? There must be something...

The theme song and opener are kind of lame. So, uh... there’s that.

About the Author

Matt Murphy is a freelance nerd who has contributed to many nerd websites. You can reach him by going to where the light meets the shadow, by sending out zeta-brainwaves or by following him on Twitter @Murphix.

from Anime Vice Site Mashup http://www.animevice.com/news/rage-of-bahamut-genesis-is-too-good/7476/

A Daily Dose of Music: Galileo Galilei X Aimer

I am loving today's Dose! Two of my favorite contemporary Japanese music acts have teamed up for a fantastic new track. The indie rock fellas from Galileo Galilei have brought in the the sultry sounds of the always mysterious Aimer. The result is a smooth, yet upbeat rock track, perfect to enjoy the last of the warm weather that we've been treated to.

The track, Banana Fish no Hamabe to Kuroi Niji is paired with some interesting still imagery that is simple, yet effective. It's cute, charming, and endearing all at the same time. To make things fair, Kazuki Ozaki of GG remixed a track on Aimers new EP. A fantastic entry to what's been an amazing musical Fall so far.

from Japanator http://www.japanator.com/a-daily-dose-of-music-galileo-galilei-x-aimer-33167.phtml

BAYONETTA Bloody Fate -- DVD/BLU-RAY Review

from Anime Vice Site Mashup http://ift.tt/1pRPDJb

Does Naruto end up with Hinata in the last movie?

So, it looks like Naruto is coming to a close. I haven't followed the show or manga in quite some time, but all the hoopla around the end has got me a bit interested again. I also have just found out that it seems like Naruto hasn't scored with Hinata or Sakura yet. Man, all that fighting has these kids' priorities all mixed up!

Anyways the cover to the soundtrack for The Last: Naruto the movie seems to have fans in an uproar, as it features Naruto casually strolling around with the lovely Hinata, with Sakura's pink mop nowhere in sight. Is everyone reading into this too much? Is this even something to care about? I don't understand why they don't all just get a bit experimental with each other! They fight hard all day, they deserve a bit of R&R.

Oh yeah, the story art isn't the soundtrack art, that's below...

Read more...



from Japanator http://www.japanator.com/does-naruto-end-up-with-hinata-in-the-last-movie--33162.phtml

Anime Caption Contest! -- 10/27/14

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!

	"And that's how I founded Microsoft." ~ CapeBarnes
	"Finally, a practical solution to the need to study while fuelling an anime addiction." ~ SamJaz
	"Do you want it or not?" ~ CapeBarnes

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 this thread and submit images, and we'll check them out. Have fun and good luck!

About the Authors

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

from Anime Vice Site Mashup http://ift.tt/ZU4Wur